Notice the few houseboats and no houses can be seen in the background. If you see the lake now, a large part of it has been filled up and residential houses built on it. The number of house boats has multiplied manifold. The filth from the adjoining localities and houseboats flows directly into it. What was once a beautiful lake with crystal clear water is now nothing more than a cesspool. The water stinks ! Nature will never forgive us . The flood in 2014 is natures way of getting its revenge. I fear much worse unless we give up our greed and mend our ways. God gave us paradise but we squandered everything by our evil ways.
Photograph has been taken in 1885 by T.H.McAllister showing one of the fast moving large boats from Maharaja's fleet which used to be called "Parendh" It was pulled /rowed by 41 boatmen. This photograph is hand tinted one coloured from original which I am uploading. Hand tinting of photographs had reached artistic level till it's decline on the Advent of colour photography. One can locate old hand tinted landscapes in old photo stores such as Mehatta's.
The Royal Fleet of Parendhs & Barges was under control of one named " Kripa Ram" who devised an exclusive type of rowing these crafts. The ores used to be tied "Gungroos" & the rowing style was known as "Kripa Ramem Chap".
Although people were poor, but were living happy, calm an tension free life.
Dalgate at the beginning of inner market road.
Could feel the essence of this picture, like heaven gives calmness to the heart' don't know who's evil eye got swallowed this pious place, have heard the stories how kashmiri used to stay by each other in any situation Muslims pandits there wasn't this huge gape between these sects, wish those day's come again pandits and Muslim stay in the same way they used may almighty gives that essence back this heaven.
I don't know which place this is but every other street in Kashmir looked the same except the civil lines areas. Simplicity was visible all around and culture of showing of your riches and status was yet to set in the big way.
Nostalgic, unforgettable memories.
Comments
Post a Comment