Decorative Patterns in Ranbir Singh Baradari, Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Antiquarian and early archaeological activity in Kashmir has a long history ranging from pre-Buddhist up to British period. A new chapter in archaeology of Kashmir begins with the survey of Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations, Qauid-i-Azam University, Islamabad which unveiled a great number of archaeological sites and monuments in the region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). In this program, a very interesting monument came to light which interested the travelers. This monument is the Ranbir Singh Baradari, which is so unique in its art and architecture that it holds a rainbow of different cultures like Greek, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim respectively. The Ranbir Singh baradari is a distinguished specimen among other “baradris” not only in art and architecture but also due to its eye-catching location. The said monument is documented for the first time on an academic platform not only to project its marvelous design but also to highlight the concerning issues.