Date: May 28, 2023
In a surprising turn of events, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has listed an 8th-century Kutumbari temple, situated in the picturesque hills of Dwarahat in Almora district, as "lost" in their records. The ruins of this historic temple were reportedly discovered by the ASI in 2000, only to vanish mysteriously later, leading to its classification as a lost monument.
However, recent findings shed new light on the temple's fate. While the temple structure itself no longer stands as it once did, its remains have been repurposed and incorporated into the local homes scattered throughout the village.
Over time, the temple's architectural components became an integral part of the courtyards, verandahs, and even doors of the local residents, with some individuals even utilizing fragments of the ancient structure to construct their houses.
According to the Dehradun circle of the ASI, a survey conducted in 2000 documented the existence of the temple ruins. However, in the two decades that followed, the remnants gradually disappeared. In January of this year, the ASI officially declared the temple as lost, including it in a list of 50 missing monuments across India.
It has come to light that several houses in Dwarahat currently contain materials derived from the temple's architecture. ASI officials have identified at least half a dozen such homes, and there is a possibility that more structures within the village incorporate fragments of the ancient temple.
Manoj Kumar Saxena, the superintendent archaeologist of ASI, revealed that the temple was brought under the protection of the ASI on March 26, 1915, along with seven other temples. Records indicate that the temple was last mentioned in documentation compiled in 1957. However, during a subsequent survey conducted in 1964, minimal physical evidence of the temple could be found on the ground.
The discovery of the temple's remnants within local residences raises questions about the preservation and conservation of heritage sites. While the repurposing of ancient materials by villagers speaks to the temple's cultural significance and adaptability, it highlights the need for increased awareness and efforts to safeguard historical structures.
The ASI officials have expressed their intention to study and document the temple's remnants within the local homes to gain a deeper understanding of the original structure's architectural features and artistic elements.
The lost Kutumbari temple of Dwarahat serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and accommodating the evolving needs of communities. Efforts to raise awareness and promote responsible preservation practices are crucial to ensure the long-term conservation of such invaluable historical treasures.
Disclaimer: The above article is based on available information at the time of writing and may be subject to further updates and discoveries.