Kashmir, renowned for its natural beauty, also holds a rich legacy of cultural heritage. Among its most iconic attractions are the six celebrated Mughal gardens—symbols of Persian-inspired landscape architecture—that were included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2011. These gardens, steeped in history and imperial grandeur, continue to captivate scholars, tourists, and conservationists alike.
“It is said that heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations,” said an official from the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums. “Kashmir’s cultural and natural heritage is an irreplaceable source of inspiration and identity.”
UNESCO Recognition in Sight
With the assistance of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), international experts from UNESCO visited Kashmir to assess the historical significance of these Mughal gardens. Based on their findings, a dossier was submitted by the Jammu and Kashmir administration in 2011, seeking permanent World Heritage status.
These gardens—Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Achabal Bagh, Chashma Shahi, Pari Mahal, and Verinag—not only represent exquisite examples of Mughal landscape architecture but also reflect a deep cultural connection to water, mountains, and spiritual symbolism.
Nishat Bagh
Laid out in 1634 by Asaf Khan (Mirza Abul Hasan), Nishat Bagh stretches along the eastern banks of Dal Lake at the base of the Zabarwan mountains. Its 12 terraced levels are believed to represent the twelve zodiac signs, and its chahar bagh-style layout covers nearly 117 acres. With its elaborate water cascades and panoramic views, Nishat was a more private retreat compared to the royal Shalimar Bagh.
Shalimar Bagh
Built in 1619 by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor Jahan, Shalimar Bagh stands as the largest Mughal garden in Kashmir. Located on the northeastern edge of Dal Lake, the garden comprises five terraces and features the Farah Bakhsh (Joy-Imparting) section. Historical references trace its sacred significance back to a villa built by King Pravarasena II in the 6th century and later enhancements by Zain-ul-Abidin.
Achabal Bagh
Situated near Anantnag, Achabal Bagh was reimagined by Empress Nur Jahan in 1620 and was previously a famed orchard garden. The site’s natural spring, Achapal Nag, was mentioned in ancient Hindu texts like the Nilmat Purana. Known for its healing waters, it also houses a hammam built by Jahanara Begum, daughter of Shah Jahan, and is dotted with majestic Chinar trees.
Chashma Shahi
Constructed by Ali Mardan Khan under Shah Jahan’s patronage in 1632, Chashma Shahi is famed for its cool, mineral-rich spring. With just three terraced levels, it may be smaller than its counterparts but stands out for its clean lines, narrow rills, and commanding views of Dal Lake. The spring, nestled at the topmost level, feeds the cascading water system that defines the garden’s charm.
Pari Mahal
Perched on the Zabarwan slopes near Chashma Shahi, Pari Mahal was built around 1650 by Dara Shukoh, son of Shah Jahan. Once a Sufi school and observatory, the six-terraced structure was developed on the ruins of a Buddhist monastery. With its blend of mystical and architectural significance, the garden deviates from typical Mughal layouts by relying on underground pipes rather than visible water channels.
Verinag
Verinag, the source of the Jhelum River, features an octagonal stone arcade enclosing a deep spring. Built in 1619 by Emperor Jahangir and expanded by Shah Jahan, Verinag blends geometric precision with natural elegance. Revered for both its beauty and ecological significance, it houses trout fish believed to be sacred—never consumed due to cultural sentiments. It was Jahangir’s wish to be buried here, underscoring his deep connection to this serene retreat.
In recent years, efforts to preserve and recognize Kashmir’s heritage have gained momentum. In 2021, Srinagar was designated a “Creative City of Craft and Folk Arts” by UNESCO, joining cities like Jaipur, Varanasi, and Chennai in the prestigious Creative Cities Network.
Earlier, in 2020, the restoration of Amar Singh College in Srinagar was awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The revival of this iconic institution marked a broader push towards safeguarding Kashmir’s historical identity.
As the dossier for full UNESCO inscription awaits approval, Kashmir’s Mughal gardens stand as verdant testaments to imperial vision, ecological harmony, and timeless beauty—a legacy that continues to bloom through generations.
