Patna: Expanding its footprint in Bihar, heritage body INTACH has opened its new chapter in silk city Bhagalpur, a move that is likely to boost efforts to document and preserve old building and landmarks in the historic city. Headquartered in New Delhi, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), a non-profit organisation established in 1984, besides the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), works on protection, conservation and promotion of tangible and intangible heritage, through its nearly 190 chapters spread across the country in various cities.
“Yes, we have formally opened our Bhagalpur Chapter and it has generated a tremendous response from people, especially students. We held the inauguration programme on December 19 at a school there and, we now hope that our efforts to save and document old buildings would gather momentum in Bhagalpur,” INTACH Bihar Chapter Convener, Prem Sharan told PTI.
Bhagalpur city, headquarters of the eponymous district, is dotted with ancient temples of both Hindu and Jain religions, centuries-old Islamic ‘khanquahs’ (hospices) and palaces, and British-era buildings and graveyards.
Being an important city of Bengal and later of Bihar after creation of Bihar & Orissa province in 1912, it has old city landmarks like Town Hall, Collectorate, Bhagalpur Central Jail, old police stations, schools and colleges, and the historic Ghantaghar, a clock tower built in dedication to King Edward VII of Britain.
“Bhagalpur as a city and the district in general falls in the area that has been mythically called the region of the Anga Kingdom. Its ‘Tassar Silk’ is famous the world over, lending the city its nickname.
“Besides the sartorial legacy, the district has its cultural richness in dance, folk songs, cuisine and as the place associated with many famous writers and personalities. And, now INTACH’s new chapter will strengthen our cultural preservation endeavours,” Co-Convener of INTACH Bihar Chapter, Arun Kumar Prabhat, said.
INTACH’s Patna Chapter, established soon after the Trust’s inception in 1984, is one of the oldest in the country. Besides, the state capital, a new chapter was launched in Vaishali district in north Bihar earlier this year. The overall framework for the state is handled by the Bihar Chapter, which was formed a few years ago.
“After Bhagalpur, we are now eyeing Gaya and Sitamarhi. While in Sitamarhi, we have been able to gather good number of volunteers, and we are hopeful that in few months, we will reach the minimum volunteer-base of 25 people, needed to open a chapter. In Gaya, we still would have to work harder to collect the needed volunteers, but it’s on our radar,” Prabhat said.
