As an advocate for heritage conservation and community engagement, Navjot Kour and her team held a one-day workshop at the historically rich site of Biyan Tibba, Jammu on 28th November 2023. Biyan Tibba, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, is a treasure trove of historical significance. It was first brought to light by Navjot Kour during her Ph.D. research in 2017. This site is more than just ancient ruins; it is a priceless index for the entire region, boasting some of the first radiocarbon dates ever recorded here.
Local Heroes of Heritage
Biyan Tibba also holds a story of individual heroism. Among its guardians is Mr. Sham Singh, a villager who valiantly confronted illegal soil procurement from the mounds. His tireless efforts culminated in a legal stay order, protecting this precious heritage from destructive forces.
Educating and Engaging the Community
The workshop is a testament to Navjot Kour’s commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Jammu. It aimed to foster a sense of ownership among local villagers and inspire the younger generation to take pride in their history. The workshop was conducted at a local school and on-site, providing a holistic experience that includes an introduction to Jammu’s archaeology, the role of Biyan Tibba in rewriting its historical narrative, and a guided tour of the site.
Dr. Navjot Kour is a PCI postdoctoral researcher with the project “RIVERINE: Mapping archaeological mounds and long-term socio-ecological transformations in riverine monsoonal plains” (PCI2021-122026-2B), funded by MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR
