JAMMU & KASHMIR : STATIC STATE GK
UNION STATE MAP
- Formation: Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was a state in northern India until August 2019, when it was reorganized into two separate union territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Union Territory Capitals: Jammu (winter) and Srinagar (summer)
- Formation of Union Territories: The reorganization took effect on October 31, 2019.
- Geographical Diversity: J&K was known for its diverse landscapes, including the Himalayan mountains, plains, and valleys.
- Geographical Location: It shares international borders with Pakistan and China.
- Himalayan Ranges: The state was home to several prominent Himalayan ranges, including the Pir Panjal and the Zanskar Range.
- Famous Rivers: Jhelum, Chenab, Indus, and Tawi are major rivers flowing through the region.
- Population Diversity: J&K was known for its diverse population, with people following different religions and speaking multiple languages.
- Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, and Urdu were some of the widely spoken languages.
- Article 370: Before the reorganization, J&K had a special status under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, providing autonomy to the state.
- Tourist Destinations: Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Srinagar were popular tourist destinations, known for their natural beauty.
- Vaishno Devi Temple: A famous Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, located in the Trikuta Mountains.
- Amarnath Cave: A sacred cave in the Himalayas, visited by pilgrims during the annual Amarnath Yatra.
- Jama Masjid, Srinagar: A historic mosque built in the 14th century, showcasing Persian and Indo-Saracenic architecture.
- Shalimar Bagh: A Mughal garden in Srinagar, known for its terraced lawns, fountains, and flower beds.
- Dal Lake: A picturesque lake in Srinagar, famous for its houseboats and Shikara rides.
- Hemis Monastery: The largest monastery in Ladakh, hosting the annual Hemis Festival.
- Karakoram Range: Part of the world’s highest mountain range, it is located in the eastern region of J&K.
- Siachen Glacier: Known as the highest battlefield on Earth, it has been a site of military conflicts between India and Pakistan.
- Ladakh Festival: Celebrated annually, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh.
- Kargil War Memorial: Honoring the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War of 1999.
- Bahu Fort: Overlooking the Tawi River, it is a historic fort in Jammu with a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.
- Raghunath Temple, Jammu: Dedicated to Lord Rama, it is one of the largest temple complexes in northern India.
- Mubarak Mandi Palace: A historic palace complex in Jammu, showcasing a blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, and Gothic architecture.
- Leh Palace: A former royal palace overlooking the town of Leh, reflecting Tibetan architecture.
- Zoji La Pass: A high mountain pass connecting Ladakh and Kashmir Valley, providing breathtaking views.
- Gulmarg Golf Course: One of the highest golf courses in the world, known for its scenic surroundings.
- Dogra Cuisine: The cuisine of Jammu is known for its rich flavors and includes specialties like Rajma Chawal and Kaladi.
- Pampore Saffron Fields: Known for producing high-quality saffron, often referred to as “Kashmiri Saffron.”
- Tulip Garden, Srinagar: Asia’s largest tulip garden, displaying vibrant colors during the blooming season.
- Chashme Shahi: A Mughal garden in Srinagar, known for its natural spring and terraced layout.
- Shankaracharya Temple: Located on a hilltop, it offers panoramic views of Srinagar and Dal Lake.
- **Jhelum River: ** Flows through both Jammu and Kashmir regions, adding to the scenic beauty.
- Martand Sun Temple: An ancient sun temple in Anantnag, now in ruins, showcasing Kashmiri architecture.
- Hari Parbat: A hill fort in Srinagar with historical and religious significance.
- Tso Moriri Lake: A high-altitude lake in Ladakh, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
- Jammu Tawi Railway Station: An important railway station connecting Jammu with major cities.
- Aharbal Waterfall: Known as the “Niagara Falls of Kashmir,” it is a picturesque waterfall near Anantnag.
- Lala Ded Hospital: Named after the medieval Kashmiri saint-poetess, it is a maternity hospital in Srinagar.
- Sufi Shrines: J&K is known for its Sufi heritage, with several shrines dedicated to Sufi saints.
- Lal Chowk: A prominent commercial center in Srinagar, known for its markets and shops.
- Kishtwar National Park: Home to diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered Hangul deer.
- Hazratbal Shrine: A revered Muslim shrine on the northern shores of Dal Lake in Srinagar.
- Ranbireshwar Temple: A historic Shiva temple in Jammu known for its imposing structure.
- Mansar Lake: A scenic lake near Jammu, surrounded by lush greenery and hills.
- Gurdwara Pathar Sahib: A Sikh gurdwara near Leh, associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
- Harwan Garden: A beautifully landscaped Mughal garden in Srinagar.
- Jammu Airport (Satwari Airport): Provides air connectivity to the region.
- Peer Baba Dargah: A revered Sufi shrine in Jammu dedicated to Peer Budhan Ali Shah.
- Lakhanpur Checkpost: Marks the entry point to J&K from the Punjab region.
- River Rafting in Lidder River: Pahalgam offers thrilling river rafting experiences in the Lidder River, attracting adventure enthusiasts.
- Hemis Monastery Library: The library at Hemis Monastery in Ladakh is known for its vast collection of ancient Tibetan manuscripts.
- Thiksey Monastery: A prominent Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, it houses a 15-meter high statue of Maitreya (future Buddha).
- Pilgrimage to Machail Mata: Thousands of devotees undertake the challenging pilgrimage to the sacred Machail Mata Temple in Paddar.
- Aryan Valley: Also known as Drokpa Valley, it is inhabited by the Drokpa people, considered to be descendants of Aryans.
- Pari Mahal: A historic monument in Srinagar, it was once a Buddhist monastery and later converted into a school of astrology.
- Jammu Dogra Art Museum: Showcasing Dogra culture, the museum displays artifacts, paintings, and manuscripts.
- Zanskar Valley: Renowned for its remote monasteries, frozen rivers, and the challenging Chadar Trek during winter.
- Khir Bhawani Temple: Located in Tulla Mulla, it is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Ragnya Devi.
- Shalimar Bagh Light and Sound Show: An evening show at Shalimar Bagh narrates the history of the Mughal Gardens through lights and music.
- Peer Ki Gali: A mountain pass on the Mughal Road, offering breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal range.
- Shankaracharya Temple Festival: Celebrated during Maha Shivaratri, attracting devotees to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
- Pulwama: Famous for its saffron fields and vibrant gardens, Pulwama is often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of Kashmir.”
- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve: Home to diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered Hangul deer.
- Martand Sun Temple Festival: Celebrated in honor of the Sun God, it attracts locals and tourists alike.
- Chenani-Nashri Tunnel: Also known as the Patnitop Tunnel, it is one of the longest road tunnels in India, enhancing connectivity.
- Maha Kumbh Mela in Jammu: Held every 12 years, it is a significant religious gathering attracting pilgrims from across the region.
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board: Manages the affairs of the Vaishno Devi Temple and provides various facilities to pilgrims.
- Gurez Valley: A remote valley in northern J&K, known for its stunning landscapes and the Kishanganga River.
- Horse Riding in Betaab Valley: Betaab Valley near Pahalgam offers horse riding opportunities amidst breathtaking scenery.
- Jammu Sanskriti School: A prominent educational institution preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Jammu.
- Khir Bhawani Mela: The annual fair at Khir Bhawani Temple witnesses a gathering of devotees and cultural events.
- Sheshnag Lake: An alpine high-altitude lake on the Amarnath Yatra route, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
- Skiing in Gulmarg: Gulmarg is a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts, offering powdery slopes and panoramic views.
- Lakes of Wular and Manasbal: Wular is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, while Manasbal is known for its tranquility and lotus blooms.
- Surinsar and Mansar Lakes: Twin lakes near Jammu, considered sacred and surrounded by lush greenery.
- Kathua: Known for its historic monuments, including the Jasrota Fort and the Ujh Barrage.
- Mansbal Festival: Celebrated at Manasbal Lake, the festival showcases the rich culture and traditions of the region.
- Kupwara: Offers scenic landscapes, apple orchards, and the enchanting Lolab Valley.
- Jammu and Kashmir Bank: A major financial institution contributing to the economic development of the region.
- Ranbir Canal: An ancient canal system built during the reign of Maharaja Ranbir Singh, promoting irrigation in the region.
- Lal Ded Hospital: Named after the iconic Kashmiri saint-poetess Lal Ded, the hospital is dedicated to maternal and child health.
- Rajinder Singh Ji Insan Memorial: Dedicated to the spiritual leader, it is a prominent landmark in Jammu.
- Bahu Fort Cable Car: A cable car ride offering panoramic views of Jammu city and the Tawi River.
- Pandrethan Temple: An ancient Hindu temple near Srinagar, known for its historical and architectural significance.
- Shri Ranbireshwar Temple: A prominent Shiva temple in Jammu, known for its large Shiv Lingam.
- Kashmiri Shawls: Renowned worldwide, Kashmiri shawls are known for their intricate craftsmanship and fine Pashmina wool.
- Harud Festival: Celebrated in autumn, the festival marks the harvest season with cultural events and festivities.
- Gulmarg Golf Course: One of the oldest golf courses in the country, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Achabal Gardens: Mughal gardens in Anantnag, known for their terraced layout and fountains.
- Sarthal Mata Temple: A revered shrine in Kishtwar dedicated to Mata Sarthal, attracting pilgrims.
- Chinab Bridge: A cable-stayed bridge over the Chenab River, connecting Akhnoor and Doda districts.
- Rani Mahal, Kishtwar: A historical palace built by Raja Bahadur Singh, reflecting Rajasthani and Gothic architecture.
- Peer Baba Dargah, Jammu: A Sufi shrine dedicated to Peer Budhan Ali Shah, visited by devotees of all faiths.
- Poonch Fort: A historic fort in Poonch, showcasing the rich cultural and architectural heritage.
- Bhimgarh Fort: Perched atop a hill, the fort offers panoramic views of the Tawi River and the surrounding region.
- Ziarat Sharief Hazrat Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah: A revered Muslim shrine in Rajouri, visited by followers seeking blessings.
- Jammu Akhnoor Road: Known for its scenic beauty, the road follows the course of the Chenab River.
- Aghar Jitto Temple: A popular Hindu temple in Jammu, dedicated to the mother-son duo of Aghar Jitto and Gouri.