ABSTRACT
The myth about how human settlement started in the Kashmir Valley describes the valley as being a large lake drained out by the ascetic Kashyap using his spiritual powers. The geography of the valley is characterised by the overwhelming presence of water, such as marshes, springs, lakes, rivers, and canals, which become defining features of the landscape.
The most striking example of the symbiosis between water and human settlement is the architecture of the Jhelum riverfront in Srinagar. The spatial structure of Srinagar city has evolved as a close fit with the topographical features and water bodies. The development along the river presents the most characteristic and memorable features of the urban form of Srinagar.
The chapter examines the history of the evolution of built form as an expression of the human condition, as the play between material and energy. Buildings for human habitation provide shelter from the elements as well as a place for the dwelling of the spirit.
