Baripada: Mayurbhanj district is famous for its rich legacy of monuments, traditional art and royal past. That legacy however is at risk of dying a slow but sure death thanks to years of administrative neglect.
The rot that has set in is hard to miss: an institute set up decades back to train stone-carvers at Kesna village in Khiching area has been lying closed since 2006. Stone-carving used to be a sought-after pursuit in the area, and the institute used to impart valuable training to budding artisans. However, no efforts have been taken to revive the institute which would have given a much-needed boost to the growth of art and architecture in the district.
Local artisans said stone-carving is an age-old occupation for scores of families in Khiching area, but in course of time, the younger generation is not keen on taking up the traditional occupation, even though this occupation still offers much scope in employment opportunities.
Many artisans have produced masterpieces in stone, bringing laurels for Mayurbhanj in the international arena. The artisans lamented that Khiching area has thousands of unemployed youths, who are deprived of training in stone-carving. As no efforts are being taken, a cloud of uncertainty hovers over the training centre.
As a result, the stone-carving occupation, which was once synonymous with Khiching, is losing its significance, they noted.
Recalling the past decades when art and architecture had flourished in Khiching, locals said the place has its place of pride on the tourism map of the state. Among many other temples, the magnificent temple of Maa Kichakeswari made from black granitite with beautiful designs and patterns is one of its kind in the state.
The craftsmanship of ancient Khiching artisans and their architectural knowledge is well reflected at Maa Kichakeswari temple, Kuteitundi temple, Chandrasekhar temple, forts and places at Kichakgarh and Biratgarh.
Thousands of artisans visit the area on a daily basis to rejoice at the marvelous architecture of the temples and visit the oldest museum of the state there. The temple was built by a king of Mayurbhanj between 920 AD and 926 AD.
In order to promote stone-carving and impart training to stone carvers, the state government had formed a society and had set up this training centre under it in 1978.
However, due to administration apathy, many staffers were transferred elsewhere one after another and no replacement was carried out, leaving the centre defunct. Many houses on its premises have been pulled down, as their condition turned precarious.
Local artisans said some buildings have been built there for stone carvers, but they have not been handed over to the stone traders.
They demanded that the training centre be opened and houses be allotted to stone carvers.
General manager of district industrial centre Aditya Kumar Ghose said the government has not yet appointed any trainer here. “After transfer of a few junior trainers in 2006, the centre has been lying defunct since then. I have no idea when trainers will be appointed here. The new buildings are not supplied with water and electricity. They have not been handed over to stone carvers,” he added.
Several other quarters have demanded appointment of trainers at the centre, which is expected to play a pivotal role in producing stone carving artisans. PNN
