See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/342169571

Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District- Present Status

Article · October 2018

CITATIONS
READS
0
751

1 author:

Kavikondala S Chandra
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University
6 PUBLICATIONS 0 CITATIONS

All content following this page was uploaded by Kavikondala S Chandra on 15 June 2020.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Arnava
DeCe&āe
Vol. VII No.2 Half Yearly Year 2018 ISSN 2320-0103

K.S. Chandra*
Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District
– Present Status

Abstract
Our Heritage is an indispensable part of our identity. Heritage
conservation is viewed as a subject of utmost importance for national identity
and for preserving the knowledge and arts of the past. According to UNESCO,
culture and development cannot be, separated either in terms of economic
growth or as a means of access to a satisfactory intellectual, moral and
spiritual existence. Heritage conservation can be seen as a crosscutting factor
in economic, social and environmental development. The sites, visible to us
are either preserved to their original status or have been neglected due to –
lack of resources, importance and awareness at local level. Constitution of
India stipulates that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to value and
preserve the rich heritage of composite culture. We thus, have a special
responsibility for preservation of our heritage as one of our fundamental
duties. This research paper highlights some Historic sites of Nagpur district
which need conservation and protection.

Keywords : Ambala-Talao, Bhugaon, Bhuyari, Hemadpanthi, Khopadi,

Megaliths, Step Well, Vena, Wadoda
*Lecturer, Dept of A.I.H.C. & Archaeology, RTM- Nagpur University, Nagpur.
1
Lkkjka' k
gekjh /kjksgjsa gekjh igpku ds vfoHkkT; vax gSA /kjksgj laj{k.k jk"Vªh; vfLerk
vkSj vrhr dh dyk o Kku ds laj{k.k dk ,d egRoiw.kZ dkjd gSA ;wusLdks ds vuqlkj
laLd`fr vkSj fodkl dks ,d&nwljs ls i`Fkd ugha fd;k tk ldrk] u gh vkfFkZd fodkl
ds lanHkZ ls vkSj u gh ckSf)d] uSfrd vkSj vk/;kfRed vfLrRo ds larks"ktud igq¡p ds
:i esaA /kjksgj laj{k.k dks vkfFkZd] lkekftd vkSj i;kZoj.kh; fodkl dh dkV ds :i esa
ns[kk tk ldrk gSA iqjkLFky( tks gesa fn[kkbZ nsrs gSa os ;k rks lajf{kr gSa ;k LFkkuh;
vKkurk vkSj lalk/kuksa ds vHkko ds dkj.k misf{kr gSaA Hkkjr ds lafo/kku ds vuqlkj viuh
laLd`fr dh ewY;oku /kjksgj ds egRo dks le>uk o mldk laj{k.k djuk lHkh Hkkjrh;
ukxfjdksa dk drZO; gSA blfy, gekjh /kjksgjksa dk laj{k.k gekjk izkFkfed drZO; gSA
izLrqr 'kks/ki= ukxiqj ftys esa fLFkr dqN ,sfrgkfld LFkyksa ij izdk'k Mkyrk gS] ftUgsa
lajf{kr o lqjf{kr fd;k tkuk pkfg,A

i zeq[ k ' kCn % vEckyk] ryko] Hkwxk¡o] Hkq;kjh] gsekniaFkh] [kksiM+h] egk ik"kk.k] dq,a] oM+ksnkA

Fig. 1 : Google Map Showing Historic Sites Which Need Conservation

2 Arnava, Vol. VII,

 Figures : By the author

Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present 3

 Fig. 2: Ambala Talao

1. Ambala Talao – Ramtek (210 23' 40'' N, 790 20' 48” E) - ASI-
Category VI - Living monuments which receive large number of
visitors/pilgrims [Table 1]

Fig. 3 : Hemadpanthi Temples on Banks of Ambala Talao.

Blackish water with Floating Debris of Flowers, Coconut Shells
and Polythene Bags
Hemadpanti Sculpture (Many times spelled as Hemadpanthi) is
an architectural style, named after its founder, the Prime Minister
Hemadpant (1259-1274 C.E.) from the court of Seuna Yadavas of
th
Devagiri. This building style was formed during the 13 Century in
Maharashtra, and incorporated black stone and lime, which were
readily available. (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?
title=Hemadpanti- architecture &oldid=820944358).
4 Arnava, Vol. VII,
2. Bhuyari Temple Ruins and Sculptures (210 9' 13” N, 49' 42” E) -
ASI-Category VII -Monuments located in the Urban/semi urban limits
and remote villages.[Table 1]

Fig. 4 : Structure with Four Remaining Pillars and Lintels

Fig. 5 : Collapsed Remains of Temple

Haphazard method of restoration, lintels precariously placed on
pillars and white washed hiding all the original carvings and design can
be seen in Fig.5.

Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present 5

Structural remains lying everywhere without proper care are bound to
be stolen.

Fig. 6 : Collapsed Remains of

Temple (Intricately carved frieze,
panels lying unattended amongst
debris.)

Fig. 7 : Sculptures and Structural Parts

Sculptures, artifacts kept in open facing vagaries of
nature.

6 Arnava, Vol. VII,

 Fig. 8 : Stone Circle in Foreground, Brick Kiln in the Background

Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present 7

3. Vena Megalithic Stone Circles (210 9' 13” N, 780 51' 44” E) -
ASI- Category VII -Monuments located in the Urban/semi urban limits
and remote villages [Table 1]

Fig. 9 : Intact Stone Circle in Foreground, Vena Reservoir and Cattle Grazing in Background

Megalithic Stone Circles (The term 'megalith' comes from two

Greek words, “megas” meaning big and “lithos” meaning stone) are
the early Iron Age burials from the middle of second millennium BCE.
They reflect certain burial practices that surfaced at different times
and in different regions. The forms and styles of megalithic burials as
well as the funerary practices varied from region to region. They
ranged from the extended burial to fractional, post excoriate and post-
cremation burials. There are instances of burials containing the
remains of more than one person. There are group-burials in family
vaults. The presence of grave–goods points to a deep belief in after-life
and at the same time reveals the main elements of material culture of
the specific community. These mainly included weapons, pottery and
ornaments.

Fig. 10 : Stone Circle

8 Arnava, Vol. VII,

Present Condition
Brick kiln operating right near stone circles, soil from stone
circles is dug up for making bricks
Stone Circles on the banks of water reservoir meant a
religious or spiritual importance to Iron Age settlers, which has
been, diluted due to urbanization and land used for cattle
grazing and other activities, which invariably destroy the site.
Stone Circle with shrubs and undergrowth, some stones missing
4. Bhugaon 4 Sided Step Well and Sculptures (210 5' 29” N, 790
20' 23” E) - ASI-Category VII -Monuments located in the Urban/semi
urban limits and remote villages []
Step Wells
Wells in which, the water is reached by descending a, set of
steps. They may be multi-storied with a bullock turning a water wheel
to raise the well water to the first or second floor. They are most
common in western India and are, found in the other more arid
regions of the Indian subcontinent. The construction of step wells is
mainly utilitarian, though they may include embellishments of
architectural significance, and be temple tanks. Step wells are
examples of the many types of storage and irrigation tanks that were,
developed in India, mainly to cope with seasonal fluctuations in water
availability. A basic difference between step wells on the one hand,
and tanks and wells on the other, is to make it easier for people to
reach the ground water and to maintain and manage the well. The
builders dug deep trenches into the earth for dependable, year-round
groundwater. They lined the walls of these trenches with blocks of
stone, without mortar, and created stairs leading down to the water.
The majority of surviving step wells originally served a leisure purpose
as well as providing water. This was because the base of the well

Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present 9

provided relief from daytime heat, and this was, increased if the well
was

1 Arnava, Vol. VII,

covered. Step wells also served as a place for social gatherings and
religious ceremonies. Usually, women were more associated with
these wells because they were the ones who collected the water. In
addition, it was, they who prayed and offered gifts to the goddess of
the well for her blessings. This led to the building of some significant
ornamental and architectural features, often associated with dwellings
and in urban areas. It also ensured their survival as monuments. Step
wells usually consist of two parts: a vertical shaft from which, water is
drawn and the surrounding inclined subterranean passageways,
chambers and steps that provide access to the well. The galleries and
chambers surrounding these wells carved with elaborate detail and
became cool, quiet retreats during the hot summers. A number of
distinct names exist for step wells.
In Hindi-speaking regions, they include names based on baudi
(including bawdi (Rajasthani: ckoM+h) awri, baoli, bavadi, and bavdi). In
Gujarati and Marwari language, they are usually, called vav or vaav
(Gujarati: G GG ).
Other names include kalyani or pushkarani (Kannada), baoli (Hindi:
ckoyh) and barav (Marathi: ckjo).
History
The step well may have originated to ensure water during
periods of drought. Steps to reach the water level in artificially
constructed reservoirs can be found in the sites of Indus Valley
Civilization Sites which have cylindrical brick lined wells which may be
the predecessors of the step well. The first rock-cut step wells in India
date from 200-400 AD. The earliest example of a bath-like pond
reached by steps is, found at Uperkot caves in Junagadh. These caves
are, dated to the 4th century. Navghan Kuvo, a well with circular
staircase in the vicinity, is another example. It was possibly built in
Western Satrap (200-400 AD) or Maitraka (600-700 AD) period, the

Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present 1

step wells were constructed in the southwestern region of Gujarat
around 600 AD; from there they spread north to Rajasthan and
subsequently to north and west India. Initially used as an art form by

1 Arnava, Vol. VII,

Hindus, the construction of these step wells hit its peak during Muslim
th th
rule from the 11 to 16 century. One of the earliest existing examples
of step wells was, built in the 11th century in Gujarat. A long flight of
steps leads to the water below a sequence of multi-story open
pavilions positioned along the east/west axis. The elaborate
ornamentation of the columns, brackets and beams are a prime
example of how step wells were, used as a form of art. The Mughal
rulers did not disrupt the culture practiced in these step wells and
encouraged building of step wells.
Significance
The step well ensures the availability of water during periods of
drought. The step wells had social, cultural and religious significance.
These step wells were, proven well-built sturdy structures, after
withstanding earthquakes.
Details
Many step wells have ornamentation and details as elaborate
as those of Hindu temples do. Proportions in relationship to the human
body were, used in their design, as they were in many other structures
in Indian architecture. A number of surviving step wells can be, found
across India, including in North Karnataka (Karnataka), Gujarat,
Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Influence
Step wells are certainly one of India's most unusual, but little-
known, contributions to architecture. They influenced many other
structures in Indian architecture, especially many that incorporate
water into their design.
Present Condition
Step well used by locals for drying chillies/grains, dumping trash,
Weeds growing on the sidewalls and steps and Algal
Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present 1
 formation in well water

1 Arnava, Vol. VII,

 Fig. 11 : Four Side Step Well

Fig. 12 : Four Side Step Well

Sculptures found nearby eroded by natural elements left in
open and be stolen unless proper care is taken
Nandi covered with paint, damaged due to flaking of stone and
cracks appearing due to seepage of chemicals.
5. Wadoda (210 7' 45” N, 790 19' 22” E) - ASI-Category VI - Living
monuments which receive large number of visitors/pilgrims [Table 1]
Entire step well covered with railing and used as garbage bin.
Entrance of step well closed and is in disuse facing
vagaries of nature.
Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present 1
 Fig. 13 : Headless Laxmi-Narayan Sculpture Fig. 14 : Unidentified Sculpture

Entire well blocked by debris and trash, purpose of the

well has been defeated (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?
title=stepwell&- oldid=841121321).

Fig. 15 : Nandi inside Vahan Fig. 16 : Nandi inside Vahan Mandap

Mandap (Front Side View) (Back Side View)

6. Khopadi-Early Iron Age Habitation Site (210 2' 3” N, 790 21'

56” E) - ASI-Category VII -Monuments located in the Urban/semi urban
limits and remote villages [Table 1]
This site was partially, excavated in 2013, but still large area

1 Arnava, Vol. VII,

 Fig. 17 : One Sided Step Well Fig. 18 : One Sided Step Well Opposite View

remained buried under farmland, until

road-widening project came up in
2017, - section of exposed area
showing potshards and different
stratigraphic sequence, but mostly
disturbed due to use of excavating
machines. - exposed section showing
farm field on the top with bottom
sections showing different layers of
soil with potshards. - Side view of
exposed section trench dug for laying
water pipeline, exposing different
types of pottery (Pawar, et.al., 2014 :
530-544).

Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present 1

Fig. 19 : One Sided Step Well Top Different types of potshards from
View

1 Arnava, Vol. VII,

 exposed sections, proving that this site had multicultural

habitation.
Fig. 20 : Exposed Section

7. Kelzar (190 58' 0” N, 790 35' 0” E) - ASI-Category VI - Living

monuments which receive large number of visitors/pilgrims [Table 1]

Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present 1

 Fig. 21 : Exposed Section with Agricultural Field on the Top

2 Arnava, Vol. VII,

 Fig. 22 : Exposed Section Side View

Fig. 23 : Pot Shards from Exposed Sections

This Beautifully carved intact Vishnu Sculpture was, found

during clearing of surrounding area of the famous Siddhivinayak
temple at Kelzar. Temple authorities fixed the sculpture into concrete
wall on outside entrance of temple. Cement is slowly damaging
sculpture along with the offerings, which is, smeared on to the deity.
Sculpture should, have been given to museum authorities for proper
Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present 2
upkeep

2 Arnava, Vol. VII,

 Key Concerns
Lack of knowledge and awareness
about our cultural heritage in urban
and rural areas has created a gap
between identification an
d conservation of historical
monuments, sites, artifacts. Most of
them are at the mercy of local
inhabitants. Over a period they are in
disuse or destroyed or forgotten.
Laws for Protection of Historic Sites
1. The Indian Treasure Trove Act,
1878-First legislation of the ASI to
protect and preserve treasure found
Fig. 24 : Vishnu Sculpture accidentally, having archaeological
in Black Stone/Basalt and historical value.
2. The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act 1904 - To provide
effective preservation and authority of the ASI over the monuments
that are under the custody of individual or private ownership.
3. The Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites
and Remains (Declaration of National Importance) Act, 1951
4. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
(AMASR) Act, 1958-Enacted on 28 August 1958 - provides for
preservation of ancient and historical monuments, archaeological sites
and remains of national importance, for regulation of archaeological
excavations and for the protection of sculptures, carvings and other
objects. The Act followed by AMASR Rules 1959.
5. The Antiquities and Art Treasures (AAT) Act 1972 - Enacted in
September 1972 for effective control over moveable cultural property
consisting of antiquities and art treasures, followed by AAT Rules 1973,

Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present 2

enforceable with effect from 5 April 1976
6. The AMASR (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010-The Act
prescribes the limits of regulated and prohibited area around
monument by amending section 20 of AMASR Act 1958. It also
provided for creation of National Monument Authority (A Report, 2013
: 21).
The Archeological Survey of India notified in 2011 that all the
monuments were to be, categorized in following manner
Table 1 : Monument Categorization by Archeological Survey of India in 2011

Category I World Heritage Sites

Category II Tentative list of World Heritage Sites
Category III Identified for inclusion in the World Heritage tentative list
Category IV Ticketed monuments (other than mentioned above)
Category V Identified for categorization as ticketed monuments
Category VI Living monuments which receive large number of
visitors/pilgrims
Category VII Monuments located in Urban/semi urban limits and in
remote villages
Category VIII Other category as the Authority may deem fit

Conclusion
The Sites discussed herein come under the Laws governing to
Historic Sites. Enforcing the law and by creating awareness at local
level like–Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat/School and College
Students/Local Leader/Village Seniors/Corporate, preservation and
conservation will happen smoothly. The primary objective of managing
heritage is to communicate its significance and need for its
conservation to the host community and to the visitors. It would bring
with it a duty of respect for the heritage values, interests and equity of
the present-day host community, indigenous custodians or owners of
historic property and for the landscapes and cultures from which that

2 Arnava, Vol. VII,

heritage evolved. A

Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present 2

protected monument or site would carry little meaning to common
people if there were not enough resources to interpret and explain the
cultural and historical significance. This Ongoing study on Status of
Historical Monuments in and around Nagpur will enable enthusiasts /
students / common person to understand about our vast socio cultural
heritage, which in turn will help in conservation and preservation
properly.
References
• Google Earth
• Kellelu I. : 2005-6, Excavation of Vyahad, Rashtrasant Tukadoji
Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur
• Pawar, K.A., G. Shete, R. Sawant and S. Naik : 2014, Excavation
of Early Iron Age Site Khopadi, District Nagpur, Maharashtra,
2013-2014: A Preliminary Report, Heritage: Journal of
Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 2.
• A Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on
Union Government
• (Civil) Ministry of Culture Report No. 18 of 2013 - Performance
Audit of Preservation and Conservation of Monuments and
Antiquities, p.21
• https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stepwell&-
oldid=841121321
• https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hemadpanti-
architecture&-oldid=820944358
Acknowledgment
My heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude to Siddhivinayak
Temple management for allowing me to photograph Vishnu sculpture
and to Prof. Dr. Preety Trivedi- HOD and Dr. Prabhas Sahu, Associate
Professor, Dept. of Ancient Indian History Culture and Archeology,
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur.
✯
Some Historic Sites in Nagpur District – Present Status 17
2 Arnava, Vol. VII,
View publication stats