Development of Cultural Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir

The first chapter introduces the problem under the study which describes problem of study, research methodology, objectives, method of gathering information and literature survey. The second chapter conceptualizes the concepts of tourism, types, evolution and different approaches from a sociological point of view. Its main focus was on how tourism has evolved as a socio- cultural enterprise to the present time. Subsequently this chapter sheds light on the different perspectives in the field of tourism and the efforts made by different scholars and professionals to include them into mainstream. Various theoretical approaches have been analyzed in this chapter with a debate on the interdisciplinary approach to understand tourism through social, economic, psychological and geographical angles. It also highlights the sociological and anthropological studies concerned to tourism, the results and after implications thereof. Third chapter deals with the tourism scenario at the global level in general and in India in particular with special reference to the cultural and industrial tourism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The chapter opens with a discussion on the global tourism organizations and major tourist destinations. Discussion on tourism in India includes the account of tourism in India before independence followed by the present status thereof highlighting the scales and industrial organizations of tourism in India. The achievement done in tourism sector under the five year plans have been highlighted. The national action plan for Indian tourism has also been included for a comparative analysis with respect to the tourism sector. The geographical and cultural locations have also been discussed in this chapter.This fourth chapter is based on the discussion of the cultural history of Bhadarwah. The topography of the tehsil has been outlined with main focus on the cultural aspects so as to give a historical outline of the study region. The ritual and belief system have also been explored in this chapter in order to sense the traditional historical material that is necessary for understanding the cultural history of Bhadarwah. This chapter also discusses the major infrastructure development due to the tourism industry by the state.The fifth chapter is carved out from the narratives based on the extensive field work in the study area. The narratives focused on the tourism events/festivals especially Bhadarwah festivals as a tourist-attraction tool to improve marketing and destination image. The major impacts of tourism festivals have been also analyzed in detail. The last chapter ends with the conclusion of the study.