Srinagar

Srinagar /ˈsriˌnʌɡʌr/ ( listen ) is the largest city and the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchar lakes. The city is famous for its gardens, waterfronts and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits.

Origin of names

Folk etymology draws the city name from two Sanskrit words: śrī ("glory, prosperity", a name for the goddess Lakshmi) and nagar("city"), which would make "City of Lakshmi" (or, "City of Prosperity").

However, the earliest records mention the name as siri-nagar which in turn is a local transformation of the original Sanskrit name sūrya-nagar, meaning "City of Sun" (or, of sun god).

History

Ancient period

The Burzahom archaeological site located 10 km from Srinagar has revealed the presence of neolithic and megalithic cultures.

According to Kalhana's 12th century text Rajatarangini, a king named Pravarasena II established a new capital named Pravarapura (also known as Pravarasena-pura). Based on topographical details, Pravarapura appears to be same as the modern city of Srinagar. Aurel Stein dates the king to sixth century CE.

Srinagar (Lok Sabha constituency)

Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency is one of the six Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir state in northern India.

Assembly segments

Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency is composed of the following assembly segments:

Members of Parliament

Key

  JKN     Independent     INC     PDP  

Election results

General elections 2014

General elections 2009

General elections 2004

See also

Srinagar (disambiguation)

Srinagar may refer to: