History of Jammu

Jammu , the winter capital of JK State, is beautifully perched on the hillock, at the foothill of which flows river Tawi, often described as “Suryaputri” In holy Scriptures and historic books. Located between 32’44 North and 74’ 55’ East at 1200 feet above sea level, jammu city has expanded on both the banks of river Tawi but the gilded pinnacles of several temples still and to its striking view, The city derive its name from the legendry ruler Raja jambulochan. According to the most acceptable and popular legend, and day the raja while hunting at the foothills of the Shivaliks near the picturesque Tawi river, witnessed a tiger and goat drinking water at the same place quietly. Fascinated by this quique singht of unparallel harmony, the king built a city at this site which was named after him.

Initially it was belived tombe called jamboopura but gradullay it came to be known as jammu. Historians believe that Raja jambulochan founded the city in the historic Mahabharata and memoirs of Timur. The two principal chronicles, Gulabnama and Rajdarshani held that jammu kingdom was established 3000 years ago. The historic reference to jambu is available in the eighth century AD when muslim saint pir Roshan Shah Wali came to the city. There is also a mention of jammu found in Indian history in late 11^th century. The famous Rajtarangini also mentions two rulers that during Timur’s invasion of India, the rular of jammu, raja Maldev put up a brave resistance to him. He is belived to have built his palaces in the heart of the city at Purani Mandi.

There is not much historical evidence of the growth of city except that the city grew around the temples and shrines constructed by Hindus and Muslims under the patronage of different kings. Growth of city is of medieval character with a wide bazaar and narrow streets and lanes, single storeyed buildings  adjoining each other. The layout however indicates that there has been a deliberate effort to plan the old city in an orderly manner. The city was divided into various mohallas named after the dominant community/caste, e.g. Malhotrian Mahalla, Afghan mohalla, etc.

Dogra rule staeted in 1846 with Maharja Gulab Singh as the first ruler of the Dogra dynasty. Dogras made jammu the capital of the state to meet administrative exigencies. Maharaja Gulab Singh constructed the old Secretariat complex at a commanding height. Under Dogra rule, the city transformed its medieval character to a feudal one. The seat of the Government was located at the highest point. Nobles lived in the close proximity to the place. The market functioned at the centre and the lowest class of the society settled on the outskirts. This is evident from the buildings like old secretariat, Raghunath Bazar and Gummat Bazar in the centre and Gujjar Mohalla on the banks of Tawi River. The Dogra rulers took keen interest in the construction of temples. Development of city centered around these temples. Maharaja Partap Singh 1885-1925 contributed to the physical development of the city by constructing Tawi bridge, hospital and sadar, school and colleges, Silk Factory and Dak infrastructure on modern lines by constructing Ranbir canal – a life line for agriculture of Jammu District. Power House, a pumping station at River Tawi to supply piped water to the city and the Banihal road connecting  Jammu with Srinagar. The physical character of the city improved considerably in a lateral from with the construction of new roads and provision of infrastructure. This comprehensive layout of infrastructure appears to have necessitated formation of a Municipal Council. With this, an attempt was made to prepare a layout plan for a housing colony in rehari, indicating regular plots, grid-iron pattern of road system and open spaces.

During Maharja Hari Singh’s period Development oriented towards expansion of industry and provision of community facilities and infrastructure alike. Aerodrome at Satwari, SMGS Hospital and reservoir at parade ground were constructed. The city actually took shape in the year 1962 and its municipal limits extended on both banks of Tawi River over an area of 16.87 sq.km. which increased to 112 sq.km as per Master plan 2021.

The first Master plan was prepared in 1974. The Master Plan was remodeled to meet the changing needs and aspirations of the city planning in 1994. Due to large migration from Kashmir valley, w.e.f. 1989 onwards, the city’s scenario changed drastically. Hence, the Master Plan was remodeled to meet the changing needs and aspirations of city in 1994. In the process of city planning, it is vital to review the Master Plan presently in vogue. An insight into the successes and failures is imperative for drawing up the appropriate lessons. The           implementability and operational defficulties to regulate growth and development is also likely to get manifested from a comprehensive review of the master plan proposals. During the last decade, large influx of pilgrims to Sh. Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnath Yatra has been observed, thus increasing the demand for residential, commercial, recreational development and transit facilities in the city. It has also added dynamism to city which warrents channelization of urban growth in a planned manner. For purposes of understanding the fallacious and reasons of tardy implementation of the master Plan, a detailed review of the Master plan Jammu-2021 has been carried out a way forward for conceiving the revised Master Plan of Jammu for 2032. The document is an overall Jammu Master plan-2032 blue print for planned development of Jammu Local Planning Area-2032. Further, based on existing analysis detailed proposals have to be drawn out for physical and social infrastructure facilities along with detailed land use analysis.

Today Jammu has emerged as a dynamic, vibrant city which is culmination of JDA’s initiatives and the Govt. policy – a constantly evolving dynamic city keeping pace with the changing times while retaining its old charm and rich historical past.