🏰 Sources of History of Jammu
The history of Jammu is a rich tapestry woven from two
primary threads of evidence: archaeological findings and literary
sources. This synthesis reveals a historical continuum stretching from
the prehistoric era to the well-documented medieval
and modern periods.
Archaeological excavations have unearthed artifacts from
the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Indus Valley Civilization periods
— notably the Manda Village site that links directly to Harappan
culture.
Medieval architectural remains such as the Martand Sun Temple, Krimchi,
and Manwal temple complexes showcase advanced artistic
achievements.
Meanwhile, literary works — from Panini (700 BCE) to Kalhana,
Al-Biruni, Ganesh Das, and Diwan Kirpa Ram — provide narrative depth
and genealogical context.
I. 🪨 Archaeological
Foundations of Jammu’s History
The Prehistoric Age
Archaeological discoveries trace Jammu’s early human
presence from hunter-gatherer societies to settled
agricultural communities.
|
Era |
Site / Location |
Key Findings |
|
Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) |
Riverbanks & lakes across Jammu |
Stone implements proving early human presence |
|
Neolithic (New Stone Age) |
Jhiri (28 km from Jammu) |
Stone axes – signifying advanced tool-making |
|
Baili (Udhampur District) |
Polished tools, chisels, hammers, and grinders showing a
mature agricultural culture |
|
|
Indus Valley Civilization (2500–1500 BCE) |
Manda Village (Akhnoor) |
Redware, greyware, black slipped ware — direct Harappan
cultural link |
Key Archaeological Sites and Discoveries
|
Site |
Period / Era |
Highlights |
|
Manda Village (Akhnoor) |
c. 400 BCE |
Excavated by ASI (1976–77); yielded Harappan artifacts,
jars, terracotta bangles |
|
Akhnoor Fort |
Multi-period |
Artifacts from Harappan to Kushan eras: red & grey
ware, Kushan pottery, and tools |
|
Ambaram (Pambaran) |
Kushan Period |
Coins, terracotta beads of Emperor Kanishka, remains of
Buddhist monastic complex |
|
Martand Sun Temple (Anantnag) |
c. 800 CE |
Dedicated to Surya; features fluted pillars, decorated
panels, advanced temple design |
|
Krimchi Temple Complex (Udhampur) |
c. 800–900 CE |
Seven temples; stone shrines reflecting early medieval
Himalayan architecture |
|
Manwal Temple Complex (Udhampur) |
c. 1000–1100 CE |
Garbagriha, mandapa, and carved entrance doors showing
artistic excellence |
|
Other Ancient Sites (Udhampur District) |
– |
Temple Samadhi (Charai), Chairans Devta Temple (Salal),
Bhim Garh Fort, Jaganoo Fort, Haveli Fort |
II. 📚 Literary Sources and
Textual Evidence
Written records across languages and centuries complement
the archaeological data, illuminating Jammu’s dynastic genealogies, cultural
evolution, and political transitions.
Major Literary Works and Authors
|
Source / Writer |
Description / Context |
|
Vanshavali |
Genealogical record of ruling families and chieftains |
|
Vanshanucharita |
Historical and genealogical references within the Puranas |
|
Panini |
Author of Ashtadhyayi (c. 700 BCE);
linguistic references to early northern India |
|
Ganesh Das Badehra |
Author of Rajadarshini (1847); chronicles
Jammu’s dynasties |
|
Kalhana |
Author of Rajatarangini; detailed chronicle of
Kashmir and adjoining regions |
|
Al-Biruni (Alberuni) |
Author of Tahqiq Al Hind (Kitab-ul-Hind);
valuable Indo-Islamic perspective |
|
Shivji Dar |
Author of Tarikh-i-Kishtwar |
|
Kahu Singh Balaria |
Author of Tarikh-i-Rajgan-i-Jammu |
|
Muhammad Din Fauq |
Author of Tarikh-i-Aqwan-i-Poonch |
|
Diwan Kirpa Ram |
Author of Gulabnama; biography of Maharaja
Gulab Singh |
|
George Forester |
Wrote travel accounts (1783) describing Jammu region |
|
G.C. Smith |
Author of The Lords of Hills |
|
Abul Fazl |
Chronicler of Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari |
|
Abdul Hamid Lahori |
Author of Badshahnama – the chronicle of
Shah Jahan’s reign |
III. 🕉️ The Etymology of
“Jammu”
The Founding Legend of Raja Jambu Lochan
According to tradition, Raja Jambu Lochan founded
the city around 1400 BCE.
The name “Jammu” derives from “Jambu”, the
original name he gave his city.
During a hunting expedition near the Tawi River,
the Raja witnessed an extraordinary scene — a goat and a tiger drinking
water side by side. Struck by this symbol of peace and harmony, he decided
to establish a city there — a place where the strong and the weak could
coexist peacefully.
Thus, the city of Jambu was born, later evolving
linguistically into Jammu.
