Chinar- the Gift of Kashmir to the World

Author: Rosy Vohra


Chinar is an awesome tree of the deciduous type imparting soothing shade across a wide spread. This distinctive flora indigenous to the Kashmir valley is an integral part of the unique Kashmiri culture. Kashmiri families are often seen sitting under the majestic crown like cover of the Chinar; the women folk clad in pherans serving the traditional kahwa from the equally traditional samovars the silver tea-brewers to the other family members. Chinar takes up height as tall as 30 meters and a girth of approximately 30 feet. The tree traces its ancestry to Greece and probably entered the valley during Alexander’s invasion in India, although its plantation was undertaken on massive scale during the advent of Mughal in the valley starting from the time of Akbar’s. Its leaves bear a palmate shape and acquire rusty-orange color in the autumn giving the entire valley the impression of being imbued in the divine flame. This magnificent tree is referred to as ‘Bouin’ and is deduced from Goddess ‘Bhawani’ revered throughout Kashmir.

The greatest ruler of Kashmir, the popular Sultan Zain-ul-abidin encouraged the planting of this distinctive tree across the valley. He invited the master craftsmen from the adjoining Samarkand to give impetus to art and craft and enthrall exclusive culture in the valley. Chinar tree, its twigs, leaves, flowers, pendulous fruits; have done much in inspiring the artists. Their unique work inscribed in paper mashie, embroidery, wood carving is a clear reflection of their mystic artistic endeavor. Those who have had the pleasure of sitting or walking under the mighty spreads of Chinar planted across the Dal Lake and along the Jhelum, are well aware of the refreshening cool breeze generated from its sway.

Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir is akin to a toddler curdled in its mother’s lap. Snow capped peaks, good looking population, variety of colored roses, carnations besides other exotic flora and fauna, rolling waters, cascading streams tumbling down the green mountains, reverberence of the mystical aura in its culture; practically everything is special about the land. It is difficult to comprehend whether Gods have blessed the land or they themselves were mesmerized by its enchanting beauty. No one knows for sure! But one thing is for sure. Anyone who has tasted the beauty of this soil is never short of its praise. No wonder! Kashmir has been a hot tourist destination since the middle of the last century.

It is not just the land which is noteworthy but also the people of the land that deserve praise. Kashmir is known for its Sufi culture where the two great religions; Hinduism and the Islam have flourished and co-existed since times immemorial. People of both religions love and respect each other despite the seeds of hatred propagated by politics of cross-country terrorism. On several instances in the long past, marriages between persons of the two religions have been known to have arranged by the parents themselves. This practice was compulsorily discouraged by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, a zealous fanatic in the 17th century. Kashmir is distinctive with the prevalence of hospitality not only among its natives but is also thoroughly imbued in its thrilling terrain. The flow of cool waters streaming down the mountains is the signification of their offer to the guests who visit this beautiful place. They silently welcome the guests and request them to keep coming back to bask in the ambiance of the paradise called Kashmir.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/chinar-the-gift-of-kashmir-to-the-world-206247.html


About the Author:Rosy Vohra works for online books india