India is a land with deep-rooted history. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the
country is covered with various historical monuments. Even the modernized form
of India is under the deep influence of history. The history of our country
dates back to 325 B.C. when Hindu dynasties used to rule this place. The
country has been a witness to various kingdoms like Mauryas, Chalukyas, Cholas,
Pallavas, Pandayas, Rajputs, Marathas, Guptas, Mughals and then the British
Empire
Dynasties after
dynasties, it is no surprise that each ruler had built a few forts to show his
succession, resulting into a large assortment of historical monuments in India.
These monuments are the silent witness of previous era.
Each ruler had his own
taste and thus every monument is different from the other. Mughals had a
certain style in architecture as they belonged to a Muslim dynasty. Similarly,
Rajputs had a complete different sense being a Hindu dynasty. In return, India
has earned a rich cultural and architectural heritage.
British people for their
own convenience built a lot of buildings in India which are the finest examples
of modern architecture. Though they gave us a lot, historical monuments were
ruled by them in a ruthless way. Indians have emotional feelings attached to
all these monuments and wanted them to be free from the shackles of British.
British ruled the
country for almost 200 years. For this long period, there was continuous
struggle to make the country free from their strong clutches. Indians wanted
freedom to enjoy their own cultural heritage rather than living at the mercy of
British people. But what after 63 years of independence, are Indians really
enjoying their cultural heritage?
Every monument in India
has a long history attached to it but does anyone know about it is the real
question. Indians attained freedom but their minds are still under the deep
influence of westernization. Indians will go visit other countries and study
about them being ignorant from their own history. Today, monuments are mere
picnic spots and no one is interested in their history.
Old Fort in Delhi, once
built to provide security to the city from outside invaders has been merely
reduced to a dating place. One visits this place and finds couples
chit-chatting under the shade of trees. People go to these places for family
picnics and litter eatables. The real sense of these historical places has lost
in the contemporary times. The struggle of freedom fighters seems worthless.
Taj Mahal is known for
its impeccable image. It was one of the wonders of the world. Its marble is
turning black day by day due to the increasing population in the city of Agra
but no one cares.
The Government of India
takes hardly any measures for the preservation and maintenance of these
monuments. Urban life is evolving at a fast pace around these monuments leading
to their decay. There is a huge lack of appreciation towards heritage.
Government considers it to be the responsibility of the public and vice-versa.
Various organisations
are working towards the goal of the maintenance of these buildings but one has
to understand that it is a collective responsibility.
Today, the question is
that even after 63 years of independence, people are not free in their
thinking. The heritage of the country is not the property of the Government but
it belongs to every individual equally. One must think about it in a deeper
sense and should realize its importance. People from various parts of the world
are so keen to know about the history of India and its monuments then why the
countrymen are so negligent about it?
Is it the lack of love
for one’s own country or a lure towards westernization?
