Article By EIH Researcher And Writer
Mumtaz Mohiuddin
Kashmir is an all-time favorite summer retreat, hailed all over the world for its scenic beauty. Surrounded by mountain peaks, lush green valleys, and glistening lakes, it is home to some well-known spots like the majestic Dal Lake, the grand Mughal gardens, and the world-famous tourist resorts of Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam, which offer unique enchanting experiences. However, you will be mesmerized to know that Kashmir is home to other lesser-known destinations which act as amazing escapades from the hustle-bustle of urban life. They are a world away from the world. This summer, we present to you the lesser-known ‘Spring Gardens of Kashmir’.
Achabal
Achabal Bagh (“the place of the princes”) is considered one of the smallest Mughal gardens. It is located in the town of Achabal, district of Anantnag. Situated at the height of 5500 feet, this garden is trapezoidal in shape with an area of 78 Kanal, following the traditional shallow terrace concept of Mughal gardens. Achabal may seem similar to other Mughal gardens in layout, but it is unique for its remote location and natural setting where one can witness the best symphony of water, wood, and stone.
Achabal was a royal retreat for the Mughals that was modified several times since its inception. This garden was initially built by Jahangir. However, The upper portion of the garden called “Bagh-e-begum-abad” is associated with Noor-Jahan, who is believed to be its patron The garden was later renovated by Jahanra (Shah Jahan’s daughter) in 1634-1640 when she added a hammam to the garden. In 1622 Aurangzeb assigned the garden to Zeb-un-Nisa begum.
Famous for its gushing waters, it is said that the Brengi Nallah which disappears at Dewalgam is the real source of the Achabal Spring, around which a beautiful garden is laid. The garden is rectangular in shape and is partitioned into three terraces. It has a central water stream along the north-south axis that features three fountain basins which form its remarkable feature. Achabal is best known for its gushing waters and its design which is an adaptation of the traditional Persian Chahar bagh (four gardens). The chahar bagh takes its inspiration from the Quranic description of heaven as having four rivers, wine, honey, milk, and water. The Pavilions, Chukkandaris, Chhatris, boradaries, and Chabhutras, all contribute to the charm and beauty of this spring garden. Around this Bagh, a mini town has developed which is famous after the garden itself. Achabal has emerged as one of the favorite destinations in South Kashmir, acting as a picnic spot for children. It is a must-visit in the summer months.
Verinag
Situated in the district of Anantnag, Verinag is one of the famous spring gardens of Kashmir. It was built around a spring which is the acknowledged source of the river Jehlum. Verinag was named after a neighboring village Ver (now called Shahabad) and Nag in Kashmiri means spring. Verinag is not just celebrated as the source of Jehlum but also known for its beautiful Chahar Bagh garden which surrounds the octagonal-shaped structure of the spring, an innovation attributed to Jahangir.
One of the earliest references to Verinag comes from Ain-i-Akbari, where Abul Fazl writes:
“In the ver tract of country is the source of the Bihat (Jehlum). It is a pool reassuring a jarib ( unit of land measure ) which tosses in foam with an astonishing roar, and its depth is unfathomable. It goes by the name of vernag and is surrounded by a stone embankment and to its east are temples of stone.”
During one of his visits with his father, Jahangir was fascinated by the crystal waters of this spring that he ordered his nobles to build a residence for him. This resulted in the construction of a garden around the spring in 1622, the tank was enclosed by the locally available stones. ( Nazakat Hussain, 2001). This is even mentioned in the autobiography of Jahangir, Tuzk-e-Jahangiri where he talks about how he ordered the construction of a garden around the celebrated spring. He loved this place so much that he desired to be buried here, but he was buried instead at Shahdara Bagh in Lahore on the orders of Nur Jahan. After Shahjahan visited the garden in 1636, he ordered it to be remodeled under the supervision of Haider Malik Chadura and therefore two channels were carved from the spring to irrigate the garden, later the garden was named Shahabad.
The octagonal brick arcade has passages for tourists to access the spring. The spring is believed to be at its deepest around 50 feet and has abundant trout fish. A straight water channel goes towards the north that reaches a point where it discharges to feed the river Jhelum. The outstanding quality of verinag is the blend of the surrounding landscape with the formal geometry of the garden.
Kokernag
Kokernag, originally called Bindoo Zalangam is a famous destination in south Kashmir, which is approximately 70 km from Srinagar. It is the heart of the Bringhi valley which is known for its largest freshwater springs that ooze out of the thickly forested hill. These springs are at the foot of the forested mountain and bubble at a place forming a claw-like structure that later flows in different channels providing water to the whole area. Around the springs, large sparling gardens have been built.
Kokernag is also called Breng Kokernag, the name given by the renowned Sufi saint Sheikh ul Alam. He said “Kokernag breng chu sunsund preng” which means “Kokernag is the Golden Crown of Kashmir”. Ain-i-Akbari praises that the water of Kokernag satiates both hunger and thirst, and it is a remedy for indigestion.
Kokernag has a peaceful climate, its abundant forest wealth, cold water springs make it an ideal summer retreat. Kokernag has the best drinking water in the valley which is fresh and cold. Places like Kokernag are beneficial for irrigational purposes which are directly responsible for the development of the agriculture sector. This water source is an excellent reservoir of Trout fish which acts as a good source of income for the local people.
Sources:
Brookes, John. Gardens of Paradise: The History and Design of the Great Islamic Gardens. New York: New Amsterdam, 1987.
Findly, Ellison Banks. Nur Jahan, Empress of Mughal India. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.
Mukherjee, Soma. Royal Mughal Ladies and Their Contributions. New Delhi: Gyan Pub. House, 2001.
Villiers-Stuart, C. M. Gardens of the Great Mughals. London: A. and C. Black, 1913.
Hussain, Nazakat, ARCHAEOLOGY OF KASHMIR, 1586 AD – c. 1900 AD, Aligarh Muslim University, 2001.
Source of Kokernag Image:
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