A stately tree, Chinar (Platanus oriental is), is noted for its antiquity, splendor, cool shade, and royal touch. The tree can reach a height of 30 m and a circumference of more than 12 m in some situations. The leaves are borne alternately on the stem, strongly 5-7 lobed with 12-20 cm length and palmate or maple-like with long stalk, and the bark is greyish. Flowers are monoecious and unisexual, with thick spherical heads.

For millennia, the Chinar trees have been a vital element of Kashmir's landscape, and they hold a great deal of historical significance. In fact, the oldest Chinar in Kashmir is said to have been planted in 1374 and is almost 600 years old. It is 14.78 meters tall and is located in Kashmir's Budgam district. The tree was adored by Mughal Emperors such as Akbar, Nur-ud-Din Muhammad Jahangir, and even Aurangzeb. It has even been dubbed the "royal tree." Following his conquest of Kashmir in 1586, the great Emperor Akbar is supposed to have planted over 1,200 trees.On Dal Lake, there is a small Chinar Island. 'Char Chinar' is a lovely island in Srinagar's Dal Lake. The island's name comes from the fact that it has four Chinar trees planted on it. Emperor Jahangir erected these four trees in such a way that they will always cast a shadow on the island. They are one of Kashmir's most popular tourist destinations.
Every scene down the slopes, cities, and towns are surrounded by the exquisite towering Chinars in the valley's environs. The tree is also very popular among the locals, who enjoy sitting in its shade and soaking in the cool breeze. The soothing shade of one devoted Chinar cannot be matched by a thousand permeable thatches.
In Kashmiri religion, politics, literature, and romance, the significance of the Chinar tree is very prominent. The tree is not only an important part of Kashmir's history, but it also holds a particular place in the hearts of Kashmiris. The Chinar tree stands tall, bearing witness to countless natural disasters and enduring hot summer days, frigid winter nights, rainy spring showers, and brisk autumn breezes with grace.
The Chinar tree is locally known as 'Bouin' in Kashmir, and its name comes from the Sanskrit term 'Bhawani,' which means Goddess. The Chinar trees, a religious emblem, can be found in the Kheer Bhawani temple as well as other Goddess Bhawani shrines throughout Kashmir. These lovely trees can also be seen at Kashmir's most famous mosques and shrines, such as Sultan-ul-Arifeen and Hazratbal.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah has titled his autobiography 'Aatish-e-Chinar,' which means Flames of Chinar. 'The Chinar Leaves' was the title of a memoir written by Makhan Lal Fotedar, a famous leader of the Indian National Congress who was also a Kashmiri. This huge tree is also mentioned in literature like James Hilton Knowles' 'A Dictionary of Kashmiri Proverbs and Sayings' and Sir Walter Lawrence's 'The Valley of Kashmir.' Several poets have also contributed poetry to this magnificent tree.
The tree's beauty is its deep green hue in the spring and summer, which changes to a blazing red in the autumn. As a result, Chinar is a Persian word that means "fame, fire, and blaze." Autumn is a season that honours the Chinar like no other! The Kashmiri Chinar tree is at its most beautiful. The brilliant red leaves, which turn the entire tree red, as well as their rustling sound and a rush of wind in the air, give everything a fantastic appearance. This scenery is impossible not to fall in love with and wonder at the beauty that nature has bestowed upon us.
The Chinar tree not only adds to the beauty of Kashmir, but it also has a number of additional benefits. It also has a number of medical benefits. Chinar bark possesses anti-rheumatic and anti-scorbutic properties. When the bark is boiled in vinegar, it can be used to treat dysentery and diarrhoea. The tree's fresh leaves can be used to treat eye discomfort as well as conjunctivitis.
Even after they have fallen off, the tree's leaves are still helpful. They're used to generate charcoal for a Kashmiri pot known as a 'Kangri,' which is used to keep warm on a cold winter day.
The fall in the number of Chinar trees in Kashmir over the last few years is extremely alarming. The trees are now on the verge of becoming extinct. Trees were cut down by the public and the government for road building and widening. Despite the government's rules prohibiting the cutting down of these trees, it is disheartening to learn that unlawful tree falling continues.
The Chinar tree's beauty is truly amazing. It is an important element of Kashmir's rich history, and Kashmir would be incomplete without it. We sincerely hope that the Kashmir’s Chinar trees heritage will go on and that the trees will continue to stand tall in all their glorious splendour.

Writer is a research scholar Life- Sciences
Email:----Eyramkhan786@gmail.com