NEW DELHI: A striking photo exhibition documenting Jammu and Kashmir's overlooked Buddhist treasures opened on April 2 at the National Museum on Jan Path. The collection, featuring the ancient Ambaran monastery in Akhnoor showcases a collection of prints by veteran photojournalist Vijay Kranti.
Kranti’s comprehensive visual exploration, which he began over a decade ago, of this 2,000-year-old site that flourished as a vibrant Buddhist center between the 2nd century BC and 7th century AD is now open for public viewing for the next 40 days.
Ambaran’s Historic Significance
The Ambaran archaeological site near Akhnoor, Jammu represents one of the most important yet lesser-known Buddhist heritage sites in the Indian subcontinent. Located 28 kilometers northwest of Jammu on the right bank of the Chenab River, this ancient monastic complex offers extraordinary insights into nearly a millennium of Buddhist cultural evolution spanning from the 2nd century BCE to the 7th century CE.
The site's historical significance emerged in the early 20th century when Charles Fabri, curator of the Lahore Museum, traced remarkable terracotta artifacts to this location. These "Akhnoor terracottas" are now celebrated collections in museums worldwide.
Said to have been accidentally discovered by locals in 1973, modern excavations began in 1999, revealing a remarkably intact cultural sequence across four distinct periods: Pre-Kushana (2nd-1st century BCE), Kushana (1st-3rd century CE), Post-Kushana/Gupta (4th-5th century CE), and Post-Gupta (6th-7th century CE).
Remains of Votive Stupas in Akhnoor
Particularly notable among the finds was a Buddhist monastic establishment from the Kushana period, including the remains of votive stupas and a remarkable casket containing gold and silver foils, pearl beads, and small charred bone fragments believed to be sacred relics.
The site also yielded exquisite terracotta figures with elaborate hair designs and ornaments, along with Kushana and Huna coins that help establish precise chronology.
Beyond its religious significance, Ambaran played a crucial commercial role. During the Kushana period, Akhnoor became an important trade node where valuable commodities like costus were collected after being transported down the Chenab River from Kashmir. These goods would then travel onward through riverine routes to ports like Barygaza (modern Bharuch) for export to Rome and other distant markets.
The site's remarkable natural preservation despite flooding from the Chenab River provides a continuous archaeological record throughout its occupation.
Vijay Kranti’s Contribution
When the Dalai Lama visited in 2011, he suggested that further research at Ambaran might necessitate rewriting aspects of Buddhist history. Kranti's work had inspired the Dalai Lama to visit Ambaran in 2011, where the Dalai Lama suggested further research might necessitate rewriting aspects of Buddhist history.
But it was the former parliamentarian, Madan Lal Sharma, who encouraged his friend, Kranti, to start work on the historic site. The late MP’s son, Satish Sharma, presently a minister and legislator in Jammu and Kashmir assembly from Akhnoor, inaugurated the exhibition in New Delhi.
"This exhibition highlights an extraordinary cultural treasure that deserves greater recognition," says Vijay Kranti, the man behind the camera, and the Chairman of the Centre for Himalayan Asia Studies and Engagement (CHASE), which co-organized the 40-day exhibition.
While talking about the significance of the site, he gives credit to the archaeologist, Dr. B. R. Maini under whose supervision most of the artifacts were unearthed during excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1999-2000.
Buddhism Footprints in Jammu
Mani's excavations at Ambaran in 1999-2000 revealed remarkable findings that significantly advanced the understanding of Buddhism's footprint in the Jammu region. His team uncovered a well-preserved stupa and an extensive monastic complex dating back approximately 2,000 years.
Particularly noteworthy was Mani's correction of earlier interpretations—what had previously been identified as a temple was conclusively determined to be an 8th century CE stupa, likely the same one mentioned in Kalhana's "Rajtarangini" as being constructed by King Lalitaditya Muktapida.
The contrast between Kranti's meticulous photographic preservation efforts and the official neglect illustrates a broader neglect of this heritage site. While the Archaeological Survey of India maintains the excavated portions, the potential for discovering more extensive ancient Buddhist structures remains unrealized.
The site remains largely unexplored due to land ownership issues with local villagers and governmental indifference. Locals and experts have also criticised the restoration work on the site.
Photographic Documentation
The exhibition, which showcases Kranti's extensive photographic documentation, will continue its journey to Srinagar and Jammu after its New Delhi run, bringing much-needed attention to Akhnoor's rich but underappreciated cultural heritage.
Vijay Kranti is a veteran journalist and photographer with over 50 years of experience working with prominent media groups including India Today, BBC TV, and Deutsche Welle. Hailing from Jammu, his primary focus areas include Himalayan Buddhist culture, Tibet, China, and Jammu & Kashmir. Internationally recognized for his expertise, he frequently contributes to conferences, seminars, and media programs on these subjects.
As a photographer, Kranti has created what is acknowledged as the largest and most aesthetically rich one-man photo-study on Tibetan Buddhist culture. His solo exhibitions have been displayed in India, Germany, Austria, Australia, Spain, Switzerland, and beyond.
His photographic works have culminated in several acclaimed coffee-table books, including "Dalai Lama – The Nobel Laureate – Speaks" and studies on Ladakhi Pashmina, Basohli crafts, and the cultural heritage of Himalayan regions.
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