Author : Muneer Ahmad
The present Srinagar's foundation was laid by King Ashok in the 3rd century near Pandrethan, but it remains unclear if this Ashok was Ashoka the Great or Ashok of Kashmir. In this blog, we will trace the history of Srinagar through ancient, medieval, and modern times. Every place in Kashmir has a unique history, including Srinagar. Different historians and travelers have given various names to this city, such as Shahar e Himawan, Shri Nagar, Parvarpor, and Parowseen Port. Still, most commonly, it was called ShriNagri or Sri Nagar, meaning a beautiful, prosperous, and happy city. Some historians referred to it as "Kashmir." This city was under different rulers for 800 years, during which many Vihars were built from this new city to Wular Parganas, such as Gopadari (present Gupkar) and Harwan Vihar. In the 6th century, Raja Parvar Sain III, ruling from Pandrethan, found the area insufficient due to population growth and considered shifting. Historical records indicate he entered the city via Maisuma for new land towards Kohi e Maran, naming the new city "Pawarsainpora" or "Payrowpora," but people continued to call it "Shrinargi" or "Razdhani." Pandrethan was called "PranAshthan" or "Prein Razdhein," later corrupted to "Pandrethan." Under Lalitaditya, the capital shifted from Parwar Port to Parihaspora, reducing the importance of Parihaspora and Pandrethan. Other valley capitals formed, like Anderkoot in Sumbal by Jaipeda and Awantipora by Awantipora. In the 9th century, Shankar Varman chose Pattan, but Srinagar gained importance when KhemGupta and Dedrani ruled, developing the Dedmar and Bradimar areas. Raja Anant later ruled from Srinagar, which we will cover in our Anantnag Series. In 1323 AD, Richan developed Rinchan Pur, and Allau Din established Allah Din Para near Hari Parbat. In 1400, Badshah founded "NawShahar." Akbar later arrived, creating Nagar Nagar and fortifying Hariparbat, with the Zabarwan range across Dal Lake gaining prominence and new Mughal Gardens emerging. Post-Mughal rule saw Sikh and Pathan influence in Srinagar due to its central location. After being sold for cowries, Maharaja rule began in 1846, attracting European visitors, and the left bank of Jhelum and Band Area became hotspots, as Europeans were restricted from mingling with common Kashmiris. More on this in future videos.
Some researchers believe Srinagar was founded by Ashok of Kashmir, not Ashoka the Great, given his Buddhist following and the association of Srinagar with the Sun, unrelated to Buddhism. Another argument is that when Srinagar was founded, Gautam Buddha was not yet born, making Srinagar a researchable topic, especially regarding Raja Ashoka.