Jammu & Kashmir – A Home To Several Valleys

Jammu and Kashmir is the newly developed union territory governed by the Indian government. It is the most restful place in some recent areas, and while is divided into two parts- Kashmir division and Jammu division. In 2019, the government of India appealed for a recognized place in Jammu and Kashmir. Later, the reorganization bill was passed for the state, and it transformed into a union state with two territories. It is located in the topmost part of India and is considered the heaven of the country. It is full of beautiful places and sightseeing and is regarded as the most visited place annually. Jammu and Kashmir are full of pilgrimage places, forests, gardens, lakes, and the most pious Mata Vishno Devi Mandir in Katra. Seas, lakes, and valleys have their fan base. It also has varied religious places that define this place’s late culture and history. India, Pakistan, and China bounded Jammu and Kashmir. Most of the Area of Jammu and Kashmir is mountainous and less populated compared to the plains, while most of the locals live in the southwest region, which is considered plains. The Area around the valley is highly fertile and are very famous tourist place. Kashmir is renowned for its apples, and it produces many fruits every year, which are exported all over India. –

CAPITAL OF KASHMIR

The capital of Jammu and Kashmir is divided into seasons. The summer capital is Srinagar, while the winter capital is Jammu. Srinagar is located on the river bank of Jhelum in the valley of Kashmir. Srinagar is the capital from May to October, and Jammu is the capital from November to April. The idea of two capital; was established by the Dogra king to acknowledge the brutal winter. Therefore, it has to practice for a very long time. Srinagar is considered the most beautiful place in the whole union territory as it has fantastic tourist places which attract thousands of tourists. Srinagar is located in the centermost part, which is now the center of all administration activities. Still, in winter, due to heavy snowfall, it’s not possible to administer from this place. That’s why one more capital was created for hassle-free governance. Srinagar is surrounded by many lakes and holy places such as temples and mosques. It produces many silks, carpets, clothes, and wood carvings. Jammu is the capital for easy access to work during winter. It is the most visited place by Hindu people due to the temples all over the Area. It is the largest city of Jammu and Kashmir and shares its boundaries with samba.   

HISTORY of J&K

Jammu and Kashmir are situated in the northern part of India and significantly impact the country’s history. It is a union territory formed on 31 October 2019 after getting recognition from the Indian government. A reorganization bill was issued to convert this state into an independent union territory. Before the formation, Jammu and Kashmir were ruled by princes and considered a princely state ruled by Hari Singh from 1846-1947. This is created after the first Anglo-Sikh war. In 1947, at the time of the partition, Jammu and Kashmir chose to join one of the countries, but the king decided to stay as a secular country. But during the war of India between a kistan, on 26 October 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh signed an accession agreement regarding the collaboration with India. The history of Jammu and Kashmir is believed to be quite ancient since kings and princes have always ruled it. The first king to judge Jammu and Kashmir was Gulab Singh(1846-1857), And that is why today, Jammu and Kashmir are part of India. After that Indian government provided a recognizable status to Jammu and Kashmir by providing Article 370, an independent flag, constitutional rights, etc. Later, on 6 August 2019, the central government of India removed article 370 and all the special services and amended the right of the people and the place. Then two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir were divided into three Jammu division, the Kashmir division, and Ladakh. Jammu and Kashmir still enjoy many services the government provides, but still, some restrictions on the people’s freedom. The west and north parts of Jammu and Kashmir are in the control of Pakistan, while the rest is under the Indian government.

ART AND CULTURE

As it is a place known for its immense beauty and duplicate, the art and culture are also very famous all over the country. It is also a rich and cultural place for many decades. Its heritage and traditions are different and composed of many religions—people in Jammu and Kashmir like simplicity about their art. There are thousands of temples and mosques located here, which are considered artistic places due to the art craved on the walls of these places. People in Jammu and Kashmir are obsessed with their dance, music, cuisine, clothes, carpet weaving, carving, etc. Kashmiri culture is quite famous among the people living near the Chenab and deficient regions. The composite culture of Kashmir is also called Kashmiri. This place is renowned for its boat, houseboats, poetry, and handmade material. Kashmir is an art of nature, and the people living inside it are the artists of many artistic pieces. Creativity and tradition comprise and form beautiful materials such as basalt painting, pashmina, qalamdan, chain stitch, Phool Kari, namdha, Kashmiri shawls, and many more. Most of the art in Jammu and Kashmir are introduced by the Persia rulers. Hence, this place is a blend of many diverse cultures and customs and plays a significant role in the history of India. 

Occupation

Agriculture is the primary occupation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The state is a leading producer of fruits all over the country because of soil fertility. The people of Jammu and Kashmir produce apples, apricots, cherries, and nuts like almonds and walnuts. It is the state in the country famous for saffron. Many farmers are involved in sericulture as well as other income. People are also engaged in tourism because there are many beautiful; destinations in J&K. 

Tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir

AmarMahal- It is a famous place in Jammu and Kashmir and has had historical importance since the 19th century. It is the mahal of doghra Maharaj. This palace serves as a museum that allows you to experience its famous courts of maharajas, their chambers, etc.

Bahu fort – This fort is a historical temple of Jammu and is also known as the oldest fortification of Jammu. It was built by raja bahulocahn around 3,000 years ago. This temple is the home of the goddess kali, and it is a famous picnic spot for tourists,

Vaishno Devi temple is the most important place for all Hindus, located in the Katra, 12km above the cave shrine. There is good connectivity to this famous temple through Jammu to  Katra train.

Dogra art museum– Dogra art museum is famous for the bronze, armaments, and Pahari miniature paintings. This museum is situated in Mubarak mandi on the bank of the lower river.

LIFESTYLE OF KASHMIR

Kashmiri is considered the paradise on the planet. A typical blend of Persian, Western, and Central Asia makes this place worth living in. Kashmir is home to many people of different cultures and religions living together and sharing a diverse environment. Mughals and Sikhs left their accent on the land of Jammu and Kashmir. The different cultures of all religions showed the diversity of the place. It carries the Dogra tradition derived from Punjab. Tribal communities such as Gujjars, bhakarwals, nomads, etc., move from one place to another to collect pastures from varied regions. All the residents of this place lead a simple life, and there is less reliance on the urban areas. People prefer living in rural areas as they are less cumbersome and provide actual earnings. People like to live slowly by enjoying every small occasion of their life. All the festivals celebrated shoes as a diversion from a superficial and tedious lifestyle. Navaratri, eid ul Fitr, and eid ul Zaha make you feel thrilled about the customs of all the people. 

FAMOUS FOOD OF KASHMIR

1. Rogan josh– Is the signature dish of Kashmir, famous all over the place. It is a lamb made with fried onions, various spices, and curd, cooked on low flame for hours and served with rice or roti. This is the best savory dish among all nonvegetarian people. 
2. Dum Olav- It is a dish that resembles duma loo but differently and uniquely. The real authentic taste of this Kashmiri dish is all over the tongue of the people of Kashmir. The potatoes are cooked in curd, spices, and ginger garlic paste with a lot of oil. The smell of this dish is mesmerizing, and usually served with roti and naan. 
3. Modurpulao- It is a rice dish but not the usual way. It is one of the most loved dishes among children, made with saffron, milk, sugar, ghee, cardamom, and dry fruits. Rice is cooked with all the ingredients at low flame and then served with all the dry fruits and saffron. The yellow color comes from saffron, makes the dish look beautiful, and is considered the essential ingredient in the making.
4. Goshtaba– The food culture of Kashmir comprises nonvegetarian dishes more than veg ones because most of the population of Kashmir likes meat, and goshtaba is another delicacy made of beef. This dish is the oldest and has been cooked for an extended period. It is the meatballs cooked with curd, browned rice, and a lot of spices and served with roti and naan.
5. Kava-it is the famous hot drink consumed in Jammu, Kashmir, and all over the country. It Is green tea made with walnut, almond, and herbal spices. It is taken hot with a pinch of sugar, while some people prefer milk in it. It is the most famous traditional food liked by all the people.

The climate of Jammu and Kashmir

Mountains surround the Kashmir valley, that’s moderate and has a subtropical climate. The average summer temperature of Jammu is about 77-degree Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fdegreeseit. Still, inner, its temperature about 41 degrees Fahrenheit, and the summer temperature are of Kashmir is about 57 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, it’s about 21-degree eremite to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The annual rainfall of Kashmir is 693mm, while in Jammu, it is about 1238mm. Q

RIVERS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Many rivers flow in Jammu and Kashmir, but some essential rivers are given below:

1. Jhelum– it is commonly known as the veth the RI. It contains a muddy stream and is a famous tourist attraction. This river originates from the Anantnag district, and its length is about 203km. It flows towards ulnar lake. After passing Srinagar, it flows to Pakistan. It is the primary source of electricity generation in Kashmir valley.
2. Indus– Indus originates from the Sindh rivers and gar Rivers, located in Mysore lake Tibet. It is the longest river in the subcontinent, and its length is about 3500km and flows through Jammu and Kashmir Indus rivers and has various tributaries like Gilgit, gum. Kabila and many more, this river is famous for river rafting purposes.
3. Chenab– Chenab means the merging of two Himalayan rivers from the river Chenab and the two Himalayan rivers are Chandra river and Bhaga river. This river enters Jammu and Kashmir in padder at kistawar and flows towards Radwan. The Ranbir and Pratap canal takeoff from the Chenab river.
4. Tawi– originated from Kailash Kund. After flowing through Chennai and udhampur, it flows toward Jammu, joins Chenab in Ranbir Singh port, and then enters Pakistan. The famous hydropower project was constructed on the river Tawi.

Famous Personalities of Jammu and Kashmir

PANDIT SHIV KUMAR SHARMA– He is a famous santoor player from Kashmir and composed music for some Bollywood movies. In 1995 he gave his public performance with renowned flute player pandit Hari prasad Chourasia.

Bashrat’s peer was a journalist, scriptwriter, author, and political commentator. Recently, he entered Bollywood as a scriptwriter for the film ‘Haider.’ 

Parvez Rasool– He was an Indian cricketer who played as an all-rounder. Hee is the first cricketer of Jammu and Kashmir who takes part in the IPL.

AdarshSein- He was the 29th Indian chief justice, served in the high court of J&K, and was appointed supreme court judge in 1991 and national human rights commissioner in 2003.

FAMOUS FESTIVALS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Jammu and Kashmir is a place full of diverse traditions s as festivals. Each festival carries a lot of joy and celebration. Each capital celebrates various occasions as per the religions. Like the diversity of this place, the festivals are fascinating as well. Some of the most famous festivals of Jammu and Kashmir are as follows:

1. Galdannachos- this festival is celebrated among Jammu and Kashmir’s Tibetan and Buddhist populations. It is celebrated in remembrance of Tibet monk JE Tsongkhapa on their birth anniversary. The 5th day of golden nachos is celebrated as the new year of Tibetans. It is the most prominent festival in Leh Ladakh.
2. Hemis festival- it is the most I festival celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir. It is celebrated every 12 years in the belief that it will bring wealth and property to the people. People arrive at Hemis monastery to celebrate it.
3. Tulip festival- The Tulip festival in Jammu and Kashmir is a tulip celebration at the Indira Gandhi memorial. A fair is organized for tourists and local people to showcase the immense beauty of 50+ varieties of tulips. In spring, all the flowers bloom and define the gorgeous sight of Jammu and Kashmir.
4. Losar said the king postponed his war due to winter and considered it the new year. It is celebrated for almost 15 days and is the most famous festivals of Jammu and Kashmir.
5. Sindhudarshan festival – It is celebrated in respect of the Sindhu river, which defines unity and togetherness. It is marked by collaborative groups and monks who worships on the river bank and do bonfire at night.  

Costumes of Jammu and  Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir are placed with different diversities, but the attires are similar, which is hardly noticeable. Girls and boys both were persons, and the boys wore pathani suits. Pheran is a graceful and stunning dress that the girls of Kashmir valley wear. It has long and loses sleeves with heavy embroidery. It is a blend of Iranian and Indian clothing cultures. Hindu women also wear this pheran dress and tie it at the waist, made of folded material called lihung. Pathani suit- men wear this dress, and most Srinagar people wear his type of dress. Muslim men also wore a turban and a pashmina shawl, the symbol of royalty or richness.

Flora and fauna

The state contains a rich amount of flora and fauna. Jammu, the throne bush-type plants are mostly found, and the maple, horse, chestnuts, silver, fir, etc., are located at low altitudes. Many herbal trees like birch, rhododendrons, chinar, dense deodars, walnut, In willow, almond, and cider are also found in large sizes. In the hilly region, a large variety of fauna is present, like leopards, cheetahs, and dear, wild sheep, brown musk, and muskrat was also found the variety of birds, snakes, bats, lizards, and frogs are also found in this region.

Demographics Of Jammu and Kashmir

The population of Jammu and Kashmir is around 12,267,013 as per census of 2011. The numbers of sex ratio are about 1000 males on 889 females. The people of scheduled castes is 924,485, and 1,275,106 are scheduled tribes. Regarding religion, Jammu and Kashmir predominantly contain Muslims (96.41%) and a small Hindu(2.45%). Only 808 Hindupandits remain in Kashmir valley after the forced displacement by militants. 

LANGUAGE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

The official language is urdu; however, the local people of Kashmir mostly speak the Kashmiri language, and Dogri is expressed in the plain Area of Jammu as well as part of the hills. Kashmiri is an Indo-Aryan language, also known as Koshur. According to the official language bill introduced in Lok Sabha in 2020 declarer that the official language of Jammu and Kashmir is given below: Official languages are – Dogri, Urdu, Hindi, and English, as the official languages used for official purposes, and also the English language used for administrative and legislative purposes. 

Important lakes and sanctuaries

• Dal lake –It is the most famous and picturesque lake of Jammu and Kashmir, and it is also known as the Srinagar or the jewel in Kashmir’s crown. This lake is renowned for houseboats and shikara rides.
• Wulnar lake– the wulnar lake is the largest freshwater lake in Asia and is situated near Srinagar. It is famous for its excellent and enthusiastic boating, different water sports, and beautiful surrounding. It is one of the 26 wetlands the Jhelum river needs, and its beauty attracts tourists.
• Nigeen lake is situated near Srinagar in the foothills of zabarwan mountain, one of the most famous lakes in Jammu and Kashmir. It is surrounded by the Shankaracharya hills from the south and Hariprahat hills from the west. This lake is renowned for thrilling activities like motorbiking, sailing ETC.
• The aru wildlife sanctuary is located near the Pahalgam district and covers a large area of more than 500 sq. km. approx. The height of this park is 5,400m. this sanctuary contains many endangered species like musk dear, brown bears, and snow leopards. These species were conserved by the state as well as c central government.
• Achabal wildlife sanctuary– it is situated in Srinagar and is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries of Kashmir covers an area of 50 hectares. It is renowned for unique faunas like snow leopards, barking deer, rhesus macaque, brown bears, jackal, and Himalayan Marmot. The Kashmiri Stag, an endangered species, and a few species of wild animals,s are also found here.
• Surinsar mansard wildlife sanctuary – is situated in Jammu and contains different varieties f flora and fauna varieties. September to march is the best time to visit here. It has species of birds, and the main birds are green pigeons, blue rock pigeons, red jungle fowl, peafowl, and Rufus turtle dove.

Government and administration

Jammu and Kashmir contain two divisions and  20 districts. Jammu and Kashmir have executive, judiciary, and legislative branches. Srinagar is the summer capital, while Jammu is the winter capital . The Lieutenant Governor is the head of Jammu and Kashmir, appointed by the president, and the chief minister is the head of government and council of ministers. The role of the chief minister is to assist the Lieutenant Governor in the exercise of functions in matters under the jurisdiction o the legislative assembly.

The economy of Jammu and Kashmir

Agriculture is the main occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, and the climate is suitable for horticulture and floriculture. Horticulture is the primary source of the rural economy of Jammu and Kashmir. It employs a large population of Jammu and Kashmir. Apples of Jammu and Kashmir are famous all over the country. Jammu and Kashmir produce many crops like rice, millet, corn, wheat, pulses, and saffron which are rarely made Indian sub-continent. Jammu and Kashmir contain principal horticulture, floriculture, handlooms, tourism, and minerals industries. Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of J&K.

Conclusion

Jammu and Kashmir is India’s oldest civilization, containing many different religions, traditions, and cultures, and always on top of the food district places and d most important festivals. It covers a small area of India but significantly impacts its prosperity worldwide. Looking closely, you will feel how beauty and harmony have covered herself in these places. People are simplistic and nature lovers; they worship nature like a god as they think nature is the most worth praying thing in the universe. 

Faqs

1-which article ensures the special status of J&K?

Ans:- Article 370 under part 12 of the constitution of  India provides a temporary provision for the special autonomous status.

2-the head of the J&K was regurgitated as a governor previously called 

Ans:- The head of the J&K governor called, Sadr-i-Riya, sat

3- which operation is launched on the international border by the border security force?

Ans:- The border security forces launched the operation security along 2a 00km long international border.