Children are our future. It is, therefore, crucial that they are included in decision-making, designing and implementing policies, plans, and standards, as emphasised by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. We dedicate this page to them to express creatively regarding issues related to disasters and ways to mitigate their impact.
The Ancient Stone Temples of Kashmir and Impact of Earthquakes
Kashmir has a well-documented history of 5000 years. During the ancient and medieval times, various kings in Kashmir constructed stone temples in Kashmir. These temples are made up of large dressed stones. The characteristic features of these temples consist of fine cloisters and the temple they contain. These temples, with their fluted pillars, proportioned bases, Doric capitals, massive square architraves to the doors and elegant trefoiled arches with capstone although desolately ruined, still show the old classical architectural style of Kashmir. Kashmir has good record of Historical earthquakes going back to 2000 BC.. None of Kashmir’s stone temples have survived without earthquake damage. It is certain that most of this damage was initiated by earthquakes. A common feature is the loss of arches made of wedge-shaped blocks (keystone) and monolithic capstone roofs of temples. In the recent past Anantnag earthquake of 1967 Mw 5.7 caused heavy damage to eighth century Martand temple constructed by the King Lalitaditya Muktapida.
