Heritage is that part of the history which continues to remind present generation about its rich and glorious past. But in the quest for adopting to modern standards it’s sad to see present generation showing scant respect to even Founder of Nagpur. Ask anyone about tomb of Bakhat Buland Shah or others who followed in the Gond Dynasty, one would not be surprised that only a few whose number can be counted on fingers could shed some light on it. Perhaps this stance of Nagpurians explains the desolate state of tombs of Gond Dynasty that are crying for attention. And ironically the Gond Estate where tombs of Shah Dynasty are located is tagged as Grade-I Heritage Site. Perhaps in administrative parlance, heritage sites like the one of Gond Dynasty dating back to 17th century time and one that needs conservation can be done by simply affixing a board.

 

And the blame lies in the doorsteps of people who are entrusted the task of shaping the city's destiny. Every heritage site has a story to tell, and the Gond King Bakhat Buland Shah tomb and that of his successors showcases the typical carefree attitude of city planners. Today Nagpurians are being provided a dream of a city that would have modern and world class standards but what about its heritage that are decaying for want of funds. Raje Virshah, the descendant of Bakht Buland Shah, did not mince his words saying Government agencies have ensured that no trace remains of the heritage site. About 28 tombs in Azamshah Layout in Sakkardara are in such bad shape that calling it a heritage site is in itself made us hang our heads in shame.

 

He also stated that Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) had inked an agreement with descendants of Gond King after their land was acquired way back in 1955-60 period. A garden was to be set-up and the tombs of Bakht Buland Shah and others would be looked after. The graveyard was also tagged as Heritage site but NIT simply failed to do its duty to protect the four and half acres of land. To make matters worse encroachments slowly cropped-up in an around the royal graveyard. But what's more surprising NIT even issued No Objection Certificate (NoC) to buildings that cropped in declared heritage site. So now barely two and half acre of land remains where the tomb stones too are not left in state of neglect. Though a Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) is there to overlook maintenance of listed Heritage site in city, one hardly even heard any mention about burial site of Gond Dynasty, and its first ruler Bakht Buland Shah. 

 

 

 

Hitavada highlighted this issue about a year back Incidentally, The Hitavada was the first to highlight the neglected monuments of Gond Dynasty about a year back. Vijay Phanshikar, Editor, The Hitavada, in his column, ‘Footloose’, had showcased the apathetic attitude of present day rulers and bureaucrats who have neglected the tombstone of King Bakht Buland Shah who had established the city of Nagpur. Even after a year there is no change in status of Grade-I heritage site at Azamshah Layout.