GOLDEN HISTORY OF BHOJPUR IS GETTING LOST, SEVERAL HERITAGE SITES ARE IN BAD CONDITION

GOLDEN HISTORY OF BHOJPUR IS GETTING LOST, SEVERAL HERITAGE SITES ARE IN BAD CONDITION

28-APRIL-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------The glorious history of Bhojpur district is getting lost in the darkness of neglect. There are many historical and cultural places including the Ara Civil Court, Nagari Prachaniri Sabhagar, Anglican Church, Parasnath Temple, Ara House, Babu Kuer Singh Fort, Sun Temple at Dev in the district which reflect its importance and need to be saved.

World Heritage Day is celebrated every year on April 18 with the aim of understanding the importance of historical and cultural sites realted to civilization and to create awareness about their preservation. Even though, none of the sites in Bhojpur district are included in the list of World or National Heritage. There are still many ancient sites which reflect the cultural, historical and social importance of Bhojpur district.

The history of the Ara Civil Court established at Ara as the headquarters of erstwhile Shahabad distict is about 160 years old. It is a fine example of Indo-English structure and is made like cross on which Christ was hanged. There is a bulb installed in the record room of this historical court is about 80 years ago. It is said that this tungsten filament bulb was installed since before independence and has not fused till date despite it is never switched off and since then it has been experiencing fluctuation.

When Hindi was being neglected during the British rule in India, Nagari Pracharini Sabha was established in Kashi and Ara to promote the Nagari script and expand Hindi literature. The Nagari Pracharini Sabha was established at Ara on October 12, 1901 and now this building needs renovation.

Babu Bazaar of Ara is a witness to the First War of Independence of 1857. Here was the mansion of Babu Kuer Singh where he used to hold court and meet people. The British were jealous of this mansion. It was here that the rebel soldiers urged him to accept the post o Chief Director.

The Anglican Church built in front of historical Ramana Maidan is a witness of the transfer of the country’s capital from Kolkata to New Delhi. This Church was built for King George V’s one day prayer who was en-route to New Delhi from Kolkata to attend Delhi Darbar in the year 1911. Incidently, Sunday fell and the church was built at Ara for his prayer merely for a day. Afrer offering prayer in the Church, King George V proceeded to New Delhi to announce the New Delhi, capital of India in place of Kolkata.

Ancient Masad village of Bhojpur district about 16 kilometers to the west of Ara, headquarter of the old Shahabad district, is a wonderful confluence of Jain culture of 9^th century. The 23^rd Tirthankar Bhagwan Parashvanth preached here. Lahori bricks have been used in the construction of the temple. This ancient temple is waiting for renovation. Besides, the village is also linked with the mythological figure Banasur and Samarasur.

Ara House a two storey building on the campus of local Maharaja College is a silent witness of the First War of Independence of 1857. It was originally a ball room for the English but Veer Babu Kuer Singh’ army held British officers including the erstwihile Shahabad District Magistrate and soldiers hostage in the building. Even the students studying here today are unware of this historical place.

Fort of Babu Veer Kuer Singh at Jagdishpur in Bhojpur district is a symbol of Bihar’s glorious heritage. The museum built in his name is also worth visiting where artifacts related to his life and the 1857 revolt are displayed. There have been several announcements to link this place to tourism but initiatives are still awaited.

The Sun Temple at Dev Chanda under Tarari police station in Bhojpur district was built by Emperor Samudragupta of Gupta Dynasty. The temple has many ancient idols dedicated to the Sun God. Effective steps are still awaited to preserve this historical heritage.