O.P.Sharma
Jammu, the winter capital of the J&K State and also known as City of Temples, has now emerged as a city with a large number of magnificent statues of different religious figures, social reformers and other leading lights at the prominent places. These are invariably frequented by visitors to see nearly 20 statues dotted across the Jammu city.
These places are, in fact, a part of our cultural heritage and a point of prestige for Jammu city. This writer visited each of these spots and found lot many short comings in their upkeep and projection to the visitors. Most of these places of visitor’s interest and attraction are not in proper shape and well maintained. If these statues are not well kept and made centre of attraction, it urgently calls for immediate attention of the highest authorities in the Government. It is utmost essential that our cultural heritage is well preserved, protected and projected. While the JMC, JDA and State administration could give a better look to these statues, the Tourism Department should arrange circuit tours conducted with tourist guides to various historical places, temples, shrines, picnic spots as well as viewing the statues in the Jammu city. It will be ideal if well written and illustrated printed booklets as also quality CDs, moderately priced, should be made available to the visitors. Jammu city can really be proud of its statues, an account of which is sketched below:
Dogra Heritage Point has a scenario of Trikuta Hills with the statue of Raja Jambo Lochan over viewing a lion and a goat drinking water together on the bank of a pond. This small but significant symbolic representation of Jammu has been well depicted by sculptor on the slope of Company Bagh opposite famous Ranbireshwar Temple and near the Civil Secretariat. On two sides of this site, there is portrayal of the Dogras in traditional dress, the old royal palaces, Dogra soldiers, the Rajas holding Durbar, having elephant ride and typical palanquin bearer in Dogri costumes presenting the cultural aspects of Duggar. This site has been developed by Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and is also being by maintained it.
This Dogra Heritage Point was inaugurated by General (Retd.) K.V. Krishna Rao, Governor, J&K State on Baisakhi day, April 13, 1994.
It is believed that Raja Jambo Lochan founded this city in the14th century BC and named it Jambupora which later changed to Jammu. Historically, this place has proved over the years to be torch-bearer of harmony, peaceful co-existence and forward looking vision. This city has presented glowing example of co-existence of different strata of society, religious faiths and many places of worship.
Statue of Mahatma Gandhi stands at Satwari Chowk, the entry point to the Jammu city. The date of its installation and inauguration needs to be mentioned.
More details about this statue must be put on a plaque and this spot need to be suitably beautified and properly maintained as it catches the eye of everyone travelling by road to Jammu city.
Gandhiji’s another bust has been installed at Diwan-e-Aam in the centre of Mubark Mandi palaces of Dogra rulers. The Gandhi Adarsh Samaj holds public gathering here on the Gandhi Jayanti and Martyrs’ Day every year. This historic Mubarak Mandi is totally neglected and in a dilapidated condition. Plans are afoot to restore it to its past glory and also preserve it as a Dogra Heritage Cultural Complex.
Statue of Swami Vivakanand has been installed by Jammu Municipal Corporation. It is situated at the prominent Vivekanand Chowk on Gulab Singh road. This golden colour statue has on its four sides ascribed: “They alone live, who live for others; the rest are more dead than alive”; “Awake, arise and never stop till you achieve your goal”. On other two sides are details about the great Guru and his significance. On Swami Vivekanand’s birth anniversary public gathering is held.
Statue of Hans Raj Mahajan (1866-1944) is located in the Hans Raj park near Raghunath Temple complex and it was unveiled by Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, Union Minister of State for Defense on January 18, 2001.
He is founder of Mahajan Sabha which later became Akhil Bhartiya Mahajan Shiromani Sabha. He is also founder of the Dogra Sadar Sabha .
There exists a bust of Dr L.C. Gupta, a social worker in this Hans Raj park.
Statue of Prem Nath Dogra (October 21, 1884-March 21, 1972) was unveiled by Vaidya Vishnu Dutt, President, Jammu Municipal Corporation on October 24, 1997 at Dogra crossing near the Tawi Bridge. Prem Nath Dogra is a revered politician of J&K State.
Netaji Subhash Chander Bose statue at Maheshpura Chowk was installed during the birth centenary year on January 23, 1987. The statue stands stately with famous words of Netaji “You give me blood, I will give you freedom” written in four languages. This round-about has flower-beds and seems well maintained.
Statue of Brig Rajinder Singh (June 14,1899 -October 27, 1947) who is considered as savior of Kashmir during the tribal raids. This statue is at a crossing behind the Civil Secretariat, Jammu and was unveiled by Dr Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister on October 24, 2002.
Statue of Maharaja Gulab Singh (1792-1858) installed in front of Amar Mahal adjacent to Hari Niwas Palace. He is founder of composite Jammu and Kashmir State. This monumental equestrian statue was inaugurated by Dr Karan Singh (MP) and a scion of Dogra rulers, on April 22, 2000. The statue was unveiled by Krishan Kant, Vice President of India.
Another statue of Maharaja Gulab Singh has been installed in the SMGS Hospital, Jammu and it was unveiled by Dr Karan Singh, sole trustee of Dharmarth Trust.
Statue of Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1830-1885) in the Ranbirshawar temple premises was unveiled by Dr. Karan Singh, sole Trustee of Dharmarth Trust on Basant Panchmi , October 13, 1986.
Statue of Maharaja Hari Singh (1895-1961) near Tawi Bridge unveiled by Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Health Minister and Dr Karan Singh MP on April 1, 2012. A portrait of the Maharaja has also been put up at this spot.
Another statue of Maharaja Hari Singh has been installed by Jammu Municipal Corporation at a crossing near Bagh-e-Bahu Police Station. Dates of its inauguration and other details must be kept at this site for the information of the visitors. It is unkempt and has not been properly maintained.
Statue of Gen Zorawar Singh near Bahu Plaza was unveiled by Lt.Gen. (Retd) S.K. Sinha, J&K Governor on April 23, 2005. This Dogra warrior holding a sword has admirably been depicted riding a horse.
Statue of Indira Gandhi (1917-1984) who was the first woman Prime Minister of India stands stately at the Indira Chowk, in the heart of Jammu city.
Installed by Jammu Municipal Corporation, the statue was inaugurated by Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Health Minister on February 22, 2014.
Girdhari Lal Dogra statue near PHQ on road to Railway Station was installed by G.L. Dogra Memorial Trust on November 27, 2001. It was unveiled by then Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah. Born in Hiranagar tehsil on July 17, 1915, Mr Dogra remained Finance Minister for over two and a half decades. He remained Member of Parliament and passed away on November 27, 1987.
Statue of Brig Rajinder Singh (June 14, 1899-October 27, 1947) is located behind the Civil Secretariat, Jammu and was unveiled by Dr Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister on October 24, 2002. Brig Rajinder Singh, Chief Commander of J&K State Forces is considered “Savior of Kashmir” as he checkmated invaders’ entry into Srinagar during crucial period in October till his last breath when Instrument of Accession was signed by the Maharaja Hari Singh with Indian Union.
Lt. Gen. Bikram Singh statue re-located on the Tawi Bridge is a memorial to the daring and decorated officer who died in a helicopter crash in border Poonch area. The four sides of the statue have the name of this General written in Hindi, Urdu, English and Punjabi. This place needs much face lift and more detailed account provided on a board about the installation date and brief life sketch of Gen Singh.
Statue of Mian Deedo , a Dogra guerilla warrior (1780-1821) is located at busy crossing on B.C. road near Amphalla. This Dogra fought against over lordship and stood for justice and the dignity of Duggar. A public gathering is held every year. More information should be displayed on a board at this spot.
Statue of Balbinder Singh, ex-Administrator, Jammu Municipality was inaugurated by Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Health Minister on November 10, 2011 at Rehari crossing.
Jammu city is a focal point for the Vaishno Devi pilgrims and visitors going to Kashmir valley. Now throughout the year, this city remains agog with people from all the parts of India and abroad who could be motivated to visit Jammu’s important places as well as these statues which are part of our cultural heritage, a source of inspiration for younger generation. All out efforts must be put in for their proper maintenance and projection.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
