Chamba’s Neglected Heritage
Deepak Sharma
Chamba town has one thousand years old history since the time of principality. The historic town has many heritage buildings besides rich handicraft forms including painting, embroidery, wood carving and metal craft. However, Chamba’s historic shape has changed as the pace of development picked up after independence of the country. As UNESCO declared Ahmadabad city in Gujarat as World Heritage City based on its six hundred years old history, Chamba town has much more with regard to heritage legacy. However, the state government needs to put in efforts to conserve and promote its heritage and art forms. Many of the heritage buildings are in bad shape due to neglect. Steps should be taken by preparing a blueprint for conservation and promotion of Chamba’s heritage. Many heritage buildings require immediate attention to save the legacy of principality era. In addition, Himachal has many such places across the state that can be developed for heritage tourism.
Heritage Buildings
- DC Office
- DC Residence
- Circuit House
- Police Lines Barrack
- Chamba Church
- Pink Palace
- Temples under ASI
- AkhandChandiPalace
- Forest Conservator Residence
- City Police and Excise Office
- Sham Singh Hospital
Established by Raja Sahil Verman in 10th century, Chamba town has many historic buildings reflecting developmental story of the principality. Chamba became the second town after Kolkata in Asia that got electricity in 1908. Bhuri Singh power house established during principality is producing power for Chamba town. Asia’s first leprosy hospital was also established here. However, Chamba heritage has been destroyed in the mad race of development after independence of the country. Historic Chamba town has lost its sheen.
Threat To Heritage Buildings
Existence of heritage buildings located in Chamba town is threatened due to lack of proper maintenance. The government departments running in these buildings seldom undertake repair work. Akhand Chandi Palace, the identity of principality regime is presently housing classes of Government College and medical college. The district offices located in Chamba’s Rang Mahal include language, employment, labour and others. Chief Medical Officer office is being run in old building of Sham Singh Bhawan.
Chogan in Bad Shape
Historic Chogan Maidan located in middle of the town is in bad shape. Though huge revenue is being generated by organising different activities in this ground, yet only 10% of the money accrued is spent for its upkeep. There have been no administrative efforts to retain its glory as grass less patches are visible on the ground.
No Effort To Conserve Handicraft Work
There has been no special effort to conserve and promote Chamba’s handicraft works that are world famous; be it Chamba Rumal, wood craft and metal craft. Due to lack of patronage, artists associated with this rich handicraft works are living in a state of oblivion. Though there have been some announcements for conserving these handcrafts, but they have remained in files only.
Conserve Heritage Treasure
Some of the contexts emerging during Gujarat assembly elections raise concerns about understanding Himachal’s legacy also. There is need to understand thinking of Gujarat as Ahmadabad became the first heritage city of India in UNESCO’s list. Why Himachal’s think tank remains blank where the necessity to conserve unique legacy and heritage. Ahmadabad’s six hundred years old heritage spread over six kilometres has been conserved at international level. Himachal also needs to take initiatives as this hilly state also has vast legacy of heritage. It includes Chamba’s one thousand years old history, historic and religious places, and national heritage of British time. Himachal should learn from Gujarat regarding need to conserve historical documents and vast heritage. There are so many schemes, research studies and curriculum that reflect Gujarat’s art, culture, traditions and heritage.
Gujarat became world heritage city on basis of six hundred years old legacy depending upon a study of 1984.What steps were taken by Himachal to conserve heritage even as the state celebrated completion of one thousand years of Chamba? Narrow lanes of dilapidated heritage and haphazard development has adverse impact on Chamba’s rich legacy and heritage. Though Chamba has a medical college but artists are struggling to preserve and promote rich handicraft work of this historic town. Shimla has move forward with a tradition to live along legacy and heritage. There is disappointment when one looks at signs of old principalities in this hilly state; be it Sujanpur, Haripur-Guler, Mandi, Kangra, Rampur Bushehar and other areas. Himachal needs to present heritage tourism in a new form so that glory and sheen of historical places could be restored.
Their Concern…
* The government should take harsh steps as conserving heritage buildings is not an easy task to maintain their glory. Artists associated with Chamba’s handicraft works should be promoted
-Padam Shree Vijay Sharma, Painter, Chamba
* Chamba Rumal handicraft can generate employment provided the government provides a platform to artists for marketing of this product. It would also hand over the rich legacy to next generations
-Lalita Wakil, Handicraft Expert in Chamba Rumal, Chamba
* A master plan should be prepared to conserve and promote Chamba’s rich heritage. Shape of the town has changed due to lack of planned development
-Dr. Rajesh Sehgal, Literateur, Chamba
* Chamba has lost its glory of principality regime due to fast pace of development. It is a big challenge now to save the existence of heritage buildings here
-Sharat Sharma, Writer, Chamba
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