Geography of Jammu and Kashmir

Introduction

Jammu and Kashmir, located in the northernmost part of India, is one of the most geographically diverse regions of the country. Its unique location at the crossroads of South and Central Asia has endowed it with varied landforms, climates, soils, vegetation, and water resources. The region’s geography has played a crucial role in shaping its history, culture, economy, and strategic importance.

Location and Extent

Jammu and Kashmir lies between approximately 32°17′ to 36°58′ North latitude and 73°26′ to 80°30′ East longitude. It is bounded by Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to the south, Ladakh to the east, Pakistan to the west, and China (Xinjiang region) to the north and northeast. Due to its border location, the region holds immense geopolitical and strategic significance.

Physiographic Divisions

The geography of Jammu and Kashmir can be broadly divided into three major physiographic regions:

1. The Himalayan and Pir Panjal Ranges

The Himalayan mountain system dominates much of the region. The Pir Panjal Range, a branch of the Lesser Himalayas, separates the Kashmir Valley from the Jammu region. These mountains are characterized by steep slopes, deep valleys, and snow-covered peaks. Many important passes, such as the Banihal Pass, lie in this region and serve as vital links between different parts of the union territory.

2. The Kashmir Valley

The Kashmir Valley is an oval-shaped fertile basin lying between the Greater Himalayas in the northeast and the Pir Panjal Range in the southwest. It is formed mainly by the depositional work of the **