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Jammu

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Jammu is a major city located in the Jammu region of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. It serves as the winter capital for the union territory. This means government offices move from Srinagar to Jammu from November to April. The city is the headquarters for the Jammu district and is the second-most populous city in the territory.

Tawi Bridges River Jammu Aerial Jul24 A7CR 01909
Tawi Bridges River Jammu Aerial Jul24 A7CR 01909

Many people call it the "City of Temples." This nickname comes from its many ancient Hindu shrines and historic temples.

The geography of Jammu is defined by its hilly terrain and water sources. The city sits on uneven ridges within the Shivalik hills. To the north, east, and southeast, the Shivalik range surrounds the area. The Trikuta Range forms a border to the northwest.

Valley of Jammu
Valley of Jammu

The Tawi river flows through the center of the city. The old city is located on the north bank, or right bank, of the river. Newer neighborhoods are spread across the southern side, or left bank. There are five bridges that cross the Tawi river to connect these areas.

Climate in Jammu is classified as humid subtropical, known scientifically as Köppen Cwa. This means the city experiences distinct weather patterns. Summer temperatures can become very high. The hottest month is June, with average highs of 34°C. Extremely intense sunlight or hot winds can raise temperatures even higher. In May and June, temperatures can reach 45°C.

Valley of Jammu
Valley of Jammu

Winters are much cooler. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 7°C. Sometimes, temperatures can even drop below 0°C. Dense fog during winter can cause many inconveniences. The city also receives significant rainfall. Most rain falls between June and September during the monsoon season. This rainfall can total up to 1,100 mm in the wettest months.

History shows that Jammu has been a powerful state for many centuries. Local tradition says Raja Jambulochan founded the city in the 9th century. Some traditions claim the city is 3,000 years old, but historians do not support this. Records such as the Tarikh-i-Azmi suggest the city emerged around 900 CE.

Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir
Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir

In the 16th century, the Mughal emperor Babur described Jammu as a powerful state in the Punjab hills. The region was ruled by Manhas Rajputs during this time. Later, the Jamuwal family rose to power. Raja Ranjit Dev ruled from 1728 to 1780. He promoted religious freedom, which helped the economy grow. Eventually, the Sikh Empire annexed Jammu in 1808. The Dogra dynasty later began its rule under Raja Kishore Singh.

Modern Jammu is a vital hub for transport and economy. The Jammu Tawi railway station is a major connection point.

NE Aerial Jammu Tawi Rly Station Jul24 A7CR 01922
NE Aerial Jammu Tawi Rly Station Jul24 A7CR 01922

It is an origination point for many express trains. All trains traveling to the Kashmir Valley must pass through this station. The city also has an airport that provides daily flights. These flights connect Jammu to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The economy is supported by industry and tourism. The Bari Brahamna industrial estate produces goods like carpets and electronics. Nearby, the RS Pura area produces famous basmati rice. Tourism is the largest industry in the city.

Tawi Bridges River Jammu Aerial Jul24 A7CR 01909
Tawi Bridges River Jammu Aerial Jul24 A7CR 01909

Demographics and culture make Jammu a diverse place. As of the 2011 census, the city had 502,197 people. The literacy rate was 89.66%, which is much higher than the Indian national average of 74.4%. Many residents speak Dogri.

Malika Pukhraj (1912-2004) in 1920s
Malika Pukhraj (1912-2004) in 1920s

The city is also a destination for pilgrims. Many travelers visit to reach Vaishno Devi or the Kashmir Valley. This keeps the city full of people from all over India throughout the year. The food culture is also very distinct. People enjoy local specialties like Kalari cheese.

Famous Kalaadi of Ramnagar
Famous Kalaadi of Ramnagar

Other popular foods include rajma with rice and sweet panjeeri.

Education is a major part of life in Jammu. The city hosts several important institutions for higher learning. This includes the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu. There are also many medical and legal colleges. Students can study at the University of Jammu or the Central University of Jammu.

Common Lecture halls ,GCET Jammu
Common Lecture halls ,GCET Jammu

These schools help support the socio-economic development of the entire region.

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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir.jpg
Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir.jpg
File:Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh (1895 - 1961).jpg
Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh (1895 - 1961).jpg
File:Valley of Jammu.jpg
Valley of Jammu.jpg
File:NE Aerial Jammu Tawi Rly Station Jul24 A7CR 01922.jpg
NE Aerial Jammu Tawi Rly Station Jul24...
File:Tawi Bridges River Jammu Aerial Jul24 A7CR 01909.jpg
Tawi Bridges River Jammu Aerial Jul24...
File:Malika Pukhraj (1912-2004) in 1920s.jpg
Malika Pukhraj (1912-2004) in 1920s.jpg
File:Common Lecture halls ,GCET Jammu.jpg
Common Lecture halls ,GCET Jammu.jpg
File:Famous Kalaadi of Ramnagar.jpg
Famous Kalaadi of Ramnagar.jpg
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