Nishat Bagh Gardens & River Jhelum Life in Old Kashmir Photos

A collection of old photographs and postcards showing everyday scenes in Kashmir from the 1890s to the 1970s. The pictures include the Baradari pavilion at Nishat Bagh in Srinagar in 1970 with its twelve open doorways, water channels, and symmetrical pathways; a view of Dal Lake from Nishat Bagh in the early twentieth century with clustered wooden boats and people along the shoreline; the historic Badiyar Bala brick building near Habba Kadal along the Jhelum River with arched openings; the River Jhelum in Srinagar during the 1890s with boats and the departure of a viceroy's royal barge near Fateh Kadal; two Kashmiri Pandit women in traditional long robes with wide sleeves from the early twentieth century; and a Royal Air Force tent camp in Sonamarg during the 1940s with personnel and mountain backdrop. Simple views of old Kashmir.

This 1970 photograph shows the Baradari at the main gate of Nishat Bagh in Srinagar, a classical Mughal garden pavilion designed with twelve open doorways to allow free airflow and uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. Baradaris were an essential architectural feature of Mughal garden planning, used as spaces for rest, gatherings, poetry, and musical performances. The symmetry of the pathways, water channels, and garden beds leading toward the pavilion reflects Mughal principles of balance and harmony with nature. The image documents Nishat Bagh at a time when its original Mughal layout and architectural character remained largely preserved.

This antique postcard presents an early twentieth century view of Dal Lake as seen from Nishat Bagh in Srinagar. The scene shows extensive use of wooden boats clustered along the shoreline, reflecting a period when water transport formed the primary mode of movement across the lake. Groups of people can be seen gathering near the boats, while smaller craft move through open water and reed beds. The distant hills and wide expanse of the lake emphasize the openness of the landscape before later urban expansion. The image documents Dal Lake as a living transport corridor and social space, closely integrated into everyday life in Kashmir during this era.

This photograph shows the historic Badiyar Bala building located near the second bridge at Habba Kadal in Srinagar, positioned directly along the banks of the Jhelum River. The structure reflects late nineteenth century urban architecture, combining brick masonry with arched openings and symmetrical façades typical of prominent riverside buildings in the old city. Originally constructed as a large residential and administrative property, the upper floors were later dismantled for structural safety, while the lower level was preserved and adapted for continued use. Over time, the building has served various civic and cultural purposes, including functioning as a cultural centre. The image documents an important example of Srinagar’s architectural heritage and the role of community intervention in preserving historic structures along the riverfront.

This photograph from the 1890s presents a broad view of the Jhelum River flowing through Srinagar, with boats, riverbanks, and prominent buildings lining the water’s edge. The image is associated with the departure of the Viceroy of British India, Lord Lansdowne, whose entourage traveled downstream by royal barge from Srinagar toward Baramulla. Fateh Kadal is visible in the distant background, while buildings along the right bank reflect the urban character of late nineteenth century Srinagar. At this time, the Jhelum served as a primary transport route for both official movement and daily commerce. The photograph documents the river as a central artery of political, social, and economic life in Kashmir during the colonial period.

This historic photograph shows two Kashmiri Pandit women dressed in the traditional attire worn in the valley before independence. The long, loose robe with wide sleeves reflects an older form of clothing that was once common among Kashmiri Pandit women and symbolized modesty, cultural continuity, and social identity. During the early twentieth century, social reform movements encouraged changes in women’s dress and education, leading to a gradual decline of this attire in everyday life. Despite these shifts, some women continued to preserve this traditional clothing well into later decades. The image stands as a visual record of cultural resilience and the lived heritage of Kashmiri Pandit women.

This historic photograph documents Royal Air Force personnel stationed at a mountain camp in Sonamarg, Kashmir, during the 1940s. Sonamarg served as one of several high-altitude camps established by the RAF for aircrew training, physical conditioning, and recuperation in alpine environments. The orderly rows of canvas tents reflect the temporary yet organized nature of these camps, set against the dramatic mountain landscape of the upper Kashmir Valley. Such sites played an important role in acclimatization and endurance training during the later years of British rule, offering insight into the military presence and strategic use of Kashmir’s terrain in the mid-twentieth century.