History of Sharda University Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir

 

The renowned Sharda Peeth temple once stood in Kashmir along the banks of the Kishenganga River (known as Neelum in Pakistan-administered Kashmir). Today, its remnants lie in Pakistan-administered Kashmir near the Line of Control (LOC). Previously, pilgrims from across India visited this temple in Gurais, which emerged as a distinct area after the 1947 partition. Presently, Sharda Peeth is merely eight kilometers from Gurais' last village, Tara Bal, near the LOC. Many Pandits advocate for reopening the route along the LOC through Gurais as it is the shortest path to Sharda Peeth and has historical significance.

 

Kanzalwan in Gurez Valley is believed to be the site of Buddhism's last council, and the ruins of Sharada Peeth near Bagtore along the Kishenganga River are notable archaeological sites. Additionally, Kaloosa houses another Sharda temple, while the Madhumati River holds religious importance for local Hindus, as mentioned in ancient texts.

 

Situated at an altitude of 8000 feet andapproximately 70 miles from Srinagar, the Sharda temple spans 142 feet in length and 94.6 feet in width. Its ancient architecture, with 6-foot-wide outer walls and 8-foot-high arches, showcases remarkable craftsmanship. Kashmir, once known as Sharada Peeth due to the temple of Hindu goddess Sree Sharada Devi, used the Sharada script as its original language.

 

Constructed around the mid-12th century during Jaisimha's reign by an Aryan Saraswat Brahmin warlord of Kishanganga Valley, Sharada was a significant pilgrimage site, according to Al-Biruni. The earliest Sharada records date back to 800 A.D. and were discovered across northwest India. Furthermore, the Punjabi Gurmukhi script is derived from the Sharada script.

 

The Kashmiri language, originating from the Dard group of Pisaca languages, reflects a blend of Aryan, Iranian, Indo-Aryan, and indigenous influences. Over time, Kashmiri evolved into a predominantly Indo-Aryan language, albeit retaining traces of its Dardic roots.

 

Considering this rich history, establishing Sharda University in Gurais near Baghtor Ismarg, just 8 km from the ancient Sharada University ruins, is opportune. With its proximity to tourist attractions and the Sharda Peeth route, Baghtor Ismarg offers an ideal location for research and cultural tourism. Governor S K Sinha's proposal to revive Sharda University deserves recognition, heralding a new era of exploration into our cultural heritage.