The principality of Jasrota in Kathua district of Jammu is well known to the historians and the people of Jammu. Prior to the welding of the State of Jammu and Kashmir into one unit by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846, the Jasrota principality was the centre of political power in Jammu region. Medieval history of Kashmir like Baharistan-i-Shahi and others repeatedly speak of Kashmir Sultans and warlords interacting with the Jasrota principality and its governors. Even matrimonial alliances have also been mentioned. Thus Jasrota, the seat of ancient principality of Jammu rulers and warriors, has historical and cultural significance for the people of Jammu. Obviously not much of its monuments could stand the weathering but the Jasrota fort is still reminiscent of its old grandeur. Obviously reconstruction of the site of the old forts and the wild life park adjoining it need to be treated as items of heritage. A team of experts from archaeological department supplemented by some well-known historians of medieval history should be constituted to make preliminary study of the site which had the fame to ne the seat of Jasrota principality. The team should also try to identify the ruins of old buildings and monuments which can be retrieved and made a useful source of history of the region. Research scholars at the University and elsewhere including independent scholars should divert their efforts to bring out the ethos surrounding the old Jasrota principality. It should be remembered that very often one link in historical research leads to many more links. In all probability researching the history could help know many more hidden aspects of the history of Jammu. The University of Jammu can take a leading role in beginning research in this part of Jammu history. Collaboration with the national institutes like Indian Council of Historical Research and Archaeological Survey of India should also be explored when a research project is scripted.
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