Much to the delight of the tourists and heritage lovers, historic Radha-Damodar Temple and Brindavan Chandra Temple at Bankura district in West Bengal, Group of Temples at Haradih in Ranchi in Jharkhand, archeological sites and remains at Juni-Kuran in Kutchh in Gujarat, and Ananteshwar Mahadev temple in Cuttak in Odisha have got the status of ancient monuments of national importance.
A senior official from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) said that with the inclusion of these heritage monuments in the list of national importance, steps will soon be taken for their restoration and preservation. Their addition takes the list of monuments/sites as of national importance to total 3685 till date in the country.
The move would ensure restoration of Brindaban Chandra Temple and Radha-Damodar Temple in West Bengal which have been built of stone but are in bad shape. Brindaban Chandra Temple is an outstanding specimen of architecture of Malla dynasty of Bisnupur and is datable to 1638 AD.
“A beautiful image of lord Krishna was retrieved from the temple. Facing south, the corridor has beautiful carved pillars with domes in the interior spaces. The temple is of exclusive regional architectural and artistic value deserving protection,” the official said.
On the other hand, nearby Radha-Damodar Temple was built by Pal family in 1855 AD. “This is a navratna (nine towered) temple and has beautiful terracotta ornamentation in its façade and stucco (moulded plasters) ornamental motifs on the curvilinear top part and a partly broken compound wall with an arched opening,” the official said.
Another monument of architecture marvel is Group of Temples at Haradih in Jharkhand’s Ranchi which is datable to later Pala period in 11th-12th Century AD.“These are Rekha duel type representing Orissan temple architecture. A large number of sculptural and architectural fragments are scattered at the site over an acre of land. A number of lingas lying on the ground indicates that the site was dedicated to Saiva sect.
Ancient site at Juni Kurian located 3 km north of village Kuram, on the north-eastern corner of Pascham island surrounded by great Rann of Kuchcha has also made its entry into the list of national importance to be preserved by the ASI. Excavation carried out in 2003-05 has brought to light the settlement pattern and cultural sequence of Harrapan culture along with fortified, ceremonial ground, middle town and lower town.
“The site is very important not only in Gujarat but also in Indian sub-continent for no such Harappan site has yielded structural complex with pillared hall on the citadel fortification. The settlement has revealed interesting features related to burial practices ie secondary urn-burial mostly found outside the house,” the official said adding that the antiquity found at the site belongs to Kushan period.
Ananteshwar Mahadev temple in Bhagwanpur in Odisha is another tourists delight. The temple of archeological value is dedicated to Shiva and built of sandstone. It is dilapidated condition due to collapse of its super structure. The ASI tag hopes to give it a new lease of life.