1899.] SOIL AND CLIMATE OF THEWALLEY. 119 
That this description is on the whole as accurate as Alberuni’s other 
data regarding Kasmir, will be easily seen by a reference to the detailed 
statements of Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Eliot . 1 2 What chiefly characterizes 
the climate of Kasmir as against that of the Indian plains, is the 
absence of a rainy season and the equally marked absence of excessive 
heat. The moderate temperature of the Kasmir summer is ensured by 
the high elevation of the Valley, and has at all times been duly appre¬ 
ciated by its inhabitants as well as its visitors. 
Kalhana already proudly claims this exemption from the torments 
of a fierce sun as one of the favours accorded to his country by the gods. 8 
His enthusiastic description of a Kasmir summer passed “ in the regions 
above the forests ” shows that he was no stranger to the charms of that 
season in the alpine parts of the country. 3 More than once he refers to 
the sufferings which the heat of an Indian summer outside the Valley 
inflicts on Kasmirian exiles. Even in the hill regions immediately to 
the south of Pir Pantsal the hot season with its accompanying fevers 
has often proved disastrous to the Kasmirian troops employed there. 4 * 
On the other hand we find also the rigours of a Kasmir winter 
duly illustrated by the Chronicle's narrative. We may refer to the 
description of the heavy and continued snowfall which followed Sussala’s 
murder in Phalguna of 1128 a.d., the freezing of the Vitasta in the 
winter of 1087-8 a.d., etc. 6 The graphic account of Bhoja’s flight to the 
Upper Kisanganga Valley shows us in full detail the difficulties which 
attend a winter-march over the snow-covered mountains to the north of 
the Valley. 6 Eor do we fail to be reminded otherwise of the great" 
differences in climate which are implied by the varying altitudes of 
Kasmir localities. 7 
Exceptionally early snowfall in the autumn such as saved the 
garrison of the frontier fort on the Dugdhaghata Pass, has always been 
known and dreaded even low down in the Valley. The danger it 
represents for the rice crops is illustrated by Kalhana’s account of the 
famines resulting from such premature snowfalls. 8 
1 See Lawrence, p. 24 sqq. 
2 See i. 41. 
8 ii. 138. 
4 Compare vii. 970; viii. 1634, 1830, 1836,1865; regarding the fever-season of 
Rajapuri and neighbouring districts, my note viii. 1873. 
8 Bdjat. viii. 1376 sqq. ; 1434 sqq. ; vii. 592. 
6 See viii. 2710 sqq. It must be remembered that as much as forty to sixty feet 
of snow falls in a severe winter on the higher ranges around Kasmir; see also viii. 
411. 
I Compare vii. 916; viii. 2511; ii. 138. 
8 See ii. 18 sqq. ; viii. 2449. 
