1. Ancient Foundations: The Cradle of Civilizations
Before the dynasties we know today, J&K was a globally recognized center for Vedic and Buddhist learning.
- Srinagar (Puranadhisthana): Founded by Emperor Ashoka (3rd Century BC).
- Srinagar (Modern - Pravarasnapura): Founded by King Pravarasena II.
- Jammu City (Jambupura): Founded by Raja Jambu Lochan (9th Century) after he witnessed a tiger and a goat drinking water together at the Tawi River.
- Kaniaspura (Baramulla): Founded by the Kushan Emperor Kanishka, who also conducted the 4th Buddhist Council at Harwan.
- Sopore (Suyapur): Founded by Suyya, the legendary engineer under King Avantivarman.
Iconic Ancient Temples
- Martand Sun Temple: Built by Lalitaditya Muktapida (Karkota Dynasty) in the 8th Century. It is the most significant archaeological site in the valley.
- Avantipur Temples: Built by King Avantivarman. Includes the Avantiswami and Avantisvara temples.
- Shankaracharya Temple: Originally built by Jaluka (son of Ashoka) on the Gopadari Hill.
- Babaur Temples (Jammu): Built by Babru Vahan (son of Arjuna).
2. The Forts of Jammu & Kashmir
Forts were the backbone of J&K’s defense. JKSSB frequently asks about their founders and specific locations.
| Fort Name | Location | Built/Renovated By |
|---|---|---|
| Bahu Fort | Jammu | Built by Raja Bahu Lochan; renovated by Dogra Kings. |
| Hari Parbat Fort | Srinagar | Wall by Akbar; Fort by Afghan Governor Atta Mohd Khan. |
| Akhnoor Fort | Jammu | Started by Raja Tegh Singh; Finished by Raja Alam Singh. |
| Bhimgarh Fort | Reasi | Originally clay; Rebuilt in stone by Maharaja Gulab Singh. |
| Dhanidhar Fort | Rajouri | Built by Mian Hathu (Governor under the Dogras) in 1855. |
| Shergarhi Fort | Srinagar | Built by Afghan Governor Amir Khan Jawansher. |
| Chingus Fort | Rajouri | A Mughal transit fort; contains the burial site of Jahangir’s entrails. |
| Zorawar Fort | Leh | Built by General Zorawar Singh, the "Conqueror of Ladakh." |
3. The Mughal "Paradise" Era (1586–1753)
The Mughals didn't just rule J&K; they decorated it. Their contribution to the "Garden Culture" is a favorite exam topic.
- Shalimar Bagh: Built by Jahangir for Nur Jahan in 1619. Known as the "Garden of Love."
- Nishat Bagh: Built by Asif Khan (brother of Nur Jahan) in 1633. Known as the "Garden of Pleasure."
- Chashma Shahi: Built by Shah Jahan (1632) around a natural refreshing spring.
- Pari Mahal: Built by Dara Shikoh (son of Shah Jahan) as a library and astronomical observatory.
- Verinag Spring: The octagonal stone basin was built by Jahangir; the gardens were added later by Shah Jahan.
- Jamia Masjid (Srinagar): Originally built by Sultan Sikandar (1394 AD) during the Sultanate era.
4. Modern Era: The Dogra Dynasty (1846–1947)
The modern state of J&K was created by the Treaty of Amritsar (1846).
Maharaja Gulab Singh: The founder of the Dogra Dynasty and the first Maharaja of the princely state of J&K.
Raghunath Temple (Jammu): Started by Gulab Singh (1853) and completed by Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1860).
Ranbireshwar Temple: A massive Shiva temple built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh.
Amar Mahal Palace: Built by Raja Amar Singh. It features a unique French Chateau architectural style.
Mubarak Mandi: The principal seat of the Dogra Kings for over 150 years.
💡 Quick Tips for JKSSB Aspirants
- The "Srinagar" Confusion: Ancient city = Ashoka. Modern city (Pravarasnapura) = King Pravarasena II.
- The "Sun Temple" Tip: Don't confuse Martand (Kashmir) with Konark (Odisha). Martand was built by Lalitaditya.
- The "Who Finished It" Rule: For Raghunath Temple: Gulab Generated (Started), Ranbir Ready (Finished).
- Bave Wali Mata: This famous shrine is located inside the Bahu Fort.
Bud Shah: Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin introduced Saffron, Silk, and Carpet industries to Kashmir.
If you think we have missed any points regarding this topic, please mention them in the comments.
