The recent collapse of a significant portion of the Gol Ghar within the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex is a stark reminder of the fragility of this cultural heritage. This once-majestic structure now lies in ruins, a victim of time, neglect, and nature’s wrath. The loss is not just of bricks and mortar but of an irreplaceable piece of collective history of Jammu’s royal past, its architectural splendour, and its cultural significance. The Mubarak Mandi Complex, with its blend of Victorian, Gothic, and regional architectural styles, is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a testament to the grandeur of the Dogra dynasty. Gol Ghar, in particular, was a jewel in this crown, constructed by Maharaja Ranbir Singh on the foundations laid by his predecessors. Its circular form, ornate arches, and domed roof symbolised the architectural innovation of the time.
However, the collapse of the four-story arch wall, adorned with six beautiful arches, underscores the dire state of this heritage site. This is not the first time Gol Ghar has suffered such a fate. The history of Mubarak Mandi is one of repeated loss, not just to the ravages of time but also to human error and neglect. The complex has been marred by numerous fire incidents. Subsequent fires and natural disasters have only added to the damage, with the mid-1980s earthquake leaving Gol Ghar in ruins. The importance of Mubarak Mandi and Gol Ghar extends beyond their architectural significance. The complex, once home to royal offices, secret chambers, and grand courtyards, now stands as a shadow of its former self. The once-busting Darbargarh courtyard, the underground passages leading to the river, and the natural spring with a covered reservoir are now relics of a bygone era. The repeated collapses of Gol Ghar highlight a critical issue: the inadequacy and mismanagement of restoration efforts. Despite the structure’s historical significance, the preservation measures taken have proven futile. The delay in initiating restoration work, combined with the decision to start from the already intact structures rather than the crumbling ones, has exacerbated the damage. Moreover, the carving out of a circular road through the slope of the hillock weakened the foundation of the complex, making it even more vulnerable to the elements.
The fact is that the present restoration is being undertaken by Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society (MMJHS) as per Master Plan 2019 approved by the Government. This Master Plan detailed every aspect of the restoration work. It clearly stated that restoration of backside infrastructure cannot be undertaken unless the backside wall facing Tawi is reinforced. The consultant clearly mentioned that it was beyond their scope to undertake such restoration work on the backside. They suggested MMJHS consult Indian Rails or NHAI, who are experts in such types of reinforcements of the whole mountainside. Five years have gone by, but unfortunately, no such initiative has been undertaken by MMJHS. Instead of building block by block right now, the majority of structures are without a roof, bearing the weather onslaught and ultimately paving the way to rubble. Each rainy season, one or another wall is crumbling with authorities in deep slumber.
This negligence has not only led to the loss of a beautiful architectural piece but has also blocked access to the remaining parts of Gol Ghar, further hampering any potential restoration efforts. The rubble now lies scattered across the compound, covering what was once a carefully designed space with water reservoirs and ornamental features. Authorities must learn from the mistakes made in the restoration of Mubarak Mandi. The Government’s commitment, as reflected in the allocation of funds and the establishment of a dedicated engineering wing, must be matched by swift and effective action. Preservation efforts must prioritise the most vulnerable structures, ensuring that what remains of this complex is protected from further decay. The time to act is now before another piece of our history crumbles into dust.
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