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Nanded city had its origin in
ancient times. The famed Godavari River revered as the Ganga of
Central India flows through the central part of the city from
west to east virtually dividing the city in two parts. The
historic core of the city lies on the north bank of the Godavari
River. The town at present is famous for Sikh Gurudwaras and
temples. The Gurudwara Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib is
the most famous one out of the eight existing in the city. The
city is the second most sacred pilgrimage center for Sikhs after
Amritsar It is also the place of birth of Saint poets like
Vishnupant Sesa and Raguhunath Sesa and Vaman Pandit besides
being a Center for learning Sanskrit. There numerous ghats like
Nagina Ghat, Banda Ghat, Govardhan Ghat, Bhim Ghat, Shikar Ghat,
Nav Ghat, etc. along the northern bank of the river.
The physical evidences of the
city’s past can be found scattered in the narrow lanes of the
historic core. In the absence of conservation initiatives and
legalisations regarding heritage rapid urban development is
threatening the historic core. Modern construction is replacing
the traditional fabric. There is loss of continuity of
traditional spaces, architectural form, style and activities. As
a result the historic core is slowly but steadily losing its
identity.
The historic core area of the
city has an organic structure. The network of main linkages has
created urban blocks. These urban blocks house a variety of
building types or Urban elements serviced by an intricate
network of lanes known as galies. The network of galies along
with different types of structures and open spaces creates a
socio-spatial entity known as Mohalla (neighborhood), which is
unique to the morphology of the historic area. Mohallas often
have a defined entrance gateway with regulated entry. The
entrance gateway ushers into a common open space in which
entrances of individual dwelling units open. A Mohalla has a
distinct social structure and therefore acts as an
organizational base for local community identity and cultural
activities. Mohallas are known by the name of the founder or an
eminent person, e.g. Vazirabad, etc; location of a landmark such
as a house, temple, mosque, math, ghats, e.g. Sidhnathpuri
(Temple), etc; Nagina Ghat (Ghat); presence of a mound or
hillock, e.g. Kumbhar Tekdi, etc; province or language of
origin, caste, religion of residents e.g. Brahmpuri, etc;
occupation of residents Sarafa (Jewelers Market), etc.
The historic area has a dense
grained structure. The structures sitting on individual land
parcels are built to edge in nature with open spaces
incorporated within them. Thus urban space in the historic area
follows a hierarchy moving from the public to the private realm.
The streets, chowks and open spaces have a public character; the
galies and open spaces within the Mohallas are semi-public in
nature while space within the structures is strictly private in
nature.
The historic core is an organic
mesh of streets and lanes locally known as galies punctuated
with squares and open spaces. The streets developed on
pedestrian scale with narrow widths sufficient to allow movement
of palanquins, hand carts and other slow moving means of
transport. They curve and turn gently opening and closing
mysterious views adding suspense to the movement. These linkages
can be divided into:
a.
Primary Streets: The width of these streets is the
maximum. There is specialization of commercial activities and
tremendous social interaction on these streets. Architectural
features are richer and more frequent. Example: Killa road, etc.
b.
Secondary Streets: These streets run perpendicular to the
primary streets and end up in a tertiary street or a cul-de-sac.
Their width is less than the primary streets. Some commercial
activity flows into them. Example: Manyar Gali, Rangar Gali,
etc.
c.
Tertiary Streets: The tertiary streets are purely
residential with few small shops. The height-width ratio is such
that they remain shaded for most part of the day. Example:
Narsingh Gali, etc.
Diverse activity pattern in the
historic area has given rise to different types of Urban
Elements. The types have typologies that have evolved over
several generations. The various urban elements existing in the
historic area are:
a.
Wada: A Wada is a large dwelling unit. It is a typical
living unit with a well-defined entrance gateway, Dhalaja
(semi-public meeting space) near the main entrance. The main
entrance opens into a courtyard, and across it is the main
building, which consists of an open osri or verandah extending
the width of the court, and supported on wooden posts. This
verandah is sometimes double, the inner portion being raised a
step above the outer; and several doors in the back wall, open
into second court, or into small rooms, which are used as
sleeping chambers, stores, puja room and cooking apartments. A
staircase is provided for access to the first floor. On the
terrace there is another small staircase like a watchtower with
a small platform sufficient for 2-3 people to stand. This is the
highest point in the house. Some houses also have subterranean
rooms. There is provision for storing water inside the house
either in small tanks or pots fixed in a platform.
b.
Bazaars: A bazaar is a commercial Street specializing in
a particular commodity e.g. Sarafa gali specializing in gold
work, Rangar gali specializing in cloth, etc.
c.
Temples: Temples are places of Hindu worship. Temples in
Nanded are sometimes part of individual houses also. They
possess religious importance and sanctity and are places of
social get together. The deities of the standard Hindu pantheon
who have temples dedicated to them are Balaji, Datta, Ganapati,
Krishna, Narsimha, Rama, Visnu or Laksminarayan and Vitthal or
Vitthal-Rukmini. Siva temples are also found under the various
names such as Mahadev, Kaleshwar, Siddhesvar, Nageshvar, etc.
Example: Narsimha Mandir, Balaji Mandir, Nagesvar Temple, Rama
Temple, Hanuman Mandir, Ganesh Mandir, Ganpati Mandir, Renuka
Mata Mandir, Ganga Mandir, etc. Deepmala a unique feature for
lighting oil lamps resembling a multi-faceted pillar is
associated with some temples.
d.
Maths: These evidently commemorate memory of a holy
person or enshrine the smadhi of a swami (head of a religious
order or establishment). Example: Balgir Maharaj Ka Math,
Shankracharya Math, Shri Narain Swami Math, etc.
e.
Dargah: Religious place of the Muslims in which some Pir
(Muslim saint) or saint-like persons have found deifications.
Example: Badi Dargah,
f.
Mosque: A mosque is a religious place of worship of the
Muslim community. There are several mosques in Nanded. Example:
Jama Masjid, Sarah Masjid, etc.
g.
Gurudwara: Gurudwara is the religious place of worship of
the Sikh community. There are several Gurudwaras in Nanded,
which commemorate different events in Guru Govind Singhji’s life
when he stayed in the city. Example: Gurudwara Sachkhand Shri
Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib, Gurudwara Hira Ghat, Gurudwara Mata
Sahib, Gurudwara Shikar Ghat, Gurudwara Banda Ghat, Gurudwara
Mal Tekdi Sahib, Gurudwara Sangath Sahib, etc.
The Sachkhand Gurudwara is among the most prominent religious /
cultural element of the city, by virtue of which Nanded has been
conferred a Holy City status by Government of Maharashtra. This
Gurudwara represents one of the five Takhats of the Sikh
religion – the other four being Akal Takhat Sahib at Amritsar,
Takhat Patna Sahib at Patna, Takhat Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur
and Takhat Damdama Sahib, district Bhatinda.
h.
Fort: The fort was built by the Mughals and is surrounded
by the Godavari on three sides. Its bastions stand at a height
of about 18.288 m to 19.812 m. it is located on the highest
point along the bank of the river.
i.
Mondha: Mondha is a very unique feature of the historic
area. It is a large square defined by built structures that
house the godown. This was the traditional trading place for the
agricultural produce.
j.
Ghat: Ghat is a structure that provides access to the
river for various purposes like, religious worship, washing,
recreation, cremation, etc. They are usually named after an
important person, activity focused in the vicinity, or
commemorate an important event, etc. Example: Nagina Ghat, Banda
Ghat, Heera Ghat, Mondha Ghat, etc.
k.
Baoli: Baoli is a structure for accessing water. It is
always associated with a well. It comprises of a flight of steps
that lead to the water level. There are shaded spaces in the
baoli that act as resting places. Example: Baoli near Mafco.
l.
Wells: There are a few traditional community wells at the
neighborhood level as well as sometimes within the structures.
The built form has developed a
built to edge character, responding to the street in the form of
chabutras, balconies and verandahs, fostering close interaction
between the occupants and the passers by on the streets. The
historic structures are vernacular in character with Late
Mughals and Colonial architectural features, materials and
building technology adapted into local traditions. Mostly the
traditional residential buildings are medieval ones from the
18th and 19th centuries with few temples, mosques and dargahs
before the 18th century. Late Mughal features like the cusped
arches, niches, pillars, etc. can be widely seen. Wooden element
like door and window frames, shutters, and brackets are
beautifully carved with motifs of flowers, birds, gods and
goddesses, etc. Colonial features like vaults, segmental
arches, jack arch roof, etc. have been incorporated in the
buildings of the later period.
The walls are constructed of
locally available fine dressed black stone masonry in lime
mortar till the dado level and beyond it with fine finished thin
burnt bricks (size 21cmx11cmx4cm). The external surfaces of the
stone and brick masonry are finished with pointing while the
interior of the wall is plastered with lime and generally white
or color washed. The flooring is generally of lime or stone
slabs. Steps have been made in fine dressed stone blocks. The
roof generally either consists of timber rafters with country or
Mangalore tiles or is of bricks laid on edge, resting on strong
wooden beams which run from wall to wall. Bricks are specially
moulded in different shapes to make arches, pillars, etc. Wooden
brackets supporting the roof are beautifully carved. Lintels and
door and window frames and shutters are also of wood. The wood
frequently used is teak. This construction technology is
followed in traditional structures with few exceptions such as
in the Badi Dargah the Ladao roofing of brick on edge has been
done. Depending upon the period of construction vaults,
segmental arches and jack arch roofing have also been used.
Strong community structure, close
knit and vital social life is a unique feature of the historic
area. The communities that inhabit the area are mainly Hindus (Marathis),
Muslims, Sikhs, Marwaris, etc. People from the same community
live together. For example certain pockets in the Historic Area
are dominated by a particular Muslim community, the Marathis,
the Marwaris, etc.
There is multiple usage of urban
space in the Historic area. The work place and residence of the
people are close by and often coincide. Within the streets there
is specialisation of commercial activity for example Sarafa gali
specialises in gold jewellery work, Rangar Gali deals in cloths,
etc. The inter-connecting network of primary, secondary and
tertiary streets fosters close community living. Rather than
being mere means of commutation they reflect a variety of
everyday human activities of work, recreation, commerce and
informal interactions making them public places. They also
function as spaces for organisation of festivals and social
gatherings.
The urban fabric of the historic
area is very tightly knit so that the street feels like an
elongated courtyard carved out of a dense building mass. This
creates a sense of place and fosters close social and cultural
interactions amongst the residents creating a binding with the
place. Due to slight meanderings in the streets there are
changing views that create a sense of mystery. There is a clear
hierarchy of spaces that encourages different levels of social
participation. Even visitors casually walking down the galies
are offered welcome glances.
The sight of the temples,
gurudwaras, mosques, dargahs all provide orientation as one
moves down the narrow galies. The smell of flowers, the gold
shops, the ringing of the temple bells, the call of the azaan,
the fresh burning incense, the rhythmic singing of the
mendicant, the sound of the Godavari River flowing close by all
stimulate the senses as one moves through the historic area.
The historic area is transparent
and informative. The aesthetically built traditional houses and
other landmarks are appealing to the eyes and engage an
individual in silent conversation. They are like an old person
full of knowledge and wisdom accumulated over centuries, just
waiting to be heard.
The River Godavari, referred to
as the Dakshin Ganga is the largest river n south India. The
river originates in Nasik/ Tryambakeshwar and meanders through a
500 km path before entering Nanded District. It snakes through
about 150 km in Nanded District before leaving the state of
Maharashtra into Andhra Pradesh. The span of the river within
the city of Nanded and its immediate region has the largest
trough. Nanded city has about 8 km of riverfront, as the river
almost bisects the city.
The River Godavari has a very
strong historic, cultural and religious significance. The
origin of Nanded city is believed to have commenced on the banks
of the Godavari River (as is the case in many Indian cities).
The river used to be a core functional and cultural element of
the city – but has been neglected over the years and is in a sad
state today. The cultural / religious significance of the River
Godavari is briefly illustrated by the following facts:
a.
The Sikh religion has the greatest place for River
Godavari in their worship (Mahanata). A dip in the Godavari is a
must before visiting Sachkhand Gurudwara. Takhat Snan (Holy
Bath) is an annual event celebrated at the Godavari River. The
Sikh Head Priest (Jathedar) undertakes a ritualistic procession
to the River banks everyday at 2:30 a.m.
b.
There are seven Gurudwaras on the northern bank, each
associated in some way to the life and daily rituals of Shri
Guru Gobind Singh
c.
River Godavari is the southern equivalent of the Kumbh
Mela – for a holy bath on a PARVA is undertaken at the River
Godavari
d.
Nanded is the Nabhisthan (center point) of Godavari
e.
The Vishnupuri Barrage on the edge of the city holds
about 40 km of water column upstream, which, apart from its
irrigation and drinking water functionalities offer a tremendous
potential for recreation and inland water transport
f.
There are a number of major historical temples, mosques
and dargas on its bank
A. Assessment of Conservation
Value
This section sets out the
cultural significance of the city through an assessment of the
conservation values of local, regional, national and
international importance. Understanding the full significance of
cultural base of Nanded is the basis for making informed and
effective management decisions and is therefore fundamental. It
will assist in ensuring that the heritage values are protected
for future generations and managed properly in the context of
the wider city.
B. Religious Value
The built and un-built spaces are
a symbol of the spiritual belief of the people not only from the
local community and region but also as a whole from all over
India especially the Sikhs.
C. Historic Value
The associations with numerous
notable people from art, literature, the aristocracy and
royalty, and politics have enriched the history and development
of the city. Example: place of birth of Saint poets like
Vishnupant Sesa and Raguhunath Sesa and Vaman Pandit,
association with freedom fighter Shyamraj Bodhankar, etc.
D. Architectural Value
The Historic area has high
quality spaces that provide a unique visitor experience. The
area is largely vernacular in character with Late Mughal and
Colonial architectural features, materials and building
technology adapted into it. Mostly the residential buildings are
medieval ones from the 18th and 19th centuries with few temples,
mosques and dargahs before the 18th century. In addition to the
structural fabric of the buildings, there are many historic
interiors from different eras.
E. Archeological Value
There are idols, sculptures,
pillars and inscriptions surviving across the historic area from
different time periods that are of archaeological significance.
Example: Idol of Narsimha, inscription stone near Kaleshwar
temple, etc.
F. Educational Value
The historic area is a great
learning resource. It provides a wealth of opportunity for
research, education and lifelong learning on a wide variety of
cultural, historical and social subjects. The area has Centers
for learning Sanskrit and study of Vedas.
G. Economic value
The immense potential of adaptive
reuse of high quality spaces in the Historic area remains
untapped. In the light of the charisma of its context, which
over the centuries has attracted a wide range of people
especially pilgrims, the tourism potential of the historic area
is undisputed. This potential is presently being translated into
the employment and livelihood being generated by pilgrim
magnates like the Gurudwaras and the temples.
The historic area morphology and
building typologies stand testimony of a generation over
centuries old. The area has a unique settlement fabric and
housing typology that could yield insights into the ways of life
and construction technology/methods and materials used centuries
ago. The organic and narrow street patterns are a reflection of
traditional lifestyles. The area has great diversity in terms
of activities, spaces, built forms, communities, ideologies and
time periods. It is dotted with innumerable temples, maths,
gurudwaras, mosques, dargahs and other religious landmarks that
are evidences of its ancient historical background. The cultural
assets contribute to the character of the historic area and
provide important evidence for its historical evolution and the
significance of the city to this generation. In the countryside
surrounding the city also, particularly on historic approach
roads, there are Gurudwara that commemorate events in Guru
Gobind Singhji’s life during his stay in Nanded.
The cultural assets of Nanded
City identified on the basis of their inherent Conservation
Values loosely fall into two categories Tangible and Intangible
that are part of the rich tapestry of at least 700 years of
change and development. A summary description of these assets
follows.
A. Tangible Assets
a.
Built Heritage: The built heritage of Nanded is extensive
and spread across the historic core of the city and even beyond
the municipal limits. The surviving heritage assets comprise of
the following:
i.
Buildings: Wadas (individual dwelling units), Temples,
Maths, Dargah, Mosque, Gurudwara, Fort, Mondha, Ghat.
ii.
Building Components: Deepmalas, Baolis, Wells.
iii.
Areas: Mohalla or neighborhood, Chowk or square, group of
buildings, bazaars, streets, galies, open spaces, etc.
iv.
Archaeological Evidences: There are idols, sculptures,
pillars and inscriptions surviving across the historic area from
different time periods that have archaeological significance.
The qualities in the built heritage assets that need to be
preserved include:
i.
Urban pattern as defined by plots and streets.
ii.
Relationships between buildings and green and open
spaces.
iii.
The formal appearance, interior, exterior of buildings as
defined by scale, size, style, construction materials, color and
ornamentation.
iv.
The relationship between the town or urban area and its
surrounding setting both natural and man made.
v.
The various functions that the town or urban area has
acquired over time.
b.
Natural Heritage
The natural environment is of
great importance to the historic area. The topography of the
area, the Godavari River, small hillocks and mounds have
influenced and inspired the architecture and growth of the city.
The city’s origins and development are intimately bound up with
the presence of the river. It is also an important landscape
element and plays a crucial role in conveying floodwaters.
B. Intangible Assets
The importance of Nanded’s local
communities and their diverse culture is essential for its
future and must be understood fully to appreciate the character
of the city. The success as a modern city relies on combining
the protection of not only its tangible assets but also
intangible assets. The combination of history and modern living
is highly valued.
While the physical remains of
Nanded form a unique ensemble, there are also the intangible
associations and traditions which form an important part of its
significance. The culture of worship and bathing associated with
the River is several thousand years old and continues today.
This culture has been at the heart of forming the outstanding
physical elements of the city. The city also has rich
associations with prominent people from different eras.
Festival, celebrations, and events an integral part of living in
the historic area is part of its assets. The skills and
techniques of old times like traditional jewellery making,
cotton weaving, etc. are also its assets.
“The various traditional built
forms, functions and activity patterns, lifestyles, cultural
events, festivals of the people from various religions
constitute the unique Living Cultural Heritage of Nanded.”
Nanded city does not have an
overarching statutory or legal framework for heritage
conservation. Conservation of acknowledged Heritage buildings in
cities, towns and villages of India falls variously under the
purview of Archaeological Survey of India, Department of
Archaeology, Government of Maharashtra and Public Religious
Charitable Trusts.
The Sachkhand Gurudwara is a
registered Public Religious Charitable Trust and is administered
by the Nanded Sikh Gurudwara Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar
Sahib Act, 1956. Guidelines for management of daily affairs of
the Gurudwara are laid out under the bye-laws that are called as
the Takhat Shri Hazur Sahib Bye Laws, 1975 framed under
authority laid out under Nanded Sikh Gurudwara Sachkhand Shri
Hazur Apchalnagar Sahib Act, 1956. Income from the Gurudwara is
exempt from Income Tax under section 10(23)CV. Similar Trusts
exists for other religious places of repute in the town.
In the absence of an enabling or
guiding framework for heritage conservation in the city, the
responsibility for management of heritage (institutional set up)
rests with the district and local administration. Presently, the
local administration does not have any direct or indirect role
in specific programs or initiatives related to heritage
conservation. There is no heritage-linked infrastructure
existing in the city. For buildings owned by Trusts, there exist
institutional mechanisms for their management and upkeep. These
institutions are mandated to safeguard the preservation of
assets owned but no express intent for conservation is
reflected. They are also responsible for the maintenance and
upkeep of the records of accounts and numbers.
In the case of Sachkhand
Gurudwara, the management rests with a Board, named Nanded Sikh
Gurudwara Sachkhand Shri Hazur Apchalnagar Sahib Board. A
Management Committee of the Board executes the decisions of the
Board. The Board is constituted by the following:
a.
Two members nominated by the state government
b.
Three members nominated by the state government from the
Sikhs of the state
c.
One member nominated by the state government from the
cities of Hyderabad & Secunderabad
d.
One member nominated by the Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak
Committee from Sikhs of MP
e.
Three members nominated by Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak
Committee
f.
Two members elected by & from amongst the Sikh members of
Parliament
g.
One member nominated by the Chief Khalsa Diwan of
Amritsar
h.
Four members nominated by the Sachkhand Hazuri Khalsa
Diwan, Nanded
The Board is required to have a
President, Vice President and a Secretary
Similarly, the Management
Committee has the following composition:
a.
The Collector of Nanded or any other officer appointed by
the State Government
b.
The Superintendent of the Gurudwara as ex-officio member
c.
Three members nominated by the Board from amongst Sikhs
of Nanded
There are no especially allocated
resources for heritage conservation in the city. No entry
charges to the heritage buildings are levied. The local taxes
and levies are not applicable to these buildings.
Salient features of financial
arrangements of the Gurudwaras in Nanded are:
a.
No budgetary support is available from the Government for
day to day management
b.
Donation and rentals from shops form the source of
revenue
c.
One time capital grant for undertaking upgradation of
infrastructure in the wake of the tercentenary celebrations of
the establishment of the Gurudwara has been approved and more is
under consideration at various levels in State and Union
Government
Other religious buildings in the
city also have similar financial arrangements. Their sources of
revenue are limited. Traditional residential quarters are owned
by private individuals or families. They are neither exempt from
taxes nor budget supported. They rely exclusively on individual
incomes from occupations/ business not linked to heritage.
Governments (Local and State) are
the primary stakeholders in heritage conservation. In addition
to being the owner of some heritage assets, they are responsible
for initiatives that impact heritage conservation.
Religious communities have a
predominant stake in respective religious structures, though in
view of the significance it may have non-sectarian general
community stake also. The Sachkhand Gurudwara is a case in
point.
Non-religious community
structures have the local community as its stakeholders. In case
of residential structures owned by occupants the primary
stakeholder remains the owner, though the responsibility of
facilitating the preservation of heritage should rest with the
community. For residential structures not owned by the
occupants, the owner may be the primary stakeholder but by the
virtue of being occupants of heritage buildings the tenants also
have direct responsibility of its upkeep and preservation.
Nanded Waghala City Municipal
Corporation (NWCMC) is the key stakeholder agency in the city.
In addition there are the following agencies responsible for
planning, development and provision of specific services in the
city:
a.
District Urban Development Agency
b.
Town Planning Department, Government of Maharashtra
Primary mandate of the NWCMC in
relation to development and heritage conservation focuses on:
a.
Ensuring building safety
b.
Maintenance of Markets, Roads
c.
Provision of Parks and Leisure spaces
d.
Organizing Ceremonies, fairs and exhibitions
There are no developmental
controls that define heritage or its conservation.
a.
Documentation: Historically there has been no tradition
of cultural / historic documentation in Nanded and the region,
unlike in British India, where there were specific institutions
for documentation, like the Archaeological Survey of India,
etc. As a result, there is very little documentation on the
rich cultural heritage of the region.
b.
River Godavari: The river Godavari in Nanded city is a
prime heritage element – over the years, it has lost its
functional relevance and scenic beauty due to neglect and lack
of appreciation of its functional and heritage value.
c.
Changes in life style: Introduction of new functions and
expansion of the old ones demanding adequate planning and larger
areas that the old structures cannot accommodate have resulted
in insensitive reuse of spaces, improper additions and
alterations and even demolition of historic structures/elements.
d.
Modern Infrastructure: Traditional infrastructure has
been replaced by insensitive modern services of water supply,
electricity, sewerage and rainwater disposal.
e.
Subdivision of properties: Subdivision of properties and
increasing household sizes has lead to deteriorating quality of
life and destruction of the living heritage in the historic
area.
f.
Developmental regulations: The development control
regulations and bylaws contain little to address the special
needs of the heritage assets.
g.
Maintenance Practice: In the absence of regular
maintenance practices natural process of aging of the building
materials has been aggravated and as lead to weathering and
decay.
h.
Traditional, Skills, technology and Materials: There
appears to be no technical know how among local artisans in the
areas of conservation and traditional construction methods and
materials. As a result of which the built form is undergoing
rapid modernization and the living heritage is being lost at a
rapid pace.
i.
Conservation Techniques: There is lack of adequate
knowledge of conservation techniques and practices leading to
inappropriate interventions. Concept of preventive maintenance
does not exist.
j.
People’s Perception of the Historic Area: Residents who
have been living for generations have lot of information
regarding the cultural history and oral traditions of the
historic area, activity pattern and significance of spaces.
While planning interventions people’s perception of their
Cultural Assets is not taken into account.
k.
Heritage Awareness: New residents have moved into the
historic area and they do not have associations with the place,
therefore there is ignorance about the cultural assets. They
have not acknowledged cultural significance, which has resulted
in a substantial decline in the living heritage.
l.
Research and Documentation: There has been no systematic
research and documentation of the Cultural Assets, as a result
of which there is lack of authentic information regarding the
heritage components in the city.
According to UNESCO
“Recommendations concerning the Safeguarding and Contemporary
Role of Historic Areas” (Warsaw-Nairobi 1976)
“The Conservation of historic
towns and urban areas is understood to mean those steps
necessary for the protection, conservation and restoration of
such towns and areas as well as their development and harmonious
adaptation to contemporary life.”
The principles guiding the
strategy options are:
a.
Revitalize and conserve key heritage elements, including
the river Godavari in Nanded. NWCMC to develop a master plan
for the development of the riverfront in Nanded city so as to
restore its functional relevance and scenic beauty
b.
Promote sustainable management of the Historic Area
c.
Ensure that the unique qualities and Conservation Values
are understood and are sustained in the future whilst
maintaining and promoting Nanded as a living and working city
which benefits from Heritage Conservation and Management
d.
Improve physical access and interpretation, encouraging
all people to enjoy and understand the Historic area
e.
Improve public awareness of and interest and involvement
in the religious/cultural heritage of Nanded, achieving a common
local, national and international ownership of Cultural Assets
f.
Devise an institutional and management framework for
heritage identification, development and conservation
A. Understanding peoples
perception of the historic area
Understanding the people’s
perception of their Cultural Assets is very crucial before
planning any Conservation program. Very often it is seen that
such programs are planned by Government organizations and
Conservation Specialists who have a limited view of the
scenario. Cultural Assets are eventually owned by the local
residents therefore incorporating their ideas, views, knowledge
and memories of the place, how they relate and interact with
their heritage assets would be crucial for planning any
conservation activity in the area. This approach would also
ensure ownership of the Conservation Initiatives.
B. Delineating the cultural
heritage study area
Initially it is essential to
delineate a Cultural heritage study area in the larger context
of the city through field reconnaissance for undertaking
detailed research and documentation activities. The boundaries
of the study area in the beginning would be flexible so as to
incorporate all the cultural assets. This study area after a
Heritage Conservation and Management Plan has been adopted would
translate into a Cultural Heritage Zone with legal sanctity.
C. Research and documentation
of cultural heritage assets
Intensive research activity and a
detailed study of the historic area need to be undertaken before
planning any interventions in the Historic area. The study needs
to:
a.
Document and establish the cultural significance of the
historic area
b.
Prepare an inventory of Heritage structures and spaces
having Conservation values
c.
Carry out a detailed listing and grading of all potential
heritage structures and spaces
d.
Document the existing condition of the cultural assets
and the issues concerning them
e.
Document the intangible cultural assets like traditional
functions, lifestyles, religious beliefs, fairs and festivals,
etc.
This activity would bring to
light the exact nature of the Cultural Heritage Assets, type and
typologies existing, their geographical spread, numbers and
concentration. It would also highlight the urgent issues that
need to be addressed on an emergency basis to undertake first
aid measures for protecting the Heritage Assets under the
guidance of Conservation specialists.
D. Integrating conservation
with developmental initiatives
Till such time that a legal and
institutional framework for conservation and redevelopment is
put in place a Heritage Committee needs to be formed having
equal representation of all the stakeholders and specialists in
Urban Conservation, historians, artists, sociologists,
environmental specialists, planners, architects, local
craftsmen, artisans, local NGOs, etc for monitoring conservation
and developmental activities in the historic area.
Until a Heritage Conservation and
Management Plan has been prepared and adopted, all developmental
activities in the historic area need to be scrutinized by the
Heritage Committee to ensure that there is no threat to the
Cultural Assets of the Historic area.
E. Community participation:
integrating conservation with people’s life
The participation and the
involvement of all the stakeholders especially the residents is
essential to the success of the Conservation activity and should
be encouraged. Strategic partnerships need to be built through
awareness promotion campaigns, workshops and exhibitions
educating stakeholders on the history, traditional lifestyles
and cultural significance of the heritage assets needs to be
organized. Heritage Walks can be an effective means for
familiarizing the residents with their cultural assets. A
sensitive Heritage Signage system for the historic area can be
another way of highlighting the Cultural Assets of the historic
area.
Clean and green city campaigns
can also be undertaken by the Municipal Corporation to ensure
sanitation and hygiene in the Historic area. Local NGOs can be
roped in these activities.
These activities would instill a
sense of pride in the residents of the Historic area, make them
aware of the fact that the Cultural Heritage Assets are
substantial investments made by our previous generations and
should not be allowed to waste. Such measures will also
sensitize them to the environmental value of these resources.
F. Reviving traditional
materials, technology and skills
There is need to create a
database of traditional construction methods, materials and
skills that would be of use for undertaking specific
Conservation interventions. Capacity building and training of
local artisans in use of traditional construction technology,
skills and materials needs to be undertaken.
G. Incentives and concessions
for heritage conservation
Fiscal incentives need to be
provided to owners/occupants of heritage assets to encourage
maintenance and conservation activities. Actual interventions
need to be undertaken under the guidance of conservation
specialists.
F. Managing heritage /
religious tourism
Religious tourism based on the
Sikh Cultural Heritage is a very important phenomenon in Nanded.
The Sachkhand Gurudwara and seven other Gurudwaras associated
with the life of Shri Guru Gobind Singh (including Naginaghat
Sahib, Bandaghat Sahib, Maltekdi Sahib, Hiraghat Sahib,
Shikharghat Sahib, Sangath Sahib and Mata Sahib Gurudwaras)
constitute the major attraction of pilgrims to Nanded city.
There exists a well established Sikh pilgrim circuit focused
around these eight Gurudwaras, having the nucleus of its
activities around the most important Gurudwara of Sachkhand Shri
Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib. Five out of eight of these Gurudwaras
are within the Municipal limits while three of them are beyond
it in the countryside. In the wake of the Gur-ta-Gaddi
Tercentenary celebrations of Shri Guru Granth Sahib and Parlok
Gaman of Shri Guru Govind Singhji a number of interventions like
upgradation of infrastructure, provision of tourist facilities,
rehabilitation works, road widening, provision of new access
points to the main Gurudwara in the city through the historic
area by the construction of new bridges, etc is being planned. A
number of activities and interventions on the Godavari
riverfront are also being planned by the Government as well as
the Gurudwara Committee. Some of these interventions have been
approved while others are under consideration at various levels
in the State and the Central Government.
The Sachkhand Gurudwara Board has
also undertaken the preparation of a Master Plan for Gurudwara
Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib. The proposal involves a
number of developmental activities both within and around the
Gurudwara and development of the river front at the Nagina Ghat.
Since few heritage assets like the old Baradari, Taksala, Modi
Khana, etc. are present inside the Gurudwara, therefore the
proposals planned as per their Master Plan need to be
scrutinized to ensure the integrity of the Cultural Heritage
Assets. At the Government level also River Front Development is
being undertaken. As regards the proposed River Front
Development works at the Nagina Ghat it should be ensured that
all the River Front Development works should be as per a common
Master Plan and repetition of similar planning activities by
different organizations should not be allowed.
G. Formulating a comprehensive
heritage conservation and management plan
Conservation of the Historic Area
is an ongoing activity and is closely linked with urban and
regional planning initiatives. For the successful conservation
of the historic area the Heritage Conservation and Management
Plan with a long term perspective needs to be formulated.
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