Conservation work of ‘Khajuraho of Vidarbha’ at Markanda to re-start shortly

By Shirish Borkar

AFTER the brouhaha by historians, scholars, devotees and locals over alleged irregularities committed by conservationists in revivifying the ancient Markanda group of temples at Chamorshi in Gadchiroli district, the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Nagpur Circle has decided to re-start the conservation work to rejuvenate the National heritage monument.

The architectural restoration of the Markanda group of temples was undertaken by the ASI way back in 2017 but was hampered allegedly due to certain irregularities and some faulty work executed by the then conservationists.

Situated on the left bank of river Wainganga, about 190 kilometres from Nagpur, the Markanda group of temples date back to 9-12 centuries AD. Based on its sculptural grandeur and architectural beauty, several historians and scholars had designated these ancient edifices as ‘Khajuraho of Vidarbha.’

Ministry of Culture, Government of India, had sanctioned Rs 2.25 crore to the ASI to restore the ‘Shikhara’ of the Markandadeo Mandir which is the main shrine in the group of temples and an important pilgrimage centre. The ‘Shikhara’ and ‘Mahamandapa’ of the main shrine were struck by lightning damaging both the portions two centuries ago. One of the Gond kings had repaired the roof of the hall about 120 years ago.

On March 25 this year, ‘The Hitavada’ had exposed the alleged irregularities being committed by the then conservationists in the project.

As per the conservation plan sanctioned by the Government, about 40 stone layers were to be laid for restoration of the ‘Shikhara.’ Of Rs 2.25 crore allocated for execution of the work, the expenditure till 2020 was Rs 1.2 crore and the work carried out was, reportedly, not even 50 per cent.

Subsequently, experts visited the site and noticed that only 20 per cent work was carried out and remaining 80 per cent was still pending. Moreover, the work executed was allegedly not as per standard norms. Another team of technical experts then visited the site to conduct an inquiry into the matter. The team was asked to submit its report to Director General, ASI for appropriate action.

Gajanan Bhandekar, President of Markandeshwar Devasthan Trust, was the first to take up the issue with Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, requesting him to ask the Ministry of Culture to rectify the faults and expedite the conservation work.

When contacted, a senior ASI officer informed that technical experts were presently stationed at the site to conduct a re-inspection to identify the faults in the restoration work of the ‘Shikhara.’ “ASI will re-start the work to revivify the temple by rectifying the faults committed earlier,” the officer added.

The officer also said that the other temples belonging to ‘Saiva,’ ‘Vaishnava’ and ‘Sakta’ faiths were also being maintained by the ASI considering their importance from ancient architectural and cultural point of views.