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Jammu-Kashmir Museums & Art Galleries

Dogra Art Gallery, Jammu

In the early 60s small museum was established in Jammu to represent Dogra art and heritage. The objects in the museum are diverse. At the entrance there is beautifully carved image of Uma Mahesha, believed to date back to the 10^th century AD and a black marble Shiva. On the walls are photographic depictions of Dogra architecture as seen in forts, palaces and temples. Also on the walls are a variety of weapons, crucial implements for a martial race. There are swords, large knives, khukaries, pistols, revolvers, copper and iron armoury to shield parts of the body like head, chest, arms, elbows and legs. Used by the Dogra army these date to the 18th century. Also on view is a bow reputed to belong to the Shah Jahan period.

Two glass cupboards contain terracotta objects excavated from the prehistoric site of Ambran, 30 km from Jammu. Some terracotta busts of women with typical Gandhara facial features and Greek hairstyles are believed to date between the 4^th and 8^th century AD.There are also a number of royal costumes and spreads. One treasun intricate Gian Chousar, embroidered myriad colours, with 365 columns arranged horizontally and vertically witi a motif in each column. Other embroideries depict scenes from the Ras Leela.

The rich collection of miniature paintings represents examples from the Jammu, Basbhli and Kangra schools remarkable Basohli paintii portray birds, animals and foliage with great skill and finesse. Besides these there are coins, silver and copper ornaments and Sanskrit and Pharsi manuscripts which hav emulti- coloured borders and begin with figures painted in different colours. Finally there are portraits of Dogra kings including one of Gulab Singh, founder of the dynasty.

Dogra Art Gallery
Jammu 180 001

Timings: Summer: 12.00 noon to 6.00 pm Winter: 10.30 am to 4.00 pm
Closed on Mondy.