Col J P Singh
Author. Lt Col Joginder Singh Jasrotia
Publisher. Classic Printers, B D Bari, Jammu.
Year of Publication. 2022
‘Jasrotey-di-Goonj’ is written for the revival of over 800 years past heritage. It is not merely a book of historic events but a fascinating expression of how one feels the sorrow & pain of the lost heritage. It is a small book of 59 pages divided into 4 parts. They are (i) Prosperous Rise of Jasrota, (ii) End of the Kingdom, (iii) Analysis of Jasrota’s glory and doom and (iv) Glossary of unsavoury happenings. All are illuminating. The book explains how Jasrota lost its glory and what brought doom to the flourishing kingdom. Which social/political changes subjected its palaces and temples to utter ruins is vividly elucidated.
In 1019, Raja Yashdev of Jammu founded a small township in the lush green highlands South of Jammu which subsequently became the capital city of Jasrota Kingdom. Raja Yashdev anointed Raja Karandev as its first ruler. Jasrotias are descendents of Raja Karandev. Raja Bhuri Singh was its last ruler. 1019 to 1836 was the golden period of Jasrota kingdom. Many Kashmiri artisans lived there whose handicrafts and wool of Jasrota were in great demand in European markets. The Fort, Palaces and magnificent temples of various deities were no less than Jammu forts, palaces and temples in grandeur. A flourishing market was the hallmark of the kingdom.
Jasrota Raj survived when Delhi was the target of foreign invasions because of political alliances and Dogras valour. Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab made determined efforts to annex Jasrota but the Dogras thwarted them bravely. Finally the Punjab ruler used Dogras to destroy Dogras on the well said analogy, ‘diamond cuts diamond’. And how he succeeded in doing it is lucidly explained by the author.
Raja Bhuri Singh ceased to be a king after his defeat in 1836 but continued to stay in Jasrota Fort till deported by Raja Gulab Singh in 1846 to Khanpur Nagrota and his uncles Shamsher Singh and Bishen Singh to Nurpur and Mangla with Rs. 5,000 yearly pension. Author’s regret is that this kingdom of Jammu wasn’t allowed to survive after the formation of J&K State in 1846. Author has tried to highlight the merciful financial state of Surinder Singh, the 7th descendent of the last King living in Khanpur.
Renowned historian Narsingh Das Nargis, whose great-grand-father Dewan Devi Dutta Mal was Dy Commissioner of Jasrota and his grandfather Dewn Kashi Ram was its Tehsildar, visited Jasrota in 1922. He discovered strange phenomenon in the ruined palace. Name of the book is based on this strange discovery described in chapter 4. Having authored ‘Sehswan-di-Deodi’ and being in uniform for long, he has done justice to his heritage. The underlining message from the book is much more than what has been written in the small book.
Jasrota was nothing but ruins. 30 years ago Jasrotias formed a ‘Jasrota Sanatan Dharm Sabha’ for restoring its pristine glory. Inspired by it Col Joginder Singh took the initiative of recording Jasrota history. Dogras though obsessed with making history are devoid of obsession of writing about it. Hence this initiative is commendable. Despite various ups and downs including dislodgement from their abode, Jasrotias continue to thrive.
The book is dedicated to the Jasrotias of J&K who have undergone unprecedented privations of lost glory for over two centuries. His first book ‘Sehswan-di-Deodi’ and this ‘Jasrotey-di-Goonj’ are historic and worth reading. Narrative of this book revolves around Jasrota and the name of book is very fascinating as it echoes the story of ruined Jasrota. Priced Rs. 120, book is available at R M Pustak Bhandar Peer Baba Kunjwani Jammu. Recommended to be read by the students of history nationwide.
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