70 Facts About Jammu and Kashmir

Here are 70 facts about Jammu and Kashmir, covering its geography, history, culture, politics, tourism, and more:

Jammu and Kashmir is located in the northernmost part of India.
It shares international borders with Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan (via Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).
The region is bounded by the Himalayas in the north and east.
It is traversed by the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Tawi rivers.
Dal Lake and Wular Lake are two of its most famous water bodies.
Wular Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.
The Zabarwan Range lies near Srinagar and offers panoramic views of the valley.
Gulmarg, a popular hill station, is known for its skiing slopes.
Sonamarg, meaning “Meadow of Gold,” is another scenic destination.
The region has a diverse climate: tropical in Jammu, alpine in Kashmir, and cold desert in Ladakh (earlier part of the state).
Jammu and Kashmir has rich biodiversity, including the endangered Hangul deer.
The famous Chinar tree (Platanus orientalis) is symbolic of Kashmir.
Himalayan glaciers, such as Siachen, originate here.
The state is prone to earthquakes, as it lies in seismic zone V.
The Mughal Road connects Jammu with the Kashmir Valley through Pir Panjal.

Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state under Maharaja Hari Singh before 1947.
It acceded to India in October 1947 after Pakistan attempted to invade.
Article 370 granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir under the Indian Constitution.
On August 5, 2019, Article 370 was abrogated, and the state was reorganized.
It was bifurcated into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Srinagar is the summer capital, while Jammu is the winter capital.
The region has been the center of several Indo-Pak wars and cross-border conflicts.
The Line of Control (LoC) divides Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir has a Legislative Assembly, but its powers were reduced after the 2019 reorganization.
There is a long-standing demand for peace and autonomy from various regional groups.
The Kargil War in 1999 was fought in the region of Ladakh, then part of J&K.
Several insurgent movements have been active since the late 1980s.
AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) is in effect in parts of the region.
J&K was among the first princely states to print its own currency.
The Accession Day (October 26) is observed as a public holiday post-2019.

The region has a majority Muslim population in Kashmir, Hindu majority in Jammu, and Buddhist majority in Ladakh (before bifurcation).
The Kashmir Valley is known for its Sufi Islamic traditions.
Jammu is famous for Hindu temples, like Vaishno Devi and Raghunath Temple.
Bahu Fort, overlooking Tawi River, is a historic fort in Jammu.
The region celebrates festivals like Eid, Navratri, Baisakhi, and Losar.
Traditional attire includes Pheran (long robe), worn by both men and women in Kashmir.
Kashmiri cuisine includes dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Dum Aloo.
The traditional Wazwan is a multi-course Kashmiri feast.
The Kangri (a firepot) is used in winter to stay warm.
Kashmiri carpets, shawls (like Pashmina), and papier-mâché crafts are world-renowned.
The Santoor is a popular musical instrument in Kashmiri music.
Dogri is a widely spoken language in Jammu, while Kashmiri and Urdu dominate in Kashmir.
Other languages spoken include Gojri, Ladakhi, Balti, and Pahari.
The region has rich oral traditions in poetry, storytelling, and folklore.
Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, a 12th-century Sanskrit text, is one of the earliest histories of Kashmir.

Vaishno Devi Shrine attracts millions of pilgrims each year.
Amarnath Yatra is a famous annual Hindu pilgrimage to a Himalayan cave shrine.
Mughal Gardens in Srinagar (like Shalimar and Nishat Bagh) are UNESCO heritage contenders.
Pahalgam is a starting point for the Amarnath Yatra and a scenic hill resort.
Betaab Valley (named after the Bollywood film) is near Pahalgam.
Gulmarg has Asia’s highest and longest cable car—the Gondola ride.
Srinagar’s houseboats on Dal Lake are unique tourist attractions.
The Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar is a revered Muslim site.
Shankaracharya Temple offers panoramic views of Srinagar.
Bhaderwah, known as “Mini Kashmir,” is in the Jammu region.
Verinag is the source of the Jhelum River.
Martand Sun Temple, built by Lalitaditya, is a major ancient Hindu ruin.
Patnitop, near Udhampur, is a scenic hill station in Jammu.
Drung Waterfall near Tangmarg becomes a frozen wonder in winter.
Tourism was heavily affected by insurgency, but is reviving post-2019.

Kashmir is often referred to as “Paradise on Earth” for its natural beauty.
The region has inspired poets, filmmakers, and philosophers for centuries.
Aligarh Muslim University and NIT Srinagar have campuses in J&K.
Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) is a top hospital in the valley.
Shepherding and handicrafts are major traditional occupations.
The local “Tandoori Chai” and Kahwa (saffron tea) are famous drinks.
J&K was the first Indian state to have its own constitution (now abrogated).
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the largest in Asia.
Kashmir saffron (Zaffran) is one of the costliest and purest in the world.
Jammu and Kashmir is still undergoing political, economic, and social transformation post-Article 370.