What is Jammu and Kashmir, What is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is a union territory of India, established on October 31, 2019, following the reorganization of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located north of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and west of Ladakh. Historically, this region was a significant princely state in the Indian subcontinent, which gained special status during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. At that time, Maharaja Hari Singh decided to accede to India, leading to Jammu and Kashmir becoming part of India in 1954, What is Jammu and Kashmir, What is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

The natural beauty of Jammu and Kashmir has earned it the nickname “Paradise on Earth.” The Kashmir Valley is renowned for its meadows, lakes, and mountain resorts. The Jammu region is famous for religious sites like the Vaishno Devi Temple, while the Kashmir Valley is known for Dal Lake and Mughal gardens.

The political situation in this region is complex due to disputes involving India, Pakistan, and China. Pakistan occupies parts of Jammu and Kashmir known as Azad Kashmir, while China has established control over the Aksai Chin area.

The administration of Jammu and Kashmir is managed by the central government through a Lieutenant Governor and an assembly. The official languages are Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Hindi, and English. The population is diverse, comprising various religious and cultural communities, What is Jammu and Kashmir, What is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

The history of Jammu and Kashmir is filled with significant events from ancient times to modern days. This region is believed to be named after Sage Kashyap and is mentioned in the Mahabharata. In the 3rd century, it was part of Emperor Ashoka’s empire, where Buddhism was promoted. Later, in the 7th century, the Nagavanshi emperor Lalitaditya ruled over the area. The Mughals captured Kashmir in 1589, followed by the rule of the Pathans. In 1814, the Sikh Empire was established, but in 1846, after defeating the Sikhs, the British handed over Kashmir to Maharaja Gulab Singh.

During India’s independence, Maharaja Hari Singh declared his state independent on August 15, 1947. However, on October 22, 1947, Pakistan attacked Kashmir through tribal invaders. Amid this crisis, Maharaja Hari Singh sought help from the Indian Army and signed the Instrument of Accession to India on October 26, 1947. Thus, Jammu and Kashmir became part of India. This led to the first Indo-Pakistani war, which ended in 1948 with UN intervention. As a result of this war, part of Jammu and Kashmir came under Pakistani control, now referred to as “Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.” What is Jammu and Kashmir, What is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Subsequently, Jammu and Kashmir received special status under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, distinguishing it from other Indian states. However, in August 2019, the Indian government revoked Article 370, ending Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and dividing it into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The region continues to face political and social challenges, including terrorism and cross-border attacks.

What is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir has two capitals: Srinagar and Jammu. Srinagar, which serves as the summer capital from May to October, is located in the Kashmir Valley and is known for its natural beauty. It is situated along the banks of the Jhelum River, and attractions like Dal Lake and various gardens make it a popular tourist destination.

Who is the current Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir

Omar Abdullah is currently the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, having taken the oath of office on October 16, 2024. This election marked the first for the region after it became a Union Territory, and his party, the National Conference, achieved a significant victory. Previously, Abdullah served as Chief Minister from January 2009 to January 2015. In this recent election, he contested from the Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies, winning both but ultimately retaining his seat in Ganderbal. Surinder Kumar Choudhary has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister, with other ministers including Sakina Itoo, Satish Sharma, Javed Dar, and Javed Rana.

List of all the Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir and their working period

No.	Chief Minister’s Name	Term Start	Term End	Party
1	Ghulam Mohammed Sadiq	30 March 1965	12 January 1967	Congress
2	Syed Mir Qasim	12 January 1967	25 February 1972	Congress
3	Sheikh Abdullah	25 February 1975	26 September 1982	National Conference
4	Farooq Abdullah	26 September 1982	2 July 1984	National Conference
5	Ghulam Mohammad Shah	2 July 1984	6 March 1986	Congress (Supported)
6	Farooq Abdullah	7 November 1986	19 January 1990	National Conference
7	President’s Rule	19 January 1990	9 October 1996	–
8	Farooq Abdullah	9 October 1996	18 October 2002	National Conference
9	Mufti Mohammad Sayeed	2 November 2002	2 November 2005	PDP
10	Ghulam Nabi Azad	2 November 2005	11 July 2008	Congress
11	Omar Abdullah	5 January 2009	1 March 2015	National Conference
12	Mufti Mohammad Sayeed	1 March 2015	7 January 2016	PDP
13	Mehbooba Mufti	4 April 2016	19 June 2018	PDP
14	Governor’s Rule/President’s Rule	19 June 2018	31 October 2019	–

Who is the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir

Manoj Sinha is the current Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, having taken office on August 7, 2020. He is an experienced politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sinha hails from Uttar Pradesh and has completed his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) in Varanasi.

Before becoming Lieutenant Governor, he served as a Member of Parliament three times, in 1996, 1999, and 2014. During his parliamentary career, he held the positions of Minister of State for Railways and Minister of State for Communications in the Indian government, Who is the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.

Which are the neighboring states of Jammu and Kashmir

Manoj Sinha is the current Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, having taken office on August 7, 2020. He is an experienced politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sinha hails from Uttar Pradesh and has completed his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) in Varanasi.

Before becoming Lieutenant Governor, he served as a Member of Parliament three times, in 1996, 1999, and 2014. During his parliamentary career, he held the positions of Minister of State for Railways and Minister of State for Communications in the Indian government, Which are the neighboring states of Jammu and Kashmir.

How many districts are there in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir has a total of 20 districts. These districts are divided into two divisions: Jammu Division and Kashmir Division. The names of the districts are:

• Anantnag
• Bandipora
• Baramulla
• Budgam
• Doda
• Ganderbal
• Jammu
• Kathua
• Kishtwar
• Kulgam
• Kupwara
• Poonch
• Pulwama
• Rajouri
• Ramban
• Reasi
• Samba
• Shopian
• Srinagar
• Udhampur

These districts are part of the administrative structure of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Which is the largest district of Jammu and Kashmir

Leh is the largest district in the Jammu and Kashmir state, now part of the Union Territory of Ladakh. It covers an area of about 59,146 square kilometers, making it the biggest district in India. A portion of Leh is under the control of Pakistan, while another part is occupied by China, which adds to its geographical significance.

What is the type of food of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its diverse and rich cuisine. The local dishes primarily feature mutton, yogurt, and seasonal vegetables, giving them a unique identity. Goshtaba is a prominent mutton dish made by forming small meatballs cooked in a yogurt gravy, regarded as a royal dish of Kashmir. Rogan Josh is another well-known dish that consists of lamb meat cooked with various spices and yogurt, typically served with rice or naan.

Additionally, Nadur Yakhni is a special dish that uses lotus stem and yogurt, combined with cardamom and ginger to create a distinct flavor. The Yogurt Lamb Curry includes dried mint leaves and flowers from the Malwa region, enhancing its taste. For vegetarian options, Modak Pulao is notable; it is prepared with milk, saffron, and dried fruits, offering a sweet flavor.

Haak, a traditional soup made from spinach and other local vegetables, is also popular among tourists. The cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir not only delights locals but also attracts visitors. Influenced by Mughal and Arab culinary traditions, the food here possesses unique regional characteristics, What is Jammu and Kashmir, What is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, What is the type of food of Jammu and Kashmir.

What are the major tourist destinations of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and diverse tourist destinations in India, often referred to as “Heaven on Earth.” The primary tourist spot here is Srinagar, where a unique experience awaits visitors with a shikara ride on the famous Dal Lake. Additionally, attractions like the Mughal Gardens and Shalimar Bagh are also noteworthy.

Next is Gulmarg, known for its snow-covered mountains and the world’s largest golf course. In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing here. Sonamarg, which translates to “Meadow of Gold,” is famous for its natural beauty and trekking opportunities, captivating tourists with its lakes and mountains.

Pahalgam, located in the Anantnag district, is renowned for its blue-green Sheshnag Lake. This place is also popular for trekking and adventure activities.

In the Jammu region, significant religious and historical sites include the Raghunath Temple and Bahu Fort. The Amar Mahal Museum is also worth visiting as it showcases the rich heritage of the Dogra dynasty.

Besides these sites, Jammu and Kashmir boasts many other natural and cultural treasures that make it a unique tourist destination, What is Jammu and Kashmir, What is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

What is the difference between Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is located in the northern region of India and constitutes a single Union Territory, but geographically, culturally, and socially, these two areas have distinct identities.

Jammu is primarily a hilly and flat terrain where the Hindu majority population resides. It is often referred to as the “City of Temples” due to the presence of many ancient temples. The weather in Jammu is relatively warm in summers and mildly cold in winters. Economically, this region relies on trade and tourism.

Kashmir Valley, on the other hand, is famous for its stunning natural beauty and predominantly Muslim population. It is known as “Paradise on Earth” because of its snow-covered mountains, lush gardens, and serene lakes that attract visitors from around the world. The climate in Kashmir is cold and snowy, with the primary economic activities being agriculture (notably saffron and apples) and handicrafts.

Both regions exhibit diversity in their cultures, languages, and traditions. In Jammu, the main languages spoken are Dogri and Hindi, whereas Kashmiri and Urdu are more prevalent in Kashmir. This diversity enriches the region further, What is Jammu and Kashmir, What is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

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