Ancient Architecture in Kashmir: Historical Gems to Explore

Best places for witnessing ancient Kashmir.


Blog Home | Haveed Hilal | 16-12-2023


Historical Architectures in Kashmir

Today you will be exploring the most amazing ancient historical sites in Kashmir. The valley of Kashmir presents a rich past of glorious wars, various ruling dynasties, international conferences and other important events.

The ancient architecture of Kashmir proves to be historically important with unique styles of carved structures. These take you back into the past times and make you wonder about ancient life. Follow below to learn about the heritage buildings in Kashmir, ancient architecture Srinagar and other related details.

Shankaracharya temple

The Shankaracharya temple, located on the Shankaracharya hill in Srinagar city, forms a major site of ancient architecture Srinagar. This temple overlooks the Dal Lake and the city. This temple was the abode of the famous Hindu preacher, Adi Shankaracharya. Cunningham, Alexander (1848) states it to be the oldest temple in Kashmir.

Naranag Temple Complex

Naranag Temple
Naranag Temple complex, structures made of large carved rocks. Sources: TourMyIndia

This temple complex rests among the oldest historical sites in Kashmir. Located in the mountains of the Greater Himalayan Range, it also hosts the ancient Naranag spring. This place is also an offbeat tourist place and a favourite picnic spot for the locals, owing to the exceptional beauty of the area.

Gufkral Caves

Dating back to the Neolithic period, the Gufkral Caves remain a spot for archaeological survey in Kashmir. These caves, located in the Tral district of Kashmir, fall among the earliest dwelling places and historical sites in Kashmir. Various tools of stone and bones have been recovered from the site.

Martund Sun Temple

Martund Sun Temple
Remaining ruins of the Martund Sun Temple. Source: The Wanderer

A fascinating architecture, the Martund temple in the Anantnag district of Kashmir, stands among the earliest heritage buildings in Kashmir. This temple is in a dilapidated form and much of the remaining parts are in ruins. Dedicated to Surya (Hindu Sun God), it traces its origin to the period of ruler Lalitaditya Muktapida.

Awantipora Ruins

These are ruins of one of the earliest heritage buildings in Kashmir, the Avantiswami Temple. King Awantivarman of the Utpala dynasty built this temple. Located in the Awantipora district, it remains in the form of ruins.

Parihaspur

Locally called ‘Kani Shahar’ (City of Stones) in the Kashmiri language, Parihaspur forms the ruined city of Lalitaditya Muktapida. It is located on the outskirts of Srinagar and is a site of attention for archaeologists.

It is considered among the ancient architecture Srinagar.

Burzahom

Burzahom.
Large stones sunk into the earth in one of the earliest dwelling sites in Kashmir, Burzahom. Source: Telegraph India

Among the earliest dwelling areas in Kashmir, the ancient village of Burzahom dates back to the Neolithic period. The site showcases the living style of the ancient people, where pits were dug with stairs to move in and out. Various tools and utensils have been collected from the site and it finds itself in the list of oldest ancient architecture Srinagar. It remains an important site for archaeological survey.

Conclusion

These were some of the historical sites of Kashmir which have the potential to be converted into tourist places. These places are a whole meal for an archaeology lover and other enthusiasts. If you love to explore ancient places, these become a must-visit.

Experience an Ancient Tour to Kashmir.

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FAQs

What are some ancient architecture Srinagar?

Ancient architectures in Srinagar are Shankaracharya Temple, Burzahom and Parihaspur.

Which is the earliest ancient site in Kashmir?

The Gufkral Caves and Burzahom have been considered the earliest sites in Kashmir, dating back to the Stone Age of history.

Which is the oldest temple in Kashmir?

The Shankaracharya Temple, according to sources, takes the title of the oldest temple in Kashmir.

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