Department of Humanities Stream Heritage School Jammu organized a four day educational trip to Agra-Fatehpur Sikri and Delhi for the students of Class XI & XII of the Humanities Stream. A group of 34 students accompanied by 4 teachers namely Mr. Manzoor Ahmed, Mr. Vikas Sawhney, Mrs.Shivani Oswal and Ms. Pratibha Manhas visited the historical places.
The trip was facilitated by Dr. Sonam Spalzin, an eminent archaeologist from Jammu &
Kashmir, presently working in Archaeological Survey of India. The students visited Taj Mahal, Agra Museum, Fatehpur Sikri and Qutub Minar wherein they studied the architecture, significance, historical background and artifacts of these monuments. Mr. R.K Singh, Assistant Superintending archaeologist (Head, Taj Mahal Museum) Agra circle, Agra and Mr. Ankit Namdev, Junior Conservative Assistant, Agra Circle, Agra guided the students throughout the visit and also enlightened the students with valuable and authentic stories from the Mughal reign. The students also observed the Indo-Persian Architecture, the Char- Bagh System, the material used in its construction and the strategies used to built this wonder of the world. The Agra Museum highlighted paintings, tools, stones, weapons, royal decrees etc. from Shah Jahan’s reign. The Students entered into the world of Akbar’s Court witnessing the largest gateway of the world- ‘Buland Darwaza’, experiencing the charm of the ‘Dargah’ (shrine) of ‘Khwaja Salim Chishti’, ‘Diwan-i-Khas’, Diwan-i-Aam’ and hearing the eternal stories of queen Jodha and emperor Akbar at Malika-e-Hind’s i.e, Jodha Bai’s Palace. The Largest brick made minaret, Qutub Minar, left the students awe-struck. The magnificent quality of Iron Pillar captivated the students.
The trip was aimed at developing skills for analyzing and understanding historical evidence, to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to topics and to give the students an opportunity to create a lasting interest in History discipline. Every effort was made to sensitize the students about the tangible heritage of India and the need to conserve, preserve and cherish it. Mentors from the ASI conducted a counseling session with the students on careers in history stream.
Such trips serve to promote team work, cooperation, humane values, awareness of self and surroundings. Even while travelling back to the school, the group enjoyed the moments. It was a memorable and fruitful trip for everyone as a whole.