Excise Department, SMVDU organise Heritage Walk at ancient Babore temples, Manwal

JAMMU, March 03: Excise Department Jammu in collaboration with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University today organised a Heritage Walk to Babore temples, Manwal, the ancient capital of Dogra region. The heritage walk at historic Babore temples at Manwal witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of historians, academicians, artists and students.

The Heritage Walk was flagged off by Prof. RK Sinha, Vice Chancellor SMVDU, and Rajiv Magotra, Principal Excise and Taxation Training Institute that covered five temple sites spread over one kilometer.

During the walk, followed by Heritage Baithak and Heritage Lectures, the participants were made aware about the prominent historical, architectural and cultural aspects of the Babore temples that are being maintained by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). These temples reflect the zenith of Nagara temple building movement in North India. 

Ashok Sharma, heritage expert, in his address. briefed everyone about the historic essence and architectural grandeur of the temples, namely, Devi Bhagwati Temple, Dera Babore, Kala Dera One and Two, and Dera Temple. He emphasized the need for preserving and protecting the ancient heritage of Jammu region which has a unique place in the Indian Sub-Continent.

Rupali Vaid, ETO Udhampur Reasi Range stressed on the need for preserving the cultural heritage of Jammu region. The Heritage walk was aimed at giving quality experiences to the youth so as to inculcate healthy and knowledge based pursuits and motivate them against the menace of drug abuse. The heritage walk is a part of the series of events envisaged by the Excise Department to motivate youth to adopt a healthy and purposeful lifestyle.

Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar SMVDU, emphasized the need for organizing more such events and giving more exposure to the students to the rich culture and heritage of Jammu region.

 The students of School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, who were the main participants of the event hailing from different parts of the country, evinced keen interest in the ornate carvings and style of temple building.

They captured the temples through photographs, videos, sketches, and said that these temples deserve to be included in the UNESCO heritage sites.

Others present on the occasion included Dr Rakesh Thusoo, Dr. Kamni, Vaibhav Satkal, Arch.  Satyanshu Kumar and several faculty members, officials from Excise and others.

 The tenth century temple complex which was capital of Jammu region prior to its shifting to Jammu by Raja Maldev was visited by the students. They were acquainted with the rich heritage of the Jammu region and also learned about the potential of heritage tourism.

 The event was marked by a scintillating folk song and dance performance by Ram Ditta and party. The participants were served ethnic Dogra Cuisine in environment friendly leaf cups (doona) and plates (Pattal).