Jammu and Kashmir or J&K has the distinctiveness of having multihued, motley of unique cultural blend, differentiating it from the rest of the country. Jammu & Kashmir is not only different in cultural forms and heritage, but also different in geographical, demographically, ethical and social entities from other parts of the country. The state is accurately shaped into a spectrum of variance and variation
Clearly visible in the distinct parts - Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, all yielding diverse religion, language and culture, but constantly interfusing, making it sparkling specimens of Indian unity in diversity. The various cultural forms like art & architecture, fairs & festivals, rites & rituals, seers & sagas, languages and landscapes, mounted on the ageless era of history, speaks aloud of uniformity and diversity with matchless cultural symmetry & service.
Kashmir has been the highest learning point of Sanskrit and Persian where early Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated and flourished. Ladakh on the other side, has been the highest living centre of Tantrayan Buddhism. Similarly Jammu, has been the axis of Rajas and Maharajas, who have enriched the cultural, historical and social bonds of all these diverse ethnic and linguistic sections of the state. The ancient archeological monuments and remnants of the past are the true picture of the rich cultural traditions of the state.
Kashmir is justly said to be the Nature's grand finale of beauty. In this masterpiece of earth's creation seasons in strong individuality vie with one another in putting up exquisite patterns of charm and loveliness. Nature has left an indelible mark on the folk performances of K
ashmir as they are intimately interlined with the moods and movements of the seasons.
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Jammu the land of the Dogras, offer an entirely different fare of dances and music. Over the centuries long spell of seperation from their soldier, husbands and brothers have led the hardy but graceful women of the Duggar to evolve many diverting dances and songs to keep themselves in cheer in their free moments. The songs of seperation the ever increasing yearning for reunion with the beloved, the hard life on the mountain slopes and various other themes connected with their day-to-day life find their echo in folk songs and dances.
Ladakh is the repository of ancient cultural heritage. It is the only place in the world where Tantrayans Buddhism is practised as a way of life. People of this region are deeply drenched in music, dance and drama which embody religious fervour. Ladakhi songs and dances are simple in thought, content and performance to. Ladakhi dances reveal the simple and noble nature of the Ladakhi people. Song and drama both are the means towards salvation.
Kashmir, is a land of fabled beauty and eternal romance, blessed by nature with breath-taking scenery and a glorious climate. The Kashmir valley, a fertile well watered spot, surrounded by high mountains has been described with justification as a "heaven on earth", a produce rich oasis an area not noted for its abundance.
The valley of Kashmir is described as an emerald set in pearls, a land of lakes, clear streams, green turf, magnificent trees and mighty mountains. Although Kashmir has a rich heritage of poets, writers, philosophers, intellectuals and craftsmen but it has basically established itself as an agricultural economy.
Kashmiris form a distinct cultural and ethnic group in the administrative unit of the Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir, known as "Kashir" to the inhabitants of the valley and as Kashmir in the official circles. Perched securely among the Himalayas at an average height of 6,000 feet above the sea. North, east and west, range after range of mountains guard the valley from the outer world while on the south it is cut off from the Punjab by rocky barriers fifty to seventy five miles in length.
The valley is a resting place for adventurous traders from distant markets of Yarkand and Central Asia, and it furnished a base for military operations against the wild and turbulent tribes of Shinaki country to the north and north east. More to the east lie the peaceful valleys of Baltistan or Little Thibet, where gentle Baltis lead their harmless lives in a high, dry climate.
Between Kashmir and Skardu (8,873 feet), the chief stronghold of Baltis, are the great mountain plains of Devsai (13,400 feet), and to the east lies the high valley of Dras through which runs the road to Leh and Yarkand. A journey of few days from Kashmir carries one into countries of new languages, customs and religions like the primitive Shins who live along the spurs of mighty Nanga Parbat, the Mongolian Baltis of little Thibet and the simple Ladakhis, Buddhists and polyandrists.
Kashmiris inhabit contiguous areas of Jammu region in Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Gool, Gulabgarh, Mahour, Dudu and Bani areas of Kathua district. Kashmiri language is spoken in all these areas of Jammu region and ethnically and culturally this forms a compact area along with valley of Kashmir.
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