Srinagar, March 30: The government on Monday informed the Assembly that the Parihaspora Archaeological Site in Baramulla is an important heritage tourist destination and efforts are being made to promote it across Jammu and Kashmir.
This was stated in response to an un-starred question posed by MLA Pattan, Javid Riyaz, regarding the steps taken to enhance tourism at Parihaspora.
Replying to the question, the Minister in charge said, “Parihaspora Archaeological Site is considered an important heritage tourist site, especially within the context of Kashmir’s rich historical and cultural legacy.
“This significant archaeological site is already featured on the heritage tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir and is being actively promoted across the country through promotional videos and brochures in national and international travel marts,” he said
The Minister further stated, “The Tourism Department, J&K, has also established a cafeteria at Parihaspora Pattan, which was outsourced in 2017. However, the facility requires repair and renovation. The necessary restoration work shall be incorporated in the next financial year’s Capex Budget, it said in its reply.
Parihaspora, locally known as ‘Kani Shahar’ which was the ancient capital of Kashmir is situated at a distance of 20 kilometers in the northwest of summer capital Srinagar. It was built on a plateau above the Jhelum River by Lalitaditya Muktapida and presently it is considered the tail end of Baramulla district.
From year 695–731 BC it remained as the capital of Kashmir during Lalitaditya Muktapida’s reign. He was considered a powerful ‘Kayastha’ ruler of the Karkota dynasty during Kashmir region in South Asia. He moved his capital from Srinagar to Parihaspora.
Kalhana who was a 12th-century historian and author of Rajatarangini (River of Kings) book mentions the construction of the city. As per his book, Muktapida built his residence and four temples in this area. Vishnu (Muktakeshva), Parihaskesana, a statue of Buddha in copper and famous Mattan temple in south Kashmir.
As per historians, Parihaspur lost its status as a capital after Lalitaditya’s death. His son moved to the royal residence. The Jhelum River is to the northeast of Parihaspur as it meets the Sind Nallah at Shadipur Sangam. In the past, this confluence of the rivers occurred closer to Parihaspora.
