Conservation management plan for temples and remains in and around kamakhya temple in nilanchal hill, Guwahati, Assam

Abstract

Being one of the most highly visited pilgrimage site, Kamakhya hill (Nilanchal Hill) faces an undistributed attention. Highly rich in heritage resources and history, the main focus is subjugated by the main Kamakhya Temple in the Kamakhya temple complex. A fairly rich amount of heritage assets lie in and around the Kamakhya Temple Complex, which are being under maintained and requires more attention. Increasing frequency on this religious sites has caused commercialization, which in an adverse way has changed the character of the place as well as erased the actual rituals and routes followed by the pilgrims. The site faces heavy tourist influx and requires proper management for the visitor. It is also important to maintain a balance between the visitors and the inhabitants who are facing issues on a larger basis and are on the verge of losing their culture and identity due to this infiltration. This thesis is mostly covers the identification of heritage resources, assessing their significance and present conditions, followed by important mitigation methods to improve the site. Along with tangible heritage assets, intangible heritage assets have also been looked into. Understanding the history, rituals and old practices mentioned in the mythological texts, which has now lost connectivity and are stopped being practiced have been looked into. Revival methods for bringing back those practices and rituals is of an important concern. The present condition of the Sevait groups (communities) and the management system of the whole area requires due notice. This thesis is an attempt to look into the social, economical and political issues agitating in this priestly community and the present condition of conservation practices being carried on the site. The improper way of conserving the living temples might lead to shortening their life span. Attempt has been made to frame a conservation management plan for the site by keeping in mind all the issues that is and might impact adversely on the site.