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Journalism of Courage
In response to a recent Right to Information (RTI) inquiry, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) disclosed an allocation of Rs 26.92 crore dedicated to the preservation and restoration of 40 protected monuments in Himachal Pradesh. Notable landmarks covered by this allocation include the Rock Cave Cut Temple Masrur in Kangra, Hidimba Devi Temple in Mandi, and Kangra Fort.
However, experts, such as Professor Renu Thakur from Panjab University and archaeological expert K Asif Khan in Chamba, express reservations about the efficacy of ASI’s expenditure. They stress the necessity for active involvement of local communities and a more expansive coverage of monuments. Thakur particularly emphasizes the urgency to extend efforts beyond infrastructure development, urging ASI to involve local residents, especially youths and women, in heritage preservation. Khan adds his perspective, highlighting that attention is often focused on well-preserved monuments while around 69 historical temples are in need of conservation. He underscores the importance of expanding ASI’s scope and improving coordination with temple trusts.
The ASI disclosed that it generated revenue of Rs 3.53 crore by selling tickets for two ticketed monuments—Kangra Fort and Rock Cave Cut Temple Masrur—between 2013 and September 2023. Over the past 11 years, these monuments attracted a total of 11.05 lakh visitors, including 19,646 foreigners from SARRC and BIMSTEC countries.
Notably, the highest restoration expenditure of Rs 8.90 crore occurred in the fiscal year 2022-23, emphasising a significant commitment to preserving the rich historical heritage of the region. Conversely, the financial year 2016-17 saw the lowest spending at Rs 1.06 crore, while the COVID-19-affected year 2020-21 witnessed an allocation of Rs 1.24 crore for restoration efforts.
District-wise, Chamba boasts the highest number of protected monuments at 13, followed by Kangra with 11. Kullu, Mandi, Lahul Spiti, Hamirpur, Shimla, and Sirmour each host a varying number of ASI monuments, managed by the ASI’s Shimla Circle.
The ASI, Shimla Circle, clarified that the revenue collected over the years, approximately Rs 3.53 crores, was derived not only from ticket sales but also from license fees for filming at the monuments and organizing cultural events. Interestingly, visitors are only required to pay fees for entry to Kangra Fort and Rock Cave Cut Temple Masrur, while the other 38 monuments are accessible without charge.
Detailing the revenue breakdown, the reply from the Shimla Circle office specified that Rs 3.36 crore came from ticket sales for the two ticketed monuments, while fees for cultural events and filming contributed Rs 2.05 lakh and Rs 14.75 lakh, respectively. The highest ticket sales were reported in 2019-20 at Rs 55.54 lakh, experiencing a drop to Rs 15.11 lakh during the lockdown-impacted year of 2020-21. As of 2023-24, ticket sales have reached Rs 27.10 lakh.
Additional information from ASI indicates that among the 40 monuments surveyed, two belong to the British era, 31 are Hindu temples, three are Buddhist monuments (comprising two monasteries and one stupa), and four are palaces that were once part of princely estates. Notable British-era monuments include Lord Elgin’s Tomb in Dharamshala, Kangra, and the Vice Regal Lodge in Shimla.
An ASI official from Shimla, speaking on condition of anonymity, states, “Most protected temples in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, etc., are managed by independent trusts or state government-controlled trusts. ASI doesn’t have jurisdiction over offerings received in these temples, focusing solely on conservation. Governing trusts are restricted from altering the inner and outer structures of these monuments. Ticketing is applicable only to the Rock-cut Cave temple in Nagara style and Kangra fort. Maintenance expenses cover basic amenities and parking at these sites.”
When contacted, Superintendent Archaeologist in Shimla, Tsering Phunchok, informed The Indian Express, “Expenditure and revenue are distinct aspects. Collected fees are deposited in the government treasury, and the allocated budget for conservation varies based on needs. Most protected monuments are situated in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh. For instance, popular destinations like Shimla and Kullu-Manali have only six protected monuments, with five in Kullu district and just one in Shimla. Our staff is assigned to all these monuments.”
Professor Renu Thakur from the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology at Panjab University emphasizes that ASI’s efforts are insufficient, advocating for the active involvement of local communities in monument preservation, particularly in states like Himachal Pradesh. She asserts, “We still have a long way to go to truly preserve our archaeological heritage in Himachal. While working extensively on monuments like the Rock Cave Cut temple in Masrur, I witnessed the deterioration of the ancient pond nearby, with visitors climbing rocks, taking selfies, and littering. Mere construction of parking spaces and ticketing booths isn’t adequate. ASI should engage local communities, especially for the Rock Cave Cut temple in Masrur, as a means to generate revenue. Authorities should involve locals, including youths and women, and provide training on heritage preservation.”
Professor Renu Thakur, who authored an essay on the Masrur temple for the Punjab History Congress, highlights, “In Northern India, there are only two rock-cut temples, one in Himachal Pradesh and another in Madhya Pradesh. People should be mindful of these monuments when visiting such sites.”
Other experts argue that ASI is allocating funds to already preserved monuments, neglecting others in need. Archaeological expert K Asif Khan in Chamba remarks, “Certainly, well-preserved monuments like the Lakshmi Narayan temple exist, but approximately 69 other historical temples still require preservation. Many of these monuments are in remote areas, contributing to their good condition. However, ASI should broaden its scope, incorporating more monuments. Improved coordination between temple trusts and ASI is essential.” Khan, an advocate for heritage preservation, emphasizes the need for collaboration between the Geological Survey of India and ASI to slow down the receding heritage in Chamba.
Like the Nagara style Lord Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Himachal Pradesh boasts several centuries-old Nagara style temples under the protection of the Archaeology Survey of India (ASI).
An extraordinary monolithic rock-cut temple in the Nagara style at Masrur in the Kangra district stands as the sole exemplar of rock-cut architecture in Northern India. Resembling the prehistoric Elephanta Caves near Mumbai, this 8th-century temple, under ASI’s protection, draws historians and architects for study. Despite being a tourist attraction, concerns arise about its preservation, with experts suggesting the need for broader community engagement. With approximately 3.06 lakh visitors in the last six years, this ticketed monument, located 480km from Delhi and 260km from Chandigarh, raises questions about the comprehensive impact of allocated funds.
A Nagara style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed in the 13th century, stands under ASI’s custodianship. Run by a committee under the Kangra district administration, the temple holds inscriptions revealing its historical significance. Mythologically linked to Ravana and Lord Shiva, Baijnath Temple witnesses a surge in devotees during the Shivratri festival, highlighting its cultural importance.
The iconic Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali, made in Pagoda style, holds mythological significance connected to the demon goddess Hidimba. While a renowned tourist spot, experts emphasize the need for preservation and maintenance. ASI’s recent tender of Rs 45.41 lakh for the temple’s outer wooden parikrama and floor area underscores ongoing efforts.
Constructed in the 10th century, the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Chamba is a complex of six temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Linked to local climatic conditions, the temple’s unique features, including a metallic image of Garuda, showcase its historical and cultural importance. Under ASI’s protection, it remains one of the 13 monuments in the district, with a trust managing day-to-day affairs.
Built in the 11th or 12th century in Kashtkuni style, Mirkula (Markula) Temple in Lahul’s Udaipur subdivision holds intricate deodar-wood carvings depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. While revered by locals, plans for renovating the temple’s boundary wall indicate the ongoing efforts needed for its preservation under ASI’s guardianship.
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