Baramulla a picturesque town situated
at 34.0 34’0 N longitude and 74. 0 45’ 0 E latitude, extending over an area of
4190 (P) sq km comprises of 652 villages (census villages).The North-western
district of valley, Baramulla derives its name from two letters Varrah
(Sanskrit: Boar) and Mul (Sanskrit: Molar). In Nilmathpurna, the earliest epic
of Kashmir, it is mentioned that Kashmir was a lake and Vishnu became a Boar and
drained it by making a breach with a molar. The town is located on the either
banks of river Jehlum, about 55 Kms away from the capital city of Srinagar.
The city of Baramulla, founded by Raja Bhimsina, held the position of a gate-way to the valley as it was located on the route to the Valley from Muzaffarabad, now in POK, and Rawalpindi, now in Pakistan. As such, a number of prominent visitors have been to Baramulla. These include the famous Chinese visitor Heiun T'Sang and Moorcraft, the British historian. Mughal Emperors had special fascination for Baramulla. Being the gate way of the valley, it was a halting station for them during their visits to the Valley. to the Valley. br />
In 1508 Emperor Akbar who entered the Valley via Pakhil spent a few days at Baramulla and according to "Tarikh-e-Hassan" the city during Akbar's stay, had been decorated like a bride. Jahangir also stayed at Baramulla during his visit to Kashmir in 1620. In the 15th century, Baramulla became important to Muslims, as the famous Muslim saint Syed Janbaz Wali, who visited the valley along with his companions in 1421, chose Baramulla as the centre of his mission, and after his death he was buried there. His shrine attracts pilgrims from all over the Valley.
Geography
Baramulla has an average elevation of 1593 meters (5226 feet). Baramulla district is the largest district in the entire valley both with reference to the population and area .The district is spread over an area of 4190 Sq kms. The district is bounded by Kupwara in the North and West, Budgam and Poonch in the South, Bandipore District in the North East and Neelum District (POK) in the North. Baramulla district has distinction of having geographical diversity as it has in its jurisdiction, sub temperate / sub tropical areas apart from vast area falling in temperate zone. It has severe cold climate in winter and a pleasant weather in summer. Almost all parts of the district experience snowfall during winter. Snowfall in Gulmarg is known for winter sports. Average annual rainfall in District Baramulla has been recorded as 1270 mm. The district is worth visiting in the winters for enjoying the snowfall and for winter sports, and also in the summers for enjoying the pleasant climate.
Demography
As per 2001 census, Baramulla district had a population of 8,53,344. Males constituted 51% of the population and females 49%. It had a literacy rate of 44%, lower than the national average of 64.84%; with 63% of the males and 37% of females. Literate 11% of the population was under 6 years of age.
Administration
Baramulla district comprises of 08 tehsils, viz., Baramulla, Pattan, Sopore, Tanghmarg, Rohama (Rafiabad), Boniyar,Keerri and Uri. The district has 12 blocks, viz., Uri, Rohama, Rafiabad, Zaingeer, Sopore, Boniyar, Baramullah, Tangmarg, Singpora, Pattan, Wagoora and Kunzer. Baramulla district has 07 assembly constituencies, viz., Uri, Rafiabad, Sopore, Sangrama, Baramulla, Gulmarg and Pattan
Access to Baramulla
District Headquarter Baramulla is located about 55 Kms from Srinagar. National Highway NH-1A connects the district to the rest of the country. The general approach to the whole of the District is through road transport i.e. Taxi and Buses. Taxi and busses are available from Srinagar and Jammu. The nearest Airport is that of Srinagar about 65 Kms from District Headquarters. The nearest Railway Station is Jammu Tawi, about 360 Kms from District Headquarters. A new railway line is under construction which will connect Baramulla to Udhampore-Jammu through Budgam, Srinagar, Pulwama, Anantnag, Ramban, Katra, Reasi.
Special and Unique to Baramulla
Gulmarg, Tangmarg and Khilanmarg, being blessed generously with natural endowments, scenic splendour, places of tourist interest round the year, snow clad mountain peaks and challenging tracks; allure the tourists, adventurers and trekkers not only from India but also from abroad. Winter sports in Gulmarg attract sports lovers from all over the world.
Production
Baramulla is the largest producer of Horticulture products in the state. There are vast apple orchards in the district. World-class apples are grown here. Baramulla has a Rabbit Farm at Palhallan, Pattan, one of the only two rabbit farms in Northern India. Another one is in Himachal Pradesh. Baramulla has a Silk Worm breeding unit at Mir Gund, Pattan. The district has three state owned powerhouses, viz., Lower Jehlum Hydel Project at Gantamulla, Mohra Power House and Asthan Nallah. 480 MW, NHPC owned Uri Civil Hydel Power Project is built on river Jehlum at Uri and its II Phase(220 MWs) is under execution.