INDIA. Kamri pass, Himalayas, between Kashmir & Indus, antique print, 1885

CAPTION BELOW PICTURE: 'The pass of Kamri, Himalaya Mountains, India, between Kashmir and the Indus '

Kashmir Earthquake 1885
Kashmir 1885:Walter R. Lawrence writing in 1895 mentions 11 earthquakes since the 15th century, four in the 19th (one in 1827), and the last two in 1864 and 1885. On page 213 he describes the 1885 earthquake and comments that the wattle-and daub thatched, and timber-frame houses (mud bricks surrounded by a frame of wood) of the Kashmir valley demonstrated greater resistance to earthquake damage than masonry and stone buildings. He comments further that tents were held in readiness for further large aftershocks for at least a decade following the 1885 earthquake. Now, 120 years after this earlier Kashmir earthquake many of the structures that caused this year's 74,000 fatalities occurred through the collapse of concrete skeleton structures were assembled in the past half century by people who had no knowledge of the intensity of shaking in an earthquake, or Kashmir's long history of repeated destruction by earthquakes.
"The earthquake of 1885 commenced on May 30 and shocks more or less violent were felt up to August 16. Houses were destroyed and there was general panic, people sleeping for many days out of doors. It is said that 3,500 persons were killed , and the number of cattle, ponies and other domestic animals crushed by falling buildings was enormous. Baramula and Patan seem to have suffered the most, and large earth fissures were caused, from which it is reported that sulphur fumes and inflammable gasses were emitted. Many old water springs disappeared and landslips occurred, one of which at Lari Dura in the Krihun Tahsil, revealed fossil Singhara nuts at an elevation of about 1500 feet above the level of the Wular Lake. It has been suggested that the style of architecture in Kashmir is not calculated to withstand the shocks of an earthquake , but the inhabitants claim that the apparently frail structures escape when heavier and more massive buildings would succumb, and it must be remembered that the temples of Patan and the Palace of Srinigar suffered in 1885. Even now I have noticed in the courtyards of many villagers houses a temporary wigwam, which is always kept in readiness for shelter in times of shocks, and the dread of another earthquake is always present."
Lawrence, W. R., (1895) The Valley of Kashmir. Henry Froude, London, pp. 478

(Source Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences)

DATE PRINTED: 1885    

IMAGE SIZE: Approx 15.0 x 22.5cm, 5.75 x 8.75 inches (Medium)

TYPE: Antique wood engraved print

CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. However, please note: The image shown may have been scanned from a different example of this print than that which is offered for sale: The print you will receive is in Good condition but there may be minor variations in the condition compared to that shown in the image. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not obtrusive unless otherwise stated. We offer a no questions asked return policy.

AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic historic print, published at the date stated above. It is not a modern copy.

VERSO: There are images and/or text printed on the reverse side of the picture. In some cases this may be visible on the picture itself (please check the scan prior to your purchase) or around the margin of the picture.

ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Unsigned

PROVENANCE: The Graphic