INTACH to assess historical sites for damage by floods

The recent floods have wreaked havoc in Punjab, especially in the Majha belt, causing destruction and displacement like never before. It has also put the safety and sanctity of historical sites across the border belt of Amritsar and Gurdaspur in extreme danger. While people from the affected areas count their losses, several historical heritage structures in and around Amritsar can also be counted among the flood victims.

The INTACH Punjab, led by its Amritsar team, is already on the ground to assess if any damage has been done to certain heritage structures in flood-affected areas of Ajnala, Ramdass and Gurdaspur.

Kalianwala Khu is a historic site dedicated to the martyrdom of Indian soldiers of the 26th Native Bengal Infantry, who were killed by the British in 1857. This site is protected now. A similar old structure known as Kachehri Wali building from the British era remains in a dilapidated condition.

Surinder Kochchar, Historian

As water recedes, teams of the district administration will be on the ground for damage assessment and so will be INTACH teams. “We have mobilised our volunteers and team members, who will start visiting the known historical sites to check for any structural damage. It is known that floods and incessant rain can severely damage historical sites in a variety of ways—physically, chemically and structurally. These sites, often made with ancient or fragile materials, are particularly vulnerable,” said Major Balwinder Singh, Convenor, INTACH, Punjab.

Among the known historical sites is the ‘Martyr’s Well’ or Kalianwala Khuh, also known as Shaheedan Da Khuh near Dadian Sofian village in Ajnala and a samad, purportedly of Shravan Kumar. He is an epic figure from the Mahabharat, whose parental dedication and love is among the most celebrated stories of Indian mythology. Historian Surinder Kochchar said that while Kalianwala Khu, a historic site dedicated to the martyrdom of Indian soldiers of the 26th Native Bengal Infantry, who were killed by the British in1857, remains protected now, a similar old structure known as Kachehri Wali building from the British era remains in a dilapidated condition. “These old structures that have not yet been maintained or restored stand in danger of perishing as incessant rains and flood water corrode them. There are several relatively unknown structures like an old fort, a 250-year-old Baradari belonging to the Bhangi Misl, in village Chhina Karam Singh, in Ajnala. Karam Singh Chhina was one of the famous Bhangi Misl commanders, who conquered Lahore and was the founder of village Chhina Karam Singh. A structure that old may incur structural damage due to such heavy rains,” he said. These structures have previously also incurred damage due to rain.

Meanwhile, the samad of Shravan Kumar in Jastarwal village near Ajnala, has been completely cut off from the mainland due to flood waters. The locals believe that Shravan Kumar was allegedly struck by an arrow here while carrying his blind parents on a bamboo pole with baskets at both ends, as they walked forth on a pilgrimage. The site includes a small structure and a water body, with wall paintings depicting the event.

While there is another samad of Shravan Kumar in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, the history of this samad is relatively unknown. But the local villagers maintain it and claim this to be a historical site. Other than Ajnala, several historical sites in Amritsar city too remain vulnerable to damage due to rains. “In Sultanwind area, there are several talaab (ponds), dating back to Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time. These structures have incurred damage during the monsoon and no one cares to restore or even maintain them,” said Kochchar.

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