Chashma Shahi Spring of Nectar in kashmir

Among the Mughal gardens of Kashmir Chashma Shahi fascinated Shahjahan, the fourth Mughal emperor, the most owing to the fact that it haunted him with the sweet memories of his beloved queen, Mumtaj Mahal who always accompanied him during his visit to these gardens. Once she fell ill and could not be cured despite several efforts of the royal Vaidyas and Haqueems and the chief of the medical staff of the court suggested that she must be allowed to visit some health resort especially during summer months and for that matter there was none the better than the valley of Kashmir that too Shahjahan prefered to stay at Pari Mahal along with his queen leaving behind all the busy schedule of political manoeuvring. She enjoyed the fresh air and fresh vegetables and drank sweet water of Chashma Shahi resulting into miraculous recoupment in her health.

Mughal royal families were charmed by the scenic beauty and landscapes of its surroundings in addition to the sweet water of Chashma Shahi having medicinal value. Mughals were followed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab who reigned north India in early 19th century. He was also fond of Mughal gardens, Chashma Shahi was his favourite. He was followed by Dogra rulers, second and third Dogra emperors namely Maharaja Ranbir Singh and Maharaja Pratap Singh were the frequent visitors of this garden and spring. Its water was being carried to the royal kitchen to be used by the members of royal family. Shaikh Sahib, afterwards, also used the water of Chashma Shahi and it is said the water was supplied to him during his confinement. After sixties the modern emperors, high officials were alloted newly built huts in the environs of Chashmashahi and for their benefit a small canal supplying water of the spring to a reservoir was diverted to these huts with the result the original reservoir in the garden dried up causing damage to the environment of the layout of the garden.

Shahjahan was a great Mughal emperor who frequently visited Mughal gardens and stayed at Pari Mahal time and again with his queen. And with the improvement of her health after regular intake of water of Chashmashahi other members of the royal family were attracted towards this spring. Mughal princesses too wanted to take its water as such a special department was created to carry its water to Agra to be used in royal kitchen.

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