Historical Heritage & Sordid Activities at Dimapur

By:- Robert Lanky *

Dimapur, the commercial capital of the state, is one of the fastest growing townships in the entire North East region. But the irony is that in the name of modernity and development, this ancient city of Dimapur, whose historical relics finds a place in the world heritage is being gradually denuded of its rich history by reckless human greed and physical destruction of relics.

Dimapur, despite being an old city, has very few historical remains. Perhaps the only site of any interest is a series of mushroom domed pillars now remembered as Rajbari. It is believed that they were created by the Kachari Kings, who ruled the area long ago. Other than this their origin and purpose are largely mysterious.

As the history goes, the capital of the Dimapur Kingdom was originally surrounded by brick walls and the river Dhansiri served as a natural barrier to this fortified city. Inside the city were seventeen artistic stone pillars, known as monoliths. These monoliths are believed to be lineal monuments of the ruling kings of Dimapur. There are many versions as to how Dimapur got its name. In one of the versions: Dimapur was derived from the Kachari words Di-meaning water, Ma-meaning big and Pur-meaning city or township. In the Ahom Chronicle, Dimapur is described as 'Che-din-Chi' (town–earth-burn-make) meaning 'brick town' or 'Che-Dima' meaning town of Dimasas.

My love for historical monuments led me to visit the site. However, by what I found at the place, I was ashamed. I found that the place has become the favourite spot for all unwanted elements of the society. Shameful acts carried out by young boys and girls are common at the site. A visit to the site would put at rest the view that there is prohibition in the state. Liquor; beer and even country liquor are being enjoyed within the premises of the site.

Neglected park and areas near boundary wall, covered with high grass provides natural cover to 'creatures' to carryout all sort of vulgar activities which can be seen by the passers by around the Monoliths. In the name of modernity; nudity and vulgarity in the park has become a common phenomenon. Drinking openly is very normal at this place. The area around Rajbari is well known for a Wednesday market which is also the place to buy liquor of any brand and quantity.

In India there are more than 3650 ancient monuments and archeological sites and remains of national importance. These monuments and sites are maintained and preserved through various circles of the ASI spread all over the country. Rajbari in Dimapur is probably the only site of a great archeological historical importance looked after by the Archeological Survey of India. Maintenance by ASI is another matter of concern as over a period of time the once royal Monoliths have deteriorated badly.

Pillars are not well maintained. Though some of them still stand in all their glory but most of them have fallen to the ground or crumbled into nothing. The Garden of the site presents a shabby look and undergrowth inside and especially all along the boundary wall has become uncontrollable. All the filth inside the park and around adds to shabby look as well.

When officials responsible for maintaining the site, at Dimapur, were contacted they displayed their total helplessness. Reasons they quoted were not surprising as only one Chawkidar and one casual labour has been posted to look after the site. Entry from Dawn to Dusk is uncontrolled. As per the employees, in the evening when they try to close the site and tell people to move out, couples sitting in obscene condition or young boys who want to enjoy their drinks become abusive and sometime also beat them. Local Police are never available near the site to help them.

• To find out about the neglect of the site by the ASI, when the Superintendent of ASI, who is located at Guwahati was contacted his reply was:-
• Some budget for repair and maintenance is already sanctioned.
• Minor repairs will start very soon. But problems faced were also explained:
• Interference by Rajbari Kachari Committee when repair work being carried out.
• Demand by UG group (share of 20-30% of total allotted budget).
• Threat to the labourers by local goons.
• Opposition by Mafias in contract business who want the contract for themselves and are not permitting the genuine contractors to participate in the tender process.
• Non availability of protection force when work is on (non-co-operation attitude from civil administration) municipal corporative and law enforcement authorities.

While Superintendent blamed many people or authorities, he did agree that the site is deteriorating day by day and needs urgent minor repair. Some of the urgent repairs needed were by specialists on monoliths, maintenance of the garden area, water tightening and coping of boundary wall. He also agreed that the area can be made as a beautiful site where citizens of Dimapur can visit with family and relax for a while. He also desired that he would project the case to ASI headquarters to sanction money for pre-fabricated sheds over all segments (four segments) to protect monoliths from direct exposure to heat and rain which further leads to deterioration.

When asked about the complaints if any lodged to law enforcement authorities about the place becoming hub of obscenity and notorious for sordid activities, the Superintendent of the site denied and expressed his helplessness.

The historical heritage of Dimapur is definitely getting affected and the only important archeological site in the state provides place only for undesirable and sordid activities. It is my sincere request to Police authorities, Municipal Corporation of Dimapur and civil administration look towards the area and do what ever they can to preserve the sanctity of the place and to preserve an important national historical heritage.

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* Robert Lanky ( freelancer based in North East) contributes regularly to e-pao.net . The writer can be contacted at robertlanky(at)gmail(dot)com
This article was webcasted at e-pao.net on 02nd May 2010.

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