Dressing-up for.... Page 4 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2020 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/sunday-magazine Have a blissful ....Page 3 Reviving forgotten 'Dogra Akkhar - Takri' Rajan Gandhi employed by the revenue department in Chamba to deci- pher/ read records and old revenue papers in Takri until Languages are a fundamental right and the cornerstone 2006. Even now, some Takri knowing persons are employed of humanity's diverse cultural identity. Speaking or writing for reading such records in Chamba. Various revival pro- a dominant language does not mean communities have to grams of Takri were initiated in Chamba, in January 2009, give up their right to maintain and promote their ancestral the government of HP conducted a workshop for teaching language locally and globally. Around the world, indigenous Takri in collaboration with IGNOU based on National languages are experiencing revivals. More and more chil- Manuscript Mission. Further, almost on verge of extinction, dren are being raised as native speakers of Euskara in Spain, 'Takri' has a ray of hope as in neighbouring Himachal Mori in New Zealand. We live in a pivotal time for language Pardesh as a team of heritage enthusiasts from two genera- revitalization. More than half the world's languages are in tions has developed fonts for the ancient Takri. The idea was danger of being swallowed up by dominant languages with- envisaged by younger generation, ultimately teamed to work in this century. United Nations named 2019 as the for preservation of heritage and floated a forum "Sambh" International Year of Indigenous Languages and has now (meaning taking care of in Takri) at Dharamsala. After an approved a draft resolution declaring 2022-2032 the extensive research spanning two years, the team has come International Decade of Indigenous Languages. A growing out with the standardised fonts for the script of Chambeali movement of language activists, cultural stakeholders, and Takri. Meanwhile, the Sambh team now intends to develop scholars are finding new ways to foster generations of separate fonts for Takri used in Kangra and also in Kullu. speakers through everything from digital dictionaries to The Takri script has also been used in cinema as the first social media and what not. These programs are elevating the film in Himachali dialects of Western Pahari called Saanjh status of heritage languages in the public eye, providing directed by Ajay Saklani released in April 2017 used Takri opportunities for people to connect and helping marginal- script in its title and beginning credits. Workshops on Takri ized communities address longstanding discrimination. But are being conducted in small scale in the state of Himachal turning the tide of language extinction is no easy feat as Pradesh, in districts like Chamba and Kullu, Kangra and many languages being revived are still considered threat- Shimla. ened. But efforts in Jammu are dismissal, one can say non Our Jammu and Kashmir is no exception as with the starter as huge pile of manuscripts are still lying unattended passing of the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill in stores of Ranbir Sanskrit Library, Government Research 2020, Dogri also becomes official language along with Library, both at Jammu and Srinagar. Every effort has been Kashmiri, Hindi, English and Urdu. However, problem made to just wipe out Dogra impression and Takri is one of doesn't end here as Dogri earlier used Takri as writing script them. With Dogri now being written in Hindi the originality but now Devanagari is used as medium of writing. Being has been lost and despite so many literary personalities multicultural and multi-linguistic, Jammu and Kashmir involved no platform is there to revive 'Dogra Akhaar'. What used to have a lot of scripts in the past. But unfortunately Urdu just overshadowed all the ancient scripts and lan- can be more pathetic than the official notification of vacan- guages. Sharda, in fact, mother of many scripts in India cies for new subjects in Education Department which main- namely Gurmukhi (for Punjabi), Sanskrit and of course ly promotes Urdu, Islamic Studies, Arabic and practically Takri also lost in oblivion as even Kashmiri is written in not a single vacancy for Takri. As in Himachal, no such Nastaliq form of Perso-Arabic. Several inscriptions are forum is there to put collective efforts though some individ- incised on the metal and stone sculptures of Kashmir, uals are trying to revive Takri through social media platform besides manuscripts in Sharda so much so that Kashmir was but that is not enough as consistent efforts on large scale are known as Sharda Pradesh. Later, 'Takri' became the popular required which require massive funds. For revival various script in the north-western Himalayan region. Takri inscrip- steps are involved like acquisition of the language by adults, who in effect act as language apprentices. In areas where tions are written on the borders or the back of Pahari minia- ness class who maintained their self readable business partly in the manuscript. A Dogri newspaper ''Dogra Mittar'' oral competence in the language has been achieved in all age ture paintings, many such beautiful Basohli Paintings are accounts and money transactions. It was during the rule of also got published in 1889 by Pt. Durga Prasad Mishra as groups, encourage literacy in the language and here the state available at Dogra Art Museum, Jammu. It was most preva- Maharaja Ranbir Singh that Takri was standardized and editor. In the early 20th century, Missionary of Scotland education system comes into picture. Where the state per- lent script for business and revenue records. The Takri reformed to be used and read by all. Maharaja Ranbir Singh published a book Mangal Samachar in Takri script, howev- mits it and where numbers warrant, encourage the use of alphabets are Brahmic alphabet descended from the introduced Namay Akkhar developed under guidance of er, in the course of time Takri got lost in oblivion. It was con- Devasesa alphabet, which itself developed from the Sharada Vishweshwar Jyotshi, Principal of Ranbir Pathshala of that fined to home writing only and finally the script is not in use the language in compulsory state education. With enough alphabet in the 14th century. The Takri alphabet emerged as time. In this period, various books were translated into today. Only a few people exist who can still read the script. number of persons getting literate in Takri encouragement a distinct script during the 16th century. Takri was as an Dogri Takri and published by Vidya Vilas Press established No literacy of script is there but piles of material still exist. should be there to use the language in the workplace, local official script in parts of north and northwest India from the by Maharaja Ranbir Singh like Ranbir Chikitsa, Vyavhar Until late 19th century, 'Takri' was used concurrently with government services and mass media. Activists can make 17th century until the mid-20th century. A version of Takri Gita, Lilavati, Qanoon zabta Dewan, Niyam Sena Vibhag, 'Devanagari', but it was gradually replaced by Urdu. The street signs, public maps, news programs, films, publica- was the official script of Chamba State, which is now part of Ranbir Dand Vidhi, Pravesika. In fact, Takri was engraved Dogri 'Takri' finally lost its socio-cultural status on a deci- tions, websites and music in various heritage languages. Himachal Pradesh, known as Chambeali Takri. even on coins between 1870-85 used in Jammu and sion in 1944 by the Dogri Sanstha to use Devanagari as the Jammu University and SMVDU can play an important role. The version of Takri script used in Jammu region was Kashmir and was declared as court language along with official script for the Dogri language. Government of India through UGC can provide research popularly known as Dogra Akkhar ( Akkhar meaning alpha- Persian and Bhasha (contemporary Hindi). Namay Akkhar Evolved around 13th century or before, remained in use projects. Like French and German language courses, our bets used by Dogras). Most of the temple inscriptions, old was used for petitions that were read in Maharaja's court till 19th century, Takri in general contains 12 vowels and 37 Jammu based universities should immediately take up Takri bahi khatas (ledgers) and Basohli paintings used Jammu's replacing Persian. Knowledge of Takri was made compulso- consonants. In our neighbouring state HP, Takri was taught courses as well as a challenge. Online recognised certificate Takri. Takri writing in Jammu can be categorized into two ry. No official not knowing Takri could be recruited. in State high school Chamba in primary classes and perma- courses are the easiest way out to promote Takri. Local forms, old Dogri/Ganmat and new Dogri/ Namay Maharaja himself signed in Takri on local official papers. nent teacher was employed to teach Takri up to 1930. Doordarshan channel plays an even more important role Akkhar/Dvigrit Akkhar. Before Maharaja Ranbir Singh peri- However, after 1885, by the end of Maharaja Ranbir Singh's During this time, various primers, multiplication tables with wide viewership. UT administration can rope in locals od, Takri used in Jammu was imperfect. There were no rule, Urdu replaced Dogri as official script and ultimately were edited in Takri and printed by Late Sh. Bakshi Ram who are literate in Takri and organise frequent Webinars. matras used. As recorded in writings on copper plates and both Sharda and Takri just vanished from the scene under Malhotra. Later this script lost usage after independence. It's time to restore Dogra culture in originality. Every effort, inscriptions of Jammu, vowel combinations were absent. influence of Urdu. Several poets were known to be creative- Rare manuscripts, documents, records are lying in state of however small it may be, is important and appreciable. Besides being officially used by petty rajas, it was a script of ly active in Dogri form of Takri even after 1910, but none of neglect as these cannot be deciphered or read. It remained Although late but revival of Takri, the original Dogri script, low class and semi-literate urban population and rural busi- them published a book. These poems remained partly oral, in day to day use in Chamba till 1947. An official patwari was must be done as a tribute to 'Great Dogra Maharajas'. Tourist Base Camp CHANDIMARH A step towards promoting tourism in Poonch K D Maini Establishment of tourist base camp at Chandimarh is one the first serious attempts of Poonch Development Authority to exploit scenic and adventurous tourism in District Poonch. This base camp is situated exactly on old Mughal road near the ruins of Mughal Sarian Chandimarh. The famous Noori Chamb waterfall is about 500 meters away from this resort while present Mughal road is passing at a distance of 200 meters. This tourist camp cum picnic park is spread over 15 kanals in lower part of Chandimarh Township on the bank of gushing Chitta Pani Stream. The resort is surrounded by snowy peaks of Ganga Chotti, Rattan Peer, Chai Top, Chatta Pani Glacier and thick forest belt of Hussan Tourist Base Camp Chandimarh Thumb range which is full of wild life. The cool climatic conditions, tribal hustle bustle and marvellous scenic beauty of this place shall attract the trekkers and kms long foot route towards seven lakes starts exactly from this base camp via Similarly the trekkers of Kashmir Valley can trek through these passes and halt nature lovers. B.C Huggle, the author of the book Kashmir and Punjab who had Noori Chamb and leads towards Bagnuwali Dhoke and Hussan Thumb forest up at tourist base camp Chandimarh. visited Chandimarh glen while going to Kashmir in 1842, wrote that the climatic to transit station Panjtarni Merg. This is a 5kms long lush green meadow on 11731 Beyond Chandimarh, there are a number of scenic resorts of marvellous conditions and natural beauty of this area resembles Shimla. ft height above the sea level which is surrounded by small snowy mountains and natural beauty like Panjtarni Marg, Girjan Dhoke, Khuian, Sari Mastan and Keeping in view the above facts, Poonch Development Authority conceived a glaciers. During summer season this meadows becomes habitable when tribal Tatta Kutti Marg. With the opening of tourist base camp it shall be convenient for project of 6.30 crores for construction of base camp cum picnic park for hikers, and Pahari people encamp there with families and cattle. After spending a night nature lovers to visits these unknown hill stations of Peer Panchal. The world trekkers, climbers, natural lovers and expeditions. Mohd Tanveer Chief in between tribal and Phari people at Panjtarni, next day again journey starts famous writer Krishan Chandar visited Girjan during late thirties of last centu- Executive PDA told that tourism base camp cum Picnic Park is spread over 15 towards seven lakes like Nandan Sar, Chandan Sar, Sukhsar, Katora Sar, Gumsar ry. He wrote a master piece short story 'Girjan ki Ek Sham' based on natural kanals . This resort comprises of three bedrooms guesthouse for tourists, twen- and Akal Dashni located in between 11000 to 13700 ft height above the sea glamour and tribal lifestyle of Girjan and told that there is no place in Kashmir ty bedded doormatry for hikers and trekkers which shall be furnished properly as level.These lakes are surrounded by glaciers, bunches of flowers, small mountain Valley with such a natural beauty. This short story has been translated into thir- per the requirements of trekkers besides equipping it with treeking kits like ruck- ranges and crystal clear bluish water of lakes which in sun lights shines like stars ty Indian and foreign languages. sack, first aid kit, compass, torch, snow goggles, ice axes, tents and climbing on the earth. Katora Sar the smallest lake surrounded by glaciers is a source of The natives of Chandimarh and surrounding villages are rejoicing on the set- ropes. The picnic park comprises of an attractive cafeteria, three main ter- Poonch river. Nandan Sar is the biggest lake and a source of Ranbir River which ting up of tourist resort in their locality. Nambardar Kashvan Gir told that tourist raceswith green turf and ornamental plants, two deckers for sittings, taking fast flows towards Kashmir Valley. The second route towards seven lakes also starts base camp shall have good impact on the economy of people of this area. He food and having view of nature blessed glen.A parking place for 50 vehicles has from base camp via Chai Top, Gali Girjan, Girjan Valley, Kaffar Katha, Ravi Wali, hopes that the historic township Chandimarh of Mughal period shall again been constructed for the convenience of tourists while a small canal (khul) is and Khuian. become the center of tourists, trekkers and nature lovers and its past glory and passing through the picnic park which gives a natural touch to this resort. The Tatta Kutti summit, the highest peak of Peer Panchal Range is located in the glamour shall revive in modern style. tourist base camp cum picnic park has been completed recently and is ready for north western side of tourist base camp and is about 45 kms away from this place. Master Mohd Sharief, while welcoming the setting up of tourist base camp inauguration. It is expected that this resort shall attract tourists of Rajouri The trekking routes for expedition of this peak starts from tourist base camp via demanded that way side facilities towards trekking routes, Dhokes and Mergs Poonch and other areas. Panar, Bagla Pass, Bawan mountain and then Tatta Kutti Marg while the second like bridal paths, shelter sheds and viewing decks at Panjtarni, Girjan, Khuian, Tourist base camp is also connected with Noori Chamb for the convenience of route leads towards Tatta Kutti via Bufliaz, Kalali, Benota, Hillkaka, Pass Pathri, Benota, Pass Pathri and Bhawan Top shall facilitate the nature lovers who will nature lovers, an old cafeteria and a terrace is also available for tourist to have a Bhawan Top and then Tatta Kutti Marg which is the halting place and remains visit these areas. glimpse of milky vapours of waterfall of Noori Chamb. Tourist base camp is inhabited by Chopans during summer season. From Tatta Kutti Marg, the The District Development Commissioner Poonch Rahul Yadav with whose already connected with a small foot bridge towards Manhai forest area over Chitta trekking parties try to climb the summit from the southern side of Peer Panchal. encouragement this project has been completed told that this tourist base camp Pani Stream from where the tourist would cross the stream and from the other This challenging peak remains the dream of trekkers. Only English trekker Erenst cum picnic park in nature blessed glen Chandimarh shall exploit the adventure side have a glimpse of beautiful Chandimarh glen and tourism base camp which F Nave and his party had reached the summit on 10th August 1901. tourism and scenic spots of Peer Panchal range, will boost economy of the local has now taken the shape of a tourist village. This resort will also cater the needs of There are three important passes in this track namely Seddu Pass, Nandan people, provide opportunity of employment to youth, Poniwalas shall be engaged travellers of Mughal road who would stop at this place, have a cup of coffee, relax Sar Pass and Chotti Marg Pass which are opening towards Kashmir Valley like for riding and logistic support of trekking parties and business avenues shall be for a while and enjoy the beauty of glen while leading towards their destinations. Aherbal, Dood Pathri and Yous Merg. The trekkers of Poonch Rajouri can easily generated around the base camp and the people of this remote area shall start A number of trekking routes start from Tourist base camp Chandimarh.A 17 trek these passes by getting the benefit of tourist base camp Chandimarh. the journey of progress and prosperity with the opening of this resort.