shopian culture and geography
Shopian is a quaint district in southern Kashmir, India, which is famous for its rich heritage, natural scenery, and bountiful apple orchards. Location & Geography Located at an altitude of 2,146 meters above sea level, Shopian is about 51 km south of Srinagar and 20 km from Pulwama. The district is located in the Pir Panjal mountain range, with its hilly topography and dense forests. Its location near the ancient Mughal Road, which connected Srinagar to Poonch, highlights its strategic importance. History & Culture Traditionally referred to as "Shin-Van" (referring to a "snow forest"), Shopian was a significant administrative town under the Mughal regime. It was one of the six Wazarat Headquarters in Kashmir between 1872 and 1892. The town also finds mention for Imam Shahi Hamadan, who came into Kashmir through Shopian to propagate Islam. Culturally, Shopian is the site of the Jamia Masjid, a 1953 rebuild of a Mughal-era mosque, and the sacred Khankah Pin...