.: Bhaderwahi Art and Craft :.

ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE:

Though being one of the ancient and rich culture, Bhaderwah Architecture is not known much to the Art lovers. While in Bhadarwah one can have a vivid and first hand experience of amazing Architecture, in the shape of colossal sculptures cared single black stones and wood carving portraying different scenic images and images of 'Gods/ Goddess" in the gaiety of which people pay their obeisance. Most pictures being in shape of wooden snakes. Years old temple at Gupt Ganga is all raised in stone which is a symbol of ancient Architect having a single dome supported on big stone slabs without  any holds. The topography of Bhaderwah is hilly the structures raised generally have wooden roof trusses with wood shingles which have now been replaced by tin so that the snow is not retained on the structures. Temples are quite different than mosques which are almost similar in structure to the common house but have two tomb on top while the temple has one and the common structures have none. With the advent of civilization the structures now raised look magnificent and quite different compared to those in the ancient time that is 3 decade old when the people of Bhaderwah had a low profile life, the structures used to be mud ridden with mud straw mixed roofs.

SCULPTURE: -

Black stone fine carved idols depict blending of ancient and new techniques in the indigenous  sculpture of Bhadarwah, fine example is the huge idols of ‘Vaski Nag’ and ‘Jamitvan’ leaning on a common pedestal carved out from a single Black Stone. The sculptors have depicted their finest skill in carving out these statues having sharp features even detailing the nails, body curves and the snake hoods surrounding the heads. Mesmerizing looks at these amazing pieces of Architecture is unforgettable for a visitors to the Nag temples at Vasuki Dera (main town) and Gatha . While the idols at  Vasukidera have been carved during the regime famous King Nagpal 1730 AD, the idols housed at Gatha are believed to be more than 2000 years old as a date in B.C's is recorded at it pedestal. At Gatha each large statues are interspersed with two small statues believed to be progeny of Nag as. As per rituals these idols are covered with religious robes and are bathed daily before sunrise amidst  chanting verses of "Vasuki Puran'. Statutes of Gandesh in marble and bronze are also housed in the temples of Nag a land. The pictorial display of snakes in stone and wood is a common feature in the indigenous sculpture of the area.

Click here for the Art Gallery of bhaderwah.