Question 1

What are the 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir?

Accepted Answer

The 20 districts of Jammu & Kashmir UT are: Kashmir Division — Srinagar, Baramulla, Budgam, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian. Jammu Division — Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar. Full details at https://www.harshya.in/geography.html

Question 2

How to prepare for JKPSC KAS exam?

Accepted Answer

JKPSC KAS (Kashmir Administrative Service) preparation requires mastery of J&K history, geography, polity, economy, and current affairs. Harshya provides free syllabus-mapped MCQs, previous year papers, and exam notifications at https://www.harshya.in/exam_jkpsc.html

Question 3

What is the best time to visit Kashmir?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Kashmir is April–June (spring tulip season, Pahalgam green meadows) and September–November (autumn chinar trees, clear skies). For snow and skiing at Gulmarg, December–February is ideal. Full seasonal travel guide: https://www.harshya.in/travel_planner.html

Question 4

What is Wazwan? What are the famous Kashmiri dishes?

Accepted Answer

Wazwan is Kashmir's 36-course ceremonial feast prepared by master chefs called Wazas. Famous dishes include Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Gustaba, Tabak Maaz, Modur Pulav, Haleem, and Dum Aloo. Dogra cuisine from Jammu features Rajma Chawal, Kaladi Kulcha, and Patisa. Full culinary atlas: https://www.harshya.in/jk_food_culinary_atlas.html

Question 5

How to reach Vaishno Devi from Jammu?

Accepted Answer

Vaishno Devi shrine is located in Katra, Reasi district. From Jammu: take a bus or taxi (~50 km, 1.5 hrs) to Katra base camp. From Katra, a 13 km trek (or helicopter, pony, palanquin) leads to Bhawan. Full pilgrimage guide: https://www.harshya.in/pilgrimage_yatra.html

Question 6

What is Pashmina? Is Kashmir Pashmina original?

Accepted Answer

Pashmina (Cashmere) is the world's finest natural fibre, sourced from Changthangi goats of Ladakh's Changthang plateau. Genuine Kashmiri Pashmina holds a GI (Geographical Indication) tag. Full crafts guide including Kani shawls, Sozni embroidery, and carpet weaving: https://www.harshya.in/crafts_artisans_bazaar.html

Question 7

What is the history of Jammu and Kashmir?

Accepted Answer

J&K history spans 5,000+ years: Neolithic Burzahom settlements, the Naga Kingdom, Karkota Empire (7th–9th century), Shah Mir Sultanate (1339), Mughal rule (1586–1752), Afghan governors, Sikh Empire (1819), Dogra Maharajas (Treaty of Amritsar 1846), and Instrument of Accession (1947). Detailed timeline: https://www.harshya.in/history.html and https://www.harshya.in/timeline.html

Question 8

What is Article 370 and how was it revoked?

Accepted Answer

Article 370 granted special autonomous status to J&K from 1949. On August 5, 2019, the Government of India revoked it via Presidential Order, bifurcating the state into two Union Territories: J&K (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). Detailed analysis: https://www.harshya.in/article_370.html

Question 9

What are the famous trekking routes in Kashmir?

Accepted Answer

Top Kashmir treks include: Great Lakes Trek (7 alpine lakes, 72 km, Sonamarg to Naranag), Tarsar Marsar Trek (4 days, Aru Valley), Kashmir Valley Trek, Aru to Lidderwat, Kolahoi Glacier Trek, Sinthan Top, and Harmukh Glacier. Complete trekking guide: https://www.harshya.in/trekking_lakes_explorer.html

Question 10

What languages are spoken in Jammu and Kashmir?

Accepted Answer

J&K is linguistically diverse. Major languages: Kashmiri (Koshur), Dogri, Gojri, Pahari, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Shina, Balti, Ladakhi, and Bhaderwahi. Kashmiri and Dogri are now officially recognized in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Language archive: https://www.harshya.in/bhasha_sangam.html

Question 11

What are the folk music traditions of Jammu and Kashmir?

Accepted Answer

Kashmir's rich folk music includes: Chakri (devotional Sufi songs), Wanwun (wedding songs sung by women), Sufiana Kalam (classical Sufi music on Santoor), Hafiz Nagma, and Rouf (spring dance). Jammu traditions include Dogri folk songs, Leela, and Bhakh. Full archive: https://www.harshya.in/folk_music.html

Question 12

What is Gulmarg famous for? How to visit Gulmarg?

Accepted Answer

Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers) in Baramulla district is world-famous for: Asia's highest operating cable car (Gondola Phase 1 to Kongdoori at 10,000 ft / 3,050 m, Phase 2 to Apharwat Shoulder at 13,058 ft / 3,980 m; Apharwat summit at 13,780 ft), premier ski resort (GSIA), and stunning alpine meadows. 52 km from Srinagar. Real-time guide: https://www.harshya.in/gulmarg_gondola_weather.html

Question 13

What is the Dogra culture and tradition of Jammu?

Accepted Answer

Dogra culture is the heritage of the Dogra people — Rajput warriors of the Shivalik hills of Jammu. Traditions include Dogri language (Takri script), festivals like Lohri, Baisakhi, Shivratri, local Dogri folk songs, Basohli miniature paintings, Kaladi cheese, Rajma Chawal, and the martial tradition of the Dogra Regiment. Full cultural archive: https://www.harshya.in/culture.html

Question 14

How is the JKSSB recruitment process? What posts are available?

Accepted Answer

JKSSB (J&K Services Selection Board) recruits for Class IV and Class III gazetted/non-gazetted posts across departments. Recruitment is through written tests, skill tests, and interviews. Posts include: Finance Account Assistants, Sub-Inspectors, Junior Engineers, Constables, and more. Full details and cutoffs: https://www.harshya.in/exam_jkssb.html

Question 15

What are the major festivals of Jammu and Kashmir?

Accepted Answer

Major festivals: Kashmir — Navreh (Kashmiri New Year), Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Herath (Kashmiri Shivratri), Bhu Puja, Tulip Festival (March–April). Jammu — Lohri, Baisakhi, Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Navratri, Ram Navami, Bhu Puja. Full cultural calendar: https://www.harshya.in/culture.html

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