Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 19
Once the seat of the proud Kachari kingdom in Dimapur, the Kachari Rajbari presents a sorry picture of a “national heritage” left to its own ruins.
Total neglect and apathy is reflected in the outgrowth of wild grasses and shrubs, the tears and wears of the historical relics, rusting iron fences and the litters of urban civilization (plastic bottles, empty beer cans and wrappers) everywhere inside the site. Half of the still-standing 17 majestic stone pillars, the main attraction of the Rajbari ruins, are also in the process of crumbling down.
The Archeological Survey of India (ASI), which is responsible for protection and maintenance of the monuments and sites of national importance, has failed to live upto expectations in this case.
The Kachari Rajbari, Naga Shopping Arcade, is listed as a “Protected monument” and one of the oldest historical relics among the 79 protected monuments in the North- East.
Members of the Kachari community said that numerous appeals and representations to ASI as well as the government for maintenance, protection and preservation of the site have proved futile. “Except for the chowkider, ASI officials rarely come to inspect the site. Even the conservation assistant posted in Dimapur to look after the site is always out of station,” said an elder of the community.
ASI has also reportedly failed to keep its commitment of building a garden inside the Rajbari complex. “The Horticulture division of ASI gave commitment to commence work on the proposed garden by July 2007. But so far, no action has been taken,” the elder said.
When contacted, superintendent, ASI Guwahati, Hanuman Appa told this correspondent over phone that there are number of factors in the way of smooth maintenance of the Rajbari, including threat and demand by underground groups, harassment of ASI staff and interference by locals in maintenance and repair works. The ASI official however said that conservation and restoration works will start once the rainy season is over.
On absence of ASI official posted in Dimapur, Appa said they had assigned a new conservation assistant after the previous incumbent fled Dimapur due to “some threat.”
The ASI official also clarified that contrary to reports in some media Kachari Rajbari is not listed in the “World heritage list” of UNESCO, but is one among more than 3,500 “protected monuments” in the country.
Apart from Kachari Rajbari, there are five other protected monuments in Nagaland, he added.
What could have been a major tourist attraction and an ideal recreation site for Dimapur citizens has turned out to be the favourite haunt of frolickers and shady characters.
The environment of the surrounding locality itself is not congenial to draw prospective tourists and visitors. The unsightly clamour and odour emanating from the slaughter houses and booze joints adjoining the site tend to discourage visitors from paying a second visit to Rajbari.
Earlier this year, Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar who visited the historical site expressed dismay over the preservation and maintenance of the ruins.
Blaming ASI for the plight of the site, the Kachari Rajbari Preservation Committee (KRPC) on the occasion submitted a representation to the governor for provision of beautification, preservation, garden maintenance, security personnel and an office building with research facility.
ASI has placed the historical site around the 16th century as suggested by the stylistic features of the Rajbari gateway, which bears Mughal architectural influence.
