SRINAGAR

city, summer capital of the Indian-held sector of Jammu and Kashmir state, northwestern India. The city lies along the banks of the Jhelum River, at an elevation of 5,200 feet (1,600 m) in the Vale of Kashmir. Situated amid clear lakes and lofty mountains, Srinagar has long had a considerable tourist economy. Along its course through the city the Jhelum River is spanned by seven wooden bridges, and numerous adjacent canals and waterways abound with shikaras, the gondolas of Kashmir. Srinagar is well known for its many mosques and temples; the Hazratbal Mosque contains a reputed hair of the prophet Muhammad, and the Jami' Masjid, built in the 15th century, is said to be the largest mosque in Kashmir. Dal Lake with its floating gardens is a well-known attraction, as are the nearby Shalimar and Nishat gardens. Srinagar also has specialized markets and retail shops. The city's industries include carpet and silk mills, silverware and copperware manufacture, leatherworking, and wood carving. The University of Kashmir (1969) is in the city. Regular flights connect Sr inagar with Delhi and Amritsar. Not far from the city is Gulmarg, the Meadow of Flowers, at an elevation of 8,500 feet (2,590 m). It affords magnificent views of the Vale of Kashmir and also of Nanga Parbat, at 26,660 feet (8,126 m) one of the loftiest peaks in the Himalayas. The Vale of Kashmir contains the surrounding area's most fertile agricultural land, and the valley is one of the most densely populated areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The mountains among which Srinagar is situated are heavily forested with pine, fir, and deodar. Pop. (1981) city, 531,094; metropolitan area, 533,368.