Jammu history

The history of the city of Jammu is rooted in deep antiquity and is steeped in legends. It is closely interwoven with the city's geographical location at the foothills of the Himalayas and its role as an important cultural and administrative centre for many centuries.

Foundation and First Mentions

According to local legend, the city was founded by Raja Jambu Lochan. The legend states that while hunting on the banks of the Tawi River, he witnessed an astonishing scene: a tiger and a goat were peacefully drinking water from the same source. Struck by this symbol of peace and harmony, the Raja decided to establish a city on this spot, which was originally named Jambu-Nagar. Over time, this name transformed into the modern one — Jammu. Although legends date the city's founding to the 14th century BC, archaeological finds in its vicinity, for example in Akhnoor, indicate that this territory was part of the Harappan civilisation. The city is also mentioned in the ancient Indian epic "Mahabharata".

Key Development Factors

Several key factors contributed to the development of Jammu:

• Geographical Location: Situated on a steep cliff of the Shivalik range, the city historically served as a gateway to the valley and an important point on trade routes.
• Political Role: For centuries, Jammu was the capital of powerful dynasties, particularly the rulers of the Dogra people. In the 19th century, the city became the winter capital of the princely state, which strengthened its administrative importance.
• Defensive Significance: The Bahu Fort, built on the southern bank of the Tawi River, highlights the strategic importance of the city as a defensive outpost.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, Jammu has been shaped as a prominent cultural and religious centre. It is often called the "City of Temples" due to the abundance of Hindu sanctuaries. The construction of temple complexes, such as Raghunath, begun in the 19th century, turned the city into a major pilgrimage centre. The city's economy traditionally relied on trade and crafts. The artisans of Jammu were famous for wood carving, embroidery, and carpet making. The development of infrastructure eventually transformed Jammu into the economic heart of the region.

Key Milestones in the History of Jammu

The history of Jammu is a kaleidoscope of legends, the rule of powerful dynasties, and strategic events that shaped the appearance of the modern city. Below are the main stages of its centuries-old journey.

Ancient Period and Middle Ages

• 14th Century BC (legendary date): According to tradition, Raja Jambu Lochan founds the city of Jambu-Nagar, the future Jammu, on the banks of the Tawi River.
• 326 BC: Historical chronicles indicate that the region was under the influence of various empires, including the Mauryan Empire, the Kushan Empire, and the Gupta Empire, which is confirmed by archaeological finds.
• ~565–670 AD: The region is under the control of the Kushano-Hephthalite dynasty, and then, from the year 670, the Shahi dynasty.
• 11th Century: The city falls under the influence of the Ghaznavids, marking the beginning of the Muslim period in the region's history.

Era of the Dogra Dynasty and British India

• 1730: Raja Dhruv Dev of the Dogra dynasty moves the capital of his principality to Jammu.
• 1822: Gulab Singh becomes the Raja of Jammu and lays the foundations for the future great princely state.
• 1835: Maharaja Gulab Singh begins the construction of the grand Raghunath Temple complex, which would later become a landmark of the city.
• 1846: Following the signing of the Treaty of Amritsar, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir is created under the rule of Gulab Singh, and Jammu becomes its winter capital.
• 1860: Construction of the main temple in the Raghunath complex is completed during the reign of Gulab Singh's son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh.
• 1897: A railway line is laid in the city, significantly improving its transport accessibility and contributing to economic growth.

Modern Period

• 1947: Following the partition of British India, Maharaja Hari Singh signs the instrument of accession, joining the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir to India.
• 1965: The University of Jammu opens, making the city an important educational centre in northern India.

The development of Jammu is the result of centuries of political, cultural, and economic transformations. The city has journeyed from being the capital of a principality to an important regional centre, and each stage has left a noticeable mark on its appearance and significance.

Main Stages of the City's Development

• Becoming the Capital of the Dogra Dynasty (18th Century)
  The transfer of the principality's capital to Jammu by Raja Dhruv Dev in 1730 was a turning point. This event laid the foundation for the city's future growth as a key political and administrative centre of the region.
• Creation of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir (1846)
  After the formation of a unified princely state under the rule of Maharaja Gulab Singh, Jammu received the status of its winter capital. This attracted significant resources to the city, contributing to the construction of palaces, administrative buildings, and the development of urban infrastructure.
• Construction of the Raghunath Temple Complex (1835–1860)
  The erection of this grand complex, started by Maharaja Gulab Singh and completed by his son Ranbir Singh, turned Jammu into one of the largest centres of Hindu pilgrimage in North India. This strengthened its cultural significance and boosted the development of crafts and trade related to serving pilgrims.
• Laying of the Railway (1890)
  The arrival of the railway line connecting Jammu with Sialkot became a major economic event. It significantly improved the city's transport accessibility, stimulated trade, and strengthened its strategic role as a gateway to the valley.
• Foundation of the University of Jammu (1969)
  The opening of the university marked the city's transformation into an important educational and scientific centre. This attracted youth and scholars to Jammu, contributing to the intellectual and social development of the region.
• Modern Stage: Economic and Tourism Hub
  In recent decades, infrastructure development, including the expansion of transport networks and the construction of modern facilities, has turned Jammu into the economic heart of the region. The city is a key logistics hub and a starting point for tourists and pilgrims travelling to shrines such as Vaishno Devi.

The architectural landscape of Jammu represents an eclectic tapestry in which local traditions, Mughal era influences, and European styles harmoniously intertwine. Such diversity reflects the city's rich history as a princely capital and an important cultural centre.

Traditional Architecture and Mughal Influence

The foundation of Jammu's urban appearance consists of structures built in the traditional Dogra style, characterized by powerful fortifications and the use of local stone. The most striking example is the ancient Bahu Fort, situated on the rocky bank of the Tawi River. Its massive walls and bastions are a testament to the region's early defensive architecture.

The influence of Mughal and Sikh architecture is most noticeable in temple construction. Thus, in the grand Raghunath Temple complex, despite its Hindu purpose, one can trace arches, courtyards, and shikhar tower shapes characteristic of the Mughal style. This combination gives the complex a unique and recognisable look.

European Style in the Colonial Era

In the 19th century, during the reign of the Dogra dynasty, a strong European influence began to manifest in Jammu's architecture. The rulers, inspired by trips to Europe, invited foreign architects to build their residences.

• Amar Mahal Palace: This is perhaps the most striking example of European style in the city. Built of red sandstone to a design by a French architect, the palace resembles a French château-style castle. Today, its walls house a museum with a rich collection of artworks.
• Mubarak Mandi Palace: This vast palace complex, built over several centuries, represents a blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, and European Baroque styles. Its diverse pavilions, halls, and courtyards reflect the changing architectural tastes and eras that shaped the city's appearance.

Modern Urban Planning

The modern development of Jammu as an economic and transport hub of the region has led to the appearance of functional buildings: commercial centres, hotels, and residential areas. Although the new architecture is largely utilitarian, the city continues to expand while preserving its historical quarters and green zones located on the hills along winding streets.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Jammu

The city of Jammu and its surroundings have been the birthplace of many prominent figures whose contributions have had a significant impact not only on the region but on all of India. Among them are rulers, military commanders, musicians, and actors who have left a bright mark on history and culture.

Maharaja Gulab Singh (1792–1857)

Founder and first Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Gulab Singh was an outstanding military commander and diplomat who managed to unite the scattered Himalayan principalities into a single state. It was he who laid the foundations of the Dogra dynasty, which ruled the region until 1947, and made Jammu the winter capital of his vast principality.

Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1830–1885)

Second Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, reformer, and patron of the arts. The son of Gulab Singh, Ranbir Singh, is known for his progressive reforms. He created a modern judicial system by codifying laws into the Ranbir Penal Code. During his reign, the grand Raghunath Temple complex was completed, and the Maharaja himself was a great scholar of Sanskrit and Persian, encouraging the translation of many scientific and literary works.

Maharaja Hari Singh (1895–1961)

The last ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. His reign coincided with one of the most complex periods in the region's history. In 1947, following the partition of British India, it was he who signed the historic instrument of accession of the princely state to India, determining its future fate.

General Zorawar Singh Kahluria (1784–1841)

Distinguished military commander of Gulab Singh's army. He became famous for his bold military campaigns in Ladakh, Baltistan, and Western Tibet, significantly expanding the borders of the principality. His strategic genius and courage made him one of the legendary figures in India's military history.

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma (1938–2022)

World-renowned musician and composer. Born in Jammu, Shivkumar Sharma is considered the man who brought the folk Kashmiri instrument, the santoor, to the stage of Indian classical music. Thanks to his virtuoso playing and innovation, the santoor gained global recognition.

Ustad Alla Rakha (1919–2000)

Legendary master of the tabla. Although he was not born in the city itself, his family was from the Jammu region. Alla Rakha gained international fame as the constant accompanist to sitarist Ravi Shankar. His performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 introduced Western audiences to the rhythmic richness of Indian music.

Om Prakash (1919–1998)

Veteran of Indian cinema, character actor. Hailing from Jammu, Om Prakash appeared in more than 300 Hindi films. He was one of the most recognisable and beloved actors of his time, masterfully performing both comedic and dramatic roles, and left a significant mark on the history of Bollywood.