DISTRICT KULGAM – COMPLETE NOTES
History of Kulgam District
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Kulgam is a district in the Kashmir Valley, part of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
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The name Kulgam is derived from "Kool" (stream) and "Gam" (village), meaning “village of streams.”
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The district was carved out from Anantnag and made a separate district in 2007.
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The region has a rich historical and cultural background, with mentions in Rajatarangini and influence from Islamic scholars and Sufi saints.
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During ancient and medieval periods, it was under various Hindu and Muslim rulers of Kashmir.
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The region witnessed significant political and cultural developments during the Shah Mir dynasty and Mughals.
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Post-1947, Kulgam became important in the political and socio-economic landscape of South Kashmir.
🧑🏫 Important Personalities from Kulgam
🟩 Religious & Spiritual Figures
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Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (Nund Rishi)
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Born in Kheemoh, Kulgam.
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A great Sufi saint and poet of Kashmir.
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Founder of the Rishi order, preached non-violence, simplicity, and spiritual awakening.
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Revered by both Muslims and Hindus.
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Zain-ud-Din Wali (disciple of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani)
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His shrine is in Aishmuqam (nearby Anantnag but influenced Kulgam spiritually).
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Played a role in spreading Islamic teachings in South Kashmir.
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🟩 Political Figures
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Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami
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Veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader.
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Former MLA from Kulgam constituency.
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Known for advocating human rights, secularism, and social justice in J&K.
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🗂️ Quick Points for Exam
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District Status: Created in 2007, earlier part of Anantnag.
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Famous Saint: Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (from Kulgam).
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Known Politician: Yousuf Tarigami (CPIM).
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MP from Kulgam: Justice Hasnain Masoodi (Anantnag seat).
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Historic Identity: Known as “Village of Streams” due to many water bodies.
📝 MCQs (for Practice)
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Kulgam was carved out as a separate district in which year?
A) 2005
B) 2006
C) 2007
D) 2008
✅ Answer: C) 2007 -
Who is the famous Sufi saint born in Kulgam?
A) Zain-ud-Din Wali
B) Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani
C) Mir Syed Ali Hamdani
D) Bulbul Shah
✅ Answer: B) Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani -
Which political leader from Kulgam represents CPI(M)?
A) Hasnain Masoodi
B) Altaf Bukhari
C) Yousuf Tarigami
D) Ghulam Nabi Azad
✅ Answer: C) Yousuf Tarigami -
Which Lok Sabha MP from Anantnag (includes Kulgam) was a High Court judge?
A) Ghulam Hassan Mir
B) Hasnain Masoodi
C) Ali Mohammad Sagar
D) Mehbooba Mufti
✅ Answer: B) Hasnain Masoodi
Basic Information (Census 2011)
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District Name: Kulgam
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Established: 2007 (carved out from Anantnag)
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Division: Kashmir Division
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Area: ~1,067 sq. km
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Population: 4,24,483
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Male: 2,16,353
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Female: 2,08,130
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Sex Ratio: 963 females per 1000 males
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Literacy Rate: 59.3%
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Official Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, Dogri, English
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Number of Tehsils: 11
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Assembly Constituency: Kulgam
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Lok Sabha Constituency: Anantnag-Rajouri
🌄 Physical Division & Geography
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Located in southern Kashmir valley.
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Lies between Pir Panjal range in the south and Zabarwan hills in the north.
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Altitude: ~1739 meters above sea level
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Borders:
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North: Pulwama
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South: Reasi & Ramban (across Pir Panjal)
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East: Anantnag
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West: Shopian
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🌊 Rivers in Kulgam
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Veshaw River (Most important)
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Originates from Kausarnag Lake
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Joins Jhelum at Sangam
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Rambi Ara River
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Flows near Shopian-Kulgam boundary
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Jhelum River (Major river system in the valley)
🏔️ Mountain Peaks in Kulgam
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Kausar Nag Peak (~4000+ m)
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Pir Panjal peaks (surround southern border)
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Other unnamed peaks around Aharbal and Chiranbal regions
🌅 Tourist Places in Kulgam
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Aharbal Waterfall – "Niagara of Kashmir"
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Located on Veshaw River
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Kausarnag Lake
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High altitude glacial lake, sacred site
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Chiranbal – scenic meadow near Damhal Hanjipora
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Kounsernag Trek
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Manzgam Valley, Nandimarg, Dabjan Forests
🏫 Important Institutes in Kulgam
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Government Degree College, Kulgam
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Govt Polytechnic College, Kulgam
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JNV Kulgam (Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya)
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District Hospital Kulgam
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ITI Kulgam
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Various private higher secondary schools
🏞️ Lakes in Kulgam
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Kausarnag Lake
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Source of Veshaw River
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High-altitude, ~13,000 ft
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Smaller alpine lakes in the Pir Panjal region
📈 Economy of Kulgam
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Agriculture-Based Economy
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Apple Orchards
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Paddy, maize cultivation
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Horticulture:
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Apple, pear, cherry major produce
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Tourism:
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Waterfalls, meadows, lakes
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Handicrafts:
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Carpet weaving, shawls, wood carving
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Employment:
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Many locals employed in govt & armed forces
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No major industries
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High dependency on horticulture and remittances
📌 Other Important Information
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Known as the "Rice Bowl of Kashmir"
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Veshaw Nallah frequently causes floods
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Roads: Connected via NH-444, Mughal Road (via Shopian)
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Highest literacy in Devsar block
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New rail connectivity expected via Anantnag–Qazigund corridor
📝 MCQ QUESTIONS – KULGAM DISTRICT
1. When was Kulgam declared a separate district?
a) 2005
b) 2007 ✅
c) 2008
d) 2010
2. Which river originates from Kausarnag Lake?
a) Lidder
b) Jhelum
c) Veshaw ✅
d) Sind
3. Which of the following tourist spots is located in Kulgam?
a) Gulmarg
b) Aharbal ✅
c) Pahalgam
d) Yusmarg
4. What is the literacy rate of Kulgam as per Census 2011?
a) 68.4%
b) 59.3% ✅
c) 71.2%
d) 55.1%
5. Kulgam district is mainly dependent on which economic sector?
a) Mining
b) Fishing
c) Horticulture ✅
d) Manufacturing
6. Kausarnag Lake is the source of which river?
a) Jhelum
b) Veshaw ✅
c) Sind
d) Rambi Ara
7. Which mountain range borders Kulgam in the south?
a) Zabarwan
b) Shivalik
c) Pir Panjal ✅
d) Karakoram
8. The district Kulgam was carved out of which district?
a) Pulwama
b) Shopian
c) Anantnag ✅
d) Baramulla
9. Aharbal waterfall is situated on which river?
a) Lidder
b) Sindh
c) Veshaw ✅
d) Kishanganga
10. What is the approximate elevation of Kausarnag Lake?
a) 5000 ft
b) 13,000 ft ✅
c) 8000 ft
d) 10,000 ft