Srinagar  is the shortened word  of “ShriNagara”.Kalhana, the author  of Raj Tarangni  wrote  that “ShriNagara” was founded by  king Ashoka at Purana Disthana- now known as Pandrethan which falls presently  within municipal limits of Srinagar and save a sun temple and some stone carvings and long lines of loose rubbles, no other remains are there  of the old capital city.
Since 272 B.C till Dogra  rule capital city changed frequently its location and ambrenices  from Pandrethan to Parwazpora,   Badgair Malik Aangan, Nav-Shahr and the city grew  and expanded   on the banks of River Jehlum.
During Afgan rule in Kashmir (1752-1819) a fort named Shergari was  built on left  bank of River Jehlum  and  another bridge  close  to this fort  across  River Jehlum,  came up which is known as Amira Kadal.

Dogra rulers  first selected  Shergari fort  at their palace, built  many Government buildings around, but later they shifted their palace to lake front and used the Shergari fort as their secretariat.
Srinagar Municipality was first established   during Doogra rule under Municipal Act 1886. In 1960, Municipality covered  an area of 28 sq. K.M. Consequent upon rapid growth ,  the city limits have further been  extended  in 1978. As it stood  in the year 2000, Municipality  consisted  of 17 wards with 592 Mohallas and  villages  and covered an area  of about 177 Sq. K.M.

Srinagar City  has grown   over the past 1100 years  at an average elevation  of 1586 mtrs above M.S.L on either banks or River Jehlum of Kashmir Valley so vast and so level that even the people living  here   have forgotten  that they live in  Himaliyas.
Making  a sharp loop,  the River Jehlum  swirls  through the heart of the city.
As it is stood in the year 2000 A.D. , the city  cradled  along jhelum  over  a length of about  20 Km and an average depth  of about 5 Km,  each on either side of the River Jhelum. The city  has  distinctly  a twin city character. The old city is  huddled brick to brick  and roof to  roof  in most parts and new extensions  are on all directions  on peripheral ends of the city and south and west of Tsunti kul and Kutikul upto flood spill channel is   of commercial administrative  and recreational activities.