Koshur Samachar

Rabinder Shekher

The International Day for Monuments and Sites also known as World Heritage Day is an international observance held on 18 April each year around the world to honour and protect our cultural legacy. Historic structures and monuments are global treasures; hence, they need to be nurtured to last for years.On this day, many organizations, societies, Governments, and individuals come together to advocate the preservation of historical sites and to increase public awareness about their significance.

History

On this day, many organizations, societies, Governments, and individuals come together to advocate the preservation of historical sites and to increase public awareness about their significance. Experts from a variety of disciplines, including architects, engineers, geographers, civil engineers, artists, and archaeologists, come together annually for ICOMOS. These experts work together to protect some of the most stunning locations and significant monuments for future generations.

Significance of the day

The purpose of World Heritage Day is to raise awareness among local communities about protecting our cultural heritage. People from various places and backgrounds come together and exchange knowledge about their histories and customs. In addition, ICOMOS commemorates the day by working with UNESCO all across the world, drawing tourists and history buffs to such events.

Some Heritages sites in India

Taj Mahal: The monument, which was built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, is entirely composed of white marble. It was constructed in honour of the emperor’s beloved wife.

Ajanta Caves: The first and second century B.C. saw the creation of the oldest Buddhist cave structures at Ajanta. Considered masterpieces, the sculptures and paintings in Ajanta have greatly influenced artists.

Khajuraho: The Chandela dynasty ruled over Khajuraho between 950 and 1050 when the temples were built. Currently, there are only about 20 temples symbolizing Jainism and Hinduism that are still surviving.

Jaipur City: Jaipur, founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, is renowned for its distinctive urban design that draws inspiration from Vedic architecture. The pink city was constructed on level ground, but others were built on hills. Locals have managed to maintain its rich history to this day.

Hampi: The Vijayanagara Empire’s last capital was Hampi. Ancient travelers were in awe of the splendid temples and palaces built by the rich emperors. But the Deccan Muslim confederacy took control of the city in 1565, and it was abandoned.

Popular Heritage places in Jammu and Kashmir

* Hari Parbat Fort-Srinagar.

* Mubarak Mandi Palace-Jammu.

* Pari Mahal-Srinagar.

* Poonch Fort- Jammu

* Bahu Fort-Jammu.

* Akhnoor Fort-Jammu.

* Martand Sun Temple-Kashmir

* Bheem Ghar Fort-Reasi

* Purmandal-Jammu

* Mubarak Mandi Palace-Jammu.

Mubarak Mandi is a palace complex located in the heart of the old walled city of Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Built over several centuries, starting in 1824, the complex served as the principal seat of the Dogra dynasty, which ruled the region as Maharajas of Jammu and Kashmir until the mid-20th century. The palace was the Maharajas main seat till 1925, when maharaja Hari Singh moved to the Hari Niwas Palace in the northern part of Jammu. Overlooking the Tawi River, this sprawling complex showcases an impressive fusion of architectural styles, combining elements of Rajasthani, Mughal, and European baroque influences. The complex comprises multiple palaces, courtyards, and halls, including the notable Darbar Hall, Gol Ghar, Pink Palace, and Sheesh Mahal, each with unique features and functions. Successive Maharajas added to the complex in size and building took more than 150 years.

Once the centre of Dogra power and ceremonial gatherings, Mubarak Mandi now serves as a cultural landmark. A portion of the complex has been converted into the Dogra Art Museum, which houses a valuable collection of miniature paintings, royal artefacts, and manuscripts, offering insights into the region’s rich history. The palace complex has suffered significant damage over time due to natural disasters and neglect, prompting ongoing restoration efforts to preserve its architectural heritage. Mubarak Mandi remains an emblem of Jammu’s cultural and historical legacy and a prominent attraction for visitors to the region.

Restoration of Mubarak Mandi

In 2008, the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society (MMHS) came into being for its restoration, but the Government has been able to complete only a few small projects, like the restoration of the Army headquarters and museum, whereas by the end of January 2025 another project, Ram Singh Queen’s palace, was expected to be completed. (Present Status not known to the author)

Out of the Rs 298.86 crore estimated cost of the project, works of only Rs 60 crore have been taken up so far. At present, around six different projects are in progress that are limited to the surroundings of the central courtyard, whereas the majority of the palaces on the internal and rear sides remain untouched.

The palace is spread over 14 acres of land and has a history of over 192 years. The officials associated with the MMHS blame the shortage of funds and financial crunch for the delay in these projects.

Secretary Culture, who is also the Executive Director of MMHS, told press reporter in January, 2025 that the project faced several delays, first due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a financial crunch, and then a shift of the society from the Tourism Department to the Department of Culture despite initial funding by the Central Government.

“After preparing a detailed project report and getting funding from the Government of India, they started the restoration work on ‘Army House,’ the museum, and other projects in 2011,” “In 2018, the work was kept in the ‘Languishing Projects’ category, and again funding was given, but due to COVID-19, the project came to a grinding halt, followed by a financial crunch,”

According to secretary, the society was transferred to the Department of Culture from the Tourism Department in 2014, and funds started coming from the CAPEX budget instead of languishing projects. “We are hopeful to complete the project within the stipulated time,” secretary said.

The secretary also briefed that the current projects were approved around the central courtyard, whereas areas at the back have already been approved for a heritage hotel under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. “This has been carefully planned, and we are hiring a transactional advisor for which tenders have been floated, and within a few months the process will be completed,”

As per the laid-down rules, no concrete work is to be done in the complex, and only limestone with added colours has to be used for the restoration. The limestone for the work is brought from Rajasthan, whereas colours are added here.

“This work takes more time than usual work because specialised services are being provided as per the heritage conservation norms,” the secretary of culture added.

At present, work on Ram Singh Queen’s palace is expected to be completed by the end of this month, whereas the other five projects are also expected to be completed by 2027.

However, these projects are limited to the front side of the palace, whereas the majority of the area on the internal side is in dilapidated condition, and during the rainy season, especially in monsoons, the walls of the palace face damage and at times collapse. It is fact that 17 years on, restoration work of J&K’s Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex is still incomplete. Let’s hope that the work shall be completed soon and the heritage shall get its glory back.

Like wise all the heritage projects need immediate restoration and the most important is documentation of all the heritage structures so that the coming generations may know the history of our monuments including their architecture and theme on which these magnificent buildings were built. Many heritage buildings in Jammu & Kashmir have either been vanished or burnt to ashes and are lost today while many are at their last stage. These monuments and heritage buildings are our treasure and fine example of both architectural and engineering.

It will be a real work and celebration if we talk of our heritage structures and keep them live. Only Govt authorities alone cannot preserve them, we all have to come forward to work on the methods of preservation of old age structures. Visit these beautiful inheritances, explore their magnificence and recollect their glory when these were vibrant and were in active use.

(The author is Superintending Engineer (Retired) Structural Wing DIQC PWD J&K)