Downtown, Srinagar

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 is located in Jammu and Kashmir
Downtown, Srinagar
Downtown, Srinagar
Location in Jammu and Kashmir
Downtown, Srinagar is located in India
Downtown, Srinagar
Downtown, Srinagar
Location in India
Coordinates: 34°5′N 74°47′E
Country India
Union territoryJammu and Kashmir
DistrictSrinagar district
SettledAncient
Elevation
1,585 m (5,200 ft)
Languages
 • OfficialKashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Hindi, English[1][2]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Distance from Delhi837.4 kilometres (520.3 mi)[3]
Distance from Mumbai2,192.6 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

The 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

The area is located at 34.0833°N 74.7833°E / 34.0833; 74.7833 at an elevation of 1585 meters above mean sea level in Srinagar.

Demographics

Kashmiri or Koshur is the Mother language of 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

In 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

There are number of school and colleges in downtown Srinagar, including Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Women's College and Gandhi Memorial College.

Sub divisions

The areas which comprising Downtown Srinagar include:-

S.NoNamePopularity
1NavyutHigh
2Raze KadalHigh
3GöjwörHigh
4KawdörMedium
5Saraf KadalMedium
6Buhri KadalHigh
7Nov KadalHigh
8Naid KadalMedium
9Safa KadalHigh
10KhanyarHigh
11Seki DafarHigh
12Ael KadalMedium
13Habba KadalHigh
14Fateh KadalHigh
15Kani KadalMedium
16Kaed KadalMedium
17Dumb KadalLow
18Watal KadalLow
19Nawab BazaarHigh
20Maharaj GunjHigh
21Zaena KadalHigh
22Khanqah-e-MohallaHigh
23GratabalLow
24TarabalLow
25BraripoorMedium
26Bul bul lankarLow
27NarparistanLow
28Khoji BaazarMedium
29RoonworHigh
30Bab DembLow
31ZaldagarLow
32MalarathMedium
33Lal BazaarHigh
34NarworMedium
35HawalHigh
36EidgahHigh
37Noor baghHigh
38HazratbalHigh
39 ZadibalHigh

See also

References
  1. "The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 27 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  2. "Parliament passes JK Official Languages Bill, 2020". Rising Kashmir. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  3. "distance from New Delhi". Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  4. "distance from Mumbai". Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  5. "Location of Downtown". Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  6. "greater kashmir .com". Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  7. "Doing up downtown Srinagar". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  8. "hindustantimes.com". Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
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