Bandhavgarh FortM.P India

GCA Task 3 (#DiscoverPotentialSites)

Moinak Maiti

Introduction

• It is situated at Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India @ centre of Bandhavgarh National forest

• Build in 10th Century, made up of stones• Owned by GOI and status “Dilapidated”• Fort major attractions– Shesh Shaiya, Karn Pole Gate , Vaman Incarnation Idol,

Kachahri (Court), Ghudsaal (Stable), Bandhavgarh Fort Moti Mahal, Bandhavdheesh Temple , Kabir Temple, Tortoise Idol , Fish Idol & Inscriptions, Varah (Boar) Idol , Dharam Das Temple , Treasury Building, Water Well , Watch Tower , Raja Talao (Man-made pond)

History• Bandhavgarh is ruled by different dynasties since 2nd century– Magh, Maurya, Vakataka, Sengar, Kalchuri and Baghels– In 2nd & 3rd century under Magh dynasty– In 5th century under rule of Sengar Dynasty followed by Kalchuris– Haihay Kalchuri ruled during 9th century and known to be the

golden period of this region. – After Kalchuri rule, Baghel rajpoots, derived from Gujarat, finally

took over the fort in 13th century. – Later Baghel King Vikramaditya Singh abandoned Bandhavgarh fort

in 1617• In Hindu mythology it was said that this fort was build by Lord

Ramachandra for his brother laxmana to keep eye over the lanka

• In a nutshell no one knows when exactly the fort was built

History...............Continue

• Here one can find man-made caves that were used as a horse stable, guard room, justice court etc, made by cutting sand-stone rocks & are cool from inside.

• Irrefutable evidence of human activity and architechural techinques used in the fort

• man made caves with inscription and rock paintings • The archelogical surveys states that bandhavgarh

dates back to before chirst period• Bandhavgarh Fort was the business centre for the

traders traveling between Kaushambi and Bharhut

Why it deserved nomination for UNESCO world heritage site

• Represent a masterpiece of human creative genius- beauty and history• Exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or

within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town planning or landscape design- Trade

• Bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared- Stone age

• be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history- Different Kings Rulings

• Contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation- Endangered species like Tiger

Survey

• Question asked1. Do you heard about Bandhavgarh fort before ?2. Do you know the history of Bandhavgarh Fort that it is the fort

gifted by Shri Ram to his brother laxman3. Do you know about what is UNESCO world Heritage site4. What is special about Bandhavgarh Fort5. If I ask you whether you agree to nominate Bandhavgarh Fort for

UNESCO World heritage site after your study on it. Will you nominate?

6. In case you select to nominate what will be your choices to make such decisions, please tick as many you feel

7. What other heritage sites comes in your mind other than UNESCO World heritage sites that can be nominated for the same

Public opinion• Sample size 10• 7 said Yes to question number 1• 8 said No to question number 2• 9 said Yes to question number 3• Question number 4: Most of them answered sculptures and

history• All answered Yes to question number 5• For question number 6 most of them answer 1, 2, 3 and 4( refer

http://www.gounesco.com/what-is-a-world-heritage-site /)• For question number 7 these options came:

– Khandagiri & Udaygiri Caves, odisha– Singhagad Fort, MH– Marble rocks, MP

Conclusion

Yes, Bandhavgarh Fort can be nominated for the UNESCO world heritage sites, as it resembles many human activities, master creativity, rich history of civilisations, outstanding sculptures and monuments, now shelters many endangered species. Further It is well supported by public opinion also that it is the best site to be nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage sites as it satisfies most of the criteria laid by UNESCO to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pictures

Source: https://indiawildlifetravel.wordpress.com/tag/bandhavgarh-national-park-attractions/

Pictures

Source: http://www.bandhavgarh.co.in/bandhavgarh-history.html

Pictures

Source: http://bharatrath.blogspot.in/2012/02/bandhavgarh-fort.html

Pictures

Source: http://madhya-pradesh-holly-place.blogspot.in/2013/03/bandhavgarh-national-park-of.html

References

• http://www.madhya-pradesh-tourism.com/heritage/forts/bandhavgarh-fort.html

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandhavgarh_Fort

• http://www.bandhavgarh.co.in/bandhavgarh-fort.html

• http://www.bandhavgarh.co.in/bandhavgarh-history.html