Banjosa

Banjosa is a small tourist attraction point and village about 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir. Word Banjosa is still undefined but according to local peoples, Banjosa is hindko words, consist of two parts "Bun" means forest and Jousa was owner of all the Land of Banjosa. Banjosa has three main Marketplaces, (Mareed Na Bagla), R.A bazaar, Miral Gala and Gale wala pir Bazaar. Religious Terrorism or Freedom fight in Kashmir was started by Captain Hussein khan and Other Pakistani Militants from this Valley and other parts of Kashmir . This area is famous due to Banjosa Lake.

Lake of Banjosa

Introduction

Banjosa is a beautiful village located in Tehsil Rawalakot. Banjosa is famous due to its beautiful lake. This area is a part of district Poonch, Kashmir. Before unlawful occupation of Kashmir by India and Pakistan, significant hindu families were living in Banjosa valley. Literacy Rate of Banjosa is almost 97%, high as compare to any other part of Rawalakot. Banjosa is further officially divided into Challa, Mareed e na Bagla, Kotore, Danna, etc.

History

Summer View

According to local historians, Banjosa was owned by Kashmiri hindu Pindiths. In late 15th century, Muslims were intruder in Banjosa. According to some locals "Sudhans" are combination of Saduzai and Kashmiri Barhamans. However , According to religious scholar of Banjosa Sardar Muhammad Azam Lala Sudhans are immigrants of Palangi, Kashmir. Later on, limited families of [[Mughal] and Kiyani were also leaving in Banjosa.

Religion

Now-a-days, 99.9% population of Banjosa is consist of Muslims. 98% population of Banjosa is sunni Muslim and 1% is Shia Muslim and traced amount of Ahmadiyah Muslims, Atheists, Multi-religious followers are also present.

Education

Nandi Lal a hindu teacher was the first person who established first educational institute in Banjosa. He was very noble person and highly respected by Local peoples. He was a Great person who contribute in education of banjosees especially Sudhans of Banjosa. Educational institutes are present in Banjosa such as Govt women Degree College and School, Tafheem-ul-olum high school for boys, Kashmir Public School, Islamic Public School, Ideal Public School, Banjosa Public school, Branch of Pir Alou din University and Banjosa valley Boarding school.

Culture

An influence of Pakistani culture is strongly present in Banjosa. Shalwar Kameez is commonly wear dress locally. Significant amount of locals also wears western clothes. Western culture is also dominating in women`s fashion locally. Pahari Language is mostly spoken by native peoples.

Politics

Theocratic politics is present in peoples of Banjosa. However, concept of Free Kashmir is supported by 97% Banjosees. Significant strength of socialism is also present.

Transportation

Van system is present in this area without any change for last 20 years. However, due to rapid economic growth, personal vehicles are used by almost 80% Banjosees. Kashmir main Highway is passed from center of Banjosa.

Economy

Banjosa Map

Economy of Banjosa is mainly based on foreign Exchange, Self Business, and civil services etc. Approximately 11% peoples are serving in Pakistani Military, 23% peoples are working abroad, 9% working in civil services and approx. 2% works in Bureaucracy of Azad Kashmir. Contribution in economy of Banjosa by women is very high in ratio as compare to any rural part of Pakistan.

Minerals

Iron ores, bauxite deposits, graphite deposits, gypsum deposits are found nearby Challa to Chabber along ford, magnesium, evidence of limonite deposit is abundantly found along Ford bank. Evidence of coal and marble deposits are also found nearby Chotagala road. Limestone is abundantly present in Banjosa.

References

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