Lost in time

Even as terrorism unleashed untold damage to life and property in Jammu Kashmir in 17 years, official apathy has wreaked havoc with its monuments and heritage sites.

Even as terrorism unleashed untold damage to life and property in Jammu 038; Kashmir in 17 years, official apathy has wreaked havoc with its monuments and heritage sites. Anointed the preserver of the state8217;s history, the Archaeological Survey of India officials have remained silent spectators to the violation of The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. They in turn hold the government responsible for the damage, saying its own departments were encroaching on the sites and there was no effort to encourage conservation. Our correspondent visits some places in Jammu to look for truth.

AMBRAN: On the bank of Chenab river lies history between 1st century BC and 3rd century AD. Excavations by ASI have showed up remains of a Buddhist stupa and vihara, the first of their kind in Jammu. Today, a bridge is being constructed just outside the protected area, whose foundation stone was laid by none other than Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad last year. 8220;We have objected to its construction near the monument,8221; says ASI Superintending Archaeologist M. Mahadeviah. Though letters have been sent to army officials, the divisional commissioner and the chief secretary, no one has responded so far.

AKHNOOR FORT: The place where the state8217;s first Dogra ruler, Raja Gulab Singh, was coronated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, is occupied by the Police, Revenue and Public Health Engineering departments. The PHE department has built water reservoirs which, according to ASI, are on the terraces of Harappan period on the bank of Chenab. Excavation has revealed remains of ancient structures representing the northernmost limit of Indus Valley civilisation. The ASI officials have taken up the matter with departments concerned.

HARIHARA TEMPLE, BILLAWAR: The Shiva temple, dating back to 10-11th century, was built by Arjun8217;s son, Babruvahan, as per local legend. Only the base of four central pillars and 12 pilasters have survived. The temple8217;s roof has seepage and water leaks through it. Madan Baba, a priest, says the leakage started only after the ASI cleaned the roof and treated it with chemicals. Mahadeviah, however, accuses local shopkeepers for not allowing them to begin conservation work.

MAHADERA TEMPLE, BASOHLI: Dedicated to Shiva, the temple has been altered with construction by local priests. The wooden offset at the front of the temple has been replaced by a concrete slab, the inner walls of the sanctum have wall tiles plastered on them, while the floor has been relaid with marble. ASI officials visited the site a decade ago and fenced it, but later left the area, says Mohinder Nath, a priest.

KIRMACHI: Dating back to 8th or 9th century, it is a group of four large and three small temples, most of which are crumbling. ASI officials say the restoration is hampered by local residents. During earlier conservation works, a large number of terracotta figurines, copper coins, iron arrow heads, pestles and earthen pots were found.

DEVI BHAGWATI TEMPLE, THALORA: This temple, as per local legend, was built by Babruvahan in the capital Babbapur, which later got corrupted to Babour and is presently known as Manwal. It belongs to the 11th century AD, although all sculptures are of recent origin.

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DERA TEMPLE, THALORA: The super structure of the 11th century temple has its lower half intact but the upper portion is missing. According to people working at the site, the conservation work has been going on for the past three decades and the ASI has restored some portions of the temple.

RAMNAGAR PALACE: It comprises Purana Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Rang Mahal and Nawa Mahal. Of these, the first two were built by Raja Suchet Singh, who was given the title of raja by Ranjit Singh. Though the complex is maintained by the ASI, the court of sub-judge exists within its premises. Till 1970, it functioned in the Darbar Hall and then was shifted to the present building constructed within the palace premises. Assistant Commissioner Revenue Virender Slathia says the court will soon shift from here.

QUEEN8217;S SAMADHI: It was built by Raja Ranbir Singh at the spot where sati was committed by Raja Suchet Singh8217;s wife after his death in 1844. Within the premises are the ruins of building constructed by the state government. According to ASI officials, it was used as a sarai for visitors and later housed the office of Food 038; Supplies Department. Despite ASI8217;s requests, nothing has been done to remove them.