Srinagar history

The history of Srinagar, the summer capital of the Jammu and Kashmir region, is rooted in deep antiquity. Located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, this city has witnessed the rise and fall of empires over centuries, remaining a vital centre of culture and trade.

Foundation and First Mentions

According to historical chronicles and legends, the first settlement at this site was founded as early as the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty. However, the modern city as we know it today was established in the 6th century AD by a ruler named Pravarasena II. The name "Srinagar" is derived from Sanskrit and is traditionally translated as "City of Abundance and Beauty" or "City of the Goddess Sri (Lakshmi)," which perfectly reflects its picturesque nature and rich heritage.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Srinagar was facilitated by a unique combination of several factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the banks of the Jhelum River and around lakes, such as the famous Dal Lake, created a natural transport system of channels. This not only provided the city with resources but also gave it a unique appearance, for which it is often called the "Venice of the East."
• Trade Hub: For many centuries, Srinagar was situated at the intersection of important trade routes linking the subcontinent with Tibet, China, and Central Asia. This made it a bustling centre of commerce and cultural exchange.
• Political Power: The city repeatedly became the capital of powerful states. It was a significant centre under the Kushans, the capital of the Kashmir Sultanate, and later, the summer residence during the Mughal Empire and the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, Srinagar has been a melting pot of cultures and religions. Initially, it was a significant centre of Buddhism, and later Hinduism. From the 14th century, the city became one of the key centres of Islamic culture in the region, as evidenced by ancient wooden mosques. A special contribution to the city's appearance was made by the Mughal Emperors, who laid out magnificent gardens here, such as Shalimar Bagh.

The economy of early Srinagar was inextricably linked to craftsmanship. The city became famous worldwide for the artistry of its masters, who created the renowned Kashmiri shawls, silk fabrics, carved wooden items, handmade carpets, as well as exquisite copper and silverware. These traditional crafts remain an important part of its cultural identity today.

Key Milestones in the History of Srinagar

The history of Srinagar is a kaleidoscope of eras and cultures that have left their mark on the architecture, traditions, and the very spirit of this unique city in the heart of the Kashmir Valley.

• 3rd Century BC — According to ancient chronicles, the first settlement in this region was founded by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty, who facilitated the spread of Buddhism in the Kashmir Valley.
• 6th Century AD — The foundation of the modern city takes place under ruler Pravarasena II, who gave it a name meaning "City of Abundance and Beauty."
• ~960 AD — Srinagar officially becomes the capital of Kashmir under the rule of local Hindu and Buddhist dynasties.
• 14th Century — The city comes under the control of Muslim rulers and becomes the capital of the Kashmir Sultanate, marking the beginning of a new cultural and religious era.
• 1395 — One of the oldest and most iconic wooden mosques in the city, Shah-i-Hamadan, is erected.
• 1586 — Emperor Akbar incorporates the Kashmir Valley, along with Srinagar, into the powerful Mughal Empire.
• ~1620 — By order of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the creation of famous gardens such as Shalimar Bagh begins, becoming the city's hallmark.
• 1752 — Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, Srinagar falls under the rule of the Afghan Durrani Empire for several decades.
• 1814 — Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexes Kashmir, including Srinagar, to the Sikh Empire.
• 1846 — The city becomes the summer capital of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir under the Dogra dynasty, retaining this status until the mid-20th century.

Key Stages of Srinagar's Development

The development of Srinagar is a story of how the city adapted and prospered over centuries thanks to its unique geographical location, cultural synthesis, and the entrepreneurial spirit of its residents. The main milestones reflect the city's transformation into an important economic and cultural hub.

• Emergence as a Craft Centre (14th-19th Centuries): Srinagar established itself as a global centre for the production of high-quality handmade goods. Legendary Pashmina shawls, intricate walnut wood carving, handmade carpets, and papier-mâché items became the city's calling card. This formed the foundation of its economy and brought fame to local artisans far beyond the region.
• Mughal Urban Planning (16th-17th Centuries): The Mughal era transformed Srinagar, turning it into a prestigious summer resort. Emperors such as Jahangir and Shah Jahan created famous terraced gardens—Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. These gardens became not only masterpieces of landscape architecture but also important public spaces that defined the city's aesthetic for centuries to come.
• Development of Unique Wooden Architecture (14th-17th Centuries): A distinct architectural style formed in the city, combining local traditions with Persian influence. Striking examples include the Grand Mosque (Jama Masjid) and the Shah-i-Hamadan Mosque, built predominantly of wood. These structures, with their multi-tiered roofs and carved columns, defined the unique silhouette of the old city.
• Era of "Floating Houses" (19th Century): When the British were prohibited from owning land in Kashmir during their rule, they found an original solution—building residential boats, or houseboats, on Dal Lake. Over time, these ornately decorated wooden homes turned into floating hotels and became an integral part of the tourism infrastructure and a unique feature of Srinagar.
• Transformation into Summer Capital (1846): After the formation of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar received the official status of summer capital. This facilitated the construction of administrative buildings, infrastructure development, and the strengthening of its role as the region's political and tourist centre.
• Growth of Modern Tourism (20th Century): In the 20th century, Srinagar became one of the most popular hill stations. The development of transport links and the hospitality industry attracted travellers from all over the world, eager to enjoy the cool climate, the beauty of the lakes, and the grandeur of the Himalayas.

The architectural appearance of Srinagar represents a unique blend of styles formed under the influence of successive cultures and eras. Located in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, the city has absorbed Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Mughal, and European traditions, which is reflected in its iconic buildings and general urban plan.

Kashmir Sultanate: Era of Wooden Architecture

From the 14th century, during the rule of Muslim dynasties, a distinctive architectural style formed in Srinagar, the main feature of which was the use of wood, particularly Deodar cedar. This style is a synthesis of local traditions, Persian, and even Buddhist influence, which is noticeable in the multi-tiered roofs resembling pagodas.

• Key Features: Intricate wood carving, complex lattice work (pinjra-kari), multi-level pyramidal roofs, and the use of brickwork combined with a wooden frame.
• Iconic Structures: The Grand Mosque (Jama Masjid) and Shah-i-Hamadan Mosque are the brightest examples of this style. These structures, built predominantly of wood, defined the unique silhouette of the old part of the city.

Mughal Empire: Gardens and Fortification

In the 16th and 17th centuries, when Srinagar became part of the Mughal Empire, the architectural focus shifted from religious structures to the creation of luxurious gardens and fortifications. The Mughals introduced principles of Persian landscape architecture to the region, based on symmetry and harmony.

• Style: Classic Mughal architecture with characteristic terraces, water channels, fountains, and pavilions made of polished stone.
• Iconic Sites: The world-famous Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi gardens, laid out by order of the emperors for summer leisure. These gardens, located on the banks of Dal Lake, became the embodiment of the Mughal idea of paradise on earth. Also during this period, the Hari Parbat fort, towering over the city, was fortified.

Colonial Period and Modernity

From the 19th century, European features began to appear in Srinagar's architecture. However, the most unique phenomenon of this period was the appearance of houseboats—floating homes on Dal Lake. Originally created for the British, who were forbidden from owning land, these homes, richly decorated with carved wood, turned into the city's hallmark and a popular type of accommodation for tourists. Modern urban planning in Srinagar combines both traditional motifs and modern concrete structures, reflecting the dynamic development of the city.

Distinguished Personalities in the History of Srinagar

Srinagar, having been the cultural and political heart of the Kashmir Valley for centuries, became the birthplace and centre of activity for many prominent rulers, poets, mystics, and public figures. Their legacy has left a deep mark on the history and culture of the region.

• Lal Ded (14th Century): Also known as Lalleshwari, she was a mystic poetess whose verses (vakhs) became the foundation of modern Kashmiri literature. Lal Ded is revered as a saint by both Hindus and Muslims, and her work, full of philosophical depth, is an integral part of Kashmir's cultural code.
• Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (15th Century): The eighth sultan of the Shah Miri dynasty, who ruled from 1420 to 1470. His era is considered the "Golden Age" of Kashmir. He went down in history with the moniker Bud Shah (Great King) for his policy of religious tolerance, patronage of the arts, crafts, and sciences, as well as for large-scale public works, including the construction of canals and bridges.
• Habba Khatoon (16th Century): A famous poetess and wife of the Kashmiri ruler Yusuf Shah Chak, known as the "Nightingale of Kashmir." Her lyrical poems, filled with themes of love, longing, and the beauty of nature, became folk songs and are still popular in Kashmir today. She made a huge contribution to romantic poetry in the Kashmiri language.
• Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor (1887–1952): Considered one of the fathers of modern Kashmiri poetry. Mahjoor introduced new themes into literature, moving away from traditional Persian motifs. In his poems, he praised the beauty of Kashmir, wrote about freedom, and called for social reforms, becoming the voice of his people in the 20th century.
• Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah (1905–1982): A key political figure of the 20th century, founder of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference party. Known as the "Lion of Kashmir" (Sher-e-Kashmir), he played a central role in the political life of the region in the mid-20th century, serving as Prime Minister and Chief Minister.
• Agha Shahid Ali (1949–2001): A world-renowned Kashmiri-American poet who wrote in English. Raised in Srinagar, he wove images and memories of Kashmir into his works, introducing a global audience to the culture and pain of his homeland. His collection "Rooms Are Never Finished" was a finalist for the National Book Award in the USA.