CONTENTS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE WITH SPECIAL

REFERENCE TO KASHMIR

1.Popular Names of personalties (Religion, Poltics,

Scientific Discoveries, Geography, Sports, History
2. Important Tourist Destinations.
3. History of kashmir

KNOWLEDGE OF COMPUTER

1. Introduction and objectives

2. Basic Applications of computer and its components
3. Fundamental of computer sciences
4. Hardware and software
5. Input and output devices
6. Knowledge of Ms word,Ms excel, Ms powerpoint,
pdf, internet and e-mail

SCIENCE

A . BIOLOGY
1. Important inventions and their inventors
2. Interesting facts about human body parts
3. Diseases and their causes
B. PHYSICS
1. Important inventions
2. SI Units

C. CHEMISTRY
1. Chemistry in everyday life
2. Chemical properties of substance
 Kashmir General Knowledge 5

GENERAL KNOWLWDGE WITH SPECIAL

REFERENCE TO KASHMIR

POPULAR NAMES OF PERSONALTIES

LAL DED
Lal ded was born in a Brahmin family in a village pandrethan
near Srinagar.She is the first saint poetess of the Kashmir .she
preached her doctrines in the idioms of the masses in the
form of “Vaakh”.
The first written record of lal ded’s life is contained in the
Tadhikirat-ul-Arifin, a collection of biographies of saints and
religious figures.She is also noted in a Persian chronicle,and
is also believed to be a contemporary of Mir Sayyid Ali-
Hamadani.

NOOR-UD-DIN
He was born in kulgam distt.He was a kashmiri sufi saint,
poet and islamic preacher.
Noor-ud-din spreads his teachings or message through
poems,commonly known as “Shrukhs”. His shrine is at
charari sharief in Budgam district.Sultan zain-ul-abidin
ccommissioned a tomb for his body at charari-sharief.

KISH BAB
Born in Anantnag,he was a contemporary of swami atma
ram ,a famous saint. He was a man above rituals. He was a
mystic and devotee of shankara.
6 Kashmir General Knowledge

Habba Khatun
Habba khatun was a Kashmiri Muslim poet and ascetic in
the 16th century. She was the consort of King Yousuf Shah
Chak but attained immortality as the queen of song. She is said
to have been born in the village of Chandur in the Pampore
town of the Pulwama district in Kashmir. Her birth name was
Zoon Rather or Zuni.
Famous ruler from chak dynasty,Yousuf-shah-chak fell in
love with her and married her.She became the royal patron
of arts and letters and advised the sultan on all matters of the
state. Lol lyric is the typical verse from that was popularized
by habba khatun.

Mahmud Gami
Mahmud Gami was a nineteenth-century Kashmiri poet
from doru Shahabad, Anantnag, Kashmir. Mahmud Gami is
one of the most prominent Kashmiri poets of the medieval
period. Through his poetic compositions he is well known
to introduce Persian forms of Masnavi and Ghazal, to
the Kashmiri language. He is popularly known as the Jami
of Kashmir.

Rasool Mir
Rasool Mir also known as Rasul Mir Shahabadi, was a
Kashmiri romantic poet born in Doru Shahabad. He is often
referred to as imām-e-ishqiya shairi’ (The epitome of romantic
poetry) for his literary contribution to Kashmiri romanticism.
He was called as father of kashmiri Ghazals. His famous
Ghazal, “Rind Posh Mal” is very popular even to the present
day.
 Kashmir General Knowledge 7

Maqbool shah Krawlwari

He was born in village Krawlwari in 1803 A.D. His
Gulrez, Gresstnama, Yusufnama, Pirnama, Baharmama and
Manuornama are very famous and shot him into fame.

Rupa Bhawani
Rupa Bhawani was the second great poet of the 17th century.
The worldly sufferings showed her the path of spiritual life.
Her spiritual “Guru” was her father pandit Madhav Joo Dhar
,who intiated her into the mysteries and practices of Yoga. She
gave rich mystic poetry to kashmiri language.In her poetry, we
can find the influence of both,kashmiri shaivism and Islamic
Sufism.

Gulam Ahmad Mahjoor

Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad (August 1885 − 9 April 1952),
known by his pen name as Mahjoor, was a poet of the Kashmir
Valley. He is especially noted for introducing a new style into
Kashmiri poetry and for expanding Kashmiri poetry into
previously unexplored thematic realms. Mahjoor is recognized
as father of Kashmiri language.

WRITERS AND COLUMNISTS

T.N DHAR: Kundan has written ,exclusively,on Kashmir,its

political scenario and religious practices of its original
inhabitants, the kashmiri pundits.He also served as an editor
of koshur Samachar, a tri-angular publication of Kashmir
Samiti,New Delhi.

KAVITA SURI: She has extensive professional experience

8 Kashmir General Knowledge

in journalism in, both, print (with both national and local

English newspapers) and electronic media. Since June 1998,
she has been working as, the Staff Correspondent, Jammu and
Kashmir for statesman, one of the oldest National newspapers
of India. She has been writing and reporting, regularly, on
Kashmir.

SUBHASH KAK : (born March 26, 1947 in Srinagar,

Kashmir) is an Indian American computer scientist. He is
Regents Professor and a previous Head of Computer Science
Department at Oklahoma State University-Stillwater who has
made contributions to cryptography, artificial neural networks,
and quantum information.

PROF. K N PANDITA : K N Pandita has authoured –

several books, including, ‘My Tajik Friends’, ‘Iran rand Central
Asia’ and ‘Bharistani-Shahi’.

DR. M.K. TENG : He got his Ph.D. Degree from the

University of Lucknow. Dr. Teng was – sometime Lecturer
in Sri Pratap Government College, Srinagar. He has written
profusely on Government and Politics of India and political
Development and Government in Kashmir. He has written
several books and Research Articles on Politics of Kashmir.

YOUSSEF BADAN SKY : He is the Director of the

Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional
Warfare at the US House of Representatives. He is also the
Director of Research at the International Strategic Studies
association,as well as a senior editor for the defence and
foreign Affairs Group of publications.
 Kashmir General Knowledge 9

VIRENDRA QAZI: He is making original contribution in

Indian Tantra Shastra. He presents this philosophy in common
man’s language and he is getting overwhelming response from
all over the world.

SUBODH ATAL: He is a member of the US based Kashmir

News Network, and has written extensively on Jammu and
Kashmir and South Asian terrorism and strategic issues.

BRAJ B KACHCI : He is the Director of the Centre for

Advanced Study at the University of Illinois, California, USA.
He is the world’s leading scholar in the field of world English.

POLITICAL PERSONALITIES

ADARSH SEIN ANAND: This eminent personality took

birth on November 1, 1936, He is known for being the 29th
Indian Chief Justice.
His tenure started from October 10, 1998 and continued till
October 31, 2001. With an education in Jammu, University
College London and Lucknow University, he enrolled at
Bar Council as an advocate on November 9, 1964. With a
background of Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Election
Law in High Courts of Haryana and Punjab,he joined as
Additional Judge in the Higher Court of Jammu and Kashmir
on May 26, 1975.
On May 11, 1985, he was appointed Chief Justice in the high
court of Jammu and Kashmir and later he was transferred to
the high court of Madras on November 1, 1989. On November
10 Kashmir General Knowledge

18, 1991, he was elevated to a Supreme Court judgeship of

India. Here, he enjoyed a long tenure after the retirement of
Y. V. Chandrachud who was preceding judge of this court.
On February 17, 2003, he was appointed National Human
Rights Commission’s Chairperson and on April 2, 2007, Judge
Rajendra Babu succeeded him.

MEHR CHAND MAHAJAN: (born December 23, 1889,

Tika Nagrota, Kangra – district-1967) was the third Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court of India. Prior to that he was the
Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir during the reign of
Maharaja Hari Singh and played a key role in the accession of
J&K to India. He was the Indian National Congress nominee
on the Radcliff Commission that defined the boundaries of
India and Pakistan..
Mahajan took office as the third Chief Justice of India on
January 4, 1954. He was the head of India’s judicial system
for almost a year, until his retirement on December 22, 1954
(mandatory retirement at age 65). Before becoming Chief
Justice he served as one of the first Judges of the Supreme
Court of independent India from October 4, 1948 to January
3, 1954.

BAKSHI GHULAM MOHAMMAD : In 1948, during the

Sheikh’s absence from the state to represent India’s case at
the UN, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad took over as the Chief
Administrator. In 1953, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was
dismissed and arrested and Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad
became Prime Minister of the State and also President of the
National Conference by majority vote of the State Cabinet.
He proved to be an able administrator and is remembered as
 Kashmir General Knowledge 11

the Architect of Modern Kashmir because of his constructive

work in the state. The eleven years of Bakshi’s premiership
have been the longest continuous stint by any prime minister
or chief minister are generally acknowledged as a period of
stability in the State’s Post-Independence History.

KARAN SINGH: He is the son of the last ruler of Princely

State of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh. He is a
member of India’s Upper House of Parliament Rajya Sabha. He
served successively as Sadr-e-Riyasat and Governor of Jammu
and Kashmir. In 1967, he resigned as Governor of the Jammu
and Kashmir and became the youngest ever Member of Union
Cabinet. He served as Indian Ambassador to the USA. He
served as Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, Jammu
and Kashmir University and the Jawaharlal Nehru University.

SYED MIR QASIM: He was the Chief Minister of Kashmir

during AD 1971-75 and well respected throughout India as
gentleman politician and statesman. Indian Prime Minister
Dr. Manmohan Singh described Syed Mir Qasim as a ‘great
nationalist who worked selflessly in public interest and for
peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir’.

Syed Mir Qasim’s political career first began during India’s

freedom struggle against Britain, when he became a leader
of the non-sectarian, pro-democracy Quit Kashmir Political
Movement. His advocacy against monarchical rule resulted
in his imprisonment as a political prisoner by the Maharaja
of Kashmir, Hari Singh. After India’s independence. Syed Mir
Qasim drafted the Kashmiri Constitution and went on to serve
in various state and union positions.
12 Kashmir General Knowledge

GHULAM NABI AZAD:He is a politician from the Indian

National Congress. He was the Parliamentary Affairs Minister
of India in the Manmohan Singh Government until 27th
October, 2005, when he was appointed as the Chief Minister
of Jammu and Kashmir. He also became the first Congress
CM of Jammu & Kashmir after 30 years.
Ghulam Nabi Azad is well-known for his organisational
skills. He holds the enviable record of being the AICC
General Secretary for nine times. He has been a member of
the Congress Working Committee for over 18 years, which is
close to the longest period served by any other party leader.
Ghulam Nabi Azad’s efforts to make India ‘polio-free’ were
recognized by the UNICEF and WHO.

GHIRDHARI LAL DOGRA : Born Bhaiya Village, from

Jammu and Kashmir and a member of Jammu and Kashmir
Legislative Assembly and served as Finance Minister of the
state for 26 years.
He was member of 7th and 8th Lok Sabha from Jammu
and Udhampur respectively. He had studied Samba, Hindu
College, Amritsar and later at Law College, Lahore. He was
Advocate by profession. Dogra was father-in-law of Arun
Jaitley

SPORTS PERSONALITIES

MITHUN MANHAS : (Born 12 October 1979 in Buttar

Minhas family at Jammu, India) is an Indian first-class
cricketer who plays for Chennai Super Kings as an all-rounder.
A right-handed batsman, he also bowls right-arm off break
and can keep wicket.
 Kashmir General Knowledge 13

He is a player in the Indian Premier League represented the

Delhi Daredevils. In the fourth season of IPL he was contracted
for US$260,000 by Pune Warriors. In the seventh season of
the Indian Premier League, he was contracted by the Chennai
Super Kings. In September 2015, Manhas joined Jammu and
Kashmir cricket team for 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season.

PARVEZ GHULAM RASOOL ZARGAR: (Born 13

February 1989, Bijbehara is the Anantnag district of Kashmir)
is an India cricketer who plays as an all-rounder for Jamm &
Kashmir.
He is a right-hand batsman and off break bowler. Rasool is
the captain of Jammu & Kashmir team and a regular member of
the India A team. He was bought for Rs. 95 lakh (US$140,000)
by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the auction. He got his call-
up for national team in 2013 for the Zimbabwe tour Rasool
finally represented national team againg Bangladesh on 15
June 2014 at Mirpur.

MEHRAJUDDIN WADOO :(Born February 12, 1978 in

Sarai Balla, Amira Kadal Srinagar) is an, Indian football player
from Jammu and Kashmir who represents the Indian national
team. Mehrajuddin started out as a striker but then was
converted into a defender, and can easily play as a defensive
midfielder position.

ISHFAQ AHMED : (Born 17 March 1983) is an Indian

footballer who plays as a attacking midfielder for Kerala
Blasters FC in the Indian Super League. Ishfaq has also played
as winger and can fill in as a full-back. He possesses good
dribbling skills and speed and is often appreciated for his
14 Kashmir General Knowledge

work-rate.

CHAIN SINGH : (Born 5 April 1989, Doda) is an Indian

sport shooter. He won the bronze medal at the 2014 Asian
Games at Incheon in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

1: Rajtarangini Kalhana Pandit

2 Twarikh-i-Kashmir Malik Haider

3 The Valley of Kashmir Sir Lawrence

4 Aitash-4-Chinar Sheikh Abdullah

5: Waquat-i-Kashmir Khawaja Mohd Azam

6. Tarikh-i-Hassan Pir Hassan Shah

7. Mukhtsar-Tarikh Kashmir Pandit Birbal Kachru

8. Zafar Nama Sharif-ud-din Yazdi

9. Tanikh-1-Rushidi Mirza Haidar Duglat

10 The Land of Lamas Alexander Cunningham

11. The Constitution of J&K Justice As Anand

 Kashmir General Knowledge 15

12. Kashmir: The Unveiling Hashim Qureshi

of Truth

13. Kashmir Issue Abdul Majid Mattu

14. Iqbal aur Kashmir Jagan Nath Azad

15. Elections in Jammu GN Gauhar

and Kashmir

16. Hazratbal: The Central Stage GN Gauhar

of Kashmir Politics

17. Kashmir. Towards Insurgency Balraj Puri

18. Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Parvez Dewan

19. Gulab Singh-Founder KM Panikkar

of Kashmir

20. Cultural Heritage of Kashmir KL Kalla

21. Lalla Vakyani George grierson

22 Struggle for Freedom in Kashmir Prem Nath Bazaz

23. Kashmir Land and People AR Khan

24. Constitution of J&K Rakib Ahmad Zia

25. Kashmir in Sunlight and Shade CE Tyndale Biscoe

16 Kashmir General Knowledge

26. Kashmir’s struggle for Mohammad Yousuf Ganai

Independence (1931-1939)

27. Kashmir Folk Tales RJ Hinton Knowles

28. The Folk Lore and the Dr Farooq Fayaz

History of Kashmir

29. lazzatai Giryah Ashraf Aadil

30. Twarikh-i-Kashmir Khawaja Mohd Azam

31. Gulabnama Dewan Kirpa Ram

32. Kashmir 1947 Prem Shankar jha

33. History of Kashmir PMK Bamzi

 Kashmir General Knowledge 17

IMPORTANT TOURSIT DESTINATIONS

Gulmarg
Fifty seven km. from Srinagar, Gulmarg a meadow of flowers,
is a world famous tourist resort situated at an altitude of 2730
meters. Gulmarg is Kashmir’s famous winter sports resort. It is
an ideal place for Skiing and skating. There is also a 500 meter
Chair Lift that gives ski run of about 700 meters. Thirteen km.
from Gulmarg is Alpather Lake, which remains even in June.

Kud
This tourist spot is situated in the lap of lofty mountains and
is surrounded by hills at an altitude of 5,500 ft. above sea level.
A most developed hill station of Udhampur district. Kud has
been blessed with good soothing and pleasant weather and
has immense natural beauty.

Batote
It is situated at the Height of 1650 meter. It is 20 km ahead
of Kud towards Srinagar. A road from here branches out
towards Doda, Bhaderwah and Kishtwar it is a health resort.
A sanatorium is here. Its climate is suitable for cultivation of
apple, pear, and apricot. A lot of fruit is grown here. It is a very
important station on Srinagar Highway.

Patni Top
A famous and popular tourist spot. It is situated at height of
2050 meter. It is all over covered with thick and tall pine and
deodar trees. Tourists flock to it in summer to escape heat of
plains, and in winter to enjoy snow.
18 Kashmir General Knowledge

Surinsar and Mansar Lakes

Having very old historic importance Jammu district abounds
many areas of tourist interest like Surinsar and Mansar lakes.
These lakes are having religious and historic importance.
Boating facilities are available there. Every year around
Baisakhi, a food and crafts festival is organised here by J&K
Tourism Department. These are situated, nearly, 45 km and
37 km from the Jammu city, respectively.

Pahalgam:
Height 2650 meter, 96km from srinagar enroutes to
Amarnath cave. Its worlds famous tourist resort. Lidder River
runs through it in a rushing grey green torrent. There are
beautiful camping,
Lush green forests and hidden beauty.

Sonmarg:
Sonmarg is located in Ganderbal district and is 80km
from srinagar. Its height is 2740 meter.it is surrounded by
mountains, a quiet valley, carved by river Sindh, circled by
still lakes, awesome glaciers and thick pine forests, Sonamarg
is a nature’s wonder land. Extremely salubrious climate better
than Gulmarg and Pahalgam a famous tourist resort, trekkers
paradise, Sonamarg is truly a beautiful place.

Verinag
It is famous for its spring, out of which flows the river Jhelum.
In ancient times, it was also known as Nilnag. The construction
of Octagonal base and cascade round it was started by Mughal
King Jehanger and completed by Shah Jahan. The spring of
deep blue water is full of fish. Remains of Mughal pavilion
 Kashmir General Knowledge 19

and bath are found down the stream. It is a tourists resort. A

garden is laid out here.

Kokernag:Height 1972 m, 27 km from Anantnag. Peaceful

invigorating climate, abundance, mountains cold fresh swell
spring waters are its chief characteristics. It has the best
drinking water in the valley. Five camping grounds, jeweled
flower garden of roses, picnic spots and trout fishing pools are
other sources of attraction

Dal Lake
The world famous water body has been a described as Lake
par Excellence by Sir Walter Lawrence. It is the Jewel in the
crown of the kashmir
The lake is 6×3km and is divided into four parts known as
Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod dal and nagin. The Dal Laka is host
to world famous Shikara and Houseboats, which view the each
other with eye catching names. Dal Lake changes its moods
and sanery through out the day and after every few Kilometers.
It is lined with world famous Bulward road.

Cheshma Shahi and Pari Mahal:

Emperor Shahjahan laid Cheshma Shahi or the Royal Spring
in 1632 A.D. It is 9 km far from the city centre and is famous
for a spring of refreshing digestive water. Two kilometers uphill
from Cheshma Shahi is situated the Pari Mahal,

Shalimar Bagh
Situated along Dal Lake, laid by Jehangir in 1619 A.D. for
his wife Noorjahan. The garden with four terraces is 539 x 182
meters and gets water from Harwan through a canal lined with
20 Kashmir General Knowledge

fountains. It is 15 km from the city centre.

Nishat Bagh
Laid down by Asif Khan, Queen Noor Jahan’s Brother in
1633 A.D. in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills. The garden
presents a magnificent view of the Dal Lake.

Wular Lake
Wular lake is the largest fresh water lake in Asia having
a length of 24 km and 10 km breadth. This lake is situated
between Bandipore and Sopore. Bandipore is situated on its
Eastern and Northern bank. The Madhumati and Erin Nallahs
flow into the lake from the eastern side.From south. the lake
from the eastern side. From south, Jehlum seeks passage
through it to Baramulla. In the centre of the lake, there is a
small island called Zaina Lank, constructed by Sultan Zain-
ul-Abidin The lake is considered to be the remnant of Satisar
Lake or prehistoric times.

Harwan:Harwan is huge Garden lined with flowers and

massive Chinar Trees with a beautiful canal flowing right
through the middle.Its located in srinagar. This spot is very
popular in Srinagar for picnics and excursions.

Bangus Valley
One of the relatively unknown areas of Kashmir with
vast tourism potential is the valley of Bangus. Bangus is a
unique ecological combination comprising a mountain biome,
which includes grassland biome with flora at lower altitudes;
and Taiga or Coniferous forest. The valley which lies at an
altitude of around 10,000 ft. above sea level is in the northern
 Kashmir General Knowledge 21

part of district Kupwara within the Handwara sub District.

Occupying an estimated area of 300 sq.kms (20x15km) the
principal valley locally known as Bodh Bangus (Big Bangus)
consists of a linear elliptical bowl aligned along the east-
west axis. The valley is surrounded by Rajwar and Mawar A
smaller valley known as Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus) lies
on the north-eastern side of the main valley. Both the valleys
have level green meadows surrounded by low-lying mountains
covered with dense forests and a stream flowing through them.

LoLab Valley:
Lolab valley known for its lush green forests and pastures,
its about 114 km from srinagar, the valley that have an average
depth of 7 to 15 feet and are unique in them. It is also known
for the Sat Barran (Seven doors) and a cave in the jungle. The
famous Lov-nag is located in Anderbaugh village.Apart from
natural beauty, Lolab Valley is also historically important as
Varnow village, a small settlement in the region, is the birthplace
of Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri. Today, Lolab Valley has a
well developed infrastructure and good connectivity with
the rest of the region. It provides road connectivity to Machil
which is known for the water fall, Rangil.Lolab Valley has not
only been the area of attraction for the Bollywood fraternity
but has been appreciated by saints, poets and philosophers for
centuries together.Some of the other renowned places having
tremendous potential are Chandigam, Dooru, Khurhama,
Krusan, Khomrial, Nagsari and Cherkoot.

Keran Valley
The Keran Valley is located about 145 km from Srinagar,
Jammu and Kashmir. It is a beautiful valley with breath
22 Kashmir General Knowledge

taking views; an opportunity for visitors to see another face

of Kashmir. Its is not like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg or
Pahalgam which are more popular among tourists, the Keran
Valley still remains an unusual place to visit, and is around
some least visited places in Kashmir.

HISTORY OF KASHMIR
According to Most popular legend Kashmir valley was a
big lake called “Satisar” As mentioned in Rajtarangini and
Nilmatpurana in One morning when the demigods were in
a playful mood, there appeared a demon-Sangrahsutra who
espied Sachi, the Indira’s consort amidst the heavenly host.
Struck by her beauty, Sangrahsutra’s seed fell into the lake
which sprouted in the form of a bony babe who was brought
by the celestial folk of Kashmir, the Nagas. He was named
Jalodbhowa meaning born from water in the Sanskrit. The
child Jalodbhava grew up to be giant cannibalistic fiend, who
tortured and devoured the people. The harassed and terrified
Nagas approached Nilanaga and requested him to save them
from the tyranny of this cannibal. The Nilanaga then decided
to approach his father Kashyap, a great sage & grand son of
Brahma. He did a long penance to rescue the people from
the suffering. The saint was blessed and was able to cut the
mountain near Baramulla (Varamukha) The lake was drained
and the demon was killed by a pebble divinely cast, which
today stands as the hill upon which towers the fortress built
by the Mughal emperor Akbar and known as “Hari Parbat”.
After that Kashyap Rishi imported Brahamans andres from
India to live there and the reclaimed land was called Kashyap-
pura and Kashyap Mar and later Kashmir It seems that the
name Kashunit comes from two Sanskrit words “A” (water)
 Kashmir General Knowledge 23

and “i” (dry up) Le dried up land

RULERS OF KASHMIR
The earliest records are lost in pre-historic oblivion. The first
king mentioned by Kalhana is Gonanda-I who came to the
throne in 653 kali which is about 3000 B.C. He was a relative of
Raja Jarasand and fought in a war for Jarasand against Krishna
at Mathura and was killed. Gonanda was succeeded by his son
Dhamoder to the throne of Kashmir. He also suffered at the
hands of Krishna in the neighbouring territory of Gandhara.
The Krishna got Gonada’s pregnant widow Yasovati, installed
on the throne by the Brahman. Later when Yasovati gave birth
to a son, he was put on the throne as Gonanda II. There after
it was ruled by Pandovas.

Pandavas: The 35 kings of this dynasty ruled over Kashmir.

But they have been emerged in the ocean of oblivion, their
names and deeds having perished through the destruction
of the records”. Some how, the famous ruins of Martand and
other old temples are still called Pandav-lari, or buildings of
the Pandavas, by the people. The ancient temple of the Shankra
Charya Hills is believed to have been built by Sandiman,
one of the Pandava Kings. The first of these Pandava kings
was Harande, son of the Park grandson of Arjuna. One of
the Panda of Kashmir was Sundarsena. The beautiful city of
Sandimatnagar is said to have been sura during his reign by
an earthquake, which created the Wular Lake over the capital.

Cyrus: Probably Kashmir came under rule of Achaemenians

of Persia for sometimes the ancient period. Cyrus (558-530 B.
C) The founder of the Persian Empire extends conquests up to
24 Kashmir General Knowledge

the Hindukush and Grand formed a part of his empire. Later

Darius conquered a part of the Punjab and annexed it into
the Parsian Empire. It is probable that by time of Alexander’s
invasion in 326 BC. The Persians had lost their control over
these parts India. When Alexander left India, Kashmir was
ruled by a king named Abhisara.

Mauryas: Chronologically Ashoka is the first name that has a

genuine historical basis. In 3rd century (250) B.C. King Ashoka
“The Great conquered Kashmir and he introduced Buddhism,
built numerous viharas & stupas. Ashoka wa succeeded by his
son, Jaluka who restored Hinduism. He was a great warrior
who freed Kashmir of the Mlechhas (foreigners, who were
probably Indo-Greek hordes) and conquered the country up
to Kanauj. Shivism flourished during his reign. After Jaluka
his son Damodar II ascended
A gap of 200 years unaccounted (The scholars accept the
theory that the valley for over 200 years was ruled by Indo-
Greek kings before the start of Kushans

Kushans: In Ist century A.D., Kashmir was occupied by

Kushans. Prominent among the Kushans was Kanishka who
convened the 4th Buddhist council in Kashmir. It is at this
council that Buddhism got divided into two sects Mahayana
(followers of the greater vehicle) & Hinayana (followers of the
lesser vehicle). The commentaries were deposited by Kanishka
in a special stupa.
 Kashmir General Knowledge 25

LOHARA DYNASTY:
1003 AD to 1171 AD (14 kings)

Notable kings: Kalasha, Harsaha, Sussala, Javasimha in

whose reign Kalhana wrote Bajarangsi
After the end of Utpala dynasty, the history of Kashmir is
written in decay. During the rule of Gupta Kula, there was
quick succession of brief reigns, intrigues and rebellions, civil
wars and political murders.
During the reign of Sangrama, Mohammad Ghami made
his second campaign against Kashmir but again he was forced
to retreat by ensuing winter.
In 1099 AD when Harsha was the king of Kashmir, plague
raged the country and disastrous flood destroyed the crops.
A serve famine followed which added to the miseries of the
people.
The famous historian of Kashmir viz. Kalhana Pandit is said
to have lived during the reign of Jayasimha 1128-1149 A.D.
The last ruler of Lohar dynasty was Vanitadeva, who died
in 1171 AD.

DEVA DYNASTY:
1171 AD to 1371 AD (9 kings)

Notable kings: Sangramdev, Suhadev

The last lap of Hindu rule from 1171 to 1339 AD saw many
weak Hindu kings. Suhadeva ruled in Kashmir from 1301 to
1320 A.D.
During the period of Suhadeva, Kashmir was invaded by a
Tartar chief Zala Chu (Duluchu) from central Asia, Zalachu
invaded Kashmir from Baramulla. He destroyed the whole
26 Kashmir General Knowledge

kingdom and killed all men and women he faced. Even crops
were burnt and destroyed. Suhadeva, the king fled to Kishtwar.
Ramchandra, the commander-in-chief of the king of the Valley
took the help of two men-one Shah Mir from Swat in the
west and one Rinchin from the Tibet in the east. The latter
eventually killed the commander-in-chief and occupied the
throne after marrying his daughter, Kota Rani .Shah Mir
became his minister serving him faithfully
After loot and plunder of about eight months, Zulqadar was
forced to leave the valley by ensuing winter. He decided to
leave through Banihal pass, but was killed in the way by the
snow storm, along with all his men

Rinchin :Tibetan rules Kashmir from 1320 to 1323 AD. He

had to flee from his country for safety after a battle with the
Balti’s. He came to Kashmir where he was given protection by
Rama Chandra. Rinchin was an able and far sighted ruler. He
realised that being a foreigner in Kashmir, he would not be
able to consolidate his positions unless he received a support
of the local people. So he released the son of Ramachandra
from the prison and appointed him his commander-in-chief.
He also married Ramachandra’s daughter Kota. To make his
position more secure he tried to embrace Hinduism but the
religious and spiritual heads of the Hindus (Shaivas) refused
to admit him to the Hindu Religion. According to Waqalt-1-
Kashmir then Rinchin came into contact with Bulbul Shah
a Sufi Saint, and impressed by the simple teachings of Islam.
Rinchina ultimately embraced Islam and was the first Muslim
ruler in Kashmir. Rinchin ruled for 3 years and died in 1320,
 Kashmir General Knowledge 27

SHAHMIRI DYNASTY
From 1339 AD to 1561 AD (18 Kings)

The Muslim rule in Kashmir started with Rinchan founder of

Muslim rule is Shah Mir. Shah Mir started his rule in 1339 A.D.
by the name of Sultan Shamad-ud-Din. From 1339 started in
Sultanate period in Kashmir. Sultan Shamad-od-Din ruled
from 1339 to 1342.

Shams ud din 1339-1342 AD

→Jamshed 1342-1343 AD

Alal-du-din 1343-1354 AD

→Shihabu-d-din 1454-1373 AD

Qutbud din 1373-1389 AD

Sikandar 1389-1413 AD

Ali Shah 1413-1420 AD

Zainu-I-Abidin 1420-1470 AD

Haider Shah 1470-1472 AD

Hassain Shah 1472-1484 AD

Mohammad Shah 1484-1486 AD

28 Kashmir General Knowledge

Fateh Shah 1486-1493 AD

Mohammad Shah 1493-1505 AD

Fateh Shah 1505-1514AD

Mohammad Shah 1514-1515AD

Fateh Shah 1515-1517AD

Mohammad Shah 1517-1528 AD

Ibrahim Shah 1528-1529 AD

Nazuk Shah 1529-1530 AD

Mohammad Shah 1530-1537 AD

Shamas-u-Din 1537-1538 AD

Ismail Shah 1538-1540 AD

Nazuk Shah 1540-1551 AD

Ibrahim Shah 1552-1555 AD

Ismail Shah 1555-1557 AD

Habib Shah 1557-1561 AD

Habib Shah who ruled from 1557-1561 was the last ruler
 Kashmir General Knowledge 29

of Shah Mir Dynasty during this period Mughal King Akbar

attempted to invade Kashmir and sent a large army under
Qara Bahadur for the attack.

CHAK DYNASTY
Chaks originally were Dards residents Gilgit Huza area. They
successfully resisted the attempts of Babur & Humayun to
annex Kashmir.
In 1578, after the death of Ali Shah his son Yousuf Shah Chak
ascended the throne Yusuf Shah Chak married to beautiful
& charming poetess Habba Khatun and made Gulmarg &
Sonmarg into a holiday resorts
He tried best toward off the expanding influence of the
Mughals but he finally succumbed to the superior forces and
strategy of Akbar’s generals. He died in a prison in Bihar.
His son, Yaqub Shah, tried to hold on to the throne for some
time, but his forces were defeated by the Mughal Army, under
Qasim Khan, at Haripura & this paved the way of Mughal rule
in Kashmir in 1586

MUGHALS (1586 A.D. to 1753 A.D.)

This rule was marked by sound public measures that

contributed to general public welfare. This was a period marked
by many measures of benevolence, contributions by visitors.
whose works and guidance led to increase in certain degrees
of the architecture, art magnificent gardens and buildings, etc.
Many kinds of repairs, innovations, additions and increasing
the physical and natural get up of the alternations at different
30 Kashmir General Knowledge

places helped in valley. Visitors in more and more numbers

streamed in during this rule. Akbar came to Kashmir in 1579
Raja Rodar Mal, his Finance Minister introduced the Revenue
settlement to make it uniform with the rest of the country. it is
noteworthy to remark that this system in its essence is being
followed even up to day with new inputs here and there. During
this third visit, Baltistan and Ladakh were brought under
his way Akhar, rather, all Mughals ruled Kashmir through
Governors is 180 AD, Mirza Ali Akbar was the Governor of
Kashmir and ruled up to 1609. Akbar passed in 1605 AD in
Agra and Jehangir was the emperor of India in 1606 AD

1. Akbar ruled through 4 Subedars in succession.

2. Jehangir ruled through 7 Subedars in succession

3 Shah Jahan ruled through 6 Subedars in succession

4. Aurangzeb ruled through 14 Governors in succession

5.Bahadur Shah ruled through 6 Governors in succession.

6. Jahandar Shah ruled through one Governor in succession.

7. Farukh Shah ruled through Sadat Khan who ruled through

4 deputies in succession

8. Mohd. Shah ruled through 7 Governors one after the other

whom in turn ruled through their deputies.

9. Ahmad Shah ruled through Abdul Mansoor Safdargunj

 Kashmir General Knowledge 31

and Ala Quli Khan was in turn ruled through their deputies
After Aurangzeb the Mughal prestige started to fade and
because his successors were weak who gradually lost control
of far away provinces.
There were local revolts and foreign invasions. In 1748, an
Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali attacked India. He sent his
forces under Azmatullah Khan to conquer Kashir but they did
not succeed. But Abdali again invaded India in 1750 & 1751
and occupied Punjab.

AFGHANS (1753 to 1753 A.D.)

Ahmad Shah Abdali (5 months) through governors in 1753
Ahmad Shah Abdali again invaded India and plundered Delhi.
In the same year he sent a strong army under Abdullah Khan
Issk Aqasi to conquer Kashmir. A battle was fought at Shopian
in which mughal forces were defeated and Afghans entered
Srinagar. The event marked the end of Mughal rule in Kashmir
The Afghans ruled in Kashmir up to 1819 Le for about 67
years. During these 67 years of rule Kashmir was governed
by 28 Afghan governors in succession. The first governor of
Kashmir was Abdullah Khan shaq. He let loose a region of
terror in the valley and harassed merchants Zamindars and
peasant equally. This gave rise to discontents among Kashmiris
against Afghans MUGHALS (Again)
Alamgir-11 1753 to 1762 through Raja Sukh Jiwan Mal,
Governor. A Kashmiri noble Abdul Hassan Khan Banday
together with Sukh Jiwan Ram got Afghan Deputy Governor,
Abdullah Khan killed and Sukh Jiwan Ram became the ruler
of the Kashmir,
32 Kashmir General Knowledge

AFGHAN RULE: From 1762 A.D. to 1819 A.D.

Ahmed Shah Abdali after few years re-conquered Kashmir
and Nur-ud-Din was made Governor Afghans ruled through
their Governors who in their turn engaged their deputies to
rule in Kashmir. They were despotic, self-seekers and terrorised
people
Fateh Mohd Khan was ruler of Afghanistan. He made a pact
with Ranjit Singh, the Punjab ruler. His forces and those of
Ranjit Singh en-tered Kashmir.
Jabbar Khan was the last Afghiani governor of Kashmir
when Ranjit Singh occupied Kashmir. In 1819, Sikh Soldiers
attacked Kashmir now passed into hands of Sikhs after 500
years domination by Muslims

Chief Governors were

Nurmalin Khan and his brother Buland Khan Hamzai
Khurana Khan, Timur, Zaman Shah, Shah Mohammed, Shah
Shuja
More prominent among the deputies were Amir Khan
Jaansber, Haji Karim Dad Khan, Juma Khan, Rahmat Khan,
Atta Mohammad Khan and Jabbar Khan

SIKHS (1819 A.D. to 1846 A.D.)

It was the stage that Maharaja Ranjit Singh was requested
by one Pandit Birbal Dhar and other Pt. Rajakaak Dhar (of
Kashmir) to take over Kashmir. The two Dhars were helped
by three Kashmiri Muslims. Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered
Kashmir and annexed it to his domi-nations in 1819 A.D.
By 1834 A.D., Ladakh in-cluding Zanskar and Baltistan, had
become a part of Ranjit Singh’s kingdom as a result of six amaz-
ing military campaigns undertaken by Wazir Zorawar Singh
 Kashmir General Knowledge 33

Kahluria, the ablest general in the army of Raja Gulab Singh

Kashmir remained a part of the Sikh Kingdom till 1846 A.D.
when it was granted by the British to Raja Gulab Singh. During
this period of 27 years, Kashmir was ad-ministered by a many
as ten governor’s succes-sion appointed by the Lahore Darbar
and the last two were Muslims. Chief among them were Misr
Diwan Chand, Diwan Moti Ram, Hari Singh Nalwa, Diwan
Kirpa Ram and Prince Sher Singh.
In 1819 AD Kashmir became a part of Lahore Darbar and
by 1834 Ladakh, Zanskar Baltistan has also been conquered
by Sikh Commander Wazir Zorawar Singh Kahluria.
Kashmir remained a part of Sikh Kingdom for about 27 years
i.e. up to 1846 AD and during this period it was ruled by ten
gover-nors in succession.
Diwan Moti Ram was first Sikh Governor of, Kashmir. He
was an intolerant ruler. He closed Jama Masjid at Srinagar to
public prayers.
In 1832 AD Victor Jacquemount & Fr Naturalist visited
Kashmir to carry out tanical survey of the valley.
Mian Singh was the most able Sikh of Kashmir and was
popularly known as Colonel.

RANJIT SINGH DIED IN 1839 AD.

In 1842 AD Sheikh Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din was appointed
as Governor of Kashmir was during this period that Raja
Gulab Sing Dogra began to think of annexing Kask to his
own kingdom of Jammu.
Sheikh Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din was succeeded by his son
Sheikh Imam-ud-Din as governor of Kashmir. Sheikh Ghulam
Mohi-Ud-Din opened the gate of Jamia Masjid which was
34 Kashmir General Knowledge

closed since 1819. He also repaired Shankaracharya

During Sikh Rule the province of Kashmir was divided into
six parganas. Each pargana was under the control of a revenue
farmer In every pargana there was a Sikh Kotwal who acted
as police officer.
In 1845 AD Sikh government plunged into war with the
British in which Sikhs were defeated. The British forced Sikhs
to sign a treaty with them was mediated by Raja Gulab Singh.
The last Sikh governor of Kashmir was Sheikh Imam-Ud-
Din.
On 16th March 1846 Kashmir along with Ladakh and Gilgit
were transferred to Maharaja Gulab Singh Dogra of Jammu
and then the state of J&K came into existence.

 Kashmir General Knowledge 35

KNOWLEDGE OF COMPUTER

Computer:A computer in its simplest form an electronic

machine that processes,stores and retrieves data according to
specific instructions .The computer can solve more than one
kind of problems at a time.
The Word ‘Computer’ usually refers to the Central Processing
Unit Plus Internal Memory.
The first computer was called the ENIAC, which was built
during World War-II (1943-1946). These early computers used
vacuum tubes and were very large (sometimes room size) and
only found in businesses, Universities or governments. Later,
computers began utilising transistors, as well as, smaller and
cheaper parts that allowed the common person to own their
own computer. This history of computers and related topics
can be found on our history page.

Fundamentals of Computer
Modern computers based on integrated circuits are millions
to billions of times more capable than the early machines, and
occupy a fraction of the space. Simple computers are small
enough to fit into mobile devices and mobile computers can
be powered by small batteries. Personal computers in their
various forms are icons of the Information Age and are what
most people think of as ‘computers. However, the embedded
computers found in many devices from MP3 players to
fighter aircraft and from toys to industrial robots are the most
numerous.
Charles Babbage is called the “Grand Father of the computer.
36 Kashmir General Knowledge

The First mechanical computer designed by charles Babbage

was called Analytical Engine’. It uses read-only memory in the
form of punch cards.

Hardware and Software

All types of computer consist of two basic parts:

Hardware : it is any part of your computer that has a physical

structure such as monitor ,keyboard, mouse etc

Software: software is any set of instructions that tells the

hardware what to do. It is what guides the hardware and tells
it how to acomplish each task.
E,g web browsers, games,, Ms word, powerpoint etc

Input and output devices

Input devices
Devices which used for inputing the data and instructions
etc
E,g keyboard, light pen ,Mouse ,joystick ,etc

Output devices
Output devices are those devices which display or give the
desired results from the computer
E,g : Monitor ,printer, plotters,speakers etc

MS WORD
Microsoft word is the most convenient software used for
creating text files
 Kashmir General Knowledge 37

Ms Excel
Ms Excel is used for processing the data that is in tabular
form and then perform mathematical functions on it in order
to analyze it.

Ms Powerpoint
Ms power point is an application which provides you slides
and run a slideshow.

PDF:
PDF means Portable Document Format, it is a file format
that has captured all the elements of a printed document as an
electronic image that you can view ,navigate ,print or forward
to someone else.

Internet:
The internet in simple terms is a global network of the
interlinked computer networking worldwide,which is
accessible to the general public

E-mail
Electronic mail is a method of exchanging digital messages
from an author to one or more recipients .
38 Kashmir General Knowledge

SCIENCE

BIOLOGY:

IMPORTANT INVENTIONS AND THEIR

INVENTORS

Associated Term Inventors

1. Vitamins Hopkins

2. Antigen Landsteiner

3. DNA Watson & Crick

4. DOT Paul Muller

5. Homeopathy Samuel Hahnemann

6. Polio Vaccine J. E. Salk

7. TB Bacteria Robert Koch

8. BCG Calmette and Guerin

9. Bacteria Leeuwenhoek

10. Stethoscope Watson & Arthur

11. Penicillin A. Fleming

 Kashmir General Knowledge 39

12. RNA Watson & Arthur

13. Microbes of Malaria Charles Laveran

14. Heart Transplantation Christiaan Barnard

15. Anti-pregnancy pills Pincus

16. Genetic Code Har Gobind Khorana

17. First Test tube baby Edwards & Steptoe

18. Blood Circulation William Harvey

19. Vaccination Edward Jenner

20. Polio Drop Albert Sabin

21. Gene of Cancer Robert Weinberg

22. Rh factor, blood replacement Charles Landsteiner

23. Sex Hormones Eugen Stainak

24. Sperm Humm & Leeuwenhoek

25. Three- Kingdom Classification Ernest Haeckel

26. Four-Kingdom Classification Copeland

27. Five Kingdom Classification Whittaker R.H

40 Kashmir General Knowledge

28. Thyroxin Edward Calvin

29. Turner’s Syndrome Turner

30. Cancer Robert Wellberg

31. X-rays Roentgen

32. Zymase, the first enzyme Edward Buchner

33. Animal Cloning-First Robert Briggs and

(frogs from tadpole cells) Thomas King

34. Antibody against Rabies Louis Pasteur

35. Artificial Heart Michael Dibake

36. Blood Circulation William Harvey

37. Cell Robert Hooke

 Kashmir General Knowledge 41

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT HUMAN

BODY

Length of Alimentary Canal

Approximately 8 Metres.

BMR ( Basal metabolic rate) 1600 K, Cal/day

Number of Cells in Body 75 trillion

Longest Bone in human body Femur (Thigh bone)

Smallest bone in human body Earossicle and stapes

Weight of Brain -1336 grams for men

-1198 grams for
women

Life Span of R.B.C 120 days

Normal W.B.C Count 5000-1000/cubic mm

Life Span of W.B.C 3-4 days

L.C. (Differential Leucocyte Count)

(a) Basophils 0.5-1%
(b) Eosinophits 1-3%
(c) Monocytes 3-8%
(d) Neutrophils 40-70%
(e) Lymphocytes 2-25%
42 Kashmir General Knowledge

DISEASES AND THEIR CAUSES

Diseases can be caused by various factors, including bacteria,
viruses, and fungi, all considered pathogens. Bacteria, like
Staphylococcus aureus, cause infections like strep throat and
urinary tract infections. Viruses, such as the influenza virus,
cause diseases like the common cold and the flu. Fungi, like
Candida albicans, cause infections like athlete’s foot and thrush

PHYSICS

IMPORTANT INVENTIONS AND INVENTORS

Air conditioning Willis Carrier, U.S., 1911.

Balloon Joseph and Jacques

Montgolfier, France, 1783,

Barometer Evangelista Torricelli, Italy,

1643.

Bicycle K. Macmillan, Scotland, 1839

Bifocal Lens Benjamin Franklin, U.S.,

c.1760.

Calculating machine Pascal, France, 1642

CAMERA
(a) Hand-held George Eastman, U.S., 1888
 Kashmir General Knowledge 43

(b) Cine Camera Friese-Greene, Britain, 1889.

Centigrade scale A. Celsius, France, 1742

Cinematograph Thomas Alva Edition, USA,

1891.

Integrated Circuit Jack S. Kilby, U.S., 1959.

CLOCK
(a) Pendulum clock Christian Huygens, The
Netherlands, 1656.
(b) Mechanical clock Hsing and Ling-Tsan, China,
1725.

COMPUTER Charles Babbage, Britain,

1834

Conservation of Electric Benjamin Franklin, U.S.,

Charge 1751-1754.

Diode Bulb Sir J.S. Fleming, 1904

Dynamite Alfred Nobel, Sweden, 1867

Dynamo Michael Faraday, England,

1831
44 Kashmir General Knowledge

ELECTRIC APPLIANCES

(a) Fan Schuyler Wheeler, U.S.,

1882

(b) Flatiron Henry W. Seely, U.S., 1882

(c) Stove Hadaway, U.S., 1896

(d) Washing machine Alva Fisher, U.S., 1906

• Electric cooking utensil (first) patented by St. George

Lane-Fox, England, 1874.

• Electric generator Michael Faraday, England,

(Dynamo) 1831

• Electric Iron H.W. Seeley, USA, 1882.

• Electric lamp Thomas Alva Edison, U.S.,

1879

• Electromagnet William Sturgeon, England,

1824

• Electron Sir Joseph J. Thompson,

England, 1897

 Kashmir General Knowledge 45

QUANTITY UNIT OF MEASUREMENTS

Area square meter

Volume cubic meter

Frequency hertz

Mass/Volume(density) kilogram per cubic meter

Speed, velocity meter per second

Angular velocity radian per second

Acceleration meter per second per second

Angular acceleration radian per second per second

Force newton

Pressure pascal

Work, energy, quantity of joule

heat

Power watt

Quantity of electric charge coulumb

Potential difference, volt

46 Kashmir General Knowledge

electromotive force (emf)

Electric field strength volt per metre

(or newton per coulomb)

Electric resistance ohm

Capacitance farad

Magnetic flux weber

Inductance henry

Magnetic flux density tesla

Magnetic field strength ampere per meter

Entropy joule per kelvin

Specific heat joule per kilogram kelvin

Thermal conductivity watt per meter kelvin

Radiant intensity watt per steradian

Plane angle radian

Solid angle steradian

 Kashmir General Knowledge 47

CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is the branch of science which deals with the
investigation of the properties and changes of matter. From
the way how our body exchanges oxygen to how our universe
was created, all have a part of chemistry associated with
it.chemistry is used in :

1. Food and Cooking:

2. Personal Care and Hygiene:
3. Medicines and Pharmaceuticals:
4. Cleaning Products:
5. Materials and Technology:
6. Environment
Chemical properties of substance and their use
Chemical properties describe a substance’s ability to react
and form new substances under specific conditions.

Examples of Chemical Properties:

• Reactivity :
• Heat of Combustion :
• Chemical Stability :
• Acidity/Basicity :
• Oxidation/Reduction :
• Flammability :
• Toxicity :

Uses of Chemical Properties:

1. Identifying substances:
2. Predicting chemical reactions:
3. Determining applications:
4. Purification and separation