ASI to restore Raj's ‘mini Khajuraho' Bhand Devra temple
," the 10th-century
in Baran district is about to regain its glory. The
(ASI) is set to take over the centuries-old historical treasure from the state govt for its restoration.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Built in the distinctive Nagara style and located on the bank of Ramgarh Crater, the temple's architectural kinship with the famous Khajuraho temples is unmistakable.
But decades of neglect and govt apathy not only chipped away at its crumbling walls and ceilings but also contributed to its loss of precious idols and artifacts to theft and smuggling.
Like the abandoned crater, which was formed due to the impact of a large asteroid about 165 million years ago and is one of the rare geo-heritage sites, the temple's intricate sculptures and detailed carvings too have an invigorating past.
"ASI's takeover of the temple brings new hope. The central agency has both resources and expertise needed for such sensitive restoration work," said Pankaj Dharendra, director of Department of Archaeology and Museums (DAM). The temple is currently under the control of DAM.
Once the handover is formalised, the ASI is expected to start the conservation work in phases, ensuring the architectural heritage and spiritual significance of the temple is preserved.
The temple's architectural features, including elaborately carved idols, are vital pieces of Rajasthan's artistic identity and heritage.
"A monument like Bhand Devra requires careful intervention—scientific cleaning, consolidation and protection from further decay. ASI has both the mandate and experience to undertake the restoration. Once restored, it can become a heritage showpiece of Rajasthan," an ASI official said.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The temple's origin is as fascinating as its architecture. "It was originally constructed by king Malaya Verma of the Nagavanshi dynasty as a victory monument. The temple found new patronage in 1162 CE when king Trishna Verma of the Meda dynasty undertook its restoration," Dharendra added, highlighting the structure's historical significance.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- The Hindu
New inscription found in Kodad sheds light on Kakatiya dynasty
HYDERABAD Kakatiya Gundayya, also known as Manma Gunda, son of Erra and grandson of Gunda, was praised as a brave, devout, charitable, and loyal servant of the king. He was a skilled warrior, master of dharma, and well-versed in scriptures and statecraft, described as a protector of people and embodiment of royal service, according to an inscription by Vengi Chalukya king Vikramaditya II, which was found in Kodad recently. Gundayya was one of the predecessors of Kakatiya rulers. The 5th set of copper plates, out of the nine, was recently found at a graveyard in Kodad village, Suryapet district. The inscription is written in Sanskrit and Telugu, dated Saka 848 (February 24, 927 CE). According to ASI director (Epigraphy) K. Muniratnam Reddy, the copper plate was issued by Vikramaditya II, son of Chalukya Bhima I and Vijayamahadevi, and provides the genealogy of the dynasty from Kubja Vishnuvardhana to Vikramaditya II. The inscription records that King Vikramaditya II granted 12 khandukas of land in the village Kadajenu, along with two small hamlets, Ghattikallu and Bojjaprolu, to Gundayya. It also states that residents of 300 villages in Kondapalli-vishaya were required to remit one-sixth of the tax (bali), six cows, one adaka of ghee, and a pair of clothes (vastrayugalam) to Gundayya. The record was engraved by Srikant Ranabharana. Notably, two copper plate charters of Vikramaditya II were found in this village, both issued in the same year (Saka 848 or 927 CE), one on the occasion of his coronation and the other for securing protection for his kingdom.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
How digging a sewage drain led to the discovery of 25 historic gold coins in Aligarh
Twenty-five gold coins were discovered by labourers laying a drain in a newly developed settlement in Barheti village, under Quarsi police station limits in Aligarh, prompting authorities to halt construction and seal the site. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was informed through an official letter sent on Wednesday, and the agency is currently examining the coins to determine their age and historical significance. ASI officials believe the coins may be of historical value. Discovery draws crowd and raises speculation of more buried items The coins were found on Thursday while residents were removing dry soil from an open plot to lay a new drainage pipeline. The discovery led to a large crowd gathering at the site, with speculation that additional coins might remain buried. Jameel Ahmed, a local resident, explained that the previous drain had been damaged by two women, resulting in wastewater from approximately 56 houses flooding the area. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Analytics Technology Design Thinking Finance Data Science Others MBA Digital Marketing Project Management Public Policy MCA Operations Management Leadership others Healthcare Data Science Degree Cybersecurity CXO Product Management Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis & Visualization Predictive Analytics & Machine Learning Business Intelligence & Data-Driven Decision Making Analytics Strategy & Implementation Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Applied Business Analytics Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details "We collected Rs 500–600 from the residents and began building a new drain. While digging, we noticed something shiny in the soil. They were yellow in colour with inscriptions that looked like Urdu. We found 11 coins at first, but someone in the locality was unwell and needed attention, so we couldn't continue," Ahmed said. Lack of infrastructure and coin handover to local official Ahmed also noted the area's lack of basic civic infrastructure. "There is no proper sewage or drainage here. I used to live in Gol Market, but I've now purchased a plot in this new area because land is more affordable," he said. Later in the evening, the village pradhan's son, Satish Rajput, visited the site. "The pradhan said our names were being mentioned, and that we should hand over the coins to avoid any problems," Ahmed said. "I had placed them in a water container and gave them to his son. The police came afterward, but I had already handed them over." Live Events Rajput confirmed receiving the 11 coins and said he immediately informed the police. "During questioning later that night, 15 more coins were recovered," he said, adding that it was unclear whether they had come from the trench or the nearby field. "They said coins kept surfacing as they dug. There may still be more underground." Police secure site and deposit coins with treasury Aligarh Deputy Superintendent of Police Sarvam Singh stated that the coins, which feature inscriptions in Persian, were handed over to the district treasury. Police suspect a labourer may have struck a buried pouch. Videography of the site was carried out and further excavation has been suspended until ASI completes its examination.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Karimnagar govt officials learn sign language to bridge communication gap
Hyderabad: In a move towards inclusive governance, govt officials in Karimnagar district are now learning Indian Sign Language (ISL) to better interact with citizens who are speech and hearing impaired. The initiative, which covers staff across various departments, aims to equip them with basic sign language skills to make public services more accessible. From common greetings and numbers to understanding days, months, and familial terms, the officials are being trained to hold simple conversations and ensure effective communication. "I've learnt the basics, but there's a long way to go. When speech- and hearing-impaired citizens approach us, they often come with someone to interpret. But when we understand them directly, it builds trust and ensures clarity," Karimnagar municipal commissioner and IAS officer, Praful Desai told TOI. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad This training, Desai pointed out, is especially useful during public grievance redressal sessions like Prajavani. "It's about meeting them on their terms, not the other way around," he added. District collector Pamela Satpathy, who is also part of the training, said, "As public servants, it's our responsibility to understand the needs of every section of society. Learning sign language is one way to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing govt schemes and benefits." The sessions, conducted by two trainers from an NGO, are being organised by Dr Marri Chenna Reddy Human Resource Development (MCRHRD) Institute. According to regional training manager and district youth officer M Venkata Rambabu, around 100 officials are attending the sessions daily, split into two batches. Apart from conversational basics, the participants have also learnt to sign the national anthem.
