After being closed for over 18 years, the iconic Toshkhana inside the historic Mubarak Mandi Complex in Jammu has finally reopened. This milestone marks the beginning of an extensive verification and inspection process of priceless royal artifacts belonging to the erstwhile Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir.
What is the Toshkhana and Why Is It Important?
The Toshkhana—literally meaning ‘treasure house’—once served as a royal repository for armory, jewelry, and ceremonial ornaments of the Dogra dynasty. These historical artifacts carry immense cultural, political, and artistic value, offering deep insights into the region’s princely heritage.
Over the years, especially after a massive fire in December 2006 rendered the Toshkhana unsafe, many of these precious items were relocated to a secure strong room inside the Civil Secretariat, Jammu. Since then, access to the Toshkhana had remained strictly restricted, with the last major activity being inventory preparation under the Department of Hospitality and Protocol.
Why Was the Toshkhana Closed?
The catastrophic fire on December 15, 2006, severely damaged the storage facilities at Mubarak Mandi, prompting authorities to move valuable articles—including weapons, silver items, and gemstones—to safer locations. The closure, although necessary for preservation, led to administrative delays in formal artifact transfers and heritage restoration.
Administrative Council Approves Closure of Toshkhana Organization
The Administrative Council, in its Decision No. 115/9/2022 dated August 13, 2022, officially approved the winding up of the Toshkhana Organization. The Hospitality and Protocol Department followed through with Government Order No. 11-JK(H&P) dated August 30, 2022, effectively transferring sanctioned posts and staff to the Department of Culture. Despite the bureaucratic green light, the formal handover of artifacts to the Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums remained pending—until now.
Read also: The Government’s Vision to Restore Mubarak Mandi
Inspection Begins Under Tight Security and Expert Supervision
On May 16, 2025, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Kumar Vaishya scheduled the long-awaited inspection and handover. The Hospitality and Protocol Department then alerted the Director of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums to prepare for the transition.
The Toshkhana was reopened on May 19, with experts from multiple disciplines commencing inspection. Jammu and Kashmir Police began analyzing the historic armory, while metallurgists assessed the condition of metal artifacts under the joint supervision of officers from the Hospitality Department and Archives Directorate. This collaborative effort includes inventory verification and comprehensive videography of the entire exercise for documentation and transparency.
Single Lock and Double Lock Enclosures: Securing Royal Treasures
Artifacts within the Toshkhana are stored in two layers of security:
- Single Lock Enclosure: Contains general armory and historical weapons.
- Double Lock Enclosure: Houses more sensitive items made from silver and other valuable metals.
Current efforts focus on items in the single lock section. Once verified, attention will shift to the double lock enclosure, where some of the most delicate and valuable treasures await assessment.
Next Phase: Transfer of Artifacts and Strong Room Inspections
Following the completion of inspections at Mubarak Mandi, the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums will formally take custody of the Toshkhana’s contents as per the 2022 Administrative Council directive. However, a date has yet to be confirmed for inspecting the items stored in the Civil Secretariat’s strong room—where a majority of royal valuables are currently kept.
What Happens Next? Public Display or Preservation?
Although a modern facility near Kala Kendra at Bikram Chowk has been developed for cultural exhibitions, no final decision has been made regarding the public display of the Toshkhana artifacts. The Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums is expected to determine the best course of action—whether it be public exhibition, digital archiving, or restricted preservation.
Heritage Revival and Cultural Significance
The reopening of the Toshkhana signifies more than just a bureaucratic process—it symbolizes the resurgence of Jammu’s rich royal legacy. These artifacts are tangible links to a princely past, and their proper preservation and presentation will strengthen the region’s cultural identity and historical tourism potential.
Read also: Dogra Art Museum Jammu (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Images, Location & Entry ticket cost price)
The reopening of the Toshkhana after nearly two decades is a monumental step toward cultural conservation in Jammu and Kashmir. With verification underway and handovers progressing, the region is poised to reclaim a crucial part of its royal past. The efforts of government departments, experts, and law enforcement highlight a unified commitment to heritage preservation and transparency.
As Jammu prepares for the next chapter in its historical journey, the Toshkhana stands as a timeless reminder of the regal grandeur and artistic excellence of a bygone era.
