Bandipore

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Bandipore | type = district | latd = | longd =
state_name = Jammu and Kashmir
district = Bandipore
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population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 25,714| population_density =
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Bandipore (also spelled Bandipora, Bandipur, Bandipura) (Kashmiri: بنڈ پُور, बंडपूर, Bandapuur, Hindi: बांडीपुर, बांडीपोर, बांडीपोरा, बांडीपुरा; Urdu: بانڈی پور) is a new District in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

It is bounded on the west by Kupwara district on the south by ganderbal and baramulla District, on the east by Kargil district and on the north and north east by Skardu district, Pakistan.

It is located on the northern banks of Wular Lake - the biggest lake of clean water in Asia. Bandipore town has a Nishat Bagh similar to the one in Srinagar.

Tehsils

Bandipura is divided into three tehsils
* Gurez
* Sonawari
* Bandipura

Demographics

As of 2001 Indian census, [GR|India] Bandipore had a population of 25,714. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Bandipore has an average literacy rate of 51%, lower than the national average of 59.5%; with 65% of the males and 35% of females literate. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

It has a Muslim majority though there are a few villages where Hindus also lived before their migration to the other parts of the country. The Hindu temple at Kalusa (or Kaloosa) on the banks of Madhumati, known as Sharda Mandir dates back to olden times. It has very big and old tree which is more than a few hundred years old and can be termed as a rare tree of its type. This is popularly known as Bran, a revered tree. There are many villages named after Hindu gods and goddesses such Chittarnar, named after Chakerishwar, in this newly formed district.

Towns and villages

The important villages of Bandipore are Gurez, Onagam/ Sonagam/ Wonagam, Lawaipora, Watapora/ Qazipora, Kehnoosa, Kalusa, Ajar, Kharapora, Mantrigam, Ajas Muqaam, Nadihal etc.

One of the sacred places of Hindus is Dianishwar, locally also called as Chota Amar Nath. It a cave in dense forests of Erin. Pilgrim have to crawl about 60 meters to reach a cave where there are engraved features of Lord Shiva. People used to go there on the Sharvan Purnima, the date on which Amar Nath Yatra is being performed.

Before the migration of Hindu population was at villages Kalusa, Ajar, Kharapora, Mantrigam (a village on the bank of the road leading to Gurez). The Hindu population had nearly 100 percent literacy. Some of the prominent personalities of the area were Sh. J.N.Bhat, retired High Commissioner, Sh. S.N.Bhat, IA&AS, Late Dr. B.K. Bhat, Dr. S.N.Kaul, Dr. S.K.Kaul, Dr. A.N.Bhat, Dr. Saligram Bhat (Retired Director General of Civil Aviation) etc. etc. The all personalities belongs to the Pandith Community of the district, who were among the elite families of the community having every facility to teach and learn. PERSONALITIES OF BANDIPORA

Among the Muslim community the famous scholars and intellectuals include Abdul Ahad Nadim - a great poet, Ghulam Hassan Shah Khuihami - a historian who is famous among the historians of the world and wrote an exhaustive history of Jammu and Kashmir and Moulvi Ghulam Hasssan Iraj fazili pratical Sufi.

The contemporary scholars and intellectuals of 20th century of universal fame include Professor Abdul Rashid Nazki - the first PhD Scholar of Jammu and Kashmir in the filed of Mysticism, Professor Manzoor Ahmed Fazili - a political analyst and historian, Dr. Ghulam Qadir Wani - leader of world fame assassinated on 3 November 1999 and Dr. Muhammed Maroof Shah - Scholar of world fame and an authority on Mysticism, Perenialism, post Modernism and literature. Dr. Maroof has written three books.

Another scholar of world repute in mysticism, literature, philosophy and alchemy is Shabir Ahmed Lone of Arin Bandipora. He has presented a number of research papers on alchemy, superconductivity and philosophy.

Bandipore has given birth to famous journalists of India like the first Director of Radio Kashmir Mir Ghulam Rasiool Nazki (Padam Shri Awarded) Muzamil Jaleel, Ahasan Fazili and Mir Tariq [www.risingkashmir.com] who also has in-depth knowledge of comparative religions, mysticism, and doing a doctorate in Islamic philosophy.

Mir Tariq [www.risingkashmir.com] as an anthropologist has visited many Central Asian countries such as Turkey, Iran, Bulgaria, Spain etc. He is a regular columnist for international Web portal Cloud News and Splash News. Mir Tariq [www.risingkashmir.com] is famous for the commendable job of highlighting social issues like drug addiction, corruption, injustice, gambling, poverty and education. He is having a rebellious fighting spirit for the prevalent social evils. He has received a number of awards regarding his contribution as a Journalist and social worker.

The famous Madrasah working on the pattern of Nizamiya university of Bahagdad namely darul Ullum Rahieemiya is also located in Bandipore which is the second largest Madrassh in India after daul ullum Deoband.

The place is surrounded by areas of scenic beauty and ranges such as Salendar, Kudora, Vewan, Mawa and Tresangam, all of which are inhabited by the Gujjars ("Bakarwals") in the summer months.Trout fishing and breeding is a popular pastime in the rivers and streams here.

Bandipore is home to many famous old Kashmiri families. The Maan-Bhat family in particular is very well known in Kashmiri circles throughout the world.

The majority of the population speaks Kashmiri. Tehsil Gurez is Shina speaking and has a Shina majority. There are also many Gujjars and a few Pashtun villages on the line of control.The famous Kishan Ganga Hydro Electric Project is also located in the Gurez Tehsil of Bandipore. Project is worth Rs. 200 Crore (Rs. 2 billion), supplying electricity of 320 MW to Northern region of Kashmir.

There are three famous things in Bandipore Ealim, Adab aur Aab (education, respect and water).

Bandipore is situated on the banks of the Wular,the largest fresh-water lake in Asia which is home to a lot of migratory birds.Inadvertent dumping of the polluted river waters and sewage affluence has led to a pandemic growth of algae in the waters of the Wular which is threatening the lake and its supporing life itself.Bandipore is also a stepping town to the higher reaches of Razdan,Gurez and Tragbal,all of which are at an altitude.