Kashmir beauty is the heaven of the Earth. It is the northern state of the India and it is part of the Great Himalaya. It is famous for its beauty, stunning landscapes snow covered mountains wonderful valleys, rich culture heritage. J&K is famous in the world for its rivers. J&K is not to the only its beauty but it is also known its political complexity and territorial dispute with Pakistan and China. There have been always confliction between India and Pakistan since they got freedom.

After getting independence from Britain, India and Pakistan started expanding their territories. In the midst of this, the issue of Jammu & Kashmir came to the fore. At that time, Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir proclaimed independence but under the leadership of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, some Pakistani soldiers in civil dress invaded Kashmir. Raja Hari Singh asked for help from Sardar Ballabh Patel but Patel said that we will help only on the condition that you sign the letter of annexation of India. Raja Hari Singh signed the annexation letter and Patel ordered the Indian Army to enter Kashmir but it was too late.

Pakistani army entered Kashmir and captured some parts Kashmir’s landscape which are Azad Kashmir, Gilgit and Baltistan which is known as POK. Amidst this, Kashmir was also disputed which is famous by the name of Article 370. India took advantage of the opportunity of the fall of the government in Kashmir in 2019 and by passing a bill in the Parliament, Article 370 was removed and Kashmir and India were reunited.

Now Jammu & Kashmir is divided into two parts, J&K and Ladakh and they are Union territory of India. After this incident terrorism has been controlled in J&K. Our central government is promoting development in Kashmir and providing employment opportunities. Various schemes are being launched by the central government.

J&K is located in the lap of Himalaya. Jammu & Kashmir is full of diverse places. Here there are beautiful rivers, mountains covered with snow, lakes that make the heart warm, waterfalls that make the wilderness full of beauty. There are many mountains and their high peaks here, people who go here also come back with a beautiful memory. there are four important mountain ranges in Jammu and Kashmir which are as follows…….

Karakoram Mountain Range:
This range is one of the four ranges of the Himalayas which is one of the highest and biggest mountain ranges in the world. This range is very important geographically and politically because it is situated on the border of India, Pakistan and China. Four highest peaks have been found on this range.

K2: It is known as Mount Godwin Austen. its height is 8611 meters. it is located on Pakistan and China borders. it is second highest peak in the world. (mount Everest is first highest peak in the world which is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet it height is 8849m). Mount K2 is also known as Savage mountain because it is very difficult to climb over it. It was surveyed in 19th century by India.

The other highest peak of Karakorum rage is K1(Masherbrum), K3(Broad Peak), K4(Gasherbrum II)

Ladakh Mountain Range:

Ladakh mountain range is known for its extreme difficulty of climbing and harsh weather conditions. its most dangerous peak name is Rakaposi which have the most steepest slope in the world.

The other mountain range of Jammu & Kashmir is Jaskar mountain range and Peerpanjal mountain range.

Kashmir which is called heaven on the earth is also famous for its beautiful lakes in the world. these lakes are located in the Kashmir valley, they are not only naturally beautiful but also soul and cultural part of the Kashmir and each lakes tells its own story.

Dal Lake:

Dal Lake is called a Taj Mahal of Srinagar. it is famous lake of J&k. It is spread around 18km square. Heart of Srinagar is found in the Dal lake. whenever you visit here you must go to Dal lake. In Dal Lake lake, there are traditional boating services, which are made of wooden called Shikaras are provided by locals. We can also find floating market of vegetables and fruits in the Dal lake. If you sit on the Shikaras in this lake you will feel part of any story. It’s been significant part of the Kashmir valley since Mughal period. The wind of morning, floating gardens blooming flowers above them provide great vibes to the visitors.

Wular Lake:

It is the largest freshwater lake in Asia continent which covers 60km square area in J&K but sometimes it spreads up to 240Km square and it also constricts sometimes but there is no lack of its beauty and ecological importance. This lakes is the largest wetland in the Kashmir which provides opportunity to the migrant birds to stay here. it has also historical importance. It had been a great centre for trade. It also helps in irrigation and mitigate flood issue.

there are others lakes in J&K like Nigeen Lake, Manasbal lake, Sinthan Lake, Gadsar lake, Vishansar and Krishansar lakes which enhance the beauty of Kashmir.

The Kashmir which known for its beauty, rivers also add charm to its beauty. each rivers have contribution in developing the cultures of the Kashmir.

Jhelum River:

It is the most important river which passes through Kashmir valleys. It originates from Peer Panjal range. It was famous as Vitasta river in the ancient time. Indus valley civilisation was developed beside this river. it played significant roles in the period of Maurya dynasty to Kushan dynasty and later the Mughal empire. It has been shaping the trade routes, develop diverse cultures, connecting civilisation, exchanging ideas since ancient history. The battle of Hydaspes fought between Alexander and Porus the king of Punjab in 326 BCE in which king Porus was defeated.

There are two major Multi purpose projects on the this river, first is Tulbul and second one is Uri project. Jhelum river flows through Kashmir in India and goes to Pakistan.

Chenab River:

It is one the most signifcant river in the South Asia which flows through heart of the region in Kashmir valleys. It originates from Baralacha La pass in Himanchal Pradesh. this river had also same historical significant as Jhelum river had. Punjab is a land of fiver rivers, Chenab is on of them which provides life to the millions of peoples. The tributary of this river are Jhelum, Ravi, Vyas and Satluj river.

there are many multi purpose project on this river. Satluj, salal, dulhasti and Hidkal project which are used for irrigation and electricity production and also mitigate the life of many people.

Other rivers in J&K- Kishanganga, Suru and Sindhu river(most part of this river is located in Pakistan region and Chenab river is its tributary)

Kargil: it is a politically important place in India which is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Kargil war took place between India and Pakistan in 1999. The main reason for this war was the violation of Shimla Treaty. In this, Pakistan army captured some parts of Kashmir. To drive Pakistan back, India launched Vijay Operation, which was successful as the Indian Army defeated Pakistan Army. In this war many Indian solders scarified their life for our country India.

It was difficult for the Indian Army to defeat the Pakistani army which had made its base on the high places of Kashmir. During this period, the soldiers of Bihar battalion of Indian gave their life. When his dead body was brought back, we saw that our Indian soldier took bullets to their chest and he realized that the soldier were not afraid and did not run away but the Pakistani army soldiers had to run to save their life and they were shot in the back.

Ladakh: It has largest constituency in India. It is also called Little Tibet. Here is the Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport which is the 4th highest airport in the world.

Baramulla Mountain: It pulls the Aeroplane toward itself because of its high electromagnetic power.

Note: Bermuda triangle of Atlantic Ocean pulls the ships because of its high gravitational force whereas in space black hole pulls the things because of its extremely highest density, it even let not allow light to pass through it.

Gulmarg: It famous for tourist place. it is located in Baramulla district in J&K. it is the place which attracts the people for its natural beauty. If you want to find peace for your mind and soul then, you should visit Gulmarg. there is no other place better than it. There is High Altitude Research centre is here.

Srinagar: It was founded by king Ashoka. It becomes the capital of J&K during summer season (March to October).

Amarnath: It is famous for Amarnath yatra which is devoted to Lord shiva.

Vaishno Devi: there is Hindu temple of Vaishno Devi.

Udhampur: There is headquarter of North Command Indian Army.

Jammu: It is located besides of the tabi river. its railway station name is Jammu tabi. It was founded by king Jammulochan. it becomes the capital of J&K during winter season (October to March.)

The languages of J&K are as diverse as it culture. People of Kashmir speaks many languages. The region of this languages have been evolved over the century which are influenced by historical aspects like religious movements, trade routes and neighbourhood country. the most spoken language in Kashmir valleys is Kashmiri, apart from this in other regions have own languages and dialects.

Kashmiri: It is also known as Koshur which is spoken in the Kashmiri valleys. It is part of the Indo-Aryan language family. Kashmiri is on the most ancient languages with rich literary tradition. It was written in Sharada script firstly but now it is mostly written in Perso-Arabic script. Kashmiri language reflects the pain, spiritualty, beauty of the Kashmiri people.

the other languages of Kashmir is Urdu which are spoken particularly in urban areas and where there are majority of Muslim population. Dogri is also dominant language which is spoken in Jammu city and its surroundings areas. it is also part of the Indo-Aryan family group like Kashmiri.

Pahari language is spoken in hills area of Jammu specially which touches the border of Himanchal Pradesh region whereas Ladakhi languages is influenced by Tibetan languages which is spoken in Ladakh region of J&K.

The culture of J&K is very rich and the most diverse. Kashmir reflects the beauty of nature. Harmony of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist religions is found in the area of ​​Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir extends from snow capped mountains to lush valleys that enrich its tradition, music, art and craftsmanship.

Handicraft and Art:

Handicraft and Art of Jammu and Kashmir are very popular in the world. Pashmina Shawls, Kashmiri carpets are very famous here. These beautiful handicrafts are made by local artisans of Kashmir and they are admired for their skill all over the world. Pashmina shawls are known for its softness & quality and it has become a signature product in Kashmir.

Foods: 

Kashmiri food is known for its nice flavour, use of  spices and decent taste. Cuisine dish is very famous in J&K that contains a variety of chutney and puddings such as mooli akhrot chutney and phirni etc. Major foods of Kashmir are Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Goshtaba, Yakhni, Rista, Daniwal korma etc.

Festivals:

Jammu and Kashmiri festivals are fabulous. people of jammu and kashmir celebrate Eid and Diwali enthusiastically  But apart from these different-2 communities celebrate different festivals like Shikara and Hemis festival. These festivals make Kashmir’s culture and community life.

Other festivals are:- Tulip festival, Gurej festival, Amarnath yatra, Shindhu Darsan festival, Shikara festival and Losar festival.

Religious Places: 

Kashmir is also famous for its most important religious places like Vaishno Devi temple, Amarnath cave and Shankaracharya temple. These places provide spiritual connection to the Devotee. Amarnath Cave has the most dangerous trekking routes. It takes three days to reach this cave. It is devoted to the Lord Shiva.

Conclusion:

Jammu and Kashmir is a full of grace because of its diversity in nature consisting number of rivers, lakes, mountains, tourist places and cultures. Apart from this, Kashmir has always been a sensitive place in India because of terrorism and local violence and conflict between India and Pakistan. But everything seems to fine gradually after article 370 was demolished by India’s parliament. soon, it will be a place without any violence.

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