Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir: Long before Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport became India’s aviation cornerstone in 1928, the skies of Kashmir witnessed a historic milestone. Nestled in Srinagar’s Batamaloo area, the Batamaloo International Airport (originally at Chandmari-Totto Ground) welcomed the first aircraft to Jammu & Kashmir in 1925, marking the region’s entry into the age of aviation three years before Mumbai’s famed airport was established.
A Flight into History
On May 15, 1925, a pioneering aircraft landed at Totto Ground (Chandmari, Batamaloo), captivating locals who had never seen such a machine. The event, verified by Roznama Tareekh-e-Kashmir (Page 620) authored by Mufti M. Saadat, corrects earlier claims attributing the landing to 1922. This demonstration flight not only showcased technological progress but also sparked curiosity and wonder among Kashmiris, many of whom perceived the plane as a “flying jinn.”
Folklore and the “Flying Jinn”
Dr. Ashraf Kashmiri, a researcher, recounts a charming anecdote from local lore: villagers, believing the aircraft required sustenance, brought grass and bones to the site, much like they did when bicycles first arrived in the valley. The incident reflects both the innocence of the era and the region’s famed hospitality.
Tara Chand Wazir: Kashmir’s First Aviator
Tara Chand Wazir, grandfather of Rekha Wazir, etched his name in history as the first Kashmiri to fly in an airplane. His daring feat inspired folk songs performed by wandering singers (ladi-shah and Baand), celebrating the marvel of flight.
One popular verse translated from Kashmiri reads:
“The aeroplane arrived in the land of Kashmir, Those who heard trembled, seeking God’s mercy. The first to soar were Sham Sundar Lal Dhar and Tarak Wazir!”
Wazir’s legacy, now shared on social media, highlights his role in bridging tradition and modernity.
Correcting the Record
The article addresses a historical correction: while some sources credited the 1922 date, archival evidence firmly places the landing in 1925. This revision underscores the importance of preserving accurate regional history.
A Legacy Overshadowed?
The dedication to Mohammad Naxir Fida and Bansilal Kuchroo, likely early contributors to Kashmir’s progress, accompanies a poignant critique: “Thanks to our leaders for our backwardness.” This nod to unresolved developmental challenges contrasts with the region’s early aviation achievement.
Preserving Kashmir’s Aviation Heritage
Dr. Ashraf Kashmiri, who compiled this history, emphasizes the need to celebrate Batamaloo’s role in India’s aviation journey. As Srinagar’s Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport now dominates air travel, the story of Totto Ground serves as a reminder of Kashmir’s forgotten pioneering spirit.
For further details, contact Dr. Ashraf Kashmiri at [email protected].
