Jammu and Kashmir A vast state which includes Ladakh, J&k has Srinagar as it's summer capital and Jammu, farther south on the plains, as the winter capital. The Kashmir valley or the Vale of Kashmir, is a fertile, verdant region enclosed by the high snow capped ridges of the Pir Panjal range to the west and south, and the main Himalyan range to the east. Its population is predominantly Muslim, with a rich Islamic history which can be traced back to the 14th century. South of the Kashmir Valley is the region of Jammu, saituated on the north Indian plains, a short distance from the Siwalik Hills and drained by the Chenab river whose vast catchment area includes several narrow valleys that extend deep into the high Himalya. Making the state full of wide cultural and geographical contrasts. The state has a turbulent modern history. The population, predominantly Muslim was ruled by a Hindu Maharaja, in whose hands was left the decision of whether to merge with Muslim Pakistan or India. The indecisive maharaja only made his decision when a Pakistani group from north-west Pakistan was already crossing his borders, and the inevitable result was the first India-Pakistan conflict.