Rare Kashmir Images

Photograph of Gulmarg taken for post card series probably in late 1970's -early 1980's.
Photograph of Gulmarg taken for post card series probably in late 1970's -early 1980's keeping in mind the shape of Bus but in no case earlier than 1971 that was the year macadamized 12 Km long road from Tangmarg was thrown open for cars etc. The name Gulmarg (Valley of Flowers) was given to it by Sultan Yousf Shah Chak , last Sovereign King of Kashmir. Who used to Visit this charming Marg along with his Queen Habba Khtoon in 16th century. Earlier the place used to be known as"Gauri Marg" by local shepherds in honor of Godess Parvati.

View of Srinagar 1932.
Photograph taken by M/S Dutta Photographers for their Post Card Series in 1932 AD from spire of Jamia Masjid. 1776 AD Afgan Governor Atta Mohammad Khan built fort is crowning Kohi Maran. Ziarat Shrief Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Maqdoom Sahib( RA) can be clearly seen. Also Mosque of Mullah Akhoon Shah Sahib built by Mugal Prince Dara Shaku in 1644 AD can also be seen adjacent to Ziarat Maqdoom Sahib. Kastoor Paend with Lonely Land Mark Chinar can also be seen on the right. Now this Iconic Chinar is NO MORE.....Alas but true.

1911 Main center of Leh Market.
Photograph taken by R.E.Shorter in 1911 of Leh Main Bazaar showing locals dressed in traditional attire. Those good old days Leh was One Street Town. Main Entrance to Jamia Masjid of Leh can be seen on the right. On this street Polo Matches were also held in those times. The Houses/Structures seen in the Photograph are at the base of the Hillock which is crowned by Old Leh Palace & Monastery.

Baba Reshi Shrine Kashmir Early 1900s.

Photograph taken in 1900AD shows a view of Baba Payam ud Din Reshi (RA) Ziarat at Ramboh Village situated near Gulmarg. He was born around 1411AD. In his youth he was a courtier of King Zain ul Abideen before taking path of renouncing the worldly ties to become disciple of Baba Zain ud Din Reshi (RA)of Aishmuqam who was one of the Principle Diciples of Sheikh Nur Din Wali (RA) aka Nund Reshi. He moved to Ramboh Village where he passed away in 1480AD.His Ziarat in Mugal Persian style was built at Ramboh village now popularly known as Baba Reshi.Old building of Ziarat as shown in photograph got completely damaged in a mysterious devastating fire on Sept 2nd 1989. A new building has now been made which still has "The Daan" a fire place built by Baba Reshi. People still come from far & wide to plaster this Daan & offer sacrifice for fulfillment of their wishes. It is believed that the wishes are granted.

From old times Famous saint of Kashmir Hazrat Syed Meerakh Shah (R A) 1886-1971.
Syed Meerak Shah Saheb Kashani (R.A) also known by the name of Faqeer - E Milat, was one of the famous Sufi saints of Kashmir in the Indian Subcontinent. Syed Meerak Shah Sahib Kashani (R.A) believed in drawing people close to Allah through renunciation of the world and service to humanity. He was one of the great Sufi saints of Kashmir.
Like his predecessors, stressed upon the element of love as a means of realization of Allah. For him his love of Allah implied a love of humanity. His vision of the world was marked by a highly evolved sense of secularity and kindness.
Syed Meerak Shah Saheb Kashani (R.A) was a highly known spiritual leader and world teacher, whose life and messages are inspiring millions of people throughout the world . His timeless and universal teachings, along with the manner in which he leads his own life, are attracting seekers of Truth from all the religions of the world.
Syed Meerak Shah Saheb Kashani (R.A) publicly declared his mission, at very young age. Since then, he had daily exhibited in practical and concrete terms the highest ideals of truth, right conduct, peace, love, and nonviolence. Everyday, hundreds of pilgrims make their way to the tiny hamlet in Northern part of India, Shalimar Srinagar - ( Kashmir ) where Syed Meerak Shah Kashani (R.A)'s Shrine (spiritual headquarters) is located. People not only from India but from virtually every country of the world visit this sacred place. Over the years, successors have organized to foster the construction of a variety of buildings and facilities to house and otherwise accommodate the ever-increasing number of visitors. The name of Syed Meerak Shah Kashani (R.A)'s Shrine is also known as Darbar - E- Kashani.
Syed Meerak Shah Saheb Kashani (R.A) interacted with all people on a heart-to-heart basis. No intermediaries between himself and those who yearn for knowledge and experience of Allah.
Syed Meerak Shah Saheb Kashani (R.A) placed great importance on proper education for young people.
His successors established a model education system, which includes primary schools, secondary schools, Darul Uloom & Health care services. No fees are charged to poor , and is open to all, regardless of race, religion, or economic condition.
In addition to emphasizing the pursuit of academic excellence, Syed Meerak Shah Saheb Kashani (R.A)'s system of "integral education" is designed to foster self-discipline and pro-social conduct. Students are required to take courses on morality and spirituality in ( Darsgah )and to devote several hours each week to some form of community service.

Spiritual history:
Syed Meerak Shah Saheb Kashani's prediction of coming to this world came before his birth The feeling of spiritualism and feelings of love and respect arose in his heart right since early age. He narrated a lot of incidents to the followers of his time and some of the incidents are recorded in his autobiography which is written by one of his great followers Late Kh.Gulam Hassan Nahvi Saheb.

Syed Meerak Shah Saheb Kashani's predecessors were Hazrat Abdul Qudoos Saheb (R.A) and Qudoos Sahib's Predecessor was Hazrat Lal Shah Saheb ( R.A).They constituted the initial spiritual chain of this Darbar.

Silsila:
Hazrat Syed Meerak Shah Saheb's Silsila is related to that of Qadri ; Chesti; Qubravi ; Soharwardi & Naqeshbandi. His followers are spread all across the world.
The rush for the Dargah is exceptionally heavy during all through the year.
The Shrine is currently been taken care by Hazrat Faqeer Mohammad Dilawar Sahib who is the Sajjada - e - Nishin of the Dargah Hazrat Syed Meerak Shah Saheb Kashani (R.A) . Faqeer Mohammad Dilawar is the successor of Faqeer din Mohammad Saheb (R.A) who was the Successor of Meerak Shah Saheb ( R.A).

1980 At the helm Kashmir.
All across the valley, it is beauty whether on the road or in the river, love kashmir.
Women Power. Surpassing and not Matching the Men in every stride. Those were the Days !