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CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Jammu was the cradle of stone-age human society. Many spots of Jammu region like Manda-Akhnoor, yielded remains of Harappa culture. A number of very fine and artistic terra-cotta human heads, as fine as the famous Gandhara sculpture, were discovered in Akhnoor-Ambaran sites.

The historic site of Ambaran near Akhnoor is a most significant and Buddhist brick structure spoke-wheeled (Dharam Chakra) Stupa has been discovered.

The stone temples of Babbaur, Krimchi and Balaur may be assigned to as early as eight to tenth centuries.
In the field of art miniature and moral painting, Jammu territories were one of the prolific producers. Basohli style of painting is hailed as the original & highly mature school which evolved in Dogra land during 17th & 18th centuries. The peculiarity of these paintings is the use of extremely warm colour which renders them the “hottest” paintings ever produced. The silver and gold was lavishly used in these paintings.

Calico – Printing :-
Along which Basohli Paintings Jammu was famous for Calico-Block Printing. Dogras were trading in spices, Calico-Block Sheet printings, paintings and shawls from Basohli through the silk route.

Mubarak Mandi Palace founded in 1710 A/D. by Raja Dhruv Dev of Jammu which later developed during different periods. Each building has its own story of culture, art and style. The Standard art and architecture attained by the people of Jammu region throughout the last twelve centuries can be a matter of pride for any race. The decorative and floral designs and murals on the walls of palaces and temples speak highly of the artistic achievements of the Dogras.

The secular spirit of the population of Jammu has always been maintained by the Kings. Some of Hindu and Muslim clans were worshiping their common ancestors. The secular spirit in the society and among the people was promoted by the Dogra rulers. Raja Ranjit Dev (1735-1782) got built many temples and Muslim places to worship. Later on Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1857-1885) also built many temples and Mosques. Khanqahs of many Muslim and Sufi saints are still worshiped in Jammu by people of all castes and creeds. Jammu City has a famous and ancient Khanqa and Naugaza Peer also known as Peer Roshan Shah Ali who came to Jammu in 7th – 8th century A.D.

Dogra festival include :

  • 1. Basant Panchami.
  • 2. Lohri, Diwali, Holi
  • 3. Nagpanchmi
  • 4. Raddhe (Rangoli).
  • 5. Navratras.
  • 6. Eid.
  • 7. Moharram.
  • 8. Ramnavmi.
  • 9. Baisakhi and Christmas.

Popular ballads, Dogri barans and karks are used to be sung all over Jammu territories since time immemorial. This fold literature was meant to be recited, sung and performed on various social, cultural, ritualistic and religious festive occasions and gathering which gives glimpses of the domestic and social life of the messages of this region.

Dogra food is also known for its rich flavours and spices. The typical dogra food includes Rajma-Chawal (Red Bean and Rice), Shree Polaw, Mitha Madra, Kaladi, Maayein da Madra, Gucchi (Morel Mushroom), Babru,Seviya-Kheer.

Dogra dances: Gidda, Kud Dance, Damachra, Jagarana and Phumanian.