The Chinar is Kashmir’s most celebrated tree, a symbol of this land’s beauty, culture, and heritage. In the Kashmiri language, Chinar is called ‘Boony,’ and according to linguists, the word ‘Boony’ derives from ‘Bhavani.’ From this perspective, it holds special religious significance. In the Kashmir Valley, wherever there is a temple or religious site, a Chinar tree can almost always be found nearby.
In truth, the Chinar is an integral part of Kashmir’s beauty. It is Kashmir’s heritage, a cultural thread woven into its very soul. The uniqueness of Chinar leaves lies in how they change color with the seasons. In summer, the Chinar’s leaves are deep green, while in autumn, they transform first to blood red, then deep yellow, and finally to golden yellow. It is believed that Chinar trees are also found in the northern temperate regions of North America, Eurasia, and North Africa. Among these, Kashmir has the highest concentration of Chinar trees. When I was at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study at Rashtrapati Niwas in Shimla, I saw three or four Chinar trees in the campus. It is believed that the Chinar tree has an extraordinarily long lifespan. Some claim its age can exceed three thousand years. This is not merely a tree, but a symbol of Kashmir’s Kashmiriyat, deeply influencing the life, history, and environment there. This tree is Kashmir’s identity, lovingly called “Boony” by its people. This characteristic sets the Chinar apart from other trees. The Chinar can grow 30 to 40 meters tall, and its shade spreads far and wide.
As mentioned, the Chinar has religious importance. Ancient temples and pilgrimage sites are often graced by Chinar trees. This tree is considered a symbol of peace and spirituality. The Chinar trees standing by Dal Lake and those in Naseem Bagh are special attractions for tourists.
The Chinar is not merely a symbol of beauty but is also extremely beneficial for the environment. Its leaves provide coolness and purify the atmosphere. The Chinar tree is a primary source of shade and cool air during summers in Kashmir’s cold climate. Its dried leaves serve as fuel in winter. Chinar wood is used for making furniture and handicrafts.
According to reports, the number of Chinar trees in Kashmir is declining. Either they are being cut down illegally or are not being properly maintained. Conservation of this tree is a critical need today. It is reported that in 1947, there were approximately 45,000 Chinar trees in Kashmir, but today this number is rapidly decreasing. Due to urbanization, illegal felling, and environmental changes, there has been a significant reduction in Chinar trees. The government has taken several steps for Chinar conservation. The tradition of celebrating ‘Chinar Day’ on March 15 has been initiated to raise awareness about this tree’s importance. Several schemes have also been launched for planting new Chinar saplings. The Chinar has left a deep imprint on Kashmir’s life, art, and literature. Designs of Chinar leaves are created on Kashmiri shawls, carpets, and papier-mâché items. Many poets and writers have mentioned the Chinar’s beauty in their works.
As stated earlier, the Chinar is a symbol of Kashmir’s cultural and natural heritage. It is not just a tree but Kashmir’s identity and an integral part of life here. It is our duty to conserve it. The Chinar is a priceless heritage not only for today’s generation but for generations to come.
‘Chinar’ is a Persian word. Clearly, this word must have become prevalent in Kashmir during Muslim rule. In this context, a folk tale is also popular in Kashmir. It is said that a king was traveling to Kashmir on horseback from the plains. It was autumn. The Chinar leaves in Kashmir had turned red. When the king saw a row of reddened Chinars from afar, he suddenly asked his chief attendant, pointing to the line of Chinars, ‘Een Chinar?’ meaning ‘What fire is this?’ It is said that from then on, this particular tree came to be known as ‘Chinar.’
The Chinar is a tall and magnificently broad tree. Its trunk is quite thick. It is said that within six to seven years, a Chinar can reach a height of seventy feet. The trunk circumference of Kashmir’s Chinars is generally found to be thirty-three feet and height up to a hundred feet! While there are Chinar trees every hundred yards in Kashmir, they are mainly found along lakes, rivers, and roadsides in the valley. The prominent and famous Chinar gardens include Naseem, Vijayeshwar (today’s Bijbehara), and Narayan Bagh (adjacent to Shadipur). Chinars are also found in the gardens, temples, mosques, schools, and college campuses of the Kashmir Valley. The two small islands of the world-famous Dal Lake, ‘Sona Lank’ (Golden Lanka) and ‘Rupa Lank’ (Silver Lanka), are centers of attraction for tourists and locals primarily because of their magnificent Chinars.
It is said that Emperor Akbar had a Chinar garden planted on the shores of Dal Lake in 1635 CE. Twelve hundred Chinars were planted in this garden. This garden is now called ‘Naseem Bagh.’ The Chinar garden of Vijayeshwar is said to have been planted by Dara Shikoh. The trunk circumference of the oldest Chinar in this garden is reported to be fifty-two feet. However, this Chinar has now succumbed to time. The Chinar thrives in temperate climates. It can be grown from both cuttings and seeds. After planting, considerable care is needed for four to five years. But after this period, no special attention is required. Chinar trees have been planted in several warm climate regions as well. However, they do not flourish here as much as they do in temperate climate regions. In November-December, Chinar leaves fall, and the tree remains bare throughout winter.
New leaves begin to appear on its branches in April-May. It is widely believed in Kashmir that when new Chinar leaves grow to the size of swan’s feet, the air passing through them cures tuberculosis. Perhaps when Chinar leaves reach the size of a swan’s foot, they release more oxygen, which is why this belief is prevalent in Kashmir. Very few people know that Chinars also flower. These flowers are so small that people don’t even notice their existence. Over a hundred of these tiny flowers together form a small ball. Two to six such balls hang in clusters from a small, thin, delicate branch. According to botanists, male and female flowers hang in separate clusters on different branches. The colors of these male and female flowers are yellow and green, respectively. The male flower cluster is more delicate than the female flower cluster. Male flower clusters fall early in spring, but female flower clusters remain with the tree longer to produce seeds. Chinar seeds are very light and small.
The Chinar’s influence extends to Kashmir’s handicrafts. Chinar leaves are embroidered on the world-famous shawls here, enhancing their beauty manifold. Shawls with Chinar leaf designs are named ‘Chinar-dor.’ Artisans who make beautiful wooden items, carpets, felt rugs, and papier-mâché proudly carve, weave, embroider, and paint Chinar leaves on their handcrafted products.
The Kashmiri language has several idioms influenced by the Chinar. When faced with a difficult task, people often say ‘yi gav botri muhul tarun.’ Similarly, to emphasize someone’s extreme obesity, the idiom is ‘bonyi gwad hyu’ (meaning like a Chinar trunk).
Excellent plywood is made from Chinar wood. Beautiful and durable tables and chairs are crafted from its wood. Chinar wood also serves as fuel. Not just its wood, but its leaves are also useful. When Chinar leaves fall from branches in November-December, these crispy brown leaves save thousands of people from the deadly winter cold. The fallen dry leaves are collected and burned to make charcoal. A kangri filled with charcoal from Chinar leaves provides no less comfort to any Kashmiri in winter than sitting in an air-conditioned room.
Author is Former Fellow, IIAS, Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla, Ex-Member, Hindi Salahkar Samiti, Ministry of Law & Justice (Govt. of India). He can be mailed at skraina123@gmail.com
