continue with history part......

Early History According the great epic of Mahabharata, the Kambojas had ruled Kashmir since its formation. It had a republican system of government under Kamboj. Later Panchalas established their sway. Peer Panjal, a modern part of Kashmir is a witness to this fact. Panjal is simply a distorted form of the Sanskritic tribal term Panchala. The Muslims had prefixed the word “peer” to it in memory of one Siddha Faqir and the name changed into Peer Panjal. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka is believed to have established the city of Srinagar. Kashmir was also a great seat of learning for Buddhism. Buddhist monks from East and Central Asia visited this land in the 4th century AD. It is also said that the Buddhist monk Kumarajiva, born to an Indian noble family, studied Dirghagama and Madhyagama in Kashmir under Bandhudatta. He later became a prolific translator who helped spread Buddhism in China. Hence Kashmir was dominated by Buddhists during this period.

About the "History" of the regions

The glorious history of Jammu & Kashmir tells us about Kashyapa who had drained a lake to produce this heaven on Earth. Hence this land was also referred to as Kashyapamar. The region has been a major caravan route since the ancient times providing China and other countries of the world to have trade relationships with central Asia. The various religious and cultural groups which have settled in the mountain regions of Jammu & Kashmir have made it the cultural heart of the country.The history of the state speaks of the empires of valiant kings, the placid lakes, the greenery of the forests and the amazing rivers. In the 9th century Raja Jamboolochan founded Jammu. In 1832, Jammu was merged with Kashmir by Gulab Singh. Dogras, Pahadis, Gujjars and Gaddis are some of the tribes found in this state.

""Musics and Dance of Jammu, kashmir and Ladakh regions.....""

Talking about the music and dance of the three regions. Jammu region is popular with its dogri dance “surma” which is performed by the ladies in context of storytelling about a newly married bride whose groom is gone to a war. In Dogri Pahari areas of Jammu valley “Geetru” is also performed at the time of festivals specially by the rural area people on weddings. Where “Rabab” is popular folk music of Kashmir. Santoor” is the famous instrument made up of hundred of strings which are beaten by sticks. The famous song is composed on story of Kashmir princess “Habab Khatun” who got separated fron his beloved husband “Yousif” king. “Bakhan” songs are also popular composed in the form of poems. The beats of the instruments used are incredible. “Rouff” is a form of dance performed by the women of Kashmir on Ramzaan and Ids. On the other hand Ladakh region has its own music and dance which is followed from Tibet and make its separate image. “Gompa “ music is used in worship. The consummate form of ladakhi music is called “iha-ranga”(composed of 360 tunes) or the music of God. There is a separate music for ploughing and harvest festivals.The folk –verses of Ladakh are essential part of ladakhi music and every village has been in song by its bards.

"The Region Ladakh"

LADAKH:
The people could be differentiated by their unique appearance. The language speak by people here is “Ladakhi”. Ladakh is dominated by Tibetan culture or we can say that it has adapted Tibetan culture.People follow here Buddhism. The customs include Gonchas of velvet, elaborately embroidered waistcoats and boots, and gonads or hats.
Here cuisine relies largely on noodles and meat-filled dumplings or mok-mok made by cooking of rice with meat and spices.
The culture of Ladakh enriches the tradition with art,songs,painting,oral and written literature.
Festivals here enjoyed are of Buddhist culture. The highlights of the festivals are Exhibitions, feasts, handicrafts and unique rituals. The important festival includes The Hemis festival, Losar festival and Ladakh Harvest Festival.

"The Region Kashmir "

KASHMIR:
Kashmir’s people are popular as “Kashmiri “. We found a large population from Muslim communities. And Kashmir is best known for its art and craft. The popular art and crafts are Embroidery,carpet, rugs,shawals,papier mache, wood carving,brass and silver ware, silk textiles,tweed.

The language they speak is “kashmiri” and script “Urdu” in written. I found a very special dish I don’t know about you people but I liked it very much and that is “kashmiri kardam” a kinda spinach. People are very much fond of red meat and chicke.One more thing which I found popular with kashmiri people and comes under cuisine that is “kawa” made up of green tea spices and almond.
The women wear “burkha” specially of Muslim community, “ferran” and “salwar-kameez”. Men used to wear “kurta-pajama” with kashmiri caps.
The whole valley is mostly visited by pilgrims because of most religious place “Shri Amarnath Cave” and obviously cause of its beautiful “Dal-lake” and famous Gardens.

"The Region Jammu"

JAMMU: KASHMIR: LADAKH

JAMMU: The people from Jammu region are popular as “DOGRAS”. These people speak Dogri and have given the language a great importance. Dogri language is the mixture of Sanskrit, Punjabi and Persian.
The people have their own traditions and customs. Here people celebrate Lohri, Baisakhi, Dipawali, holi, Rakhi, Basant and Navrataras as their important festivals. The Bazaars are lighten up with bright colored lights to show their happiness and zeal. The people are quite religious. As Jammu is known as “city of temples” and hence, people believes in superstitions too.
The people have a unique dressing sense accordingly Dogra culture. They used to wear dogri suits people know art and craft very well .Their work could be observed on beautiful dresses, ornaments and paintings.
But now as westernization touched this region too. Jammu is also affected. Traditional dresses are found to be wore by rural area people same as traditional songs are also sing by them specially on marriages.

"Culture Differs From.........."

Hello!!! Friends…
We all know that culture differs from country to country, place to place, state to state and region to region. India is blessed with its rich culture and traditions. All the unique culture from different states adds to India’s beauty and makes It’s culture more respectable and a hallmark among all other cultures prevalent in different countries…
As I’m from the state Jammu & Kashmir first of all I would like to present and comment on mah own culture of the state…

JAMMU & KASHMIR
The state J&K is divided into three regions Jammu, Kashmir and ladakh. Culture of J&K become popular from these three regions. Although the dance, music, lifestyle, religion and festivals are different from one region to another but highlighting as a whole the J&K’s culture together. We could able to distinct the people from different region in a particular state by their language and lifestyle (the way they dress up and speak).