Shopian derives its name from Mughal road- “SHAH-PAYAN”, i.e., Royal Stay

Shopian has decades old road connectivity with Anatnag as well as Kulgam. In the era by gone, Shopian was located on the famous Mughal road connecting Lahore and Srinagar. This old route has suffered from neglect during the last couples of centuries, except being traversed by Bakherwals and Gujjars on the eve of their seasonal migrations.


The currently under construction Mughal road is now expected to link District Shopian with the Districts of Poonch and Rajouri. In the event of its completion this road would be an alternate link between the two administrative divisions of the state and is likely to boost the economy.

District derives its name from the town of “SHOPIAN” about which Frederic Drew, while justifying the basis of its nomenclature, states that it is the distortion of word “SHAH-PAYAN”, i.e., Royal Stay. Shopian has been an ancient town of Kashmir, which among other factors in the past has historical importance since it is situated on the ancient imperial route commonly known as Mughal road. 


In view of its location coupled with trade and transit activities, Shopian was having one of the Wazarat Headquarters out of the six Wazarats of the time in Kashmir from 1872-1892 A.D. Consequent upon the reduction in the administrative divisions of Kashmir three Wazarats including Shopian ceased to exist.