Srinagar

Srinagar is a district in the State of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The district derives its name form the town of the same name which is also its district headquarter. It is situated in the centre of Kashmir Valley. In the north it is flanked by Kargil and Ganderbal in the South by Pulwama, in the north-west by Budgam. The capital city of Srinagar, is located 1585 metres above sea level.

The district with a population of around 10.94 Lakh as per census 2001, is sperad over an area of 294 Sq. Km. It comprises two tehsils/towns viz Srinagar North and Srinagar South, one block (Srinagar), besides 136 Revenue villages.

History

According to a popular legend which is also 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 city of Srinagar had a big market and mansions made of wood touching the clouds. Hieun-tsang the famous Chinese traveller visited Srinagar and has described it in his memoirs.

Latter, many kings established their capitals in the past. It ultimately became the capital of the State.

Some of the famous capitals were known as 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.

The district has a very rich culture. It is famous for Bhand Pather (a folk theatre), Chakri (a folk music) and Sufiana Music.

Politics

Assembly constituencies and their areas after delimitation order of 2008
The above Order for the State of Jammu and Kashmir is as per the details given in Order No. 1 of the Delimitation Commission, Jammu and Kashmir notified in the Central and the State Gazettes on 27th April, 1995.

16 Kangan Vidhan Sabha Constituency - All PCs of tehsil Kangan ; and PCs 1-Manigam, 2-Wailoo, 3-Nunar in tehsil Ganderbal.

17 Ganderbal Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Tehsil Ganderbal excluding 1-Manigam, 2-Wailoo, 3-Nunar and P.C. Haran in Srinagar tehsil.

18 Hazratbal Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Ward 16 in Srinagar Municipality (excluding Municipal areas not falling in Srinagar tehsil but falling in Ganderbal tehsil) and PC 9-Bachpora in tehsil Ganderbal and Wards 17 and 12 except the following mohallas of Ward 12 ; Mugal Mohalla, Surateng, Khawjapora, Kocha Nidan, Zindashah and boat population of these wards.

19 Zadibal Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Wards 14 and 15 in Srinagar Municipality and boat population of Achar and of the ghats of these wards.

20 Idgah Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Wards 8 and 11 in Srinagar Municipality and PC 38- Palpora and 41-Sangam in Srinagar tehsil.

21 Khanyar Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Wards 10-13 of Srinagar Municipality and the following mohallas of Ward 12-Mugal Mohalla, Surateng, Khawjapora, Zindshah and Kocha Nidan and boat population of these wards.

22 Habbakadal Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Wards 7 and 9 in Srinagar Municipality and boat population of Wards 6,7, and 9.

23 Amirakadal Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Wards 3 and 4 in Srinagar Municipality excluding (i) Natipora (rural),(ii)Rawalpora (rural), (iii)Hyderpora (rural); and excluding Aramwari,Gund Chandal,Stingoo, Sutho Kirther Bagh in tehsil Chadoora and Watdoor,Galwanpora Laloo and Shesgam Bagh in tehsil Budgam and boat population of these wards and of Ward 5.

24 Sonawar Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Wards 1 and 2 in Srinagar Municipality and Badamibagh Cantonment and P.C. 21- Chitrahama, 19-Dara, 29-Khunmu, 30-Balhama, 31-Zewan in tehsil Srinagar and boat population of Ghats in these wards.

25 Batamaloo Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Wards 5 and 6 in Srinagar Municipality; and PCs 6-Mujgund, 42-Bachipora Tengpora in Srinagar tehsil.

Places of interest
Hazratbal Shirne, Shankaracharya Temple, Khanqah e Molla, Jama Masjid of Srinagar, Imambara Hassanabad, Chatti Padshahi, Cheshma Shahi, Pari Mahal, Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, Dal Lake, Dachigam, Amarnath Cave