December 1, 2025
JAMMU – The mystical rock-carved horsemen of Gool are gradually losing the battle against time, and the ancient stone warriors await rescue and preservation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or some organisation of the J&K UT government.
These priceless rock sculptures in the Jammu region’s Gool have, over the years, been facing ruin.
The centuries-old stone-carved horses and warriors—some linked to the Mahabharata, others to the 18th century—are decaying in the open without protection.
Locals call the valley ‘Ghora Gali’, but this priceless heritage still waits for preservation and recognition.
The mysterious stone-carved horses and mounted warriors, scattered across the Gool area of Ramban district, are slowly decaying in the open with no protective measures in place.
These remarkable sculptures—many carved from a single piece of rock—stand silently in the open, exposed to the harsh weather and gradual ruin.
While the exact era of these rock artworks remains uncertain, theories range widely. Some historians believe the treasure belongs to the 18th century, while local folklore links them to the Mahabharata era. Some relate these to Alexander’s army.
Many of these unique pieces were lost when landslides triggered by the 2014 J&K floods buried them under debris.
Today, only a handful of intact sculptures survive. Some depict riders dressed in what strikingly resembles Roman-style armour, with certain horses carrying two or even three warriors, all carved from a single stone.
Locals say the open valley leading to Gool is called Ghora Gali (Horse Pass) because of the concentration of these stone figures. One legend claims the sculptures are a cursed army turned to stone; another suggests they depict warriors who lost their way in these rugged mountains.
Despite the site’s archaeological and tourism potential, no concrete steps have been taken by the government to preserve or promote it. The area has not been transferred to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) either. An ASI officer who visited the site earlier suggested the sculptures may belong to the 18th century, noting that the region also once featured intricately carved ponds and waterfalls.
A local unit of the Indian Army has taken some steps to highlight the treasure to visitors.