Conservation Plan for the Archaeological site of Mansar, Maharashtra

Abstract

History refers to the study of past events and is usually associated with human affairs, which is often contradictory, unexpected and antithetical. Different religious and political views, beliefs and perceptions have led to different stories associated with the same heritage, thus misleading our history and glorious past. The site of Mansar is associated with various layers of history thus making it prone to contradictions and hypothetical theories. With evidences from the Pre-historic times to post 550 CE, the site has evidences from four major historic layers. The structures also are witnesses of the golden times in the Vakataka-Gupta dynasty when both the super powers united in marriage alliances. The five major structures, excavated on the site, are witnesses of the culmination of Hindu and Buddhist religion where both existed harmoniously. The proud empire of Vakatakas, who were followers of Shiva, rested their empire in the region and made it their capital, Pravarpura. The palace acts as one of the historical remarks for the same, as an evidence to their superiority over the region. The Shaiva shrines on the Hidimba tekadi are testimony to the unique temple architecture followed during the region, traces of the same can also be seen in Nagardhan fort, which was again the fort built by the Vakatakas. The Buddhist stupas, Chaitya halls and Viharas on the same Hidimba tekadi was constructed since the Maurya Sunga Empire, which was before Vakatakas, but were kept undisturbed. Thus, it is very important to study these structures in the minutest of its details and help conserve this unique amalgamation of the history. A conservation Plan will help conserve the significance of the site and spirit of the place.