Ajay Khajuria
Recent reports in the press that the Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society has again invited offers for engaging Transactional Advisors for converting part of the protected Mubarak Mandi Complex into a heritage hotel, have rekindled concern and dismay amongst members of Jammu’s Civil Society. The reactivation of the proposal which, in effect, will dismantle the outstanding value of the historic monument is baffling, especially when it is known that the historical complex is an architectural marvel, representing the priceless heritage of J&K and is a protected monument under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1920,which cannot be converted into a Hotel.
Pertinently, it was after being specifically advised by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), that conversion of any part of the protected monument into a hotel is not permissible, that the Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society, has already formulated and approved a comprehensive master plan for conservation and adaptive reuse of the heritage complex in accordance with the norms. The conservation work on several heritage buildings was also commenced in right earnest soon after the Master Plan was sanctioned, nearly five years ago, and in which there is no provision for conversion of any part of the complex into a hotel. The reasons for subsequently stalling the conservation work midway and, covertly, ushering in the appalling idea of converting part of the complex into a heritage hotel, remains a mystery to this date.
The public uproar that followed when this discordant intent first became publicly known in 2021 had, in fact, resulted in the matter being put on hold, and assurances given by the powers that be, that conservation of the complex will be carried out in a manner whereby its past glory and its standing as the identity and pride of the people of the region is restored. It seems, however, that public memory being perceived as short, and with inevitable changes at the higher echelons of the UT administration over time, the interested parties have, apparently, considered this to be an opportune time to revive the unsavory diversion from the approved conservation plan.
Outstanding historical monuments like the Mubarak Mandi Complex are protected by law because they are an important component of the cultural heritage of the local inhabitants and have a profound impact on their lives. As also brought out in the columns of this prestigious daily earlier (Conserving Mubarak Mandi, the Symbol of Jammu’s Regional Identity; D.E. 08-11-2020), besides giving them a sense of Identity, protected monuments symbolize the best of political, economic, cultural and knowledge traditions passed on by the previous generations and, therefore, their conservation being considered essential, stands properly codified.
It needs to be noted that the Mubarak Mandi complex, being amongst the largest such complexes in Northern India, is a symbol of the best of traditions of the Dogras, the inhabitants of the region, irrespective of the faith that they follow. Though dating back to the eighteenth century, the complex embodies a glorious historical and architectural legacy of the turbulent nineteenth century when, after creation of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir by them, it remained the seat of reformist and progressive governance for over a century, till the merger of the erstwhile State with the Indian Union in 1947. Witness to abolition of age-old social evils like ‘Sati’, ‘Begar’ and untouchability; introduction of codified criminal laws; construction of irrigation canals and power houses; encouragement to arts and architecture and establishment of institutions of higher education in Jammu as well as Srinagar, which signified a thinking ahead of the times, Mubarak Mand remained the cultural hub of the people of the region over successive centuries. Besides its symbolic significance, therefore, this magnificent monument is the ideal platform today for showcasing the rich culture of the Dogras to the World, and for providing awareness and ensuring continuity forfuture generations. Its conversion into a hotel would deliver an irreversible setback to the identity and social cohesion of the inhabitants of the region.
Equally, if not more damaging, is likely to be the loss in terms of its potential for boosting the tourism economy of the UT. As indicated in the columns of this prestigious paper on another occasion (Time to Clinch Restoration of Mubarak Mandi, as per Conservation Norms; D. E. 30-10-2022),heritage and culture-based tourism comprises a major segment of the tourism industry across the World today. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), ascribes around 40% of the total international tourism to the cultural-heritage based tourism segment alone. In fact, it is the back bone of the Indian Tourism Industry, which yielded over $ 30 billion in foreign exchange during the year 2019. Conservation of the complex as per norms, and its adaptive reuse as a cultural heritage center, is aimed at putting Jammu on the cultural tourism map of the World, attracting international tourist footfall and taking its tourism economy to new heights.
A common misconception, locally, that Tourism in Rajasthan is generated by its heritage hotels also stands dispelled earlier. Actually, it is the successful preservation of its protected monuments in their original form, strictly as per law, and meticulously adhering to internationally accepted principles and guidelines, by it, that the State of Rajasthan has been able to get eight of its protected monuments inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is these inscribed sites like Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal and other well-preserved monuments that are the major attractions, along with its festivals and other manifestations of its unique culture, like its famous colorful apparel, dances, handicrafts etc. that attract International tourists, yielding billions of dollars in foreign exchange to Rajasthan’s tourism industry each year. Heritage Hotels being privately owned entities, are mere beneficiaries like other hotels and restaurants in the State which remain dependent on tourists coming to Rajasthan to study and experience its multifarious cultural heritage, especially protected monuments.
A number of other States and Union Territories, like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, etc., have also succeeded in similarly attracting International tourists by showcasing their heritage and culture. There is no precedence of a protected monument having been converted into a hotel, which would amount to killing the proverbial Goose that laid the Golden eggs.
The other misconception, that conversion into a hotel is the only way to generate funds for maintenance and upkeep of the protected monument, is another fallacy, perhaps floated for justifying a course of action which is actually illegal and untenable. The ways and means for generating funds for meeting the maintenance and operational costs of the Complex already stand adequately spelled out in the approved conservation and adaptive reuse plan, which is based on tried and tested best practices in vogue for protected monuments all over the World. This includes revenue from entry tickets, rentals, permissions and outsourcing of other ethno-recreational activities like cultural programs, laser / sound and light shows, ethnic food stalls, festivals, etc. While adhering to the legal and international instruments, these revenue earning methods are deployed successfully to make the complex self-sustaining without tampering with its original structure or fabric. The objective, in any case, is to promote Culture and Tourism, and not to make profits.
Another important aspect is that Jammu’s tourism economy has already come under considerable strain with shifting of the railhead from Jammu to Katra, and is likely to further aggravate after Kashmir gets rail connectivity with the rest of the country. A cultural heritage center will serve to offset the reduction of footfall, as benefits will accrue to the entire tourism industry including existing hotels& restaurants, travel agents& tour operators, transporters including taxi & auto rickshaw operators, as well as other commercial businesses. It will rejuvenate the old city areas especially in the vicinity of the complex, like Pacci Dhaki, Panjtirthi, Chowk Chabutra, Jain Bazar, Pacca Danga etc.,by creation of new business and job opportunities.
The matter being of grave concern involving issues like the sanctity of the rule of law, the sensitivities of the people of Jammu, and the well-being of Jammu’s tourism economy, therefore, needs to be reviewed on highest priority, to avoid irretrievably depriving our future generations of a priceless heritage, and killing the metaphoric Golden Goose, that we are duty bound to hold in trust, for passing on to them in its full grandeur.
(The author is a member of ICOMOS, and formerly Director Tourism and founding Member-Secretary (ex-officio) cum Executive Director of the Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society)
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