JAMMU & KASHMIR

Jammu & Kashmir has the distinction of being one of the ethnically

most important states of the country owing its diverse

religion, language and culture. The state is divided into three

distinct regions – Ladakh, Jammu and the Kashmir valley. The state offers

a rich diversity of landscapes, religions, and people.

The Kashmir valley is a mosaic of forests, waterways and covered with

snow clad mountains.

The Jammu region is a religious hotspot of the Hindus. The shrine of Mata

Vaishno Devi is situated here.

The Ladakh region is situated on the high altitude of Himalayan

Mountains and is a sparsely populated desert studded with Buddhist

monasteries which are its main attraction. 

The state has a rich cultural heritage and has a wealth of ancient

literature, language, religion, arts and crafts, dance, music and delicious

cuisines. The popular clothing are usually made of wool and has a lot of

embroidery work done on it. These eye-catching dresses are decorated

with colorful floral designs. Jammu & Kashmir offers an opportunity to feel

the rich and diversified tradition in the Indian culture. Experience the

stark beauty of the land scapes and enjoy the colourful fairs and festivals

with the people of this ancient land

Jammu  district  derives  its name from the city of  Jammu  which besides  being 

the winter capital of the state, is known as  the city  of  temples. Jammu, the Duggar

land where the past still has a living presence.  It is believed that the city was 

originally founded  by  Raja Jamboo Lochan who lived in  fourteenth  century B.C.  

The Raja had gone out one day for hunting when he happened to witness  a tiger

and a goat drinking water from one  and  the same pond.  This extraordinary

phenomenon set him thinking and he decided to build a city at this site so that the

strong and weak could  live together in peace and mutual tolerance. Raja Jambu

Lochan, who lived in the later vedic period, decided to found his capital ,

Jambupura, on his soil, on the right bank of the Tawi. He founded the city which

came to be known as "Jamboo" after his own  name.  With the passage of time and

due to its frequent use the  pronunciation  of  the name got slightly distorted  and 

the city, came to be known as 'Jammu' as it is called. His brother king Bahu's fort

created the temple of Maha Kali ( better known as Bahu or Bawey Wali Mata),

located in the Bahufort, is considered second only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of

mystical power. The present temple was built shortly after the coronation of

Maharaja Gulab singh, in 1822. The existing fort, as well as the Manasabdar's

palace inside it, was constructed in 1820.   

Jammu is situated on a hillock, on the bank of river Tawi and is

bound by Udhampur district in the north and northeast , Kathua district in the east

and southeast, Pakistan (Sialkote) in west and Rajauri district and POK (Bhimber) in

the northwest. Its skyline was once dotted with glittering spires of temples. These

spikes are no longer visible as most of these are hidden behind multi storyed

buildings. The city has numerous shrines for Muslims, Sikhs & Christians also.

Jammu also serves as base camp for the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi. Jammu is

also the Railhead of the state.

Jammu is justly famous for its temples. In fact it is known as the city of temples and

the every fame of its tends to overshadow its palaces, forts, forests and powerful

ziarats. If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the dargah of Peer Budhan Ali

Shah is the other shrine that protects Jammuites. The other major tourist attraction

is the Ragunath Temple Complex. Maharaja Gulab Singh began the construction of

the Raghunath Mandir Complex in the crowded downtown Bazaar named after it, in

1851. It was left to his son, Ranbir Singh, to inaugurate it six years later perhaps the

most popular temple north of Benares, it contains representations of almost entire

Hindu pantheon, though the emphasis falls on the various incarnations of Lord

Vishnu. The complex houses a rich collection of ancient texts and manuscripts.

District Jammu falls in sub-mountainous region at the foothills of the Himalayas.

Shivalik range rises gradually in the north part of the district and merges with the

Indo-Gangetic plains in the south. Jammu city is at an elevation of 1030 feet above

the sea level.

District Jammu falls in sub-mountainous region at the foothills of the Himalayas.

Shivalik range rises gradually in the north part of the district and merges with the

Indo-Gangetic plains in the south. Jammu city is at an elevation of 1030 feet above

the sea level.

It is largest populated District of the state and second largest in terms of population

density and falls under the category 'B'. The literacy percentage of the District is

77% in as per 2001 census which was highest in the state.

LOCATION

Jammu is located 74 degree 24' and 75 degree 18', East longitude and 32 degree

50' and 33 degree 30' North latitude. It is approximately 600 Kms away from

National Capital, New Delhi and is linked with a National Highway.

TEMPREATURE

The temperature varies from cold in winter with minimum temperature touching even

0.9 degree Centigrade to heat wave in summers when the temperature shoots upto

46 degree centigrade. Jammu District is spread over an area of 3097 Sq Kms and

has a population of about 15.88 lakhs as per the estimates of 2001.

ADMINISTRATION

District has been divided into 5 tehsils , 11 blocks 13 towns including one

municipality 1192 villages and 201 panchayats including 41 command areas.

POPULATION DESTINY

As  per the census of 2001,the district has a population of  15.88 lakh.The average

density  of population  in the district as per census of 2001 is 513 persons per

square km.

AREA UTILISATION

The  total  area of Jammu district is 3097  square  kilometers. In 2005-06,  the net

area sown was 1.05 lakh acres. Adding to it, the areas  sown  more than once which

was of the order of  1.08 lakh acres, the gross cultivated area works out to be 2.13

Lakh acres

OCCUPATION PATTERN

According  to  census of 2001 the occupation pattern of the District is such that  the

number of Cultivators is 134576, Agriculture Labourer is 27523, Business man 8042

and other 358190. The percentage of agricultural labourer is about

25% of the total working force.

CLIMATE

Jammu district has a sub tropical climate with hot and dry climate in summer and

cold climate in winter. Being in the foothills of the mountains, nights are generally

cooler than what they are in the neighbouring areas of Punjab. Minimum and

Maximum temperature is around 4 Degree Celsius and 47 Degree Celsius

respectively.

Rainy season usually starts from the end of June or the beginning of July. Average

rainfall in the district is about 1246 mm.

GENERAL TOURISM

Amar Mahal Palace Museum

This is a beautiful palace of red sand stone which stands amidst the most

picturesque environments of Jammu. There is beautiful view of the Shivaliks at the

north and the River Tawi flows down below. adding to the Grandeur. This was once

the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh. the palace has been converted to a

museum and is looked after by Hari-Tara Charitable trust. The museum has a

golden throne made of 120kg pure gold sofa and has golden lions embedded into it.

The thore is placed in a hexagonal room…

The museum has a gallery of paintings of paintings known as NAL DAMYANTI. It

has a library of around 25000 books on various subjects and disciplines. This is

really a beautiful spot to be visited round the year in Jammu. Hotel Hari Nivas

Palace Hotel :A heritage Hotel is also located adjacent to this.

MUBARAKH MANDI PALACE

The oldest building in this Palace complex date to 1824. The architecture is blend of

Rajasthani, Mugal and even Baroque European influences. The most stunning

segment is the Sheesh Mahal. The Pink Hall now houses of Dogra Art Museum

which has miniature paintings of the various Hill Schools. The Complex has a

history which i 150 years old. It was royal residence of Dogra Kings. The location

was carefully selected for having a commanding view of river Tawi on one side and

the City on other side. The Palaces are built as a group of buildings around a

courtyard.

The Complex has halls and Galleries which were used for official functions and

ceremonies. As the time passed the need was felt to have separate buildings to

house full fledged Royal Secretariat. These buildings were constructed around a

garden cum courtyard which ultimately beacme the venue for important events for

Royal audience for comman man.

Dogra Art Gallery

This is located in the erstwhile Pink Hall of the old Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex.

This museum houses 800 rare and exquisite paintings from different schools of

paintings viz: Basohli, Jammu and Kangra. Gold painted bow and arrow of Shah

Jehan and a number carpentry tools make an important section of the display. The

museum also has Shahnama and Sikandernama hand written manuscripts in

Persian.

Akhnoor

32 kms from south west of Jammu situated on the banks of mighty Chenab river is

the historic town of Akhnoor. This town is associated with the legend of Soni-

Mahiwal. Ruins of the Indus-Valley Civilization are to be seen along the river bank

commanding a panoramic view all around.

Jhajjar kotli

35 kms, On the National Highway leading towards Srinagar is the Jajjar Kotli Tourist

Complex, built on the banks of Jujjar rivulet. The crystal clear, cool water of Jajjar

attracts picnickers in large numbers during the summer. A Tourist Cafeteria, a Bar

and a small Tourist Bungalow are the facilities provided here by JKTDC

RELIGIOUS PLACES

R AGHUNATH TEMPLE

Situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by a group of other temples,this

temple, dedicated to Lord Rama is outstanding and unique in Northern India. Work

on the temple was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of the Kingdom of

Jammu and Kashmir in 1835 AD and was completed by his son Maharaja Ranbir

Singh 1860 AD. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on

three sides. There are many galleries with lakhs of 'Saligrams'. The surrounding

Temples are dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses connected with the epic

Ramayana.

RANBIRESHWAR TEMPLE

It is located on the Shalimar Road near the New

Secretariat, and Built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh

in1883 AD; Ranbireshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord

Shiva. It has one central 'Lingam' measuring seven

and a half feet height (7.5 ft.) and twelve Shiva

'Lingams' of crystal measuring from 15 cms. To 38

cms. And galleries with thousands of Shiva 'Lingams'

fixed on stone slabs

IDGAHThe city has a number of historic idgah's.Of them Ziarat Baba Buddan Shah is

located in the outskrits of Jammu city at a distance of about 8 kms towards the

aerodrome at Satwari. This  ziarat is very popular among all sections of society and

is being visited by large number of people throughout the year. Baba Buddan Shah

was borne at Talwandi in Punjab and it is said that  another shrine of this Peer is

located at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab.The real name of this Peer was Shamas-ud-

din, Fard-i-Wahid, Imad-ul-Mulk Hazarat Baba Buddhan Shah. Other idgah's are

Ziarat Baba Roshan Shah Wali near Gumat Bazar, Ziarat Peer Mitha near Peer

mitha bazar. Another idgah is Panch-Peer.This Dargah is situated at a little distance

from the Maharaja's palace on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The place is

known because of the residence of five peers, who lived here and dedicated

themselves to the meditation

BAHU FORT/ TEMPLE5 kms from Jammu city. Situated on a rock face on the left bank of the river Tawi,

This is perhaps the oldest fort and edifice in the city. Constructed originally by Raja

Bahu lochan over 3,000 years ago, the existing Fort was more recently improved

and built by Dogra rulers. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali inside the

fort popularly known as Bave wali Mata. The fort

overlooks river placidly down the Jammu city. every

Tuesday and Sunday pilgrims throng this templeand

jostle for Tawi flowing worship. Bave Wali Mata is the

presiding deity of Jammu. One can really imagine; on

looking at the fort; the wars fought, the invasions

prevented and even the grandeur of the Royal families.

Today the fort is surrounded with beautiful terraced

garden which is favourite picnic spot of the city folk. It

has waterfalls, flowers and big trees

ART & CRAFT OF JAMMU

Jammu & Kashmir, a state with rich craft and cultural heritage deserves

to be better known in its crafts context of people and culture. Nowhere

else in the country the paintings, costumes and ornaments of the people

are as exotic, divergent and colourful as in Jammu & Kashmir. The state is

a home to miniature Basohli Qualm paintings that are kept in a number of

celebrated museums across the world. The walls and pillars of

several buildings in Jammu, especially the temples, are adorned with

sculptures, intricate carvings of Gods and Goddesses or floral motifs.

This is a common feature of folk art all over the state and is indeed

praiseworthy. 

Jammu  arts and crafts are famous for their rich workmanship. Some

popular art and crafts of the state include Floor coverings, Wood-work,

Papier mache, Metal work, Silverware, Jewellery, Basketry & mat

weaving, Leather and furs, Clay and ceramics, Paintings and Stone craft.

The Kashmiri artisan also produces articles of copper-ware consisting of

cooking pots and samovars and sundry articles for the households. As far

as textile is concerned, Jammu & Kashmir has a separate position owing

to its fascinating art of Kashmiri shawl. These shawls have great demand

in national as well as international markets.

Fairs and Festivals

LOHRI (January 13,Every Year)

This festival is also known as Makar Sankarnti. It heralds the onset of spring. The

whole of Jammu region wears a festive look on this day. Thousands take a dip in

the holy rivers. 'Havan Yagnas' light up nearly every house and temple in Jammu. In

the rural areas, Custom requires boys to go around asking for gifts from newly-weds

and new parents.

A special dance called the 'Chajja' dance is held on the occasion of Lohri. It makes

a striking picture to see boys along with their 'Chajjas' elaborately decorated with

colored paper and flowers move on the street in a dancing processio. The whole

atmosphere comes alive with the pulsating drum beats.

BAISAKHI (April 13 or 14)

The name Baisakhi is taken from the first month of the Vikram calendar. Every year,

on the first day of Vaishakh, the people of Jammu-like the rest of northern India-

celebrate baisakhi.

Baisakhi is also known as the harvest festival and is considered auspicious

especially for marriages. Rivers, canals and ponds are thronged by devotees who

unfailingly take a ritual dip every year. Many people go to the Nagbani Temple to

witness a grand new year celebration.

Numerous fairs are organized and people come in thousands to celebrate the

beginning of the new year and watch the famous bhangra dance of Punjab. For the

Sikhs of Jammu, Baisakhi is the day their tenth Guru Gobind Singhji formed the

Khalsa sect in 1699. The Gurudwaras are full of people who come to listen to

Kirtans, offer prayers and feast on the parsad from the common Kitchen(Langer).

BAHU MELA (March-April and Sept-Oct)

A Major festival is held at the Kali Temple in Bahu Fort(Jammu) twice a year.

CHAITRE CHAUDASH (March-April)

Chaiter Chaudash is celebrated at Uttar Behni,about 25 Kms. From Jammu. Uttar

Behni gets its name from the fact that the Devak River (also known as Gupt Ganga

locally) flows here in the northerly direction.

PURMANDAL MELA (Feb-March)

Purmandal is 39 Kms. from Jammu city. On Shivratri, the town is transformed for

three days as people celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati here.

The people of Jammu also come out in their colorful best to celebrate Shivaratri at

peer khoh, the Rainbireshwar Temple and the Panjbhaktar Temple.

JHIRI MELA (Oct – Nov)

Baba Jitu was a simple, God loving and honest farmer who preferred to kill himself

rather than submit to the unjust demands of the local landlord to part with his corp.

He killed himself in the village of Jhiri,14 kms. from Jammu. A legend has grown

around the Baba and his followers congregate at Jhiri on the appointed day from

every him for his compassion, courage and honesty and hold an annual fair in his

name.

MANSAR FOOD AND CRAFT MELA

This mela is organised by J&K Tourism during Baisakhi every year. Held at the

picturesque Mansar Lake-62 kms away from Jammu, it is a three day celebration of

the local crafts and cuisine, where people from adjoining states also take part

Cu is ines : Jammu and Kashmir

The state offers a variety of exotic recipes bearing a distinct seal of the

state. The cooking style varies according to religions and regions. The

Kashmir pandits, Muslims and Rajputs follow their own

tradition of cooking.

 Preparation includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines but

meat based dishes with lamb being preferred over others.

People of the state use a variety of spices, condiments and curd

while cooking. The medium of cooking is chiefly mustard oil. The most

important feature of Kashmir cuisine is the use of expensive saffron or

kesar, which is produced in the state. Rice is the major form of staple

food in Kashmir. Variations in recipes can also be seen in the

different regions of the state. Cooking pattern as seen in Ladakh differs to

that Hindu Dogras. This is due to variation in crop production in

different regions of the state. Some of the popular recipes are depicted

below. 

List of Recipes

Vegetarian 

Kashmiri Dum Aloo (Potato)

Haak- Kashmiri Spinach

Kashmiri Pulao

Zafrani Pulao (Saffron flavoured pulao, Indian recipe)

Sweets

Phirni

Non Vegetarian

Shab Deg Kashmiri Roghan Josh (The famous Red Kashmiri dish)

Kashmiri Gustaba (Lamb koftas)

Kashmiri Mutanjan (A type of lamb pullao)

Pasande Kabob (Spicy lamb steaks)

Kashmiri Qambargah (Lamb rib chops cooked in a spice mixture

then coated in besan batter and fried)

Kashmiri Qeema Pullao (A minced lamb pullao)

Kashmiri Roast Yakhni (Leg of lamb with a spicy coating)

Rista (Meat-balls in red gravy)

Daniwal Korma (Lamb in a yogurt based gravy)

Shami Kabab (Minced lamb patties)

Tabak Maaz (Fried lamb ribs)

HISTORIC PLACES AND MONUMENTS

Bahu Fort

It is a renowned historical temple of Goddess Mahakali popularly known as Bawe-

Wali Mata. The fort overlooks the river Tawi flowing placidly down the Jammu City

Mubarak Mandi Complex

The complex is housing 76 government offices and courts. The complex has a

history as old as 150 years back. It was a royal residence of Dogra rulers. The

palaces are built as a group of buildings around the courtyard. Successive Dogra

rulers added to the complex in size. The buildings were used as the residences of

the royal Dogra families. The complex has halls and galleries which were used for

official functions and public events.

Rani Charak Mahal

It is also located on river side, connected with Toshakhana on one side.

Amar Mahal Museum

Is a beautiful palace of red sand stone which stands amidst most picturesque

horizons of Jammu. Once the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh, the palace has

been converted into a museum and is looked after by Hari-Tara Charitable trust.

The museum still has the golden throne on which Maharaja used to sit, which is

made up of 120 Kg pure. The museum has a gallery of paintings known as the

NALDAMYANT and a library in which about 25,000 books on various subjects and

disciplines have been presented.

Dogra Art Museum

It is presently located in the Pink Hall of Mubarak Mandi Complex. The Museum

houses about 800 rare and exuisite paintings from different schools of paintings-viz.

Basholi, Jammu and Kangra. Gold painted bow and arrow of Mughal Emperor

Shahjehan and a number of carpentary tools also make an important section of the

museum. The museum also has hand written manuscripts of Shahnama and

Sikandernama both in Persian.

Ziarat Baba Buddan Shah

Located in the outskirts of Jammu city at a distance of about 8 Kms towards the

aerodrome at Satwari. This shrine is very popular among all sections of society.

Baba Buddan Shah was borne at Talwandi in Punjab, and it is said that another

shrine of this Peer is located at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab.

Ziarat baba Roshan Shah Wali

An Arabian faquir in 6th century travelled the Asian penninunsula and came to

Jammu to settle at the plateau outside the town in a dense forest. The exceptionally

large grave built on the slope of Gumat speaks about his lofty personality.

Ziarat Peer Mitha

In the heart of Jammu city we find a magnificent tomb alongwith a mosque. The

Ziarat is popularly known as Peer Mitha. Even the locality around it is named after

the Ziarat. The ziarat became popular among the masses as Pir Mitha as he

accepted a pinch of sugar among the offerings.

Panch Peer

This dargah is situated at a little distance from the Maharaja's palace on the

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The place is as known because of the

residence of five peers (holy men), lived here and dedicated themselves to the

meditation.

Peer Khoh

This cave shrine of Lord Shiva also known as Jamawant cave is said to be the

oldest historic place in the Shivalik region. Located amidst Igneous rocks and acacia

jungle in North-East of Jammu city on the side of circular road above Tawi river, the

history of the cave is said to be connected with epic-age.

Aap Shambhu Temple Sathrian

Is a temple situated at Sathrian in Roopnagar area of Jammu city. The stone temple

has self-made stone Lingam. According to a legend, in the times immemorial this

entire place was an uninhabited jungle, the milky cows and buffaloes used to come

to the Lingam after grazing and shed entire milk on the Lingam.

Raghunath Temple

Located in the heart of Jammu city, this complex is the most splendid temple

complex in Northern India. The main commercial market of Jammu is named after

the temple complex. The complex consists of 17 temples. However, it was named

after the main temple of Lord Rama, Sita Mata and Lakshman as the Dogra dynasty

is believed to be the descendant of Lord Rama. There is hardly any image of diety

which is not represented in the temple complex.

Gadhadharji Temple

Maharaja Gulab Singh also constructed a Gadhadhargi temple near his palace

(Mubarak Mandi) soon after becoming the ruler of the State. The temple has two life

size statues of Narayana and Lakshmi.

MUSIC AND DANCE

Jammu & Kashmir has a rich tradition of music, dance and drama. The

folk music and dance of the state is the lifeline of the Kashmiris. There

are various dance forms performed according to the occasion – various

seasons, harvest, weddings and religious festivals. One of the

popular dance forms of the state is the Mask Dance, performed during

the Hemis festival in Ladakh by the Lamas of the Hemis monastery. The

dancers, representing divine or mythological figures, wear colourful

brocade robes and heavy masks as they perform ceremonial dances

around the monastery courtyard. 

Marriage ceremonies in the state are marked by the Hafiza dance where

young Kashmiri boys celebrate the harvest season with Bacha Nagma

dance. Other famous folk dances of Jammu and Kashmir are Ruf, Wuegi-

Nachun, Roul and Dogri. Among folk music, the most famous is the Rabab

and the common musical instruments are Dukra, Sitar and Nagara. 

As far as forms of music in Kashmir is concerned there are three distinct

forms, viz. Sufi, Ghazals and Choral Music. Wanawun is another form of

music that is sung and played during wedding ceremonies in Kashmir.

GOVERNMENT

Jammu and Kashmir has a multi party democratic system of governance. Main political

parties include the National Conference, the Indian National Congress (INC) and the

Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (PDP). Presently, Indian National

Congress and its ally PDP hold the maximum number of seats in the Jammu and

Kashmir state assembly. After Mufti Mohammed Sayeed of the PDP completed his

third year as Chief Minister, as per the power sharing agreement between the PDP-

Congress alliance reached in late 2002, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad replaced

Mufti on November 2005.