Several constructions, including Bihar government's teachers training college, have come up in the restricted zone around the mausoleum of Sher Shah at Sasaram in blatant violation of the Archaeological Monuments Special Repair Act, 1992. The illegal constructions have taken place in the centrally-protected area of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Incidentally, the area falling in the radius of 100 metres of the monument has been declared the restricted zone.
Two private school buildings have also come up in recent years in the restricted area. These include Duttatreya Public School (on the north-east corner of the mausoleum) and Chaukhandi High School (on the north).
These are just a few examples of illegal constructions in the protected area. More than 200 such structures have come up in recent times.
In a recent communication to the Rohtas DM and SP, the acting superintending archaeologist, ASI, Patna circle, N G Nikose, made a fresh request to them to stop and remove illegal construction in the protected zone.
Nikose said such requests had been made to the district administration on several occasions earlier too. "Despite numerous reminders to district officials concerned, nothing concrete has been done by the administration so far," said an ASI official. Incidentally, ASI has already issued notices to those responsible for illegal structures in the protected area. On several occasions, local goons even threatened ASI officials of dire consequences for this.
Incidentally, ASI has been raising the issue since 1990. All former superintendent archaeologists of ASI -- Mohammed K K, Urmila Sant and P K Mishra -- raised this issue right from the Rajbbhavan to the DM level.
Sher Shah's mausoleum is undoubtedly the finest mediaeval tomb architecture in the Indian sub-continent. "Efforts have been made to get this monument listed in UNESCO's list of world heritage sites, but it cannot not find an entry there unless the illegal constructions are removed," said an official.link
Showing posts with label Archaeological Survey of India. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Archaeological Survey of India. Show all posts
Thursday 21 May 2009
Wednesday 20 May 2009
Bihar to develop Sher Shah's tomb as major tourist site
The tomb of Sher Shah Suri, the emperor who built the Grand Trunk Road from Kolkata to Peshawar in the 16th century and thus laid down the foundation of the Indian highway system, is being refurbished here at a cost of Rs.94 crore (Rs.940 million) so that it becomes one of Bihar's major tourist destinations.
Officials in the state tourism department said the surroundings of the tomb, in the emperor's home town, would be beautified; plus a luxury hotel, cafeteria and guest house would be built to attract tourists.
"The department has prepared a plan of over Rs.94 crore to develop and beautify the tomb premises," an official said. The state government has applied to the Unesco to accord World Heritage Site status to the tomb.
A famous army general, Sher Shah Suri wrested the throne of India from the second Mughal emperor Humayun and ruled for five years (1540-45) till his death. He was also a notable administrator who built resting and watering spots and joined existing roads to establish the Grand Trunk Road, which is now named after him.
His successors proved incapable of holding on to the throne, and the Mughals regained power in 1556.
Rohtas district authorities told that officials of the state tourism development corporation and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) held discussions Sunday on the projects to develop the tomb. Sasaram, about 150 km from state capital Patna, is the headquarters of the district.
Acting superintending archaeologist of Patna circle N.G. Nikose, who was also present at the meeting, assured all possible help to the department in developing the area around the tomb.
However, ASI officials made it clear that they would not allow any construction in the prohibited area of 100 metres around the tomb.
Last month, municipal authorities in Sasaram issued notices seeking explanations from all those who have constructed illegal structures in the vicinity of the tomb. The action followed orders of the district magistrate to free the tomb's premises of encroachment after the Patna High Court in November 2008 asked the ASI and the Rohtas district administration to take measures for its preservation.
Ruling on public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a Sasaram resident, who contended the state government was not taking adequate steps to preserve the tomb, the court had expressed unhappiness about the monument's condition due to years of neglect and exposure to pollution.
The ASI has long demanded removal of illegal constructions around the tomb and had also taken up the matter in the high court.
According to ASI guidelines, no construction can be allowed within a 100-metre radius of a historical monument as well as construction beyond a certain height within a radius of 200 metres. However, the rules have been violated time and again.
Also, the tank around the five-storey tomb, is filled with acidic industrial discharge.
Early this year, district authorities banned discharge of polluted water, immersion of idols and bathing in the tank. The ban was imposed early this year by the high court, after the ASI warned of the threats to the tomb as the tank's water had turned acidic, and the water level had gone down.
The historical tomb was declared a national heritage site under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, and the ASI given the responsibility for its preservation and protection.link
Officials in the state tourism department said the surroundings of the tomb, in the emperor's home town, would be beautified; plus a luxury hotel, cafeteria and guest house would be built to attract tourists.
"The department has prepared a plan of over Rs.94 crore to develop and beautify the tomb premises," an official said. The state government has applied to the Unesco to accord World Heritage Site status to the tomb.
A famous army general, Sher Shah Suri wrested the throne of India from the second Mughal emperor Humayun and ruled for five years (1540-45) till his death. He was also a notable administrator who built resting and watering spots and joined existing roads to establish the Grand Trunk Road, which is now named after him.
His successors proved incapable of holding on to the throne, and the Mughals regained power in 1556.
Rohtas district authorities told that officials of the state tourism development corporation and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) held discussions Sunday on the projects to develop the tomb. Sasaram, about 150 km from state capital Patna, is the headquarters of the district.
Acting superintending archaeologist of Patna circle N.G. Nikose, who was also present at the meeting, assured all possible help to the department in developing the area around the tomb.
However, ASI officials made it clear that they would not allow any construction in the prohibited area of 100 metres around the tomb.
Last month, municipal authorities in Sasaram issued notices seeking explanations from all those who have constructed illegal structures in the vicinity of the tomb. The action followed orders of the district magistrate to free the tomb's premises of encroachment after the Patna High Court in November 2008 asked the ASI and the Rohtas district administration to take measures for its preservation.
Ruling on public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a Sasaram resident, who contended the state government was not taking adequate steps to preserve the tomb, the court had expressed unhappiness about the monument's condition due to years of neglect and exposure to pollution.
The ASI has long demanded removal of illegal constructions around the tomb and had also taken up the matter in the high court.
According to ASI guidelines, no construction can be allowed within a 100-metre radius of a historical monument as well as construction beyond a certain height within a radius of 200 metres. However, the rules have been violated time and again.
Also, the tank around the five-storey tomb, is filled with acidic industrial discharge.
Early this year, district authorities banned discharge of polluted water, immersion of idols and bathing in the tank. The ban was imposed early this year by the high court, after the ASI warned of the threats to the tomb as the tank's water had turned acidic, and the water level had gone down.
The historical tomb was declared a national heritage site under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, and the ASI given the responsibility for its preservation and protection.link
Friday 8 May 2009
Tourists' resort at Manersharif to become operational soon
Bihar's first resort for tourists at the famous Sufi centre -- Manersharif -- would soon be a reality. The area in and around the resort would be developed at par with international standards to attract Asian and domestic tourists. Manersharif is barely 32 km away from west of Patna on Patna-Ara highway.
Manersharif is the most important and oldest centre of Sufis in Bihar. Maner has the tombs of several Sufi saints, including the Mausoleum of Shah Daulat, a contemporary of Akbar and Jehangir. Sufism is still a living tradition in Bihar and many important centres of the Sufis continue to flourish even today.
This resort has been designed to cater to the needs of family willing to spend a weekend at the resort. As of now, there is no such place in the nearby areas where a family can spend a day with all basic amenities.
The facilities would be designed to cater to the needs of children and health conscious citizens. It would be designed in an eco-friendly atmosphere and tourists can enjoy their outing away from hustle and bustle of the city.
The project includes construction of a 32-room hotel, gymnasium, conference room, car parking, landscaping in and around the hotel, flood lights, tubewells for water supply, boating, cafeteria, with proper lighting.
"This project has already been delayed. The Centre has already released Rs 7 crore for developing this resort for tourists," said a senior official of the tourism department.
Bihar's building construction department has been given the job of construction of the hotel. The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) would invite tenders to run this hotel under private-public partnership, said an official.
The work on the development of pond facing the monument would start after clearance from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The removal of all the vegetation developed inside the pond, construction of staircase and pathway are also on the cards. Boating in the pond would be an added attraction for the visiting tourists.
"Almost 90 per cent work at the site has been completed. The resort would become operational within six months. At present, the cafeteria is being run by the BSTDC," said an official.
The BSTDC-run cafeteria at Manersharif is still the favourite eating joint for those who are passing through Maner en route Ara and beyond. "It gives us an ambience of peaceful atmosphere. It also offers simple home-made food, but it requires more facilities," said a couple who were having lunch at the restaurant.link
Manersharif is the most important and oldest centre of Sufis in Bihar. Maner has the tombs of several Sufi saints, including the Mausoleum of Shah Daulat, a contemporary of Akbar and Jehangir. Sufism is still a living tradition in Bihar and many important centres of the Sufis continue to flourish even today.
This resort has been designed to cater to the needs of family willing to spend a weekend at the resort. As of now, there is no such place in the nearby areas where a family can spend a day with all basic amenities.
The facilities would be designed to cater to the needs of children and health conscious citizens. It would be designed in an eco-friendly atmosphere and tourists can enjoy their outing away from hustle and bustle of the city.
The project includes construction of a 32-room hotel, gymnasium, conference room, car parking, landscaping in and around the hotel, flood lights, tubewells for water supply, boating, cafeteria, with proper lighting.
"This project has already been delayed. The Centre has already released Rs 7 crore for developing this resort for tourists," said a senior official of the tourism department.
Bihar's building construction department has been given the job of construction of the hotel. The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) would invite tenders to run this hotel under private-public partnership, said an official.
The work on the development of pond facing the monument would start after clearance from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The removal of all the vegetation developed inside the pond, construction of staircase and pathway are also on the cards. Boating in the pond would be an added attraction for the visiting tourists.
"Almost 90 per cent work at the site has been completed. The resort would become operational within six months. At present, the cafeteria is being run by the BSTDC," said an official.
The BSTDC-run cafeteria at Manersharif is still the favourite eating joint for those who are passing through Maner en route Ara and beyond. "It gives us an ambience of peaceful atmosphere. It also offers simple home-made food, but it requires more facilities," said a couple who were having lunch at the restaurant.link
Monday 9 February 2009
Stupa found in Bihar 'could be world's second largest'
A huge Buddhist stupa has been discovered in Bihar's Nalanda district and archaeologists on Monday said it could be the second largest such structure in the world.
A team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) located the brick stupa at Ghorakatora, about 100 km from here.
"The latest stupa discovered at Ghorakatora is unique as it is second in size only to the Kesaria stupa in East Champaran district. The Kesaria stupa is regarded as the largest Buddhist stupa in the world," said Sujit Nayan, an archaeologist in charge of the team that made the discovery.
Nayan said the structure was built of random rubble dry stone masonry. The material the stupa is made of had been used to fortify an area of 32 km near the mountain of Rajgir.
The stupa is around 20 to 25 feet high and its circumference is 70 to 75 sq. feet.
"More excavacation is needed to make a final assessment of the stupa," Nayan added.
According to archaeologists, the find is likely to throw more light on the ancient Nalanda University. The ancient seat of learning is said to have been founded in 5th century AD.
Well-known Chinese scholar Hieun Tsang stayed in Nalanda in the 7th century and left detailed description of the education system and monastic life practised at the university.link
A team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) located the brick stupa at Ghorakatora, about 100 km from here.
"The latest stupa discovered at Ghorakatora is unique as it is second in size only to the Kesaria stupa in East Champaran district. The Kesaria stupa is regarded as the largest Buddhist stupa in the world," said Sujit Nayan, an archaeologist in charge of the team that made the discovery.
Nayan said the structure was built of random rubble dry stone masonry. The material the stupa is made of had been used to fortify an area of 32 km near the mountain of Rajgir.
The stupa is around 20 to 25 feet high and its circumference is 70 to 75 sq. feet.
"More excavacation is needed to make a final assessment of the stupa," Nayan added.
According to archaeologists, the find is likely to throw more light on the ancient Nalanda University. The ancient seat of learning is said to have been founded in 5th century AD.
Well-known Chinese scholar Hieun Tsang stayed in Nalanda in the 7th century and left detailed description of the education system and monastic life practised at the university.link
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