King Pravarasena II has named the city as Parvasenpur some 2000 years ago. City was once the part of Maurya Empire, and one of its emperor Ashoka built this city in 3rd century BC. Ashoka introduced Buddhism to Kashmir valley, which was strengthened by his successors. Srinagar was made Kashmir’s capital in 900CE. After India and Pakistan’s Independence, villagers around Poonch city started an armed protest against Maharaja, who refused to accede it in either country. From then Srinagar became the focus of Kashmiri uprising against Indian rule, which is still continuing.
Read : Jammu – Information about Capital of Jammu and Kashmir (Winter)
Geography of Srinagar
Srinagar is situated on the banks of River Jhelum, which is tributary of the Indus. They are many lakes and swamps in and around the city. It has an average elevation of 1585 meters from sea level and spreads in 294 sq kms. Srinagar plays the role of Summer Capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
Government and Administration of Srinagar
Srinagar Municipal Corporation takes care of the civic administration of the city. Srinagar is the summer capital city of Jammu and Kashmir state. City contributes eight members to state legislative assembly. Jammu and Kashmir High court, which was established in 1928, shifts between Srinagar its summer capital and Jammu its winter capital.
Language and Culture of Srinagar
Srinagar is the center of origin of Indo-Aryan civilization. Islam is the major religion followed by Hinduism and Buddhism. Dum aloo, fried paneer and green tea are the famous food in the city. Chakri and Sufi music are the traditional music forms in the city, which is played by using instruments like Graha, Rabab, Harmonium and Sarangi. City is an import center for learning Persian and Sanskrit languages. Urdu is widely spoken in the city followed by Hindi, English and Ladakhi.
Educational Institutes in Srinagar
Srinagar houses one of the oldest NIT, which is Nation Institute of Technology Srinagar, which was the plan of second five year plan. Government medical college, Kashmir institute of medical science and technology and Govt. SKIMS medical college are the medical colleges in the city. They are many colleges in the city which offers different courses.
Transport Facilities in Srinagar
Srinagar airport is well connected domestically and have very limited international services. Srinagar is well connected by railways. Srinagar railway line passes through Banihal tunnel which is the longest tunnel in India. It takes approximately 10 mins to cross the tunnel. There is cable car to travel to Hamza Makhdoom was established in December 2013. Wooden boats are used for local transportation and tourism.
Tourism in Srinagar
Dal Lake is one of the popular tourist spot in the city which is spread in 26 sq kms. Lake gets frozen during winter and many recreational activities can be done during summer. Nagin Lake also known as “jewel in the ring” is in near proximity of Dal Lake. Nishat Bagh built by Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan in 1633, is located on the banks of Dal Lake. It consists of flower beds, lawns, beautiful fountains and art pieces. Apart for these they are many religious places like Hazratbal Shrine, Jama Masjid, Shankaracharya Temple, Hari Prabhat, Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi etc.
Festivals Celebrated in Srinagar
Navroz festival is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Prince Ali Mohammed. It is celebrated for nine days; traditional drink of Faluda is prepared during the festival. Gurez festival is celebrated in the month of July, during this festival folk dances and folk music of Gurez tribe are performed. ON Kheer Bhawani festival Devi Ragnya Devi is worshipped. Urs festival is celebrated to commemorate the death anniversary of Islamic saints. Gardens of Paradise festival is celebrated in the Mughal gardens where traditional songs and dances are performed by local artists. Apart from these, Tulip festival, Ramzan, Shikara festival, Saffron festival, water sport festival are some of the import and famous festivals of the city.
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