Kakapora

Kakapora is a tehsil in Pulwama district, of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India.^[1] It is located 20 kilometres (12 mi) to the south of Srinagar. The district road passes through the town, which connects it to the district headquarters at Pulwama. It is situated on the banks of the Jehlum River and Romshi, one of the tributaries of the Jhelum River. The people are mostly associated with agriculture.^[2] Kakapora is a historical place and is mentioned in Kalahana's book of Rajatarangini. In modern times, Kakapora is often referred to as the rice bowl of Kashmir. There are commercial units in Kakapora that boost the economic status of the town beyond just agriculture.

History

Kakapora has historical importance from ancient times of the Uttpal dynasty of King Awantiwarman. An archeological monument, a temple from the 11th century AD, has been excavated near Asian Masjid in Astan Mohallah Kakapora. The temple has only a remaining sanctum with some ruins. Many standing remains including stone carved images of a female character who locals call "Rani" and a bathtub has been found. The monument is protected by archaeological survey of India and beautification, fencing floor reconstruction has been done by the department.

In September 2015 floods, the temple oozed fresh water due to its being below a level that people of surrounding areas used for domestic and bath purposes. The temple was affected by water logging, and reconstruction work was again started in March 2016.

A temple is a place of refreshment for locals during summer, and especially after sunset, local youth rest in the landscape of the temple.

Kakapora was set up as an administrative unit as tehsil by the government of Jammu and Kashmir.

References