Jammu and Kashmir is a state of India.

It is located mostly in the Himalayan mountains and shares a border with the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to the south. Jammu and Kashmir has an international border with China in the north and east, whereas the Line of Control separates it from Pakistani-controlled territories of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan in the west and northwest respectively. Formerly a part of the erstwhile Princely State of Kashmir and Jammu, which governed the larger historic region of Kashmir, this territory is disputed among China, India and Pakistan. Pakistan, which claims the territory as disputed,[2] refers to it alternatively as Indian-occupied Kashmir or Indian-held Kashmir, whereas some international agencies such as the United Nations[3] call it Indian-administered Kashmir. The regions under the control of Pakistan are referred to as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or PoK within India, as "Azad" Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan, and as Pakistan-administered Kashmir or Pakistan-controlled Kashmir generally.[4][5][6][7][8] Jammu and Kashmir consists of three regions: Jammu, the Kashmir valley and Ladakh. Srinagar is the summer capital, and Jammu is the winter capital. Although the Kashmir valley is famous for its beautiful mountainous landscape, Jammu's numerous shrines attract tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year. Ladakh, also known as "Little Tibet", is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and Buddhist culture.

History
Hari Singh had ascended the throne of Kashmir[9] in 1925 and was the reigning monarch at the conclusion of British rule in the subcontinent in 1947. One of the conditions of the partition of India imposed by Britain was that the rulers of princely states would have the right to opt for either Pakistan or India or remain independent. In 1947, Kashmir's population was 77% Muslim and it shared a boundary with both Dominion of Pakistan and Union of India.[citation needed] On 20 October 1947, tribesmen backed by Pakistan invaded Kashmir.[10] The Maharaja initially fought back but appealed for assistance to the Governor-General Louis Mountbatten, who agreed on the condition that the ruler accede to India.[11] On 25 October 1947 Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession[12] on 26 October 1947 and it was accepted on 27 October 1947 by the Governor General of India.[13] Once the Instrument of Accession was signed, Indian soldiers entered Kashmir with orders to evict the raiders, but they were not able to expel everyone from the state by the time the harsh winter started.[citation needed] India took the matter to the United Nations. The UN resolution asked both India and Pakistan to vacate the areas they had occupied and hold a referendum under UN observation. The holding of this plebiscite, which India initially supported, was dismissed by India because the 1952 elected Constituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir voted in favour of confirming the Kashmir region's accession to India.[14] The United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) was deployed to supervise the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. UNMOGIP's functions were to investigate complaints of ceasefire violations and submit findings to each party and to the U.N. secretary-general. Under the terms of the ceasefire, it was decided that both armies would withdraw and a plebiscite would be held in Kashmir to give Kashmiris the right to self-determination. The primary argument for the continuing debate over the ownership of Kashmir is that India did not hold the promised plebiscite. In fact, neither side has adhered to the U.N. resolution of 13 August 1948; while India chose not to hold the plebiscite, Pakistan failed to withdraw its troops from

Kashmir as was required under the resolution. Instead,for not holding the plebiscite,India gave below reasons:

India cites the 1952 elected Constituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir, which voted in favour of confirming accession to India. New Delhi says that since Kashmiris have voted in successive national elections in India, there is no need for a plebiscite. The 194849 U.N. resolutions can no longer be applied, according to India, because of changes in the original territory, with some parts "having been handed over to China by Pakistan and demographic changes having been effected in Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas." Another reason for the abandonment of the referendum is because demographic changes after 1947 have been effected in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as generations of Pakistani individuals non-native to the region have been allowed to take residence in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.[14][15] Furthermore, India alleges that in Jammu & Kashmir state of India, the demographics of the Kashmir Valley have been altered after separatist militants coerced 250,000 Kashmiri Hindus to leave the region.[16][17] Moreover, India alleges that Pakistan failed to withdraw its troops from the Kashmir region as was required under the same U.N. resolution of 13 August 1948 which discussed the plebiscite.[14]

In response Pakistan holds that:

The popular Kashmiri insurgency demonstrates that the Kashmiri people no longer wish to remain within India. Pakistan suggests that this means that Kashmir either wants to be with Pakistan or independent.[18] According to the two-nation theory, which is one of the theories that is cited for the partition that created India and Pakistan, Kashmir should have been with Pakistan, because it has a Muslim majority. India has shown disregard to the resolutions of the UN Security Council and the United Nations Commission in India and Pakistan by failing to hold a plebiscite to determine the future allegiance of the state.[19] Pakistan has noted the widespread use of extrajudicial killings in Indian-administered Kashmir carried out by Indian security forces while claiming they were caught up in encounters with militants. These encounters are commonplace in Indian-administered Kashmir. The encounters go largely uninvestigated by the authorities, and the perpetrators are spared criminal prosecution.[20][21]

Human rights organisations have strongly condemned Indian troops for widespread rape and murder of innocent civilians while accusing these civilians of being militants.[22][23][24] Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan soured for many other reasons[11] and eventually resulted in three further wars in Kashmir the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 and the Kargil War in 1999. India has control of 60% of the area of the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir (Jammu, Kashmir Valley, and Ladakh); Pakistan controls 30% of the region (GilgitBaltistan and Azad Kashmir). China occupied 10% (Aksai Chin) of the state in 1962.

The Chenab formula was a compromise proposed in the 1960s, in which the Kashmir valley and other Muslim-dominated areas north of the Chenab river would go to Pakistan, and Jammu and other Hindu-dominated regions would go to India.[25] The eastern region of the erstwhile princely state of Kashmir has also been beset with a boundary dispute. In the late 19th- and early 20th centuries, although some boundary agreements were signed between Great Britain, Tibet, Afghanistan and Russia over the northern borders of Kashmir, China never accepted these agreements, and the official Chinese position did not change with the communist revolution in 1949. By the mid-1950s the Chinese army had entered the northeast portion of Ladakh:[26] By 195657 they had completed a military road through the Aksai Chin area to provide better communication between Xinjiang and western Tibet. India's belated discovery of this road led to border clashes between the two countries that culminated in the Sino-Indian war of October 1962.[26] China has occupied Aksai Chin since 1962 and, in addition, an adjoining region, the Trans-Karakoram Tract was ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963. For intermittent periods between 1957, when the state approved its own Constitution,[27] and the death of Sheikh Abdullah in 1982, the state had alternating spells of stability and discontent. In the late 1980s, however, simmering discontent over the high-handed policies of the Union Government[28] and allegations of the rigging of the 1987 assembly elections[28] triggered a violent uprising which was backed by Pakistan. Since then, the region has seen a prolonged, bloody conflict between separatists and the Indian Army, both of whom have been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including abductions, massacres, rapes and lootings. The army has officially denied these allegations However, violence in the state has been on the decline since 2004 with the peace process between India and Pakistan.] The situation has become increasingly tense politically in recent years. CLIMATE
Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, Tawi Valley, Chenab Valley, Poonch Valley, Sind Valley and Lidder Valley. The main Kashmir valley is 100 km (62 mi) wide and 15,520.3 km2 (5,992.4 sq mi) in area. The Himalayas divide the Kashmir valley from Ladakh while the Pir Panjal range, which encloses the valley from the west and the south, separates it from the Great Plains of northern India. Along the northeastern flank of the Valley runs the main range of the Himalayas. This densely settled and beautiful valley has an average height of 1,850 metres (6,070 ft) above sea-level but the surrounding Pir Panjal range has an average elevation of 5,000 metres (16,000 ft). CITIES OF JAMMU & KASHMIR Jammu and Kashmir consists of three divisions: Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, and is further divided into 22 districts.[43] The Siachen Glacier, although under Indian military control, does not lie under the administration of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Samba, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Shopian are newly formed districts, and their areas are included with those of the districts from which they were formed.[43] LANGUAGE

In Jammu and Kashmir, the principal spoken languages are Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, Pahari, Balti, Ladakhi, Gojri, Shina and Pashto. However, Urdu written in the Persian script is the official language of the state. Many speakers of these languages use Hindi or English as a second language.[62] The Kashmir Valley is dominated by ethnic Kashmiris, who have largely driven the Azadi campaign. Non-Kashmiri Muslim ethnic groups (Paharis, Sheenas, Gujjars and Bakarwalas), who dominate areas along the Line of Control, have remained indifferent to the separatist campaign. Jammu province region has a 70:30 Hindu-Muslim ratio. Parts of the region were hit by militants, but violence has ebbed there, along with the Valley, after India and Pakistan started a peace process in 2004.[63] Dogras (67%) are the single largest group in the multi-ethnic region of Jammu living with Punjabis, Paharis, Bakerwals and Gujjars. Statehood is demanded in Hindu-dominated districts. Ladakh is the largest region in the state with over 200,000 people. Its two districts are Leh (77% Buddhist) and Kargil (80% Muslim population). Union territory status has been the key demand of Leh Buddhists for many years

ECONOMY Jammu and Kashmir's economy is predominantly dependent on agriculture and allied activities.[82] The Kashmir valley is known for its sericulture and cold-water fisheries. Wood from Kashmir is used to make high-quality cricket bats, popularly known as Kashmir Willow. Kashmiri saffron is very famous and brings the state a handsome amount of foreign exchange. Agricultural exports from Jammu and Kashmir include apples, barley, cherries, corn, millet, oranges, rice, peaches, pears, saffron, sorghum, vegetables, and wheat, while manufactured exports include handicrafts, rugs, and shawls. Horticulture plays a vital role in the economic development of the state. With an annual turnover of over 3 billion (US$49 million), apart from foreign exchange of over 800 million (US$13 million), this sector is the next biggest source of income in the state's economy.[83] The region of Kashmir is known for its horticulture industry[84] and is the wealthiest region in the state.[85] Horticultural produce from the state includes apples, apricots, cherries, pears, plums, almonds and walnuts.[83] The Doda district has deposits of high-grade sapphire.[86] Though small, the manufacturing and services sector is growing rapidly, especially in the Jammu division. In recent years, several consumer goods companies have opened manufacturing units in the region. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has identified several industrial sectors which can attract investment in the state, and accordingly, it is working with the union and the state government to set up industrial parks and special economic zones.[87] In the fiscal year 200506, exports from the state amounted to 11.5 billion (US$190 million).[88] However, industrial development in the state faces several major constraints including extreme mountainous landscape and power shortage.[89] The Jammu & Kashmir Bank, which is listed as a S&P CNX 500 conglomerate, is based in the state. It reported a net profit of 598 million (US$9.7 million) in 2008.[90]

The Government of India has been keen to economically integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India. The state is one of the largest recipients of grants from New Delhi, totalling US$812 million per year.[91] It has a mere 4% incidence of poverty, one of the lowest in the country.[91] In an attempt to improve the infrastructure in the state, Indian Railways is constructing the ambitious Kashmir Railway project at a cost of more than US$2.5 billion.[92] Trains run on the 119 km Baramula-Qazigund section. The 17.5 km Qazigund-Banihal section through the 11 km long Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel has been constructed. Udhampur-Katra section may be ready in 2013. The Katra-Banihal section is under construction. The route crosses major earthquake zones, and is subjected to extreme temperatures of cold and heat, as well as inhospitable terrain, making it an extremely challenging engineering project. It is expected to increase tourism and travel to Kashmir. Three other railway lines, the BilaspurMandiLeh railway, Srinagar-Kargil-Leh railway and the Jammu-Poonch railway have been proposed. TOURISM Before the insurgency intensified in 1989, tourism formed an important part of the Kashmiri economy. The tourism economy in the Kashmir valley was worst hit. However, the holy shrines of Jammu and the Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh continue to remain popular pilgrimage and tourism destinations. Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit holy shrines of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath, which has had significant impact on the state's economy.[93] It was estimated in 2007 that the Vaishno Devi yatra contributed 4.75 billion (US$77 million) to the local economy annually a few years ago.[94] The contribution would be much more now as the numbers of visitors have increased considerably. Foreign tourists have been slower to return. The British government still advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir with the exception of the cities of Jammu and Srinagar, travel between these two cities on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, and the region of Ladakh.[95] Besides Kashmir, Jammu region too has a lot of tourism potential. There are various place in Jammu which are worth seeing. Bhau Fort in Jammu city is the major attraction centre for the tourists visiting the city. Bage-e-Bahu is the another tourist destination. Aquarium established by the fisheries department is being visited by many these days. Jammu is being majorly visited by the tourist from across the India as a pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi. Mata Vaishno Devi is located on the trikuta hills which is around 40 to 45 km away from Jammu City. Approximately 10 million Pilgrims visit this holy place every year. Tourism in the Kashmir valley has rebounded in recent years, and in 2009, the state became one of the top tourist destinations of India.[96] Gulmarg, one of the most popular ski resort destinations in India, is also home to the world's highest green golf course.[97] However, the decrease in violence in the state has boosted the state's economy and tourism.[98] It was reported that more than a million tourists visited Kashmir in 2011 CULTURE Ladakh is famous for its unique Indo-Tibetan culture. Chanting in Sanskrit and Tibetan language forms an integral part of Ladakh's Buddhist lifestyle. Annual masked dance festivals, weaving and archery are an important part of traditional life in Ladakh. Ladakhi food has much in common with Tibetan food, the most prominent foods being thukpa, noodle soup; and tsampa, known in Ladakhi as Ngampe, roasted barley flour. Typical garb includes

gonchas of velvet, elaborately embroidered waistcoats and boots, and gonads or hats. People adorned with gold and silver ornaments and turquoise headgears throng the streets during Ladakhi festivals. The Dumhal is a famous dance in the Kashmir Valley, performed by men of the Wattal region. The women perform the Rouff, another traditional folk dance. Kashmir has been noted for its fine arts for centuries, including poetry and handicrafts. Shikaras, traditional small wooden boats, and houseboats are a common feature in lakes and rivers across the Valley. The Constitution of India does not allow people from regions other than Jammu and Kashmir to purchase land in the state. As a consequence, houseboats became popular among those who were unable to purchase land in the Valley and has now become an integral part of the Kashmiri lifestyle. Kawa, traditional green tea with spices and almond, is consumed all through the day in the chilly winter climate of Kashmir. Most of the buildings in the Valley and Ladakh are made from softwood and are influenced by Indian, Tibetan, and Islamic architecture. Jammu's Dogra culture and tradition is very similar to that of neighbouring Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Traditional Punjabi festivals such as Lohri and Vaisakhi are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm throughout the region, along with Accession Day, an annual holiday which commemorates the accession of Jammu & Kashmir to the Dominion of India.[102] After Dogras, Gujjars form the second-largest ethnic group in Jammu. Known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, Gujjars are also found in large numbers in the Kashmir Valley. Similar to Gujjars, Gaddis are primarily herdsmen who hail from the Chamba region in Himachal Pradesh. Gaddis are generally associated with emotive music played on the flute. The Bakkarwalas found both in Jammu and the Valley of Kashmir are wholly nomadic pastoral people who move along the Himalayan slopes in search for pastures for their huge flocks of goats and sheep. TEXTILE The beautiful territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) situated in the Himalayan mountains is rightly known as Heaven on Earth. Srinagar is the summer capital of this state, while Jammu is its winter capital. This state has Kashmiri and Urdu as its major languages. The state can be divided into three major parts: Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. The state of Kashmir is not only famous for its wonderful climate and natural beauty but also for its exquisite textile crafts. This article aims at studying the major textile crafts that have been prevalent in Kashmir since long, such as Kashmiri carpets, shawls, tweed, silk as well as embroidery. Kashmiri carpets The Kashmir carpet industry is famous the world over. Kashmiri carpets are loved not only by the people of India but also by people in other countries. It is believed that the art of weaving Kashmiri carpets originated in Persia. Usually either silk or wool is used in making carpets. Sometimes a combination of silk and wool is used. Mercerized cotton is also sometimes used in making carpets. Mercerized cotton is a man-made fibre with sheen similar to that of silk. It is costlier than wool, but it is cheaper as compared to silk. The base of these carpets is either made of cotton or silk. The tree of life is a design that is very commonly found on Kashmiri carpets. Though the carpets made in Kashmir are expensive on account of their uniqueness and exquisite weaving, they are considered to be

an investment. Kashmiri shawls Like Kashmiri carpets, shawls made in Kashmir are adored both in India and internationally. The Shahtoosh and Pashmina shawls made in Kashmir are world famous.

.Shahtoosh shawls are made from the wool of the Tibetan antelope. These shawls are very light and soft. These shawls are extremely expensive because the wool used in making these shawls is scarce. The soft hair from the throat of the antelope is used for making these shawls. A few of these hairs fall off naturally when the antelopes graze. These hairs are collected and are then used in weaving shawls. Shahtoosh shawls may either be pure or mixed with Pashmina in order to reduce the cost. Shahtoosh shawls are so finely woven that the entire shawl can pass through a ring. It is for this reason that such shawls are known as Ring shawls. These shawls are usually not dyed and are used in their natural color i.e. light brown. Pashmina shawls are made from the wool of the Kel sheep found in the Himalayan mountains. Such shawls are extremely soft and do not hurt the skin of the wearer. Pashmina scarves and stoles are also made. Pashmina shawls are less expensive as compared to Shahtoosh shawls. Pashmina shawls usually have beautiful and heavy embroidery on them, while Shahtoosh shawls do not. Kashmiri tweed The tweed material woven in Kashmir is well known the world over. It is considered to be one of the best materials in the world. The raw material that is used in producing tweed is obtained from outside Kashmir; however, Kashmiri tweed is woven using imported techniques and is of extremely good quality. The production of tweed is a job undertaken by a majority of the people of Kashmir. JEWELLERY
Tribal jewellery of Jammu and Kashmir is prevalent in the state and is mainly made out of gold, silver and stones. Over the years they have excelled themselves to do something new and thus made their journey so exclusive and unique. Their works are very genuine in style. They offer a lot of variety as well as latest trend in their work, which is accepted by all. The tribal men and women of Jammu and Kashmir usually wear a special circular type of earring, which they call `kundalas`. The womenfolk also love to wear "Nupura", which is actually a type of large anklets. The women of Rajouri district usually wear a silver cap or crown on the head under the veil and they call it as `chaunk phool`. On forehead they usually wear `tika`, they also wear nose ring, which they call balu. There is a number of bridal jewellery that are mainly seen in this area and these can be

mentioned as fine gold filigree wrist ornament and also other fine specimens. This wrist ornament is known as band or `kada`. Another important jewellery is `Halqaband`.This is mainly a traditional choker, studded with different stones such as ruby, emeralds, some semi-precious stones and even mirrors. This is made of silver, gold and brass, which has interlocking system, joined together with thread. Every Pandit women wear `dejihor` on their ear. This ornament hangs from the upper portion of the ear. This is usually symbol of marriage. `Gunus` is also popular even in today`s time. This thick bangle is made of solid gold and silver with a snake or lion head at either end. This is one of the popular and the most widely worn tribal jewellery of Jammu and Kashmir. The various districts of this state mainly Srinagar, the capital City of Jammu and Kashmir is a center for precious and semi-precious stones. And these are properly used in making traditional as well as trendy jewellery. These are famous countrywide. Jhumkas and naths are very famous as they are commonly used by the localites. The jewellery of Ladakh Himalaya region is also very unique and distinctive in nature. The women of this region wear an ornament called `sondus` or `branshil`. This is a marriage symbol usually fixed on the left shoulder. It has a few gold or silver discs connected by a number of long silver strands. This is basically inherited from the mother to the daughter at the time of marriage. Another extra-ordinary jewellery is known as `perak`. Mainly women of Ladakh wear this jewellery. This is really precious and contains 20 to 200 large turquoises and also other stones across a wide leather piece. All these variety of ornaments really offer a vast option for the buyers and they always avail the opportunity in every possible way. Costumes of Jammu and Kashmir are well known for their embroidery and intricate designs, which reflect the richness of the culture and landscape of the region. Their clothing is designed to counter the cold climate of the region. It has been historically seen that the early Aryan descendants who lived in this region, interacted with various prosperous civilisations like the famous Greeks, the Romans and the Persians. Such influences on its cultural ethos and traditions coupled with the climatic factors find a reflection in the attires of its people. Most of the garments are made of wool, silk and cotton designed with intricate embroideries. The traditional Pheran is the most popular form of dress among both men and women. Pheran exhibits a lot of beautiful embroidery work comprising of floral motifs. Costumes of Jammu and Kashmir for Men Pheran is the most commonly worn garment among men. Hindu men usually wear churidars while the Muslim men are dressed in Salwars beneath the formidable Pherans. Pheran is a loosely fitted woollen garment which makes use of the Kangri. Kangri is an earthen vessel which is filled with flaming coal and is placed within a container made of natural fibre. The Kangri is usually placed in the front, skilfully shrouded by the Pheran. It functions as an internal heating system in order to keep the wearer warm during the extreme cold winters. The Pathani Suit, also referred to as Khan-dress, is popular among men, especially in Srinagar. Turbans are common among Muslim men. Skull caps are prevalent, especially among the peasants

and the Karakuli and fur skull caps with the Pashmina shawls worn by men often symbolise royal lineage. The Pashmina shawls are made from traditional woollen textiles which are obtained from mountain goat. Intricate work is done on both sides of these shawls. The special Kashmiri embroidery work, Kasida, is done in such a manner that the patterns appear on both sides of the fabric uniformly. The Pashmina belts and Kamarbands are common too. The Muslim men wear lacefree shoes known as Gurgabis. Brocade, camel hair and cashmere are the main elements that are used in the making of coats and fleece for men. Costumes of Jammu and Kashmir for Women Pheran is the prominent attire for Kashmiri women as well. Traditionally, there are Poots and Pherans, comprising two robes that are placed atop the other. Pheran worn by women usually has Zari embroidery on the hem line, around pockets and mostly on the collar area. Pherans worn by the Muslim women are traditionally characterised by their broad sleeves and reach up to the knees. However, the Hindus of Jammu and Kashmir wear their Pherans long, stretching up to their feet with narrowed down sleeves. Often, the Pherans are wrapped tightly by a piece of creased cloth called Lungi. The Hindu women wear a headdress called Taranga, stitched to a suspended cap and it narrows down at the back, towards the heels. Taranga is an integral part of the wedding attire among Hindus. Elaborate Zari embroideries or floral patterns around the neck and the pockets are prominent features of a Muslim woman`s Pheran. Brocade patterns adorn their long sleeves. Pheran is accompanied by red headgears known as Kasaba. Kasaba is stitched in the form of a turban and is pinned together by ornaments and silver brooches. A pin-scarf suspended from Kasaba descends towards the shoulder. It is worn by Muslim women as a part of their regular attire. Abaya is another common attire worn by them. For unmarried Muslim women, the costumes vary to some extent. The elaborate headgears are replaced by exquisitely ornate skull caps embellished with threads of gold, talismans and gems. Kashmiri Accessories for Women The intricate patterns of women Costumes in Jammu and Kashmir are further enhanced by the use of various accessories. Earrings, anklets and bangles are widely used apart from the use of ornamentation in clothing. Silver jewellery is popular among Muslim women and they adorn themselves with neckpieces, bracelets and heavily bejewelled chains. Dejharoos or golden pendants are worn by the Hindu women. These Dejharoos comprise two decorative gold pendants which are suspended through gold chains or silk threads. It is symbolic of a woman`s married status among the Kashmiri Pandits. Costumes of Ethnic Groups of Jammu and Kashmir The landscape of Jammu and Kashmir is dotted with various ethnic groups: Dogras Dogras are tribes residing amidst the hilly topography of Jammu. The Dogra womenfolk are found attired in fitted pajamas and tunics accessorised with a suitable head-dress. Similar fitted pajamas and kurtas of considerable length constitute the costume of the Dogra men. The use of kamarbands and turban are prominent among the elderly people of Dogra tribe.

Gujjars Gujjar community is the second-largest group of ethnic tribes inhabiting in Kashmir. The members of this tribe are mostly shepherds. Gujjar women are dressed in loose sleeved tunics coupled with baggy salwars. They cover their head by an elaborate headgear, akin to the ones worn by the women in Turkish villages. Costumes of Ladakh Costumes of the inhabitants of Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir deserve special mention because of their extraordinary variety. Kuntops are woollen gowns worn by women. It is accompanied by Bok, a brightly decorated shawl that can aid in carrying packages and even children. Men wear Goucha, a woollen robe made of sheep skin fixed at the neck. It is wound at the waist by a bright sash called Skerag. It extends to about 2 m in length and 20 cm in breadth. The Skerag serves as an enclosure for the Ladakhi men to carry their bare essentials. Men in Ladakh wear velvet multihued caps while the women adorn turquoise coloured hats named Perak. According to tradition, upon a woman`s demise, the Perak is handed down to her eldest child. In Ladakh, footwear made of Yak skin and wool, known as Papu, are also quite popular. It has been observed that over the years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have adopted the dressing styles and habits of the west as well as those of other regional Indian cultures. This is noticed primarily among the men who have appropriated the western attire to a great extent. The saree gained popularity among the Hindu women after the 1930s Reform Movement. However, despite of these influences, the traditional Pheran continues to remain the symbol of the culture and couture of Jammu and Kashmir.