Kaptipada/Baripada: Archaeological remains that lie scattered at Haripurgarh in Mayurbhanj district stand testimony to rich art, architecture, culture and tradition of Bhanja dynasty. But the place, tucked in a forest area, is a picture of neglect. The remnants of the Bhanja royalty are slowly disappearing due to lack of care and protection.
Haripurgarh was once the capital of royal regimes about five centuries ago. The ruins of Rasrikray temple and royal palace give an insight into the art and architecture of those dynasties.
The place is under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which maintains the site with four staff members. But, it is alleged that no protective measures have been taken, let alone its development.
Wild creepers, grass and bushes have overtaken every inch of the historical place. Worse, an approach road to the temple has lost its existence in the over growth of wild bush. The employees are paid salaries without doing any work, local people allege.
History says that the place shot into prominence in the 14th century when Marahattas used to attack the Mayurbhanj kingdom frequently. The then kings of Bhanja dynasty had shifted the capital from Baripada to Khiching, about 10 miles to the south of Baripada.
Historian Narendranath Basu in his book Archaeological Survey of Mayurbhanj, said Harihar Bhanj was then a powerful king. However, in the 15th century, Baidyanath was the king. Rasikananda Ray was the guru (preceptor) to the royal family. After his death, the king had got a temple built to commemorate him.
The temple was built with marble-like bricks with floral designs, reflecting the art and skills of that era. That makes the temple unique in the entire state.
Besides, a temple for Laxmi Narayan and remains of a royal palace are there. A cellar adds mystery to the place. Legend has it that the cellar was an entry to an underground tunnel which acted as an escape route for royal members in case of an emergency.
Some say the cellar could have been the boudoir for queens.
One of the gates (now crumbled to the ground) of the royal palace was called Telenga Darwaja. “The ASI has excavated at some places some years ago, but later excavations were abandoned. The royal palace which had been attacked by Marahattas is hidden in the earth. Excavations can reveal more facts about the royal antiquity,” said locals Amulya Padhi, Chaturbhuj Pandit, Paresh Biswal and Parikshit Behera.
Much more remains of archaeological importance may be lying underneath. The royal past of Mayurbhanj can be brought to light if excavations are carried out, feel locals. They also want the state government to take measures to protect the historical site. PNN