Srinagar District At Glance | JKSSB Exams MCQs - www.kashmirstudent.com
About Srinagar
District Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir (UT). It is situated in the centre of the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River and is surrounded by four districts and Ladakh UT. In the north it is flanked by Ladakh (UT) and
Ganderbal in the South by Pulwama in the north-west by Budgam. The capital city of Srinagar is located 1585 meters above sea level. The city is famous for its gardens, lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits.
The city is located on both the sides of the Jhelum River,
which is called Vyath in Kashmir. The river passes through the
city and meanders through the valley, moving onward and
deepening in the Dal Lake. The city is famous for its nine old
bridges, connecting the two parts of the city.
Hokersar is a wetland situated near Srinagar. Thousands of
migratory birds come to Hokersar from Siberia and other
regions in the winter season. Migratory birds from Siberia and
Central Asia use wetlands in Kashmir as their transitory camps
between September and October and again around spring.
These wetlands play a vital role in sustaining a large population
of wintering, staging and breeding birds.
Hokersar is 14 km (8.7 mi) north of Srinagar, and is a world
class wetland spread over 13.75 km2 (5.31 sq mi) including lake
and marshy area. It is the most accessible and well-known of
Kashmir’s wetlands which include Hygam, Shalibug and Mirgund.
A record number of migratory birds have visited Hokersar in
recent years.
Birds found in Hokersar—Migratory ducks and geese which
include brahminy duck, tufted duck, gadwall, garganey, greylag
goose, mallard, common merganser, northern pintail, common
pochard, ferruginous pochard, red-crested pochard, ruddy
shelduck, northern shoveller, common teal, and Eurasian wigeon.
History
Srinagar was ruled by the Mauryan empire till around the 14th
century and it was emperor Ashoka, who had introduced Buddhism
to the valley of Kashmir. The Kushans believed to have controlled
this region during the first century who ruled over this place from
their stronghold at Pakistan and Afghanistan. Even King
Vikramaditya from Ujjain, ruled over this place before
transferring the reigns of control to a nomaid tribe named Huns
during the 6th century. One of the most terrified rulers of the
city was Mihirkula who belonged to this tribe.
After the 14th century, the city came under the Mughal rule and
was ruled by the Muslim Kings. This city was made the capital
during the rule of Yusuf Shah Chak who was then tricked to death
by Akbar who set up his dominion on the city post the fall of Yusuf
Shah Chak. It was in the year 1707 that the Mughal dominion came
to en end with the death of their last King, Aurangzeb and then
Srinagar came under the reign of the Durrani Empire. This empire
was the leader of the Pasthun tribe and they ruled on Srinagar for
multiple decades. Raja Sukh Jiwan Mal was a soldier in the Afghan
Durrani army who became governor and, later, the king (1754–1762)
of Kashmir. It was in 1814 that the rule of Sikhs was established
and Maharaja Ranjit Singh ruled over Kashmir. It was ruled by the
Sikhs till the British Raj came into India. Till the year 1947
Srinagar was considered as a princely state in the British India.
Geography & Demography
Geography
The city is located on both the sides of the Jhelum River,
which is called Vyath in Kashmir. The river passes through the
city and meanders through the valley, moving onward and
deepening in the Dal Lake. The city is famous for its nine old
bridges, connecting the two parts of the city. Hokersar is awetland situated near Srinagar. Thousands of migratory birds
come to Hokersar from Siberia and other regions in the winter
season. Migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia use
wetlands in Kashmir as their transitory camps between
September and October and again around spring. These
wetlands play a vital role in sustaining a large population of
wintering, staging and breeding birds. Hokersar is 14 km (8.7
mi) north of Srinagar, and is a world class wetland spread over
13.75 km2 (5.31 sq mi) including lake and marshy area. It is the
most accessible and well-known of Kashmir’s wetlands which
include Hygam, Shalibug and Mirgund. A record number of
migratory birds have visited Hokersar in recent years. Birds
found in Hokersar—Migratory ducks and geese which include
brahminy duck, tufted duck, gadwall, garganey, greylag goose,
mallard, common merganser, northern pintail, common pochard,
ferruginous pochard, red-crested pochard, ruddy shelduck,
northern shoveller, common teal, and Eurasian wigeon.
Demography
As of 2011 census, Srinagar city’s population was 12,19,516 and
Srinagar urban agglomeration had 1,236,829 population. Both
the city and the urban agglomeration has average literacy rate
of approximately 71%, whereas the national average is 74.04%.
The child population of both the city and the urban
agglomeration is approximately 12% of the total population.
Males constituted 53.0% and females 47.0% of the population.
The sex ratio in the city area is 888 females per 1000 males,
whereas in the urban agglomeration it is 880 per 1000, and
nationwide value of this ratio is 940. The predominant religion
of Srinagar is Islam with 95% of the population being Muslim.
Hindus constitute the second largest religious group
representing 4% of the population. The remaining 1% of the
population are Sikhs, Buddhist and Jains.
Agriculture
Jammu and Kashmir (UT) is food deficit. There is a big gap
between production of food grains and their consumption as a
result UT has to import about 07 lakh MTs of food grain every
year.The Food grain production in Kashmir Division has touched
9.9 lakh M.Ts figure by the end of 2013-14. But still the
deficit is 21.70% (about 2.65 lakh M.Ts). The deficit in
production in Kashmir Division is mainly due to geographical and
climatic conditions as most of the area is mono cropped.
Another factor responsible for this is small and fragmented
land holdings that minimize the scope of mechanization and
other scientific practices for more production. Moreover
conversion of agricultural land for Horticulture and other non-
agricultural purpose is also contributing to this deficit.
In order to bridge this gap to the maximum possible extent
Agriculture Department has been striving hard for increasing
the production level of various crops including food crops. To
achieve this objective the Agriculture Department is
implementing a number of Centrally Sponsored Schemes to
incentivize farmers for adopting latest technology to enhance
the production. During past few years department of
Agriculture has achieved remarkable success in enhancing the
production level of some important crops like Paddy, Maize,
Vegetables and Saffron thereby improving the economic
condition of the Farmers. However, there is yet lot more to be
done to bring further improvement in the implementation of
Agriculture schemes to make the UT self sufficient.
Health
Department of Health and Medical Education is aimed at
bringing about dramatic improvement in the health system and
the Health status of people especially those living in rural
areas of the country . It seeks to provide access to equitable ,
affordable and quality health care , reduction of IMR and MMR,
population stabilization and gender and demographic balance
which in turn help in achieving goals . Department Mission is onempowering people through effective mechanism of NRHM,
Rogi kalyan Samiti etc . Decentralized planning and
implementation , strengthening of physical infrastructure and
ensuring fully functional facilities at the doorsteps of the
people not withstanding odds of topography and situational
constraints.
The first Kashmir State Dispensary was started in the late
1860’s. This was to be the forerunner of the State Medical
Service. In 1895, Walter Lawrence reported that the State
maintained “one excellent hospital in Srinagar and six
dispensaries, three of which are situated in the districts” The
State Hospital, situated at Hazuri Bagh, was managed by Rai
Bahadur Dr. A. Mitra as its first Chief Medical Officer. He
later served as Public Works Minister on the Maharajah’s
State Council. It was initially known as the Maharaja’s Hospital
and later as the Sadar or State Hospital. British Residency
Surgeons acted as Superintending Surgeons to this Hospital.
Of the diseases treated in the State Hospital and the
dispensaries, the following were the most common: fevers,
syphilitic diseases, rheumatic affections, nervous system
diseases, eye diseases, respiratory diseases, dyspepsia.
diseases of the digestive system, connective tissue and skin
diseases. Venerea` diseases formed 25 per cent of the
surgical cases. Walter Lawrence also reported that excellent
sur,a instruments were being manufactured in Kashmir and
instruments in use in the State Hospital were manufactured In
1891-92, the State Medical Services treated 122,960 out-
patients and 615 in-patients 2.188 surgical operations were
performed, of which 283 were major surgeries. In 1892-93,
146 mental health patients were treated at an asylum
connected with the Srinagar Jail.
The Diamond Jubilee Zenana Hospital at Nawakadal was built in
1897 to celebrate 60 years of Queen Victoria’s reign.
Obstetrics & Gynecology Services were shifted here from the
State Hospital. At present the Govt Girls College for Women Nawakadal Srinagar stands at the riverside location of the erstwhile Diamond Jubilee Zenana Hospital. An X-ray plant was installed in the State Hospital in 1913-14 and a dental wing was opened in January 1930. In 1929 a Sanatorium for patients suffering from Tuberculosis was set up in Tangmarg.
In 1940 several important schemes to provide better health
care facilities were introduced in Kashmir, including the
construction of a major hospital comparable with the best
medical institutions. The estate of Hadow Mills Carpet Factory
was acquired for the purpose, and the foundation stone of the
State Hospital (SMHS) was laid by the Marquis of Linlithgow,
the then Viceroy of India on October 15, 1940. The hospital
was inaugurated by his successor, Lord Wave!’ on 11th of
October 1945.
Places of Interest
Srinagar is one of several places that have been called the “Venice
of the East” or the “Kashmiri Venice”.
Lakes around the city include Dal Lake – noted for its houseboats –
and Nigeen Lake.Srinagar has some Mughal gardens, forming a part
of those laid by the Mughal emperors across the Indian
subcontinent. Those of Srinagar and its close vicinity include:
o
Chashma Shahi
o
Badamwari
o
Nigeen Lake
o
Dal Lake
o
Hariparbat Fort
o
Dachigam National Park
o
Harwan
o
Tulip Garden
o
Botanical Garden
o
Pari Mahal
o
Nishat Garden
o
Shalimar Garden
The Sher Garhi Palace houses administrative buildings from the
J&K government. Another palace of the Maharajas, the Gulab
Bhavan, has now become the Lalit Grand Palace hotel. The
Shankaracharya Temple on the hill top in the middle of the city, is
important Hindu temple in the city.
Srinagar District At Glance | JKSSB Exams MCQs - www.jkssbmcqs.com
Culture & Heritage
Jammu and Kashmir has the distinction of having multifaceted,
variegated and unique cultural blend, making it distinct from
the rest of the country, not only from the different cultural
forms and heritage, but from geographical, demographically,
ethical, social entities, forming a distinct spectrum of diversity
and diversions into Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, all professing
diverse religion, language and culture, but continuously
intermingling, making it vibrant specimens of Indian Unity
amidst diversity. Its different cultural forms like art and
architecture, fair and festivals, rites and rituals, seer and
sagas, language and mountains, embedded in ageless period of
history, speak volumes of unity and diversity with unparalleled
cultural cohesion and cultural service.
Like the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar too has a
distinctive blend of cultural heritage. Holy places in and around
the city depict the historical cultural and religious diversity of
the city as well as the Kashmir valley.While the Kashmir has
been the highest learning centre of Sanskrit and Persian where
early Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated and flourshed, it
has also been embracing point of advent of Islam bringing its
fold finest traditions of Persian civilization, tolerance,
brotherhood and sacrifice.
Some of the popular performing traditions of Srinagar are as
follows :-
Bhand Pather :
It is a traditional folk theatre style combination of play and
dance in a satirical style where social traditions , evils are depicted and performed in various social and cultural functions.
Bhand Jashan is performed by a group of 10 to 15 artists in
their traditional style accompanied by light music for the
entertainment of people.
Chakri :
It is most popular form of Kashmiri folk music. It has some
resemblance with chakra of mountaineous regions of Uttar
Pradesh. Normally Garaha, Sarangi, Rabab were the musical
instruments used in the past. But now thw harmonium too has
made its way in its presentation.
Sufiana Music :
Sofians musiqui came to Kashmir from Iran in the 15th century.
Over the years it has established itself as the classical music
form of Kashmir and has incorporated a number of Indian
Ragas in its body. Hafiz Nagma in fact, used to be part of
sofiana music. The instruments used in this form are Santoor,
Sitar, Kashmiri Saz, Wasool or Tabala. In Hafiz Nagma a
dancer is a female while her accompanists on various
instruments are males. Hafiza moves her feet on musical notes.
Srinagar District At Glance | JKSSB Exams MCQs - www.jkssbmcqs.com - TOURIST PLACES
Chashma Shahi
Direction
Chashma Shahi or Chashma i Shahi (translation: the royal
spring), also called Chashma Shahi, is one of the Mughal
gardens built in 1632 AD around a spring by Ali Mardan Khan,
a governor of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as per the orders
of the Emperor, as a gift for his elder son Prince Dara
Shikoh. The garden is located in the Zabarwan Range, near
Raj Bhawan (Governor‘s house) overlooking Dal Lake in
Srinagar, Kashmir
History
The garden was constructed around the spring by the
Mughal Governor Ali Mardan Khan in 1632. It was
commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his
eldest son, Dara Sikoh. In the east of Chashma Shahi the Pari Mahal (Fairy Palace) lies where Dara Sikoh used to learn astrology.The garden is 108 m long and 38 m wide and is spread over one acre of land. It is the smallest garden among the three Mughal gardens of Srinagar; the Shalimar
garden is the largest and the Nishat garden is the second
largest. All the three gardens were built at the right bank
of the Dal Lake, with Zabarwan mountains (Zabarwan Range)
at the backdrop.
Architecture and the spring
The garden presents Mughal architecture as used in
different Mughal gardens. The artistically build garden has
Iranian influence in its art and architecture and the design
is based on the Persian gardens. It is built around a fresh
water spring, which flows through its centre in terraces.
The topography and the steepness of the land have led the
formation of the garden. The main focus of the garden is
the spring which flows down in terraces and is divided into
three sections: an aqueduct, waterfall, and fountains. A two-
storey Kashmiri hut stands at the first terrace which is the
origin of the spring. The water then flows down through a
water ramp (chadar) into the second terrace. The second
terrace serves as a water pool and a large fountain stands
at its centre. The water again flows down through a water
ramp into the third terrace, which is a square five-fountain
pool. It is the lowest pool at the entrance of the garden.
The visitors are received through a flight of stairs on both
sides of the terraces which leads up to the origin of the
spring. The water of the spring is believed to have some
medicinal properties. The former Premier of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, used to get the water of the spring to Delhi.
Access
The Chashme Shahi is located within the jurisdiction of
Srinagar city, 14 kilometres (9 mi) in the northeast from
the Srinagar Airport. It is adjacent to Rajbhawan
(Governor’s house). The garden is connected by the
Boulevard Road which passes along the banks of the Dal lake.
There are many hotels and restaurants available for
boarding and lodging near the garden. The garden remains
open for tourists from March to November. The best time
to visit the garden is from April to October. The garden is
at full bloom during May and June.
Badamwari
Direction
The early bloom of flowers on Almond trees in the sprawling
historic Badamwari garden in Shahr-e-Khaas has become a
source of attraction for nature lovers and tourists, alike.
Situated on foothills of Koh-e-Maran, the 300 kanals garden
was dotted with trees, flowers and cascades providing a
soothing experience to the visitors. Historians maintain
there was no record to suggest who laid the garden but they
say it existed even before the rule of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin
in the 14th century. A well covered dome in the garden is
named after an Afghan ruler, Warris Shah. The bloom on
the Almond trees heralded the spring. the garden was
revived and formally thrown open for public in 2008.
Nigeen Lake
Direction
Nigeen Lake (alteratively spelled as Nageen Lake) is a mildly
eutrophic. lake located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir,
India. It is sometimes considered a part of the Dal lake and
is connected to it via a narrow strait. It is also connected to the Khushal Sar and Gil Sar lakes via a channel known as Nallah Amir Khan.
The Nigeen lake is surrounded by a large number of willow
and poplar trees. Hence, it has come to be referred as a
“nageena”, which means “the jewel in the ring”. The word
“nigeen” is a local variant of the same word.
The lake is located adjacent to the Hari Parbat hillock, to
the west of the Dal lake. To its north east lies the locality
of Hazratbal, which is known for the famous shrine.
The lake is a major tourist attraction in Srinagar, known for
its relatively pristine waters as compared to the Dal lake.
Houseboats and Shikaras are a usual sight. Its also ideal for
swimming, being deeper and less crowded than the Dal lake.
Dal Lake
Direction
Dal is a lake in Srinagar (Dal Lake is a misnomer as Dal in
Kashmiri means lake), the summer capital of Jammu and
Kashmir. The urban lake, is integral to tourism and
recreation in Kashmir and is named the “Jewel in the crown
of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel”.The lake is also an
important source for commercial operations in fishing and
water plant harvesting.
The shore line of the lake, is about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi),
is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era
gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the
lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens,
such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the
reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and from houseboats
cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras. During the
winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11 °C
(12 °F), freezing the lake.
The lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres (6.9 sq mi)
and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 square
kilometres (8.1 sq mi), including its floating gardens. Thefloating gardens, known as “Raad” in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered as an
independent lake). Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island
in the centre, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona
Lank respectively.The houseboats are closely associated
with Dal Lake which provide accommodation to tourists in
Srinagar.
Dachigam National Park
Direction
Dachigam National Park is located 22 km (kilometer) from
Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. It covers an area of 141 sq
km (square kilometer). The name literally stands for ‘ten
villages’, which could be in memory of the ten villages that
were relocated in order to create the park.
Dachigam was initially established to ensure the supply of
clean drinking water to Srinagar city. A protected area
since 1910, it was declared as a national park in 1981. The
park is best known as the home of the hangul, or Kashmir
stag. Dachigam is open throughout the year, but the best
time to visit is between April and August. The closest
airport is at Srinagar. Habitat to Kashmir Stag : Only area
where Kashmir stag is found.
Harwan Garden
Direction
Harwan Garden, situated in Harwan Village (19 km) from
Srinagar is an impressive, large and admired tourist spot. A
canal, beautifully bordered with Chinar trees and blossoming
flower beds, starting from a lake just behind the garden,
flows through the middle of the garden.
The major draw of the Harwan garden is its natural
loveliness and charm. With greenery in the backdrop of
snowy environment, this garden has big green grass lawns
and attracts visitors virtually towards this place.
Reachable by taxis within half an hour, the garden is
perfect place for picnics and excursions, also an ideal placefor natures walk. It is the gateway to Dachi Gam Wildlife sanctuary.
Tulip Garden
Direction
Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden, previously Model
Floriculture Center, is a tulip garden in Srinagar. It is the
largest tulip garden in Asia spread over an area of about 30
hectares. It is situated on the foothills of Zabarwan
Range with an overview of Dal Lake. The garden was opened
in 2007 with the aim to boost floriculture and tourism
in Kashmir Valley. The garden is built on a sloping ground in a
terraced fashion consisting of seven terraces. Apart from
tulips, many other species of flowers – hyacinths, daffodils and ranunculus have been added as well.
Tulip festival is an annual celebration that aims to showcase
the range of flowers in the garden as a part of tourism
efforts by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. It is
organized during the onset of spring season in Kashmir
valley.
Botanical Garden
Direction
Botanical Garden was set up in 1969. Situated around the
base of a hill overlooking Dal Lake. It contains many types
of plants and vegetation. This garden has a collection of
about 150,00 ornamental plants and a huge collection of oak
varieties. It also has a rare collection of Kashmiri tropical
plants.
Many people from various areas of world visit this place. It
has four main divisions: the Plant Introduction Centre, the
Research Section, the Recreational Garden and the
Botanical Garden.
Pari Mahal
Direction
Pari Mahal or The Angels’ Abode is a seven terraced garden
located at the top of Zabarwan mountain range over-looking
city of Srinagar and south-west of Dal Lake The
architecture depicts an example of Islamic architecture and
patronage of art during the reign of the then Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan.
The Pari Mahal was built by Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh in
the mid-1600s. It served as a library and an abode for him.
Dara Shikoh was said to have lived in this area in the years
1640, 1645, and 1654. It was further used as an
observatory, useful for teaching astrology and astronomy.
It is five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi Garden.
Nishat Garden
Direction
Nishat Bagh is a terraced Mughal garden built on the
eastern side of the Dal Lake, close to Srinagar in the UT of
Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is the second largest Mughal
garden in the Kashmir Valley. The largest in size is the
Shalimar Bagh, which is also located on the bank of the Dal
Lake. ‘Nishat Bagh’ is Urdu, which means “Garden of Joy,”
“Garden of Gladness” and “Garden of Delight.
Located on the bank of the Dal Lake, with the Zabarwan
Mountains as its backdrop, Nishat Bagh is a garden of bliss
that commands a magnificent view of the lake beneath the
snow-capped Pir Panjal mountain range that stands far away
to the west of the valley. The Bagh was designed and built in
1633 by Asif Khan, elder brother of Nur Jehan.
An interesting anecdote of jealousy of the Emperor Shah
Jahan on beholding such a delightful garden, which almost
shutdown the garden for some time, is narrated. When ShahJahan saw this garden, after its completion in 1633, he expressed great appreciation of its grandeur and beauty. He is believed to have articulated his appreciation three times to Asif Khan, his father-in- law, with the hope that he would
gift it to him. As no such offer was made by Asif Khan,
Shah Jahan was piqued and ordered closure of the water
supply to the garden. Then, for some time, the garden was
deserted. Asif Khan was desolate and heartbroken; he was
uninterested in the sequence of events. When he was
resting under the shade of a tree, in one of the terraces,
his servant was bold enough to turn on the water supply
source from the Shalimar Bagh. When Asif Khan heard the
sound of water and the fountains in action he was startled
and immediately order closure of water supply as he feared
the worst reaction from the emperor for this wanton act of
disobedience. Fortunately for the servant and Asif Khan,
Shaha Jahan, who had heard about this incident at the
garden, was not disturbed or annoyed by the disobedience
of his orders. Instead, he appreciated the servant for loyal
service to his master and then ordered full restoration
rights for the supply of water to the garden to Asif Khan,
his Prime Minister and father-in-law. Mughal Princess Zuhra
Begum was buried in the garden she was the daughter of
Mughal Emperor Alamgir II, and granddaughter of Emperor
Jahandar Shah.
Layout
Even though the layout of Nishat Bagh was based on the
basic conceptual model of the Persian gardens, it had to be
remodelled to fit the topographic and water source
conditions at the site chosen in the Kashmir valley. The plan,
instead of being central with four radiating arms in a square
pattern as in the case of Chahar (suited for a flat country
side), was changed to an axial stream flow design to fit the
hill condition with water source originating at the top of thehill end. This resulted in planning a rectangular layout rather
than a square layout. This helped in dispensing with the long
side arms. Thus, a rectangular layout with east-west length
of 548 metres (1,798 ft) and width of338 metres (1,109 ft)
was adopted.
Architecture
Thus, Nishat Bagh as laid out now is a broad cascade of
terraces lined with avenues of chinar and cypress trees,
which starts from the lakeshore and reaches up to an
artificial façade at the hill end. Rising from the edge of the
Dal Lake, it has twelve 12 terraces representing twelve
Zodiacal signs. However, it has only two sections, namely the
public garden and the private garden for the Zanana or
harem vis-à-vis the four sections of the Shalimar Bagh; this
difference is attributed to the fact that the latter Bagh
catered to the Mughal Emperor, while Nishad Bagh belonged
to a man of his court, a noble. There are, however, some
similarities with the Shalimar Bagh, such as the polished
stone channel and terraces. The source of water supply to
the two gardens is the same. Built in an east-west direction,
the top terrace has the Zenana garden while the lowest
terrace is connected to the Dal Lake. In recent years, the
lowest terrace has merged with the approach road. A spring
called the Gopi Thirst provides clear water supply to the
gardens. There are a few old Mughal period buildings in the
vicinity of the Bagh.
The central canal, which runs through the garden from the
top end, is 4 metres (13 ft) wide and has a water depth of
20 centimetres (7.9 in). Water flows down in a cascade from
the top to the first terrace at the road level, which could
be also approached from the Dal Lake through a shikara ride.
The water flow from one terrace to the next is over
stepped stone ramps that provide the sparkle to the flow.
At all the terraces fountains with pools are provided, alongthe water channel. At channel crossings, benches are
provided for people to sit and enjoy the beauty of the
garden and the cascading flows and fountain jets.
The Twelve Terraces
The details of the twelve terraces have been recorded as
originally built:
o
The first terrace is a water collection chamber that is
also linked to the side flow from the garden.
o
The second terrace is accessed through a gate. This
terrace has five fountains that is supplied water from the
third terrace, from where it flowed to the lowest terrace.
o
The third terrace has a different design. The water
chute has five arched open niches in the front and similar
niches on the sides. A pavilion (baradari), a two-storied
structure, which existed here when it was originally built,
has since been dismantled. Stairways, on either side of the
channel lead to the third terrace, which has a square
chamber with five fountains. Moving up the flight of steps
(four steps) on either side of the channel leads to the
fourth terrace.
o
The fourth terrace has two levels namely, a water
channel and a square pool. Stairways with 7 steps lead to
the fifth terrace.
o
The fifth terrace, where a stone bench is provided
across the channel to enjoy the scenic beauty. This also has
a square chamber with five fountains.
o
The sixth terrace is at two levels with five fountains
and distinctive paving pattern.t
o
The seventh terrace, where the same pattern continues.
o
The eighth terrace is only a water channel or chute.
o
The ninth terrace, at the end of two stairways, there is
an octagonal bench. The pool in this terrace has nine
fountains.o
The stairways to the tenth terrace are along the side
retaining walls where only the water chute with fountains is
provided.
o
Engraved paths lead to an impressive eleventh terrace,
which has twenty five fountains in a pool. Up from this
dramatic terrace is the last one.
o
The Zenana chamber, the twelfth terrace, is covered in
the front by 5.5 metres (18 ft) high wall with a façade of
blind arches. Only one arch in this blind facade provides an
opening to the twelfth terrace. Two small octagonal towers
on either side of the retaining walls provide views of the
lower level terraces. A two-storey pavilion here is
surrounded by a lovely garden with lush plantings.
Out of all the terraces, the second terrace is considered
the most impressive in view of the twenty three niches
provided in the arched recess just behind the cascade.
Originally lighted lamps used to be placed at these niches.
The second terrace also has abundance of Persian lilacs and
pansies coupled with sparkling cascading water over the
chute, which provided a lovely sight.Another interesting
feature in the Nishat Bagh is of the many marble thrones
like setas placed at the head of the waterfall, across the
channel.
Visitor information
Nishat Bagh located in the Srinagar District is 11 kilometres
(6.8 mi) from the city centre. The nearest Airport is 25–30
kilometres (16–19 mi) away at Humhama. The Airport
connects to all major cities of India. Jammu is the nearest
Rail Head which is 300 kilometres (190 mi) away. The
National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with
rest of the country. One way of visiting the Bagh is through
the Dal Lake using the famous “water taxi” of Kashmir, the
Shikara.
Shalimar Garden
Direction
Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal garden in Srinagar, linked
through a channel to the northeast of Dal Lake, on its right
bank located on the outskirts of Srinagar city in Jammu and
Kashmir, India. Its other names are Shalimar Garden,
Shalimar Bagh, Farah Baksh and Faiz Baksh, and the other
famous shore line garden in the vicinity is Nishat Bagh. The
Bagh was built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife
Noor Jahan, in 1619. The Bagh is considered the high point
of Mughal horticulture. It is now a public park. This time it’s
also called as crown of Srinagar.
History
Emperor Jahangir built his celebrated Shalimar Bagh, his
dream project to please his queen. He enlarged the ancient
garden in 1619 into a royal garden and called it ‘Farah Baksh’
(‘the delightful’). He built it for his wife Nur Jahan (‘light of
the world’). In 1630, under Emperor Shah Jahan’s orders,
Zafar Khan the governor of Kashmir extended it. He named
it ‘Faiz Baksh’ (‘the bountiful’). It then became a pleasure
place for the Pathan and Sikh governors who followed Zafar
Khan.
During the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh the marble pavilion
was the guest house for European visitors. Electrification of
the premises was done during Maharaja Hari Singh’s rule.
Thus, over the years, the garden was extended and
improved by many rulers and called by different names, but
the most popular name ‘Shalimar Bagh’ continues to this day.
During the Mughal period in particular, Emperor Jahangir
and his wife Nur Jahan were so enamoured of Kashmir that
during summer they moved to Srinagar with their full court
entourage from Delhi at least 13 times. Shalimar Bagh was
their imperial summer residence and the Royal Court. They crossed the arduous snowy passes of the Pir Panjal mountain range on elephants to reach Srinagar.
Layout
The layout of the garden is an adaptation of another Islamic
garden layout known as the Persian gardens. This garden
built on a flat land on a square plan with four radiating arms
from a central location as the water source. It needed to be
modified to suit the hilly terrain and availability of a well,
which could be diverted from a higher elevation to the
planned gardens. Modifications involved the main channel
running through the garden axially from top to the lowest
point. This central channel, known as the Shah Nahar, is the
main axis of the garden. It runs through three terraces.
This layout left out the radial arms and the shape became
rectangular, instead of a square plan of the Chahar Bagh.
The garden, as finally laid out, covers an area of 12.4
hectares (31 acres) built with a size of 587 metres (1,926
ft) length on the main axis channel and with a total width of
251 metres (823 ft). The garden has three terraces fitted
with fountains and with chinar (sycamore) tree-lined vistas.
The Shahnahar is the main feeder channel to all the
terraces. Each one of the three terraces has a specific role.
The garden was linked to the open Dal Lake water through a
canal of about 1 mile (1.6 km) length and 12 yards (11 m) in
width that ran through swampy quagmire. Willow groves and
rice terraces fringed the lake edge. Broad green paths
bordered the lake with rows of chinar trees. The garden
was laid in trellised walkways lined by avenues of aspen
trees planted at 2 feet (0.61 m) interval.
Architecture
The architectural details of the three terraces of the
garden are elaborate.
The first terrace is a public garden or the outer gardenending in the Diwan-e-Aam (public audience hall). In this hall, a small black marble throne was installed over the waterfall.
The second terrace garden along the axial canal, slightly
broader, has two shallow terraces. The Diwan-e-Khas (the
Hall of Private Audience), which was accessible only to the
noblemen or guests of the court, now derelict, is in its
centre. However, the carved stone bases and a fine
platform surrounded by fountains are still seen. The royal
bathrooms are located on the north-west boundary of this
enclosure. The fountain pools of the Diwan-e-Khas, the
Diwan-e-Aam, and in turn, the Zenana terrace are supplied
in succession. It has 410 fountains.
In the third terrace, the axial water channel flows through
the Zenana garden, which is flanked by the Diwan-e-Khas
and chinar trees. At the entrance to this terrace, there are
two small pavilions or guard rooms (built in Kashmir style on
stone plinth) that is the restricted and controlled entry
zone of the royal harem. Shahajahan built a baradari of
black marble, called the Black Pavilion in the zenana garden.
It is encircled by a fountain pool that receives its supply
from a higher terrace. A double cascade falls against a low
wall carved with small niches (chini khanas), behind the
pavilion. Two smaller, secondary water canals lead from the
Black Pavilion to a small baradari. Above the third level, two
octagonal pavilions define the end wall of the garden. The
baradari has a lovely backdrop of the snow mountains, which
is considered a befitting setting for the Bagh.
The Shalimar Bagh is well known for chini khanas, or arched
niches, behind garden waterfalls. They are a unique feature
in the Bagh. These niches were lighted at night with oil
lamps, which gave a fairy tale appearance to the water falls.
However, now the niches hold pots of flower pots that
reflect their colours behind the cascading water.
Another unusual architectural feature mentioned is about
the doors of the Baradari. In the garden complex, theBaradari had four exquisite doors made of stones supported by pillars. It is conjectured that these stone doors were ruins from old temples that were demolished by Shahajahan. The garden also provided large water troughs where a
variety of fountains were fixed.
Even in later years, during Maharaja’s rule, the gardens
were well maintained and continue to be so even now as it is
one of the prominent visitor attractions around the Dal Lake.
The garden is considered to be very beautiful during the
autumn and spring seasons due to the colour change in leaves
of the famed Chinar trees.
The gardens were the inspiration for other gardens of the
same name, notably the Shalimar Bagh, Delhi in Delhi (built
in 1653, which now also has an upscale colony) and Shalimar
Gardens in Lahore, Pakistan built by Emperor Shah Jahan in
1641.
The black pavilion built during the early part of Jahangir’s
reign (1569–1627), in the top terrace of the Shalimar Bagh,
has the famous inscription in Persian, which says:
Agar Firdaus bar rōy-e zamin ast, hamin ast-o hamin
ast-o hamin ast.
This is a couplet by the Persian-language poet Amir Khusrau,
which is inscribed on many other buildings also in India and
Pakistan.
Translated to English, it means:
“If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it
is here.”
It is also mentioned that when Jahangir was asked on his
death bed about his cherished desire he is credited to have
said:
“Kashmir, the rest is worthless.”
