Kohima:The neglect and apathy of the ancient Kachari monoliths ruins located at Rajbari Park area in Dimapur town has been neglected by the authority responsible, according to a reply to a Right to Informa-tion (RTI) applica-tion, filed by a concerned citizen.
According to the response to the RTI applica-tion filed by CEO and Secretary of the Society for Education, Empowerment and 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 Murry said it remained 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 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 the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) did not seem to have ‘a vision for the ruins.’
He said 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 monu-ments have been poorly maintained. He pointed out that if the ancient ruins were not preserved, the mono-liths 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 amphitheater could be built inside the ruins where Kachari cultural troupes from the state could enliven the rich tradition with performing arts accompa-nied by sounds and lights show in the evenings like the ones people see in Red Fort in Delhi.
This is one way of showcasing the history of Kacharis, said Dr. Mury. He informed that studies con-ducted by researchers have found out that Naga history has been ‘intertwi-ned in the monoliths.’ The monoliths were not found else-where, stated Dr Mury. (UNI)
