Google Map Of Jammu & Kashmir

One of the northeastern states with specification, Jammu & Kashmir attains new identity in India. Larger part of it is Himalayan Mountains making it wonderful tourist destination. This state is bordered by other states Himachal Pradesh and Punjab from southern side while the China and Pakistan-administered territories of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan surround as international borders from north, east and northwestern regions respectively.

Present day Jammu & Kashmir state of India is the 60% area of the former Princely Kashmir State while 30% is under the control of neighbouring Pakistan called Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. China took hold of 10% of this state by occupying it in 1962. The state faces boundary dispute since its acceding.

History:

India's Jammu and Kashmir state was integral part of erstwhile Princely State of Kashmir & Jammu prior to country's independence. It is a historic region still having dispute among India, Pakistan and China. The state is referred to as Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) by Pakistan that still claims the territory belongs to it. Many international agencies including the United Nations declare it Indian-administered Kashmir to be ruled by the Indian Union.

Three important regions Jammu, Kashmir valley and Ladakh areas comprise of present Jammu & Kashmir state. The state is administered from summer capital Srinagar and winter capital Jammu. Kashmir valley is wonderful mountainous landscape whereas Hindu shrines in Jammu make it sought after pilgrimage place for the followers of Hinduism. Third region, Ladakh showcases Buddhist culture and often denotes with the term Little Tibet.

While the British rule was concluding in the subcontinent in 1947 princely state of Kashmir, ruled by Hari Singh, was in the verge of merging with either proposed Pakistani or Indian side whose leaders mutually agreed that princely states would have rights to merge with anyone of them or to remain independent in special case. Kashmir ruler stayed aloof initially but sooner approached the Governor-General Louis Mountbatten for support who perused him to accede to India in lieu of possible supports offered. The Maharaja signed Instrument of Accession on October 25, 1947 which finally executed on October 27, 1947.

Culture:

The valleys Kashmir, Tawi, Chenab, Poonch, Sind and Lidder of Jammu & Kashmir keep it on the top holiday destinations. Varieties of elevations make the state diversified location. Famous Himalayan River Jhelum flows through Kashmir valley. Other rivers Indus, Tawi, Ravi and Chenab and Himalayan glaciers are worth seeing. Siachen Glacier at 70 km with average 5,753 meters altitude above sea-level is longest one.

Rugged topography of Jammu & Kashmir makes its climate diverse. Southern Jammu sees monsoonal climate so receives 40 to 50 mm rain. It is hot place with approximately 40 C summers and heavy rainfall.

Muslims are majority communities in Jammu & Kashmir state with 67% population of this state (97% inhabitants of Kashmir valley are Muslims). Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs are in sizeable numbers. Almost 65% of Jammu inhabitants are Hindus, 31% are Muslims and Sikhs comprise of 4%. Population of Buddhists constitutes nearly 46% in Ladakh. Total population of Hindus is therefore nearly 30% and Buddhists 1% besides 2% Sikhs. Principal languages spoken in Jammu & Kashmir state are Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, Pahari, Balti, Ladakhi, Gojri, Shina and Pashto. Urdu is official language but Hindi and English are two communicative languages.

It is India's top tourist destination which receives visitors from around the world. Its popular ski resort destination Gulmarg is famous and houses highest green golf course of the world. Indo-Tibetan culture has gained immense popularity here. Houseboats culture seeks attention of holidaymakers who feel the ascent of Kashmiri lifestyle.