Nagaland
Post: Nagaland, Dimapur: Sunday, 16 November 2014.
Over the
years, the ancient Kachari (monoliths) ruins located at Rajbari Park area in
Dimapur has been neglected both by the authority responsible for its upkeep and
also by citizens of the state’s commercial hub.
The neglect
and apathy have been proven correct by a reply to a Right to Information (RTI)
application filed by a concerned citizen.
According to
the response to the RTI application filed by CEO and secretary of Society for
Education, Empowerment & Development Dr. Yan Murry, there has not been much
effort made for the restoration or even for the upkeep of the ancient ruins in
the last three years at the site.
Reportedly
looked after by a conservation assistant, the RTI reply said future works to be
taken up for the Kachari ruins include PCC flooring inside the monolith area;
hiring of technicians for mending and restoration of damaged monoliths and
erection of a new entry gate.
However, Dr.
Yan Murry said it remains to be seen if the responsible authority would
actually begin the works as “no major fund has been allotted for it so far.”
According to
Dr. Yan Murry, the fund allotted in the last three years for the ancient ruins
were: Rs. 1 lakh in 2011-12; Rs. 8 lakh in 2012-13 and Rs. 7.7 lakh for
2013-14.
Despite the
meager funds, Dr. Murry opined that ASI did not seem to have “a vision for the
ruins.”
He said that
most tourists who come to Dimapur often inquire about the Kachari ruins but
most citizens were reluctant to take them to the spot as the ancient monuments
have been poorly maintained.
Dr. Yan Mury
pointed out that if the ancient ruins were not preserved, the monoliths dating
back to 13th Century AD could vanish and stressed on the fact that these
remnants of the past were irreplaceable.
He opined
that the spot in Dimapur could attract tourists and observers provided the
monoliths were preserved properly with a museum on the Kachari Kingdom.
He suggested
that a small amphitheatre could be built inside the ruins where Kachari
cultural troupes from the state could enliven the rich tradition with
performing arts accompanied by sounds and lights show in the evenings like the
ones people see in Red Fort, Delhi. This is one way of showcasing the history
of Kacharis, said Dr. Mury.
He informed
that studies conducted by researchers have found out that Naga history has been
“intertwined in the monoliths.” The monoliths present in the area were not
found elsewhere, stated Dr. Yan Mury.
.JPG)
.JPG)
