Anantnag

Polytonic| Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Anantnag | type = city | latd = 33.73 | longd = 75.15
locator_position = right | state_name = Jammu and Kashmir
district = Anantnag
leader_title = mayor
leader_name = Mr GM Thukur
altitude = 1601
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 183437| population_density =
area_magnitude = 9
area_total = 183
area_telephone = 0193
vehicle_code_range = JK 03
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
footnotes =

Anantnag (Kashmiri: अनंतनाग, اننتناگ /Anaṁtnāg/, meaning "abode of springs and lakes"), is a city and a municipality in Anantnag district in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Anantnag is the 3rd largest city of Jammu and Kashmir in population and largest city according to area. It is also regarded as commercial and financial capital of the valley of Kashmir. It is the largest business and trading center of the valley .

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Anantnag had a population of 183,437. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Anantnag city has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 84% of the males and 79% of females literate. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

History

The city finds its place in the Bhagavadgita that says "I am Ananta Naga"cite web|url = http://www.geocities.com/pk_pandita/anantnag.html| title = Shrines of Anantnag Kashmir|publisher = Pawan Kumar Pandita|accessdate = 2007-06-26] It is also well mentioned in ancient Naga and Pichash cronicals of ancient aboriginals of the valley. Anantnag is an ancient city which came into existence as a market town around 5000 B.C. making it of the oldest urban human settlements in the whole world. It was also known by the name of "Kashyapteshwara" in ancient times linking it to the mythology of Rishi Kashyapa. It has one spring called Inder Spring Hydro sphere. It has two Sulphur springs and countless fresh water springs. There are about 7 temples in Anantnag (Anantnag Bhawan Complex): two Shiva Temples, one Radha Krishna Mandir, one Durga Temple, one Ganesh Temple, Sita Ram Temple, Hanuman Temple, four Dharmshallas and one school building. Outside the complex in the town are three temples - Ancient temples - Devibal, Shiva Temple at Nai Basti, and third at Hara Mohalla. All three temples outside the complex were burnt and damaged. Kashmiri Hindus in February 1986, and rebuilt with assistance of the then Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Mr. Jag Mohan. Now both the Shivala temples outside complex are reported to have been again damaged and partially burnt . The district as well as its headquarter city are called by same name.cite web|url = http://anantnag.nic.in/history.htm| title = History of Anantnag |publisher = Government of India|accessdate = 2007-06-26] Regarding this second name no mention is to be found in the old chronicles of Kashmir. It is however, said that the name of Islamabad was assigned to the city by one Islam Khan who was the Governor of Kashmir during the Mughal rule in 1663 A.D., but the change in its nomenclature proved temporary and during the reign of Maharaja Gulab Singh the town as well as district again resumed their old name, Anantnag, but the name Islamabad is still popular among the common masses, though officially the name Anantnag is used.

According to ancient mythological stories, the name was derived from Anant, the serpent of Vishnu and the emblem of eternity. Anant also means numerous in the Sanskrit language and Naga means spring in the Kashmiri language. Thus Anantnag is believed to mean numerous springs, because there are many springs, including Nag Bal, Salak Nag and Malik Nag in the town. Nag Bal issues from the foot-hill of table land. Its waters are received into tanks, whose sides are built with stones and which are over shadowed by Chinar trees. Houses of worship of the adherents of three religions Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs are built adjacent to each other near the tanks, which depicts a rare example of communal harmony between those particular faiths in the area. Another example of religious tolerance is the Mosque of Baba Dawood Khaki, which contains a small Hindu temple in its courtyard. Among the mosques of the town of Anantnag, one is built indirectly near the mausoleum of famous Kashmiri saint Rishi Malo to whose prayers the defeat of Akbar's first attempt to invade Jammu and Kashmir was attributed. The place is venerated by Kashmiris of all faiths.

Anantnag is a city of various handicrafts. Shawl weaving, Gabbah and Namdah manufacturing are the main trades. Near Anantnag three streams namely Arapath, Brengi and Sandran confluence together, thus giving birth to river Veth (Jhelum). Another stream Lidar also joins the flow with them at a little distance downstream further ahead. From this place the river becomes navigable. In olden times river Jhelum was the main source of transportation between Anantnag and other towns downstream. The distances of different towns and cities from Anantnag are Achhabal - 6 miles, Kokarnag - 14 miles, Verinag - 17 miles, Pahalgam - 24 miles and Srinagar - 33 miles.

Geography

Anantnag is situated at 33.44 latitude and 75.12 longitude, at an elevation of 5400 feet above sea level, at a distance of 33 miles from the main state-headquarters Srinagar. Anantnag is located at coord|33.73|N|75.15|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/12/Anantnag.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Anantnag] ] It has an average elevation of 1601 metres (5252 feet). The city is constituted by three main boroughs or towns Viz Anantnag, Khanabal, Martand and half a dozen small townships. Most of the population of city resides in the Anantnag borough. The old city of Anantnag comprises Nagbal, Maliknag, Kadipora, Cheeni Chowk, Doni Pawa, Sarnal Bala, Janglatmandi, Old Port Khanabal, Downtown martand, & Dangarpora areas. The new city consists civil lines areas like New Colony, Iqbalabad, Fasilabad, Moomin-Abad, Harnag, Sultan Bah-i-Rum Shah and Mid town areas like Ashshjipora, Naibasti, Batpora and Mir Bazaar. Anantnag has quite a population inhabiting several satellite areas like Wanpoh, Dialgam, Fatehpora, Nowgam, Seer, Anchidora, Fateh Garh University town and NH 1 A north and east.

Anantnag has for long enjoyed the status of the second largest city of Jammu and Kashmir, India, but in last few years has become largest city with respect to the area. The name of Anantnag District according to a well known archaeologist, Sir A. Stein from the great spring Ananta Naga issuing at the center of the city. This is also corroborated by almost all local historians including Kalhana according to whom the city has taken the name of this great spring of Cesha or Ananta Naga land of countless springs. The spring is mentioned in the Neelmat Purana as a sacred place for the Hindus and Koshur Encyclopedia testifies it.

Anantnag, like the rest of the Kashmir Valley, has witnessed many vicissitudes and experienced many upheavals from time to time. Hugel found here some monuments of the Mughal period in ruins when he visited Jammu and Kashmir in 1835. No significant ancient building or archaeological site is found in the district today except the Martand temple as most of the ancient architectural monuments in area were destroyed during rule of Sikander Hyat Khan. What must have once been magnificent architectural show pieces like the Martand complex of temples situated at a distance of nine kilometers from the district headquarters or the palaces of Laltaditya and Awantivarman at Awantipora lying midway between Srinagar and Anantnag are now in grand ruins. The majestic Martand temple is one of the important archaeological sites of the country. Its impressive architecture reveals the glorious past of the area. Martand temple is the clear expression of Kashmir’s pristine glory. The Mughal Emperors especially Jehangir developed many beauty spots of the district, but of their noble and magnificent edifices only fainted traces survive. All the same, even in their present ruinous conditions, these monuments do not fail to feast the eye or excite the imagination of admirers at large.

Holy places

Kashmir is the land of saints, Sufis, and Munis and the Anantnag district being part of the Kashmir Valley is no exception. Anantnag is bestowed with religious wealth in the form of numerous shrines and places of worship enjoying reverence and allegiance of people professing different faiths. There are numerous sepulchers of saints which have enchanting environs, while visiting these shrines, one feels in close proximity of the Almighty. Some of the shrines have historical importance in addition to religious significance attached to them. THe Famous shrine in Anantnag is Hazrat Baba Hyder Rashi(Ra)at Historical Jamia Masjid islamabad Anantnag. These shrines belong to both Hindus and Muslims and are visited by thousands of devotees. Some of the shrines are the world famous shrine of Baba Hyder Gazi (ra), Amarnath Ji, Devibal, Gautam Nag, Verinag, Nila Nag, Vitasta, Mattan, Bawan, Uma Devi of Uma Nagri, Nagdandi, Domtabal Asthapan, Khana Barnain Triporsundari Asthapan Devsar, Goswami Gund Ashram, Guddar Asthapan, Lok Bhawan, Swami Mirza Kak Asthapan Hangulgund, Durga, Shiva Bhagwati at Akingam, Kulwagishiri Asthapan Kulgam, Liddar Syandhai Asthapan, Trisandhia Asthapan, Gauri Temple at Pahalgam, Shillagram Temple. Other famous shrines of Reshis like Reshi Maloo (Anantnag), the last of the giants of the Rishi order in Jammu and Kashmir about whose resting place the Alamda-i-Kashmir (Flag Bearer of Kashmir), Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Rishi had foretold his disciples. The devotees of the district and other places visit these shrines particularly on days when the festivals connected with the shrines are celebrated here.

ports

Adventure sports are popular among tourists. Pahalgam has potential for canoeing and water skiing. Water trekking is local name for three to four day trip along the Jhelum River in a shikara with camping gear. Aru (58 km) and Pahalgam (45km) are popular destinations for hikers, trekkers and fishermen.

Sports like football and cricket are popular among schoolchildren as well as adults.

Performing arts

Performing arts of the city include:

*Bhand Pather, a form of traditional folk theatre art form of play and dance, is performed by a group of about ten to fifteen artists. They depict in a satirical style social evils. Performance is accompanied by light music.
*Chakri is a major and popular form of Kashmiri folk music.
*Another form of Kashmiri genre of music called Sufiana music is also practiced in the city. It was introduced in the valley in the 15th century from Iran. Over centuries, it has assimilated a number of Indian Ragas, and has established itself as a classical music of the region. The instruments used in the music include santoor, sitar, Kashmiri saz, tabla, and wasool.
*Hafiz Nagma, a form of dance, is performed to the accompaniment of Sufiana music. The dancer is a female while males play different instruments used in Sufiana music.

Anantnag at a glance

Hospitals

*Jasco Maternity Hospital
*Distt Hospital Janglat mandi
*Maternity Hospital Nagbal
*Children's hospital Nag bal
*ST Bishop Hospital Kadipora
*Rahmet - e - Alam Hospital Sarnal Bala
*Sub District Hospital Martand
*Central Military Hospital Dakbunglow Khanabal
* Shaheed-e-ummat Dr Qazi Nisar Memorial Hospital islamabad
*New 300 Bed Hospital Janglat Mandi(Under Construction)
*Emergency Hospital Qazigund
*Nizamudin Memorial Hospital Kelam Kulgam
*District Hospital Kulgam

Universities

*University of Kashmir South Campus Fateh garh
*Sheri Kashmir Agricultural University Wanpoh
*Sheri Kashmir South Campus KulgamSt. Bishop Hospital is not in Kadipora but in Sarnal Bala (dr. farooq beg a resident of the place)

Colleges

*Al Ahad College Of Higher Education, Sarwatabad K P Road
*Islamic research institute nr Sheikh-ul-Alam Masjid
*Shah-i-Hamadan College of Education
*Govt Degree College Boys Khanabal
*Govt Woman's Degree College K.P Road
*Govt Degree College Bijbihara
*Govt Degree College Dooru
*Govt Degree College Uttersoo
*Govt Degree College Kokernag
*Govt Degree College Kulgam
*Govt Degree College Kelam
*Hanfia College Of Science and Commerce
*Rahmet - e - Alam B.ed College Chee
*Kashmir Research institute of Education & Solar Technology (KRIEST) COLLEGE
*ITI Asajipora
*ITI WOMENS COLLAGE Seer Mattan
*ITI BIJBIHARA
*ITI Dooru
*ITI Kulgam
*ITI Kelam(In Progress)
*NIET KP Road

Main Schools

*Islamia Hanfia College Lal Chowk
*Boys Hr Sec School Batengoo
*Rose Garden High Sec School Laizbal K.P Road.
*Hillgards High School Laizbal K.P Road.
*IQBAL MEMORIAL INSTITUTE QAZIBAGH IQBAL MARKET (LOWER WING)
*IQBAL MEMORAIL INSTITUTE BRAKPORA(BOYS WING)
*IQBAL MEMORIAL INSTITUTE MOMINABAD (GIRLS WING)
*Girls Hr Sec School Lal Chowk
*Delhi Public School Sngam Anantnag
*Al Sarwat Convent Sr Sec School K.P.Road ANANTNAG.
*St Lukes High School Nai Basti
*Blossom Public School Nai Basti Near LIC
*Govt. Hr School Wanapoh
*Govt. Hr School Dialgam
*Govt. Higher Secondary School Uttersoo Anantnag
*Govt. Primary School Kreeri Kuthar Anantnag (from 1950 without building)
*Govt Girls Higher Secondary School Qazigund
*M.Y Higher Secondary Qazigund
*Gousia Hanfia Arabia Collage Qazigund
*Govt Higher Secondary School Y.K.Pora Qazigund
*Govt Higher Secondary School Vessu Qazigund
*Govt Boys High School Qazigund
*Govt High School Panzath Qazigund
*Govt Higher Secondary School Chowgam Qazigund.
*Govt Higher Secondary School Kund qazigund.
*Govt Higher Secondary School Kelam kulgam.
*Iqra Public Hanfia School Churat Qazigund
*Govt High School Brinal Lamad Qazigund.
*Govt Higher Secondary School Devesar Qazigund.
*Govt Boys Hr School Dooru Anantnag.
*Govt Girls Hr School Verinag(Dooru) Anantnag.
*Govt. Higher Secondary School Chittergul Anantnag
*Govt. Higher Secondary School Shangus Anantnag
*Himalaya army public school Khanabal Anantnag
*Govt Boys Hr School Bijbehara Anantnag.
*Govt Girls Hr School Bijbehara Anantnag.Sky Touch School Kanalwan Bijbehara

Tehsil

*ANANTNAG
*SHANGUS
*KOKERNAG
*PAHALGAM
*BIJBEHARA
*Duru Verinag
*Devsar(now tehsil)
*Qazigund(Under Process)

*Kulgam(Now Distric)
*Devsar
*Damhal Khushipora

References