Author : Muneer Ahmad
This is Sherin Bagh of Srinagar District. If anyone guesses that the famous love story of Sherin Farhaad might be the reason behind its name, or thinks of the sweets called "Shrini" in Kashmiri, both are wrong. What is the reason then? Let's find out in this blog.
We were talking about Sherin Bagh. This bridge is locally called "Sholay Kadal." The area from Shah Mohalla Sonar Koul Bridge to Karanagar Modan Pora Chowk was a vast open land. On the left bank of this stream used to be a carpet factory of an Englishman named Hadow, located where SMHS Hospital stands today, a place everyone still calls "Hedwun." Hadow, known for his humanistic nature, opened a dispensary in his factory for the general public, called "Hewdow Dispensary" by the locals. When Pathar Masjid was turned into a horse stable, Hadow and British Resident Lt. Col. J Manners strongly opposed it, according to PC Zutshi. Hadow was expelled in 1948 and died in 1978, but his name still lives on as "HADWUN." He donated a major portion of his land to the government for a hospital, which was opened in 1948 and named SMHS Hospital. However, people still call it Hedwun Hospital, deep in our subconscious mind.
Today, neither the Government Woolen Mill, Oriental Carpet Factory, Kalash Carpets, nor the Silk Factory exists here, but now there is a hospital, a dental college, and a hostel for doctors. But why the name Sherin Bagh? Initially, this area had no habitation from Bar BarShah to ZianaKadal. People feared moving through it, especially at night, hence they moved in groups, and the area buzzed with whistles at night, leading to it being called "PIPIN BAGH," which later corrupted to "Sherin Bagh," meaning the Whistling Garden, as explained by Jalal Ud Din Shah.