Author: Urvashi Srivastava, Principal Conservation Architect, Srijan Sanrakshan
While it is important that the conservation and protection provided to a place has to be on the basis of historic, archaeological, architectural and other values the sustainability of these measures has to be also ensured. Heritage tourism provides an avenue of providing sustenance to these valuable conservation efforts. Tourism not only provides the economic sustenance to these conservation programs but also becomes the raison d’etre once the community gains economically and recognizes the significance of heritage in gaining economic security. It restores a sense of pride among the community about the place.
The not so known settlement of Kumher was once part of the old state of Bharatpur and lies in between the historic towns of Bharatpur and Deeg in Rajasthan. In the heart of Kumher is situated the Pracheen Prasada complex and the Jal Mahal as the heritage nuclei of the historic town. Apart from theses main edifices there are the other ancillary heritage structures and not to forget the massive mud fortification walls set in the rural agricultural landscape that magically turns golden yellow with the flowering of the mustard crop. The Pracheen Prasad and the Jal Mahal in Kumher have been listed as buildings of historic significance and are protected by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Rajasthan.
The history of Kumher goes back to the early 18th century. This period saw the decline of the Mughal supremacy over its empire so much so that the Jat peasantry around Agra united to form a chieftain at Bharatpur. In order to check the growing influence of the Jats Jai Singh of Jaipur recognized the kingdom on behalf of the Mughal rulers in lieu of payment of regular tribute. Kishori Rani was one of the favourite wives of Suraj Mal (1756-63) a successor of Badan Singh one of the founding Jat Chiefs. It is said that Kishori Rani was a much respected figure by the aristocracy of the times and she commanded large resources as is evident by the large number of palaces, pavilions and other buildings constructed by her at Bharatpur, Deeg and Kumher. She was a great statesperson also. When Jat factions quarrelled she was the one to mediate. It was Kishori Rani who brokered peace between the warring factions of the Marathas and the Jats when Mahadji Sindhia in 1784 acting on behalf of the Mughal ruler Shah Alam II confiscated Bharatpur and Deeg. She persuaded Mahadji Sindhia not to annex Deeg on the defeat of the Jats after the Death of Suraj Mal.
It is believed that she moved to Kumher as the ascendant to the principality of Kumher. She built the Pracheen Prasad to facilitate her ascendancy. The Prasada is hence also locally known as Kishori Mahal. The Prasada was built complete with Gateways, Mud ramparts and bastions, Diwan-e- Aam and Diwan-e- Khas, Courts, cellars etc. A truly remarkable feature of this Palace was the Sheesh Mahal at the top of the building. The Jal Mahal was also built by Rani Kishori close to the Prasada in the center of the town.
Though the later Mughal period saw the degradation of art and architecture in general due to withdrawal of patronage of builders, it also saw a spurt in the building activity in neighbouring states. Bharatpur due to its proximity to Fatehpur Sikri and Agra, the focus of building activities in the Mughal period saw an age of opulent construction at Deeg, Bharatpur, Bayana and Kumher. The architecture of both the Pracheen Prasada and Jal Mahal is representative of the Bharatpur region and resembles the architectural style of the summer complex at Deeg. Whereas the Jal Mahal is richly carved and has a unity in concept the Pracheen Prasada is massive and robust and has been built like a fortified palcae complex. Kumher town apart from the Pracheen Prasada and the Jal Mahal has remains of other ancillary structures and the mud fortification walls some of which are still guarded by big cannons. Chamar Mata Temple near the Jal Mahal has a collection of old broken statues and building elements. Systematic exploration of ruins in the settlement would therefore throw more light on the archaeological significance of the place.
The historic town of Kumher with its architecturally beautiful buildings is uniquely located in one of the most popular tourism circuits – the golden triangle. Being situated at a distance of 15 km from Bharatpur, 17 km from Deeg and only 180 km from Delhi – a major international hub for tourists, the town has potential of being developed as a tourist destination. Deeg is famous for its stunningly beautiful gardens with colourful fountains, magnificent palaces and massive fortification walls and Bharatpur is popular for its bird sanctuary and the mighty Lohagarh fort with its palaces set within Mughal style gardens. Development of heritage tourism at Kumher can be vital in sustaining the conservation of the Pracheen Prasada and the Jal Mahal and more over of the historic town as a whole, thereby preventing the heritage properties from slipping back into their present state of neglect and misuse.
© 2020 Urvashi Srivastava
