Azad Jammu & Kashmir—A Paradise on Earth

Azad Jammu & Kashmir—A Paradise on Earth

Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a combination of three words. If you want to know about this region, first you need to get understanding with its meaning that why it is called Azad Jammu and Kashmir?

Azad+Jammu+Kashmir= Azad Jammu Kashmir

The word Jammu is derived from the name of her founder Raja Jambu Lochan who has ruled in this territory in the 9th century.

The word Kashmir etymology and history is quite interesting. I bet very few people know that Kashmir meaning is a “Dry Land”. Yes, it is called dryland. History tells us that Kashmir formerly was a lake till 12^th century then eventually it dried up and people started to live over there.

The word Azad means free and independent. This state got freedom from Hari Singh. In this context Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a free independent land which have their own constitutional assembly, Supreme Court and Flag. This country is consist on world’s most beautiful districts. Pakistan has a ministry on Kashmir issues which is the only thing that create a link of Pakistan with AJK.

A Brief History of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

When India broke up in 1947, Britain abandoned its sovereignty over the princely state, which left with three options either had to join India or Pakistan or remain independent. Jammu and Kashmir’s Maharaja Hari Singh wanted that his country to remain independent. Muslims in West Jammu Province (now Azad Kashmir) and Frontier District (currently Gilgit-Baltistan) wanted to become part of Pakistan.

They have started their struggle and finally get succeeded to free some region. October 24, 1947 was a historic day for Jammu and Kashmir people. On that day, the Kashmir masses formally established their autonomy in the liberated areas of Maharaja Hari Singh. Due to intervention of Indian Army complete Kashmir couldn’t get free but at certain region a state get established with the name of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Map

This territory share her borders with Gilgit Baltistan which is a province of Pakistan. It boundaries also meet with Pakistan’s Punjab province from south and with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from west.

From east side Azad Kashmir is get separated from state Jammu and Kashmir by the Line of Control. Its capital name is Muzaffarabad and situated on the banks of Neelum and Jhelum which is just 138 km away from Pakistan’s capital Islamabad.

Azad Kashmir Weather

Azad Kashmir is consisting on hill stations and valleys so its temperature did not rise from a certain level. From January to December the average maximum temperature is noted about 24^o C and the minimum temperature that is noted was -1°.

From November to March its temperature remain below 10^o. January and February are months when temperature go even in negative. People come in this season to see snow falling. But during this time period 80% hill station passage get blocked due to heavy snow falling.

From April to October its temperature get moderate and remain 11^o to 24^o. During this time period many spots get opened for tourist. Tourist come and enjoy hiking and other sports during this period.

Azad Kashmir Language

Azad Jammu and Kashmir have almost entirely Muslim populations. Most of the inhabitants of this region are not part of the Kashmir ethnic group and belong to the north of Punjab. So 50-60% of Azad-Kashmir residents use to speak Punjabi language. Urdu is the official language of the region, but Pahari, Gojri and Potohari are other commonly used languages.

Azad Kashmir Traditions

There are various traditions such as food, costumes, and ceremonies. Rice is an essential food of Kashmir. In addition, since most people own their own farms, they can grow their own maize and wheat for bread, rice, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and also their own livestock such as cows, sheep goats and chickens. Whether it is a ceremony, a wedding, a death or any other type of ceremony, the food served must include “lobia daal chawaal“. In addition, tea and black tea (kewa) are essential after meals. Another important fact to note is that Kashmiri uses salt for tea (milk tea).The ladies of Kashmir wear Shalwar Qameez and cover the head with traditional shawl. Men also wear Shalwar Qameez and the Peshawari turban is a common practice.

AJK also celebrates all Muslim traditions and festivals with great enthusiasm and respect for the celebration of ethnic minorities. Famous fairs and festivals in Jammu and Kashmir include Eid-ul-Fitr, Holi, Lohri, Baisakhi, Navratri and New Year’s Day. Kashmiri love the celebration and do gathering on these occasions.

Azad Kashmir People

Kashmiri’s are good looking people they have the following physical characteristics which segregate them from others. Like

Prominent noses
Amazing facial complexions ranging from wheatish to white
50% chance of having colored eyes (hazel, blue, green and all their shades) etc.

Kashmiri people are good in nature and have a good element of hospitality. Kashmiri are ta oo much hardworking creature. They mostly love to travel on foot beside vehicles which keep them healthy and fresh.

Azad Kashmir Industry

In Kashmir mostly people make their livelihood by selling the apples from their orchards, which is considered as the best business in Kashmir but there are other a as well that reached at the apex which are probably walnut business, horticulture and so many agri farms related. So if we categorized the Kashmiri people business. The hierarchy will be as

In Azad Kashmir, people don’t have public transport from the government so they run their own transport system which mostly six seated.

Azad Kashmir Interesting Facts

Azad Jammu and Kashmir is very interesting Country and here is the detail of few interesting facts, which are:

Approximately 87% of houses have their farms
Kashmir national animal is Kashmir Stag
Kashmir national bird name is Black-necked Crane
Kashmir national tree is Chinar tree
AJK has only 10 Districts
There is a shortage of schools and colleges in this region, but fortunately, this region has a 72% literacy rate.

It has Sharda Peeth temple in Neelum valley which is the wonder of the world. Back in the 9th century, it served as a university and a hub of knowledge to the Hindu scholars and students.

Azad Kashmir’s most famous Places

Azad Jammu and Kashmir is such country which every spot has a special attraction for her viewer. A man can’t remove his eyes from such magnificent views. Here is a list of such magnificent views