Geographical Personality of Kashmir Valley
CHAPTER I GEOGRAPHICAL PERSONALITY OF KASHMIR VALLEY “Agar Firdoos Barooy-e-Zameen ast, Hamin astoo Hamin astoo Hamin ast” (If there is paradise on Earth, It is here, It is here, It is here) (Mughal Emperor, Jahangir) 1.1 Introduction Kashmir Valley has rightly been called as the “Paradise on Earth” and “Switzerland of Asia”. Bernier, the first European traveler to enter Kashmir, wrote in 1665 that “In truth, the kingdom surpasses in beauty all that my warmest imagination had anticipated” (Young-husband, 1911)1. Geographically and climatically, Kashmir is the core of mighty Himalayas receiving in abundance its grace in the form of captivating scenic beauty, lush green pastures and lofty glistening snow covered mountain peaks which capture the changing hues of the brilliant sun, in many ways, the enchanting rivers and rivulets and the great lakes of mythological fame. In her valleys grow the rarest of trees and herbs, including the most precious of all flowers - the Zaafran (Saffron). In her forest are found the best pines and deodars. From her orchards come apples, apricots, pears, walnuts and cherries of different kinds. On her green meadows graze the lambs bearing the most exquisite wool. Her Dal lake and her house boats, Gulmarg and her glaciers have made her an international tourist spot. What to talk of her temples, the dream of every devout Hindu - the Holy Amarnath where lakhs of pilgrims trek every year, regardless of inclement weather and a host of other dangers; the Shiva temple, the Khir Bhawani, all with their lofty associations with great masterminds and the impeccable Shaivite philosophy (Sadhu,1984)2.
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