Kundan Kashmiri
In the mosaic of India’s 748 districts, Pulwama emerges as a radiant jewel nestled within the heart of the Kashmir Valley. Under the stewardship of the esteemed Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Basharat Qayoom Sahab, this district radiates an ethereal allure, embraced by Srinagar in the North, Budgam and Poonch Districts in the west, and Anantnag District in the South and East. Born in 1979 from the separation of Pulwama, Shopian, and Tral from District Anantnag, this land spans 1090 Sq Kms and cradles 337 villages.
A repository of antiquities, Pulwama breathes the remnants of historical legends left by Raja Avantivarman & Lalta Ditya. It boasts revered religious sanctums like the Khan-Kahi Faiz Panah of Shah Hamdan (R.A) in Tral and the ancient temple of Jawala Ji in Khrew. Nature adorns this district with temperate climates, soaring to 30o C in summer and plunging below freezing points in winter’s icy embrace.
Pulwama unfurls a paradise on earth, embellished with murmuring springs, weaving streams, waterfalls cascading like crystalline jewels, and a panorama scented by blossoming flowers and succulent fruits. Globally renowned for saffron cultivation, especially in the lush Karewa lands of Pampore, Kakapora, and Pulwama Blocks, this district epitomizes historical richness, evident in remnants like the Awanti Swami temple.
Formerly known as “Panwangam” and later as “Pulgam,” Pulwama signifies a transformation steeped in its rich cultural heritage, nurturing legendary souls. Once primarily inhabited by Hindus (Kashmiri Pandits), it hosted diverse caste groups—peasants, artisans—who, influenced by Sufi teachings, embraced Islam during the medieval era.
Today, Pulwama’s educational landscape flourishes with institutions like Soch Kral Memorial College Pulwama and Zakir College of Education (ZMC). With a population of 6.2 lakhs (as of 2011), encompassing diverse faiths – 95.49% Muslims, 2.4% Hindus, 1.68 % Sikhs, and 0.16% others, Pulwama stands as an agricultural haven, aptly termed the ‘Rice Bowl of Kashmir.’ Revered for milk, rice production, succulent apple orchards, and prestigious saffron cultivation, this district paints a picture of glistening waterfalls, serene streams, and unparalleled valleys.
At the heart of Pulwama, nature unveils its grandeur through the Aharbal falls, where the Veshu river plunges twenty-five meters down a narrow gorge amidst the Pir Panjal mountains. The district beckons with Shikargah, a cherished sanctuary in Tral, and the ancient Payer Temple nestled deep within sylvan woods.
Pulwama’s history echoes the legacies of luminaries who left indelible marks across various spheres of life. Nestled in the exquisite embrace of the Kashmir valley, it nurtured exceptional judges, journalists, doctors, politicians, and other eminent figures, adorning our nation’s tapestry.
District Pulwama proudly heralds the legacy of esteemed High Court Judges like Janki Nath Bhat from Muran village and late Moti Lal Bhat from Hawal, Pulwama. The corridors of politics reverberate with visionaries like late Sona ullah Dar from Lareav, Pulwama, Ali Mohd Naik from Tral, and Cabinet Minister Gh. Qader Nangroo.
Spiritual luminaries and poets like Lal Ded of Pampore, Mahajoor, Such Kral of Inder, and Abdul Rahman of Koil graced Pulwama’s cultural heritage. Intellectuals like journalists and Dr. U Koul, a renowned heart specialist from Hawal, contributed significantly to medical expertise in India.
Newspapers like Nida-e-Kashmir, led by Mehraj ud Din Dar Sahab of Samboora, Pulwama, and publications like Shaharbeen and Kashmir Traveller, have been pillars of information and community connection. Social activists like Gumgeen Majid from Singoo Narbal have etched their names in the annals of altruism.
In education, luminaries like Gh. Hassan Thakur from Gadoora and Prof. Dwarka Nath Pandita from Muran illuminated countless minds.
As proud residents of Pulwama, let’s pledge to contribute earnestly to its advancement, safeguarding its reputation and fostering a spirit of cleanliness and civic pride. Together, let’s nurture peace and prosperity within our beloved District Pulwama.
: Following are names of beautiful villages of District Pulwama along with approximate Population mentioned against each village.as per last sensus made.( Now may have increased)
.1 Abhama Pulwama 2,856
2 Achan Pulwama 1,487
3 Achu Guz Bamno Pulwama 4,022
4 Aglar Kandi Pulwama 1,248
5 Akhal Pulwama , 862
6 Alai Pora Pulwama, 490
7 Aramola Pulwama 1,052
8 Arh Bal Pulwama 1,018
9 Ari Hal Pulwama 4,815
10 Arigam Chirath Pulwama 1,382
11 Ashamandar Pulwama 667
12 Athora Pulwama 1,205
13 Aur Bagh Pulwama 342
14 Avind Gund Pulwama, 907
15 Baba Har Pulwama 1,549
16 Badi Bagh Pulwama , 424
17Bagh Sanger Wani,Pulwama 1182 18 Bagtrich, Pulwama 59
19 Ban Gund, Pulwama 759
20 Bander Pora Cherat,Pul, 851 21 BanderPoraShora Pulwama 1,118
22 Bandzoo,Pulwama 2,104
23 Bara Pora Pulwama 641
24 Batnoor Showara Pulwama 621
25 Begam Bagh Pulwama 581
26 Bilowoder Gund Pulwama 3,266
27 Bonrah Pulwama 1,366
28 Chakora Pulwama 2,102
29 Chana Pora Pulwama 330
30 Chand Gam Pulwama 3,031
31 Chandi Pora Pulwama 106
32 ChekiDewanBadriNath,Pul , 2352 33 Chinnar Bagh,Pulwama 348
34 Chitri Pora Pulwama 1,047
35 Chiva Kalan Pulwama 1,884
36 Chiva Khurd Pulwama 873
37 Chundh Pora Pulwama 656
38 Dadura Pulwama 1,219
39 Dafer Pora Pulwama 259
40 Dahoo Gam Pulwama 725
41 DangerPora,Pulwama 762
42 Dieri Pulwama 1,242
43 Drabh Gam Pulwama 5,387
44 Drach Pulwama 877
45 Drasu Pulwama 2,007
46 Drekh Leran Pulwama 1,324
47 Fasteh Pora Pulwama 192
48 Frasi Pora Pulwama 999
49 Gaber Pora Pulwama 725
50 Gadha Bug Pulwama 163
51 Gadora Pulwama 2,391
52 Gala Bug Pulwama 658
53 Gandi Pora Pulwama 1,098
54 Gangoo Pulwama 2,675
55 Gondi Bagh Pulwama 354
56 Gulshan Abad Pulwama1,065
57 Gund Achan Pulwama 555
58 Gusu Pulwama 2,560
59 Haikri Pora Pulwama 1,021
60 Haji Dara Pora Pulwama 285
61 HaniPoraChatinaHama ,Pul , 2106 62 Hanji Khilu Pulwama 272
63 Hardu Hanjan Pulwama 1,632
64 Hawal Pulwama 416
65 Inder Pulwama 2,275
66 Janda Wal Pulwama 1,049
67 Kadi Pora Pulwama 894
68 Kaka Pora Pulwama 3,235
69 Kalam Pora Pulwama 2,606
70 Kalulo Pulwama 1,005
71 Kamrazi Pora Pulwama 797
72 Kandizal Pulwama 1,247
73 Kangan Pulwama 2,040
74 Kani Gam Pulwama 435
75 Karimabad Pulwama 3,565
76 Kariya Lajora Pulwama 368
77 Kati Bug Pulwama 576
78 Kawsi Bagh Pulwama 281
79 Kazi Gund Pulwama 875
80 Khadermoh Pulwama 1,528
81 Khaigam Pulwama 3,122
82 Kisri Gam Pulwama 1,203
83 Kochi Pora Pulwama 903
84 Konju Pulwama 200
85 Kuchay Pora Pulwama 225
86 Lajora Pulwama 2,823
87 Laribal Pulwama 715
88 Laro Pulwama 1,116
89 Lasi Pora Pulwama 649
90 Lelhar Pulwama 3,799
91 Litar Shitar Pulwama 3,525
92 Loli Pora Pulwama 402
93 Losi Wani Pulwama 788
94 Machh Pora Pulwama 1,583
95 MahiradPoraUttarPora Pulwama 1,087
96 Malawari Pulwama 627
97 Mandina Pulwama 1,029
98 Manwaji Pulwama 920
- Marhwal,Pulwama 1,285
- Mir Bagh,Pulwama 1128 101 Mira Gund Tuker Pora Pulwama 102 Mirpora Pulwama 12
103 Mitri Gam Pulwama 1,325
104 Mong Hama Pulwama 1,183
105 Moran Pulwama 5,340
106 MugalPoraCherath, Pulwama 565 107 Naira, Pulwama 1,458
108 Naman Pulwama 811
109 Nareh Naw Pora Pulwama 139
110 Naw Pora Nagam Pulwama 607
111 Nekas Pulwama 1,398
112 Nihama Pulwama 2,438
113 Niklora Pulwama 1,212
114 Nilro Chudhri Bag Pulwama1,329
115 Niwah Pulwama 2,810
116 Noor Wah Pulwama 1,718
117 Now Nagri Pulwama 2,013
118 Now Pora Pain Pulwama 980
119 Nowhar Mal Pora Pulwama 860
120 Odar Shawra Pulwama 685
121 Okhoo Pulwama 1,152
122 Orwan Pulwama 1,556
123 Othu Mola Pulwama 1,307
124 Pach Har Pulwama 560
125 Pahu Pulwama 2,326
126 Pal Pora Pulwama 741
127 Panjran Pulwama 978
128 Pari Gam Jagir Pulwama 4,530
129 Pari Gam Khalsa Pulwama 1,715
130 Patahan Pahloo Pulwama 1,625
131 Patri Gam Pulwama 1,470
132 Payer Pulwama 1,907
133 Penglina Pulwama 4,355
134 Peti Pora Pulwama 877
135 Pingal Gam Pulwama 593
136 Pochal Pulwama 1,067
137 Qasba Yar Pulwama 4,391
138 Quil Pulwama 5,064
139 Raj Pora Pulwama 5,215
140 Rajmahal Pulwama 380
141 Rakh Chindran Pulwama 612
142 Rakh Lajoura Pulwama 1,788
143 Rakh Litri Pulwama 1,442
144 Rakhi Pahu Pulwama 153
145 Ratni Pora Pulwama 5,260
146 Reshi PoraCherat Pulwama 344
147 Romu Pulwama 5,030
148 Sanger Wani Pulwama 5,558
149 Sanzi Watra Pulwama 687
150 Satar Gund Pulwama 793
151 Senzen Shahoora Pulwama 206
152 Shangar Pora Pulwama 446
153 Sheikhor Pulwama 437
154 Shit Paray Pora Pulwama 375
155 Singo Narbal Pulwama 1,664
156 Sona Chuku Pulwama 271
157 Sona Samilo Pulwama 1,171
158 Sonth Bug Pulwama 359
159 Tahab ShadiTahab Shadi pora Pulwama 4,655
160 Takia Saif Ullah Pulwama 29
161 Talan Gam Pulwama 1,109
162 Tantri Pora Pulwama 793
163 Tenga Pora Pulwama 1,791
164 Tengahar Pulwama 1,104
165 Tenghar Pulwama 264
166 Themna Pulwama 380
167 Tikan Bata Pora,Pulwama 2,129
168 Trach Pulwama 1,660
169 Trichal Pulwama 2,915
170 Tujan Pulwama 1,572
171 Tumchi Nowpora Pulwama 499
172 Tumlahal Pulwama 1,657
173 Urcharsu Pulwama 1,290
174 Uzram Batri Pulwama 693
175 Wagam Pulwama 565
176 Wahi Bug Pulwama 1,785
177 Wahi Pora Pulwama 973
178 Wanpora Pulwama 742
179 Wasura Pulwama 1,956
180 Wogra Gund Pulwama 508
181 Wokhar Wan Pulwama 893
182 Yadder Shahoora Pulwama 574
183 Yaider Shopian Pulwama 670
184 Zaddora Hastikhod Pulwama 2,002
185 Zagi Gam Pulwama 834
186 Zahed Bag Pulwama 580
187 Zasu,Pulwama 1,147 .
The author, a freelance writer and President of KPC, hails from Pulwama and can be reached at kundankashmiri@gmail.com
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