Parihaspora: Jammu & Kashmir's New Heritage Tourism Gem

The administration of Jammu and Kashmir has made an ambitious announcement to convert the Parihaspora Archaeological Site in Baramulla into a leading heritage tourism destination. The process will include extensive restoration work during the next financial year, along with upgrades and refurbishments to the cafeteria at the site, with the purpose of improving the overall experience of visitors and tourism appeal.

The touristic approach was made public on Monday during the Assembly session when reacting to an un-starred question by Pattan MLA Javid Riyaz, who asked the government to take steps to boost tourism in the ancient site. In his formal reply, the Minister highlighted Parihaspora's cultural and historical importance by acknowledging it as a part of Kashmir's rich heritage. He mentioned that the site is already part of the Union Territory's heritage tour circuit and is being promoted actively on both national and global fronts. For attracting more tourists, the Tourism Department is making efforts with different promotion tools, such as professionally made videos and brochures displayed at the world's leading travel expos.

The Minister further added that a cafeteria at Parihaspora was also set up in 2017 and subsequently outsourced for functioning. Nevertheless, the facility needs to be urgently refurbished. Proposals for repair and refurbishment of the facility have been covered under the Capex Budget in the coming financial year as part of wider efforts to improve tourist facilities and improve the tourist experience.

Popularly referred to as 'Kani Shahar' by the locals, Parihaspora was the old capital of ancient Kashmir. Situated roughly 20 kilometers northwest of Srinagar on a plateau above the Jhelum River, the city was established by the famous Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty. During the reign of Muktapida from 695 to 731 AD, Parihaspora was a thriving political and cultural center, leaving behind architectural traces of its past grandeur which continue to reflect it to this day.

Historical records, especially those recorded by the 12th-century historian Kalhana in his renowned work, Rajatarangini (The River of Kings), give a vivid picture of Parihaspora's grandeur at its height. Kalhana recorded the city's construction by King Lalitaditya Muktapida, along with his royal palace and the construction of numerous monumental temples. Among these great religious temples were Vishnu and Parihaskesana temples, as well as an outstanding copper image of Buddha. The cultural ties of the city stretched across Kashmir, even connecting to the sacred Mattan temple in the south.

Following Lalitaditya's death, the city's status started to wane as his successor shifted the royal capital. Parihaspora's importance decreased over time, and the nearby Jhelum River changed course, joining the Sind Nallah at Shadipur Sangam. Even with these developments, Parihaspora still holds profound historical and cultural significance. Recent efforts are directed towards rekindling interest in the site, with specific measures taken to bring more visitors and ensure its enduring legacy.