Sites of Prosperity

Kashmir is among the few regions in the world that not only have a breathtaking scenic beauty but a resounding heritage preserved, but now in a dilapidated state. The European countries like Italy, preserve the tourist attraction of both its scenic beauty and heritage is immense. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the industry generated €215 billion, accounting for 10.5% of Italy’s GDP. Although tourism in Kashmir had been the focal point of most governments but the heritage which has the potential to further accelerate the economic growth remained out of the scene.

The heritage had been neglected because of certain reasons. The first reason being the dilapidated condition of most ancient heritage sites like Martand Sun temple, Parihaspora Temple, Awantipura temples, Harawan Buddhist site and so on. Each and every temple has been left unnoticed and in a state of despondency and the recreational parks in-fort had been maintained properly. Although certain new additions were done to various temples like Martand and Avantipora Temples but instead of employing the architects and team of experts from Archaeological Survey of India, local masons were used who did more damage than good to the local heritage.

The absence of “historical sense” among the people is very unfortunate but a sad reality. Instead of knowing history of their ancestors, there are various myths and legends associated with various heritage sites. The giants and demons are considered to be the architects of these majestic structures. The three major temples at South Kashmir, one at Martand and other two at Awantipora are locally called as Pandav Laeden are associated with Pandavas. It means that the oral historical tradition of Kashmir is more successful than the present one. Keep the people aside, even the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department have not even uploaded the details or photographs of all the heritage sites in Kashmir valley. All this indicates that most of the people including the officials are unaware about the treasure which Kashmir have in the form of its heritage. The importance of this treasure can be understood from the fact that Kashmir has a rich archaeological base as compared to Jammu and Ladakh.

According to the records of ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), Jammu has eight monumental sites out of which four are under the supervision of ASI, while as Kashmir has 69 monumental sites out of which 41 are under ASI. It is better to advertise the heritage which will not only benefit the region but will also help in sustaining and preserving it for the next generations.

The heritage has the power to develop self-confidence among the people especially the youth. The anatomy of the structures need to studied a fresh. Although R C Kak has written the book called “Ancient Monuments of Kashmir” but the book needs to be revised to address two core shortcomings. Firstly, the need is to include those monuments which had not been mentioned by Kak and secondly, modern scientific methods need to be incorporated to study these monuments afresh.

The preservation will definitely have positive impact on the expansion of tourist destinations in general and preservation of heritage for developing the self-confidence of our future generations in particular. The Forty-one ASI sites in the region of Kashmir have the potential to develop Kashmir as “Rome of East” for which the political will and clear road-map need to be developed. Addressing the issue will not only benefit economically but will have a positive cultural impact as well.

(Dr Ramees Raja Beig is working in GDC Mattan as teacher of Ancient Indian History)