Category Archives: Heritage at Risk Register

H@R 202/365 Pataur roof vernacular homes of saree weavers Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh

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H@R 202/365

Pataur roof vernacular homes of saree weavers Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh

Located in Hatt ka Pura, Chanderi. The dual-purpose vernacular architecture in traditional community clusters, is an extremely critical aspect of keeping alive the ancient craft of handloom weaving. They are home to the world-renowned GI-tagged Chanderi sarees. The artisanal workshops-cum-homes are at risk of disappearance due to pressures of urbanization, lack of awareness about climate-responsiveness and project proposals that disregard the link of the home-based occupation.

Chanderi is part of ‘Iconic Sari Weaving Clusters of India’ which is on UNESCO Tentative List for World Heritage Sites. INTACH’s pilot initiative for traditional material repair, upgradation and conservation is a useful sample for future works of departments and agencies and for preparing proposals under relevant schemes. A consultative approach was followed with the community (owners and local masons).

H@R 201/365 Sangmarmar Well Batadu, Barmer district, Rajasthan

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H@R 201/365

Sangmarmar Well Batadu, Barmer district, Rajasthan

Situated in Batadu Village, about 40 km from Barmer railway station. The well was the main source of water for a dozen surrounding villages of the desert region, especially in the drought of 1947. It was constructed by Rawal Gulab Singh with sangmarmar white marble. It has marble relief work and shloks carved on its walls and a main statue of Garuda on the platform. It is now in a poor condition and collects garbage, however has potential to be cleaned and revived.

H@R 200/365 Papaur Stupa Kushinagar district, Uttar Pradesh

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H@R 200/365

Papaur Stupa Kushinagar district, Uttar Pradesh

Located about 500 metres from SH-64 in Papaur village, Kushinagar district. Kushinagar is believed to be the place where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. Papaur is a significant site associated with Buddha. However, the site is in danger of disappearance and unsympathetic alterations by Buddhist societies. Buddhist sites are scattered in various villages near Kushinagar and have poor approach roads. Developing such sites with insensitive interventions undermines the authenticity of the place (also by district administrations). Despite the archaeologically rich area, new construction is coming up in the vicinity of ASI-protected sites too.

Immediate guidance is required for conservation and site development. Heritage impact assessments must be conducted before approvals are given for any new development in areas with potential archaeological heritage remains.

H@R 199/365 Historic buildings in Jaijon Village Hoshiarpur, Punjab

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H@R 199/365

Historic buildings in Jaijon Village Hoshiarpur, Punjab

Set within the Shivaliks, the village of Jaijon commands a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Historically the village held a very important position by virtue of the presence of a railway line and also being the major collection point of cloth material like khadi, and eatables from the surrounding region. It had a rich painting tradition evident in the exquisitely painted facades of the houses. The shift in trade routes and railway networks after independence led to the migration of businesses and local craftspeople and resulted in the subsequent degeneration of the village. The khadi and wall painting tradition in the village is almost extinct. Historic houses lie abandoned, in a serious state of deterioration or have collapsed. Much of it has been replaced with newly constructed houses. INTACH conducted a study of the historic village in 2002.

H@R 198/365 Brahma Statue in Temple Tank Mangalvedha, Maharashtra

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H@R 198/365

Brahma Statue in Temple Tank Mangalvedha, Maharashtra

Situated about 70 km west of Solapur. The significant statue of Lord Brahma dates from 11th – 12th century CE. It is placed in a niche in the wall of a temple tank at Mangalvedha. Water seepage in the adjoining ground has caused the tank wall to dilapidate. This makes the idol vulnerable to being detached and fall into the tank. Not only will the ancient statue be damaged, it will also be very difficult to recover it. Proactive steps are required to save the tangible remains.

H@R 197/365 Rudramalya Temple Sidhpur, Gujarat

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H@R 197/365

Rudramalya Temple Sidhpur, Gujarat

The 12th century CE temple is in ruins, with its components collapsing. The premises lack maintenance and there is excessive vegetation growth.

We have to continue to stress upon efforts for increasing heritage awareness – with interpretation and outreach programmes. Awareness of one’s heritage must be compulsorily included in the education system and curriculum; only then there is the hope of sensitizing future citizens. This domain has an important cause and effect towards people’s perception of heritage. And is the key to addressing apathy, vandalism, neglect and insensitivity towards heritage.

H@R 196/365 Ranger’s College Hostel Dehradun, Uttarakhand

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H@R 196/365

Ranger’s College Hostel Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Located at Gandhi Road, Dehradun. A Central Forest School was established at Dehradun in 19th century. The systematic development of forestry education and training in India is one of the oldest in the world. The building is encroached upon and not visible. Heritage management plans are required for optimal utilisation of complexes such as the historic Ranger’s College complex, governmental institutional complexes and offices, and religious landmark buildings with technical guidelines for conservation and retrofitting.

H@R 195/365 Vernacular Residences Bengaluru, Karnataka

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H@R 195/365

Vernacular Residences Bengaluru, Karnataka

Ulsoor neighbourhood consists of private structures, maintained by the families since 1900s. Financial support is required for taking up alterations, along with keeping the historic character. If restored and planned considering the needs of the families while balancing the character, the initiative can become a model for many such houses. Several positive steps have been taken by INTACH Bengaluru Chapter related to listing and built heritage, and spreading awareness thereof. In 2014, a comprehensive listing was completed of Ulsoor neighbourhood. Following this, an exhibition was held at a Metro station and a main boulevard of the city, highlighting the unique architecture, history and culture of this area.

H@R 194/365 Old Post Office Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh

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H@R 194/365

Old Post Office Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh

The Old Post Office is located opposite Surguja University and is about a kilometre away from the bus stand, Babupara, Ambikapur. The 1902 CE building is in an advanced state of decay. The roof is completely dilapidated and is at risk of collapse. The lack of awareness amongst local body officials leads to the decay of such buildings. Many historic civic buildings that have been lying unused or abandoned, have the potential to be used for public purposes. Conservation standards and norms should be ensured for repair, maintenance and conservation of the civic built heritage (measures must be initiated such as pilot projects executed incompatible/ traditional materials).

H@R 193/365 Baoli Kuan Sabalpur, Patna Rural Tehsil, Bihar

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H@R 193/365

Baoli Kuan Sabalpur, Patna Rural Tehsil, Bihar

Built in the 16th century. Baoli Kuan seems to be the only well in the district which has ornamentation. The structure is presently not in use and is in an advanced stage of structural decay. It lies abandoned and vulnerable to vandalisation and deterioration. The site has the potential to be a recreational space for the public. Conservation and site-sensitive development can be linked to the more visited, 16th-century Sabalpur Vishnu temple which was built by Raja Man Singh’s mother.