The Journey Through War-Torn Kashmir (Part 1 Of 2)

Jammu and Kashmir is India’s northernmost state, bordering Pakistan and China’s Tibetan Plateau. In 1947, India’s independence gave rise to a territorial dispute between India, Pakistan and China. This extended wrangling over land rights escalated into three wars between India and Pakistan and many armed clashes with militant separatists and insurgents. Suffice to say, no traveller will be faulted for imagining a war-ravaged countryside at the mention of Kashmir. Yet the reverse is true. Kashmir remains a scenic and culturally-rich tourism destination, whose peace is interrupted by sporadic fighting.

The boundaries of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh in northern India.
The boundaries of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh – a region administered by India as a union territory. Since 2019 a new act was enacted, dividing the territory into two.
Image saved from Wikipedia by US Central Intelligence Agency – Map of Kashmir region created by the US Central Intelligence Agency, 2004; altered by Fowler&fowler (talk) 06:29, 14 November 2019 (UTC).

War-Torn Kashmir: How It Started

It all began with the complicated task of drawing the India-Pakistan borders in 1947. Kashmir, a predominantly Muslim state with a Hindu Maharaja, dallied in her affiliation. A tribal army from Pakistan, intent on establishing their rights to the territory marched into the state. Srinagar, Kashmir’s capital, would have fallen into their hands had it not been for Maharaja Hari Singh’s request for assistance from the Indian army.

The Instrument of Accession was signed; signalling the beginning of Kashmir’s repeated debate as an Indian state. These conflicts have taken a war-torn toll on the population; at the expense of the lives of tens of thousands.

The Current Political Situation In Kashmir

In August 2019 the Indian government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued the unprecedented order of cancelling the right to a Hindu pilgrimage at the Amarnath Cave Shrine in Kashmir and ordered all tourists to leave the territory. Preceded by the mobilisation of more Indian troops into the valley, Kashmir then began an indefinite lockdown period.

Kashmir enjoyed relative autonomy accorded by Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. These were matters relating to permanent residency, ownership of property and fundamental rights. Article 370 sought to prohibit Indians from outside the state from purchasing property or settling in the region.

In October 2019, Article 370 was abrogated. The parliament passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Hence, dividing the territories of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir into two – the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh.

The Dream Of Kashmir

Over a year ago, The Star, a popular Malaysian daily, published the chronicles of my Kashmir adventure in the Star Online. It was titled, “Malaysian Women Journeyed Through War-Torn Kashmir”. I smiled broadly at how heroic it all sounded.

The blurb of the article on Kashmir in  the Star Online.

Mona and I zeroed in on Kashmir without even entertaining such thoughts. We were just harbouring on the longing of a dream fulfilled. At that time it did not occur to me that I was planning to visit one of the most militarised regions in the world.

The view from the ancient observatory of Pari Mahal stretches across Kashmir's mountains and lakes.
Of lakes and mountains as far as the eye could see. As photographed from Pari Mahal, Palace of the Fairies. This was once a 17th century Mughal observatory built halfway up the Zabarwan mountains. Image by Author.

It was the lure of the diverse landscape; the expanse of the fields and forests, the sights of mountain peaks at every-which-way-you turn and the often glimmering waters of the rivers and lakes. And yes, we had sought the experience of lodging in a houseboat on the lake.

Kashmir’s Typical Old-World Charm

The afternoon shikara ride on Dal Lake with the backdrop of the Zabarwan mountain range.
View of the mountains from a wooden boat called the shikara on Dal Lake.
Image by Author

Our eight-day sojourn in the valley included the experience of the old-world charm of her summer capital, Srinagar. There, we had the run of a houseboat, The Ambassador, moored on Dal Lake. Ours was elaborate, replete in the grandeur of chandeliers, walnut wood carvings, embroidery and chintz furnishing; seemingly frozen in the British Raj era of the 1930s. At that time, the Maharaja prohibited the British from owning land; houseboats by the lakes in Kashmir made its presence and became a cultural feature of the city.

The frontage of our houseboat on Dal Lake.
The houseboat, our dream lodging in Srinagar.
Image by Author.
The elaborate interior of one of the houseboats on Dal Lake.
Furnishing and fittings on the houseboat is our indulgent reminiscing of Kashmir during the colonial era.
Image by Author.

The Dream Of Dal Lake

The all encompassing images of Srinagar are often ones of the houseboats on Lakes Dal and Nigeen and the colourful shikaras that line the shores. These brightly painted boats are with awnings, perfect for one to recline in the shade as you cruise the lake. I loved the gentle glide away from the banks, slowly distancing from the hustle of Boulevard Road. There really was eventual peace as the constant honks of the vehicles became increasingly inaudible. A sense of calmness pervaded with the swishing sounds of paddle to water. Everything seemed a world-away. There was not even a notion of war-torn Kashmir in mind.

Gaily painted shikaras line the shores of Dal Lake in Kashmir.
Brightly painted shikaras line the shores of Dal Lake; boatmen awaiting passengers to the houseboats or bazaars.
Image by Author.

The glistening waters of the lake repeatedly tantalised me. This fascination escalated at the sight of the peaks that ring the lakes and sometimes mirroring its reflection in the waters. A surreal experience for one who has kept these images in her well-archived bucket list.

That vision of a war-torn Kashmir seemed a world away.

Sunset on Dal Lake, Kashmir.
Sunset from Nishat Bagh, on the eastern shores of Dal Lake.
Image by Author

The Enchantingly Manicured Mughal Gardens

Nishat Bahg, one of the Mughal Gardens has the backdrop of the Zabarwan mountain range,
Nishat Bagh, The Garden of Gladness, is the second largest Mughal Garden in the Kashmir Valley. Image by Author.

There are several Mughal Gardens surrounding the lakes. These are landscape masterpieces, vestiges of Kashmir’s Mughal rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries. Terraced hillside gardens with pools and fountains and bountiful beds of colourful blooms overlook the mountains and lakes. Inhale the crisp fresh air of the elevated manicured grounds, look out to the far reaches of the earth and quietly offer a prayer of thanks. This is the recreational solace from the bustling activity of the city for the dweller and tourist alike.

The pool of water at Nishat Bagh, from where the water channel cascades through the garden.
The Nishat Bagh is a 12-level terraced garden that has a cascading water channel running through it. Image by Author.

The Mosques In Srinagar

Srinagar sprawls on both sides of the Jhelum River. As we only had one full day of wanderings, we chose to roam the streets of the old town. Kashmiris are predominantly Muslims, with Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity making up the rest. We took to visiting the mosques in the city, taking note of the differing architecture and the history that lay behind them.

Built in 1394 AD the Jama Masjid is in the middle of Old Srinagar. Its architecture sees the Persian influence with similarities to the pagoda. The 378 roof support columns are each fashioned from the trunk of a single deodar tree.
Image by Author.

Located on the left bank of Dal Lake is The Hazratbal Shrine, considered to be the holiest Muslim shrine in Kashmir. The holy relic in question is the Moi-e-Muqqadas, believed to be a lock of hair from the Prophet Mohammed PBH. The mosque was built in the 20th century when the custodians of the relic, deemed it the best way to preserve and display the relic. This was especially necessary to control the deluge of devotees wishing to pay homage to the shrine during specific occasions.
Image by Author.
Built during the Mughal era in 1623, the Patthar Masjid located in old Srinagar, is fashioned out of conventional stone.
Image by Author.

The Ornate Khanqah Shah-I-Hamdan

The Khanqah Shah-I-Hamdan in Old Srinagar.
Located in Old Srinagar, the Khanqah Shah-I- Hamdan is a 17th century mosque made entirely out of wood.
Image by Author.

Of these, the distinctive Khanqah Shah-I-Hamdan is the highlight; an ornate wooden mosque constructed without nails. Papier-mâché relief decorate the facade and interior of the mosque. While elaborately coloured khatamband, the art of facetted wood-panelled ceilings, is evident as we peered through one of the windows. A pagoda-like steeple sits on the summit of this deliberately artistic architecture, completing its majesty.

A devotee at the doorway of  Khanqah Shah-I-Hamdan, Kashmir.
A devotee at the doorway of the Khanqah Shah-I-Hamdan mosque.
Image by Author

The building stands on the site of one of Kashmir’s first mosques, founded by the Persian saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdan. It has been said that he was one of the 700 refugees fleeing Timur’s anticipated conquest of Iran in 1372.

Kashmir Is The Heaven On Earth

The Mughal Emperor Jahangir visited Kashmir in the 17th century. He would study and document the history and culture of Kashmir. Among his records one would come across is a Farsi couplet he quoted from Amir Khusrau, a revered scholar in the 13th-14th century India.

“Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast.”

“If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this.”

Amir Khusrau, Sufi SiNGER, POET AND scholar from India

It would appear to the scholars of old that Kashmir is indeed, the undisputed heaven on earth.

The scenic view of Lidder River, its water originating from the Kolhoi Glacier in the Great Himalaya Range
The crystal blue waters of the Lidder River through the alpine meadows of Lidderwat in Pahalgam.
Image by Author.

Kashmir boasts of extensive mountain ranges, alpine forests, shimmering lakes, crystal-clear gushing rivers and verdant meadows and valleys. Each season bringing on a charm of its own. This Himalayan region is beauty in and of itself.

The idea of war-torn Kashmir seems remote at best.

Reflection of a house on Dal Lake, Kashmir, on a sunny day.
Across the Dal Lake and through the backwaters, one would capture the picturesque reflection of a home by the lake.
Image by Author.

Is It Safe To Visit Kashmir?

Throughout our planning, we remained mindful of the region’s sensitivity. We regularly updated ourselves on the region’s political climate. The relative calm in the months leading to September 2018 confirmed our resolve in choosing Kashmir as our destination. We seemed to have found our window of peace. The dream of the lake and mountain hikes fulfilled.

Consider These Tips As You Plan A Kashmir Getaway

  • Consult a wide-range of resources as you plan your trip; avoid areas identified as trouble-prone areas.
  • Monitor the news on Kashmir and India for any likelihood of disturbances.
  • Purchase a return ticket; should you be caught in any unrest you would be able to get a safe (and inexpensive) passage out.
  • Carry with you a photograph identification card; there are numerous security checkpoints and one of these may require you to produce a valid identification.
  • Do not travel alone. Kashmiris are polite, respectful and friendly people. Beware of a few unscrupulous ones seeking to take advantage of tourists. Our guides were with us at all times, which kept us feeling safe.
  • If you are planning on a trek in the mountains, ensure that you are going to a safe and authorised area, with a local guide.

Our Guide In Kashmir

We engaged Kashmir Mountain Adventures for a tour that starts from INR 33,000 (approximately MYR 1,850) to include two nights deluxe houseboat stay at Dal Lake, Srinagar and five nights mountain trekking. They customise tours to meet individual requirements.

Please note that the current global COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted tourism in Kashmir. This company will re-open for business when the government lifts travel restrictions.

What’s Next?

Stay with us for part two of the Kashmir adventure. I shall be reflecting upon the mystic charm of Kashmir and the hike into The Great Himalayas. It was an adventure in many ways as well as my first ever camping trip.

A typical souvenir shop in Old Srinagar.
A shop with some of Kashmir’s handicrafts and souvenirs.

About Azlina ALI

Veteran journalist, wife, mother, with an ever burning passion to write and tell stories. Then throw in a dose of healthy diet and an active lifestyle, Azlina is a force to be reckoned with. She's a lean, mean storytelling machine.

6 Replies to “The Journey Through War-Torn Kashmir (Part 1 Of 2)”

  1. Thanks so much for the in-depth, wonderful article you turned out here. I enjoyed reading the article above, and thank you for sharing good knowledge and information, it’s very helpful. I was searching for a travel blog and found your site. Furthermore, I like your high-quality blog site design and your posting abilities. Keep doing it.

  2. Pingback: The Blessed Nature Of Kashmir (Part 2 of 2) - Espoletta

    • Hi Teresa
      So pleased that you found the article educational, thank you. The research was indeed interesting and I enjoyed learning more of the history and its relation to the Kashmiris I met. Do look out for Part 2 for more of my experiences!

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