JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
The historic Amar Mahal Museum in Jammu will now bring to life the glorious stories of the queens of the Dogra dynasty. Once the royal residence of the Maharajas of Jammu and Kashmir, this palace has now become a center of attraction, preserving its rich cultural heritage in a new way.
The museum management has created a special room for the queens of the Dogra royal family, showcasing their lifestyle, art, social contributions, and historical significance. This initiative aims to connect the new generation with Dogra history and culture.
This magnificent palace, located on the banks of the Tawi River, is considered a wonderful example of French architecture. It was designed in 1862 and completed in the 1890s as the royal residence of Raja Amar Singh. After the death of Maharani Tara Devi, Dr. Karan Singh and his family converted the palace into a museum and library to preserve Dogra history, literature, and rare art.
The museum was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on April 13, 1975. It is currently managed by the Hari-Tara Charitable Trust.
The museum’s main attraction is the royal throne made of 120 kilograms of pure gold. It also houses Pahari and Kangra miniatures, over 25,000 rare books, ancient manuscripts, and numerous historical artifacts.
The museum recently underwent a major renovation. The walls were cleaned of black mold and redesigned by local artisans, along with experts from Chandigarh and Madhya Pradesh. The number of local visitors has also increased significantly over the past six months.
On the occasion of International Museum Day, special exhibitions of rare manuscripts and artifacts were held at the Dogra Art Museum, Jammu, and the Shri Pratap Singh Museum, Srinagar. Among these, the Skanda Purana written on palm leaves, the Mahabharata written in Persian, Basholi paintings, Kushan period coins, and historical shawls remain the center of attraction for the visitors.
Rajkumar Martand Singh, associated with the Hari-Tara Trust, says that the museum is constantly being enriched with new heritage and paintings so that people can closely understand the grandeur of Dogra heritage. Meanwhile, according to Dr. Sangeeta Sharma, Director of the Museum and Archives Department, the objects kept here will help connect people with their culture and history.
