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| CELEBRATING THE DIVERSITY OF JAMMU REGION | | | Col J P Singh, Retd | 4/16/2011 8:09:45 PM |
| Today we are in such a situation that every serious debate about Jammu and Kashmir ends up as Jammu versus Kashmir binary debate. To dispel such impressions Amar Mahal Museum and Library (AMML) has started series of inclusive and exclusive social, cultural and educational seminars to give momentum to cultural renaissance in Jammu Region. In continuation of the series, an interesting and thought provoking seminar was conducted by AMML on 28th March 2011. The topic of the seminar was ‘Celebrating Diversity in Jammu Region’ and the objective was to discuss interfaith harmony and inclusive culture within the frame work of social, religious and architectural heritage. With main focus on diversity reflected in centuries old pluralistic and secular traditions of the region, there was serious introspection of preservation of highly rich and diverse legacy of the region when the Western culture is fast infiltrating in the society and religious tensions / fundamentalism is on the increase. Lot of concern is expressed in various segments of the society about the degradation of our old value system leading to greed and corruption in the society and lot is being said, written and done about it. In this seminar also eminent participants debated the same degradation in the traditional past and its effects by highlighting the way the present compulsions and the pressures were steering the region adrift.
Pluralism and harmony has been the way of life in Jammu region so long as there was no migration to the region and there were no political and religious pressures on the lives of the people. While the debate provided enough and interesting discourses on inclusive culture, contemporary art, architecture and musical traditions, the attention of audience however was more towards Dr. Karan Singh and Khawaja Iftekhar Ahmed. Their recitations on the subject of identity and interfaith dialogue for the maintenance of global peace and harmony in the context of increasing intolerance between the communities at the global and regional level were seriously heard. Their prose was readily accepted as the starting point for generating interest in the other presentations of the debate. Dr. Karan Singh stated that having traversed J&K fully he has been pleasantly surprised to see the diversity in state’s heritage and culture which was akin to Indian diversity, known and spoken world over. As President of Indian Council of Cultural Relations he is involved in projecting the richness of Indian Civilisation, heritage and culture world over which supplements India’s growth phenomenon. Khawaja Sahib attributed diversity to our constitution which divides us into minorities, majorities, SCs, STs, BCs and various other classes reflecting political, economic and social diversity. On top of that there is religious diversity. Jammu region is a mini India when we look at its diverse ethnic, historical and geographical landscape. Therefore interfaith dialogue should be a continuous process for integration and consensus. In the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Duggar warriors, there is ample scope for consensus and brotherhood.
If we analyse history of past millennium, we see that decline of India as a nation started with the rise of expansionist Islam. India has gone through periods of unprecedented strife, bloodiest battles of history and religious oppression. Jammu & Kashmir which was an exclusive abode of Hindus was periodically subjected to Islamic tyranny and cruel conversion. There have been repeated invasions on the Duggar Land from the North and West but every time they were attacked, they managed to defeat the aggressor and retain their identity. During turbulences in the Arab lands, Sufism migrated to Indian subcontinent in 12th century as a new socio-religious force and made Punjab as its 1st hub of activities. Geographical proximity and socio-economic links of Jammu region with Punjab facilitated cultural exchanges between these two regions which further facilitated smooth transgression of Sufism. Influence of Sufism in Jammu region was presented by Prof. Jigar Mohhamad who attributed its spread to the Dogras rule. Sufism appeared in Kashmir during 14th century. Jammu being between Punjab & Kashmir attracted the attention of Sufis from both directions. Pir Roshan Wali Shah is believed to be the first Sufi who came to Jammu from Mecca in 1442. Thereafter majority of them came to Jammu between 15th and 19th century. Jammu under the rule of Raja Ranjit Dev from 1730 to 1782 was peaceful and prosperous region where Sufis found congenial atmosphere for propagation of their philosophy. Rule of Maharaja Gulab Singh from 1822 to 1857 also provided more peaceful environments than volatile Punjab attracting Sufis from Punjab to migrate to Jammu. Pir Roshan Ali Shah, Pir Mitha, Pir Lakhdata, Pir Zahir Wali Shah and Pir Shahan Shah Wali were the famous Sufis of Jammu region. Most Sufis are remembered as charismatic figures and are reputed to perform miracles. Sufis propagated their mystical ideas by delivering sermons besides which they took keen interest in material welfare of their followers. A significant social activity of Jammu Sufis was their organization of Langars which was intended to discourage the social evils and to associate people with practice of inclusiveness. Langar system was started by Sheikh Farid which connected Sufis of this region with Guru Nanak, the founder of institution of langar. Baba Budhan Shah and Guru Nanak were friends. They enjoyed each other’s company and exchanged their views on social and spiritual issues. The closeness of Sufism and Sikhism can be seen from the fact that Sufi Shrines of Jammu region still follow langar tradition like Gurdawaras. Apart from promoting communal harmony, Sufis made earnest efforts to maintain ecological balance. Pir Lakhadata is known for plantation of trees and creation of Baolis for drinking water. Baba Ghulam Shah Badhsha of Thana Mandi planted a fruit tree known as Sadhabahar which does not shed off leaves and yields fruit through out the year. Even today large number of people visit Sufi shrines on every Thursday and Army personnel do not take meat that day. Gulab Singh as Jagirdar requested Maharaja Ranjit Singh to grant land to Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah which was granted. Maharaja Gulab Singh gave 50 Kanals of land to Pir Wali Shah at Katra. Later Maharaja Ranbir Singh and Partap Singh extended financial support and renovated Sufi shrines. The resilient survival of Sufi shrines and life and work of Sufis, including their piety and charisma continues to remind the present generation of everlasting influence of Sufism on the social life of the region. It reminds us of the harmony and prosperity that prevailed in Jammu region under the guidance of departed souls. It was hoped that traditional communal harmony preached by Sufi saints shall live for ever in Jammu region and flourish.
Being from Jammu region, we have seen degradation in our pluralistic identity and secular culture. Kashmir has lost its identity after mass exodus of pandits, Ladakh is passing through a phase of identity conflict between Muslims and Buddhists. Jammu still is seen as an ideal model of diversity, which is its strength and prde. We must learn a lesson from mistakes of Kashmir and endeavour to preserve our pluralistic identity, celebrate and strengthen its existence. These were the views of Prof. Rekha Chaudhary of Dept of Political Science from Jammu University. Compare Jammu to Kashmir, Jammu shines as crown of secularism and symbol of pluralism. It has given refugee to who so ever came to Jammu including Punjabis, Mirpurias, Kashmiri Pandits, moderate Muslims and all those who desired to make it its abode. Despite provocations, except Amarnath Yatra agitation, two decades of militancy could not disturb peace and harmony of Jammu region. Our Dogra identity is inclusive identity of living as pluralistic and secular society. Dogra culture is a living example of pluralism. Sadly Kashmiris are gloriously projected as most secular and tolerant people on the earth whereas Jammuites on the contrary and falsely enough are condemned as communal. How fallacious are the projections and glorifications? The Kashmir problem which out rightly is a communal problem is being fallaciously projected as political problem. Sadly the world accepts it on its face value. Jammu’s glorious heritage which is pluralism and communal harmony is getting buried in the books and libraries. The distracting factors and the malicious propaganda is gaining ground consequently disturbing peace, communal harmony and unbalancing social structure of society. We have to check this trend by educating ourselves and coming generations about the evil designs of enemies of the society. Hence there is a need to redefine Jammu region and glorify our traditional secularism or else we will be swept by divisive winds from the North and the West.
Remarkable growth of art and culture in Jammu is attributed to its pluralism and diversity. The growth has been gradual but its decline has been fast due to advent of militancy in Kashmir. Kashmir crisis overshadowed every social and cultural activity of Jammu region. There is no systematic effort to promote Jammu’s art and culture. When Dogri became official language on 22 December 2002 after a protracted struggle, sadly there was no acknowledgement or celebration of such significant achievement despite being spoken so widely and vastly. Jammu region geographically is very vast and is equally vast ethnically, socially, culturally and yet very unique and compact. Some educational institutions are doing yeoman service in promoting this heritage. Intellectuals and media, being the torch bearer, have a prominent role in this sphere and they are conscious of it. As we grow in age, we must learn to grow in grace. Our effort should be towards preserving, promoting and projecting our heritage collectively and individually and be known as proud dwellers of Duggar Land. Being residents of Jammu region we must know of its past history and culture, derive lessons and make our culture bright and colourful.
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