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*[http://www.vkashmir.com/ Srinagar - on Vkashmir]
*[http://www.vkashmir.com/ Srinagar - on Vkashmir]
*[http://srinagar.nic.in/ Srinagar district administration]
*[http://srinagar.nic.in/ Srinagar district administration]
*[http://www.travelkashmir.net/ Travel Information]
*[http://kashmirnewz.com/ Online news and content provider from Srinagar]
*[http://kashmirnewz.com/ Online news and content provider from Srinagar]
*[http://jammukashmir.nic.in/ Official website of Jammu and Kashmir]
*[http://jammukashmir.nic.in/ Official website of Jammu and Kashmir]
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*[http://www.asiaexplorers.com/india/kashmir/srinagar.htm Srinagar travel information in AsiaExplorers]
*[http://www.asiaexplorers.com/india/kashmir/srinagar.htm Srinagar travel information in AsiaExplorers]
*[http://www.kashmiruniversity.net]
*[http://www.kashmiruniversity.net]

*[http://www.shimlatourpackages.net/ Shimla Tour Packages]
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Revision as of 10:22, 11 June 2011

For other uses, see Srinagar (disambiguation).

Template:Infobox Indian jurisdiction Srinagar pronunciationⓘ (Kashmiri: سری نگر; Urdu: شرینگر; Dogri: श्रीनगर); , is the capital of the northernmost Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. While not the largest, it is one of the biggest cities in India without a Hindu majority.[1] The city is famous for its lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. It is also the headquarters of Srinagar district.

Origin of name

Etymologically Srinagar is composed of two Sanskrit words, namely, Sri (meaning abundance and wealth) and Nagar, which means a city. Thus, the word Srinagar signifies a place of wealth and abundance. Sri is also the name of a goddess Lakshmi of Hindus. Sri is also used for, sun, hence the word could mean, city of the sun.

One theory of the origin of the name is that a Pandava King Ashoka (not to be confused with Maurya Ashoka) built the city of Srinagari (Srinagar).[2] Another theory is that in Kashmir Mauryan Emperor Ashoka founded the original city of Srinagar, then situated on the site of the present village of Pandrathan, 3 miles to the North of the existing capital.[3]

History

Dargah Dastageer Sahab, one of the oldest Mosques in Kashmir

Present day Srinagar has been known by different names.The city was founded by the King Pravarasena II over 2,000 years ago,named it Parvasenpur, and the city of Srinagar has a long history, dating back at least to the 3rd century BC. The city was then a part of the Maurya Empire, one of the largest empires of the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka introduced Buddhism to the Kashmir valley, and the adjoining regions around the city became a centre of Buddhism. In the 1st century, the region was under the control of Kushans and several rulers of this dynasty strengthened the Buddhist tradition. Vikramaditya (of Ujjain) and his successors probably ruled the regions just before the city fell to the control of the Huns in the 6th century, and Mihirkula was the most dreaded ruler of the city and the valley.

The Independent Hindu and the Buddhist rule of Srinagar lasted until the 14th century,some of the notable independent rulers were Lalitaditya, Avantiverman and Sangrama Deva when the Kashmir valley, including the city, came under the control of the several Muslim rulers, including the Mughals. It was also the capital during the reign of Yusuf Shah Chak, an Independent Kashmiri ruler who was tricked by Akbar when he failed to conquer Kashmir by force. Yusuf Shah Chak remains buried in Bihar in India. Akbar established The Indian Mughal rule in Srinagar and Kashmir valley. Kashmir has never been independent ever since the advent of the Mughal rule and been passed from one occupier to another since then.

With the disintegration of the Mughal Empire after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, infiltrations to the valley from the Pashtun tribes increased, and the Durrani Empire ruled the city for several decades. Raja Ranjit Singh in the year 1814 annexed a major part of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, to his kingdom, and the city came under the influence of the Sikhs. In 1846, the Treaty of Lahore was signed between the Sikh rulers and the British in Lahore. The treaty, inter alia, provided British de-facto suzerainty over the Kashmir Valley, and installed Gulab Singh as an independent and sovereign ruler of the region. Srinagar became part of his kingdom and remained until 1947 as one of the several princely states in British India

Srinagar city and its vicinity in 1959

After India and Pakistan's independence from Britain, certain tribes from mountainous region of west Kashmir, at the instigation of Pakistan and with the collusion allied Pushtun tribals, entered the Kashmir valley to capture it. India responded by sending in troops to the Kashmir valley. While the Pushtuns gained control of the majority of Srinagar they were not able to secure Srinagar Airport. This allowed India to air lift in supplies, including heavy weapons, and were able to control the city and its surroundings and pushed out the Pushtuns. In view of further attacks by armed forces and the possibility that his kingdom, including the city of Srinagar, might fall into the hand of Pakistan, Hari Singh signed an agreement in late 1947 with the Government of India, which ensured legal and binding accession to India under certain preconditions.

The Government of India, immediately air-lifted Indian troops to Srinagar, and defence of the city was further strengthened against further attacks. Meanwhile, the matter was escalated to the United Nations and a cease fire was imposed under its authority. These events resulted in the division of the state into an Indian administered region and a Pakistani administered region.

Geography

Map of Kashmir showing disputed territory
  • Location: 34°5′23″N 74°47′24″E / 34.08972°N 74.79000°E / 34.08972; 74.79000
  • Highest temperature: 37 °C (99 °F); lowest −14 °C (7 °F) [4]

The city is located on both the sides of the Jhelum River, which is called Vyath in Kashmir. The river passes through the city and meanders through the valley, moving onward and deepening in the Wular Lake. The city is famous for its nine old bridges, connecting the two parts of the city.

Hokersar is a wetland situated near Srinagar—the capital of Indian Kashmir. Thousands of migratory birds come to Hokersar from Siberia and other regions in the winter season. Migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia use wetlands in Kashmir as their transitory camps between September and October and again around spring. These wetlands play a vital role in sustaining a large population of wintering, staging and breeding birds.

Hokersar is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) north of Srinagar, and is a world class wetland spread over 13.75 square kilometres (5.31 sq mi) including lake and marshy area. It is the most accessible and well-known of Kashmir's wetlands which include Hygam and hygam is the best place of situation, Shalibug and Mirgund. A record number of migratory birds have visited Hokersar in recent years. An estimated quarter of a million birds have already been spotted at Hokersar in the current season.

Birds found in Hokersar—Migratory ducks and geese which include Brahminy Duck, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Garganey, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Red-Crested Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Eurasian Wigeon.

Climate

Srinagar has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), with a climate much cooler than what is found in much of the rest of India, due to its moderately high elevation and northerly position. Winters are cool, with a January daily mean of 2.5 °C (36.5 °F), and temperatures usually dip below freezing at night; snowfall can be expected but it rarely accumulates for long periods. Summers are very warm, with a July daily mean of 24.1 °C (75.4 °F). The average annual rainfall is around 710 millimetres (28 in); spring is the wettest season while autumn is the driest.

Climate data for Srinagar (1971–1986)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 7.0
(44.6) 		8.2
(46.8) 		14.1
(57.4) 		20.5
(68.9) 		24.5
(76.1) 		29.6
(85.3) 		30.1
(86.2) 		29.6
(85.3) 		27.4
(81.3) 		22.4
(72.3) 		15.1
(59.2) 		8.2
(46.8) 		19.7
(67.5)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −2
(28.4) 		−0.7
(30.7) 		3.4
(38.1) 		7.9
(46.2) 		10.8
(51.4) 		14.9
(58.8) 		18.1
(64.6) 		17.5
(63.5) 		12.1
(53.8) 		5.8
(42.4) 		0.9
(33.6) 		−1.5
(29.3) 		7.3
(45.1)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 48
(1.9) 		68
(2.7) 		121
(4.8) 		85
(3.3) 		68
(2.7) 		39
(1.5) 		62
(2.4) 		76
(3.0) 		28
(1.1) 		33
(1.3) 		28
(1.1) 		54
(2.1) 		710
(27.9)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 6.6 7.3 10.2 8.8 8.1 5.7 7.9 6.8 3.5 2.8 2.8 5.1 75.6
Source: HKO [5]

Economy

Market boats on Mal Canal in Srinagar.

Srinagar is the most pivotal centre of the economy of the Kashmir Valley, and it has remained a tourist destination for centuries. The valley has attracted rulers from the plains of India for a long time, and they traveled to the valley and the city to avoid the hot summers of the Indo-Gangetic plains. The city remained on the itinerary of the Mughal ruling elite, and several Mughal emperors and their consorts had visited the city, and several Mughal gardens in and around the city indicate their close association with Srinagar.

With the colonization of India by the Europeans, particularly the British, the ruling elite as well as the rich Indians used to visit the city and the nearby locations during summers to avoid heat of the plains; and during winters to enjoy the snowfall.

The hinterland of Srinagar is the most populous part of the Kashmir valley, and crops like wheat and rice are cultivated for local consumption. Orchards produce a number of fruits, particularly apples. Another significant segment of the economy include handicrafts, weaving of woolen shawls and dress materials, and woodcarving. Srinagar and the surrounding areas serve as collecting points from where fruits and handicraft products are taken to several parts of the Indian subcontinent.

Tourism

Panoramic view of Dal Lake and the city of Srinagar.
Srinagar, Sunset on Dal Lake.
Dal Lake, going from the Mughal Gardens side back to Srinagar.

Tourism is the most significant segment of the city's economy. The city of Srinagar is a gateway to some of the most scenic and beautiful places of the Indian subcontinent. The hill station and skiing resort Gulmarg is 50 km from the city. For decades, tourism has been contributing massively to the economy of the city, but it has been adversely affected on account of insurgent activities by certain elements.The areas on the outskirts of Srinagar are also famous for their natural beauty. Also in this area lies the Muzaffarabad Cantonement, which is the main cantonement of the Indian Army in Srinagar District(the name of the Cantt. is often confused with Muzaffarabad city which is a separate city in Pakistan administered Kashmir)

Srinagar is well known for its lakes. Dal Lake is known for its houseboats. Nagin Lake is another famous lake in the city.

Just outside the city are found the Shalimar Gardens created by Jahangir, the Mughal emperor, in 1619.

Houseboats were introduced accidentally to Kashmir: members of the Indian Civil Service serving in the plains who vacationed in Kashmir were not permitted to build permanent homes because of the then Maharaja's suspicion of a British presence in Srinagar. They thus chose to live in houseboats. The first such, named Victory, was designed by Mr MT Kenhard in 1888. There are now about five hundred on the Lake.

Srinagar has several gardens which are part of the several such gardens laid by the Mughal emperors across the Indian subcontinent, and which are known as Mughal gardens. The Mughal Gardens located in Srinagar and its close vicinity include Chashma Shahi (the royal fountains); Pari Mahal (the palace of the fairies); Nishat Bagh (the garden of spring); Shalimar Bagh; and the Naseem Bagh. The Tulip Gardens have been recently opened to public by Mrs Sonia Gandhi. The gardens has rows of Tulips of different colurs and shades.

It has been called the "Venice of the East" or the "Kasmiri Venice"[6][7][8]

Government and politics

The city is run by the Srinagar Municipal Committee (SMC). The Srinagar district along with the adjoining Budgam district forms the Srinagar Parliamentary seat. Current leaders of the city include:

Stray Dog Controversy

Srinagar's city government attracted brief international attention in March 2008 when it announced a mass poisoning program aimed at eliminating the city's population of stray dogs.[9] Officials estimate that 100,000 stray dogs roam the streets of the city, which has a human population of just under 900,000. In a survey conducted by an NGO, it was found that some residents welcomed this program, saying the city was overrun by dogs, while critics contended that more humane methods could have been used to deal with the animals.

Demographics

As of 2001, Srinagar city had a population of 894,940.[10] The population density in the city is 556 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,440/sq mi) while the overall population density is 99/km2 (260/sq mi). The languages spoken are mainly Kashmiri, Urdu and English. Muslims make up more than 97% of the population, Hindus 2% and Sikhs and others 1%.

Transport

Air

Srinagar Airport connects the city with other destinations in India, as well as occasional international flights.

Rail

The city is part of the Kashmir Railway, which once completed, will connect the city to the Rail network of India.

Culture

Like the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar too has a distinctive blend of cultural heritage. Holy places in and around the city depict the historical cultural and religious diversity of the city as well as the Kashmir valley.

Places of worship

Hazratbal Shrine built in around 1700 A.D.
The Shankaracharya temple built in around 200 B.C

There are many religious holy places in Srinagar. They include:

Performing arts

Main article: Music of Kashmir

Performing arts of the city include:

  • Bhand Pather, a form of traditional folk theatre art form of play and dance, is performed by a group of about ten to fifteen artists. They depict in a satirical style social evils. Performance is accompanied by light music.
  • Chakri is a major and popular form of Kashmiri folk music.
  • Another form of Kashmiri genre of music called Sufiana music is also practiced in the city. It was introduced in the valley in the 15th century from Iran. Over centuries, it has assimilated a number of Indian Ragas, and has established itself as a classical music of the region. The instruments used in the music include Santoor, Sitar, Kashmiri Saz, Tabla, and Wasool.
  • Hafiz Nagma, a form of dance, is performed to the accompaniment of Sufiana music. The dancer is a female while males play different instruments used in Sufiana music.
  • Rouf is also an important foulk dance kashmiri women do in marriages or on the eve of IDD/EID. All women's hands on another women's shoulders moving to and fro.

Education

Media

Four FM frequencies are available in the city. However, only two bids were received by the government. Adlabs is the only FM radio operator in Srinagar (its bid was Rs. 61 lakh). The second bidder South Asia FM did not qualify because its bid was less than 25 per cent of the highest bidder, the minimum amount to be eligible for bidding.[11]

Sports

Adventure sports are popular among tourists. Dal Lake has potential for canoeing and water skiing. Water trekking is local name for three to four day trip along the Jhelum River to various lakes in a shikara with camping gear. Dachigam National Park (22 km (14 mi)*) and Pahalgam (95 km (59 mi)*) are popular destinations for hikers, trekkers and fishers. The city is home to the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, a stadium where international cricket matches have been played.

Sports like football and cricket are popular among school children. Famous Cricket Players are Ali, Aijaz Bhat, Omer Yousuf, Aftab Ahmad, Abid Nabi, Omer Gulzar etc.

Srinagar has an outdoor stadium namely Bakshi Stadium for football named after the name of Bakshi ghulam Mohammed .

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&dat=32&geo=-104&srt=npan&col=aohdq&pt=c&va=&srt=pnan
  2. ^ http://www.stanford.edu/group/hsc/kashmir/History%20of%20Kashmir.pdf
  3. ^ http://www.stanford.edu/group/hsc/kashmir/Brief%20history%20of%20Kashmir.pdf
  4. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT002220
  5. ^ "Climatological Information for Srinigar, India". Hong Kong Observatory. Retrieved 2011-05-02.
  6. ^ http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VloVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B-YDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6789,6379670&dq=srinagar+venice+of+the+east&hl=en
  7. ^ Holloway, James (1965-06-13). "Fabled Kashmir: An Emerald Set Among Pearls". Pqasb.pqarchiver.com. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
  8. ^ The Earthtimes (2007-09-24). "Can Kashmir become 'Venice of the East' again? | Earth Times News". Earthtimes.org. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
  9. ^ MSNBC: Indian authorities to poison 100,000 stray dogs
  10. ^ Template:GR
  11. ^ FM radio: Govt to garner Rs 84 cr

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Srinagar.
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