Downtown, Srinagar

Downtown, popularly known as Shahar-e-Khaas, is the largest and the most densely populated area of the city of Srinagar in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The area is mostly located on the banks of Jhelum river about five km (3.1 mi) from city center.^[5] The area is considered as the core point in the city as the first inhabitants of the Srinagar lived there. In general, the whole area to the north of city centre Lal Chowk is considered a part of downtown although some areas hold high significance. The Jamia Masjid, Srinagar and many other shrines are located here, which makes it the central spiritual, religious, political and moral center of whole Kashmir.

Downtown, Srinagar
Downtown, Srinagar Location in Jammu and Kashmir Show map of Jammu and Kashmir Downtown, Srinagar Location in India Show map of India
Coordinates: 34°5′N 74°47′E
Country	India
Union territory	Jammu and Kashmir
District	Srinagar district
Settled	Ancient
Elevation	1,585 m (5,200 ft)
Languages
• Official	Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Hindi, English[1][2]
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
Distance from Delhi	837.4 kilometres (520.3 mi)[3]
Distance from Mumbai	2,192.6 kilometres (1,362.4 mi)[4]

The historical buildings and monuments found in the area reflect the design of old times. The residential homes are depicted to be constructed from late-19th century to early-20th century. Many key monuments like Jamia Masjid, Khanqah-e-Moula, Maharaj Gunj and shrines have been built by famous rulers of Kashmir.

History

The area was settled more than 2000 years ago in 3rd century BC by Raja Pravarsena. The area is the hub of the historical monuments made by the famous rulers of Kashmir.^[6] The historical monuments include Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta, Khanqah-e- Moula in Zana Kadal Aali Masjid in Eidgah, Maharaj Ganj tomb in Maharaj Ganj, Pathar (stone) Masjid in Nawabazar, and Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani's shrine in Khanyar. Moreover, the Roza Bal shrine is also situated in the area.

Geography

The area is located at 34.0833°N 74.7833°E / 34.0833; 74.7833 at an elevation of 1585 meters above mean sea level in Srinagar.

Demographics

Kashmiri is the mother tongue of the people in the area. People also use Urdu, Arabic, Hindi and English as secondary languages. It is estimated that the downtown has the population of half a million which is about 47% of the total population of Srinagar district.^[7]

Flood

In September 2014 the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir was hit by floods caused by torrential rainfall. The area of Downtown was least affected as compared to the rest of Srinagar, though close to the river, the people from other parts of Srinagar shifted to downtown for safety. Commercial buildings and residential homes and Government offices were shattered to nothing in the adjoining areas. People lost their lives and properties and the whole area was set on the economic back-foot. Schools, hospitals and other places of significant importance were damaged by the floods.^[8]

Education

There are a number of school and colleges in downtown Srinagar, including Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Women's College and Gandhi Memorial College.

Sub divisions

The areas which comprising Downtown Srinagar include:-

S.No	Name
1	Navyut
2	Raze Kadal
3	Göjwör
4	Kawdör
5	Saraf Kadal
6	Buhri Kadal
7	Nov Kadal
8	Naid Kadal
9	Safa Kadal
10	Khanyar
11	Seki Dafar
12	Ael Kadal
13	Habba Kadal
14	Fateh Kadal
15	Kani Kadal
16	Kaed Kadal
17	Dumb Kadal
18	Watal Kadal
19	Nawab Bazaar
20	Maharaj Gunj
21	Zaena Kadal
22	Khanqah-e-Mohalla
23	Gratabal
24	Tarabal
25	Braripoor
26	Bul bul lankar
27	Narparistan
28	Khoji Baazar
29	Roonwor
30	Bab Demb
31	Zaldagar
32	Malarath
33	Lal Bazaar
34	Narwor
35	Hawal
36	Eidgah
37	Noor bagh
38	Hazratbal
39	Zadibal

See also

• Soura
• Buchpora
• Shalimar