H@R 266/365
Raja Bakhri, Sambalpur, Odisha
The fort was built in the 17th century CE along the banks of the river Mahanadi. Today, the Raja Bakhri and Rani Mahal are the only remains of the fort. Rani Mahal was restored by INTACH; however, Raja Mahal remains neglected. In 2015, with the initiative of INTACH Sambalpur Chapter and the local community, most of the vegetation was cleared, which helped in accessing the site and documentation by AH INTACH.
H@R 265/365
Shahi Talaab Mohanpur Village, Uttar Pradesh
Naqqar Khana Kothi is a 200-year Mughal gateway to the Shahabad Kothi. Naqqar Khana were usually gateways with a drum house that were played during ceremonies. The gateway is presently deteriorating due to neglect.
Thank you, Mohsin Khan, for sending the entry and the images.
H@R 264/365
Maqbara of Nawab Jahangir Khan Najibabad, Uttar Pradesh
The mausoleum was built during the 17th century, in memory of Nawab Jahangir Khan, by his wife. It consists of a big dome structure under which the nawab rests, surrounded by four minarets. The structure was constructed in lakhauri bricks. The minarets are three-storey high each, consisting of a staircase leading to the top. The structure is slowly crumbling due to neglect. The dome has fallen, but the minarets still stand tall at 50 feet from each other.
Thank you, Varda Sami, for sending the entry and the images.
H@R 263/365
MCD House Mehrauli, Delhi
Standing tall in the historic urban fabric of Mehrauli, this public building has an imposing pediment. The entrance porch is supported by circular columns with a sloping roof. Constructed in 1942, it has been used as a residence, MCD House, Tax Office and Vocational Training Centre. The building has distinct decorative features such as terracotta jalis as ventilators on both levels and decorative iron grills on the first floor. The building has immense potential for reuse, also owing to its location. However, the dilapidating building faces a huge risk due to encroachment and incompatible alterations.
Thank you, Aakarshit Jain, for sending the entry and the images.
H@R 262/365
Vernacular style – Government School No.1 Murud Janjira, Maharashtra
The school was established in 1832 and is one of the oldest heritage structures showcasing the use of teakwood and exposed brickwork in a load-bearing construction. However, the building has been deteriorating over the years due to the lack of maintenance and the Nisarga cyclone. The building faces a major threat of demolition and thereby erasure of its history.
Thank you Asavari Vare for sending the entry and the images.
H@R 261/365
Gulab Sagar Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Gulab Sagar is a manmade reservoir built in the late eighteenth century by Gulab Rai, Maharaja Vijay Singh’s concubine. The reservoir is a rectangular twin-tank measuring around 150 x 90 metres, surrounded by a complex of palaces, temples, and wells. It consists of two tanks, one large and one small, separated by a walkway running in between. It took 8 years to construct the reservoir, in which water from Balsamand Lake was transported to the reservoir via canals. Over the years, Gulab Sagar’s original architectural features have been lost due to lack of maintenance, encroachments, and negligence.
Thank you, Mayur Parihar, for sending the entry and the images.
H@R 260/365
Malhar Village Homes Malhar, Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh
It is located on the ancient route from Kausambi to Puri. Malhar was one of the most important centres of art from the 2nd Century BCE. The village showcases significant archaeological remains. These unprotected remains from the debris of historical sites are used in private homes, displayed in streets, courtyards and in the construction of new buildings (such as in plinths and boundary walls). Sculptures are used as private temples and pooja areas such as the Tulsi base and courtyard temples. Few of the stone sculptures are displayed in the niches of external walls.
H@R 256/365
Dadoji Kondadev Gadhi Junnar, Maharashtra
Built in the 17th century, it was the residential palace of Shivaji Maharaj’s teacher, Dadoji Kondadev. It is located near Junnar bus stop, accessed from the Nehru bazaar lane. The fortification wall is dilapidated, but the internal godowns are intact. However, new RCC structures have been added to the original.
H@R 259/365
Nageshwar Kund & surrounding structures Jambusar, Bharuch District, Gujarat
The traditional water harvesting structure was built by the Maratha rulers in the 18th century. It is surrounded by religious structures and a stepwell. It lies dilapidated and partially collapsed. It has been facing vandalism and indifference and is used as a garbage dump yard. The water tank too is in a neglected state with dense algae growth. On being brought to the attention by a concerned local community person, INTACH prepared an assessment report for its conservation and cleaning. Active support is required from the local administration and community to carry it forward.
H@R 258/365
Patna Collectorate Complex, Bihar “UNDER DEMOLITION”
The 12-acre Patna Collectorate complex on the banks of the River Ganga comprises structures from the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the buildings slated for demolition are the last surviving examples showcasing Dutch architecture in Patna. One of the buildings has been functioning as the Patna Collectorate since 1857, before which it housed the Court of Appeal and a saltpetre godown. The Court recently approved the demolition of the heritage buildings in the complex; paving the way for a new collectorate, as the local authorities declared them unsafe with no heritage value, completely overlooking their rich significance to the local and national history.
