Kashmir Valley
Kashmir is one of the most perfect places in this imperfect world.
Prettier than celestial maiden, this is the land of sparkling rivers and
serene lakes, of stunning gardens and stately chinar trees, of flowering
meadows and snow-capped peaks. The valley is famous for its natural beauty
and has always been called 'Paradise On Earth' and often been referred to as
the 'Switzerland of the East'. Kashmir imparts endless beauty, which never
fades, it only changes from the sparkling white of winter, through the
purity of spring, the dazzling green of summer to intense autumn.
Topography of Kashmir
Kashmir is enclosed by the high snow-capped
ridges of the Himalayan range in the east and the Pir Panjal range in the
west and south. The swift-flowing Jhelum river sweeps past Srinagar and
coils its way across the valley. According to legend, corroborated by some
geologists, Kashmir was earlier a huge lake called the Karewa, which was
formed by the blocking of the Jhelum river. The river finally escaped by
forming a deep gorge through the Pir Panjal range at Uri. After the waters
of the Karewa drained away, the valley of Kashmir was left behind. There is
evidence of coral and other marine fossils in this region.
Significance of its name
Historians say that Kashmir valley was
originally known as Kashyapmar or the abode of Kashyap Rishi. It is said
that the rishi once went on a pilgrimage to Kashmir. When he reached
Naukabandan near Kaunsarnag, at the request of the people he killed Bahudev,
the giant of Satisar and let the water of the lake flow out near Baramulla.
The land, therefore, came to be known as Kashyampar, which afterward changed
into to Kashmir. But some historians are of the opinion that when the people
of Kash caste settled here permanently the valley came to be known as
Kashmir.
Flora N Fauna
Kashmir is famous for its beautiful and natural scenery throughout the
world. It is also widely known for its different kinds of agricultural
products, fruit, vegetables, saffron, herbs, minerals, precious stones &
finest kind of embroidery on clothes.
Political Importance
Since the 19th century, the state of Jammu
and Kashmir has acquired a unique geo-political status in the Indian
sub-continent. It has contiguous boundaries with Russia, Afghanistan,
Pakistan, China and Tibet that deserve constant vigil and as such it has
made the State very important, geographically, politically, economically and
from the military point of view. Jammu and Kashmir state acceded to the
Indian Union in 1947 after the partition.
