Downtown Srinagar

Downtown, popularly known as Shehr-e-Khaas, is the largest and the most densely populated area of the city of Srinagar in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The area is mostly located on the banks of Jhelum river about 5 km from city center.[3] The area is considered as the core point in the city as the first inhabitants of the Srinagar lived there. It is considered a seat of resistance as most anti-India protests take place here. 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.

Downtown (Srinagar)
View of Downtown from Zaina Kadal Bridge
Downtown (Srinagar)
Downtown (Srinagar)
Downtown (Srinagar) (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
 • SpokenKashmiri
 • OfficialUrdu
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Distance from Delhi837.4 kilometres (520.3 mi)[1]
Distance from Mumbai2,192.6 kilometres (1,362.4 mi)[2]

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 Gangh 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.[4] 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 is the main language of the area. People also use Urdu 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.[5]

Flood

In September 2014 the Indian union territory of 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.[6]

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
1NawuitHigh
2Razè KedalHigh
3GöjwörHigh
4KawdörMedium
5Saraf KedalMedium
6Buhir KedalHigh
7Nawa KedalHigh
8Naid KedalMedium
9Safa KedalHigh
10KhanyarHigh
11SekidafarHigh
12Aael KadalMedium
13Habb KadalHigh
14Fateh KadalHigh
15Kani KadalMedium
16Kadi KadalMedium
17Dumbe KadalLow
18Watal KadalLow
19Nawa BazaarHigh
20Maharaj GunjHigh
21Zaeni KadalHigh
22Khanqah e mohallaHigh
23GratabalLow
24TarabalLow
25BraripoorMedium
26Bul bul lankerLow
27NarparistanLow
28Khoji BaazarMedium
29RounworHigh
30Baba DembLow
31ZaldagarLow
32MalarathMedium
33Lal BazaarLow
34NarworMedium
35GanderpoorLow
36EidgahHigh
37Noor baghHigh
38HazratbalLow
39HawalHigh

See also

References
  1. "distance from New Delhi". Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  2. "distance from Mumbai". Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  3. "Location of Downtown". Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  4. "greater kashmir .com". Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  5. "Doing up downtown Srinagar". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  6. "hindustantimes.com". Archived from the original on 7 December 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
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