Balaghat: The historic Baori in the Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh is deteriorating due to a lack of maintenance. The demand for the restoration of this historical stepwell has been raised as it faces neglect, and Udaysingh Nagpure, the former chairman of the District Cooperative Bank, is overseeing the renovation with government support.
The Director of the Institute of History and Archaeology, in this context, has pointed out that funds for the maintenance of the Baori are periodically allocated but remain inadequate. Presently, the Archaeology Department has allotted 6 lakh rupees, but the restoration work is progressing slowly. The Baori, located in the village of Hatta in the Balaghat district, was built by the Gond rulers in the 16th century. It was constructed by carving large rocks and shaping them into intricate pillars. The entrance gate of the Baori features sculptures of two quadrilateral Shiva images and intricately carved idols of the Abhika deity from the 16th century.
Historically, the Baori served practical purposes during times of war. It is a three-story structure with a large stepwell at the ground level. The Baori has a fascinating history and architectural significance. During the war, it used to be filled with water throughout the year, serving as a valuable resource. The Baori’s ownership passed into the hands of the Nagpure family, landlords, and in 1987, it was handed over to the Archaeology Department.
The deteriorating condition of this historical monument calls for urgent attention and adequate funding to ensure its preservation for future generations. The Baori not only reflects the architectural brilliance of the past but also plays a crucial role in preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the region. Collaborative efforts between the government, local communities, and historians are essential to address the neglect and safeguard such significant cultural landmarks.
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