Downtown, popularly known as Shahar-e-Khaas, is the largest and the most densely populated area of the city of Srinagar in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The area is mostly located on the banks of Jhelum river about five km (3.1 mi) from city center.[5] The area is considered as the core point in the city as the first inhabitants of the Srinagar lived there. In general, the whole area to the north of city centre Lal Chowk is considered a part of downtown although some areas hold high significance. The Jamia Masjid, Srinagar and many other shrines are located here, which makes it the central spiritual, religious, political and moral center of whole Kashmir.
Downtown, Srinagar | |
|---|---|
  Downtown, Srinagar Location in Jammu and Kashmir  Downtown, Srinagar Location in India | |
| Coordinates: 34°5′N 74°47′E / 34.083°N 74.783°E | |
| Country |  India |
| Union territory | Jammu and Kashmir |
| District | Srinagar district |
| Settled | Ancient |
| Elevation | 1,585 m (5,200 ft) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Hindi, English[1][2] |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Distance from Delhi | 837.4 kilometres (520.3 mi)[3] |
| Distance from Mumbai | 2,192.6 kilometres (1,362.4 mi)[4] |
The historical buildings and monuments found in the area reflect the design of old times. The residential homes are depicted to be constructed from late-19th century to early-20th century. Many key monuments like Jamia Masjid, Khanqah-e-Moula, Maharaj Gunj and shrines have been built by famous rulers of Kashmir.
History
editThe area was settled more than 2000 years ago in 3rd century BC by Raja Pravarsena. The area is the hub of the historical monuments made by the famous rulers of Kashmir.[6] The historical monuments include Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta, Khanqah-e- Moula in Zana Kadal Aali Masjid in Eidgah, Maharaj Ganj tomb in Maharaj Ganj, Pathar (stone) Masjid in Nawabazar, and Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani's shrine in Khanyar. Moreover, the Roza Bal shrine is also situated in the area.
Geography
editThe area is located at 34°05′00″N 74°47′00″E / 34.0833°N 74.7833°E at an elevation of 1585 meters above mean sea level in Srinagar.
Demographics
editKashmiri is the mother tongue of the people in the area. People also use Urdu, Arabic, Hindi and English as secondary languages. It is estimated that the downtown has the population of half a million which is about 47% of the total population of Srinagar district.[7]
Flood
editIn September 2014 the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir was hit by floods caused by torrential rainfall. The area of Downtown was least affected as compared to the rest of Srinagar, though close to the river, the people from other parts of Srinagar shifted to downtown for safety. Commercial buildings and residential homes and Government offices were shattered to nothing in the adjoining areas. People lost their lives and properties and the whole area was set on the economic back-foot. Schools, hospitals and other places of significant importance were damaged by the floods.[8]
Education
editThere are a number of school and colleges in downtown Srinagar, including Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Women's College and Gandhi Memorial College.
Sub divisions
editThe areas which comprising Downtown Srinagar include:-
| S.No | Name | Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Navyut | High |
| 2 | Raze Kadal | High |
| 3 | Göjwör | High |
| 4 | Kawdör | Medium |
| 5 | Saraf Kadal | Medium |
| 6 | Buhri Kadal | High |
| 7 | Nov Kadal | High |
| 8 | Naid Kadal | Medium |
| 9 | Safa Kadal | High |
| 10 | Khanyar | High |
| 11 | Seki Dafar | High |
| 12 | Ael Kadal | Medium |
| 13 | Habba Kadal | High |
| 14 | Fateh Kadal | High |
| 15 | Kani Kadal | Medium |
| 16 | Kaed Kadal | Medium |
| 17 | Dumb Kadal | Low |
| 18 | Watal Kadal | Low |
| 19 | Nawab Bazaar | High |
| 20 | Maharaj Gunj | High |
| 21 | Zaena Kadal | High |
| 22 | Khanqah-e-Mohalla | High |
| 23 | Gratabal | Low |
| 24 | Tarabal | Low |
| 25 | Braripoor | Medium |
| 26 | Bul bul lankar | Low |
| 27 | Narparistan | Low |
| 28 | Khoji Baazar | Medium |
| 29 | Roonwor | High |
| 30 | Bab Demb | Low |
| 31 | Zaldagar | Low |
| 32 | Malarath | Medium |
| 33 | Lal Bazaar | High |
| 34 | Narwor | Medium |
| 35 | Hawal | High |
| 36 | Eidgah | High |
| 37 | Noor bagh | High |
| 38 | Hazratbal | High |
| 39 | Zadibal | High |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 27 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
- ^ "Parliament passes JK Official Languages Bill, 2020". Rising Kashmir. 23 September 2020. Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
- ^ "distance from New Delhi". Retrieved 30 November 2014.
- ^ "distance from Mumbai". Retrieved 30 November 2014.
- ^ "Location of Downtown". Retrieved 30 November 2014.
- ^ "greater kashmir .com". Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
- ^ "Doing up downtown Srinagar". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
- ^ "hindustantimes.com". Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2014.