Photography from Jammu & Kashmir
Introduction
Jammu and Kashmir is the
northernmost state of the Union of India. The state shares international border
with China and Afghanistan in the north, Tibet in the east and Pakistan in the
west. The states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh form its southern border. Major
parts of the Jammu & Kashmir state represent high and rugged mountainous
terrain.
Climate
The climate of the state ranges from
the scorching heat of the plains of (Jammu Division) to the snow-capped heights
of Gulmarg (Kashmir) and the mud peak of Mount Godwin Austin (Ladakh) 21,265
feet above sea level. Broadly, the state of Jammu and Kashmir comprises of
three distinct climatic regions: cold arid desert areas of Ladakh, temperate Kashmir
Valley, and the humid sub-tropical region of Jammu. The mean annual rainfall in
cold arid zone (Ladakh region) varies from 100 mm to 300 mm received by western
disturbance. The annual rainfall in temperate region (Kashmir valley & Pir
Panjal) varies from 600 – 900 mm and added with snowfall. Leh is the coldest
and Jammu is the hottest area. Mean monthly temperature is lowest in January
and highest in July except in Jammu where highest temperature is experienced in
June. Mean monthly temperature in January varies from –17°C at Drass to 14°C at
Jammu. January 15 to March 15 is ice cold season when temperature in most of
the areas in Kashmir is below 0°C. It snows during winter.
History
There are many legends on Kashmir.
According to Hindu mythology, Kashmir was created by Kashyap Rishi (Nilmat
Purana & Rajtarangini). Emperor Ashok ruled this state in 3rd
century B.C. and introduced Buddhism in this valley. Later Kushan king Kanishka
ruled this state. In the 6th century Kashmir came under the control of Huns and
regained freedom in 530 AD. Thereafter Gupta dynasty ruled this state until the
period of Vikramaditya. After the decline of Vikramaditya, Lalitaditya ruled
this state in 697-738 A.D. He was a famous builder. Muslims came to this area
during 13th century A.D. Famous Muslim ruler Zain-ul-Abedin was a noted patron
of music and dance. He ruled this state in 1420-70 and his successor ruled till
1586. Kashmir passed into the hands of Mughals in the period of Akbar. Mughal
rulers were strong in this region prior to 1752, when Afgan ruler Ahmed-Shah
Abdali took control of this state. Within a month of partition of India into
India and Pakistan in August 1947 Pakistan sent the raiders, later to be
identified as Pakistan's own troops, into Kashmir valley. But after October 24
1947 Kashmir valley's accession to India, the Indian army went into action. The
Indian army pushed back the raiders until the UN-enforced cease fire stopped
fighting on January 1, 1949 when two-thirds of the state was cleared of the
invaders.
The history of Jammu is quite old. It finds a mention in the epic Mahabharata. This region was ruled by Dogra rulers. Raja Maldev and Raja Ranjit Dev are the famous Dogra rulers. After Raja Ranjit Dev the Jammu's Dogra regime became weak and Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab took over the state. Ranjit Singh handed over this state to one of his strongest governors and a scion of Dogra ruling family. His successors ruled the state till 1947. The Dogra King Hari Singh merged the state with the Indian Union.
The history of Jammu is quite old. It finds a mention in the epic Mahabharata. This region was ruled by Dogra rulers. Raja Maldev and Raja Ranjit Dev are the famous Dogra rulers. After Raja Ranjit Dev the Jammu's Dogra regime became weak and Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab took over the state. Ranjit Singh handed over this state to one of his strongest governors and a scion of Dogra ruling family. His successors ruled the state till 1947. The Dogra King Hari Singh merged the state with the Indian Union.
Geography
Jammu & Kashmir is situated
between 32°17' and 36°58' north latitude and 73°26' and 83°30' east longitude.
It is located in the extreme north of the country. It is bounded on north by
China, on east by Tibet, on south by Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and on west by
Pakistan. Geographically this state is divided into four zones - the
mountainous and semi-mountainous plain known as Kandi belt, hills including
Siwalik ranges, mountains of Kashmir valley and Pir Pangal range and Tibetan
tract of Ladakh and Kargil.This state has a number of lakes, rivers, rivulets
and glacial regions. The important rivers of this state are Indus, Chenab and
Sutlej (Jhelum). There are extreme variations in climate in the state, due to
its location and topography. The temperature of this state varies spatially.
Leh is coldest and Jammu is the hottest In winter night temperatures go down
below zero and very often experience snowfall.
Climate
The climate of the state ranges from
the scorching heat of the plains of (Jammu Division) to the snow-capped heights
of Gulmarg (Kashmir) and the mud peak of Mount Godwin Austin (Ladakh) 21,265
feet above sea level. Broadly, the state of Jammu and Kashmir comprises of
three distinct climatic regions: cold arid desert areas of Ladakh, temperate Kashmir
Valley, and the humid sub-tropical region of Jammu. The mean annual rainfall in
cold arid zone (Ladakh region) varies from 100 mm to 300 mm received by western
disturbance. The annual rainfall in temperate region (Kashmir valley & Pir
Panjal) varies from 600 – 900 mm and added with snowfall. Leh is the coldest
and Jammu is the hottest area. Mean monthly temperature is lowest in January
and highest in July except in Jammu where highest temperature is experienced in
June. Mean monthly temperature in January varies from –17°C at Drass to 14°C at
Jammu. January 15 to March 15 is ice cold season when temperature in most of
the areas in Kashmir is below 0°C. It snows during winter.
Water
Resources
State of Jammu and Kashmir is home
to several Himalayan glaciers. Jhelum, Indus, Tawi, Ravi and Chenab are major
rivers flowing through the state.
Economy
- Agriculture
- Industry
Agriculture
Agriculture is the mainstay of more
than 80 per cent people in Jammu & Kashmir. Major food crops are wheat,
paddy and maize. Barley, jowar and bajra are cultivated in some parts of the
state.Agro-climatic condition of this state supports horticulture. About 5 lakh
families directly or indirectly related with horticulture activities.
Industry
Handicrafts, the traditional
industry, are receiving top priority in view of employment potential and demand
for wood carving, paper-machine, carpets, shawls, embroidery etc Carpets earn a
substantial foreign exchange.
Infrastructure
- Irrigation
- Power
- Transport
- Education
- Telecommunication
Irrigation
Special initiative has taken for
flood control, drinking water supply and irrigation of Jammu & Kashmir.
Transport
Railways
At present there are railway
connection upto Jammu. Jammu to Udhampur railway connection line works is in
progress. Extension of railway line upto Srinagar and beyond and the old Mughal
route is approved.
Aviation
The major airports of the state are
Srinagar, Jammu and Lah.
Education
Education has always received the
utmost attention in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Education is totally
free. Terrorist activities have hampered the education system of this state.
They have a special fondness for burning down schools as though destruction of
such facilities redound to their glory.
Tourism
Kashmir valley is described as a
paradise on earth. Major tourist places are Chashma Shahi springs, Shalimar
Bagh, Dal Lake, etc in Srinagar; Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, etc. In the
Valley, various ancient temple, Buddhist rites, scenic beauty in Ladakh,
Vaishno Devi temple and Panitop near Jammu etc. When the heat in the plains of
India become oppressive the people's thoughts turn to the hills and many thus
used to visit the Kashmir valley. They often lived in the house boat. But at
present the flow of tourists in the Kashmir valley was interfered by the ugly
crimes committed by the Pakistan-inspired terrorists. The famous shrine of
Mother Goddess Vaishnodevi is visited by thousands of pilgrimage on foot or
horseback.
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