On the body of the mountains, a blanket of snow,
In the beautiful valleys, saffron blooms,
Here, the jewels of the lakes shimmer,
The people here resemble angels,
Their language is remarkably beautiful,
These shikaras, wrapped around the shores of the lakes,
In the valleys, flowers smile all around,
Beyond all belief, these beautiful scenes appear,
Sufiana poetry, a treasure of skills,
An old connection of hymns and calls to prayer,
A home to saints and mystics,
It’s as if angels have descended upon this land,
Jammu and Kashmir is like heaven on Earth.
The Bharat Mata Channel warmly welcomes you to Jammu & Kashmir, often called the “Paradise on Earth.” Famous for its stunning natural beauty, snow-covered mountains, rich vegetation and wildlife, beautiful monuments, and warm-hearted people, Jammu & Kashmir lies in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent and is one of India’s largest states.
There are many legends about Kashmir. According to Hindu mythology, Kashmir was created by the sage Kashyapa. Emperor Ashoka ruled this state in the 3rd century BCE and introduced Buddhism to this valley. Later, the Kushan King Kanishka ruled Kashmir. In the 6th century, Kashmir came under the control of the Huns and regained independence in 530 CE. The Gupta dynasty ruled the state until the time of Vikramaditya. After Vikramaditya’s fall, Lalitaditya ruled from 697–738 CE and was a renowned builder. During the 13th century, Muslims arrived in this region. The famous Muslim ruler Zain-ul-Abidin was a great patron of music and dance, ruling from 1420–1470.
In August 1947, just a month after the partition of India and Pakistan, Pakistan sent invaders to Kashmir, who were later recognized as part of Pakistan’s army. However, on October 24, 1947, after Kashmir’s integration with India, the Indian army intervened. The Indian army pushed the invaders back until a ceasefire ordered by the United Nations ended the conflict on January 1, 1949, with invaders occupying two-thirds of the state. Jammu’s history is ancient, mentioned in the Mahabharata epic. The region was ruled by the Dogra kings, with Raja Maldev and Raja Ranjit Dev being notable rulers. After Raja Ranjit Dev, the Dogra rule weakened, and the Maharaja of Punjab, Ranjit Singh, took control of the state.
The freedom struggle saw the remarkable contributions of Jammu and Kashmir’s brave heroes, such as Sarvanand Kaul Premi, Giridhari Lal Dogra, Makbool Sherwani, Brigadier Rajendra Singh, Prem Nath Dogra, Kanta Wazir, Ghulam Nabi Mir, Hakim Abdul Rashid, and Prithvinath Kaul.
A part of the Himalayan mountain range lies in the state, and the highest peak, Bharnazar, is in Kishtwar district. Jammu and Kashmir is also known for its cultural and linguistic diversity. The official languages are Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, and English. Under the Indian Constitution, Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed special status, which granted its residents certain privileges, such as the prohibition of property ownership by non-residents. Jammu, the Kashmir Valley, and Ladakh are the three main regions, with Jammu predominantly Hindu, the Kashmir Valley mainly Muslim, and Ladakh home to Buddhists. In 2019, these areas were recognized as two separate Union Territories.
The state’s literature has been influenced by Sanskrit, Persian, and English literary traditions. Kashmiri literature is about 750 years old, though the region’s literary history dates back to 2500 years. The contribution of Sanskrit literature, such as Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, is significant. The literary history of Kashmiri began with the Rajatarangini of Kalhana in the 12th century. Early writers like Sheikh Nooruddin, Lalla Ded, and Shiti Kanth laid the foundation of Kashmiri literature. Sanskrit and Persian writers like Kalidasa and Bilhan also contributed to Kashmiri literary heritage.
Jammu and Kashmir offers a unique spiritual experience where divinity and nature’s grandeur converge. Revered temples like Amarnath and Vaishno Devi, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, attract countless devotees. The Rambireswar Temple, with intricate idols of Lord Shiva, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, is a symbol of devotion. Other spiritual sites like the Ragunath Temple and Peer Kho Temple are places of peace and worship. The Baba Dhansar Temple, dedicated to Goddess Sukarala, and the ancient Krimchi Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and Parvati, reflect the region’s rich religious heritage.
Nationally important monuments such as the Pari Mahal, Mubarak Mandi Palace, Poonch Fort, and Akhnoor Fort are not only historically significant but also remarkable for their architecture and beauty. These structures blend Islamic architecture with beautiful gardens, intricate carvings, and water features, making them perfect tourist destinations. Surrounded by natural beauty, these majestic forts and palaces enhance the charm of the valley.
Kashmir’s appeal lies in the tranquility of its stunning valleys and natural beauty. The gentle rows of chinar trees along the Jhelum River and the soft hills offer a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of life. The grassy meadows, painted in myriad colors, evoke a sense of unforgettable calm. The sounds of birds and wildlife further enrich this experience.
The state is home to many lakes, rivers, streams, and glaciers. Its major rivers include the Indus, Chenab, and Sutlej (Jhelum). Karewa Lake, Dal Lake, and Nigeen Lake, each with its unique beauty, offer an unmatched sense of serenity while riding in traditional houseboats. The lush greenery in summers and snow-covered peaks in winters make Kashmir even more alluring.
Jammu and Kashmir’s wildlife is highly diverse due to its unique climate and geography. The state is home to nearly 16% of India’s mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. It also shelters endangered species like the Hangul, Snow Leopard, and several others. The state’s wildlife remains a significant tourist attraction.
Festivals in Jammu and Kashmir are more than just occasions; they are the heartbeat of this heaven on Earth, where each festival brings a new story and cultural flow to life. The region’s vibrant fairs and Sufi traditions, which celebrate the moon, reveal its spiritual and cultural diversity. From festivals like Spituk Gusor, Zanskar, and Galdan Namchot to the Tulip Festival, Hemis Festival, Amarnath Yatra, Sindhu Darshan Festival, and Ladakh Festival, each celebration is unique in its own right.
The region’s music and dance traditions are famous for their distinctiveness. Dance and music are an integral part of every festival and fair. Dumhal, a popular dance in the valley performed by men, and Rauf, a dance performed by women, are prominent. Other popular dance forms include Ladishah, Ruf Dance, Chakri, Roll, and Dogri. Instruments like Dukra, Sitar, and Nagara represent the richness of Kashmiri music.
Handicrafts have always been a vital part of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship and art of local artisans. Kashmiri embroidery, shawls, crewel work, wood carving, papier-mâché, jewelry, and carpets are renowned worldwide. Particularly, the silk carpets are unmatched in quality and design and hold high value in international markets. The handicraft sector contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings. The handloom industry, which includes Pashmina, Rafil, silk saris, and cotton products, plays a key role in the state’s socio-economic structure. The Handloom Development Department helps modernize the industry by offering skill training, modern looms, and marketing support.
Kashmiri cuisine is a unique blend of Mughal, Muslim, and Kashmiri Pandit traditions. Kahwa, a traditional green tea infused with almonds and spices, is especially popular in winter. Other famous dishes include Kashmiri Pulao, Karam Saag, Dum Aloo, and Firni, which showcase the richness and diversity of Kashmiri food.
Along with mountains, rivers, and unique religious sites, Jammu and Kashmir is home to some of India’s top educational institutions. Notable colleges include NIT Srinagar, AIIMS Awantipora, IIMS Jammu, IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu, and many other prestigious universities.
This concludes the comprehensive guide to Jammu and Kashmir, the paradise on Earth. Let us know what you like most about this region in the comment section and don’t forget to subscribe to Bharat Mata Channel.
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