Not in ASI conservation list,Himachal to restore its 17th century fort,eight temples

In recent excavations,some skeletals of human bodies were found at Kamlah Fort in the Chamba Noan panchayat. Some of the fort houses ancient artillery guns made of asthadhatu are also missing. The fort made of stone and lime was earlier spread over 350 bighas and has now been reduced to about 110 bighas.

The eight temples that have been included in the list include the five storied Parashar Devta temple on Prashar Dhar near the famous Parashar lake; the 13th Century temple has been built in Pagoda style and is known for its wood carvings; two temples from Kangra district,including Jankinath temple situated in Jaisinghpur tehsil and Radha Krishan temple in Jaswan tehsil; and the Shiv temple from Hamirpur district in Bhoranj tehsil.

From Mandi,two more temples,including the Magru Devta temple in Thunag tehsil and Shitla mata temple in Sandhol tehsil have also been declared as state monuments. From Chamba Mahadev Bhuvneshwar temple in Rajnagar tehsil and Chonda mata (Chamunda) temple in Churah tehsil are in the list.

The new status would not have any impact on the functioning and ceremonies at these temples,however,any such activities that harm the identity of the temples would be checked by posting a permanent attendant here,says Director Language Art and Culture Dr Prem Sharma.

“Though an attempt was made to identify and classify such monuments earlier,but nothing has been materialised. Now a conscious decision has been taken to pick up some temples,old forts for scientific restoration each year,” he said.