Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River and is located 1585 meters above sea level. The city is known for its natural environment, gardens, waterfronts, houseboats and shikaras.
Srinagar was ruled by the Mauryan empire till 14th century by emperor Ashoka, after him the city came under the Mughal rule and was ruled by the Muslim Kings. It was in 1814, that the rule of Sikhs was established, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh ruled over Kashmir. It was ruled by the Sikhs till the British Raj came into India. Till the year 1947 Srinagar was considered as a princely state in the British India.
In the age of machine-led industries, the handicrafts of Kashmir attract travellers, both local and international, for their skilled nature inspired works. The famous ones to mention are carpets, rugs, shawls, paper mache and walnut wood crafts.
