The cultural landscape of the rugged and remote hilly tracts of Jammu is dotted with numerous forts. These forts represent an architectural stream that was born out of a combination of building technologies of the Rajputs and the northern frontier of Indian subcontinent. These forts were the abode of local Rajput clans and therefore served as both religious and temporal centers. After the integration of Jammu in larger political and geographical entity, these forts lost their temporal relevence. However the religious sanctity attached to these resulted in their continued importance for the local population. Unfortunately undefined ownership of these cultural properties resulted in these being neglected. They also suffered from inappropriate interventions at the hands of ever changing keepers who kept making additions and modifications mostly during later part of 20th century. These forts are major historical landmarks of Jammu and entire state of Jammu and Kashmir. The following forts have been identified and taken up for the purpose of documentation and conservation/re-use.

• Poonch Fort
• Bhimgarh (or Reasi) Fort
• Hiranagar Fort
• Lakhanpur
• Fort Jhandi Fort

The proposal for their conservation primarily focuses on structurally strengthening all the buildings within the fort precinct, while restoring or replacing building elements based on accepted conservation principles. The proposal for restoration will also take into consideration the proposed reuse of parts of the fort building as heritage centre. The proposal consists of the following recommendations.

a. Recommendations for Preservation/Conservation of the Buildings:

This includes recommendations for preservation and structural strengthening of various buildings within the forts precinct including seismic retrofitting of various structures, cleaning and restoration of various decorative and architectural elements. The recommendations also include removal of various inappropriate additions and alterations to the site that mar the overall architectural integrity of the precinct.

b. Reuse Plan for the Forts:

A reuse plan has also been proposed which will serve as;

• a key to sustaining culture and heritage,
• offering a vehicle to preserve and broaden understanding of rich history of the area.
• a major attraction for the travel and tourism a major step in revitalizing the economic, cultural fabric of the region.
• enhancing the sense of belonging and pride amongst the local communities.

It is for this objective that these historic forts will be converted into a major centre for heritage and culture with the requisite facilities.