Srinagar
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 hi
s 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 Tourism Reservation Form
