Verinag: A Spring in Kashmir

Subject: Geography

Verinag is the massive pond from where the great Jhelum River begins its long journey through the Valley, Pakistan and finally into the Arabian sea.
Location- Anantnag district of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
There is an octagonal stone basin at Verinag Spring and an arcade surrounding it which were built by Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1620 A.D.
Later, a beautiful garden next to this spring was laid out by his son Shah Jahan.
This spring is known to never dry up or overflow.
Verinag Spring is also the major source of river Jhelum.
Verinag Spring and Mughal Arcade surrounding it are officially recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India as a Monument of National Importance.

Jhelum river-

It originates at Verinag and flows through the Indian-administered territory of Jammu and Kashmir, to the Pakistani-administered territory of Kashmir, and then into the Pakistani province of Punjab.
It is the westernmost of the five rivers of the Punjab region, and flows through the Kashmir Valley.
It is a tributary of the Chenab River and has a total length of about 725 kilometres.
The river Jhelum is called Hydaspes by the ancient Greeks.

Monuments of National Importance–

Nodal Authority: Monuments of National Importance are designated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

What is a Ancient Monument?

‘Ancient Monument’ is defined under the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act,1958.
The Act defines Ancient Monument as any structure or monument or any cave, rock-sculpture, an inscription that is of historical, or archaeological interest. Further, Ancient Monument has to be in existence for not less than 100 years.
Maintained by: The Central Government is authorised to maintain, protect and promote Monuments of National Importance.
Sites: Currently, 3,691 monuments nationwide are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI).
The highest number of them were in Uttar Pradesh (745) followed by Karnataka (506) and Tamil Nadu (413).