Zaloora is a village (of over 6,000) in northern Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India, approximately 16 kilometres (10 mi) from Sopore. Zaloora is a valley within the valley, fenced by mountains on three sides and by Lal Kul canal on the other.
Contents
Map of Zaloora 193201
Demographics
It has 10 mohallas and approximately 7,000 inhabitants. The village had a sizable population of Hindus, but most left during the Pandit migration of the early 1990s. The name may be derived from "Zaal" ("fishing net").
History
Zaloora's long history allegedly began when the lake that covered Kashmir drained, and settlers moved in. Archeological findings near the hem of the mountains that ring the village seem to confirm that Zaloora was home to fisherman.
During the peak of the Buddhist era in Kashmir, Zaloora is said to have been home to a Bodvihar, sanctifying it as a place of religion and learning. During Badshah's reign, holy man Haji Lolo Reshi Baba Sahib, along with disciples, settled in Zaloora. Legend has it that he went on Haj (pilgrimage) 12 times.
Tribes
Local families (tribes) include: Mir, Bhat, War, Sheikh, Gianie and Gujar.
The Lone tribe is based mainly in northern Kashmir, although they gradually diffused throughout the valley. Members live in Zaloora and Sopore. The Baht (meaning "priest" or "scribe" in Sanskrit) are found commonly in states in J&K and elsewhere in India. "Sheikh" (or "Sheik") is an Arabic honorific meaning "elder". The origin of Gujar peoples in Zaloora is uncertain. They are now well-settled in Zaloora and speak Gujree. This tribe is classified as "Other Backward Class" (OBC). "Mir" is a title derived from the Arabic title (as "Emir"). It was given to great leaders during ancient times. Among Muslims, "Mir" became a synonym of "sayyid" as meaning a "relative of prophet Muhammad". The Mir family have a separate mahalla called "Mir Mahalla zaloora A".
Education
Zaloora is one of the most literate villages in Baramulla District. Several mohallas conducted programs to boost literacy rates and were key to that achievement.
The village has two high schools, one government-run, the other privately owned, four middle schools, five primary schools and was the first higher-educational village in Baramulla.