Before the advent of Muslim rule in 1320 A.D., Kashmir was divided into three divisions, viz Maraz in the south, Yamraj in the centre and Kamraj in the north of the Valley. It is however, said that the name of Islamabad was assigned to the town by one Islam Khan who was the Governor of Kashmir during the Mughal rule in 1663 A.D., but the change in its nomenclature proved temporary and during the reign of Gulab Singh the town as well as district again resumed their old name, Anantnag, but stillbut still the name Islamabad is Popular among common masses, though officially the name Anantnag is used. Regarding this second name no mention is to be found in the old chronicles of Kashmir. The district as well as its headquarter town are also called Islamabad. The spring is mentioned in the Neelmat Purana as a sacred place for the Hindus and Koshur Encyclopedia testifies it. This is also corroborated by almost all local historians including Kalhana according to whom the town has taken the name of this great spring of Cesha or Ananta Naga “land of countless springs”. The name of Anantnag District according to a well known archaeologist, Sir A.Stein from the great spring Ananta Naga issuing at the southern end of the town. The rainfall is often excessive in Spring, moderate in Summer, deficient in Autumn and moderate in Winter. Being engulfed on two sides by mountains, the monsoon does not generally reach the district. In winter, however, snowfall is heavier and temperature is relatively low. Owing to proximity of Peer Panchal Range, which stretches in its South and South-East, the district has a more temperate climate in summer than other districts of the Valley. For Law & Order purposes there are 09 Police Stations and 06 Police Posts in the district. Achabal, Breng, Dachnipora, Khoveripora, Qazigund, Shahabad, Chittergul, Vessu, Bijbehara, Pahalgam, Shahabad-Hiller, Larnoo, Shangus, Sagam & Verinag. These villages have also been divided into 16 Community Development Blocks Viz. Anantnag, Bijbehara, Dooru, Shangus, Kokernag, Mattan, Sirigufwara, Shahabad Bala-Verinag, Sallar, Qazigund, larnoo and Pahalgam which have further been sub divied into 34 Nayabats (Land Revenue Circles) and 96 Patwar halqas. As per the report of Revenue authorities, the district consists of 395 Villages having 01 Municipal Council and 09 Municipal Committees. As per Census 2011, the population of the district is 10.70 lac with 5.52 lac Males and 5.17 lac Females. Kms, which constitutes about 1.31% of the total area of Jammu & Kashmir state. The most important among these is Lidder which takes of from Sheshnag lake and irrigate maximum area of the district.The area of the district after carving out district Kulgam in year 2007 stood at 3574 Sq. Of all the districts of the state, Anantnag claims the largest number of streams (Nallas) like Sandran, Brengi, Arpath and Lidder. The Northern and Western sides of this district are bounded by Pulwama district while Kulgam district falls in its west. The entire Southern sector of the district, which is contiguous with tehsils of Reasi, Banihal and Kishtwar of Jammu province, and Eastern sector which is contiguous with tehsil Kargil of Ladakh division comprises of thick forests and mountains. Geographically the district lies between 33o-20′ to 34o-15′ north latitude and 74o-30′ to 75o-35′ east longitude. It is because of its rejuvenating climate, the inspiring majesty, its lofty mountains, the melodious flow of sweet waters of its springs and streams, fertile soil, fragrant flowers and delicious fruits that the district has come to be synonymous with greatness. Anantnag District is in southern sector of Jehlum Valley.
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