Jammu and Kashmir, with its diverse geography, cultures, and communities, has never been a naturally cohesive polity. Over time, political and administrative mechanisms have been essential to bridge these regional and cultural divides. One such mechanism was the Darbar Move, initiated during Maharaja Ranbir Singh’s reign, which involved the biannual shifting of the capital between Jammu in winter and Srinagar in summer. For over 150 years, this tradition promoted regional integration, facilitated governance, and promoted cultural unity in a region marked by natural and social complexities. The Darbar Move wasn’t just a logistical exercise but a symbolic act that reminded the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their shared destiny. By rotating the capital, the move ensured that both regions—Jammu and Srinagar—were politically and culturally represented. It created regular opportunities for interaction, promoting mutual understanding, overcoming regional disparities, and nurturing a collective identity. In a region historically prone to division, the Darbar Move served as a vital tool for promoting inclusion and cohesion, linking people across geographical and cultural boundaries. The Darbar Move had a deeper impact on community relationships. It facilitated a flow of cultural practices, ideas, and socio-economic exchanges between two distinct regions, each with its own unique identity. It helped break down stereotypes and promoted a sense of interdependence. Whether through joint celebrations of festivals or shared governmental initiatives, the move helped individuals from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds see themselves as part of a larger, unified whole. By bringing together people from different cultural milieus, it nurtured social capital, creating networks of trust and solidarity that extended beyond regional confines. This cohesion was critical in a region where diverse identities and often conflicting interests could otherwise fragment the social fabric. However, in 2021, the Union Territory administration decided to discontinue this practice, citing financial and logistical inefficiencies. While this move was justified in the context of modernizing governance through digital platforms, it overlooks the irreplaceable value of the personal and cultural exchanges that the Darbar Move once facilitated. The absence of these interactions has not only weakened the bond between Jammu and Srinagar but has also heightened feelings of alienation in Jammu. The economic repercussions in Jammu have been particularly pronounced. As the winter capital, Jammu benefited from the influx of government employees and their families, which fueled local businesses, especially in hospitality, retail, and transportation. Without this seasonal surge, Jammu’s economy has suffered, underscoring that the Darbar Move was more than just an administrative function—it was an economic lifeline for the region. The move also held deep symbolic value, providing a tangible connection between the people of Jammu and Srinagar, fostering empathy, and enhancing mutual understanding. The discontinuation of the Darbar Move has exacerbated the regional divide, deepening the sense of separation between Jammu and Srinagar. This growing disconnect threatens the unity of the Union Territory and could potentially create chances of bifurcation of region. Jammu, feeling increasingly sidelined, may come to view itself as distinct from Srinagar, which could have far-reaching political consequences. The Darbar Move, with its cultural and economic ties, acted as a bridge, and its removal risks widening the gulf between the two regions.
“The Darbar Move remains an essential tool for bridging divides, ensuring regional harmony, and fostering a shared sense of purpose across the Union Territory. It represents a tangible method of social cohesion that modern governance systems should not dismiss, as the value of face-to-face interaction transcends economic efficiency and speaks to the deeper, intangible needs of society. Restoring the Darbar Move would re-establish the bridge of integration, restoring the shared sense of community that is critical for long-term peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.”
The widening divide which is evident in recent elections is not merely a political issue but a loss of collective identity. The cultural solidarity once nurtured by regular inter-regional exchanges is eroding, leaving in its place a disjointed sense of belonging. Jammu and Kashmir’s identity has been shaped by political decisions over time, and the Darbar Move was a key component of its unity. The physical relocation of the capital was a crucial part of a broader effort to unite the region politically, culturally, and economically. These regular interactions were not merely administrative; they were essential to cultivating a shared sense of belonging and collective purpose—something that digital platforms alone cannot replicate. The human connections, emotional engagements, and community-building that the Darbar Move enabled were foundational to a collective consciousness that transcended the political and geographic divides. It was these networks of relationships, both formal and informal, that upheld the social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. Restoring the Darbar Move is not about nostalgia for the past; it is about recognizing the importance of personal connection in governance and cultural integration. While digital governance offers efficiency, it cannot replace the face-to-face interactions that once bridged the gap between Jammu and Srinagar. The Darbar Move was more than a tradition; it was a living bridge that reinforced the idea that both regions, despite their differences, shared a common destiny. Political leadership must rise above regional divides and foster platforms that promote inclusivity. The Darbar Move was one such platform, enabling meaningful interactions between the people of both regions. Restoring it would send a powerful message about the Union Territory’s commitment to unity and collaborative governance. It would reinforce the notion that Jammu and Srinagar are integral to each other’s success and that regional differences must be addressed through dialogue and shared responsibility. The discontinuation of the Darbar Move has disrupted the balance between Jammu and Srinagar, especially in Jammu’s economy and sense of inclusion. Restoring this practice is crucial not only for cultural and economic reasons but also for the future unity of Jammu and Kashmir. The Darbar Move remains an essential tool for bridging divides, ensuring regional harmony, and fostering a shared sense of purpose across the Union Territory. It represents a tangible method of social cohesion that modern governance systems should not dismiss, as the value of face-to-face interaction transcends economic efficiency and speaks to the deeper, intangible needs of society. Restoring the Darbar Move would re-establish the bridge of integration, restoring the shared sense of community that is critical for long-term peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
(While Dr. Ashwani Kumar is an Assistant Professor ,Sociology, at UILS, Chandigarh University, Punjab, Dr. Vikas Bhandari an Assistant Professor -Political Science, at UILS, Chandigarh University, Punjab. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Dr. Ashwani Kumar
Dr. Vikas Bhandari
