Itanagar: The historically opulent Bhismaknagar archaeological site in Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh, which is considered a hallowed place that represents the extraordinary classical Bhismaknagar civilisation, is in a pathetic state.
A team of teachers from Roing government higher secondary school, who along with ADC W Tikhak and assistant research officer Jonomo Rando visited the fort recently, were disheartened at the way the fort has been dumped in such deplorable condition.
“The hill fort needs to be preserved for researchers, historians and tourists alike. The government needs to maintain and develop the place,” history teacher B R Das said on Monday.
“The fort and the artifacts are in dismal condition and require immediate restoration to preserve them,” Rando said adding, the government has to pursue Jorhat-based Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to develop the heritage site in order to promote tourism and archaeological study in the state.
Bhismaknagar fort is located in 30 km from Roing, and 35 km away from Lohit district headquarters Tezu.
The fort was built in the 8th century BC by king Bhismak, and flourished under the Chutiya dynasty from 12th to 16th centuries BC, before coming under the Ahom kings.
The fort was first excavated during 1969 to 1973. The ASI has retained the fort to preserve and secure the monument but, unfortunately, nothing tangible has been done to protect the fort and it has been left to its fate, the team members alleged.
“The board reading ‘Protected monument’ that hangs outside the monument is for all practical purposes a mockery of the ASI. Since the fort is drawing a lot of visitors these days because of improved surface communication, the need of the hour is to preserve and protect the fort, its artifacts and its position as a heritage site,” they said. (PTI)
