Darbar Move: Beyond the Narrative of Regional Divergence

The two divergent regions of Jammu and Kashmir have long been pulled in different directions by the forces of politics. Historically, their political trajectories have been marked by distinct aspirations and contrasting manifestations of identity. The political relationship between the two has often been framed as Jammu versus Kashmir — a binary that has been used by many a political actor to boost their political ambitions. Over time, this divide has been so entrenched that it is taken for granted that speaking politically, J&K is not one political unit and regional politics of Kashmir is much different from the regional politics of Jammu. This political reality was recently reinforced by the Assembly elections in 2024 when Kashmir region was swept by National Conference and Jammu was mostly captured by BJP. This polarised outcome is seen as manifestation of internal divergence and absence of shared political ground. It seems that there is nothing that is common between the two region and nothing that binds the two regions of J&K.

Yet this politics of regional divergence does not fully capture the complexity of Jammu and Kashmir’s regional relationship. To view the two regions merely as antagonistic entities is a bit of oversimplification that obscures the underlying interdependence between the two regions.

That the highly amplified political narrative of regional divide overshadows the mutual dependence of the two regions was clearly reflected this week through the widespread celebration of the restoration of the 150 year old tradition of Darbar Move. On the first day of functioning of the Civil Secretariat in Jammu city, a rousing reception was given to the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah. It was an all out welcome meant not only for the government and its employees but for all those Kashmiris who are expected to come to Jammu during the six winter months and contribute to the vibrancy of Jammu’s economy and society.

Beyond the economics, the celebration reflected a renewed sense of Jammu reclaiming its place as the winter Capital symbolising that the tradition of Darbar Move as historical and symbolic meanings. The biannual shifting was linked with the unique reality of the erstwhile state of J&K which had not one but two capitals - Srinagar as the summer capital and Jammu as the winter capital. Darbar Move, therefore, was not only a matter of administrative logic but also a matter of equal primacy of each of the two regions. It also followed the climatic rhythm and gave a sense of relief to all those who sought to escape the harsh winter of Kashmir and scorching heat of summer in Jammu.

With the tradition of Darbar Move being followed for one and half centuries, it resulted in varied patterns of interaction and dependence between the two regions and its people. it generated a shared ecosystem for the whole entity of J&K. As the tradition stood, this official move started by the Dogra rulers resulted in people moving in substantial numbers from one part of the erstwhile state to the other during winter and summer months and thereby fostering economic, social and cultural interactions. It was therefore seen as a very important bridge that not merely bonded the two culturally, geographically and politically distinct regions with each other but also that fostered inter-community relations between people belonging to different religious communities of this state.

Ostensibly, it was the economic rationale underlying the Darbar Move that most strongly motivated the demand for its restoration in the Jammu region. Civil society groups—particularly Jammu’s business community—had consistently articulated their support for reviving this practice on distinctly economic grounds. The argument was straightforward: Jammu’s economy experiences a significant seasonal upswing during the winter months with the relocation of the government offices and employees from Srinagar. The suspension of the Darbar Move had, therefore, caused a palpable economic stagnation, adversely affecting the city’s trade and service sectors. With the return of government employees, a wave of economic activity is set in motion—ranging from increased business in local markets and hospitality establishments to the flourishing of travel-related services, transport operations, and rental housing. The seasonal migration of people and institutions thus infuses Jammu’s urban space with vibrancy and vitality. Clearly the argument represented a picture of regional inter-dependence - Jammu region’s economy being dependent on Kashmir and Kashmiri people.

The relationship of dependence between the two regions, as experience has repeatedly shown, is far from one-sided. Kashmir, too, has remained deeply connected to and, in many respects, dependent on Jammu. This interdependence was most vividly revealed during the turbulent decades of militancy in the Valley, when the rhythms of ordinary life were severely disrupted. As curfews, shutdowns, and recurrent waves of violence rendered social and economic life in Kashmir increasingly uncertain, Jammu emerged as a space of refuge, continuity, and stability. The city became a functional centre for education, commerce, and administration—an alternative sphere of normalcy amid the disruptions in the Valley.

In this context, Jammu evolved into more than a geographic counterpart to Kashmir; it became a sanctuary of everyday life for those seeking respite from conflict. Its open social fabric absorbed diverse sections of Kashmiri society—ranging from displaced Kashmiri Pandits to middle-class Kashmiri Muslims—who looked to Jammu for security, stability, and a semblance of normal urban existence. Over time, this movement gave rise to new patterns of settlement and investment. A large number of Kashmiris began to acquire residential property in Jammu, transforming what initially appeared as temporary relocation into a semi-permanent spatial and emotional anchoring. Owning a house in Jammu gradually became a trend, even a necessity, for those who could afford it—particularly for parents who sought uninterrupted educational opportunities for their children. In this way, Jammu’s role extended beyond providing immediate refuge; it became a secondary homeland that anchored Kashmir’s middle class and various other segments, reinforcing the enduring inter-regional bond between the two societies.

It is within these narratives of interdependence between Jammu and Kashmir that one discovers the less discussed, yet equally significant, dimension of their regional relationship. Beyond the political clamour that accentuates binaries, conflicting interests, and zero-sum relations between the two regions, there exists a quieter but enduring reality of mutual reliance and shared interests. This dimension—rooted in economic complementarity, seasonal mobility, and socio-cultural exchanges—reveals how the two regions have continued to sustain and enrich each other over the period. Unfortunately, this story of interdependence rarely finds space within the dominant political discourse, which remains preoccupied with regional competition and claims of neglect.

The recent gesture of Jammu’s society in extending an open and enthusiastic welcome to the Darbar Move employees marks a significant departure from past practices and perceptions. Historically, the first day of the Darbar Move in Jammu was often marked by protests and political demonstrations—symbols of regional discontent and grievance. In contrast, the present moment reflects a conscious effort by Jammu’s business community and civil society to transcend the politics of resentment and to acknowledge the shared benefits of inter-regional exchange. By celebrating the restoration of this long-standing administrative tradition, Jammu not only expressed appreciation for the revival of historical continuity but also recognized the tangible and symbolic value of its connection with Kashmir. The significance of this shift should not be underestimated—it signals a subtle but meaningful transformation in inter-regional consciousness.

Rekha Chowdhary,

Retired Professor of Political Science.