Gool, Ramban District, August 21, 2025 – Nestled in the rugged Pir Panjal range of Jammu and Kashmir, Ghoda Gali, also known as Ghora Gali, is an ancient sculptural marvel located on the Gool-Sangaldan road, approximately 50 km from Ramban and 200 km from Jammu. This open-air museum in Gool, Ramban District, captivates visitors with its Mystery Horsemen—over 100 intricately carved stone sculptures, some towering over 8 feet, depicting armed warriors astride horses, often with multiple riders. These enigmatic relics, believed to mark strategic points along ancient trade routes, offer a tantalizing glimpse into the region’s historical and cultural past.The Mystery Horsemen:
A Historical Enigma
The Mystery Horsemen of Ghoda Gali are scattered across 4–5 kanals (0.5–0.6 hectares) in the Gool-Gulabgarh area, near natural springs and ponds, suggesting their strategic placement along routes connecting villages in the Pir Panjal. The sculptures, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, depict warriors with detailed attire, weapons, and geometric motifs, hinting at influences from Bactrian art or the Gandhara school. Theories about their origins are divided: local folklore links them to the Pandavas of the Mahabharata, believed to have sculpted them during their exile, while recent studies, including a 2017 Russian-Indian expedition led by Dr. Natalia Polosmak, propose a connection to the White Huns (Hephthalites), who ruled Kashmir between the 5th and 7th centuries CE under leaders like Mih Hirakula. The sculptures’ facial features, resembling those on Hephthalite coins, and their anthropological traits, such as occipital-frontal deformation, support this theory.
Despite their historical significance, the site suffers from neglect. Many sculptures have been damaged by weather, landslides, or repurposing by locals as building materials or washstones. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has not officially recognized Ghoda Gali, though it was declared a state-protected monument in 1986 by the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums, Jammu and Kashmir. Three of these sculptures are preserved at the Shri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum in Srinagar, offering a glimpse of their grandeur.
Cultural and Folklore Significance
Ghoda Gali holds deep cultural resonance, with local traditions tying the sculptures to the Mahabharata era, often referred to as “Pandav lari” (Pandava buildings). Nearby sites like Barlas Rai Kund, with remnants of an ancient temple, and the Maha Kali deity at Banjoni, frequented by devotees, add to the area’s spiritual allure. The sculptures’ proximity to water sources and their warrior-like depictions suggest they may have served as markers or tributes along ancient trade routes, possibly linked to the Mughal Road or earlier Greco-Roman and Bactrian trade networks.
The Dogra people, believed to be descendants of the Rajputs and possibly influenced by the Hephthalites, continue to inhabit the region, living alongside these “silent sentinels” unaware of their ancestral ties. The sculptures’ artistic style, with polished forms and unique features like large earrings and warrior attire, reflects a blend of local and Central Asian influences, making them a potential archaeological treasure yet to be fully explored.
Tourism and Visiting Tips
Recent efforts to promote Ghoda Gali as a tourist destination include fencing to protect the sculptures from livestock and sanctioned funds for tourism infrastructure, though facilities remain limited. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing due to the site’s exposure to rain and snow in the hilly terrain. The journey to Ghoda Gali is an adventure in itself, accessible via a train from Srinagar to Sangaldan, followed by a ride to Gool. As shared by a former Deputy Commissioner of Ramban on X, “Catch a train from Srinagar to Sangaldan, take a ride to Gool & find these pillion rider mystery horses of Ghoda Gali. Unknown to many, this wonderful place offers a captivating mix of adventure, history, and folklore.”Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Tata Pani, a therapeutic hot spring near Sangaldan, or the scenic meadows of Dagan Top and Aramkund in the Gool valley, known for their lush greenery and serene vistas. These spots offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration.
A Call for Preservation
Despite its historical and cultural significance, Ghoda Gali remains understudied, with no scientific dating of the sculptures conducted yet. Experts urge the State Archaeology Department and Jammu University to undertake comprehensive investigations to ascertain the site’s historical period and preserve its artifacts. The site’s potential to rewrite the history of northwestern India, possibly as the first archaeological evidence of the Huns in Jammu and Kashmir, underscores the need for urgent action.
Ghoda Gali stands as an open-air testament to the region’s rich past, blending adventure, history, and folklore. Whether linked to the Pandavas or the White Huns, these Mystery Horsemen continue to intrigue, inviting travellers and historians to uncover their secrets amidst the breathtaking Pir Panjal landscape.
