The Jammu and Kashmir Governor, N.N Vohra, has exhorted workers to accelerate the pace of conservation work on the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and he also set a deadline for the vacation of buildings.
It is worthwhile here to mention that the oldest building in this Palace complex dates back to 1824. The architecture is a blend of Rajasthani, Mugal and even Baroque European influences. The most stunning segment is the Sheesh Mahal. The Pink Hall now houses the Dogra Art Museum, which has miniature paintings of the various Hill Schools. The Complex has a history of 150 years. It was royal residence of Dogra Kings.
The location was carefully selected for having a commanding view of river Tawi on one side and the city on other side. The palaces are built as a group of buildings around a courtyard.
The complex has halls and galleries, which were used for official functions and ceremonies. As the time passed the need was felt to have separate buildings to house the full-fledged Royal Secretariat. These buildings were constructed around a garden cum courtyard, which ultimately became the venue for important events for a Royal audience for the common man.
Dogra Art Gallery: This is located in the erstwhile Pink Hall of the old Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex. This museum houses 800 rare and exquisite paintings from different schools of paintings viz: Basohli, Jammu and Kangra. Gold painted bow and arrow of Shah Jehan and a number carpentary tools make an important section of the display. The museum also has Shahnama and Sikandernama hand written manuscripts in Persian.
To make on spot assessment of the conservation work of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, the Governor Mr. N. N Vohra conducted an overall inspection of the entire complex during his visit to the historical monument, here this morning.
Soon after acquainting himself with the development work executed throughout the complex including Dogra Art Museum, basement, library, Toshakhana and other areas of historical significance, Mr. Vohra convened a high level meeting of executive body of Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society (MMJHS).
Principal Secretary to Governor, Mr. B. B. Vyas, Vice President MMJHS, Mr. G. S. Charak, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey, IGP Mr. K. Rajendra Kumar, Director Tourism Mrs. Sarita Chouhan, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Engineer PDD, Joint Director Information Jammu, Mr. Shyam Bijyal, officers from INTACH, Archeological Survey of India and MMJHS besides other concerned departments were present on the occasion.
Deliberating upon various issues correlated with the conservation work of the historical complex, the Governor stressed on accelerating the pace of execution of renovation, repair works. On the eviction of government offices, the Governor asked the departments which have not vacated as yet to shift their offices latest by November 7, besides offices which have already shifted would hand over the possession by October 5, 2008 to MMJHS except for the Divisional Commissioner’s office which will be shifted to the new complex, the work on which is being expedited on war footing. Regarding the provision of adequate funds, Mr. Vohra emphasized on judicious utilization of the available funds, as the remaining additional funds of Rs. 4.5 crore would also be arranged from 13th State Finance Commission Funds. He said this money would be utilized on development of Museums to house artefacts and other valuable items of Dogra era for public view.
Out of Rs. 4.37 crore as sanctioned by Government of India for the conservation project, Rs. one crore has been released till date. Emphasis was laid on the utilization of available money to expedite the work, as the necessary funds required for the mega project will also be made available at the earliest.
It may be recalled here that the process of documentation of the entire Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex has already been completed by INTACH as the project reports have been prepared and submitted for early execution of the work. Shifting of Toshakhana to an appropriate place and illumination of Rani Charak Mahal from River Tawi site was also discussed
Regarding security arrangements, the IGP Jammu was asked to work out the setting up of picket of security forces and deploying specialized contingents of Home guards at the complex. The Chief Engineer PDD was asked to shift HT/ LT lines by December 2008. The Fire department has already moved a proposal for setting up of Fire Post. Wild Life department will take care of money menace.
On the conservation of Bhimgarh Fort, Reasi, Mr. Vohra said that Rs. 25 lakh has been earmarked for necessary renovation and conservation of the said Fort.
Earlier, Mr. G. S. Charak apprised the Governor of the development projects executed or under execution for restoring the pristine glory of Mubarak Mandi. He briefed about the history of conservation work started in 1991 from Dogra Art Gallery and stressed on the expeditious execution of work so as to preserve the historical treasure of Dogra period.