Srinagar
The capital of Kashmir, Srinagar
is located amid the stunning Kashmir valley
and is bordered by the river Jhelum. Aptly
called the Paradise on Earth, it is set
like a jeweled crown on the map of India.
A many faceted diamond - always extravagantly
beautiful, it changes character with the
seasons, adding to the beauty of Srinagar.
The thawing of ice and the
blossoming of flowers, mark the advent of
spring, rending a heady fragrance, with
the blossoming flowers on trees, shrubs
and creepers. While summer heightens the
effect, autumn is poignant, in its colors
of warm introspection. Winter brings with
it snow, sometimes the Dal
Lake freezes and beneath a leaden sky,
roasted chestnuts, turn the atmosphere aromatic
with the promise of warmth and comfort.
While the Dal
Lake and the Mughal
Gardens are popular haunts throughout
the year, this crowded, colorful city, is
unique because of its lakes - the Dal,
Nagin and Anchar
and the oldest and largest of mosques including
the Hazratbal, a monument,
which houses a holy relic of the prophet.
History
According to a popular legend
mentioned that in Rajtaringini of Kalhana,
Kashmir valley was a vast lake. Kashyap
Rishi drained out the water and made it
habitable. It is said that originally Yakshas
and the Pisacas tribes inhabited the valley,
at the higher reaches and did not allow
the inhabitants of the valley to live in
peace.
King Ashok brought Buddhism
to Kashmir, which was strengthened by Kanishka.
In the 6th century Huns came to rule the
valley, and Mihirkul, was one of their infamous
Hun rulers. Sultan Sikander built Jamia
Masjid in 1400, in the Indo-Saracenic style.
Hieun-tsang the famous Chinese traveler
visited Srinagar and has described it in
his memoirs.
The latter kings established
various capitals like Pravaerpora of Praversen,
Prihaspora of Lalitaditya, Jayapidas Jayapora,
Avantivarmans Avantipur and cities of Kanishkapura
and Juskapura, now found only in ruins or
history, but ultimately the city of Srinagar
was destined to be the capital of the State.
The longest ruling dynasty
of India, the Mughals, quite aptly called
the valley a Paradise on Earth. After the
colonization of India by the British, Srinagar
became their summer capital in 1873. |
Culture
While Kashmir has been the highest learning
centre of Sanskrit and Persian,  where
early Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated
and flourished, it has also been the embracing
point, of the advent of Islam, bringing
into its fold, the finest traditions of
Persian civilization, tolerance, brotherhood
and sacrifice. more..
Kashmir is rightly said to be Natures grand
finale of beauty. In this masterpiece of
earth's creation, seasons in strong individuality
vie with one another, in putting up exquisite
patterns of charm and loveliness.
Nature has left an indelible mark on the
folk performances of Kashmir, as they are
intimately interlined, with the moods and
movements of the seasons.
Festivals
The major festivals
that are celebrated with great pomp and
show include :-
Id - ul - Fitr
Id - ul - Zuha,
Shivratri
Diwali
|
