1. Geography of Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir is situated in the northernmost part of India and shares borders with Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan. It covers an area of approximately 55,538 square miles (141,000 square kilometers). The state is divided into three main regions:
- Jammu: The southern part of the state, known for its temples, historic forts, and beautiful landscapes. Jammu is also a major center of Hindu pilgrimage, with the Vaishno Devi temple being one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the country.
- Kashmir Valley: A picturesque region with vast meadows, snow-capped mountains, and pristine lakes. The valley is often called "Paradise on Earth" due to its unparalleled beauty. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, is located in the Kashmir Valley.
- Ladakh: A high-altitude region in the northernmost part of Jammu & Kashmir, known for its rugged terrain, Buddhist monasteries, and unique culture. Ladakh is home to the famous Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Leh, the capital city of Ladakh.
The region is home to the mighty Himalayas, which provide a stunning backdrop to its landscape. Its major rivers, such as the Jhelum, Chenab, and Ravi, flow through various parts of the region, contributing to the fertility of the land.
2. History and Political Landscape
Jammu & Kashmir has a complex history that involves its relationship with India and Pakistan. Initially, it was a princely state under the British Raj. After India gained independence in 1947, the ruler of Jammu & Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, chose to remain independent but later signed the Instrument of Accession to India in October 1947, following an invasion by tribal forces from Pakistan. This move led to the first Indo-Pakistani war (1947-1948), which ended with the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC), dividing the region between India and Pakistan.
The region has been at the center of a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, with both countries claiming the entire region. India controls the larger part of the state, while Pakistan controls parts of the region known as Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The region has also been the subject of internal political and religious tensions, leading to ongoing conflicts and unrest over the years.
