Metamorphosis of Gulmarg over the years, exploring historical contexts

Gulmarg, a jewel in the Pir Panjal ranges of Kashmir, has transformed from a quaint meadow to a bustling tourist haven admired globally. Its name, meaning ‘Meadow of Flowers’, was bestowed upon it by Yusuf Shah Chak, who, enchanted by its charm, frequented it with his poetess queen, Habba Khatoon. The narrative of Gulmarg, woven through centuries, reflects a vibrant tapestry of cultural and environmental shifts, drawing in everyone from kings to commoners.

As we turn the page to the 20th century, Gulmarg remained relatively untouched, a pristine retreat where European colonials, escaping the sub-continental heat, would gather. The British preference for Gulmarg over Srinagar during the summers is a testament to its allure. These early visitors enjoyed the simplicity of huts and the slightly more permanent hospitality of the Nedous Hotel, fostering a social scene of golf and polo that echoed their homeland’s leisure culture. The founding of the Gulmarg Golf Club in 1881 by Sir Neville Chamberlain marked a pivotal shift, introducing golf to the valley’s serene landscape. By 1947, this club had evolved into a hub of British social life, mirroring their recreational pursuits with elaborate dinners and dances. Remarkably, three golf courses, including the Upper, Lower, and Rabbit’s courses, sprawled across this town, making it the golfer’s paradise of the era. The locals also played horse racing and polo here. Polo matches were staged twice a week. There was no ban on “Shikar” provided one had a license. The common Shikars in that era were black bears, birds, partridge, fowls, etc. Beyond leisure, Gulmarg’s natural beauty has been celebrated since the times of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who documented 21 varieties of wildflowers here. This biodiversity prompted Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 to initiate measures for the conservation of these wild florae, further highlighting the ecological value of Gulmarg. In winter, Gulmarg was the ski capital of India. Maharaja Hari Singh visited Gulmarg on special occasions. He took many steps to promote tourism and develop Gulmarg as a tourist resort.

Infrastructure has slowly woven itself into the fabric of Gulmarg, with the early 20th-century demands for telephone connectivity paving the way for modern amenities. By 1938, efforts to establish a trunk telephone line from Gulmarg to Srinagar underscored the growing importance of communication technologies in fostering tourism and administrative efficiency. At the dawn of the 20th Century, Kashmir, like most parts of the world, did not have motorised surface transport. The means of public transportation were tongas and bullock carts. Travelling by riding on the back of coolies was also being practised. The means of civil transport were supplied through a revenue officer with the title ‘Chaudhari”, who was in charge of Transport Agencies set up at important stations along a particular road, and he, on requisition, supplied the required number of ponies, tongas or bullock carts and coolies.The mid-century political upheavals, including the dramatic 1953 arrest of Kashmir’s then Prime Minister, illustrate the broader regional and national influences on Gulmarg. Such events have intermittently redirected the course of its local history, yet the town has continuously emerged as a site of cultural confluence and resilience. The onset of the 1990s brought a cloud over Gulmarg with the rise of terrorism sponsored by external states in the region, impacting tourism severely. Despite these challenges, the town has emerged resilient, maintaining an impressive literacy rate that mirrors the state average, showcasing the enduring spirit of its residents amidst adversity.

The Apharwat peak is a snow crest summit 4390 meters above sea level. It is located near the Line of Control and receives significant rain and soft, powdery snow, making it an excellent location for all Gulmarg winter activities. The Gulmarg hamlet is adorned with lofty snow-capped mountains, lush emerald-green meadows, pristine lakes and a large variety of flora and fauna. The picturesque landscapes and scenic environment make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers. The town has since evolved into the ‘heartland of winter sports in India’ and was rated Asia’s seventh-best ski destination. The transformation of Gulmarg into a premier winter sports destination in Asia illustrates its adaptability and the shifting paradigms of tourism. The picturesque landscapes and the advent of activities like skiing have redefined its identity, drawing a new wave of tourism that revels in the adrenaline of winter sports. Today, Gulmarg is a testament to its layered history, evolving from a secluded valley into a world-renowned destination. Its journey through time reflects the changes in its physical and cultural landscapes and the enduring enchantment it holds over those who traverse its meadows and mountains. As we look towards its future, the metamorphosis of Gulmarg continues, promising new chapters of innovation and preservation in this paradise of the East.

Ideas, Opinions and Views expressed in articles are Writer’s own and may not be in accord with those of The Morn