Speaking Archaeologically™

Abhimanyu Kalsotra is a Research Wing Member at Speaking Archaeologically. Who doesn't like to cherish the rich heritage of a place where one was born? The very same quest led me to take up research on Ornaments of Dogras and what's better than Archives Department of state having files dating back to 300 years? But to my surprise I signed up for a fearful, traumatising and unforgettable experience.  The Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums of Jammu and Kashmir handles the Dogra Archives Department at the Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex. Mubarak Mandi Complex happens to be a heritage building but unfortunately, declared unsafe by INTACH. Still, the archive section holds more than 10 lakh files with meagre facilities. Records dating back to 1724 AD, land assessment reports, debates from Praja Sabha, proceedings of royal court, financial records, rare manuscripts in Dogri, Urdu, Persian, English, etc are kept here. Few important documents like Agreement on leas...

The mosque inside the Chingus Fort, Rajouri If you're an intrepid traveller like us Speaking Archaeologically lot and ever visit the Indo-Pakistan Border, you will be sure to notice a plenty of things to surprise you as they surprised me. The area of Poonch, in Rajouri District of Jammu, is perhaps the last point that is politically under India. Although under military control, now, this area once thrived with trading activity and fell on the Old Silk Route. Even today, when the roads have fallen into disrepair, you still see the Afghani Workers along the roads, best known for road maintenance. "They are the fastest in their job," our driver tells me as I point towards one. "You will be surprised how many countries hire them." However, I soon lose interest in the workers as an imposing Mughal structure catches my eye. Lesser known but a Mughal Fortress from the times of the Great Mughals, Chingus was built during the reign of Jehangir.  Back in the Mug...

Diyas or Earthen Lamps Diwali also called the Festival of Lights  is celebrated to honour Ramachandra, who is supposed to be the seventh avatar (incarnation of the Puranic God Vishnu). According to the Great Epic, Ramayana it is believed that on this day Lord Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana. People lit their houses to celebrate his victory over evil (light over darkness).The Suryavanshi clan (Descendants of the Sun) of the Dogras celebrate Diwali as a reminder of the victory of their supposed ancestor Lord Rama. Diwali in Dogra culture is celebrated in almost the same manner as the rest of India. Great significance is given to Goddess Lakshmi ( The goddess of wealth and fortune) and Lord Ganesha, the Lord of auspicious beginnings and prosperity. Marigold garlands on the thresholds  The preparations for Diwali begins a week prior to the festival....

August 2015 If you were to pass by Jammu City in the Northernmost Province of  India, buzzing busily with traffic and streets bustling with people, yoh wouldn't expect the city to hide one of the most beautiful palatial ruins of Dogra Architecture. No, not even the locals could tell you if there's such a place at all! There are temples, here, oh yes! And an old Fort. And some old Royal Gardens.  And of course, the famous twin palaces of Amar Singh and Hari Singh, which serve as a library and a hotel respectively but that's it! Off you go, now!  Chop, chop!  Move your car, you're blocking traffic! Jammu is a city with maddening crowd milling over and pouring down on you from everywhere.  For most Indian Army Brats like myself, however, Jammu has been a second home and no matter how many times you've been there, you'll find your way back in there, one among the many, lost in that crowd. Everything changes in Jammu with every visit and yet, nothing do...