BANDIPORA IN LENS

Bandipora is located on the northern banks of Wular-The second largest fresh water lake in Asia.Bandipora has a terraced garden similar to that of Nishat Bagh in Srinagar.In Kashmiri     Language there is a famous phrase about Bandipora or in other words Bandipora is famous for three A's - Alim (Knowledge),Adab(Good habits or literature) and Aab(Water).The name of Bandipora originated either from Bund of Wular as Bund e pur or from the enlosed geographical location as Bandh e pur. Bandipora is bound by mountains on three sides and by Wular Lake in the fourth. Bandipora is situated on the banks of the Wular, the largest fresh-water lake in Asia which is home to a lot of migratory birds. Inadvertent dumping of the polluted river waters and sewage affluence has led to a pandemic growth of algae in the waters of the Wular which is threatening the lake and its supporting life itself. The main source of pollution to Wular is Jehlum river. Jehlum river carries all the wastes from Srinagar city and other surrounding areas and deposits it in Wular. Despite being the richest wetland of South Asia and Largest Fresh water lake in Asia,no steps have been taken to save Wular. Bandipora is also a stepping town to the higher reaches of Razdan, Gurez and Tragbal. The famous Lolab valley in Kupwara district is adjacent to the Bandipora.Bandipora is also known as Gateway to Central Asia. There are strong links between Skardu Gurez and Bandipora.

The important villages of Bandipore are Lowdara,Dachigam,Ahamshareef,Ajar,Aloosa,Aragam,Arin,Ajas,Ashtangoo,Ayathmullah,Barazullah,Bonakoot,Gamroo,Garoora,Gundpora,Kalusa,Kehnoosa,Kemah,Khayar,Konan,Lawaypora,Mader,Mangnipora,Mantrigam,Muqaam,Nadihal,Nusoo,Panar,Papachan,Patushai,Pathkoot,Qazipora, Quil,Sonarwani,Sumlar,Tangath,Turkpora,Wanagam,Watapora,etc

 GUREZ VALLEY   

 Gurez is a valley located in the high Himalayas, about 86 kms from Bandipore and 123 kms from Srinagar in northern Jammu and Kashmir.At about 8,000 feet (2,400 m) above sea level, the valley is surrounded by snow capped mountains.It has diverse fauna and wildlife including the Himalayan brown bear and the snow leopard.The Kishanganga River flows through the valley.The road to Gilgit runs through Gurez.Gurez is divided into three regions. The area from Toabat to Sharda Peeth is administered by Pakistan as Neelum District,that between Kamri and Minimarg is part of the Astore District, Northern Areas, Pakistan, and that from Toabat to Abdullae Tulail is known as Tehsil Gurez,and is part of Bandipore district.People of Gurez valley are Dards,they speak Sheena language and have their ancestral connection with Gilgit valley now in Pakistan.The feature and attire of the Dards are similar to Kashmiri people of mountain region.Though Gurez is a far flung area but the people of the Dard race have uplifted themselves by the hard work and proper education. Dard women are fair with athletic built,who spend the summer in collecting wood from mountains for the harsh winter; when it is impossible to move in 20 feet out side. Ultimate adventure destination to the north of Kashrnir,Gurez, is a gateway to the famous silk route across central Asia.The pyramid shaped peak named after famous Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon is most fascinating peak of Kashmir.The emperor Yousuf Shah Chak who is said to be a Dard from Gilgit entered into Kashmir through Gurez.It is believed that when emperor was imprisoned by the King Akbar, his beloved Habba Khafton used to wander near the peak to look for her lover.The roar of mighty Kishan-Ganga river flowing across the valley, resonotes with surrounding mountains that lulls a visitors to sound sleep.The traditional log wood houses make Gurez no less than a European country side.The trekking Routes from Gurez and Tulel lead upto Gangabal and Sonmarg to its east and Drass,Dahanu and Zanskar to its north. The Kishen Ganga river in Gurez offers easy level of stream for Rofting and tough ones from Tulel.Some of the mountains have absolutely challenging scope for Rock Climbing.Trout fishing is a frequent sport among locals who through in a line to get descent meal for the day.Anglers con be delighted to catch a brown trout in the Kishen Ganga River or the streams coming down from the mountains.Gurez has lovely compsites where the tents can be pitched near the river. 20 km from Gurez ,the awesome villages of Tilel have log wood houses which perfectly add to the magnificent view of mountains full of pine and fir trees. The road from Gurez to Tilel is just 7 years old,which has been extended upto Drass in Kargil region.

 WULAR LAKE

A favourite picnic spot among locals and tourists alike, Wular Lake is replenished by the water of the mighty Jhelum river and is one of the 26 wetlands of . This attraction is the perfect place to sit back and revel in the beauty of nature away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The beautiful landscape of the lake is one of the major for garnering huge amount tourists. A walk around the lake is very peaceful and uplifting, and when you've had enough of walking you can explore the place by hopping on a boat and peddle your way through the waters.

The name 'Wular Lake' has an interesting history attached to its name. Wular Lake finds a mention in ancient texts such as Nilamata Purana, where it was called Mahapadmasar. Owing to the stormy temperament the lake was also called Ullola in Sanskrit, which translated to leaping high rising waves. Over the course of time, the name got contorted to Bolor and was called so by Al-Biruni himself. The current name Wular is believed to have been originated from these contortions itself. The origin of the lake's name is also attributed to a Kashmiri word 'Wul', which means a gap, and is a reference to the origin of the lake

The quaint waters of Wular Lake are home to a number of water creatures and is easily an animal lover's delight. Fish such as common carp, rosy barb, mosquito fish and snow trout can be spotted here frolicking away in the sun. Interestingly, the fish found here also form an important part of the local diet and a number of fishermen depend on the fish population for their livelihood.  

Wular Lake is also a bird watcher's delight. A number of terrestrial birds such as black-eared kite, Eurasian sparrowhawk, short-toed eagle, Himalayan golden eagle, Himalayan Monal, chukar partridge, koklass pheasant, rock dove, common cuckoo, alpine swift, Indian roller, Himalayan woodpecker, hoopoe, barn swallow and golden oriole make the rounds of this attraction quite regularly.

Nishat Park

Nishat garden Srinagar is the largest one of the Mughal gardens in Kashmir.Nishat garden Bandipora is built in accordance with the Nishat Garden Srinagar and is in the outskirts of main market Bandipora,It features Beautiful and various Flowers and Trees and provide with a quite and relax environment place for the tourists and people of Bandipora.

 DARUL-ULOOM RAHEEMIA

Bandipora, a township with peculiar scenic beauty is located in the foothills of the snow clad peaks of Harmukh overlooking the shores of Wular has produced hundreds, of scholars and intellectuals. Before 1947, this town was a big trade and literary centre of Kashmir. But after 47s episode, this township was continuously neglected and thus turned into a far-flung, backward area, still this township retained its literary tastes and the literacy rate of this township is the highest in the J&K State. Bandipora, the birthplace of great Historian, Hassan Khoehami, has been out of news for decades together but now this township is coming in the limelight because of the activities of the Darul Uloom Raheemia. It is being upgraded into a full-fledged Islamic University on the pattern of Darul Uloom Deoband in the heart of the township. The Nazim (Administrator) of Darul Uloom Raheemia, claims that this Islamic University, will be the first of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir. Maulana Rahmatullah says that this University will consist of three main wings, that is, Hadees college, (Hadees-sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Tafseer college (Tafseer-interpretation of Quran) and Fiqah college [Jurisprudence]. There will be hostel facilities for one thousand students, a mosque where at a time one thousand people can offer Nemaz and if a congregation is held at least five thousand people can easily sit there. There will also be one hundred family quarters and some one room sets, a beautiful guest house, a fully equipped library and a reading room attached to it. When Maulana Rahmatullah was asked how he would shape the plans about the launching of a full-fledged Islamic university and what were his financial sources, he maintained that the donation from the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir was the sole financial source of this institution. As for the other question of launching an Islamic University on the Deoband pattern he has a surprising story to tell. He says that the prime need for such a big plan was the availability of land. Darul Uloom Raheemiah is presently situated on a land which is not even sufficient to cater to the present needs while it cannot be extended from any side, because there is a graveyard and government hospital on one side whereas a stream and army barracks on the other side. The management of the Darul Uloom Raheemiah has estimated that at least fifty canals or 6 acres of land were needed, so they published an appeal in the Alnoor, (July, 1993) a monthly magazine published from Darul Uloom Raheemiah, for the same. Moulana Rahmatullah reveals that I was expecting that if people donated land, 50 canals can never come at a single site because there are only few families in the whole of area who have such a quantity of land situated at one place. But Allah is the Greatest. He knows how to deliver goods; only a couple of days after our appeal for donation of land, a pious widow approached us with a good news that she had decided to donate her 48 canals (6 acres) for the purpose. So this problem was solved. This fortunate pious lady was Aziz-u-Nisa widow of late Bashir Ahmed Baba. This pious lady who was in her eighties stressed upon us to complete the formalities of handing over of the orchard to us as early as possible and when these formalities were over, this good lady passed away on August 13,1993, just after a few weeks later when she donated the land. Aziz-u-Nisa was buried in a corner of this orchard as per her testimony. She was a pious Muslim and had taught Quran to hundreds of boys and girls of Nusu and adjacent villages of Bandipora. The site plan of the Islamic University has been drafted by the leading architects of Kashmir and has been sent to Devbandh for suggestions, after which this plan will be approved. For the time being, the management has started collecting the material for construction of the mosque, water tank and guest house in the first phase. A few temporary sheds have also been erected in the orchard where the educational activities have been started. Darul Aloom Reheemia, as Maulana Muhammad Rahmatullah Qasmi recalls was launched in September 1979, under the name of “Madrasah Islamia Arabia” after changing the name of Islamic Public School. Maulana Muhammad Rehamatulla, speaking of the days when he completed his studies at Darul Aloom, Devbandh, in 1979 said, “I was not even imagining that an Islamic Darsgah (School) can be launched so immediately, because whenever such a question arose, we used to prefer to work in any pre-establised Darsagh to make it grow on the pattern of Darul Aloom, Devbandh”. He further said that it was quite disheartening to see that not even a single Islamic educational school (especially of high education) in Jammu and Kashmir springing up, although it was predominantly a Muslim state. “In Bandipore, people used to stop me on road side and ask me to recite any Quranic verse as they were not believing me really to be a Hafizi Quran”, says Maulana Rahmatullah adding that ignorance of Islamic teachings was at its peak, so it was right and rather much needed step to launch an Islamic Institution. Moulana Rehamtullah made it clear that Darul-Aloom Raheemia is an independent institution with no links directly or indirectly with any political or non-political organisation. In the institution much stress is laid on the Islamic studies. The subjects are Tafseer (interpretation of Quran), Hadees (Saying of Prophet Muhammad SAW) Fiqa (Islamic Jurispradence) and Tajveed-u-Kirat (Right recitation of Quran). It is reported that when this institution was launched in 1979, the total number of students admitted was 11 and there were three teachers while the total annual budget was of the order of Rs 11,000. However, now i.e. in 1994, there are 225 students on roll and the strength of the staff is 37. The annual amount earmarked for the budget of the institution is Rs 13 lakh. The institution has so far produced 73 Hafizi Quran, 22 students who are Fareg-u-Tehseel Arabi (i.e. completed 20 subjects of Arabic course) that are Tafseer, Hadees, Asooli Tafseer, Asooli Hadees, Fiqa (all the four), Assoli Fiqa, Philosopy, Mantiq, literature, Sarf-u-Nahave (Mani Bayan), Seerat, History of Islam, Tajveed and Qirat, etc, 226 girls and 208 boys have qualified middle class with Denniyat (theology) as one of their subjects. Apart from this, thousands of pupil of various age groups have been taught how to read Quran here during these fifteen years. It may be stated that not limit of age is placed on those who wish to be imparted education in Quran.

The present library is no doubt insufficient for an Islamic University but still it is one among the best Islamic libraries of the valley. There are several manuscripts of the Holy Quran housed in the library along with centuries old other manuscripts like,

1. Mantak-I-Tayer by Shiekh Fareed-ud-Din Attar and the calligraphist is Moulvi Noor-u-Din.
2. Fiqa-i-Akbar by Hazrat Imami Abu Haneefa (RA) and the calligraphist is Mir Fatullah s/o Mir Mazoor. This manuscript has been calligraphed in 1268 Hijrah.
3. Virdul Muredeen a manuscript from by Hazrati Baba Dawood-i-Khaki (RA), the known desciple of Hazrat Sultan ul Arifeen Makhdoom Sahib (RA).
4. A Quran in manuscript from written in golden ink.

• Fatehi Baree published in Egypt,
• Umdatul Qari published in Pakistan,
• Qastallani published in Egypt.
• Kirmani by Abdul Razaq published in Beruit.
• Musand-i- Ahmad Ibin Hanbal publised in Lahore, Musand-i-Ibni Abi Lulee by Ibni Abi Sheeba published in Pakistan.
• Byhaqi publised in Beeruit.
• Majmu-ah-Zavayid, published in Beerut.
• Fathi-i-Mulhem publised in Pakistan, Tahzeebul Tahzeeb published in Lahore.
• Al-Araba publised in Beeruit.
• Books on Tafsee (Interpretation of Quran)
• Tafseer-Kabeer publised in Egypt.
• Tafseeri Ibni Qaseer published in Berrut.
• Dur-i-Munsoor published in Iran.
• Rohul Ma-Aami published in Pakistan,
• Fi Zulali Quran published in Egypt.
• Zawahirul Quran published in Egypt,
• Tafseri-Kashan published in Egypt.
• Books on Fiqa (Islamic jurisprudence)
• Fathel-Taqdeer published in Pakistan.
• Alamgeeri published in Pakistan.
• Al-Bahral-Raiq published in Pakistan.
• Al-Risala by Imam Shafi (RA) published in Bombay.
• Al-Um by Imam Shafi (RA) published in Bombay.
• Al-Mugnai (Hambli Fiqa) published in Berut.
• Fatawa-i-Tatar Khania published in Pakistan
• Shahnamai Islam by Allama Firdosi, Dairatul-Muarif-i-Islamia (Encyclopaedia) in arabic and its urdu translation. Complete file about important decision on Mirzayees (Ahamadies). Tareekh Nam-ia-Harat and History of Kashmir by Hassan Khoihami. Darul Ifta Wa Qaza (The Court of Islamic Justice) This section of Darul Aloom is headed by Mufti Nazir Ahmad, a renowned Islamic scholar, who judges on to the questions about different problems in accordance with the Islamic laws and principles. Hundreds of Muslims throughout Jammu and Kashmir are benefited by issuing Fatawas every day. The locals attend the court personally. However, people from far-flung areas seek guidance through mail. Mufti Nazir Ahmad head of this court has qualified from Deoband in 1985 and has completed M.A. Urdu from Rampur University Up in 1987. Hailing from Bonjwa, Kishtwar Mufti Sahib is highly respected throughout the valley for this scholarship and intellectual integrity.
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   Government Degree College Bandipora

Government Degree College Bandipora also known as HKM (Hassan Khoyihami Memorial College), GDC Bandipora, is University Grants Commission autonomous co-educational degree college affiliated with the University of Kashmir situated in Bandipora in the Indian Occupied state of Jammu and Kashmir.The college is affiliated with University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar and is recognised by University Grants Commission of India un
der articles 2(f) and 12(b) of UGC Act,1956

The college is located at Patushay in district headquarter Bandipora in the Indian occupied state of Jammu and Kashmir.It is located in North-Kashmir and situated at a distance of 57km from Srinagar on the eastern bank of Wular Lake.

Government of Jammu and Kashmir established the college in the year 2005 during the Chief-Ministership of Late Mufti Syed.The college is one of the first institution of higher education in district Bandipora. The main aim of establishment of college was to open the doors of higher education to students belonging to far-flung hilly areas of district Bandipora.Government Degree College, Bandipora is also known as HKM (Hassan Khoyihami Memorial College) GDC Bandipora.It is named after the Hassan Khoyihami, a great native poet and historian of 19th century in Kashmir, who provided information on all aspects of human life, geography, flora, fauna and archaeological remains of Kashmir.

HARMUKH

Harmukh (also known as Mount Haramukh or Harmukh mountain) is a mountain with a peak elevation of 5,142 metres (16,870 ft), in Ganderbal district of Jummu & Kashmir.Harmukh is part of the Himalaya Range, and is located between Nallah Sindh in the south and Kishanganga Neelum River in the north, rising above Gangabal Lake in the vicinity of Kashmir Valley.It is mostly climbed from the northwestern side of Arin Bandipora.

Harmukh, with Gangbal Lake at its foot, is considered a sacred mountain by Hindus.According to Kashmiri Hindu theology, Harmukh is the abode of Lord Shiva According to the legend of "Hurmukhuk Gosoni"

     For Mountaineers The Mt Harmukh remains the main attraction, It is located in the eastern side of the town. Commercial Cabs ply on that route till Kodara that is the farthest point where the cabs stop, and there onwards the terrain becomes hilly and one has to track [17KM] till the higher reaches of Mount Harmukh, Sheera Sir [Lake of Spirits] acts as a base camp for all the mountaineering expeditions for Mt Harmukh. In the north Lies Guraze, One of the most beautiful places in Jammu and Kashmir is 86 km from Bandipora. Commercial Cabs ply on this route during summers, however in winters the route remains closed due to heavy snowfall

Once a hermit tried to reach the summit of Harmukh to see Lord Shiva face to face. For twelve long years he tried to scale the summit, but failed until one day he saw a Gujar descending the summit. When the Gujar approached him, the hermit enquired as to what he had seen there. The Gujar said he had been searching for a stray goat, and that while searching he saw a couple milking a cow and drinking the milk from a human skull. The couple had offered him some milk, which he refused to drink; when they departed they rubbed a little of the milk on his forehead. When the Gujar indicated the spot where the milk was rubbed, the hermit was extremely joyful and rushed to lick his forehead. It is said that the hermit attained Nirvana and disappeared from the place, to the complete surprise of the Gujar.

 Harmukh lies in the northwestern Himalaya Range.The Karakoram Range borders it on the north and the Kashmir Valley on the south. Melt waters from glaciers form Gangabal Valley which lies at its foot to the north east side and contribute significantly to the regional fresh-water supply, supporting irrigation through Nallah Sindh.This Himalayan Range lies along the southern edge of the Eurasian Tectonic Plate  and is made up of ancient sedimentary rocks (more than 390 million years old). Those strata were folded and thrust-faulted, and granite masses were intruded, when the Indian Plate collided with Eurasia, beginning more than 100 million years ago.Harmukh means same on all sides.It is notable for its local relief as it is a consistently steep pyramid, dropping sharply to the east and south, with the eastern slope the steepest.

Harmukh was first climbed by members of the Great Trignometric Survey led by Thomas Montgomerie in 1856. Montgomerie made the first survey of the Karakoram some 210 km (130 miles) to the north, and sketched the two most prominent peaks, labelling them K1 and K2.Harmukh was later climbed by many other climbers.Most Recently the Haramukh peak was climbed by a local group of climbers from Alpine Adventurers on September 20th 2015.This was the first successful ascent to the eastern peak after nearly 3 decades.

The policy of the Great Trigonometric Survey was to use local names for mountains wherever possible and K1 was found to be known locally as Masherbrum.K2, however, appeared not to have acquired a local name, possibly due to its remoteness. The mountain is not visible from Askole,the last village to the south, or from the nearest habitation to the north, and is only fleetingly glimpsed from the end of the Baltoro Glacier,beyond which few local people would have ventured.Therefore,Harmukh is the mountain from which the world's second-highest mountain peak, K2,was discovered and the name given it by the Survey,K2,continues to be used.

The easiest route among the different routes of Harmukh is via Arin Bandipore,47 km motorable road from Srinagar to Arin and 18 kilometers of high altitude alpine tract leads to the base of Harmukh. Another track leads from Naranag to the base of Harmukh at Gangabal Lake,but it is a steep climb at some places.

Sher i Kashmir Stadium Bandipore

                                        

Government Degree College Sumbal

 Government Degree College, Sumbal was established in the year 2010.The foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister,Mr. Omar Abdullah on 7 July 2011 and the inaugration was done by Minister for Education,Mr. Akbar Lone on 19 Oct 2014.Classwork in the college started with the first principal of the college being Prof. Anjli Razdan.

Government Degree College,Sumbal is a Government College of the State of J&K.It is under the control of Ministry of Education,Department of Higher Education,Government of J&K.The college is academically affiliated with the University of Kashmir,Hazratbal,Srinagar.Funding of the college is carried out by the State Government & R.U.S.A.

GDC Sumbal,being a newly established college, is still in the process of establishing basic infrastructure within the campus. Nevertheless,considerable progress has been made here and the college at present has the capacity of accomodating 2000+ students.

The college has a fully furnished three storeyed main building with 12 lecture halls,4 large capacity event halls,a library, and laboratories for all science subjects taught in the college.Numerous other rooms house staff and various teaching departments.The college campus has 6 prefabricated huts that house two gymnasiums,a store and classrooms.A newly constructed and large two-storeyed auxilliary building has additional classrooms.A dispensary is also functional in the premises for providing emergency medical attention and first-aid to our students

A large building is in the process of construction and will house an auditorium and a library of significant size.The building is expected to be completed in 2018.

A capacious Indoor Stadium has been completed in the college complex and upon being fully furnished will be capable of housing all sorts of indoor game tournaments,including Tennis,Basketball,Badminton, Skating,Pool,Snooker,Carromboard and so on. The college has 2 large sports grounds within the main complex.

The college has 24 academic departments conducting classes in Science, Arts and Commerce disciplines. It has a strength of 55+ qualified faculty members, out of which 17 are permanent. The college has upwards of 2,000 students admitted in various undergraduate programmes on the campus.

The Library houses a large collection of approximately 5,500 modern textbooks and reference books. It also houses a large reading room with a good collection of local and national newspapers, journals, magazines and periodicals.

Lets Have a Look On Tarana/Anthem Of Sumbal College

Forest Training & Research Institute,Bandipore

“Someone is sitting in the shade today

Because

someone planted a tree a long time ago"

Bandipora plays host to one of the famous Forest Training and Research Institute Popularly known as "Bandipora Forest Training And Research Institute" in Jammu and Kashmir. Its a 3KM distance from the main town.