MP govt to preserve five monuments of historic importance

The Madhya Pradesh government has declared five monuments of historic and archaeological importance as state protected.

These are situated at Gwalior, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Mandla and Indore districts, an official release said here on Friday.

Culture minister Laxmikant Sharma has approved a proposal and a notification will be issued soon. First on list of monuments are Shiv temples and caves situated at village Arjhala in Budhar tehsil of Shahdol district dating back to 2-6 BC.

These caves are situated 13 kilometre from Shahdol on the road to Amarkantak. The fortress which is situated at Behat in Gwalior will also be protected as it is associated with Sangeet Samrat Tansen who used to practice music at this site.

The government has also decided to preserve Muthaliya Mutt situated at Gopalpur in Bhedaghat tehsil of Jabalpur district.

Villagers regard the quadrangular structure constructed on a high platform on banks of Narmada River at Gopalpur as a Buddhist stupa.The structure has four stone pillars around it and two pillars at corners and a lotus lower is carved atop the pillars.

It is believed to have been constructed in 16th century AD.Asaf Khan's mausoleum situated at Patwari halka Bichhiya in Mandla city will also be preserved.

There is a stairwell (baori) along the road near cemetery at Lalipur Crossing in Mandla city and people believe that army of Asaf Khan had halted over there and this stairwell was constructed for supply of drinking water to armed forces.

There is a large mausoleum on the other side of the road and it is about 30X30 feet size. From the point of view of architecture, this mausoleum is about 400 years old and clearly manifests Mughal architecture.

A decision has been taken to preserve this monument from archaeological point of view. A decision has been taken to preserve five Chhatris of Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar, Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar and their families at Krishnapura in Indore.

These Chhatris were carved out from sandstone blocks in the 19th century. Mandap and Pradakshina path of the Chhatris are the same.

In the Chhatri of Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar, images of Lord Vishnu, Maa Devi Laxmi and Mahalaxmi have been carved on the outer rock of the sanctum sanctorum.

Construction not allowed

These idols are in Maratha dresses and this monument will be preserved. No construction work will be allowed without permission in the control area near the monuments with a view to maintaining environmental attraction near these ancient monuments, archaeological places and remnants. Any effort for making any change or damage them will also be prohibited.