Dear Sir,
The Mubarak Mandi Palace, situated in the heart of Jammu City, is a historic heritage site and was the royal residence of the Dogra Maharajas. This significant site encapsulates the rich history and cultural legacy of the Dogra rulers. Unfortunately, many parts of this complex have suffered deterioration over time due to neglect, weather conditions, and a lack of timely maintenance. The insufficient facilities for tourists have hampered its potential as a prime tourist destination. Additionally, unplanned urban development surrounding the palace has adversely affected its aesthetic charm and accessibility. As a treasure trove of Dogra culture and art, the preservation of this palace is essential for protecting the region’s history. By restoring and developing this key site, it could transform into a major attraction, enhancing Jammu’s cultural tourism and positively impacting the local economy. This initiative would also create employment opportunities for the local community. It is imperative that the government of Jammu & Kashmir takes decisive measures to revive the Mubarak Mandi complex, enabling it to restore its former glory and symbolize Jammu’s rich cultural heritage.
Sincerely,
Vivek Koul
32, Bank Colony,
Gole Gujral Jammu
II
In reference to the Mubarak Mandi Conservation… Daily Excelsior, Jan 8, 2025, the day the State Government took possession of the Mubarak Mandi Royal Palaces Complex, it has been left vulnerable to both natural disasters and human negligence. When it was designated as a “State Protected Monument,” instead of entrusting it to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or the State Archives & Museums, a society named the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society was established to oversee its restoration and preservation in collaboration with the Department of Tourism. Since then, the citizens of Jammu have been cautioned about the potential of Jammu’s tourism economy and its position on the global tourism map. However, the reality is that many parts of these royal palaces, which hold significant historical, cultural, and architectural value, are either deteriorating or on the brink of decay under the guise of becoming a tourist destination.
It reflects a troubling short memory among the public if they forget that this Society, aware of the Ancient Monument Preservation Act, once floated a tender for a Heritage Hotel, which caused a stir in the State Assembly, leading the then Chief Minister to shelve the entire initiative for two to three years.
Moving forward to the restoration and preservation of state-declared protected monuments, apart from Burzahama or Kirmachi, the preservation of Pari Mahal in Srinagar by the ASI since the British era and the restoration of Raja Suchet Singh Palace at Ramnagar (Udhampur), also undertaken by ASI since 1980, begs a crucial question: has anyone evaluated the impact on the tourism economies of Srinagar or Ramnagar or the overall tourist industry in J&K?
Tourism is an internationally recognized industry, meaning that economic gains or losses directly affect its viability. Meanwhile, the restoration and preservation of ancient monuments serve as a vital societal duty, enlightening future generations about their glorious past. For the past 20 years, I have posed a question in the meetings of this Heritage Society that remains unanswered: “With over 170 declared protected monuments being restored or preserved by the ASI and the State Archives and Museums Department, why was a separate Heritage Society necessary for Mubarak Mandi alone?”
N D Jamwal
Jammu
