 Banihal town has 645 houses and is divided into seven electoral wards.According to the Rajatarangini (C-1000-1011 AD) – a chronicle that recorded the history of Kashmir and its Kingdoms and Kings, Banihal was known as ‘Vishalta’ in the 11th Century and was a very narrow mountain valley which was used as an escape route by revolting Princes, rebel Chieftains, and even conspirators from Kashmir.In the 11th Century, a small fort called ‘Bansalla’ also existed below the old Banihal Pass.