Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
Native name	Srinagar
Other name	سری نگرشرینگرश्रीनगर
Type	capital
Skyline	Srinagar.jpg
Skyline alt	Panorama of city in green area near a river and lakes
Skyline caption	View of Srinagar and Dal Lake
Coordinates	34°5′24″N74°47′24″N
Base map alt	Located in the northwest part of the state
Inset map alt	The northernmost state in India
State name	Jammu and Kashmir
District	Srinagar
Area total	238
Area magnitude	8
Altitude	1585
Climate	Cfa
Precip	710
Temp summer	24.1
Temp winter	2.5
Distance 1	876
Direction 1	NW
Destination 1	Delhi
Distance 2	2275
Direction 2	NE
Mode 2	land
Destination 2	Mumbai
Established title	Settled
Established date	3rd century BC
Population as of	2001
Population total	894940
Population total cite
Population density	8523
Population metro	971357
Population metro cite
Population males	481750
Population females	413190
Sex ratio	1.17
Literacy	59.18
Official languages	Kashmiri, Urdu
Leader title 1	Mayor
Leader name 1	Salman Sagar (NC)
Area telephone	0194
Postal code	190 001
Unlocode	IN SXR
Vehicle code range	JK
Website	www.srinagar.nic.in }}

Srinagar (Kashmiri: سری نگر; Urdu: شرینگر; Dogri: श्रीनगर) is the summer seasonal capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. It is one of the largest cities in India not to have a Hindu majority. The city is famous for its gardens, lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. It is also the headquarters of Srinagar district.

Origin of name

Etymologically Srinagar is composed of two Sanskrit words, ''śrī'' (venerable) and ''nagar'', which means "city". One theory of the origin of the name is that a Pandava King Ashoka (not to be confused with Maurya Ashoka) built the city of Srinagari (Srinagar). Another theory is that in Kashmir Mauryan Emperor Ashoka founded the original city of Srinagar, then situated on the site of the present village of Pandrathan, three miles to the north of the existing capital.

History

Srinagar has a long history, dating back at least to the 3rd century BC, and has been known by different names. The city was founded by the King Pravarasena II over 2,000 years ago, named it Parvasenpur. The city was then a part of the Maurya Empire, one of the largest empires of the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka introduced Buddhism to the Kashmir valley, and the adjoining regions around the city became a centre of Buddhism. In the 1st century, the region was under the control of Kushans and several rulers of this dynasty strengthened the Buddhist tradition. Vikramaditya (of Ujjain) and his successors probably ruled the regions just before the city fell to the control of the Huns in the 6th century, and Mihirkula was the most dreaded ruler of the city and the valley.

The Independent Hindu and the Buddhist rule of Srinagar lasted until the 14th century,some of the notable independent rulers were Lalitaditya, Avantiverman and Sangrama Deva when the Kashmir valley, including the city, came under the control of the several Muslim rulers, including the Mughals. It was also the capital during the reign of Yusuf Shah Chak, an Independent Kashmiri ruler who was tricked by Akbar when he failed to conquer Kashmir by force. Yusuf Shah Chak remains buried in Bihar in India. Akbar established Mughal rule in Srinagar and Kashmir valley.

With the disintegration of the Mughal Empire after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, infiltrations to the valley from the Pashtun tribes increased, and the Durrani Empire ruled the city for several decades. Raja Ranjit Singh in the year 1814 annexed a major part of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, to his kingdom, and the city came under the influence of the Sikhs. In 1846, the Treaty of Lahore was signed between the Sikh rulers and the British in Lahore. The treaty, ''inter alia'', provided British de-facto suzerainty over the Kashmir Valley, and installed Gulab Singh as an independent and sovereign ruler of the region. Srinagar became part of his kingdom and remained until 1947 as one of several princely states in British India. The maharadjas choose Sher Garhi Palace as their main Srinagar residence.

After India and Pakistan's independence from Britain, certain tribes from mountainous region of west Kashmir, at the instigation of Pakistan and with the collusion allied Pushtun tribals, entered the Kashmir valley to capture it. India responded by sending in troops to the Kashmir valley. While the Pushtuns gained control of the majority of Srinagar they were not able to secure Srinagar Airport. This allowed India to air lift in supplies, including heavy weapons, and were able to control the city and its surroundings and pushed out the Pushtuns. Hari Singh signed an agreement in late 1947 with the Government of India partly in order to gain political refuge, which ensured legal and binding accession to India under certain preconditions.

The Government of India, immediately air-lifted Indian troops to Srinagar, and defence of the city was further strengthened against further attacks. Meanwhile, the matter was escalated to the United Nations and a cease fire was imposed under its authority. These events resulted in the division of the state into an Indian administered region and a Pakistani administered region.

The city has suffered from severe political unrest during the last decades. Kashmiri separatist and Indian military forces have been clashing periodically. The latest episodes of politically motivated tensions occurred in 2008 and 2010. The city is heavily militarized.

Geography

Location: Highest temperature: ; lowest

The city is located on both the sides of the Jhelum River, which is called ''Vyath'' in Kashmir. The river passes through the city and meanders through the valley, moving onward and deepening in the Wular Lake. The city is famous for its nine old bridges, connecting the two parts of the city.

Hokersar is a wetland situated near Srinagar—the capital of Indian Kashmir. Thousands of migratory birds come to Hokersar from Siberia and other regions in the winter season. Migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia use wetlands in Kashmir as their transitory camps between September and October and again around spring. These wetlands play a vital role in sustaining a large population of wintering, staging and breeding birds.

Hokersar is north of Srinagar, and is a world class wetland spread over including lake and marshy area. It is the most accessible and well-known of Kashmir's wetlands which include Hygam and hygam is the best place of situation, Shalibug and Mirgund. A record number of migratory birds have visited Hokersar in recent years. An estimated quarter of a million birds have already been spotted at Hokersar in the current season.

Birds found in Hokersar—Migratory ducks and geese which include Brahminy Duck, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Garganey, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Eurasian Wigeon.

Climate

Srinagar has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen ''Cfa''), with a climate much cooler than what is found in much of the rest of India, due to its moderately high elevation and northerly position.The valley is surrounded by Himalayas on all sides. Winters are cool, with a January daily mean of , and temperatures usually dip below freezing at night; Moderate to heavy snow fall is expected in winters and the only road that connects Srinagar with rest of India is cut off. Summers are warm, with a July daily mean of . The average annual rainfall is around ; spring is the wettest season while autumn is the driest.

Economy

The gross domestic product of Srinagar metro was estimated at US$2 billion in 2010. Srinagar is the pivotal centre of the economy of the Kashmir Valley, and it has remained a tourist destination for centuries. The valley has attracted rulers from the plains of India for a long time, and they traveled to the valley and the city to avoid the hot summers of the Indo-Gangetic plains. The city remained on the itinerary of the Mughal ruling elite, and several Mughal emperors and their consorts had visited the city, and several Mughal gardens in and around the city indicate their close association with Srinagar.

The hinterland of Srinagar is the most populous part of the Kashmir valley, and crops like wheat and rice are cultivated for local consumption. Orchards produce a number of fruits, particularly apples. Another significant segment of the economy include handicrafts, weaving of woolen shawls and dress materials, and woodcarving. Srinagar and the surrounding areas serve as collecting points from where fruits and handicraft products are taken to several parts of the Indian subcontinent.

In November 2011, the City Mayors Foundation - an advocacy think tank - announced that Srinagar was the 92nd fastest growing urban areas in the world in terms of economic growth, based on actual data from 2006 onwards and projections to 2020.

Tourism

Tourism is the most significant segment of the city's economy. The city of Srinagar is a gateway to some of the most scenic and beautiful places of the Indian subcontinent. The hill station and skiing resort Gulmarg is 50 km from the city. For decades, tourism has been contributing massively to the economy of the city, but it has been adversely affected on account of insurgent activities by certain elements. The areas on the outskirts of Srinagar are also famous for their natural beauty. Also in this area lies the Muzaffarabad Cantonement, which is the main cantonement of the Indian Army in Srinagar District(the name of the Cantt. is often confused with Muzaffarabad city which is a separate city in Pakistan administered Kashmir)

Srinagar is well known for its lakes. Dal Lake is known for its houseboats. Nagin Lake is another famous lake in the city.

Houseboats were introduced accidentally to Kashmir: members of the Indian Civil Service serving in the plains who vacationed in Kashmir were not permitted to build permanent homes because of the then Maharaja's suspicion of a British presence in Srinagar. They thus chose to live in houseboats. The first such, named ''Victory'', was designed by Mr MT Kenhard in 1888. There are now about five hundred on the Lake.

Srinagar has some Mughal gardens, forming a part of those laid by the Mughal emperors across the Indian subcontinent. Those of Srinagar and its close vicinity include Chashma Shahi (the royal fountains); Pari Mahal (the palace of the fairies); Nishat Bagh (the garden of spring); Shalimar Bagh; and the Naseem Bagh. The Tulip Gardens have been recently opened to public bySonia Gandhi.

It has been called the "Venice of the East" or the "Kasmiri Venice"

The Sher Garhi Palace houses administrative buildings from the state government. Another palace of the Maharadjas, the Gulab Bhavan, has now become the Lalit Grand Palace hotel.

Government and politics

The city is run by the Srinagar Municipal Committee (SMC). The Srinagar district along with the adjoining Budgam district forms the Srinagar Parliamentary seat.

Stray dog controversy

Srinagar's city government attracted brief international attention in March 2008 when it announced a mass poisoning program aimed at eliminating the city's population of stray dogs. Officials estimate that 100,000 stray dogs roam the streets of the city, which has a human population of just under 900,000. In a survey conducted by an NGO, it was found that some residents welcomed this program, saying the city was overrun by dogs, while critics contended that more humane methods could have been used to deal with the animals.

Demographics

As of 2001, Srinagar city had a population of 894,940. The population density in the city is while the overall population density is . The languages spoken are mainly Kashmiri, Urdu and English. Muslims make up more than 97% of the population, Hindus 2% and Sikhs and others 1%.

Transport

Road

The city is served by many national highways, including National Highway 1A and National Highway 1D

Air

Srinagar Airport connects the city with other destinations in India, as well as occasional international flights.

Rail

The city is part of the Kashmir Railway, which once completed, will connect the city to the Rail network of India.

Culture

Like the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar too has a distinctive blend of cultural heritage. Holy places in and around the city depict the historical cultural and religious diversity of the city as well as the Kashmir valley.

Places of worship

There are many religious holy places in Srinagar. They include:

Hazratbal Shrine

Jama Masjid, Srinagar, one of the oldest mosques in Kashmir

Kheer bhawani in Ganderbal

Hari Parbathill hosts shrine of Sarika Mata temple

Shankaracharya temple

Performing arts

Performing arts of the city include:

Bhand Pather, a form of traditional folk theatre art form of play and dance, is performed by a group of about ten to fifteen artists. They depict in a satirical style social evils. Performance is accompanied by light music.

Chakri is a major and popular form of Kashmiri folk music.

Another form of Kashmiri genre of music called Sufiana music is also practiced in the city. It was introduced in the valley in the 15th century from Iran. Over centuries, it has assimilated a number of Indian Ragas, and has established itself as a classical music of the region. The instruments used in the music include Santoor, Sitar, Kashmiri Saz, Tabla, and Wasool.

Hafiz Nagma, a form of dance, is performed to the accompaniment of Sufiana music. The dancer is a female while males play different instruments used in Sufiana music.

Rouf is also an important foulk dance kashmiri women do in marriages or on the eve of IDD/EID. All women's hands on another women's shoulders moving to and fro.

Education

National Institute of Technology, Srinagar

University of Kashmir, Srinagar

Islamic University of Science & Technology

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K)

Sri Pratap College (Est.1905)

Tyndale Biscoe School (Est.1880)

Tiny Harts School, Tangpora, Srinagar.

Presentation Convent High School, Rajbagh, Srinagar.

Burn Hall School, Sonawar, Srinagar.

Iqbal Memorial Institute,Bemina, Srinagar.

S.M.D. High School – Munawar-abad, Khayam Road, Srinagar

Lal Ded Memorial School, Ganpatyar, Habba Kadal, Srinagar.

Media

Four FM frequencies are available in the city. However, only two bids were received by the government. Adlabs is the only FM radio operator in Srinagar (its bid was Rs. 61 lakh). The second bidder South Asia FM did not qualify because its bid was less than 25 per cent of the highest bidder, the minimum amount to be eligible for bidding.

Sports

Adventure sports are popular among tourists. Dal Lake has potential for canoeing and water skiing. Water trekking is local name for three to four day trip along the Jhelum River to various lakes in a shikara with camping gear. Dachigam National Park () and Pahalgam () are popular destinations for hikers, trekkers and fishers. The city is home to the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, a stadium where international cricket matches have been played.

Sports like football and cricket are popular among school children. Famous Cricket Players are Ali, Aijaz Bhat, Omer Yousuf, Aftab Ahmad, Abid Nabi, Omer Gulzar etc.

Srinagar has an outdoor stadium namely Bakshi Stadium for football named after the name of Bakshi ghulam Mohammed .

See also

Kashmir Shaivism Philosophy

Swami Lakshman Joo Raina

Dah Hanu

Muzaffarabad - capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Gilgit - capital of Gilgit-Baltistan

References

External links

Srinagar district administration

Official website of Jammu and Kashmir

Images of Srinagar

Category:Hill stations in India Category:Jammu and Kashmir Category:Indian capital cities

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Coordinates	41°52′55″N87°37′40″N
playername	Maninder Singh
country	India
batting	Right-hand bat
bowling	Slow left-arm orthodox
deliveries	balls
columns	2
column1	Tests
matches1	35
runs1	99
bat avg1	3.80
100s/50s1	-/-
top score1	15
deliveries1	8218
wickets1	88
bowl avg1	37.36
fivefor1	3
tenfor1	2
best bowling1	7/27
catches/stumpings1	9/-
column2	ODIs
matches2	59
runs2	49
bat avg2	12.25
100s/50s2	-/-
top score2	8*
deliveries2	3133
wickets2	66
bowl avg2	31.00
fivefor2	-
tenfor2	n/a
best bowling2	4/22
catches/stumpings2	18/-
date	4 February
year	2006
source	http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/30923.html }}

Maninder Singh (b. 13 June 1965, Pune, India) is a former international cricket player who represented India in 35 Test matches and 59 One Day Internationals. With his slow left-arm orthodox spin, Maninder was considered as an heir to Bishan Singh Bedi, who then held the record as India's leading spinner in terms of wickets. However, he failed to live up to the promise he held. He is now mostly remembered for his dismissal in the Madras test resulting in a tie against Australia in 1986-87 series. Though now retired from active cricket, Maninder is still in the scene as a cricket commentator. Maninder is one of the best spinners ever produced by India. The ball he clean bowled Javed Miandad is still considered one of the greatest balls bowled in international cricket.

On 22 May 2007, Maninder was questioned by police for possession of cocaine and he confessed to using cocaine for himself. It is alleged that they found 1.5 grams of cocaine in his residence in East Delhi, sold to him by a Nigerian national the police had been following.

In the early hours of 8 June 2007 Maninder was admitted to Shanti Mukund hospital in Delhi with injuries to his wrists. His wife has issued a statement saying that it was "purely an accident" however local TV channels have speculated that it could be the result of a suicide attempt or even a domestic accident.

References

Category:1965 births Category:Living people Category:India One Day International cricketers Category:India Test cricketers Category:Cricketers at the 1987 Cricket World Cup Category:Delhi cricketers Category:North Zone cricketers Category:Shropshire cricketers Category:Cricket commentators

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