Sir,
It is known to everyone that Mubarak Mandi Palace, located in Jammu City, is a historic heritage site and it served as the royal residence of Dogra Maharajas’. It is a significant heritage site that showcases the rich history and cultural legacy of the Dogra rulers. But unfortunately many parts of this complex have now deteriorated over time due to neglect, weathering and lack of timely maintenance. Insufficient facilities for tourists have impacted its potential as a tourist destination. Further, unplanned urbanization around the complex affects its aesthetic appeal and accessibility. This palace is a treasure trove of Dogra culture and art so its preservation is vital for safeguarding the region’s history. Thus restoring and developing this important site could make it a major attraction, boosting Jammu’s cultural tourism and contributing to the local economy. It would generate employment opportunities in the region as well and benefits the local population. The government of J&K should take proper steps to revive the Mubarak Mandi complex so that it can regain its grandeur and become a symbol of Jammu’s rich cultural history.
Vivek Koul
32, Bank Colony,
Gole Gujral Jammu
II
Reference Mubarak Mandi Conservation… Daily Excelsior Jan’ 8, 2025. The day State Govt. took over Mubarak Mandi Royal Palaces Complex in their possession, it was intentionally thrown open to natural disaster and human high handedness. Again when it was declared as “State Proctected Monument” instead of handing it over to ASI or State Archives & Museums, a society known as Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society was framed to take up restoration/preservation of this, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism. Since then, Jammuites are being cautioned about Jammu’s tourism economy, putting Jammu on tourism map of the world, or benefit to entire tourism industry. Whereas what is reality, many portions of these Royal Palaces of Historical, Cultural or Architectural value have been or are heading towards their dead end in the guise of conversion as a Tourist Destination.
Ofcourse, it is a fine example of public short memory, if they forget that this Society knowing well about Ancient Monument Preservation Act, floated a tender for Heritage Hotel, which rocked the State Assembly and the then CM shelved the whole proceeding for long two three years or so.
Anyhow coming to restoration as well as preservation of State declared protected monuments, keeping aside Burzahama or Kirmachi, the preservation of Pari Mahal at Srinagar, by ASI since its establishment during British India regime or restoration and preservation of Raja Suchet Singh Palace at Ramnagar (Udhampur) also taken up by ASI since 1980, have anybody assessed the profit or loss to Srinagar’s or Ramnagar’s Toursim economy or benefit to entire Tourist Industry of J&K?
Tourism is an Industry declared internationally hence economic profits or losses affect its existence, whereas restoration or preservation of ancient monuments is a sacred service to the society as also to enlighten the coming generations about their glorious past. For the last 20 years my query in the very first meeting of this Heritage Society is still hanging in the air unanswered that “when more than 170 or so big & small declared protected monuments are being restored / preserved by ASI and State Archives and Museum Department, why a separate Heritage Society was needed for Mubarak Mandi only”.
N D Jamwal
Jammu
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