DRODHU

Description

INTRODUCTION

Drodhu (Dradhu) is a village located in Bhaderwah tehsil of Doda district in Jammu & Kashmir. It is situated 10 km away from the sub-district headquarters, Bhaderwah (Tehsildar office), and 25 km away from the district Headquarters, Doda. In the Gram Panchayat of Drodhu is renames as Dradhu, which plays a key role in the governance and development of the village having PIN code of the village is 182221. As per the 2011 Census, Drodhu village has a total of 82 households. The area of the Village is 74.1 hectares. In 2020, Drodhu Panchayat earned distinction across Jammu & Kashmir by winning the nation–level award for being the “Most Child-Friendly Panchayat”- a testament to its effective governance and community initiatives.

HISTORY OF THE BHADERWAH TOWN AND DRODHU VILLAGE

Bhaderwah, also known as "Nagon ki bhoomi" (land of snakes), has a rich history influenced by various ruling dynasties and cultures. It was initially ruled by native rulers until the 8th century AD, then came under the influence of Kashmir and later Chamba. The Pal dynasty, with rulers like Raja Radhik Pal and Bhadra Pal, played a significant role in Bhaderwah's history. The region was eventually incorporated into the Jammu and Kashmir state in 1841 AD.

Bhaderwah or Bhadarwah (also Bhaderwah Valley) is a town, tehsil, and sub-district in the Doda of Jammu division of UT J& K, India. Bhaderwah Valley is famous for its beauty, nature. Bhaderwah valley is known as 'Land of Snakes'. Bhaderwah is also a land of fairs and festivals like Mela Pat, Subar Dhar Mela, Kud dance, Pahari folk songs and music. It also has heritage sites like the Fort, hundred years old mosque and an ancient Vasuki Nag Temple.

DEMOGRAPHIC & SOCIOECONOMIC PROFILE (As per 2011 census)

Population: There are 443 peoples across 82 families; males: 213, females: 230. The average sex ratio is notably high at 1080 females per 1000 males, well above state averages.

Children (0–6 Years): - 63 (14% of population), with a child sex ratio of 1333, indicating a high number of girls.

Literacy: Overall, 77.11%, with male literacy at 89.78% and female literacy at 64.95%—all higher than district and UT averages.

Caste composition: Scheduled Castes make up ~45% of the population; Scheduled Tribe population is zero.

Workforce: Total of 206 workers; 36% engaged in "main work" (6 months), the rest in     seasonal/marginal work.  

The estimated population in 2025 is around 498.

SOCIAL, CULTURAL & LINGUISTIC CONTEXT

Dradhu's residents speak Bhaderwahi (Bhadrawahi), a Western Pahadi language of the Chandrabhaga group, closely related to Sarazi, Rambani, Paddari, and Pangwali. It reflects a rich blend of local, Kashmiri, Dogri, and Pahari influences.

The culture of Bhaderwah, of which Dradhu form’s part, is deeply rooted in Nags (serpent) worship, especially reverence for The Vasuki Nag Ji, and festivals like Mela Patt remain vibrant living traditions. The local culture is intertwined with broader historical connections to regions such as Chamba, with shared rituals, music, and architecture.

Drodhu plays a key role in the Mindhal Chandi Mata Yatra, a major pilgrimage connecting Bhaderwah to Chamba (Himachal Pradesh). The flag-off ceremony occurs at the Panchayat Ghar in Drodhu, drawing hundreds of devotees, supported by administrative and safety arrangements.

The community is shaped by patterns of cultural exchange across centuries, rooted in trade, pilgrimage, and broader Himalayan connections with Kashmir, Chamba, and other hill states.

CUISINE OF THE VILLAGE

Bhaderwahi Rajma Chawal

The region is renowned for GI‑tagged Bhaderwahi rajma, small, aromatic kidney beans cooked in rich tomato‑onion gravy, often served over fragrant basmati rice with ghee or anardana chutney. This dish is a staple in nearly every household and offers deep local flavors.

Sarson Ka Saag & Makki Ki Roti

Autumn and winter bring the beloved mustard greens with corn flatbread combo, a hearty, spicy classic often served during festivals, in winter meadows stalls, or at community meals.

Knol-Khol (Desi Knoll Khol) local Pickle, local Noodles Shatloi And Moral mushroom

Fresh knol-khol pickle and local Himalayan noodles called shatloi are common accompaniments, often enjoyed alongside steaming stews or saags.The moral mushroom find near Bhaderwah forest region which enhance the social and economic aspects.

RELIGIOUS AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

There are several religious landmarks are within the area of Drodhu and likely influential to its inhabitants’ villagers:

Gupt Ganga Temple on the Neeru River offers an intriguing Shiva shrine where the legend says Pandavas once stayed, and Bhima's footprint remains on a rock.

Rehoshra (Seetla Mata Temple), perched on a hill, is a major destination during the autumn Navratras. Thousands from across Bhaderwah and neighboring districts make the trek.

SHIV MANDIR DRADHU BHADERWAH: The earliest temples dedicated to Shiva were likely built with simple materials like clay, wood, or stone in 1980 era. Over time, more elaborate structures emerged, incorporating intricate carvings, sculptures, and architectural designs. In 2019 a new Shiv Mandir is going to be constructed under SHIV DHAM TRUST DRADHU at the same place with newly designed structure. It is the one of the largest temples among all the temples in our district, situated near the local river nerru. It is constructed with the help of all the inhabitant villagers along with the people of Bhaderwah town.

 (Source Person: Amarjeet kotwal Dradhu)

CHANDI MATA TEMPLE CHINOTE: The Chandi Mata Temple in Chinote (also spelled Chanot), near Bhaderwah in Jammu & Kashmir’s Doda district, is an important Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Chandi, an incarnation of Durga.

In the early 1980s, Thakur Kulbir Singh Jamwal, a police officer and devotee from Bhaderwah, had a vision where the Goddess appeared in the form of a sacred Pindi (stone imprint) in his garden. This was deemed a Swayambhu Murti – a self‑manifested image. From then on, the Chandi Mata shrine in Chinote began receiving devotees in increasing numbers.

Over time, Chinote became the base for the annual Machail Yatra—a grand 'Chhari' (holy mace) pilgrimage from Bhaderwah to the Machail shrine in Paddar (Kishtwar) district.                            

Other revered shrines like Subar Nag, Thubu Nag, Nagni Mata, and Alalbani Temple host festivals throughout the year.

AGRICULTURE AND VILLAGE LIFE

Agriculture-

Households likely practice mixed subsistence farming, growing staple crops like rajma, potatoes, maize, mustard, and seasonal vegetables for their use, with occasional surplus for sale.

 Livestock rearing (goats, cows) is common, providing dairy, manure, and supplementary income.

The village's social fabric is shaped by seasonal work, agricultural rites like Dharamdees, and Pahadi cultural traditions.

As part of the Global Aroma Mission, the village participates in an initiative to cultivate lavender, with Dradhu as one of the pilot locations. The Indian Army's Rashtriya Rifles has helped set up a lavender nursery and value-added units (e.g., soaps, incense) to empower women-led agripreneurship 

INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONNECTIVITY

Regional Road Network

Drodhu lies along the Bhaderwah–Doda highway, serviced by the Border Roads Organization. This key road links Bhaderwah with Pul Doda and Udhampur, connecting Doda district with Jammu city.

The long-awaited Chattergala Tunnel—once completed—will significantly improve all-weather access by connecting via Gandoh to Kahara and Kathua, reducing travel times and enhancing the local economy.

Electricity & Communication

Electricity supply is available, and the census notes that all households are electrified in the village.

Basic communication services (likely mobile) are available, all the villagers have their mobiles, and the internet is also provided and comes with the latest 5G network.

Water & Sanitation

The Royal water spring at Drodhu is the precious gift of nature for life which is on the Doda-Bhaderwah highway is a valuable asset for the local community, as it not only provides health benefits but also serves as a source of income for the villagers, contributing to their economic well-being.

Multiple water sources such as tap water, wells, tanks, tubewells, and handpumps are listed within 1–2km from the village.

Education & Healthcare

Educational Facilities at Drodhu:

1 Anganwadi center, 1 middle school, and a Higher secondary school are available.

For higher education, villagers may travel to Government Degree College, Bhaderwah, established in 1955 and affiliated with Jammu University and Bhaderwah Campus.

The renowned tuition teacher Amarjeet kotwal established a FREE MEGHA TUTORIAL which helps the local children to make constructive minds, moral values, social ethics and competitive education like Olympiads exams.

The student Named as Advita Thakur won Two national level gold medals, state level ranks as well as international ranks in many Olympiad called as Olympiad Girl of Dradhu Bhaderwah.

Medical Facilities:

 One allopathic dispensary and one Health Sub Centre are available for treatment.

ORIGINS & PANCHAYAT SUCCESS

Dradhu is a Panchayat-level village in the Bhaderwah region known for its effective local governance. In 2020, it received national recognition as one of the “Most Child-Friendly Panchayats” in J&K and became the first in the Chenab valley to install CCTV cameras, showcasing its pioneering approach.

The local leadership, including its Panchayat members, local party leaders and the Sarpanch Ashok Sharma, has led several community-focused initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, safety, and social welfare.

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Reviews (1)

Pranav

24 Aug, 2025

Nice work

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