(Journey in to past and present)

Srinagar with its extensive network of narrow streets and lanes opening out on to the river, canals and lakes has an old world charm, to a large extent reminiscent of Medieval Islamic Urban centres.The present location of city was set up in 7th century by King Perversena.Since then it has been expanding around this core.

Srinagar has dazzled visitors across the world with its unique aesthetic vernacular architecture. This architecture offers variety comprising of residences, mosques, Khanqahs, temples, etc all accommodated within confines of its streets, ghats and riverfront.

Now the city has one more reason to be in the focus of world attention. The Srinagar Heritage path, comprising a sequence of heritage sites extending from the Jhelum Riverfront, portions of city centre area connecting to the Rainawari canal, the Mughal city of Nagar Nagar on the bank of Dal lake and the historic Mughal gardens have found a place in the watch list of 100 most endangered sites across the world for 2008 by the New York based World Monument Fund.

The city of Srinagar has been described as unique example of vernacular architecture. Our builders in the past excelled in a style wherein various elements and materials which suited the climate, lifestyle and social requirements were integrated together.

Since later part of last century modern constructions came in to being which is seeping like a slow poison in to veins of historic fabric. The loss of traditional structures can be translated as the replacement of order by chaos.

In appropriate interventions and poor maintenance of civic infrastructure in the old town has posed immense threat to the areas of city.INTACH as a part of its Cultural Resource Mapping, has identified 2500 vernacular buildings and listed more than 800 of them in the city as having special significance.

Cultural Resource Mapping-2005

The listing process of Srinagar was carried out in 2004.The area was selected on the basis of factors like population density, historical references and physical features that defined the growth of Srinagar city in the past. The entire area was classified in to four zones.

The compiled data is available in the form of report with around 838 listed properties which includes buildings, precincts, natural sites and structures like ghats, gateways.

The report includes detailed information on the following:

>>Geographical and political history of Kashmir Evolution of Srinagar city and its settlements pattern.

>>Categorization of the various architectural styles and typologies of the city.

>>Pictorial representation of various architectural elements.