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| Heritage Tourism In Rajouri | | | The term heritage tour
ism refers to tourism
in the natural, cultural and built environment of an area providing the tangible links between the past, present and future. It has developed as a national and international phenomenon based on the historical and cultural resources of tourism destinations. This type of tourism includes the live and artistic forms of human expression such as painting art and museum. Rajouri is widely known for its monumental heritage and has several places worth visiting. Archaeological remains of district comprises sarais,mosques, temples, royal palaces, forts and gardens of different periods ranging from Kushan to the medieval period. These monuments are lying under historical tourism.Rajouri town lies on the imperials Mughal road which is connectivity to Kashmir.The Mughal remain scattered on either sides of the river flowing in the centre of the town comprises forts, sarais, palaces mosques etc.These ancient monuments are now occupied by civil hospital, police and forest department and almost stand renovated leaving only a portion of these in their original positions .The garden situated on the top of small plateau is most interesting of all the Mughal remains in Rajouri.It consists of walled enclose by four part of channels with in a fountain at the centre.On an elevated hill north east of the town there is a fort which commands a panoramic view of Jamia Masjid Eidgah and the beautiful valley,it is known as Dhani dhar.The ancient history of Rajouri is very interesting and similar to the Kashmir valley. The glimpses of history of Rajouri is traced by Kalhana's Rajtrangani that before advent of Islam in 1343 AD,there was ruled by karkotas, Loharas,and Mauryas.At the time of Alexander'invasion Rajouri was also included at the height of its glory, as the town of Rajouri was a great trading centre. During the Mughal period Rajouri was ruled by local dynasty who had good relations with Mughal kings. Chingus is a small and scattered village situated on the right bank of the river on Rajouri Jammu highway. Mughal Sarai of the village is historical renowned for containing mortal remains of Emperor Jahangir who died on his way to Kashmir.It is well planned building with two apartments viz residential complex and open yard. Both the apartments have separate gateway and area has connected to each other interanally. Nowshera is a town in Rajouri district, it is located 110kms from Jammu on old Mughal route.A sarai is build by Emperor Akbar as an inspiration the western gateway opposite to main gateway lies as Shahi Mosque. This sarai is not occupied by the office of the district administration to deal people. Sarai of thannamandi lies 23kms north of Rajouri town on ancient Mughal road.It was a major halting place before entering Kashmir through Ratan Shah pass,here Mughal rulers constructed a magnificent Sarai which is noteable for its ornamental carvings. Another memorial has been constructed at Jhangar (Nowshera) in the memory of Brig. Mohammad Usman who was mainly responsible for freeing the captured area around Jhangar. After having captured this strategic area Brig Mohammad Usman convened a conference of army officers to decide about the future courts of action , meanwhile he fell to the heavy shelling of the enemy in July 1948. The body of Brig. Usman was taken to Jammu in his caravan from where it was flown to Delhi and buried with full state of honours. The infantry unit located at Jhangar maintain this great memorial the hero deeds of army men as well as civilians who died while fighting in this area commemorated every 3rd July as Jhangar Day. Another war memorial has been raised at Gujjar Mandi Chowk in Rajouri town. An Army mela is organized on the month of April every year in the memory of martyrs. I think there is scope of heritage tourism because various structures, buildings and remains of the past are still existing and the only need of the hour is to renovate them. The other thing is that most of the buildings are captured by the army and paramilitary troops which are using them as the headquarters and are used as office buildings. I think if these monuments are preserved and open for the tourists then they can generate a good income as cultural heritage tourists always remain interested in visiting these sites. It can also be useful in a way that if the package tour is prepared for Rajouri then besides pilgrimage, adventure and other types of packages we can also offer them heritage packages. It is said that monuments also helps in recognizing a city as a heritage city as Agra, where the only type of tourists existing are heritage tourism as Agra fort. Rajouri can also be promoted as the heritage city though not to such extent as Agra but to some extent. There is another beautiful scenic spot which is situated at a height of 6500ft. above sea level in the Pir Panjal range having two passes connectivity between Rajouri and Poonch districts. Thus DKG is a great tourist resort which resembles to the Patnitop.It has same type of climate and vegetation as that of Patnitop. There is need that state govt should involves itself in heritage tourism activities in particular and also promote other tourism activities. It should be linked properly to various parts of the state and country. Maintenance of roads is essential and awareness programmes about tourism should be encouraged.
Edited by: Mohd Imran Khan
Lecturer in Higher
Education Department. |
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