Phrases like the march of times or vagaries of weather or heritage wealth etc. carry more than one meaning. Their meaning and interpretation could be objective as well as subjective. If we understand the interpretation of the phrase ‘the march of time’, then we should also understand and visualize its impact on tangible objects. If we understand the phrase vagaries of weather, then we must also be aware that weather wears and tears sometimes beyond repair. When we talk of heritage, if it is in the sense of material heritage, then we also need to accept the impact of time and vagaries of weather on these manifestations.
The story begins with Mubarak Mandi Complex Heritage in Jammu. It is a complex of historical significance being the seat of the Dogra rulers of the State. It remained their seat for one hundred years during which period, from time to time additions and improvements were made to the complex to make it an imposing seat of the kingdom. The complex comprises large number of buildings where royalty, secretariat, military headquarter and many other establishments had been raised in the style of the day. Obviously, its structure and style are of olden fashion that have now somewhat reduced attraction for modernists. A house is maintained when its denizens live in it and maintain it. Closed rooms and houses are prone to damaging effect from weather. Hot and humid weather of Jammu region generally takes the toll of older structures as these are not made of strong stuff or suffer from constructional errors. Jammu region is part of the monsoon region of Northern India. We have tropical climate which has definite impact on the environment. Even the pucca houses are threatened by severe type of climatic conditions and monsoon rains. In view of this, it becomes rather difficult to claim that we shall preserve our monuments as our heritage of much significance. We would very much like that these are maintained, repaired and renovated regularly to avoid their dilapidation. But everything does not go by our wishes.
In all the three regions of the state, we have vast fund of heritage in the shape of buildings, palaces, structures, temples, mosques, play grounds and numerous other sites with historical importance. Who would not feel proud of his or her past history reflected in these monuments and heritage symbols? But to say that all heritage symbols and monuments should be preserved to their pristine purity and originality is rather unrealistic. All of them cannot be preserved and maintained because these require enormous amount of money, expertise and special workmanship besides sustained support from the Government agency or the civil society. We are not talking about minor repairs and renovations; that of course is a continuing process. But that refers only to small-scale heritage sites and monuments not as big as the Mubarak Mandi complex or Bahu Fort etc. We do not lessen an iota of their historical significance as these are part of our history. But we have to be realistic to the role of vagrant weather conditions also. As such we shall have to prepare our mind for accepting some losses of heritages happening on permanent basis. It is true that on the sites of once historical heritage, new complexes and structures have or will come up in near future. Contemporary societies have their own needs and priorities. To them heritage should not become a source of denying them what they essentially need for living modern life. If on the site of dilapidated heritage a new structure of modern architectural designs comes up, this could be more attractive and reflective because it is closer to modern life style. Modern architecture is of entirely different pattern; it is attractive, ecology oriented, open and letting sunlight come to each nook and corner of the building with cross ventilation. Life span of modern buildings is longer in comparison to what we have in buildings of older fashion.
However, accepting this reality on the ground, we do not mean to underestimate the idea of preserving and maintaining old monuments representing our heritage. What we suggest is that a balance has to be struck between preserving the old and gradually shifting to modern. If the campuses of some of the heritage complexes are no more in use and are converted into say an IT Park or Biochemical Research Institute that should pose no problem to the civil society. However, some of the heritages are remarkable and historical and we as a society cannot afford to relegate them to backburner. The situation is that a portion of the Mubarak Mandi Complex had been renovated, repaired or rebuilt by the ASI but the renovated and repaired portion needs to be put to use so that it does not relapse into its original dilapidated condition. This is a serious matter. Let it not be that we spend crore of rupees on some project and then abandon it to indefinite period. It will be waste of funds expended on the project and better not to expend at all if its maintenance is in a state of uncertainty. Actually, it would be the right thing to constitute a committee and identify the heritages that would fall in Category A meaning those that need to be preserved and protected at any cost. There could be other Categories suggesting normal repairs and maintenance but at the same time converting these gradually into modern structures with definite use. The Government might be inclined to work towards that end.
The Archaeological Survey of India is collaborating with the State agencies. It has to be realized that there are limits to artisan skills and engineering capabilities, Also it is true that the portions renovated by the ASI should be put to use so that its maintenance becomes a regular feature. In that sense the renovation and preservation work at Mubarak Mandi in particular is a long drawn process and nothing should be expected overnight. It is desirable if a team of the organizers of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Project visited some places in Rajasthan to study the renovation and repair work of forts and other heritage sites there,, But it is highly desirable that they convey their impression and experience to the engineers and other responsible persons looking after the preservation of this important and historical heritage. Some heritage sites have to be saved from ruination at whatever the cost. But there are others as well which may not be saved and one need not shed tears on the loss if any. The best is that instead of allowing the ruins of older dilapidated heritage structures to continue, these sites should be used for raising modern structures for more important requirements of contemporary society like parks, play grounds, hospitals, parking lots, malls, gym centers, dispensaries and schools.
Follow our WhatsApp channel