The Pir Panjal pass is 11,400 feet above sea level, and the neighbouring peaks are upwards of 16,000 feet high. Gulmarg is but one of the many mountains meadows are found at different elevations on the northern slopes of the Pir Panjal. The Kausar-nag, the largest mountain lake of Kashmir 13,000 feet above sea level, and over two miles long is on the
Pir panjal range. The lake is surrounded by some of the most picturesque of the Himalayan peaks. Near the bank of the Sutlej river, it dissociates itself from the Himalayas and forms a divide between the rivers Beas and Ravi on one side and the Chenab on the other. The famous Murree and Galliat mountains are also located in this range.Three of these peaks each about 15,500 high over the Kausar-nag.
G.T.Vigne, in his Travels, Vol I, page 265, writes: “Panjal is a Persian word, signifying a range of mountains. The Kashmirians call it Pansal, which more properly signifies a station where water is provided for passengers“. Stein says, “that the Pancala is the original of the modern Pantsal. (Rajtarangini vol II, p.396.)”
Habib Kaifwi of Jammu(17 may,1942) evokes Patriotic sentiments in the Kashmiri by his lines on the Pir Panjal:-
” Shafa Parwar tere chashimoo ka Pani
Hawawoun mai naveedi zindagani
Watan ki Abiroo Teri Bulandi
Mujay Sonpi Watan ne Pasbaani
Teri Azmaat Teri Haayat Jahan Mai
Hamari Sarbulandi Ki Nishani
Teri Agoosh mai Sotay Hai Badaal
Teray Daman Mai nadi Ki Rawani
Teray Daman Mai Puhwawoun Ki Katarain
Buhat Si Zarad Aksar Argawani “.
Reference:
Sufi,G.M.D (1996). Kashmir Under The Mughals. Kashir: Being A History Of Kashmir(pp.44-45) Delhi:Capital Publishing House.