Ancient structures in a shambles at Champawat

BD Kasniyal

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Pithoragarh, February 23

Archaeology enthusiasts in the ancient town of Champawat want preservation of archives and ancient structures constructed between the 7th century and the last decade of the 18th century. They claim that the archaeological heritage across Champawat district has been scattered.

The demand comes after a birkham, a pillar erected in memory of some remarkable acts of one brave man in the bygone era, constructed before the 7th century, collapsed last week in Hingladevi village.

Following the incident, some of the artefacts were stolen from the site that is located near Champawat town.

Hingladevi villagers say people believe that gold is hidden beneath the monument.

“Owing to this belief, anti-social elements have dug it, resulting in the irreparable damage to the structure,” says Harish Chandra Sakta, a resident of Hingladevi village.

It is said that the tradition of erecting birkham was prevalent even before the beginning of the Chand kings’ rule in Kumaon in the 7th century. These pillars were erected in the memory of bravery or some remarkable act by brave men.

The installation generally came up on long travel routes dotted at a minimum distance of a day-long travel. Travellers used these to take rest.

“Sketches of the local deities and animals are there on such structures that are around seven feet high,” said Devender Oli, a local historian living in Champawat.

According to Oli, not only the Hingladevi birkham, but over a dozen such monuments in Champawat district are in a bad shape.

“Archaeology men do nothing to preserve these. Such birkhams are situated at Golu Devta temple in Champawat, Hingladevi, three in Barakot, one each in Phoolgarhi, Regru, Chilkot, Kalkot, Khetikhan, Sera, Sipti Birgul Dhayk shilling and Chanpur near Quarala Valley,” he added.