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HISTORY OF VEERI

….Written By… Riyaz Veeri...........

Veeri, the great land is indeed one of the greatest village of Jammu and Kashmir state. It is generally believed that the history of veeri started with the advent of Hazrat-i-Sayeed Ahmad RoomiR.A in veeri near about in last decade of 14th century. But unfortunately, we are handicapped to have an abundant material about veeri at our disposal. It is because that the early history of veeri is obscure. Veeri is situated 2 kms away in the right side of the well known river Jhelum (Veith- Vatasta) in south Kashmir Anantnag. It is 7 kms to the north of the Anantnag city and 5 kms to the south of Bijbehara and is about 56 kms from Srinagar city. It is 850 kms away from the national capital New Delhi and about 250 kms from Jammu. It is approximately 5000 meters above sea level. The Veeri falls in the vicinity (jurisdiction) of Tehsil Bijbehara in Dachnipora block (Pargana) and is having the status of Halga. The Veeri lies right in the middle of the Anantnag district; rather it lies in the heart of Anantnag district. It shares its boundaries in the east with village Nanil, Kanelwan and Nowbough, in the southwest with Kanderpora and Guree, in the North West with Laribal, Batagound and Gadiseer, and in the west with river Jhelum. Veeri is bounded by tender green paddy fields in all sides. It is one of the famous village of anantnag district and also of Kashmir as well. It is not famous only for one thing or two things, but is famous for so many things viz, it is famous for its legendary men, it is known for its glorious springs and streams, it is famous for Willows, it is famous for rice food, it is famous for its exceptional geography conditions etc. The veeri is one among those villages of Kashmir where no single non Muslim was living in the past and not at present times. By the dint of all these striking features, people often call veeri as Village of legendary men and Land of willows. It is among such beautiful villages of anantnag where landscape knows no bounds. The Hazrat Sayeed Ahmad RoomiR.A is generally regarded as the founder of veeri, the 14th and 15th century’s high profiled and high esteemed Muslim saint, whose holy Shrine (zeyarat-i-sharief) is located in the heart of veeri and this particular part is known as Sayedpur, because it named after the saint. There are so many legends, sayings, theories, tales and orthodox views about the origin of veeri. But no authentic legend regarding the origin of veeri is available anywhere. It is generally believed that the name veeri has been derived from the word ‘Vour’’ (vuor-nour) which has two meanings, the first means round to some point and second means, a land with huge number of willow trees or the land with bunch of trees. The word vour with the passage of time had taken the name Veer and then finally modern veeri. Apart from this some people also believe that the word veeri is the outcome of Hindi/Sanskrit word Veer, which means brave and strong. While some other people say that veeri has been derived from an English word Veer which means ‘change of wind, public opinion and round to some point. However the legends say that there are huge number of trees by which it got its name, while some others believe that there was somewhere water moving around some point and by which it got its name and some other people believe that in ancient times veeri was inhabited by brave men and on behalf of their bravery it got its name. But unfortunately authentic legend exists anywhere. In addition to this, there are also so many legends, tales and sayings regarding the origin of village veeri, that when it got its origin and who is the founder of it or who founded it. However, in this regard it is generally believed that veeri got its origin with the advent of Hazrat –i- Sayed Ahmad Roomi A.R, Which took in the last decade of 14th century or may be in the ist decade of 15th century. It is because that we didn’t find yet any other sourse apart from the shrine of H.S.A. RoomiR.A whose history is bygone than it. However, it is generally believed that when H.S.A.Roomi R.A come to veeri, people used to come him as his Marids (followers) and thus laid the foundation of village veeri. Apart from this, there is no evidence of any other historical building, place and not any archaeological site existing anywhere in veeri at present whose history is as old as the history of H.S.A.Roomi(R.A) Shrine has, and also there is no other source which could make us believe that veeri had originated long before the arrival of H.S.A.Roomi R.A. MOHALL-I-JOIBAL: Mohall-i-Joibal of veeri is situated quasi-ly on the left bank of famous stream Laor (Laeri) and quasi-ly on the left bank of Dara –Shikoh Canal (Shah Joiy). It is about 1 km in distance from Iqbalabad Veeri. The name of joibal has been derived from the dara shikoh canal (shah joiy). The word joibal is the combination of two words joi and bal. The word Joi means water canal/stream and Bal means bank or living place at the bank of stream. Thus word joibal means the living place o the bank of canal or the bank of stream, having habitation on it. The main features of its beauty are D.S. canal, located in its western side and stream laor which falls in its eastern side and both are also regarded as the landmark signs of its beauty. Besides this, the old cooperative shopping complex could also be seen there in ruins at present time.However it is generally believed that the founder of joibal is Mughal Prince Dara –Shikoh (elder son of khurram shah jahan), who was beheaded by Aurangzeb Alamgir during the war of succession. LAAMGUND:- The Mohall-i-Laamgund was situated to downwards(downstairs) of Mohall-i-Joibal near the left bank of Dara Shikoh Canal. It was Just 1 km away from joibal and about 2 kms from Iqbalmarket. It was situated just in the opposite side of Naabal Land. But unfortunately, at present the residue (remains) of this Laamgund is existing there. It is because, the whole Laamgund had migrated towards its eastern side, because of some reasons and laid the foundation of new Shahabad on the right bank of stream Laor adjacent to Joibal. The word Laamgund is the combination of two words Laam and Gund. Laam means simply a dynasty or nickname and Gund means high living place. Gund usually means higher living place with water-melon crop as per dictionary. But present gund has got quite defferent meaning. The particular gund name has been derived from the word gunda, which means passionate and brave. It is said that the foundation of this Laamgund was laid by a person known as Laama or Laam. Legends say that he had come from village Laam (Tral) or from third division of Kashmir and that's why his descendants (off-springs) are known as Laameh at the contemporary period of time. It is said that he was a very passionate brave man. He was a person with lot of courage and determination and was known for his impassioned nature. Even at present, his descendants have unbounded bravery and shrewdness. On the basis of their braveness and nickname, their village took the name Laamgund, which means village of brave inhabitants. This martial, brilliant and bold Laama race is known in the entire Dachanipora over. As earlier mentioned that this Laamgund did migration from the original site and went towards its eastern side. Because the Laamgund site was very vigorous (vehement) flood area. Thus, they had started their migration from this place near about in the year 1967 and the process of migration ended in year 1992-1993, and laid the foundation of new Shahabad near Joibal. At present, the residue of ruined houses is seen there. Now-a-days this site has become a visiting place for the nature-lovers, pleasure-seekers and archaeologists. ZIYARAT-I-SHARIF HAZRAT-E-SAYED AHMAD ROOMIR.A:- The Ziyarat-i-Sharif of Hazrat-i-Sayed Ahmad RoomiRA is located in the heart of village Veeri at Mohall-i- Sayedpur. It is the only site of Veeri which has got both historical as well as archaeological importance and it is also the main source of Veerian history. The shrine is said to have a history as old as 600 years back. The holy shrine is situated a little way off from the Iqbal market across a little foot-path bridge, spanning the stream Dand Koul (Daenj). The shrine enjoys a picturesque landscapic site as it is ideally situated in the midst of the old graveyard (cemetery) of Veeri. It has got amidst delightful natural surroundings. Its architecture interestingly shows a distinct Mughal architectural influence. It is made up of baked bricks and has got 17 dazzled pillars. Besides this, it is enveloped by thickly walnut, Bohud, Bren trees etc. All these things have made it the cynosure of attraction for locals and suburbs. Presently, the devotees go there with the faith to fulfill their wants. The shrine is associated with famous Muslim saint Hazrat-i-Sayed Ahmad RoomiR.A, who is said to have shown the path of reality to the forefathers of Veeri. Also it is said that the forefathers of Veeri had embraced Islam by him. This Shrine is very popular among all sections of society and is regarded as solace for the aggrieved hearts. The locality around it took the name after the saint as Sayedpur(old Astanpur). The pilgrims go there every day, particularly on Thursday (BRESSWAAR) and pray there for the fulfillment of their want. In addition to this, it acts as a base camp for outsiders on the day of Urs (Worsen). The Masjid-i-Sayed is situated at a kissing distance in its northern side. DARA-SHIKOH CANAL (SHAH JOIY):- The D.S Canal (Shah Joiy) is located in the outskirts of Veeri. It is about 1km from Iqbalabad and is particularly situated in the area of Joibal. This canal was laid out by Mughal Prince Dara-Shikoh in 17th century for the purpose to carry water through it to Dara-Shikoh Garden located at Bijbehara. A link road is also built along with it known as Dara-Shikoh Link Road (Shah Joiy Band). Its both ends are connected with Bijbehara–Veeri Road and is about 2 kms long. Basically, Dara-Shikoh made it on the suggestion of his princess who had seen the shining water of stream Laor at window during her stay in her palace located in the Bijbehara garden. The most striking feature of its beauty is that, this canal and road is covered on both sides with weeping willow trees, which have made it a charming place. By weeping willows, the Canal & the Road seems to be a GREEN TUNNEL during summer season and the shade of willows give solace to people in the hot summer day who walks on it. Presently, the water of this canal is used for the irrigation of fields and is also under the supervision of Dachanipora block. In addition to this, the remains of Laamgund are situated at a handshaking distance from it. In the 80's and 90's of 20th century Veeri was comprised of only 150 houses, out of which most were mud houses with thatched roofs. But now-a-days, there are 350 houses (ace. to land revenue record). The average houses are made of kiln baked bricks and with tin roofs. According to land revenue record, the land of Veeri is 5280 kanals and 3 marals, out of which cropped land is 3336 kanals and 02 marals, and populated land is 1944 kanals and 01 marala. The total pasture land is about 151 kanals. The total population is 2061, males 1028, females 1033, literates 1194, illiterates 854 and the literacy rate is about 58.30%. In total population, the total number of voters is 1290 (excluding Mohall -I - Shahabad). Veeri has produced 150 graduates up to now. At present, in total population 250 are govt. bureaucrats and rest are businessmen as well as farmers. In the past, Veeri was comprised of only seven mohallas. But now-a-days it is comprised of 22 mohallas viz, Iqbalabad, Sayedpur, Mohsinabad, Tawheedpur, Jahanabad, Firdousabad, Umarabad, Salfiaabad, Rayeesabad, Hussainabad, Mominababad, Roshanabad, Wazirabad, Rehmatabad, Faisalabad, Azeemabad Rafiabad, Mubarkpur, Muslimabad, Gulshanabad, Shahabad and Joibal. Basically, all these beautiful names have been given to it by a very honorable and sincere guy namely Shafi Shahdaab Veeri, a local resident of Mohall-I muslimabad. He distributed Veeri into 22 parts and also pasted sign boards to all these mohallas with new names in 2004. Presently, there are 17 castes (dynasties) viz, Bhat, Dar, Thockroo, Mir, Padder, Ganaie, Shiekh, Kandroo, Sofi, Rather, Lone, Parray, Shah, Naik, Nengroo, Naikoo, Baaba etc. The common staple food is rice and people have with tea grinded baked rice, better known in Kashmiri language as Saeet (Sattu). Apart from this, it is said that Sheikh-ul-AalamRA has quoted about Veeri as gamut or granary of rice, better known in Kashmiri as Baeteh-Veer (rice bowl). The whole population is of farmers. They cultivate crops like paddy, mustard, maize, pulses & vegetables. Tiller system was prevalent in past. The main source of irrigation is stream Laor. Springs are also the sources of water. The transport system is adequate; near about 15-20 vehicles are serving the public in a single day. The public vehicle routes are Veeri-Anantnag, via Bijbehara (route initiated on 10th August 1998) and Veeri-Nanil, Guree-Naseebabad (route initiated in Oct/Nov. 2003). The old ports like Taarbal, Gaidnagin, and Naabal (old Novebal) are also existing there, by them trade was carried through boats in past. Presently Veeri is well connected with rest of Kashmir. The Bibehara-Veeri and Veeri-Batengoo roads link it with Jummu -Srinagar National Highway. The whole population of Veeri is of Muslims. People do believe in Allah and at His Rasool Hazrat I-MuhammadS.A.W, presently, there are about 7 mosques viz. Jamia Masjid-Salfiaabad, Jamia Masjid- Rafiabad, Jamia Masjid-i-Ahal-i-Hadith -Tawheedpur, Masjid-i-Ahal-i-Hadith- Rayeesabad, Masjid-i-Sayed - Iqbalabad, Masjid-i-Elahi -Joibal and Shahi Masjid Shahabad. The famous festival of Veeri is the Urs of H.S.A. RoomiRA popularly known as Veer-Worseh, people celebrate it with great pomp and show. Education is well developed and near about 200 students are acquiring higher education in different colleges, universities, higher Secondary schools etc. Veeri is having the privilege of producing so may great men notably few among them are; Abdul Rehman Veeri, Abdul Gani Veeri, Dr. BashirVeeri, Amm Bat-e-Veeri, Khaksaar Rahim Dar-e Veeri and Maulana Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri. Moulana Mohd Abbass Veeri, Mushtaq Veeri, Arshid Abdullah etc. The administration is being administered by local Auqaf Committee. In sports, Veeri is famous for creating a new type of ball known as Duj-ball, made of thread and cloth. It is quite pertinent to mention here that Veeri is known as the political capital of Bijbehara Constituency since 1977 and on behalf of that people call it RAJDHANI. Veeri is also having the privilege of having a Govt. High school whose history is about 60 years back. It has also produced a poet namely Khaksaar Rahim Dar-e-Veer, who is said to have published three books. Among the past years, 2004 & 2005 are regarded as the golden years because in these years Veeri got the highest advancement in all fields of life. There is also a sacred place which is said to be associated with a Muslim saint Daeb Bab Saeb at Mohall-i-Firdousabad. Among the great outsiders, who are said to have stepped in Veeri are including H.S.A.RoomiRA, Shah/Sayed Nimatullah QadriRA, Budshah, and Dara-Shikoh. As already mentioned that Veeri is known for its exceptional geography, it is dotted with some splendid places which are known for their scenery and beauty. Among these places, Taarbal is very charming place. It is a pasture land of about 50 kanals. It is just 1km away from Iqbalabad, presenting a panoramic and impressive view of the entire area. Its climate is charming and is in fact a health resort. Spring Maundoor is also located at its north side, which also adds its beauty. In ancient times Taarbal was main trade market of wood logs. Taarbal is also known as the Gateway of Veeri. Aadmarg is located in the outskirts of Veeri in the east. It is a pasture land spreading over 100 kanals. It is full of scenic beauty. A journey to Aadmarg takes one through sheets of tender green paddy fields. Shah Joiy- was built by Dara-Shikoh in 17th century. It is known for massive willows, which present a clear look of Green tunnel. Gaidnagin is known for its cool- crystal water. Stream Laor is known for its fresh and clean water. Kuother is visiting place and has got historical importance. Naabal ancient as Novebal is known for old port. Ziyarat H.S.A RoomiR.A is a religious place, where people go to fulfill their needs. It is also famous for festival Urs, which usually is celebrated during the ripping of paddy crop every year. By the dint of all these features, Veeri is now-a-days a leading village of Anantnag distt. It got origin in 14th century founded by H.S.A.RoomiRA. It is spread over an area of about 5280 kanals, located in south-Kashmir, 4km away Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Its people live in perfect harmony. The most magnificent tree is willow. The land of Veeri is soggy in nature. It has got the status of a Halqa which is basically comprised of about 10 villages viz., Veeri, Guree, Adder.Kandripora, Gadiseer, Batagund, Laribal, Thajiwara, Krandigam and Gantalipora. Presently, its inhabitants are trying to make it Great Veeri, Greater Veeri, Veeri the Great, Shining Veeri and also Happy Veeri as well. The most important Govt, semi Govt, public offices and other things of Veeri are as under: B.S.N.L Telecom Exchange, Govt. Primary Health Center, Govt. Power Receiving Station.Govt. Guys High School, Govt. Gals Model middle School, two Govt. SAA Primary Schools, Public E. M, High School(co-ed), Govt. Educational Cluster Office, I.C.D.Center (Animal Husbandry), Sheep Development Center, Khidmat centre, Sale Sub Center Agriculture, Forest Depot, Post Office.Patwar Khana (Revenue Deptt.), Five Aanganwadi Centers, Silkworm Breading Center, Cooperative Oil, Sugar and Rice Centers, Village Office, B.S.N.L. Tower, Airtel Tower etc. It merits me to mention a very special thing here that village Veeri has got no written or literary record apart from the book History of Veeri (Tarikh-i-Riyaz Veeri) and there is not also any archaeological site except the holy shrine of H.S.A.RoomiRA. The village Veeri has got the history of only 5 or 6 years old. It was known in the bygone era as Vour-Nour. Lastly, I personally want to convey this thing to all the readers of the book that whatsoever I wrote in this book about the History of Veeri, I just copied it from the book History Of Veeri (Tarikh-l-Riyaz Veeri) otherwise there is no other literary record about Veeri. In addition to this, our greater Veeri has always been a center of attraction for all and I whole-heartedly do wish for its prosperity more and more, day by day. (Note:- Anyone who wants to know more about Veeri should go through the book History of Veeri (Tarikh-l-Riyaz Veeri). Lastly, I would like to have a poetic end of this article. In short, we must say that our greaterVeeri is the place……	Where the land is covered with bunch of trees; Where there are numerous springs and streams Where clean water always flow; Where cool breeze always blow. Where the corn fields are very vast; Where the life is very fast Where there is intelligent every boy; Where i feel evergreen joy Where nectar flows in sparking streams; It is the beautiful land of my dreams. Where there is beauty but no shade; Where there is love but no hate. Where the land is fertile and clean; Where the fields are evergreen. Where the students are with knowledge; Where the people live with courage. Where the tall and thick willows always roar; Where there flows the fresh and clean loar. Where the people are sincere; Where there is love but not fear. Where the Dujball was originated; Where the legendary men inhabited Where the wholly shrine of H.S.A. RoomiR.A is Located; Where the people are religious bigoted Where the cricket is favorite game; Where the Urs is celebrated in Syed Roomi’s name Where there is every person cool; Where the Eid is celebrated with joll Where there is Dara Shikoh canal located; Where there were ports of naabal, taarbal and gaidnaigin situated Where there are 22 Mohallas; Where there are 12 Ulamas Where the rice food floats; Where there are shinning roads Where the springs are fresh and cool; Where there is no place for a fool Where there are several Islamic maslaks; Where there are never tussles Where the people are heterodox; Where there is record for politics Where there reality never hides; Where there the author prides Where there is respect for mothers; Where the author live amongst brothers Where I wish common brotherhood; Where I wish a comfortable livelihood Indeed it is the land of my dreams and the abode of my birth; It is our great Veeri, the greater Veeri and the greatest Veeri. I have proud to be a Veerian. ….Riyaz Veeri…..