Every human society has its own particular culture or socio-cultural system consisting of language, ideas, beliefs, customs, taboos, codes works of art, rituals, ceremonies, symbols etc. so is the Dogra culture. All those who ruled the land of Dogras, had left their foot prints in the shape of Forts and palaces, those working for promotion of Dogra culture and language, scripting on the subject in the form of poetry, novels, essays, fictions, plays as well as short stories, and great Dogra warriors are the pearls and they all grapple to form a rosary (Mala) for the Dogras. In this way the rosary (garland) that comes up is the storehouse of countless blessing. A copper-plate inscription believed to be of the eleventh century in Chamba link a kingdom 'Durgara' that became 'Dugar' and laterally turned into 'Dogra'. Dogras are generally the people who live in Jammu and adjoining areas of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and speak Dogri. Approximately 2000 years back, Dogra rulers used to suffix 'Dhara' or 'Dhar' as their last name and Raja Suraj Dev who ruled from 920 to 987, changed 'Dhar' to 'Dev' as last name. Subsequently all Rajas used 'Dev' as their last name till 1688. Thereafter word 'Singh' also emerged as the last name in addition to last word 'Dev'.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir arose from the fragmentation of the Sikh kingdom. The Dogra Dynasty (Jamwal dynasty) was founded by Maharaja Gulab Singh. The Dogras consolidated their rule over the whole state. The Dogra dynasty traced their ancestry to the Ikshvaku (Solar) Dynasty of Northern India. Raja Harish Chander, Raja Sagar, Raja Bhagirarth, Raja Dashrath, Raja Ram, Raja Kush, Raja Agnigir, Raja Agnigarva, Raja Jambulochan fall in line with Dogra dynasty. Among the descendants of the Raja Jambulochan, were Raja Dharam Karan, Raja Kirat Karan, Raja Shakti Karan (also known as Raja 'Shastri' and credited with the introduction of Dogri scripture and its use), Raja Sarpla Dhar, Raja Kirti Dhar, Raja Ajay Dhar and Raja Bijrala Dhar. Raja Surya Dev was son of Raja Bijrala Dhar. The Rajas who ruled Jammu after Raja Bijrala Dhar are 1. Surya Dev (920-987). 2. Bhuj Dev (987-989) 3. Avtar Dev (989-1033) 4. Jas Dev (1033-1063) 5. Sangram Dev (1063-1094) 6. Jaskara Dev (1094-1164) 7. Braj Dev (1164-1215) 8. Narsingh Dev (1215-1245) 9. Arjun Dev (1245-1312) 10. Jodha Dev (1312-1359) 11. Maal Dev (1359-1399) 12. Hamir Dev (1399-1423) 13. Ajab Dev (1423-1454) 14. Viram Dev (1454-1500) 15. Khokhar Dev (1500-1530) 16. Kapoor Dev (1530-1571) 17. Samhal Dev (1571-1596) 18. Sangram Dev (1596-1626) 19. Bhupat Dev (1626-1652) 20. Hari Dev (1652-1688) 21. Gajay Singh (1688-1703) 22. Dharub Dev (1703-1733) 23. Ranjit Dev (1733-1780) 24. Dalel Singh (1780-1782) 25. Brij Dev (1782-1787) 26. Sampuran Dev (1787-1797) 27. Ajit Singh (1797-1816). Till Raja Ajit Singh ruler of Jammu princely state, the system of elder son of the ruler to be the next ruler in the dynasty system was maintained. In 1816, the princely state of Jammu came under direct rule of Sikh kingdom and Raja Ajit Singh was pensioned off and Jammu state was granted to Kharak Singh as 'Jagir' who appointed Dewan Ajit Singh Kulhal to administer the state on his behalf. In 1820, the independency of Jammu state was restored and was granted to Raja Kishore Singh, who administered the state till 1822, when Maharaja Gulab Singh, son of Kishore Singh came to the central stage in ruling Jammu princely state. Worthwhile to mention here that prior to appoint of Kishore Singh as Raja Jammu (1820-1822), he along with his sons Gulab Singh, Diyan Singh, and Suchet Siongh was in the services of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab kingdom. If we pay a cursory look into this off shoot of direct rulers of Jammu, their ancestry goes as; Ranjit Dev was ruler of Jammu princely state (1733 to 1780). He was having two brothers Balwant Singh and Surat Singh. Surat Singh was blessed with four sons, Mian Mota Singh, Zorawar Singh, Mian Dhalla and Mian Bhupa. Mian Zorawar Singh was blessed with Raja Kishore who administered Jammu state from (1820-1822) after being titled as Raja of Jammu. He had three sons namely Gulab Singh, Diyan Singh, and Suchet Singh. Raja Gulab Singh ruled Jammu princely state from 1822-1846 and after 'Treaty of Amritsar', the British Indian government acquired Kashmir from the Sikh Empire and transferred it to Gulab Singh, he was titled as Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir princely state and ruled the state from 1846-1857. He had three sons, Udham Singh, Randhir Singh@ Sohan Singh, and Ranbir Singh. Maharaja Ranbir Singh ruled the princely State (1857-1885) after Gulab Singh. He had three sons Ram Singh, Amar Singh and Partap Singh. The throne was succeeded by Maharaja Partap Singh (1885-1925). After his demise the Jammu throne was occupied by Maharaja Hari Singh son of Amar Singh as last ruler of princely state of Jammu & Kashmir actively from 1925 to 1948 and as entitlement of Maharaja till 1961. Dr. Karan Singh was Prince regent from 1948 to 1952 when monarchy was abolished. He retained the title of Maharaja till 1971, when Congress government abolished the titles.
The Dogras are an Indo-Aryan ethno-linguistic group that speaks the Dogri language. Language is the blood of the soul into which thoughts run and out of which they grow. Dogri stands recognized as an "independent modern literary language" of India and on 22nd December 2003, Dogri was recognized as an official language of India by including it in the 8th schedule of Indian Constitution. The foot prints of Dogri language can be traced back the times of poet, Amir Khusrau. If we don't make Dogra heritage visible and the strength of Dogri language important for our generations definitely in near future there will be only rumored that we used to be Dogra long ago. The unfolding of the language seems encouraging with a number of passionate promoters of the language. The history of human civilization and culture is like a continuously flowing stream in time. In certain period it remains serene, in others it takes sharp turns and in yet another it is full of turbulence's. Majority of people let the flow of the stream carry them along. With the end of the reign of Maharaja Ranbir Singh Dogri was pushed in the background. There are some rare human beings, whose ideas, efforts and deeds change the course of the stream. Among them are; Dinoo Bhai Pant, who made a great contribution in the promotion of the Dogri language. His outstanding 'Gutlun', 'Shehar Pehlo Pehl Gae' proved an instant hit in 1944. His progressive writing is a milestone which set a new trend in Dogri poetry focusing on people's problems. 'The credit of setting Dogri Sanstha, a literary and cultural organization goes to him as one of founding members like Prof Ram Nath Shastri, D C Prashant, B P Sathe, N D Misra, Sansar Chand Baru and few others. Prof Ram Nath Shastri infused a new life into its literary movement through the Dogri Sanstha. He was bestowed the Padam Shri title for his rich contribution to culture and literature. He remained Chief Editor of Dogri Dictionary project (1977-1987) in the Cultural Academy. Prof. Shastri was one of those few who laid down the foundation of modern Dogri literature as a Great organizer. Keher Singh Madhukar is one of the top creative poets who have made rich contribution to the Dogri language and its literature. Padma Sachdev, an eminent Dogri poet and prose writer, Padma Sachdev has left indelible imprints on the contemporary Dogri literature. She joined Radio Station, Jammu in 1961 as an Announcer and two years later shifted to All India Radio, New Delhi as first woman a news reader in Dogri. Some of her Dogri poems have been translated into various Indian languages, a few into Russian as well. Today, one of the prominent names in Dogri literature is that of Dr Karan Singh, who has penned numerous novels, travelogues and philosophical treatises. He is also known for translating famous Dogri songs into English to popularize this language.
Dogri literature comprises a fabulous gamut of poetry, fiction and dramatic works. Under the poetry category alone, there are Dogri poets like Kavi Dattu (who belonged to the court of Raja Ranjit Dev from the 18th Century era, is regarded in high esteem for his Barah Massa (Twelve Months), Kamal Netra (Lotus Eyes), Bhup Bijog, Bir Bilas and other works) to more recent ones like Professor Ram Nath Shastri and Padma Sachdev. The writers are the pearls that are added to the Dogra rosary as a continuous process. Writers leave indelible imprints on the Dogri literature and Dogri language. In Dogri language 'Sahitya Akademy Award' was started in 1970 and since then the pearls decorated with this award and added to the Dogra rosary are; Narendra Khajuria for 'Nila Ambar Kale Badal' (short stories) in 1970, Padma Sachdev for 'Meri Kavita Mere Geet' (poetry) in 1971, Shrivats Vikal for 'Phull Bina Dali' (Novel) in 1972, Madan Mohan Sharma for Duddh, Lahoo, Zahar (Short Stories) in 1974, Krishna Smailpuri for 'Mere Dogri Geet' (Poetry) in 1975, Ram Nath Shastri for 'Badnami Di Chhan' (Short Stories) in 1976, Kehar Singh Madhukar for 'Main Mele Ra Janun' (Poetry) in 1977, Narsingh Dev Jamwal for 'Sanjhi Dharti Bakhle Mahnu' (Novel) in 1978, O.P. Sharma `Sarathi' for 'Nanga Rukh' (Novel) in 1979, Kunwar Viyogi for 'Ghar' (Poetry) in 1980, Jitendra Udhampuri for 'Ek Shehr Yaaden Da' (Poetry) in 1981, Deshbandhu Dogra `Nutan' for 'Qaidi' (Novel) in 1982, Ved Rahi for 'Aale' (Short stories) in 1983, Shiv Ram `Deep' for 'Gamlen De Cactus' (Poetry) in 1984, Dinoo Bhai Pant for 'Ayodhya' (Play) in 1985, Om Goswami for 'Sunne Di Chiree' (Short stories) in 1986, Prakash Premi for 'Beddan Dharti Di' (Epic) in 1987, Ram Lal Sharma for 'Rattu Da Chanan' (Poetry) in 1988, Mohanlal Sapolia for 'Sodh Samundaren Di' (Poetry) in 1989, Tara Smailpuri for 'Jeevan Lehran' (Poetry) in 1990, Mohan Singh for 'Apni Daphli Apna Raag' (Play) in 1991, Yash Sharma for 'Jo Tere Man-Chitta Laggi Ja' (Poetry) in 1992, Jitendra Sharma for 'Buddh Suhagan' (Play) in 1994, Abhishap for 'Lalsa' (Poetry) in 1995, Gyaneshwar for 'Baddli Kalave' (Poetry) in 1996, Shiv Dev Singh Sushil for 'Bakhre Bakhre Sach' (Novel) in 1997, Kuldeep Singh Jindhrahia for 'Mangwi Pashakri' (Poetry) in 1999, Deen Bandhu Sharma for 'Meel Patthar' (Short stories) in 2000, Verinder Kesar for 'Nighe Rang' (Poetry) in 2001, Om Vidyarthi for 'Trip Trip Chete' (Travelouge) in 2002, Ashwani Magotra for 'Jhull Bada Dea Pattara' (Poetry) in 2003, Shiv Nath for 'Cheten Di Chitkabri' (Essays) in 2004, Krishan Sharma for 'Dhaldi Dhuppe Da Sek' (Short stories) in 2005, Darshan Darshi for 'Kore Kaakal Korian Talian' (Poetry) in 2006, Gian Singh Pagoch for 'Mahatma Vidur' (Epic) in 2007, Champa Sharma for 'Cheten Di Rhol' (Poetry) in 2008, Praduman Singh Jindrahia for 'Geet Sarovar' (Lyrics & songs) in 2009, Manoj for 'Pandran Kahaniyan' (Short stories) in 2010, Lalit Magotra for 'Cheten Diyan Ga'liyan' (Essay) in 2011, Bal Krishan Bhaura for 'Tim-Tim Karde Tare' (Poetry) in 2012, Sita Ram Sapolia for 'Doha Satsai' (Poetry) in 2013, Shailender Singh for 'Hashiye Par' (Novel) in 2014, Dhian Singh for 'Parchhamen Di Lo' (Poetry) in 2015, and Chhatrapal for 'Cheta' (short stories) in 2016. The maiden Dogri language comic book based on the life of Dogra legend Baba Jittoo was released in 2015. The authors whose essays have been translated and brought out in the book include Om Goswami, ND Jamwal, Surjit Hosh and Prakash Premi. The essays were translated into English by Vandana and Garima Gupta. In addition to Dogri translation of Amar Chitra Katha comic books, Swami Vivekananda and Kailas besides Dogri compilation of essays translated into English language. The essays and comic books have been translated and published by the Dogri Sanstha, Jammu. The need is to communicate and make accessible the so created literature to the general public for advancement of Dogra culture.
Among other pearls to the rosary of Dogras, are the historical and famous forts and palaces forming secular heritage. The importance of forts in Jammu region can be gleaned from the fact that the very name Dogra has perhaps derived from the word Durgara, which denoted people who lived in Forts. The rulers of the principalities forming 'Dogra circle' with Chamba (Some part), Billawar/ Basohli, Bhadu, Mankot/ Ramkot, Bandralta/ Ramnagar, Jasrota, Jammu, Bhuti, Chenani, Kishtwar and Bhaderwah states' of Duggar Pradesh', constructed number of monuments like forts, palaces, and sarais, etc in their respective principalities on hilltops, on the banks of a river on a hill top, and some were constructed as fort cum palaces. 40 to 50 forts have been reported, some of them are completely missing from the sites. Some are in ruins. There are some which are still in good conditions, like the fort of Bahu, Samba, Bhimgarh, Jaghanu, Akhnoor, Lakhanpur, Jasrota, Jasmergarh, Ramnagar, Ambarian, Kaleeth, Thein, Ramkot, Billawar, Landher, Kharwan, Gajpat, Laddan, Chanas, Mangla Devi, Poonch, Daharl, Rajouri, Bhaddu, Kirmachi, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, etc. Amar Mahal Palace was built during 19th century by Maharaja Amar Singh. Hari Niwas, Mubarak Mandi Palace was built by Dogra dynasty as royal residence of their Maharajas. It continued to be the imperial seat until 1925 when Maharaja Hari Singh made Hari Niwas Palace, his official residence, Sheesh Mahal Ramnagar are some added pearls to the Dogra rosary.
Culture has played a crucial role in human evolution. Dogra region is situated in the lower Himalayan ranges and ecologically, it is the land of mountains, thick forests, barren lands and rivers; a land of contrasts and combinations. Rivers that flow in Dogra region are Ravi, Tawi, Chenab, Basanter and Ujjh rivers. Dogra land is a land where people of different religions live in harmony. The message of love and brotherhood is expressed by all the religions. This harmony is seen in the celebration of festivals like Rahre, Sakolare, Dhamdeh, Lohri, Janamashtmi , Eids, Guru-Parvas, Charismas etc. In fairs like; Sudh Maha Dev Mela, Jhiri Mela, Purmandal Mela, Mela Patta and Chambliyal has attained the magnitude of the significant common festivals. The religious places Vaishno Mata. Shiv Khori, Sukrala Mata temple, Bawe wali Mata, Dargah of Peer Farid-u-din Sahib of Kishtwar, are religious-social petals to the Dogra rosary. Among Dogra cuisine the main dishes, vegetarian meal include Daal-Bhatta-Maani, Mitha Madra , Shree Pulao, Auria, Ambal, Ghyur, Succhiya and among non-veg are Khatta Meat are the fountains of fragrance in the rosary.
Under the British the Dogra Regiment was recruited entirely of Dogra Rajputs, who are high caste Hindus descended from the original Aryan invaders of India. The Dogra Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army. The regiment traces its roots directly from the 17th Dogra Regiment of the British Indian Army that was formed in 1922 through the amalgamation of three separate regiments of Dogras into the 17th Dogra Regiment. They were: 1st Battalion - formerly the 37th (Prince of Wales's Own) Dogras, 2nd Battalion' - formerly the 38th Dogras, and 3rd Battalion - formerly the 1st Battalion, 41st Dogras. The Dogras earned laurels for valor during World War I and II as well as in all major operations after Independence. In the pre-Independence era, the Dogras had to their credit three Victoria Cross and 44 Military Cross awards besides 312 other awards. Post-Independence, the regiment has won an 'Ashok Chakra', 'Padma Bhushan', 'Padma Shree' and nine 'Maha Vir Chakra' besides numerous other decorations, including five unit citations. I dedicate this write up for all such 'Pearls' that are shining and providing fragrance to the 'Dogra Rosary'. |
