Explore Jammu and Kashmir's rich history, vibrant culture, polity, rivers, national parks, and economy. Learn about its geography, traditions, crafts, festivals, biodiversity, and economic growth post-UT status. A complete regional profile of J&K.
theIAShub | 31 May, 2025 | 6581 | 0 |
Jammu and Kashmir, located in the northernmost part of India, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and strategic significance. The region is famed for its handicrafts, tourism, and diverse geography ranging from plains to high-altitude mountains. Covering 55,538 square kilometers (Union Territory status as of 2019), it holds a unique position in India’s political and cultural landscape. According to the 2011 Census, Jammu and Kashmir had a population of over 12.5 million. Srinagar (in summer) and Jammu (in winter) serve as the twin capitals of the Union Territory.
Image: Maps of India
Also Read: Operation Sindoor
The history of Jammu and Kashmir spans ancient Hindu and Buddhist influences, Muslim rule, and Dogra princely leadership. The region was ruled by various dynasties including Mauryas, Kushans, and later Mughals and Sikhs. In 1846, it became a princely state under Dogra ruler Gulab Singh.
At independence in 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh acceded to India following tribal invasion from Pakistan, leading to the first Indo-Pak war. The state received special status under Article 370. On August 5, 2019, Article 370 was abrogated, and Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into a Union Territory.
Also Read: Andhra Pradesh
Jammu and Kashmir shares international borders with Pakistan and China, and domestic boundaries with Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
| Category | Details |
| Key Geographic Features | • Pir Panjal and Zanskar ranges • Kashmir Valley and Chenab basin • Alpine forests, meadows, rivers, and glacial lakes |
| Highest Peak | Nun Peak • Elevation: 7,135 m (23,409 ft) • Location: Suru Valley, Kargil • Significance: Highest peak in Indian-administered J&K; part of Nun Kun massif |
| Smallest Recognized Peak | No official smallest peak, but low-lying ridges (300–500 m) in Jammu (Udhampur, Kathua) serve as base terrain. |
| Important Mountain Passes | 1. Zoji La Pass (~3,528 m) – Connects Srinagar-Leh; key military/civilian route 2. Banihal Pass – Traditional Jammu-Srinagar route (now bypassed by tunnels) 3. Sinthan Pass (~3,800 m) – Kishtwar-Anantnag emerging route 4. Razdan Pass – Gurez Valley (strategic border access) 5. Margan Pass – Scenic Warwan-Kashmir Valley route |
| Major Rivers | • Jhelum River – Originates from Verinag Spring (Anantnag); flows through Kashmir Valley into Pakistan • Chenab River – Rises in Himachal Pradesh; vital for hydroelectric projects • Tawi River – Flows through Jammu; key for water supply • Ravi River – Flows along Jammu’s southeastern border; joins Chenab • Sind River – Tributary of Jhelum; flows through Ganderbal |
| Climate | • Jammu: Subtropical (hot summers, cool winters; monsoon rains) • Kashmir Valley: Temperate (cold winters with snowfall, pleasant summers) • Ladakh/Higher Elevations: Alpine (harsh winters, cool summers) |
Snowfall is common in winters, especially in the valley and mountain passes, while the Jammu plains experience monsoon rainfall.
Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh
Jammu and Kashmir is bordered by:
| Type of Border | Neighbour |
| Domestic Border | Himachal Pradesh |
| Domestic Border | Ladakh |
| International Border | Pakistan (PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan) |
The region holds significant geopolitical relevance due to its proximity to international borders and ongoing territorial disputes.
Also Read: Chattisgarh
As per the 2011 Census, Jammu and Kashmir had a population of approximately 12.5 million. The population density stands at around 124 persons per square kilometer. The sex ratio is 889 females per 1000 males.
Literacy Rate: The literacy rate is 67.2%, with male literacy at 76.8% and female literacy at 56.4%.
Languages Spoken:
Also Read: Assam
Following are the state symbols for Jammu and Kashmir:
| Symbol | Name |
| State Animal | Kashmir Stag (Hangul) |
| State Bird | Black-necked Crane |
| State Tree | Chinar Tree (Platanus orientalis) |
| State Flower | Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) |
These symbols reflect the region’s ecological and cultural uniqueness.
Also Read: Bihar
Jammu and Kashmir, now a Union Territory (since 2019), has a unicameral legislature with 90 seats (as per the Reorganization Act). The territory is administered under the Indian Constitution with representation in both houses of Parliament.
| Category | Details |
| Political Status | • Union Territory since October 31, 2019 (J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019) • Unicameral legislature (90 seats) |
| Current Leadership | Lieutenant Governor: Manoj Sinha (since August 2020) • Former Union Minister • Focus areas: Infrastructure, transparency, digital governance |
| Judiciary | High Court: Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh High Court (jurisdiction over both UTs) Chief Justice: Hon’ble Justice N. Kotiswar Singh (since February 2023) • Priorities: Judicial access, infrastructure development |
| Parliamentary Representation | • Lok Sabha (Lower House): 5 elected MPs • Rajya Sabha (Upper House): 4 indirectly elected members |
| Legislative Structure | • Unicameral Assembly: 90 elected members (as per J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019) • Districts: 20 (post-2019 reorganization) • Subdivisions: Further divided into tehsils, blocks, and villages for local governance |
Jammu and Kashmir’s culture reflects a blend of Indo-Aryan, Central Asian, and Tibetan influences. The population includes Kashmiri Muslims, Dogras, Gujjars, Bakarwals, Pandits, and Ladakhi Buddhists, contributing to a rich mosaic of customs, dress, cuisine, and beliefs. Cultural expressions are rooted in faith, folklore, and natural beauty.
| Category | Details |
| Classical Dance | • No officially recognized classical dance form among India’s eight classical dances. • Popular Folk Dances: – Rouf (women’s dance during Eid, rhythmic footwork) – Bhand Pather (folk theatre with dance and satire) – Kud and Heren (Dogri dance forms) • Themes: Harvest, marriage, religious devotion, seasonal festivals. |
| Theatre Art | • Bhand Pather: Kashmiri folk theatre with dance, music, and satire. • Dogri Theatre: Traditional storytelling in Jammu. • Modern Theatre: Urban performances addressing contemporary issues. |
| Folk Music | • Types: Chakri (ballads), Rouf songs, Dogri Geet, Sufiyana Kalam (spiritual), Ladakhi chants. • Instruments: Rabab, santoor, tumbaknaer, nout, dhool. • Notable Form: Sufiyana Kalam (Sufi devotional music with classical roots). |
| Classical Music | • Primarily Sufiyana Kalam (Persian-influenced Sufi music). • Uses ragas and instruments like santoor, setar. • Performed in shrines for spiritual communion. |
| Performance Traditions | • Linked to festivals, harvests, weddings, and religious events. • Venues: Village courtyards, Sufi shrines (dargahs), temples, community centers. |
| Major Festivals | • Muslim: Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Urs of Sufi saints (qawwalis at shrines). • Buddhist: Hemis Festival (masked dances in Ladakh). • Hindu/Sikh: Lohri, Baisakhi (Jammu), Navreh (Kashmiri Pandit New Year). • Cultural: Mela Pat (Dogri fair in Bhaderwah). |
| Arts & Crafts | • Pashmina: Luxury handwoven shawls. • Papier-Mâché: Colorful decorative art. • Wood Carving: Walnut wood furniture. • Carpets/Namdas: Hand-knotted rugs and felted wool. |
| Architecture | • Mughal Gardens: Shalimar, Nishat Bagh (Srinagar). • Religious Sites: Hazratbal Shrine, Shankaracharya Temple, Raghunath Temple. • Ladakhi Monasteries: Hemis, Thiksey (Tibetan style). • Dogra Palaces: Mubarak Mandi Palace (Jammu). |
| Wildlife & Nature | • National Parks/Sanctuaries: Dachigam (Kashmir stag), Hemis (snow leopards), Kishtwar (Himalayan brown bear). • Ecosystems: Alpine forests, high-altitude deserts, glacial lakes. |
Jammu and Kashmir has five designated national parks:
| Category | Details |
| National Parks | 1. Dachigam NP (141 km², Srinagar) – Key Species: Hangul (Kashmiri stag), leopards 2. Kishtwar NP (400 km², Kishtwar) – Key Species: Snow leopard, musk deer 3. Hemis NP (4,400 km², Leh) – Largest in India; snow leopards, ibex 4. Salim Ali NP (Defunct) – Now Royal Springs Golf Course 5. City Forest (18 km², Srinagar) – Urban biodiversity, birdwatching |
| Wildlife Sanctuaries | • Overa-Aru (Anantnag) • Hirpora (Shopian) • Changthang (Ladakh) • Trikuta (Reasi) • Ram Nagar (Jammu) |
| Ramsar Sites | 1. Hokera Wetland (Srinagar) – Migratory birds, ecological balance 2. Wular Lake – Asia’s largest freshwater lake, flood control |
| UNESCO Tentative Sites | • Mughal Gardens of Kashmir • Buddhist Monasteries of Ladakh • Wular Lake (proposed) |
| Tiger Reserve | J&K Tiger Reserve (proposed) • Location: Kishtwar NP • Notes: Focus on snow leopards; sporadic tiger presence |
The economy of Jammu and Kashmir is diverse, based on agriculture, handicrafts, tourism, and public administration, with new investments in infrastructure and industry.
| Category | Details |
| Key Sectors | • Agriculture/Horticulture: Apples (80% of India’s production), saffron, walnuts, rice • Handicrafts: Pashmina shawls, papier-mâché, carpets (₹1,200+ crore annual exports) • Tourism: 1.4+ crore tourists (2023); Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Leh • Hydropower: 3,500+ MW potential; Baglihar (900 MW), Dulhasti (390 MW) • Public Sector: 30% workforce in govt/defense sectors |
| Major Projects | • Chenab Valley Hydro Projects (1,856 MW under construction) • Zojila Tunnel (Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel; 14.15 km) • Ujh Multipurpose Project (irrigation + 196 MW power) • Smart Cities: Jammu & Srinagar (₹2,000+ crore investment) • Industrial Scheme: 300+ units approved (2021–30) • Startup J&K: 500+ startups registered |
| Economic Overview (2023–24) | • GSDP: ₹2.23 lakh crore (9.1% growth) • Sectoral Contribution: – Agriculture: 18% – Industry: 28% (handicrafts, hydropower) – Services: 54% (tourism, IT) |
| Major Economic Centers | • Srinagar: Handicrafts, tourism (Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens) • Jammu: Trade, education (IIM, AIIMS) • Pulwama: Saffron (Pampore), dairy • Leh: Renewable energy (solar), adventure tourism |
| Top Contributing Districts | 1. Srinagar (services, crafts) 2. Jammu (commerce, infrastructure) 3. Pulwama (saffron, agro-processing) 4. Anantnag (apple orchards, tourism) 5. Baramulla (horticulture, cross-LoC trade) |
Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous terrain holds valuable mineral deposits.
| Mineral Type | Locations |
| Gypsum | Uri, Ramban, Baramulla |
| Limestone | Udhampur, Doda, Kathua |
| Bauxite | Reasi region |
| Magnesite | Uri and Panjal ranges |
| Coal (minor deposits) | Kalakote area |
Following are the important schemes run by government of J&K for welfare:
| Scheme | Objective | Key Features |
| SEHAT Health Insurance | Universal health coverage | ₹5 lakh/family/year for hospitalization under Ayushman Bharat |
| Back to Village (B2V) | Grassroots governance | Officers visit panchayats to assess needs |
| Mission Youth | Youth empowerment | Entrepreneurship, skilling (Mumkin, Tejaswini, Rise Together) |
| Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) | Pension/financial aid | Combines NSAP & UT-funded benefits |
| PARVAZ Scheme | Competitive exam support | Free coaching for UPSC/NEET/JEE |
| JK e-Governance (e-Office & Service Plus) | Digital governance | Online certificates, grievance redressal |
| My Town My Pride (MTMP) | Urban governance revamp | Officer outreach for civic services |
| Border Area Development Programme (BADP) | Border area development | Infrastructure/security in border districts |
| PMGSY (J&K Special Projects) | Rural connectivity | All-weather roads in remote areas |
| Industrial Policy 2021–30 | Industrial growth | Capital subsidies, GST reimbursement |
Are you preparing for UPSC 2025? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enroll now!
With its alpine landscape, cultural tapestry, and geopolitical importance, Jammu and Kashmir plays a key role in India’s strategic and development landscape. From snow-clad peaks to saffron valleys and Buddhist monasteries to tech-driven youth missions, the region is undergoing rapid transformation under Union governance.
Major rivers include the Jhelum, Chenab, Indus (in Ladakh), and Tawi. These rivers are crucial for irrigation, hydropower, and ecological sustenance.
J&K reflects a fusion of Kashmiri, Dogra, Ladakhi, and Gujjar-Bakarwal cultures—seen in language, cuisine, festivals, and crafts like Pashmina, wood carving, and Thangka painting.
There are five national parks including Dachigam and Hemis. These parks protect species such as the Hangul, snow leopard, and ibex, spanning ecosystems from alpine meadows to cold deserts.
Key drivers include horticulture (apples, walnuts, saffron), handicrafts, tourism, hydropower, and public sector employment. Industrial investment and infrastructure are new growth frontiers, especially post-reorganization.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.
IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.
Here are some important services provided by IAShub:
The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.
