Baramulla: The Historic Crown of North Kashmir

Credit By: ABRAR YOUSUF

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• 14 Apr 2026

Baramulla has long stood as a confluence of spiritual traditions, reflecting a deeply rooted syncretic cultural ethos

Situated nearly 60 kilometres north of Srinagar, Baramulla stands as one of the most scenic and historically significant towns of the ancient division of ‘Maraz’, once associated with the rule of Kamran Dev. Cradled by majestic mountains and resting gracefully along the banks of the Jhelum River, the town—locally known as “Varmul”—embodies a remarkable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Historical traditions trace the origins of Baramulla to King Bheemsena, believed to be the 20th descendant of the Pandava lineage, who is said to have founded the settlement around 2306 BC. His capital, Babul—identified with present-day Pattan Karewa—served as an early administrative centre of the region. In its formative phase, Baramulla comprised three principal divisions: Warakshatar (modern Old Baramulla), Hushkapora (Wushkar), and Kanishkapura (Kanispora).

The celebrated chronicle Rajatarangini by Kalhana records that Hushkapora and Kanishkapura were established by Kushan rulers, notably Kings Hushka and Kanishka. The name “Varmul,” according to some scholars, derives from the Kashmiri word “Ver,” referring to the bends or curves of the Jhelum as it meanders through the town.

Historically, Baramulla served as the principal gateway to the Kashmir Valley. Before the Partition of India, it functioned as a vital link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the subcontinent. Its strategic and cultural importance attracted rulers and travelers alike. Akbar is believed to have admired the town’s beauty, describing it in historical accounts as “adorned like a bride.”During the Dogra period, Baramulla gained further prominence as a key transit corridor linking the Kashmir Valley with Central Asia via the Kohala–Uri road running parallel to the Jhelum River.

Distinguished personalities such as Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Chinese Buddhist Scholar Xuanzang/Hiuen Tsang, and the British explorer William Moorcroft are believed to have traversed this historic route. At various points in history, invaders—including Zulkadar Khan, Sultan Haybat Khan, Sikh forces, and Pashtun tribal groups—also used this passage to enter the valley.

Baramulla has long stood as a confluence of spiritual traditions, reflecting a deeply rooted syncretic cultural ethos. In the 15th century, the revered Iranian saint Syed Janbaz Wali and Baba Payamuddin Reshi made the town a centre of spiritual learning and outreach. In the 17th century, Guru Hargobind visited the region, further enriching its spiritual legacy. Earlier Buddhist and Hindu rulers had already established numerous religious sites across the area.

The historic village of Parihaspora, founded by Lalitaditya Muktapida (c. 695–731 AD), reflects a remarkable synthesis of Buddhist and Brahmanical traditions. In later centuries, Christian missionaries, particularly the Mill Hill Mission, established institutions such as St. Joseph’s Hospital and School. Together, these influences shaped Baramulla into a symbol of communal harmony and cultural pluralism.

Economically, Baramulla’s famous town Sopore, popularly known as ‘chota London ’, is home to Asia’s largest fruit mandi, historically associated with ‘Soyapur’ and believed to have been developed by Er. Soya during the reign of King Avantivarman. This agricultural backbone continues to play a vital role in the region’s economy.

Beyond its historical and cultural richness, Baramulla serves as a home to some of Kashmir’s most celebrated tourist destinations, including Gulmarg, Baba Reshi, Alpather Lake, Khilanmarg, Ferozpur Nallah, Eco Park, and the picturesque Drung Waterfall. The region is further enriched by ecological treasures such as Kazinag National Park, Limber –Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, and Hygam Wetland Reserve.

Moreover, the presence of prominent institutions such as the Government Medical College, St.Joseph, District hospital Baramulla, the University of Kashmir’s North Campus, SSM College of Engineering at Parihaspora, and other Government and private Colleges significantly strengthens the region’s educational and healthcare infrastructure.

This institutional development, coupled with expanding railway connectivity and an efficient road network linking Baramulla with the rest of the country, further enhances its stature as an emerging hub of education, healthcare, and transportation in North Kashmir.

With its profound historical roots, spiritual legacy, and breathtaking landscapes, Baramulla rightfully earns its epithet as the “Crown of North Kashmir”—a place where history and nature converge in timeless harmony.

(The author is a researcher, academic writer and alumnus of the University of Kashmir)