Kishtwar

Why in the News?

1. A cloudburst hit Chisoti village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, triggering flash floods and landslides.
2. Death toll reached 60, with over 167 people injured and 69 reported missing during the Machail Mata pilgrimage.
3. The deluge destroyed markets, community kitchens, houses, vehicles, and a security outpost, suspending the annual pilgrimage.

About Kishtwar

1. Location: Kishtwar is a district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, situated in the Chenab Valley region.
2. Geography: It lies in the Himalayan mountain range, known for its rugged terrain, deep gorges, and high-altitude valleys.
3. Elevation: The town of Kishtwar is located at around 1,638 meters (5,374 ft) above sea level.
4. Major Rivers: The Chenab River and its tributaries flow through the region, making it prone to flash floods.
5. Famous Attractions:
   1. Machail Mata Temple, a major pilgrimage site located at 9,500 feet.
   2. Dachhan Valley and Warwan Valley, known for scenic beauty and trekking.
6. Economy: Primarily agrarian with apple orchards, saffron cultivation, and some hydroelectric projects.
7. Special Feature: Kishtwar is known as the “Land of Sapphire and Saffron” because of its sapphire mines and saffron fields.
8. Connectivity: The district is around 230 km from Jammu city and connected by road via the Batote–Kishtwar National Highway.

Humayun’s Tomb

Why in the News?

1. A portion of a wall and roof of Dargah Masjid Pattawali, located near Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi, collapsed amid heavy rains, causing six deaths and five injuries.
2. Though the dargah is near the boundary wall of the 16th-century Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is not part of the tomb complex.

About Humayun’s Tomb

1. Historical Significance: Built in 1565-1572 CE by Empress Bega Begum (Humayun’s widow), it was the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent.
2. Location: Situated in Nizamuddin East, New Delhi, along the Yamuna River.
3. Architecture: Designed by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, it exhibits Mughal architecture with Persian influences, featuring a charbagh (four-part garden)
4. Construction Material: Made primarily of red sandstone with white marble inlay.
5. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 for its architectural and historical value.
6. Inspiration for Taj Mahal: Served as a model for later Mughal architecture, including the Taj Mahal.
7. Associated Monuments: The complex also houses Barber’s Tomb, Isa Khan’s Tomb, and several other smaller monuments.
8. Renovation: The site has undergone major restoration efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.