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Mausoleum of Gond King in Chanda lies in ruins


CHANDRAPUR: The mausoleum of Gond King Veershah, the most precious monument in Chandrapur and only one of its kind in country, lies discarded and ruined reeling under utter neglect of archaeological department. While the plaster on the walls of the historic monument is crumbling, the carvings and art work is being spoiled by drunkards and lovebirds.

Thanks to lack of caretaking the beauty and splendor of the monument has receded over the years. A visit to the monument revealed its pathetic condition.

Covered by strong fort wall from all sides, it attracts people seeking solitude. Lovebirds seeking seclusion could be seen in the corners of the tomb. Many have scratched their names on the memorial, without actually knowing its historic and cultural value. Hoodlum and drunkards too are fond of this secluded place. They are often found enjoying siesta, playing cards or indulging in betting.

The artistic mesh, carvings and illustration in the mausoleum have been damaged. Wall all around the memorial has been ruined. The plaster and carving inside the majestic dome and on the walls are crumbling.

Archaeological Survey of India has installed board declaring it as a protected monument. The sub-circle office of ASI is located on the same premises but no repair work has been done since ASI took over the charge.

There is only one caretaker - Ashok Maski - at ASI sub-circle office who shoulders the responsibility of monuments of three districts. Expressing his helplessness, Maski said, "I have no powers to take action on intruders and police and district administration don't pay any heed to my complaints."

Ashoksingh Takhur, local chapter convener of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), too lamented the pathetic condition of Veershah's mausoleum. He claimed that their organization had given several applications to repair the damaged parts but to no avail.

"The district administration, Chandrapur Municipal Corporation, state archaeological department and ASI have become lethargic towards the historical monument," lamented Thakur.

About the mausoleum

The majestic monument of love was built by Gond Queen Rani Hirai in memory of her beloved husband way back in early 17th century. Queen Hirai ascended to the throne after her husband King Veershah, as Gond dynasty at that time had no male heir. She ruled for next 15 years - from 1704 to 1719 - and during this period she built the monument. It is the only mausoleum built by a queen in memory of her husband. The tomb has one other unique identity. It is the biggest mausoleum of a king in Maharashtra. The mausoleum is situated in an isolated corner of Chanda fort in graveyard of Gond dynasty.