About Charar-I-Sharief
Why Visit Charar-I-Sharief
Just as in anywhere else in Kashmir, Charar-I-Sharief also possesses a unique beauty. However, visitors mainly come here to visit the 600 years old tomb of Sheikh Noor-u-din Noorani, who was a great Sufi saint of that era. To his disciples he was known as Alamdar-e-Kashmir, or the Flag Bearer of Kashmir. Just like any other Sufi saint, he preached Islam through verses and was adored by both Muslims and Hndus.The Tomb of Sheikh Noor-u-din Noorani
It is said that after the death of the saint, his coffin flew a certain distance and descended on this particular site. The saint was laid to rest there and since then it has been a sacred site for every Kashmiri, irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
The structure is inclusive of a khanqah. Incidentally, a khanqah is a building designed exclusively for a gathering of Sufi brotherhood. This particular khanqah used to hold 600 years old Persian and Kashmiri carpets and some antique copies of the holy Quran. The cut glass chandlers in this building were also extremely precious. However, all these were reduced to ashes during a fierce encounter between the Indian security forces and the terrorists on 11th April, 1995. The shrine has been rebuilt after that. However, the khanqah is still to be construction.
History of Charar-I- Sharief
Soon a spiritual settlement came up in Tsrarvan. As it enlarged people began to call it just Tsrar; the suffix Van, meaning forest was soon dropped. However, the foreign rulers found it difficult to pronounce Tsrar and gradually it became Charar. By and by a township began to come up around this shrine. What began as a spiritual centre of a Sufi saint in 1439 AD eventually turned into a modern town.
Charar-I-Shrief in 1995
1995 has been a tragic year for Charar-I-Sharief. In that year, a fierce battle took place between Indian troops and the terrorists in Charar-I-Sharief and the entire town was almost destroyed in that. Official figures quote that an approximately 31 houses and shops were burned down in that encounter. However, the authorities were quick to grant the town a relief package of Rupees 31 crores. The Union Government of India sanctioned Rupees 16 crores, while the State Government provided Rupees 15 crores. Soon enough the town was rebuilt with that. There is also a plan to develop it into a Model Town. However, it is yet to be turned into reality.Geography of Charar-I- Sharief
Climatic condition of Charar-I-Sharief
Charar-I- Sharief has a cold winter and a mild summer. The minimum temperatures during the months of December and January can dip to minus 5 to minus 7 degree Celsius. However, the summers are indeed pleasant and that is why people tend to visit the place during that period.Business and Economy in Charar-I- Sharief
Economy of the town depends mainly upon three important sectors; i.e., tourism, agriculture and handicraft. Let us next look into them one by one.Tourism Industry in Charar-I-Sharief
Since the town is a major centre of pilgrimage, it receives a steady stream of tourists round the year. Consequently, tourism has now become one of the main sources of income in this town. It now has a well developed hospitality industry to cater to those travelers who drop in to pay homage at the Dargah of Sheikh Noor-u-din Noorani.Agriculture and its Allied Sector
Of late, farmers in the Charar-I-Sahrief tehsil have also started growing saffron in their fields. The area is also well developed in horticulture. Apricot, apple, almonds, pea nut, peach, plum are the main fruits grown here.
Art and Handicraft in Charar-I-Sharief
Many people in and around Charar-I- Sharief also earn their living through handicraft. Pottery making, kangri making, namdah making, carpet weaving and embroidery work are some of the principal handicrafts, which contribute significantly to the economy of the town. Kangris made in Charar-I-Sharief is famous all over Kashmir for their durability and craftsmanship. Suzni and Crewal work done in this region is also adored by many.Administration in Charar-I-Sharief
Charar-I-Sharief is a tehsil headquarters under Charar-I-Sharief District. In January 2014 the town has also been given block status. While the Deputy Commissioner is the senior most official in the district, the town and its adjoining villages are directly administered by the Tehsildar. In case of emergency you can talk to the DC at the following numbers:Office No: 01951-255-203, 01951-255-204
Residential Phone No: 01951-255-668, 01951-255-374
Municipal Committee in Charar-I-Sharief
Charar-I-Sharief also has a municipal council for providing civic amenities to the residents. For better administration, the town has been divided into ten wards. Each ward has its own elected municipal councilor.The function of the municipal committee in Charar- I- Sharief is quite similar to any other municipal committee in the country. It is entrusted with the responsibility of providing basic amenities such as clean drinking water and sewage to the township. Repair of roads, registration of birth and death, collection of taxes etc are also their responsibility.
About the Citizens of Charar-I-Sharief
Localities in Charar-I- Sharief
The township may be small; but there are many colorful localities in the region. Some of the prominent mohallas in Charar-I-Sharief are Talab-e-kalan, Bada Talab, Alamdar Colony, Gulshan Abad, Nowhar. The Court Road is also another important road in the town.Emergency Services in Charar-I- Sharief
In any kind of emergency the police force is first to come forward. In Charar-I-Sharief, the force works under the guidance of Sub Divisional Police Officer posted locally. He in turn is accountable to the Senior Superintendent of Police posted at district headquarters Charar-I-Sharief. Following are some important phone numbers one should take note of.Important Police Phone Number
Sub Divisional Police Officer/SDPO at Charar-I-Sharief: 01951-243-407Station House Office/SHO at Charar-I-Sharief: 01951-243-223 (O), 01951-243-244®
Senior Superintendent of Police posted at Charar-I-Sharief: 01951-255-240 (O); 01951-255-241
Fire Station in Charar-I-Sharief
Fire Station is located at Alamadar Colony. It has a modern fire appliance and two pumps. In case of emergency one may contact them at 01951-253-534.Bank in Charar-I-Sharief
Jammu and Kashmir Bank is the main bank in Charar-I-Sharief. Following are some details about the bank:
IFSC Code: JAKA0ALNOOR
Contact No: 01951-243226
Toll Free Number: 1800220600
Email: alnoor@jkbmail.com
It is a non-MICR bank.
How to Reach Charar-I-Sharief
Charar-I-Sharief is located on the road that leads to Yusmarg from Srinagar. Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation runs regular bus service on this route. Besides, you can also avail private buses as well as taxis to reach Charar-I-Sharief from Srinagar. If you are using your own transport you may take Nagam Charar-i-Sharief Alt Road that runs from Srinagar to Charar-I-Sharief; it goes via Charar-I-Sharief and so you may also stop there to visit its ancient temples.Facts about Charar-I-Sharief
District: BudgamState: Jammu and Kashmir
Assembly Constituency: Charar-i-Sahrief
Lok Sabha Constituency: Srinagar
Pin Code: 191112
STD Code: 01951