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	{{Short description\|Former princely state, now a territory disputed between China, India, and Pakistan}}		{{Short description\|Former princely state, now a territory disputed between China, India, and Pakistan}}
	~~{{pp\|small=yes}}~~
	{{Other uses\|Kashmir (disambiguation)\|Kasmir (disambiguation)}}		{{Other uses\|Kashmir (disambiguation)\|Kasmir (disambiguation)}}
	{{Distinguish\|Kashmar}}{{Coord\|34.5\|N\|76.5\|E\|scale:3000000\|display=title}}		{{Distinguish\|Kashmar}}{{Coord\|34.5\|N\|76.5\|E\|scale:3000000\|display=title}}

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{{complex|date=February 2012}}
{{otheruses}}
[[Image:Kashmir Dal lake boat.jpg|thumb|300px|A wooden boat (''shikara'') on [[Dal Lake]].]]
'''Kashmir''' (Hindi: कश्यपपुरा, {{lang-ur|کشمیر}}, {{lang-ks|کٔشِیر}}), previously spelled '''Cashmere''', is a region in [[South-central Asia]]. Historically, the name Kashmir referred to the [[valley]] just to the south of the western end of the [[Himalaya]]n mountain range. Today, Kashmir refers to a much larger area that includes the [[India]]n state of [[Jammu and Kashmir]] (which includes the [[Kashmir Valley]], [[Jammu region]] and [[Ladakh]]), [[Azad Kashmir]] and [[Gilgit–Baltistan]] (part of [[Pakistan]]), and [[Aksai Chin]] and the [[Trans-Karakoram Tract]] (part of [[People's Republic of China|China]]). The main "Valley of Kashmir" is a low [[fertile]] area surrounded by [[mountain]]s and fed by many [[river]]s. People like it for its natural [[beauty]] and simple lifestyle. The region is part of a [[border dispute]] between India and Pakistan.

In total it has an area of 230,166.1 [[square kilometre]]s or (89,106 [[square mile]]s). The [[population]] of the region is more than the individual populations of 127 [[UN]] member nations and its area is larger than that of 97 nations.

== Etymology of Kashmir ==
The Nilamata Purana describes the Valley's origin from the waters, a fact corroborated by prominent geologists, and shows how the very name of the land was derived from the process of desiccation - Ka means "water" and Shimir means "to desiccate". Hence, Kashmir stands for "a land desiccated from water". There is also a theory which takes Kashmir to be a contraction of Kashyap-mira or Kashyapmir or Kashyapmeru, the ''"Sea or Mountain of Kashyapa"'', the sage who is credited with having drained the waters of the primordial Lake Satisar, that Kashmir was before it was reclaimed. The Nilamata Purana gives the name Kashmira to the ([[Kashmir Valley]] includes the [[Wular Lake]]) Mira" which means the sea lake or the mountain of Sage Kashyapa. '''Mira''' in Sanskrit means Ocean or boundary, considering it to be an embodiment of Uma and it is the Kashmir that the world knows today. The Kashmiris, however, call it ''Kashir'', which has been derived phonetically from Kashmir. The Ancient Greeks called it as ''Kasperia''. Kashyapa-pura, which has been identified with Kaspapyros of Hecataeus (apud Stephanus of Byzantium) and Kaspatyros of Herodotus (3.102, 4.44); In [[Classics|classical literature]] [[Herodotus]] also called it ''Kaspatyrol''.<ref name=Bamzai4.6>P. N. K. Bamzai, ''Culture and Political History of Kashmir'', Vol. 1 (New Delhi: M.D. Publications, 1994), pp. 4–6</ref> Kashmir is also believed to be the country meant by Ptolemy's '''Kaspeiria'''. [[Xuanzang]], the [[China|Chinese]] [[monk]] who visited Kashmir in 631 [[AD]] called it ''Kia-shi-mi-lo'', the [[Tibet]]ans called it '''Khachal''', meaning "[[snow]]y [[mountain]]".<ref name=Bamzai4.6/> It is and has been a land of [[river]]s, [[lake]]s and [[wildflower]]s. ''Cashmere'' is an archaic spelling of present-Kashmir, and in some countries it is still spelled this way. A tribe of Semitic origin, named '''Kash''' (which means a deep slash in the native dialect), is believed to have founded the cities of [[Kashan]] and [[Kashgar]], not to be confused with the '''''Kashyapi tribe''''' from Caspian. The land and the people were known as 'Kashir' from which 'Kashmir' was also derived from therein.

==History==
{{main|Kashmir conflict}}
[[File:Kashmir region 2004.jpg|300px|thumb|A map of Kashmir showing the lines of control in more detail. Indian-controlled territory is yellow/light brown; Pakistan-controlled territory is green; China-controlled territory is darker brown. The triangle in White/Green/Yellow is the Siachen glacier, controlled by India.]]
The Kashmir conflict has existed since India and Pakistan became independent states. At first, the [[Maharaja]] of Jammu and Kashmir, [[Hari Singh]], wanted his state to remain independent of both India and Pakistan. On 20 October 1947, [[tribe]]smen supported by Pakistan invaded Kashmir. Singh fought back at first, but on 27 October, he asked the Governor-General of India, Louis Mountbatten, for help. He agreed, but made Singh turn over Jammu and Kashmir to India. Once the papers of accession to India were signed, Indian soldiers entered Kashmir with orders to stop any further occupation, but they were not allowed to expel anyone from the state. Pakistan claimed that it was illegal for Singh to give Kashmir to India, and the [[First Kashmir War]] was started. India took the matter to the United Nations. The UN resolution asked Pakistan to vacate the areas it had occupied and asked India to assist the U.N. Plebiscite Commission to organize a [[plebiscite]] to determine the will of the people. Pakistan refused to vacate the occupied areas.

In 1953, as the US-Pakistan Mutual Defence Pact was being formed, Nehru declared an ultimatum. Pakistan would have to choose between a plebiscite with the possibility of winning control over Kashmir, or their pact with the US. As the alliance formed and was concluded in 1954, Nehru withdrew the offer of plebiscite. Kashmir remains an area of conflict until today.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Shankar|first=Mahesh|date=2016-01-02|title=Nehru's legacy in Kashmir: Why a plebiscite never happened|url=https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14736489.2016.1129926|journal=India Review|volume=15|issue=1|pages=1–21|doi=10.1080/14736489.2016.1129926|s2cid=155701436|issn=1473-6489}}</ref>

===Lines of control===
India and Pakistan have fought several wars over Kashmir. In 1949 and 1972 they agreed on a border for most of the Territories (except for the Siachen Glacier). This demarcation line which marks the border between India and Pakistan is known as the [[Line of Control]]. It is guarded by Indian and Pakistani troops.

The border between Aksai Chin (held by China) and Jammu and Kashmir (held by India) is known as [[Line of Actual Control]].

The Kashmir border between the [[Punjab (Pakistan)]] and [[Indian-administered Kashmir]] is called the [[working boundary]], but is not recognised by Pakistan. India has built a [[fence]] along part of this border.

The [[Siachen Glacier]] and the bordering Saltoro Range first saw military action in 1984 when the Indian Army occupied the glacier and the Saltoro range to prevent Pakistan from occupying the area. This operation was codenamed Operation Meghdoot. There have been several minor changes to the held positions. However, the Indian Armed forces have held onto the heights on the plateau, preventing the Pakistani soldiers from climbing up the Saltoro range.

The Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) refers to the current position that divides Indian and Pakistani troops in the Siachen Glacier region. The line extends from the northernmost point of the LOC (Line of Control) to Indira Col. This line runs across the edge of the Saltoro Range, which is a mountainous plateau with peaks that are over 8,000 meters tall. The current position of the AGPL follows the general line:

Indira Col - Sia La pass - Saltoro Kangri 1 - Bilafond La pass - K12 - Gyong La pass - NJ9842<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Bharat Rakshak Monitor|title=Manning the Siachen Glacier|date=2003|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE6-1/Siachen.html|accessdate=2011-01-27|archive-date=2012-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614202041/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE6-1/Siachen.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Administrative divisions==
[[Image:Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh.svg|thumb|300px|Political divisions of Kashmir region]]
Today Kashmir is split, as follows:
*The [[Republic of India]] controls the state of [[Jammu and Kashmir]]. It is made of the [[Jammu]] region, the [[Kashmir Valley]], and [[Ladakh]]. [[Pakistan]] refers to this as ''Indian-occupied Kashmir'', ''Indian-controlled Kashmir'', ''Indian-annexed Kashmir'', or ''Indian-held Kashmir''.
*The territories known as [[Northern Areas]] and [[Azad Kashmir|Azad Jammu and Kashmir]] are administered by [[Pakistan]]. The government of Pakistan calls them [[Pakistan-administered Kashmir]]. The [[Republic of India]] refers to this as ''Pakistan-occupied Kashmir''.
*The region called [[Aksai Chin]] is controlled by [[China]].
*The [[Trans-Karakoram Tract]] is an area Pakistan gave to China on 3 March 1963. Pakistan says the area was uninhabited, so there is no problem to this. India claims the swap was illegal and that the area is part of its state Jammu and Kashmir.
*The [[Siachen Glacier]] is currently a disputed territory. India controls the glacier, and Pakistan controls the valley below.

The [[Disputed territory]] of Kashmir is divided into five administrative Divisions, namely:
* [[Baltistan|Baltistan Division]]
* [[Gilgit Agency|Gilgit Division]]
* [[Jammu Division]]
* [[Kashmir Valley]]
* [[Ladakh]]

A group of Districts forms a Division, which is administered by a 'Divisional Commissioner'. Kashmir is now divided in twenty-one districts, grouped under five divisions jointly controlled by Pakistan and India respectively:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;"
|-
![[Baltistan]]
![[Gilgit Agency|Gilgit]]
![[Jammu region|Jammu]]
![[Kashmir Valley|Kashmir]]
![[Ladakh]]
|-
|
* [[Astore District]] ''(Azad Ladakh)''
* [[Ghanche District]] ''(Azad Ladakh)''
* [[Skardu District]] ''(Azad Ladakh)''
|
* [[Diamir District]]
* [[Ghizar District]]
* [[Gilgit District]]
* [[Hunza-Nagar District]]
|
* [[Bhimber District]] ''(Azad Jammu)''
* [[Bagh District]] ''(Azad Jammu)''
* [[Doda District]]
* [[Jammu District]]
* [[Kathua District]]
* [[Kotli District]] ''(Azad Jammu)''
* [[Mirpur District]] ''(Azad Jammu)''
* [[Poonch District]]
* [[Rajouri District]]
* [[Sudhanoti District]] ''(Azad Jammu)''
* [[Udhampur District]]
|
* [[Anantnag District]]
* [[Baramulla District]]
* [[Budgam District]]
* [[Kupwara District]]
* [[Muzaffarabad District]] ''(Azad Kashmir)''
* [[Neelum District]] ''(Azad Kashmir)''
* [[Pulwama District]]
* [[Srinagar District]] (Srinagar, traditional state capital)
|
* [[Kargil District]]
* [[Leh District]]
|-
|}

==Economy==
[[File:Nanga parbat, Pakistan by gul791.jpg|thumb|right|[[Nanga Parbat]], the 9th highest peak in the world and one of the most dangerous for climbers, is in the [[Northern Areas]] of the Kashmir Region, in Pakistan.]]
Kashmir's economy is centred around Agriculture, like that of Pakistan. Traditionally the staple crop of the valley was Rice, which formed the chief food of the people. In addition, corn, wheat, barley and oats were also grown. Given its temperate climate, it is suited for crops like [[Asparagus]], Artichoke, seakale, broad beans, scarletrunners, [[beetroot]], [[cauliflower]] and [[cabbage]]. Fruit trees are common in the valley, and the cultivated orchards yield pears, apples, [[peach]]es, and cherries. The chief trees are [[Cedrus deodara|deodar]] (National tree of Pakistan), firs and [[Pine]]s, [[Platanus orientalis|chenar]] (State tree) or plane, Maple, birch and [[Walnut]], apple, cherry.

Historically, Kashmir became known worldwide when [[Cashmere wool]] was exported to other regions and nations (exports have ceased due to decreased abundance of the cashmere goat and increased competition from Western China). Kashmiris are well adept at [[Knitting]] and making Pashmina Shawls, silk carpets, rugs, Kurtas, and [[Pottery]]. [[Saffron]], too, is grown in Kashmir. Efforts are on to export the naturally grown fruits and vegetables as Organic foods mainly to the [[Greater Middle East]] region which it forms an integral part. Srinagar is known for its silver-work, Papier mache, wood-carving, and the weaving of silk.

The economy was badly damaged by the [[2005 Pakistan earthquake]] which, as of 8 October 2005, resulted in over 70,000 deaths in the [[Pakistan-administered Kashmir|Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir]] and around 1,500 deaths in [[Indian controlled kashmir]].

The [[Occupied Kashmir|Indian-held portion of Kashmir]] is believed to have potentially rich rocks containing hydrocarbon reserves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\10\22\story_22-10-2008_pg7_41|title=Italian company to pursue oil exploration in Kashmir|work=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]|author=Iftikhar Gilani|accessdate=20 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_india-pakistan-to-explore-oil-jointly_1152227|title=India, Pakistan to explore oil jointly|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|author=Ishfaq-ul-Hassan|accessdate=20 November 2009}}</ref>

===Agriculture===
The [[economy]] of the region is focused on [[agriculture]]. People grow [[rice]] there. In the Indian part they also grow [[corn]], such as [[wheat]] and [[barley]]. Its [[climate]] is different from that of most of the Indian subcontinent: It is milder. Therefore, crops like [[artichoke]], [[cauliflower]], [[cabbage]] and certain kinds of [[bean]]s are also grown.

[[Cashmere wool]] is well-known almost anywhere in the world. Cashmere wool is wool from Cashmere [[Domestic goat|goat]]s. Because of conflicts over the territory, however, most Cashmere wool no longer comes from Kashmir.

Kashmir is home to the finest [[saffron]] in the world.

===Tourism===
Tourism has been important in Kashmir for many years. Many people call the region ''Paradise on Earth''.<ref>[http://www.nysun.com/article/63944 Paradise on Earth - October 4, 2007 - The New York Sun]</ref> Tourists from all over the world visit Kashmir. In the last ten years, fewer people have visited Kashmir because of terrorism, but it still remains one of the most sought after tourist destinations.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}}

==Religion==
{{bar box
|title=Religions in the Kashmir region
|titlebar=#ddd
|left1=Faith
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Islam in Pakistan|Islam]]|#009000|78}}
{{bar percent|[[Hindus and Hinduism in Pakistan|Hinduism]]|#FF4500|10}}
{{bar percent|[[Buddhism in Pakistan|Buddhism]]|#995BB|0.1}}
{{bar percent|Others|#Yellow|0.1}}}}

78% of the people in Kashmir are [[Muslim]]s and Islam is the majority religion of the territory.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}}

==See also==
*[[India–Pakistan border]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Asia}}
{{Middle East}}

[[Category:British India]]
[[Category:Kashmir| ]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:52, 2 July 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Short description\|Former princely state, now a territory disputed between China, India, and Pakistan}}		{{Short description\|Former princely state, now a territory disputed between China, India, and Pakistan}}
	~~{{pp\|small=yes}}~~
	{{Other uses\|Kashmir (disambiguation)\|Kasmir (disambiguation)}}		{{Other uses\|Kashmir (disambiguation)\|Kasmir (disambiguation)}}
	{{Distinguish\|Kashmar}}{{Coord\|34.5\|N\|76.5\|E\|scale:3000000\|display=title}}		{{Distinguish\|Kashmar}}{{Coord\|34.5\|N\|76.5\|E\|scale:3000000\|display=title}}

Kashmir - Revision history

Brandon81T: slightly adjusted structure for consistency and added references

WikiDwarfBOT: Cleanup: Spelling fix. Source modification. Information added.

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ImportMaster at 19:41, 27 February 2022