Bijbehara

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Bijbiāra | type = city | latd = 33.80| longd =75.10
state_name = Jammu and Kashmir
district = Anantnag
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altitude = 1591
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 29,703| population_density =
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area_telephone =
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sex_ratio =
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Bijbiāra, also known as Bijbehara, Vejibyor and Vejibyōr, is a town and a notified area committee in Anantnag district in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Geography

Bijbehara is located at coord|33.80|N|75.10|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/12/Bijbiara.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Bijbehara] ] . It has an average elevation of 1,591 metres (5,223 feet).

The town of Bijbehara is situated in the north of district headquarters on the banks of Jhelum River popularly known here as "Veth". It is one of the notable towns of the district. It is four miles to the north of Anantnag town.

The town is surrounded and intersected by plateaus and hence adds to the beauty of the town. The plateaus include the notable one: "The Totak Shah", from which the whole town can be seen. Some portion of the District Anantnag is also visible from the same plateau.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Bijbehara had a population of 29,703. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Bijbehara has an average literacy rate of 53%, lower than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 64% and female literacy of 42%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

History

The Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh constructed a bridge here which was 100 yards long and 6 yards wide spanning the Jhelum River at Bijbehara near the Mughal garden. The bridge was washed away by heavy floods. The oldest Chinar of the sub-continent is located in the garden popularly called as Padshahi Bagh which is now under the control of Tourist Department. JK Bank is assigned with its better development and maintenance. The garden comprises 25 Chinars. The oldest Chinar is 70 feet in circumference at ground level. The Padshahi Garden is 25 canals and 10 marlas. The Dara Shiku Garden is also on the bank of the Jhelum. The garden is of 224 canals area. The Padshahi Garden and the Dara Shikwa Garden are separated by the river Jehlum which is spanned over by a bridge known as "Padshahi Bagh Bridge", thus connecting the two gardens.

Guru Nanak had also come to this town and presently a Gurudwara under name "Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Pehli Padshahi Gurudwara Bijbehara" is at this place.

Flora and fauna

The town of Bijbehara is filled with Chinar trees and hence it is also called "The Town of Chinars". The Chinar trees were imported by Mughal emperors from Iran to enhance the beauty of the town.

External links

* [http://www.anantnagonline.110mb.com/tourist%20spots/bijbeh.html Bijbehara webpage]

References