The name of state Jammu and Kashmir brings images of snow clad mountains, fresh air, lush green forest simmering blue water bodies to the mind. in short it creates natures ambience at its best giving solace to the heart and the soul. J& K as it is referred to in short, is situated in the north of India and its peripherals touching international lines of Pakistan Tibet and Himachal Pradesh. The state has a trio bifurcation based on topology, and culture. It is Jammu region, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh-Leh area.
The creation of Kashmir dates back to millions of years when waves originating from Indian Ocean laid layers and layers of silt and rock in the region of the Himalayas. A portion of land became infertile and it exists today in the foothill of the mountain ranges. Gradually island of different dimensions cropped up and got inhabited. Several earthquakes over centuries shifted the huge water and lakes came into existence.

Shikara Ride in Dal Lake

Mughal Garden in Srinagar

A mythological story exists in Hindu text that revolves round Satisar Lake. At that time snake worshippers the Nagas lived here. They were terrorized by demon Jaladeo. They call upon sage Kashyap for help. The Sage meditates and God Shiva descends on earth. With a single blow a crater is created in the mountain. The water found a passage and later the land so created was available to the people. In period beyond this time Kashmir was called by different names. For Greeks it was Kashyapamar and Chinese pilgrim Hiun Tsang addressed it as Kashimilo when he visited the valley in the 7th century. The locals called it Kasperia.

Skiing in Gulmarg

Kashmir Culture

Authenticated history of the land portraits the coming of Mauryan King Ashoka in the 3rd century BC and reined the place between 296-232 BC. Some ancient text gives description of the place at the time of Mahabharata. At time Srinagar was the capital of the colossal empire the epicenter being Pandrathan 3 miles away from the present city. Ashoka spread the Buddhist religion and many existing temples stupas and statues show its testimony. The Buddhists ruled till the 8th century. Ladakh has several monasteries. Huns gained rule of the place in the sixth century. There are stories of cruelty by the ruler in this phase of history. The exemplary independent Kashmir was formed by the Hindu King Lalitya Dityas's rule 724-761. He stationed his army at Kashmir and conquered South India, Turkistan and Tibet successfully.

After Snowfall view of Gulmarg

Dal Lake View

The remains of the empire are there at Martand, Avantipor and Pandrethan. This dynasty rule was followed by weak successors leading to unstable rule, economic hardships, and mismanagement in the region till Avantivarman came to power and ruled in the time frame 855-883. Technology related to water management made remarkable progress. Floods and drainage was scientifically controlled. Later King Unmattavati a sadist ruled the region from 939-944 AD. The cruel repression continued till King Harisha arrived on the scene and ruled from 1089-1101.King Harisha attributes are praised till today as a courageous, artistically talented and technologically well informed ruler. He was over thrown in a revolt. The confusion in the land prevailed with insignificant rulers. ..