Anantnag is a historically significant town in the Kashmir Valley with a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. Its original name, “Anantnag,” has Sanskrit origins, where “Anant” means “countless” and “Nag” refers to “serpents,” symbolizing the numerous springs in the region. It is also linked to Hindu mythology, where it’s mentioned as a place where Lord Shiva dropped his serpents on his way to the Amarnath caves. This name is cited in ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita and inscriptions such as the Koshur and Neelmat Purana.

The name “Islamabad” was given to Anantnag during the Mughal era. In 1663, the Mughal governor of Kashmir, Islam Khan, renamed the town Islamabad, which reflects the influence of Islamic culture in the region during Mughal rule. This change can be seen as part of the broader historical pattern of renaming places to reflect the cultural or religious influences of the rulers of the time. Despite the renaming by the Mughals, the indigenous name, Anantnag, has persisted and is still widely used by the local population and in official contexts.

Kashmir has a complex history involving the interaction of different cultures and religions, including the spread of Islam in the 14th century through figures like Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. The region experienced various periods of rule, including those of Hindu kings, Islamic rulers, and later Sikh and Dogra rule under Gulab Singh, who reinstated the name Anantnag. The renaming and cultural shifts over the centuries reflect the broader historical context of changing political and religious dynamics in Kashmir.

The term “Islamabad” for Anantnag has become a part of the local vernacular, particularly among the Muslim population, but it does not erase the town’s ancient Hindu heritage and its historical significance, which dates back long before the advent of Islam in the region. The dual naming of the town encapsulates the rich and layered history of Kashmir, highlighting its cultural diversity and the impact of various rulers and cultures over the centuries.