Portal:India/Today's selected article/April 10, 2006



Srinagar, is the summer capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India, and is situated in the valley of Kashmir. The city lies on both banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus River. The city is famous for its lakes and houseboats floating over them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is 876 km north of Delhi. The headquarters of the Srinagar District are situated in the city. After, India’s independence, certain tribes, mostly Pathans, actively supported by elements of the Pakistani forces, invaded the valley to wrestle control, by armed force, of the city of Srinagar and the Valley. Ruler Maharaja Hari Singh having a solemn and sovereign assurance backed by the international law that all rulers of such states were free to remain as independent entities, or to choose to annex either to India or to Pakistan. It is the most pivotal centre of the economy of the Kashmir Valley, and it has remained a tourist destination for centuries. (more...)