Srinagar
Tourism
Srinagar
district is situated in the centre of Kashmir Valley, is surrounded by five
districts.In the north it is flanked by Kargil,in the South by Pulwama,in the
north-west by Budgam. The capital city of Srinagar,is located 1730 metres above
sea level.The district with a population of around 9,00,000 souls(1991- census),
is sperad over an area of 2228 Sq.Kms.It comprises three tehsils/ towns viz
Srinagar, Ganderbal and Kangan, four blocks (Srinagar, Ganderbal, Kangan and
Leh), besides 175 villages.The population density in the district Srinagar is
401 per Square Kilometer which is highest in the state. The literacy rate of
the district was 33.80%in 1981.
According to a popular legend which is mentioned in Kalhana's Rajtaringini Kashmir
valley was a vast lake. Kashyap Rishi drained out the water and made it habitable.
It is said that originally Yakshas, and 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 Budhism to Kashmir which was strenthened by Kanishka.
In 6th century Huns came to rule the valley and Mihirkul was one of the infamous
Hun ruler. The area attained freedom in 530 AD which was shortlived.
According
to Sir Aurel Stein the famous interpretor of Kalhana the chronicler of Kashmir
the city of Srinagar had big market and mansions made of wood touching the clouds.
Hieun-tsang the famous Chinese traveller visited Srinagar and has described
it his memoirs.
Various capitals were established by the latter kings but ultimately the city
of Srinagar was destined to be the capital of the State. These capitals are
now found only in ruins or history. Some of the famous capitals are Prvaerpora
of Praversen, Prihaspora of Lalitaditya, Jayapida's Jayapora, Avantivarman's
Avantipur and cities of Kanishkapura and Juskapura.
During muslim rule Sultan Sadar-ud-din founded Rinchenpur and Ala-ud-din founded
Alauddinpura near Hariparbat Hill. ZainulAbideen founded Nowshera as the capital
while Akbar founded Naagar Nagar and raised 28ft tall wall around it.
Srinagar
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