Kupwara

Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (Retd.)

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Kupwara-district-map

Map of Jammu and Kashmir

Kupwara (कुपवाड़ा) is a town and district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Kupwara district is one of the 10 districts located in the Kashmir Valley region of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Variants

• Kupwada

Location

The District Headquarter “Kupwara” is situated at a distance of 90 kms from the summer capital of state, i.e. Srinagar. The District is situated at an average altitude of 5300 feet from the sea level. The geographical area of the District is 2379 sqkms The north west part of the District is bound by line of actual control (L.O.C) while the southern portion is bound by the District Baramulla.

The district is bordered by Bandipora district in the east, Baramulla district to the south and Pakistan administered Jammu and Kashmir to the north and west. The district is mostly rural/agricultural.

The river Kishenganga, originating from the Himalayas, flows through the outer areas of the district from east to west.

It has good road connectivity with its neighboring District like Baramulla and Bandipora and are connected with the Summer capital (Srinagar) of J& K through (a) Srinagar- Kupwara National Highway through Baramulla and (b) Srinagar– Kupwara road through Sopore.

Rivers in Kupwara district: Lahwal River (in Lolab valley), Pohru River, Mawar River, Batmooji River, Talri River and Kishan Ganga River

Origin

Kupwara probably gets name from Kupya, a charioteer mentioned in Rajatarangini of whom elder son Sindhu was a treasurer of Parvagupta (948 – 950 CE).

Legends about name: Though no record proof is obtainable as to why Kupwara is called so, however, there exist a number of legends associated with it. A story goes that there was a small hut built by an unknown person in the nearby forest. This hut went by the name Kopar meaning a shabby hut. Many accidents would take place here especially related to the disappearance of animals; they would either roll down the hill or be killed by beasts. The neighboring area was named after this hut Kopar. Some elders of the region also believe that this name was given to the place by a saint named Zati Shah Wali who referred to the place as ― Ko-pore ― which meant people of bad repute. He called it so because children here would throw stones at him whenever he crossed it. Some others say the famed saint Syed Mohammad Gabi called it ― Kuferwari which meant a land of skeptics. The tomb of this well-known saint located in the middle of Kupwara. Later the saint changed the people here and converted them into Islam. Therefore the customized and altered name of Kopar or Kuferwari is Kupwara.

History

Kupwara is the Northern frontier District of Kashmir Valley, full of scenic beauty. Dense forests and rich wild life make it significant from tourism and wildlife point of view. Nature has been very kind to Kupwara. District Kupwara was carved out form erstwhile District Baramulla in the year 1979. The District Headquarter “Kupwara” is situated at a distance of 90 kms from the summer capital of UT, i.e. Srinagar. The District is situated at an average altitude of 5300 feet from the sea level. The geographical area of the District is 2379 sqkms The north west part of the District is bound by line of actual control (L.O.C) while the southern portion is bound by the District Baramulla.

There are three bad pocket areas, namely, Machil, Keran and Karnah located near L.O.C which remain land locked for more than six months in a year. There are some other areas located at barbed distances and remain cut off from District Headquarter for a considerable time, like Kumkadi, Lashdat, Jumgund, Kethanwali and Budnambal.

The district was carved out of the erstwhile Baramulla district in 1979 with Kupwara as the district headquarters. District Kupwara is the northern frontier district with an area of 2379 square kilometers, having more than 240Kms of LOC and came into existence in the year 1979. The district kupwara is exquisitely beautiful with vibrant culture, diverse heritage, unique folklore and vast meadows. kupwara district is located between Pir Panchal and Shams Bari mountain ranges. These mountain ranges have beautiful meadows and pastures in their bosom which provide grazing ground for cattle and sheep. Besides they also are health resorts and tourist spots for the adventurous souls.

These mountain ranges are traversed by famous passes like Sadhna Pass, Farkiyan Gali and Nagmarg Pass. These passes open into beautiful valleys of Karnah, Keran & Drawa areas. Nagrmarg Pass connects Lolab valley with Sopore and Bandipora.

71.58% of the geographical area of Kupwara district is under forest cover. It has best of conifer forests with Deodar, Pine and Fir as main species. These forests are situated all along the Shams Bari mountain range barricading the valley in the north. The district is famous for walnuts, Red Rice of Karnah and the Honey. About 68,500Ha of land is under agriculture and horticulture plantations in the district. Also known as walnut district, it produces over 50,000 tonnes of walnut annually in addition to contributing almost 3 lakh tones of apples every year.

Rivers like Pohru, Mawar, Batmooji and Kishan Ganga having various varieties of fish like, Brown trout, Rainbow trout, Snow trout, Shuddgrun and Anyour traverse the landscape of district kupwara like a pearl of strings.

District kupwara is blessed with the beautiful Bangus and Lolab Valley.

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The Pohru River (Urdu: پوہرو) is a stream located near Doabgah village of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Pohru River is one of the tributaries of the river Jhelum. Doabgah is a small village in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The nearest town is Sopore (~4 km away). The name "Doabgah" (From Persian and Urdu "Do" meaning "two", "Aab" meaning "water"(Persian) and "Gah" meaning "place" in Persian and Urdu) literally means "a place with two waters". The village has been named so as two prominent rivers of Kashmir meet here, namely Pohru River and Jhelum River.

In Rajatarangini

Kupya: a charioteer is mentioned in Rajatarangini.

Rajatarangini mentions that ....There lived a charioteer named Kupya who had two sons named Sindhu and Bhuyya, of whom the elder Sindhu was a flatterer. He had been treasurer of Parvagupta (948 – 950 CE) and afterwards became the treasurer and favorite of the queen. He built another treasury office named Sindhugangja.

Jat History

Neeraj Ahlawat (Sep), Shaurya Chakra, played important role fighting with militants on 20.06.2020 at Lakadipur village of Shopian area in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. He belongs to Manoharpura village in Buhana tehsil of Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan.

Unit: Jat Regiment/34 Rashtriya Rifles.

Major Satish Dahiya (22.09.1985 - 14.02.2017) from village Nangal Chaudhary (Banihari), tahsil Narnaul of Mahendergarh district in Haryana lost his life in an operation against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir at Langate (Handwara) in Kupwara on 14.2.2017. But before succumbing to injuries in hospital, Major Dahiya made sure that all four terrorists are neutralised. He was originally from 13 Rashtriya Rifles but recently attached with 30 Rashtriya Riffles posted in Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir.

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Suresh Jewlia (सुरेश जेवलिया) hailed from village Koliya of Nagaur district in Rajasthan. He became Martyr of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir on 6th October 2007 in Operation Rakshak at Kupwara. He was awarded posthumous Kirti Chakra.

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Ajay Singh Chaudhary (25.7.1992-14.06.2016) was from village Dhigal, tahsil Mukundgarh, district Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan. He became Martyr of Militancy at Kupwara on 14.06.2016 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Unit: Signal Regiment 56 RR.

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Lance Naik Parsaram Jat (Kukna) (1.1.1962-10.8.1995), Shaurya Chakra, hailed from village Raghunathpura in Didwana tahsil in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. He martyred on 10 Aug 1995 fighting militants in Kupwara district of J & K. Unit:3 Grenadiers.

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Sachin Dagar (Lans Naik) became martyr on 17.01.2022 after being buried in a glacier in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara. He was from village Alipur Sohna in Gurgaon district of Haryana.

Unit: 21 Rashtriya Rifles.

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Surendra Badhasra‎ (Major) (13.4.1980-21.6.2012), Sena Medal, was from village Kudan in Sikar district of Rajasthan. He became Martyr of militancy on 21 June 2012. He was injured on 3 May 2012 in a terrorist encounter in Kupwada sector of Jammu & Kashmir in which he killed six terrorists. He was under treatment at Delhi but could not be saved and breathed his last on 21 June 2012.

Unit: 17 Poona Horse armed regiment of Indian army.

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Mukesh Bhaskar (born:?-death:30.6.2010) from village Bhukhredi, Ratangarh, Churu, Rajasthan became a martyr of militancy in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on 30.6.2010.

He was Gunner from 98 Field Regiment.

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Bajrang Lal Dukiya (Subedar) (20.06.1976-26.05.2022) became martyr of militancy on 26.05.2022 during patrolling duty on LOC in Kashmir at Machil sector in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. He was from village Phirod, tahsil Nagaur in Nagaur district of Rajasthan. Unit: 15 Jat Regiment

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Mahendra Kumar Muwal (Naib Subedar) (born: - died: 05.01.2022) became martyr on 05.01.2022 in Kupwada sector of Jammu and Kashmir while performing his duty. He was from village Lalas in Nawa tehsil of Nagaur district in Rajasthan.

Unit: 3 Raj Rifles.

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Rajesh Dhayal (b.1.7.1982-d.5.10.2007) was from village Jhanjhot, tah: Chirawa, Jhunjhunu]], Rajasthan. He became Martyr of militancy in Kupwara area of Kashmir on 5th October 2007. He was awarded with Sena Medal posthumously.

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Rameshwar Lal Paraswal (Naik) (15.10.1990- 13.01.2020) is a martyr of Militancy at Machil area in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier he had served at Doklam area also which was a point of dispute between India aand China. He was resident of village Sindhupura, tah Nawa, district Nagaur, Rajasthan. He was in 45 (Jat) Rashtriya Rifles/ 98 FD Regiment of the Indian Army.

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Nimbaram Dudi (Sepoy) - Nimbaram Dudi (Sepoy) became martyr of militancy on 05.07.2001 in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. He was from Salwa Kalla village in Jodhpur district and tahsil of Rajasthan. Unit - 8 Grenadiers.

Satvir Singh Nohvar (Havaldar) (1981 - 31.03.2019) became martyr due to Landslide in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on 31.03.2019 while performing his duty during Operation Rakshak. He was from Khajpur village in Mat tahsil in Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh. Unit: 16 Jat Regiment/45 Rashtriya Rifles.

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Deepak Kumar Padda (Major) (30.06.1976 - 04.06.2005), Shaurya Chakra (posthumous), became martyr of militancy on 04.06.2005 during Operation Satnam at Gangwar in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. He was from Himachal Pradesh.

Unit: 14 Grenadiers Regiment.

Hema Ram Nitharwal (01.08.1977 - 20.09.1997) became martyr on 20-09-1997 in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir fighting with militants. He was from Basri Kalan village in Danta Ramgarh tehsil of Sikar district in Rajasthan.

Unit: 10 Para SF (Desert Scorpion)

Tourism

Kupwara is the backward frontier District of Kashmir Valley, full of scenic beauty. Dense forests and rich wild life make it significant from tourism and wildlife point of view. Nature has been very kind to Kupwara.

There are three bad pocket areas, namely, Machil, Keran and Karnah located near L.O.C which remain land locked for more than six months in a year. There are some other areas located at barbed distances and remain cut off from District Headquarter for a considerable time, like Kumkadi, Lashdat, Jumgund, Kethanwali and Budnambal.

Tourist places:

Seemab Valley: About 4 Kms from the tourist reception centre Kupwara, the Seemab Valley is located at the entrance of the Lolab Valley.The valley has a natural picturesque beauty and a perennial water body by the name of Daal Kul. It is surrounded by lush green forests and therefore provides ample scope for day picnics.Few adventure related activities like rock climbing and trekking can also be considered while visiting this place.

Lolab Valley: Lolab valley, named after Maharaja Lolo, is known for its lush green forests and pastures, stretching across nearly 25 kms from north-west to south-east, varying in breadth from a few yards to 5 kilometers. It is traversed by a stream known as Lalkul (Lahwal). Water to Lalkul is contributed by numerous tributaries flowing from surrounding hills, which are clothed by dense forest of Deodar, the valley that have an average depth of 7 to 15 feet and are unique in them. It is also known for the Sat Barran (Seven doors) and a cave in the jungles of Madmadav. The famous Lov-nag is located in Anderbaugh village.Apart from natural beauty, Lolab Valley is also historically important as Varnow village, a small settlement in the region, is the birthplace of Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri. Today, Lolab Valley has a well developed infrastructure and good connectivity with the rest of the region. It provides road connectivity to Machil which is known for the water fall, Rangil. Lolab Valley has not only been the area of attraction for the Bollywood fraternity but has been appreciated by saints, poets and philosophers for centuries together.Some of the other renowned places having tremendous potential are Chandigam, Dooruswani, Khurhama, Krusan, Khomrial, Nagsari and Cherkoot.

Bungus Valley: One of the relatively unknown areas of Kashmir with vast tourism potential is the valley of Bangus. Lying within the Trans-Himalayan area Bangus is a unique ecological combination comprising a mountain biome, which includes grassland biome with flora at lower altitudes; and Taiga or Coniferous forest. The valley which lies at an altitude of around 10,000 ft. above sea level is in the northern part of district Kupwara within the Handwara sub District. Occupying an estimated area of 300 sq.kms (20x15km) the principal valley locally known as Bodh Bangus (Big Bangus) consists of a linear elliptical bowl aligned along the east-west axis. The valley is surrounded by Rajwar and Mawar in the east, Shamasbury and Dajlungun Mountains in the west and Chowkibal and Karnah Guli in the north. A smaller valley known as Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus) lies on the north-eastern side of the main valley. Both the valleys have level green meadows surrounded by low-lying mountains covered with dense Coniferous forests (budloo) and a stream flowing through them.

Sadhna Pass View Point: Sadhna Pass is a mountain pass in Jammu And Kashmir. It is located in the Himalayas and connects Karnah tehsil of Kupwara district with the rest of the Indian administrated Kashmir valley. It is located in the vast Shams Bri mountainous range. It is about 3000 m above sea level. The pass is best known for its generation old mythological legend of Blind and Deaf Fairies.

Places of Interest

Every locale of district Kupwara is enchanting, mesmerizing and beckons the nature lovers. All spectacles of nature be it a village, plain, hill, mountain, pasture, river, meadow is eye catching and worth seeing. Although every inch of district is a health resort the places likely to be developed as tourist resorts are as under :-

Badrakali - Ancient holy place of Hindus located on a motorable road leading from Handwara to Rajwar. There is a dormant volcano in the vicinity and Hindus revere it and is known by the name Soyamj.

Bangus - This enchanting and fascinating 20 x 15 Kms plain is full of wild orchids, with carpet of green grass, surrounded by high snow clad mountains, rivulets in cascades flowing from the mountains, chirping of colourful birds, grazing of cattle and sheep. This gives the semblance of a dream world. It can be approached form Handwara Tehsil through Satkoji with a foot journey of 12 Kms. Second approach to it is through Chowkibal Marsari and again a foot journey of 15 way the Kms ahead. A Golf Course is proposed to be here which is likely to be the Asia’s biggest golf course.

Drangyari - This attractive, worth seeing place is located in the west of Chowkibal on the way to Karnah. There is rest house facility provided by District Administration.

Jabdi - It is 5 km in the South of Tangdar. A P.W.D rest house has been constructed there. We can have a view of Shamsbari mountain from this place.

Keran Valley - It is a charming valley located on the banks of sacred river Kishan Ganga. To reach the valley we have to cross 8000 feet high pass of Farkyan. Kishan Ganga forms the actual line of control between India and POK at Keran. There is rest-house in Keran for the visitors.

Lolab Valley - This attractive and beautiful valley full of magnificent blue prints has been praised by many poets .Dr. Allama Iqbal says, “pani teray chashsmoon ka tadapta hua seemab,´murgani sahar teray fizawoon main hai beetab aye wadiya Lolab’’, Fazil says, “wesiye su gulfam yad aam yad aam, yad aam Lolab Sogam yad aam yad aam”. Varnow village is home to renowed Kashmiri Islamic scholar Allama Anwar ShahRA Kashmiri. Sogam, Chandigam, Diver, Anderbug, Lalpore and Kalaroos are some of the noteworthy areas with rest house facilities. Historical Lov Nag spring is in Anderbug. One of the most attractive places in the area is a cave located in the jungles of Madmadow. It is believed that the cave known as Kalaroos leads us to Russia.

Machil - The Machil valley is to the east of Kupwara. To reach there we have to cross the Noonwani Gully which is motorable in summer, but cut off in winter. There are rest-house facilities for the visitors.

Muqam Shah Wali - The shrine of famous Saint Zaiti Shah Wali, located in village known after him as Muqam Shah Wali has been selected as a spot of tourist pilgrimage and is being developed accordingly. Zaiti Shah had been an army commandant of famous Chak ruler, Ali Shah Chak and a disciple of Hazrat Hamza Makdoomi. A three day mela is held at the Shrine in May every year in which Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs participate.

Redi - It is situated near Chowkibal on the way to Karnah. There are rest house facilities available for the visitors provided by the administration.

Reshwari - This charming place is located in Nowgam area of Handwara Tehsil, 25 kms from Handwara.The area is motorable. Two tourist Dak Bungalows are available there for tourists.

Source - https://kupwara.nic.in/places-of-interest/

Tahsils

List of Tahsils in Kupwara district: 1 Kupwara, 2 Handwara, 3 Karnah,

Newly created tahsils

4 Keran, 5 Kralpora, 6 Trehgam, 7 Machil, 8 Drugmulla, 9 Ramhal, 10 Qaziabad, 11 Langate, 12 Zachaldara, 13 Lolab, 14 Lalpora, 15 Villgam, 16 Kalamabad,

Source - https://kupwara.nic.in/tehsils/

Villages in Kupwara tahsil

Towns: 1 Kupwara, 2 Trehgam, 3 Drug Mulla, 4 Dara Pora, 5 Kral Pora, 6 Heri, 7 Sool Koot,

Villages: 1 Alchi Zab, 2 Aloosa, 3 Ander Hama, 4 Auwoora, 5 Bali Pora, 6 Bata Pora, 7 Batter Gam, 8 Bore, 9 Bramri, 10 Buber Nag, 11 Budnumbal, 12 Buhi Pora, 13 Bumhama, 14 Chandi Gam , 15 Checki Kaliloan, 16 Cheeri Koot, 17 Chowkibal, 18 Chrali Gund, 19 Chunti Wari, 20 Dab Bal, 21 Daramwari, 22 Dard Hari Khar Gund, 23 Dard Pora , 24 Dard Pora, 25 Dard Sun Resh Gund, 26 Dedi Koot, 27 Dever Inder Bug, 28 Doni Wari, 29 Drooch Wani, 30 Dudi, 31 Farkan, 32 Gagal, 33 Gofa Bal, 34 Gotangoo , 35 Gulgam, 36 Gund Gushi, 37 Gundi Jahangeer, 38 Gundi Zuni Reshi, 39 Gung Bug, 40 Gungloosa, 41 Gushi , 42 Guzriyal, 43 Hakcher Pora, 44 Halmat Pora, 45 Hanji Pora, 46 Har Duing, 47 Hat Mulla, 48 Hayan, 49 Hayat Pora, 50 Hayihama, 51 Hundi, 52 Juma Gund, 53 Kachi Hama, 54 Kalarooch, 55 Kar Hama, 56 Kawari, 57 Keran, 58 Khantha Wali, 59 Khanti Pora, 60 Khumriyal, 61 Khurhama, 62 Kigam, 63 Krohsan, 64 Kuligam , 65 Ladriwan, 66 Lal Pora, 67 Lashdat, 68 Lona Hari, 69 Machil, 70 Maidan Pora, 71 Manigah, 72 Marhama, 73 Meelyal, 74 Mindiyan, 75 Misri Behak, 76 Mugal Pora, 77 Muqam Lolab, 78 Muqam Shrif Dar, 79 Negrimal Pora, 80 Ogabal, 81 Panzgam, 82 Pari Pora, 83 Patrin , 84 Pazi Pora, 85 Poosh Pora, 86 Push Wari, 87 Push Wari, 88 Putushy, 89 Qunan Baba Gund, 90 Ration Pora, 91 Rawat Pora, 92 Redi Nag, 93 Rud Bug , 94 Rukh Gund Macher, 95 Sayiwan , 96 Sever Thendi Pora, 97 Shat Muqam, 98 Shedi Pora, 99 Shoolora, 100 Shum Nag, 101 Shumriyal, 102 Slamat Wari, 103 Sogam, 104 Solina, 105 Sorigam , 106 Sunti Pora, 107 Teker , 108 Teki Pora, 109 Tekiya Khurhama, 110 Thun Doosa , 111 Tung Check, 112 Wara Pora, 113 Warnow, 114 Warsun , 115 Watter Khani , 116 Wavoora, 117 Zangli Kasheera, 118 Zurhama,

Source - https://www.census2011.co.in/data/subdistrict/1-kupwara-kupwara-jammu-and-kashmir.html

Villages Of Historical Importance

Anderhama:-It is Known after Raja Inder or the god Indra.

Awathkul:- This village is 6 kms to the south of Kupwara. This village has been settled by a Sardar, named Awathpul in 821 AD. He was cousin of Raja Jai Peeth & a person of high influence. Awathpul became Raja in 852 AD..

Badra Kali:- The description of this place is available in the old books. Its earlier name was Badra Kali Pradarbhar. There are some “Lings “& a spring in the temple located there. When the Yatris go for Soyamji, they worship here also. It is 5 Kms far from Handwara in Rajwar area.

Cherakot:- It is known after the apricot garden laid there by the famous saint Baba Abdullah Gazi. The garden as per the historian Hassan bore seedless apricots.

Deedikoot:- This village is 7 km in the west of Kupwara and is named after a saintly woman, Deedi. It is famous for the shrine of Qamrish Baba, a spring known as Ravit Sahibs spring and a bungalow known as Ravits motor shed;Ravit was some Englishman who had constructed a motor shed and a spring on the spot.

Diver:-According to Lawrence, Diver might have been the residing place of Devers Qabeela which was a quarrelsome tribe. It is actually linked to another village Anderbugh and collectively called Diver Anderbugh.

Drugmulla- It is known after Durga, the Goddess. There is a spring known as Durga Nag.

Halmatpora:-It was probably founded by the Chek sardar, Halmat Check.

Kalaroos:- People believe that a tunnel in the area leads to Russia. There are some carved stones known as Sat Barn (Seven Doors). There is also a copper mine.

Karnah:- Its original name was Karnav. Small Rajas used to rule the area from early times. Bombas ruled the area for a long time as independent Rajas who were later on conquered by the Sikhs. Beets and some other Historians call them a race of looters and Raj Trangni indicates that Karnah had remained a hiding and connniving place for outlaws and defeated Kings. It is thought that Karnah has been setup by Raja Karn of early period and Gomal village of the area has been founded by Goomti Devi, in Sikh period. Sher Ahmed Khan, A Bomba Raja, tyrant by nature, was lastly conquered by Mahraja Rambeer Singh. A portion of Jamia Masjid Tangdar is fenced separately and the inhabitants believe that Hazrat Shahi Hamdan had stayed in this corner for some time.

Keran:- Raja Karn of tenth century wandered in this area in the quest of water from a particular stream for regaining his eyesight. His Wazir found the stream in Shardi (Sharda, now in POK). The Raja had a bath in the stream and regained his eyesight and saw the beautiful valley of the area. He decided to settle in this area and handed over his original kingdom to his Wazir. He, therefore, founded Keran Town, now known as Keran or Drawa.

Krusan Lolab:-This village of breath taking beauty is famous for the shrine of Syed Bengal Sahib, where people offer prayer to get themselves protected from natural calamities. Various archives have been dug out of the earth there so far.

Lalpore:-It has been established by Raja Lov in 1060 Kaljug. According to Takhur Icher Chand Lov became Raja after the Pandov Rajas reign ended. Raja Lov built the city of Lalpore.The number of houses in the city as per Kalhans statement was eighty lakh but Ratnagar says the number of houses was eighty thousand. After his sixty years reign his son Koshi Shi became Raja in 1120 Kaljug. Raja Shiv inder was his relative who had settled the village Siwer in Lolab.Pandit Hargopal Khasta says the original name of Lolab was Lo-lo Pur. Some historians say that Lolab has been settled by Lolo Damer and Sultan Shahabuddin. There is a beautiful love story of Bamboor and Lolari also related with Lolab. In Lalpur some ruins of old building are known as Jail Khana.

Gushi:- This village is 3 kms in the west of Kupwara. Historians beleive that it might have been established by Kashi Shi who was son of Raja Lov (the settler of Lolab). Kashi Shi had close relations with this area. Some Pandits of Gushi were known as Akhoons who had taught Persian & Arabic to Muslims of the area. They were very learned people. They helped Sir Walter Lawerence to write the cultural history of Kashmir.

Muqam Shahwali:- This village has been founded by the famous saint Zaiti Shah Wali, who was initially Army Commander of Ali Shah Chek. The Shrine of Zaiti Shah, his spring, his sisters tomb, his brothers tomb and a Jamia Masjid are located in the same premises in the village. The shrine is treated equally sacred by Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. There are so many spiritual and super natural activities attributed to the saint. The residents of the village claim to be the offsprings of the saints brother. It is believed that the fish in the close by spring have been put in it by Zaiti Shah as dry fish which came to life. The shrine is a spot of pilgrimage tourism.

Nechhome:- It is located in Rajwar between Wader and Behnipora villages, one Km away from Wader and 21/2 km form Behipora. Its fame is due to the great lignite mines located here. Its early importance, as shown by the old histories is due to a dormant volcano called Soymjis Astaphan. This hill is 6100 feet high. During the governorship of Atah Muhammad Khan, this volcano exploded continuously for one month. Pandits went to cook their food by the heat of the fire. The historian Hargopal Khasta says “I my self went to the place & saw land burning". Kalhan in Raj Tarangni writes "Soyimboo comes out of Prathvi with countless arms in the shape of rays & accepts the offering of the people". He calls the hill as Tasak Wore. Now it is Known as Sheikh Wuder. Stien had himself gone there & seen the burnt earth. The Travelers Wigine, More craft, Beets, Lawrence, Dr.Fakis & Abu Fazil have all given a description of the place in their writings. Stien has seen the ruins of extinct city in the area. It is one km away from Wader (Rajwar). Second way to it leads from Behnipora and it is 21/2 kms away from Behnipora.

Panzgam:- This village is 20 km in the west of Kupwara. Major Beats gives a description of the village in his gazetteer. According to Thakur Icher Chand, the original name of the village was Panji Gram & Kalhan gives its description in 8th Tarang of Raj Tarangni. In the same description the name of Tar Malik also comes which may be the present Tarathpore, located near Panzgam. A battle between Raja Sher Ahmed Khan Bomba and the Sikh rulers has taken place in the same village.

Ram Kund, Lachman Kund:- According to Lawrence, It is near Khushipora on Kutraj where the asthapan of Ramchander Ji & Lachman are located. The teeraths are made of stone & having eight corners. They are under the earth and only four feet aboveground level. They say Rakshas's and evil sprits lived here with Satans & Jins. They used to eat men. The “avtars” went to fight them .The ditches located there are the result of pressure of their elbows. The Rakshas's were killed . The Rakshas's might have been the robbers or outlaws who were common during Kutraj period. Hargopal says that these hilly places are in payeen village of Cherat Pargana.

Regipora:- This historical village is now a Mohallah of Kuwpara town. Regipora was originally a town, established by famous Chek Sardar Regi Chek, in the reign of Ali Shah Chek. Sir Walter Lawerance in The Valley of Kashmir writes “ the ruins of the city established by the Cheks in Regipora are existing as yet". The hill in the north of Regipora is known as Gadhi. This has been a fort of Cheks, where Ali Shah Chek’s Army Commander, Zaiti Shah Chek got the divine visitation and became a saint.

Trehgam:- This historical village is 9 kms to the west of Kupwara. Its beauty & importance is the Shiv Nag. located in the village. Sir Walter Lawerance writes about it, “The pond of Trehgam indicates the utmost beauty of Kashmir”. The charming Shive Nag, located in the village, is a symbol of Hindu Muslim unity. Muslim Shrine, Jamia Masjid and a Shiv Temple are located on the same bank of the spring and both the communities treat it sacred. Lime stone has been discovered in the hills on the back side of the village.

Source - http://kupwara.gov.in/historic.htm

कुपवाड़ा

कुपवाड़ा ज़िला भारत के जम्मू व कश्मीर राज्य का एक ज़िला है। जिले का उत्तरी-पश्चिमी भाग नियंत्रण रेखा (LOC) से लगा हुआ है। दक्षिण में बारामुल्ला जिला स्थित है। इस ज़िले का मुख्यालय कुपवाड़ा शहर है जो श्रीनगर से 90 किमी दूर है। कुपवाड़ा जिला पीर पंजाल और शम्सबरी पर्वत के मध्य स्थित है। समुद्रतल से 5,300 मीटर ऊंचाई पर स्थित कुपवाड़ा ऐतिहासिक दृष्टि से भी काफी प्रसिद्ध है। जिले के बाहरी क्षेत्रों से किशन गंगा नदी बहती है। यहां की प्राकृतिक सुंदरता अधिक संख्या में पर्यटकों का ध्यान अपनी ओर खींचती है। कुपवाड़ा जिले में कई पर्यटन स्थल जैसे मां काली भद्रकाली मंदिर, शारदा मंदिर, जेत्ती नाग शाह आदि विशेष रूप से प्रसिद्ध है।

कुपवाड़ा नामकरण - कुपवाड़ा नाम कैसे पड़ा इसका कोई अभिलेखीय प्रमाण नहीं है। एक किंवदंती के अनुसार वनों में किसी अनजान व्यक्ति ने एक झोंपड़ी बनाई जिसको 'कोपड़' बोला जाता था जिसका अर्थ होता हैं 'गंदी झोंपड़ी '। इसके पास जानवरों की गायब होने की बहुत दुर्घटना होती थी। इसके आधार पर इस क्षेत्र को 'कोपड़' बोला जाने लगा जो आगे चलकर कुपवाड़ा हो गया। दूसरी किंवदंती के अनुसार कुपवाड़ा के प्रसिद्ध सूफी संत जेत्ती शाह वाली ने इस जगह को कोपोर (Ko-pore) नाम दिया जिसका अर्थ होता है 'बदनाम लोगों का स्थान'. ऐतिहासिक दृष्टि से ये किंवदंतियाँ प्रामाणिक नहीं लगती हैं। कुपवाड़ा एक प्राचीन स्थान है और कश्मीर के अधिकांश प्राचीन स्थानों का उल्लेख कल्हण पंडित द्वारा रचित राजतरंगिनी में मिलता है। राजतरंगिनी में कुप्य नामक एक रथी का उल्लेख आता है जिसके बड़े पुत्र सिंधु कश्मीर के राजा पर्वगुप्त (948 – 950 ई.) के कोषाध्यक्ष थे। संभवत: कुप्य के नाम पर स्थान का नाम कुपवाड़ा पड़ा।

तहसील - ज़िले में 14 तहसीलें हैं: कुपवाड़ा, हंदवारा, करनाह, सोगाम लोलाब, मत्शिल, रामहाल, त्रेहगाम, लनगेट, काज़ीयाबाद, केरन, लालपोरा, क्रालपोरा, द्रगमुला, ज़चलदारा,

प्रमुख आकर्षण

मां भद्रकाली मंदिर: यह मंदिर कुपवाड़ा जिले के हंडवारा तहसील में भद्रकाल नामक स्थान पर हंडवारा से लगभग आठ किलोमीटर की दूरी पर है। मां भद्रकाली मंदिर का मंदिर ऊंचे पर्वत पर स्थित है। इस मंदिर के आस-पास की जगह देवदार और चीड़ के वृक्षों से घिरी हुई है। यह मंदिर मां काली को समर्पित है। यह काफी पुराना मंदिर है जो कि अधिक बर्फबारी और वर्षा के कारण क्षतिग्रस्त हो गया था। मंदिर में भद्रकाली की एक प्रतिमा स्‍थापित है। चैत्र नवमी के दौरान मूर्ति की विशेष पूजा की जाती है। यह त्यौहार पूरे उत्तर भारत में राम नवमी के दौरान मनाया जाता है। देश के अलग-अलग राज्यों से काफी संख्या में लोग इस मेले में सम्मिलित होते हैं।

मंदिर में स्थापित मां भद्रकाली की मूर्ति 1981 में संदिग्ध परिस्थितियों में चोरी हो गई थी मूर्ति चोरी होने के बाद जब 1983 में बरामद की गई तो उसके बाद से भूषण लाल पंडित इसे लेकर जम्मू आ गए और वहीं पर मां भद्रकाली की मूर्ति की पूजा करते रहे।

इस मंदिर में 36 वर्ष बाद माता भद्रकाली की प्राचीन मूर्ति पुनर्स्थापित की गई। माता भद्रकाली की मूर्ति को इस ऐतिहासिक मंदिर में सेना के जवानों द्वारा पुनर्स्थापित किया गया है। साथ ही मंदिर की सुरक्षा के लिए सेना के जवानों की तैनाती भी की गई है। मंदिर पैनल के एक सदस्य भूषण लाल पंडित ने बताया कि हंदवाड़ा के भद्रकाली गांव में स्थित प्राचीन मंदिर में नवरात्र के पहले दिन मां भद्रकाली की ऐतिहासिक मूर्ति मंदिर में स्थापित कर दी गई। एक समारोह में मां भद्रकाली की वास्तविक प्रतिमा को स्थापित किया गया। इस मौके पर सेना के जीओसी मेजर जनरल एके सिंह समेत राष्ट्रीय राइफल्स रेजीमेंट के तमाम जवान मौजूद रहे।

शारदा मन्दिर के भग्नावशेष

शारदा मंदिर: कुपवाड़ा जिले के शारदी गांव स्थित शारदा मंदिर काफी पुराने मंदिरों में से है। उत्तरी कश्मीर के टीटवाल इलाके में नियंत्रण रेखा (एलओसी) के पास माता शारदा मंदिर है। शारदापीठ देवी सरस्वती का प्राचीन मन्दिर है जो पाकिस्तान अधिकृत कश्मीर में शारदा के निकट किशनगंगा नदी (नीलम नदी) के किनारे स्थित है। इसके भग्नावशेष भारत-पाक नियन्त्रण-रेखा के निकट स्थित है। इस पर भारत का अधिकार है। मंदिर के समीप ही किशनगंगा और मधुमती नदियों का संगम होता है। यह मंदिर देवी शारदा को समर्पित है। मंदिर में देवी की पूजा शारदा, सरस्वती और वेगदेवी तीनों रूपों में की जाती है। ऊंचे पर्वत पर स्थित इस मंदिर में 63 सीढ़ियां है। मंदिर के प्रवेश द्वार का निर्माण कश्मीरी स्‍थापत्‍य शैली में किया गया है। मंदिर की उत्तरी दीवार के मध्य में एक छोटा सा छेद है जो कि मंदिर के आंगन में जाकर खुलता है। मंदिर में दो लिंग भी स्थापित है। माना जाता है कि मंदिर में एक बड़ी सी पटिया है जो कि मंदिर में स्थित कुंड को घेरे हुए है। इस स्थान पर देवी शारदा ने तपस्वी शांडिल्‍य को दर्शन देने के लिए प्रकट हुई थी।

एस समय पर यह स्थान शिक्षा का प्रमुख केंद्र था। शारदा पीठ मुजफ्फराबाद से लगभग 140 किलोमीटर और कुपवाड़ा से करीब 30 किलोमीटर दूर पाकिस्तान के कब्जे वाले कश्मीर में नियंत्रण रेखा के पास नीलम नदी के पास है। इस मंदिर को महाराज अशोक ने 237 ईसा पूर्व में बनवाया था, जो शिक्षा का प्रमुख केंद्र था और इस मंदिर पर पूरे भारत के लोग यहां दर्शन करने आते थे। शारदा पीठ मंदिर अमरनाथ और अनंतनाग के मार्तंड सूर्य मंदिर की तरह श्रद्धा का केंद्र रहा है। मंदिर को लेकर धार्मिक मान्यता है कि शारदा पीठ शाक्त संप्रदाय को समर्पित प्रथम तीर्थ स्थल है और कश्मीर के इसी मंदिर में सर्वप्रथम देवी की आराधना शुरू हुई थी। इसके बाद में खीर भवानी और वैष्णो देवी मंदिर की स्थापना हुई।

शिव मामेश्‍वरा मंदिर: शिव मामेश्‍वरा मंदिर कुपवाडा जिले के नागमार्ग पर स्थित है। यह काफी पुराना मंदिर है। यह मंदिर लगभग बारहवीं शताब्दी पूर्व का है। इसके अलावा यहां एक वर्ग किलोमीटर के माप में बना पत्थर से बना एक टैंक भी स्थित है।

जेत्ती शाह नाग: जेत्ती शाह नाग एक ऐतिहासिक सरोवर के रूप में प्रसिद्ध है। यह जगह कुपवाड़ा जिले के मुक्कम शाह वाली गांव से तीन किलोमीटर की दूरी पर स्थित है। प्रसिद्ध जेत्ती शाह नाग के समीप ही जेत्ती शाह मस्जिद स्थित है। सभी धर्म के लोग हिन्दू, मुस्लिम और सिख समान रूप से इस सरोवर को पवित्र मानते हैं। माना जाता है कि संत जेत्ती शाह वाली ने एक सूखी मछली को सरोवर में डाल कर उसे जीवन प्रदान किया था। कहा जाता है वर्तमान समय इस मछली की संतान इस सरोवर पर है।

साधु गंगा: साधु गंगा एक धार्मिक स्थल है। यह जगह कुपवाड़ा जिले के कंडीखास गांव के समीप स्थित है। साधु गंगा कुपवाड़ा से लगभग बारह किलोमीटर की दूरी पर स्थित है। इसे सैद मलिन के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। यह स्थान हिन्दू व मुस्लिम दोनों धर्मो के पंडितजी गोस्वामी और सैद मलिक साहिब को समर्पित है। यहां के स्थानीय लोगों का मानना है कि सूखा पड़ने पर सैद मलिक ने इस क्षेत्र की रक्षा की थी। उन्होंने अपनी आध्यामिक शक्ति के द्वारा यहां एक स्थायी सरोवर खोदा था।

References

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