Category Archives: Heritage at Risk Register

H@R 52/365 Stepped Well in Doraha Ludhiana District, Punjab

H@R 52/365

Stepped Well in Doraha Ludhiana District, Punjab

The 17th century CE Mughal era baoli is located along the Badshahi Sadak (the Imperial Highway). It is part of the cluster comprising of caravan serais, bridges, kosminars and water structures. While several serais and kosminars were accorded protection, several water structures remain unprotected, even though the typology is directly associated with the Mughal imperial highway. It is evidence of the technical advancement of the time. Three arched openings overlooking the shaft of the well cooled air for entering the chambers. The structure is under threat of disappearance. The chambers are in an advanced stage of structural decay due to heavy growth of vegetation.

H@R 51/365 Khareswar Kund Bundi, Rajasthan

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Khareswar Kund Bundi, Rajasthan

The kunds are also in a state of neglect, like the baolis. With a gradual decline in their role as sources of water and venues of religious ceremonies, they deteriorated. The problems faced are mainly due to the age, lack of maintenance and discontinued use of the kunds. Khareswar Kund in Bundi is at imminent risk of collapse.

H@R 50/365 Johnson Market Bangalore, Karnataka

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Johnson Market Bangalore, Karnataka

The case of Johnson Market (Hosur Road, Bengaluru) shows the vulnerability of historic structures, under threat of demolition by the City Corporation. A feasibility report was prepared to redevelop the 1929 CE market as a mall. Historic fabric of towns and cities is at risk of disappearing if urgent interventions are not made through policy decisions. Such quaint precincts and historic buildings contribute to the richness, familiarity and character in the fast-paced developing cities.

H@R 49/365 Ichak group of temples Hazaribagh, Jharkhand

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Ichak group of temples Hazaribagh, Jharkhand

Built by the Singh dynasty, 18th century CE. Constructed in the Nagara and Bangla style of architecture, the temples also indicate a strong Mughal influence. Seen here are Bhagwati Temple, with Gauri Shankar Temple at the rear, both lying in a dilapidated state. There were about 174 temples in Ichak village, but only a few of them remain now, of which nearly all lie in utter neglect. Many of them are devoid of any idols which may have been stolen. Despite that, the temples still reflect the splendour that they once commanded. The boundary wall surrounding the temple complex stands in a pitiable condition.

H@R 48/365 Hiranagar Fort Kathua district, Jammu & Kashmir

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Hiranagar Fort Kathua district, Jammu & Kashmir

The mid-19^th century site of Hiranagar, once a symbol of royal grandeur, is now in ruins. The fort houses a sanctum of Mahakali. Located about 5km south from NH 1A, devotees from all over the district come and visit the temple of the fort, but the fort lies in utter neglect. According to local legend, the temple was established by Maharaja Hira Singh. Hence, the fort and township was named after him.

H@R 47/365 Rajwada Bhor, Pune district, Maharashtra

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Rajwada Bhor, Pune district, Maharashtra

Located in Mangalwarpeth, Bhor, the Rajwada was built in Maratha period around 200 years ago, and holds importance among the community. Situated in the Western Ghats, Bhor Sansthan was converted into a princely state in 1859. The town developed on Maratha town planning principles. Rajwada was the major socio-cultural platform for the town. Bhor being situated near Pune, has major threats from developmental pressures, and is rapidly losing its unique heritage characteristics. Being a popular destination for film shoots, the Rajwada is vulnerable to inappropriate interventions.

H@R 46/365 Kosgaigarh Korba District, Chhattisgarh

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Kosgaigarh Korba District, Chhattisgarh

The land of 36 garhs (forts) now has only ruins remaining of many of these. The 12th century CE fort of Kosgaigarh was the sub or semi-capital and was attacked continuously by Pathans. It is situated on a hill approximately 2000 feet above mean sea level and constructed entirely of stone by the then King of Ratanpur Bahaarsai. It is one of the most important forts of the region, but now has very little left. Denuded and looted, the structural elements of the fort have been found in people’s houses, serving as construction material. The fort is presently in a ruinous condition and the remnants should be preserved.

H@R 45/365 Vernacular homes of Kebali village Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

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Vernacular homes of Kebali village Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Pride in one’s traditions – this is palpable in the owner’s enthusiasm to show the home! Kebali village has a settlement of Idu Mishmi tribe. Traditional material from the region is used in the vernacular chang-ghar (stilted house) – jing patta roof, timber, bamboo, cane, bola tree wood posts. Due to the insensitive road widening, the soil erosion of the hill is a major threat to settlements, and is especially evident when natural calamities occur. Impacts of inconsiderate development projects in eco-sensitive zones must be well understood by authorities. Silt deposition due to dam constructions and lacking road engineering solutions for terrains and forested areas are examples.

H@R 44/365 Kothapatnam Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh

H@R 44/365

Kothapatnam Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh

Unprotected archaeological heritage needs urgent attention. Kothapatnam is an archaeological mound and medieval port in coastal Andhra. The significant site has archaeological remains dateable from the 8th century CE to 15th century CE. It is a Medieval site with remains of overseas contacts and is located in the sand dunes. This site is under the control of the forest department and can be protected. It is partly destroyed. Located about 45 km southeast of Gudur, can also be reached from Nayudupeta (Gudur & Nayudupeta are on Chennai-Kolkata railway line).

H@R 43/365 Freemasons Lodge Light of the North Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

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Freemasons Lodge Light of the North Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

1867 CE building located below mall, near Charring Cross, Dalhousie. Unusual building type found in hill stations. Large site and typical bungalow with enclosed verandah. Highly decorated interiors, with details like fireplaces and coved ceilings. Has interesting memorabilia related to the Freemasons Society in the antechamber. The building is not maintained and is in poor condition. Site and building level guidelines are required for the unique built heritage.