ANANTNAG

formerly Islamabad, town in the Indian-held sector of Jammu and Kashmir state, about 30 miles (50 km) southeast of Srinagar, on the Jhelum River. Located north of the Pir Panjal Range, it is an agricultural trade centre and the southern headquarters for navigation by large boats in the Vale of Kashmir. Many springs issue from the land around the town, including the slightly sulfurous Anant Nag. Anantnag was formerly the chief town of the valley and contains a summer palace, mosque, and shrine. Pop. (1981) 33,978.