M U G H A L - R O A D
The legacy of the Mughals continues to live on! With places and buildings of majestic-art and architecture of the Mughals still reminisce people with an awe and amazement Mughal Road will further lay an impression on our minds with the saga of the great rulers that ruled our country for many centuries.
Very few dreams remain unrealized over a period of time provided there is right planning, concrete and structured process of execution and an unflinching will to succeed. Whether such dreams are at individual level or it is a collective dream of a state or a whole nation shares it. History witness to the fact that great achievements have always been preceded by great dreams.
The people of J&K had also dreamt of so many things including an alternative highway linking Kashmir to Jammu saving people from disgusting halts and unending waits when slight drizzles result in erosions and landslides on various places enroute the present national highway.
The Mughal road will serve no less than a panacea for disgruntled travelers besides giving tremendous fillip and boost to inter-provincial trade and commerce and will help in a cultural synthesis between various social groups spread across various part of the state.
Traversed by the carvans of Mughal emperors and their royal armies four centuries ago, the majestic Mughal Road would come up as an alternative highway to connect Kashmir with rest of India . The road will serve as shortest (76 km) between the province of Kashmir and Rajouri and Poonch.
The road originated in Jhelum town of Punjab province (now in Pakistan) and then touched Kotli ( in Pakistan Occupied –Kashmir ), Thanamandi ( Rajouri District ) and finally Chandimarh located in Pir Panjal mountains and one branch crossed over to Shopian via Heepora . As per the blueprint, the road from Bafliaz to Shopian is 89 kms and it will criss-cross 11,500 to 130,000 feet high mountain ranges , which is higher than Banihal pass on Jammu –Srinagar national highway and the present entry point to Kashmir valley . Besides, 49 km of road is steep and 20 km rolling besides mountain stretches. The road will be constructed from Bafliaz (Poonch) through Chandimarh , Dugram , Pir Panjal Pass. Ghurd, Aliahad Saria, Sukh Saria and Heerpora to Shopian . The road still has several monuments constructed by the Mughals.
In Chingus in Rajouri District emperor Jehangir died during his return from Kashmir and his body was kept in a fort at the place. On this road, a rest house was built by the Mughal’s which still exists at Muradapora . There was another rest house at Nayn Sukh ( Fatehpur), a grand Sarai at Thanamandi and a terrace at Noori Chamb water falls named after the Noor-Jehan, the queen of Jehangir in Rajouri district . A grand Mughal rest house still stands at verdurous mountain peak at Chandimarh in the Mughal road followed by small rest houses at Alyabad, Ziarat of Peer Baba at Pir-Ki-Gali, Dubjian, near the Sulphur springs , and a big rest house now in damaged condition at Heerpura ( Shopian).
The MUGHAL ROAD apart from serving as alternative highway between Srinagar & Jammu would also create an environment, which would help in, greater Interregional culture and economic exchanges. The geographical isolation of the specific areas , which discouraged people to people contacts will end and greater economic activity between the regions would follow especially in respect of Poonch & Rajouri districts which remained cut of direct contact with valley for last 57 years . The construction of Mughal road forms part of state plan with support from GOI ( PMs Package). The 44.5 Kms from Shopian to Peer- K-Gali in District Pulwama and 40 Kms Shopian to Bafiaz In District Poonch was taken up during 2005-06 and likely to be completed within 03 years .
Shopian
Shopian is situated at a distance of 51 Kms from Srinagar 20 Kms from Pulwama. It has decades old road connectivity with Anantnag as well as Kulgam. In The era by gone, Shopian was located on the famous Mughal road connecting Lahore and Srinagar. This old route has suffered from neglect during the last couples of centuries, expect being traversed Bakerwals and Gujjars on the eve of their seasonal migrations. The currently under construction Mughal road is now expected to link District Shopian with the Districts of Poonch and Rajouri. In the event of its completion this road would be an alternative link between the two administrative divisions of the state and likely to boost the economy of this proposed hill District besides increasing the administrative responsibilities of the District administration in the times to come.
Jamia Masjid Shopian
The mosque is said to have been built during the Mughal period. Shopian was an important stopover on the Mughal road across the Pir Panjal used by the Mughal to visit Kashmir. Five Time Prayers are held in the mosque and on Fridays people in large numbers respond to the call of the Mouzin and bow before the Almighty.
Hurpora
About 12 Kms from Shopian Hurpora commands a beautiful scenic view. The place is situated on the historical Mughal Road and is accessible by car and bus.
Behramgala
Situated at the foothill of 8,600 ft. high Rattan peak on the historic Mughal Road about 45 Kms from Poonch Town. Behramgala is small picturesque spot in deep gorge. It is small plateau surrendered by mountains and forests. Just near to it is the confluence of Thatta pani and Parnai stream which further adds to its otherwise scenic and natural beauty.
Noori Chamb
A famous water fall in the district also connected with the Mughal Emperors is located in the north east of Behram Gala. This water fall is yet another scenic spot which has tremendous tourist potential. The fall of the stream gives rise to dense clouds of water vapours which engulfs the area and spread all over. The emperor Jahangir had developed so much fancy and liking for this fall that he named it Noori Chamb after the name of his beloved queen Noorjahan.
Buffliaz
Another beautiful hill spot situated on the foothill of Peer Rattan range is Buffliaz, 39 Kms east of Poonch town. The village named after the horse of Alexander the great (Bunifales) who is said to have died there, is situated on both the blanks of poonch river.
Loran
A small town situated 34 Kms north of Poonch town was once the capital of Poonch state under Hindu ruler up to 1542. According to Rajatarangini, it was then know as Lohar Kote. There are ruins of the Lohar Kote fort which was called as Gateway of Kashmir but now it is destroyed. At this fort, Raja Trilochan Pal defeated Sultan Mohmood Gazanavi. This spot is surrounded by b forests and some snow clad peaks. The remnants of fortified Mughal inns are a pleasant reflection of the glorious days of the place when it used to be a camping site for the royal Mughal entourage proceeding toward Kashmir valley.
Dhandidhar Fort.
It is a historical monument located on a hill in the vicinity of Rajouri town. This fort was probably constructed by Mughal king during the reign of Emperor Jahangir nearly 400 years back. It is just 2 Kms away from Rajouri presenting panoramic and impressive view of the entire area.
Usman Memorial
Usman Memorial has been constructed at Jhangar in the memory of Brig. Usman who was mainly responsible for freeing the captured area around Jhangar. After having captured this strategic area, Brig. Usman convened a conference of army officers to decide future course of action. Meanwhile, he fell to heavy shelling of the enemy on 3rd July 1948. This great memorial is maintained by the Infantry Unit located at Jhangar. The heroic deeds of army men as well as civilians who died while fighting in this area are commemorated every year on 3rd July as “Jhangar Day.”
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