Why does Jammu and Kashmir have separate summer and winter capitals?

The practice of maintaining separate summer and winter capitals in Jammu and Kashmir is a long-standing administrative tradition designed to manage the region's diverse geography and climate.

Srinagar, located in the Vale of Kashmir, serves as the summer capital because of its temperate climate during the warmer months. Conversely, Jammu, situated in the southern plains, serves as the winter capital, providing a more accessible administrative base when the higher-altitude regions experience harsh winter conditions. This seasonal migration of the government, historically known as the "darbar move," ensures that the administration remains functional and accessible to the population throughout the year despite the significant climatic variations between the two regions.12