Kashmir_The paradise.

A view of Famous Hazratbal Shrine covered with beautiful snow. Location:Dargah Hazratbal srinagar

Ever heard;
Agar Firdaus bar-rue Zamin ast, Hami asto, Hami asto, Hami ast. 

Translation;If there is a heaven on earth it's here, it's here, it's here. 

These were the words of Famous indian  sufi writer and singer Amir Khusro, which were repeated by Mughal Emperor Jehangir when he visited kashmir in the 17th century. 

wondering why these words came out of Mighty Mughal Emperor's Heart here in Kashmir! It's because Mughal Emperor Jehangir was fond of beauty and the instance he visited kashmir he was so fascinated by the beauty of kashmir that he repeated these beautiful words. 

         

  

Mughal Emperor Jehangir was so thrilled with the beauty of kashmir that  he is said to have visited kashmir eight times during his reign. 

Geography:

Located in the northern geographical region  of India the kashmir valley encompasses a large area between Great Himalayas and the pir panchal range.

Religion:

During ancient times  Kashmir was an important centre for Hinduism and Buddhism, these two religions are said to have strongly influenced kashmir. 

The influence of Hinduism can easily be seen by the ancient ruins of some Temple's like Martand sun Temple in south kashmir. 

Ruins of Martand sun Temple
Location: Mattan Area of South kashmir

Coming to the Muslim religion Shams din Shah mir was the muslim ruler of kashmir who founded Shah Mir Dynasty in 1339.

Some Muslim Aalim  from across the central Asia visited kashmir  and  due to there efforts thousands of kashmiris  accepted Islam. one of the well known Alim among them is Mir Sayid Ali Hamdani(in late 1400s).

 Mughal rule;

 The Mughals were the ist  princely rulers who conquered kashmir from 1585-1586.one of the well known ruler among them was Mughal Akbar. 

The  beauty adding sources  in kashmir like water gardens  and fountains in kashmir  were built by  the Mughals. Mughals were intrested in such creativity  which can be seen by the Gardens made by them  containing fountains, elegant  terraces and the beautiful different  flowers.  

Nishat Garden the 2nd largest  Mughal Garden located in srinagar. 

Afghan rule:  The Afghan dynasty controlled kashmir from 1751 after they defeated  Mughal Emperor Muin-ul-Mulk. According to history Afghan rulers brutally  repressed kashmiris untill came sikh rule  in 1819.The sikh rule continued till 1846 and then Dogra Rule took over (1846-1947). This rule continued until India and Pakistan took over the control.