Overview
Srinagar district is an administrative district in the Kashmir Valley of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The district is centred on the city of Srinagar, which serves as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and lies along the banks of the Jhelum river. Known for the Dal and Nigeen lakes, Mughal-era gardens, and a long tradition of handicrafts, Srinagar district is one of the most densely populated and urbanised districts in the Kashmir region.
Key facts
| Region | Kashmir Valley |
|---|---|
| Union Territory | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Headquarters | Srinagar |
| Major river | Jhelum (Vyeth) |
| Major lakes | Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Anchar Lake |
| Official languages | Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, English, Dogri |
| Administrative role | Summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir |
Geography
The district lies in the central part of the Kashmir Valley, surrounded by the Pir Panjal range to the south-west and the Greater Himalayas to the north-east. The Jhelum river flows through the district, dividing the city of Srinagar and connecting a series of wetlands and lakes. The Dal Lake, fringed by the Zabarwan hills, is a defining geographical and cultural feature. The terrain is largely a flat alluvial plain at an elevation of around 1,585 metres above sea level, with a temperate climate marked by cold, snowy winters and mild summers.
Srinagar district is bordered by Ganderbal district to the north and east, Budgam district to the west and south, and Pulwama district to the south.
Administration
The district is headed by a Deputy Commissioner and is part of the Kashmir Division. It is divided into tehsils and community development blocks, with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation handling civic administration in the urban area. The district falls within the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency.
History
Srinagar has been a centre of political and cultural importance in Kashmir for more than a millennium. It is traditionally associated with foundations attributed to the Mauryan period and was later developed under the Karkota dynasty in the 8th century, particularly under Lalitaditya Muktapida. The city later became the seat of the Sultans of Kashmir, the Mughals, the Afghan Durranis, the Sikhs, and the Dogra rulers of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Following the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India in 1947, Srinagar continued as the summer capital of the state. Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the state was reconstituted as the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with Srinagar district remaining a key administrative centre.
Economy
The district's economy combines services, tourism, horticulture, and traditional crafts. Srinagar is a major tourist destination, drawing visitors to its houseboats on Dal Lake, Mughal gardens such as Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi, and shrines including Hazratbal and the Jamia Masjid. Handicrafts such as Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, papier-mâché, walnut wood carving, and Kani weaving are economically and culturally significant. Horticulture, especially apples, cherries, and saffron from adjoining areas, contributes to trade activity centred on Srinagar's markets.
Culture and landmarks
- Dal Lake with its houseboats and floating gardens
- Mughal Gardens: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal
- Hazratbal Shrine on the northern shore of Dal Lake
- Jamia Masjid at Nowhatta, dating to the 14th century
- Shankaracharya Temple on the Zabarwan hill
- Hari Parbat fort and shrines
- Khanqah-e-Moula, associated with Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani
Education and institutions
The district hosts several major institutions including the University of Kashmir at Hazratbal, the National Institute of Technology Srinagar, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) at Soura, Government Medical College Srinagar, and the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC). The Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium is a notable sporting venue.
Transport
Srinagar is connected to the rest of India by Srinagar International Airport at Budgam, and by National Highway 44 (the Srinagar–Jammu highway). The Banihal–Baramulla rail link passes through the region, with stations serving the valley. Within the district, road transport is the primary mode, supplemented by shikaras and boats on the lakes and the Jhelum.
Related topics
- Srinagar
- Kashmir Valley
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Dal Lake
- Jhelum River
- Mughal Gardens of Kashmir
- University of Kashmir
- Ganderbal district
- Budgam district
References
- Wikidata: Q1506029
- Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar
- Government of Jammu and Kashmir, official portals