HISTORY OF JAMMU & KASHMIR

The Burzahom archaeological site 10 km from Srinagar has revealed the presence of Neolithic and megalithic cultures. According to Kalhana's 12th-century text Rajatarangini, a king named Pravarasena II established a new capital namedPravarapura (also known as Pravarasena-pura).

Based on topographical details, Pravarapura appears to be the same as the modern city of Srinagar.
Aurel Stein dates the king to the 6th century. Kalhana mentions that a king named Ashoka had earlier established a town called Srinagar. Kalhana describes this town in hyperbolic terms, stating that it had "9,600,000 houses resplendent with wealth".According to Kalhana, this Ashoka reigned before 1182 BCE and was a member of the dynasty founded by Godhara. Kalhana states that this king adopted the doctrine of Jina, constructed stupas and Shiva temples, and appeased Bhutesha (Shiva) to obtain his son Jalauka.

Multiple scholars identify Kalhana's Ashoka with the 3rd century Buddhist Mauryan emperor Ashoka despite these discrepancies. Although "Jina" is a term generally associated with Jainism, some ancient sources use it to refer to the Buddha. RomilaThapar equates Jalauka to Kunala, stating that "Jalauka" is an erroneous spelling caused by a typographical error in Brahmi script. Ashoka's Srinagar is generally identified with Pandrethan (near present-day Srinagar), although there is an alternative identification with a place on the banks of the Lidder River. According to Kalhana, Pravarasena II resided at Puranadhishthana ("old town") before the establishment of Pravarapura; the name Pandrethan is believed to be derived from that word.

DESCRIPTION OF JAMMU & KASHMIR

This is the largest city and the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchor lakes. The city is famous for its gardens, waterfronts, and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits. Known as the "Venice of Orient", it is the northern most million plus city of India.