New Delhi: Historical sites speak a lot about a country’s history. Approximately 4,000 monuments and archaeological sites in India are important to the nation. A heritage site in any country holds significant historical, cultural, or national value.
This article lists some of the important heritage sites in Jammu and Kashmir, from the Amar Mahal Palace to Akhnoor Fort to the Mughal Gardens. All these heritage sites signify national importance.
Exploring 7 Ancient Sites in Jammu and Kashmir
- Akhnoor Fort
- Amar Mahal Palace
- Bahu Fort
- Ambaran
- Martand Sun Temple
- Shankaragaurishvara Temple
- Mughal Gardens
Akhnoor Fort
Akhnoor Fort was built in the early 19th century and overlooks the Chenab River. Raja Tegh Singh started constructing the fort in 1762 AD to provide work for people during a famine. He supplied food to the workers for two years, helping to save his community. His son, Alam Singh, finished the fort in 1802. You can find steps leading down to the Chenab River, which is well preserved, even though the fort was built in the 18th century. This area was important for religious ceremonies. The fort still has intact turrets, including the Kishore Singh Burj. This turret is named after Maharaja Gulab Singh’s father, who was close to Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru. There are also some traces of paintings on the walls inside the fort.
Amar Mahal Palace
Amar Mahal Palace is a beautiful building on the National Highway to Srinagar. It resembles a French château and sits on a hill overlooking the Tawi River. This red sandstone palace was once home to Raja Amar Singh. Now, it serves as a museum managed by the Hari-Tara Charitable Trust. The museum features the golden throne the Maharaja used, made from 120 kg of pure gold. It also has a gallery of paintings and a library with around 25,000 books on various topics.
Bahu Fort
Bahu Fort in Jammu is believed to have been built about 3,000 years ago by Raja Bahu Lochan. The Dogra rulers renovated the fort in the 19th century. It is a religious site that houses the Bawey Wali Mata temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. Below the fort, you can find the terraced Bagh-e-Bahu Garden, designed in the Mughal style. This garden offers a panoramic view of Jammu city and features an underground fish aquarium.
Ambaran
Ambaran, also known as Pambaran, is a village in the Akhnoor tehsil of Jammu district. It was founded by Amba Jagdev Pawar, a member of the Pawar dynasty from Dhar Ujjain, which may have been the original capital of Akhnoor. The village was named Ambari after the family deity, Amba, a name for the goddess Durga. Over time, the name changed to Ambaran. This site is significant because it is one of the eight places in the world where Buddha relics were found in a stupa. Historians believe it was an important centre for Buddhism between the 1st and 7th centuries B.C. Excavations have revealed terracotta figures, small sculptures, pottery, and brick structures from the pre-Kushan and post-Gupta periods.
Martand Sun Temple
The Martand Sun Temple in Anantnag is dedicated to Lord Surya. It is known for its beautiful architecture and is considered one of the prominent monuments in Srinagar. Visitors to the temple should walk through the courtyard to appreciate its intricate designs and stone carvings. Although the temple is in ruins, it retains a captivating structure. Many Bollywood films, like Haider and Aandhi, have been shot here. This temple is a remarkable example of Kashmiri architecture, blending elements from Chinese, Roman, Greek, Gandharan, and Syrian-Byzantine styles.
Shankaragaurishvara Temple
The Shankaragaurishvara Temple is a 9th-century Hindu temple linked to the Utpala dynasty. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in Pattan, Baramulla district. King Shankaravarman of the Utpala dynasty built the temple between 883 and 902 AD. The temple is now in poor condition, and no worship occurs there anymore. It resembles the Shankaracharya Temple and is listed as one of the important temples that promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mughal Gardens
The Mughal Gardens in Srinagar were created during the reign of the Mughal Emperors. Persian Gardens influence these gardens and are characterised by their rectilinear layouts. Building Mughal Gardens was a favourite activity of Mughal rulers.
Jammu and Kashmir boasts a rich history reflected in its numerous heritage sites. This article explores seven significant locations, including Akhnoor Fort, Amar Mahal Palace, and the Martand Sun Temple. These sites showcase diverse architectural styles, from Mughal gardens to ancient temples, offering glimpses into the region’s cultural and religious past. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
