RICH HERITAGE OF SATWARI BUILDING
Nestled amid the green environs of Army Public School Jammu Cantt Compound the picturesque Satwari House, popularly known as Topi Bungalow in yester years, bears testimony to over a century history and stands tall in Jammu as a heritage building. A mere glimpse of the building transports one to its glorious history.
This imposing building was constructed in 1896 for the Late Col Sir Neville Chamberkaine KCB, KCVD, Central India House, the then Military Advisor to HH, The Maharaja of J & K. The house has witnessed proud moments of history, having extended its warmth and hospitality to two of heirs of the mighty British Crown. In 1904 H.H. King Edward George as Prince of Wales stayed here. It was yet another momentous occasion in 1922 when the heir apparent H.H. King Edward VIII, as Prince of Wales, visited Jammu stayed in this house.
As India broke free from colonial rule, Satwari House also underwent stupendous changes. From being an exclusive royal retreat it came to be utilized as Head Quarters of J &K force commanded at the time by Maj General Kulwant Singh, a personal family friend of the Maharaja. From this headquarters J&K was defended. It was subsequently transformed into Army Officer’s mess. This traditionally designed building is based on the typical architecture layout of houses in the Kashmir Valley, largely built of wood and sloping roofs with a distinct Scottish influence and style.However in the recent years the building has undergone several modifications to preserve the heritage structure as well asto lend it a modern look.
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