Description
Introduction
Bansultan, more affectionately known as Chak Talab, is a quaint village situated in the Ranbir Singh Pora tehsil of Jammu district, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Once dotted with serene ponds that inspired its local name, the village embodies both natural charm and cultural resilience. Its history reflects the impact of partition in 1947, when the predominantly Muslim population migrated to Pakistan, leaving behind a community that has since been rebuilt and sustained largely by Hindus. What distinguishes Bansultan is not monumental architecture or tourist landmarks, but the genuine warmth and solidarity of its residents, who live in harmony and hold steadfast to their traditions.
Historical Background
The legacy of Bansultan is deeply tied to the cultural shifts that followed India’s partition. The migration reshaped the demographic character of the village, yet its essence remained rooted in fraternity and mutual respect. Despite losing many of its original water bodies, the identity of Chak Talab persists, preserved in oral memories and the enduring spirit of its people.
Population and Community
Home to roughly 450–500 residents, the village maintains a vibrant yet intimate social fabric. Its demographic balance of men, women, and children reflects a wholesome rural environment where interdependence is central to daily life. Every family contributes in its own way—whether through farming, teaching, or service in the armed forces—creating a collective spirit of resilience.
Cultural Heritage and Lifestyle
The culture of Bansultan is firmly anchored in Dogri traditions. Villagers speak Dogri with pride, while their cuisine, attire, and festivals bring alive the colours of regional identity. Rajma chawal and kyoor remain household staples, while festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Raksha Bandhan transform the settlement into a vibrant spectacle of music, laughter, and togetherness. Attire is simple yet traditional—women in salwar suits and men in pajama-kurtas—symbolizing continuity amidst modern change.
Natural Setting and Attractions
Although Bansultan lacks formal tourist monuments, its natural landscape offers quiet charm. Agricultural fields of wheat and rice dominate the scenery, interspersed with groves of mango, neem, and peepal trees. The village’s biannual fairs (melas) are the closest to a cultural attraction, where music, dance, and food converge to create moments of collective joy.
Education and Learning
Education in Bansultan is modest but vital. The village has a government primary school that provides instruction up to the 5th class and an Anganwadi for early childhood care. For secondary education and beyond, students must travel to nearby villages. Unfortunately, there are no adult literacy or skill development programs, highlighting a gap in lifelong learning opportunities for its residents.
Economy and Occupations
Agriculture remains the primary economic driver, with families cultivating wheat and rice as their chief crops. A handful of residents run small general stores, while others are employed as professors, teachers, or servicemen in the armed forces. Employment is largely traditional, yet it sustains livelihoods with quiet stability. No formal entrepreneurship initiatives or startups have emerged, leaving the economy rooted in conventional practices.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
The village is connected by a motorable road that links it with nearby towns, though internal lanes require improvement. Transportation facilities such as buses and auto-rickshaws operate outside the settlement, compelling villagers to rely on personal bikes or cars for commuting. Interestingly, despite its rural nature, Bansultan enjoys 5G connectivity, allowing its people access to the wider digital world.
Healthcare and Wellness
Healthcare remains a challenge, with no medical facilities within the village itself. Residents travel to nearby towns for treatment. Similarly, there are no fitness centres, though physical activity is naturally embedded in farming and daily routines. Home-cooked meals, communal living, and an active lifestyle ensure a basic level of wellness despite the absence of formal health infrastructure.
Sports and Recreation
Sports in Bansultan are informal yet enthusiastic. Cricket enjoys immense popularity among the youth, while traditional games such as kabaddi and hopscotch continue to delight younger children. A large open ground doubles as a multipurpose playfield, fostering a sense of recreation without organized clubs or teams. Entertainment, meanwhile, revolves around the biannual mela, television, mobile phones, and the simple joy of social gatherings.
Community Engagement and Social Cohesion
Community life thrives on informal interactions. Villagers meet along roadsides, at each other’s homes, or during farming breaks, reinforcing bonds of kinship. The biannual mela and collective celebration of festivals stand as the strongest expressions of unity. Government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have also improved housing for marginalized groups, reflecting how state support blends with community solidarity.
Conclusion
Bansultan may not boast grand monuments or globally recognized heritage, but its essence lies in the simplicity of rural living, cultural resilience, and enduring unity of its people. Its lush agricultural fields, Dogri traditions, and heartfelt community life make it more than just a village—it is a living testament to the beauty of rootedness and human connection. For visitors, Bansultan offers not adventure or spectacle, but a quiet reminder of the values that hold communities together: warmth, humility, and togetherness.
Photos
Videos
Location Map
Contact Information
| Address |
Bansultan, Ranbir Singh Pora, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir 181102 |
| Phone Number |
+919697129020 |
| Website | https://villageinfo.in/jammu-&-kashmir/jammu/ranbir-singh-pora/bansultan.html |
Reviews (3)
This village was amazing !! Do vist
Great work Guys! Impressive
This village was amazing !! Do vist