Category Archives: Heritage at Risk Register

H@R 42/365 Soan Bridge Across Godavari River, Telangana

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Soan Bridge Across Godavari River, Telangana

A 776 m long, stone masonry arch bridge across Godavari River at Adilabad-Nizamabad district’s border. About 90 years old, it is an engineering marvel from the Nizams’ rule. Threatened by growth of banyan trees in the structure. Went out of use in 2009 as it could not cope with the growing demands of transport development, when the new twin bridges on the four-lane NH 44 came up. Instead of neglecting historic bridges from 18th-20th centuries, the stone and brick marvels need to be looked at as exceptional educational resources for civil engineering, relevant even in present times. An example of the human values attached to the bridge was found in the inaugural plaque which carried a verse seeking forgiveness of the river for having hindered its free flow by way of the bridge.

H@R 41/365 Radhabinod’s Shaterochura Rasmancha Purbagopalpur, East Medinipur District, West Bengal

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Radhabinod’s Shaterochura Rasmancha Purbagopalpur, East Medinipur District, West Bengal

The structure is a Rashmancha on an octagonal base and is situated in Panskura Block, East Medinipur District. Original date of construction is not known; however, it was restored in 1891 by a lady patron. It is a significant example of ‘baroque’ vase pinnacle turrets (or what is locally known as ‘behrisune’). Shatero-chura or seventeen towers of ‘beharisune’ type. The building is dilapidated due to neglect and lack of maintenance. Major cracks indicate severe structural distress. It is at risk of collapse and in danger of disappearance. Excessive vegetation growth can be seen. Urgent interventions are required for structural repair and conservation.

H@R 40/365 Vernacular houses of traditional weavers Bargarh district, Odisha

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Vernacular houses of traditional weavers Bargarh district, Odisha

The traditional homes optimally utilise the locally available materials to suit the climatic conditions. The roof details illustrate the fine construction techniques. Some houses have the upper floor built of lesser height, generally to accommodate functions such as kitchen. These homes are origins of some of the most exquisite Ikat sarees, famous from the region. The dual-purpose vernacular architecture, located in traditional community clusters, is an extremely critical aspect of keeping alive the ancient craft of handloom weaving. But these are at risk of disappearance due to pressures of urbanisation. Schemes such as Awas Yojana that promote new construction materials, only add to the challenges.

H@R 39/365 Shankar Bhagwaan Temple Khaspur, Maner Tehsil, Bihar

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Shankar Bhagwaan Temple Khaspur, Maner Tehsil, Biha

The temple was built in the 19th century on the banks of River Ganga The King of Bharatpur was a devotee of Lord Shiva, who built the temple with the hope to be blessed with a child. The building is in a state of deterioration; however, it is still in use by the community of Khaspur to perform their daily religious rituals. The old market street near Khaspur (that was established by Sher Shah Suri, 16th century) continues to flourish even today. He encouraged trade across the district, considering its strategic location along the banks of river Ganga.

H@R 38/365 Historic Structures in Shalimar Garden Delhi

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Historic Structures in Shalimar Garden Delhi

DDA Shalimar Garden is located in Shalimar Bagh Colony in northwest Delhi. Shalimar Garden was laid out by Shahjahan in 1648 as a pleasure garden. Aurangzeb crowned himself emperor here in a coup in 1658. Other than the protected Sheesh Mahal and few ponds, there are several historic structures in the garden that are unprotected, and are in an advanced state of deterioration. Some structures like Hammam are already lost. Under the British resident David Ochterlony the garden was converted into a private estate in 1818, where he added some structures. Ruins of structures are still seen in the garden but are disappearing due to lack of any repairs or protection.

H@R 37/365 Stepwell at Valad village, Near Gandhinagar, Gujarat

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Stepwell at Valad village, Near Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Gujarat is dotted with numerous step-wells (known as vavs) and structures related to water conservation. Many step-wells suffer from general apathy and are in urgent need of repair and restoration. The stepwell at Valad village is from 17th century CE. Neglect and natural decay lead to dilapidation of such architectural marvels. Historic water structures have a vital role for a more sustainable future. A national policy framework needs to be formulated for regeneration of the water systems as far as possible.

H@R 36/365 Temple at Koravali, near Solapur, Maharashtra

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Temple at Koravali, near Solapur, Maharashtra

Koravali is located about 30 km southwest of Solapur. It is a historically and architecturally important town in Solapur district. The temple at Koravali is from 13th century CE. There are ruins of two smaller temples in the vicinity, which are equally ancient. The shikhara is completely destroyed, with stones scattered about. Villagers are undertaking unguided restoration, further damaging the stability of the building. There are also other interventions in close vicinity.

H@R 35/365 Badshahi Bagh Village Mohanpur, near Fatehabad, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

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Bhimsen ki Gufaayein Gram Gadelna, Tehsil Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh

Bhimsen ki Gufaayein are exquisite caves from 10th century CE. They have inscriptions and ornate sculptures from 10th to 15th century. But the access to the caves is on the verge of being submerged under water due to a dam construction in the vicinity. Such infrastructure development can often be inconsiderate to built heritage. Mandatory heritage impact assessments and a quick response mechanism for the recommendations must be in place for all proposed projects, including for unprotected heritage.

H@R 34/365 Badshahi Bagh Village Mohanpur, near Fatehabad, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

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Badshahi Bagh Village Mohanpur, near Fatehabad, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Located in village Mohanpur, adjacent to Fatehabad, 30 km from Agra. In 1658 CE, following Emperor Shah Jahan’s illness, the battle of Samugarh was fought between Aurangzeb and his brother Dara Shikoh, at Samugarh, 8 miles east of Agra. The Badshahi Bagh with an elephant stable, was built by Aurangzeb in 1659 to symbolize his victory, as part of four other constructions in the vicinity, namely, a tank named Shahi Talaab, a Sarai, a bridge and Shahi Masjid. The structures in Badshahi Bagh are in danger of disappearance. The garden gate and walls are in a state of distress. The roof of the built structure has largely collapsed.

H@R 33/365 Mandrayal Castle Karauli District, Rajasthan

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Mandrayal Castle Karauli District, Rajasthan

Karauli, famous for its red-stone, also has 300 temples. Once a princely state, it is an abode of castles and forts that served as homes for the erstwhile rulers. Most of them are in a state of decay like the 11th century Mandrayal Castle. It is known for a historical victory in 1327 CE. It is not in use now and faces lack of maintenance.