Conservation strategies for the historic core of Jammu Town

Abstract

Indian cities are extraordinary in every aspect, concentrating on the old cities, it is worth deciphering and interpreting the unique features that bear the evidence of how cities used to be in older times. These cities have evolved through time and their existence underwent a natural influence as well as deliberate transformation. Jammu (Jambu or Jummoo) is situated amidst the Himalayan mountains in the northernmost state of India. The foundation of Jammu was established by Jambu Lochan, a scion of the solar dynasty of Ayodhya. The extensive mapping of built heritage done on the Old city of Jammu lead to the academic research paper – “Redefining the historic core of Jammu” which helped in comprehending the unique peculiarities like communities, creeds, socio-economic aspects, political scenarios, open spaces, architectural spaces, and oral narratives associated with the help of evidence available at present. The foundation of Jammu was established by Jambu Lochan, a scion of the solar dynasty of Ayodhya. While hunting at the foothills of Shivalik, he reached a place where he saw a goat and a lion drinking water at a same place. He was so impressed by the sight that he decided to set up a town after his name. The town was known as Jambuputra which later changed to Jammu. Another belief in the region is that Jammu city got its name after the name of Jamun tree which were found in abundance in Jammu. Some believe that the place got its name from Jamwant, one of the generals of the army of Lord Rama. Jammu is said that Jammu is developed in three phases under the patronage of different rulers in different periods of history. The first two phases correspond to the period of reign of Mal Dev to Ranjit Dev, which ruled Jammu from 14th to 18th century A.D. The third phase The Dogra rulers governed the princely state from 1846 – 1947 which consisted of three regions: Jammu, the Kashmir valley and Ladakh. Jammu state was created in 1846 by the scion of Dogra rulers, Maharaja Gulab Singh (1792-1858) and integrated these three regions under one administrative unit, with this Dogra rule was established in the state.