Sunil Vaid
World Heritage Day is celebrated every year on April 18 to preserve the human heritage, diversity and vulnerability of the World’s built monuments and heritage sites. Also, the efforts required to protect and conserve it and draw attention towards it. Monuments and ancient buildings are an asset to the World. They make for the rich heritage of the nation. Therefore World heritage day is a collective effort of the communities in the World to do the needful. Let us take pride and revisit the rich heritage sites in UT of J&K. The rich heritage of J&K UT is an important part of its identity. The UT boasts a number of massive forts, exquisite palaces, along with impressive gardens, ancient temples & mosques as heritage sites for people to get an idea about the guardians of architecture and history. Both Jammu and Kashmir Regions are quite interesting to visit on a heritage trip.
Heritage in Jammu region
Jammu promises valuable insights into the regions of glorious history. The heritage sites in Jammu region include Hindu temples, a Buddhist site and a tomb along with many forts and palaces.
The Akhnoor fort is one of the top heritage sites in Jammu that sits comfortably on a cliff with the river Chenab and narrates history from Harrapan to Kushan Period.
Mubarak Mandi is another popular historical palace in Jammu that sheds light on its rich heritage. Once the royal residence of Maharajas of Jammu and Kashmir from Dogra dynasty, it is magnificent blend of Rajasthan and Mughal architecture.
The ancient Bahu fort in Jammu is yet another important monument to see as a Heritage in Jammu. Dating back to about 3000 years ago, the fort also boasts a famous temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali, Bawe Wali Mata temple. The J&K administration has taken initiative in beautifying the Bahu Fort as a Bagh-e-Bahu complex housing Bagh-e-Bahu garden, aquarium, shopping complexes and amusement park for children.
Amar Mahal palace is another historically important heritage attraction in Jammu which boasts of very fine architecture. It has been converted to a museum that exhibits the golden throne made of pure gold on which Maharaja Amar Singh used to sit. The museum also houses a library that preserves 25,000 books on varied subjects.
Poonch Fort is another magnificent land mark in the run down of historical places and monuments in Jammu and Kashmir. This stands out amongst the most attractive forts to visit depicting mughal architecture.
A historical asset like Bhimgarh Fort is another addition of sculpture of Jammu and Kashmir that is located in Reasi. At first, the fort was constructed with mud/ clay that were later on reconstructed with using stones by Maharaja Rash pal Rana and later addition of Allure grand entry by Maharaja Gulab Singh.
Raghunath temple is a famous Hindu temple consisting of several Hindu shrines constructed by Maharaja Gulab Singh and finally completed by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860.The regal temple has many Gods and Goddesses, but the presiding deity is of Lord Rama the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Shiv Khori temple, a divine shrine of Lord Shiva, is located in the form of a cave on hillock in Reasi District. Ranbishwar temple, nestled in the heart of beautiful city Jammu and is one of the oldest and largest Shiv temple.
Ram Nagar fort is near Sheesh Mahal Udhampur, J&K, India. Ram Nagar fort is believed to have been built by Raja Suchet Singh, who died in 1844. His wife performed Sati nearby. There is Samadhi of Maharani at the site where the sati was performed. The Fort was renovated and undertaken by ASI in 1972.
Heritage in Kashmir Region
Kashmir is dotted with a large number of heritage sites that include not only palaces and gardens Buddhist Ruins mosques as well as Hindu temples.
Amongst the top heritage attractions in Kashmir region is Parimahal, also known as abode of Fairies. Built for mughal prince, Dara shikoh, Pari Mahal or Zabarwan mountains is a 17th century palace.
Sheesh Mahal in Srinagar is another fine example of exquisite Mirror work from where it derives its name. It is one of the finest heritage sites in Kashmir that reflects its glorious heritage.
Hari Parbat fort is another fine example of Kashmiri architecture. The ancient temples at Narestha Tral; ruins of ancient temples and spring of Kothar, Nowgam,Anantnag, Pattan, Awantipora, Mosque and Tomb of Madin Sahib Hawal, Srinagar; Mamleshwar temple at Mamal, Pahalgam; ruins temple at Ferozepur, Drung; ancient Buddhist site situated in compartment No 30 at Hioner (Lidroo) Pahalgam. The world famous Mughal gardens namely Shalimar, Nishat and Chashma Shahi which are done in Persian style of Architecture are some of the heritage sites of Kashmir.
Hazrat Bal shrine, also known as holiest shrine in Kashmir, where hair strand of Prophet Mohammad is preserved. The hair is also called the relic or Moi-e-Muqaddas. The word hazrat means holy/respected and Bal means shrine. Due to its popularity it is the most visited place in Srinagar and it boasts an impressive architecture. The Dome and minaret display the influence of Mughal architecture, though also has the influence of Kashmir architecture as well.
The Shankaracharya temple, also known as the Jyosteshwara temple or par-pahar by Buddhists. Shankaracharya temple, the temple of lord Shiva is situated on the top of the shankaracharya hill or the Suleman Hill in the Zaberwan Mountains in Srinagar, Kashmir. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is on the Summit of the same name at height of 1000 ft above the plain and overlooks the city of Srinagar.
On this day we should pledge to promote awareness about diversity of cultural heritage of humanity in general and J&K in particular, their vulnerability and efforts required for their protection and conservation. Let us celebrate the day to maintain legacy and save the rich heritage which has been transferred to us by our ancestors.
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