The State of Jammu and Kashmir as it was at its largest extent under the rule of the Dogras. This Map helps people understand the complicated Geography and Diversity of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Gilgit Game
Rakaposhi Peak as seen from the Gilgit Valley. Pic Courtesy Wikipedia
Gilgit, strategically located is a vast valley around the point where the Gilgit and Hunza River meet beyond the Great Himalayan Range .. It was bound from the North on one side by the Karakoram Range and on the Western side by the Hindu Kush. Its location particularly later in history was one of immense importance once the Great Game started between Tsarist Russia and Imperial Britain.
The Indigenous People of Jammu and Kashmir
The erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir was one of the most diverse State in the country in Ethnic, Religious and Lingual dimensions. The main "People" of Jammu and Kashmir and its different regions are briefly described in this Article.
The Dudu Timber Saga
A tale from a time gone by when Forests were seen as great Resources of Timber and vast tract of these Himalayan Forests were given out on contract for Timber extraction. My Family was also involved in this Timber trade and were known as others in this business at Forest Leasees. This particular story is from the remote and unknown Dudu Latti Valley in Udhampur District in the Jammu Division of the Union Territory of J&K.
The Enchanting Padri Gali
The enchanting Padri Pass or Padri Galli or Padri Top which connects Chamba in Himachal Pradesh with Bhaderwah in the Jammu Division of Jammu and Kashmir at around 10,400 feet amsl. It is located around 110 kms from Chamba Town and around 40 kms from Bhaderwah and is the highest point of the Chamba Bhaderwah Highway. This is one of the important Passes which connects J and K with Himachal. In older times Bhaderwah was a part of the powerful Chamba Kingdom which held Kishtwar as well and even Zanskar.