Opinion | Unearthing The Architecture of Baramulla: From Ancient To Modern Times

From the ancient times Baramulla has acted as the trading hub and spiritual center for Muslims, Hindus & Sikhs. Baramulla had cultural contacts with the Gandhara, Persia, China, Tibet, etc from the ancient times, the impact of which can be clearly observed in temples and Buddhist monuments. The architectural style of Baramulla from the ancient times was mostly influenced by the Gandhara, Taxila and Persian style of architecture.From the beginning, Baramulla has had a religious importance, Hindu Teertha, Buddhist Vihars & Stupas made the town sacred to both Hindus & Buddhists. With the coming of Syed Janbaz Wali in 1421 and 6th Sikh Guru, Shri Hargobind in 1620, Baramulla came under the influence of Islam & Sikhism. This Religious diversity had a great impact on the architectural style of Baramulla. The impact of this was that the architecture of the town was influenced from all 4 major religious architecture.

Boniyar Temple: – Ancient temple at Boniyar is a well preserved temple. It is situated on the left bank of river Vitasta or Jhelum & at the foothills of the Pir Panjal range, this modest structure quietly bears testimony to the valleys rich religious and cultural past. Unlike most limestone temples in the valley, this 8th century temple is build using Grey Granite. According to an archeologist James Fergusson (1876) this structure was influenced by the Gandhara School of art, influences in the temples colonnaded, stylistic features that had developed under Kushana Rule from 1st to 7th century BCE. The temple consists of a sanctum placed on a high double base platform which can be approached by a flight of steps. The sanctum contains the pedestal of the original image on which few modern images of Shiva are installed. The entire complex is accessible by a beautiful two chambered entrance. The entrance on the western side is placed in the center of a wall which contains 12 cells, six on either side. The two corner cells open on the outside while the remaining 10 into the courtyard. High trefoiled arches engraved in triangular casing, placed on projecting pillars, are placed on all the four sides. The cornice on the outside is decorated with Kirtimukhas and trefoil arches. The damaged roof originally consisted of horizontal courses of Kanjur stone.

Zainpora Buddhist Site:- Although everyone was aware about this presence of 3 stupas on the bank of river Jhelum in village Zainpora but the excavation was not conducted till 2025 year. From the last year the excavation is carried out by the Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums and Kashmir University’s Central Asian Studies department. Although the style of architecture is clearly of the Kushana period like pebble wall but the most unique feature of this structure is use of gypsum as cementing material, making this site different from the rest sites present in the valley. The hemispherical style of the stupas and their terraced design resemble 3rd stupa at Sanchi. This indicates Pan Indian Buddhist architectural influences.

Sathpohr Makan:- this historic building is about 300 years old located in the heart of old town Baramulla. It is a 5 story house but among the locals it is famous with the name of Sathpohr Makan, which means 7 story house. This house initially belongs to Zargar Family of Baramulla but later its ownership transferred to kachroo family. The interior of this house is decorated with the work of wood carving or we can say Khatamband. On the 3 floor of this building there is a beautiful hall challenging the modern style of interior & representing the Persian influence on Baramulla’s architecture. Also a Deewan-khana was present in this historic building for sufi gatherings and a beautiful Shah-Nasheen enriched its beauty. This Building is a museum in itself as there are 100’s of old Kashmiri traditional items like pottery etc are present in this building.

The writer is a Researcher & Strategist from J&K & can be reached at maajaazfaisal7860@gmail.com