Kelibagh Temples Complex: Nagpur’s Forgotten Heritage
- thenewsdirt
- Feb 8
- 4 min read
Nagpur, a city known for its rich past, holds within its bounds structures that speak of an era long gone. Among them, the Kelibagh Temple Complex stands as a silent witness to a history that is slowly fading from collective memory.
Built in the 18th century, this group of temples has seen the rise and fall of rulers, the passage of time, and the encroachment of modernity.
However, its significance remains largely overlooked. While scholars and historians have attempted to document its details, the lack of attention from authorities and the public alike has left it in a state of neglect.
The temples, hidden behind the commercial bustle of Nagpur’s Mahal area, form an architectural ensemble that speaks volumes about the craftsmanship and devotion of the period.
Constructed during the rule of the Bhonsle dynasty, these temples once stood as grand markers of faith and artistic expression.
Today, their very existence is under threat, not from the elements alone but from human interference.
What was once a space of reverence now sees its sanctity compromised, with parts of the complex repurposed for mundane activities. The contrast between its past and present tells a story that few have cared to listen to.
A Legacy Carved in Stone
Established in 1791, the Kelibagh Temple Complex owes its origins to the Bhonsle rulers who shaped much of Nagpur’s early development.
The temples within the complex were built under the patronage of King Raghuji II and his queen, Bakabai, a name often associated with acts of religious and cultural patronage in the region.
Their architectural style, though rooted in Maratha traditions, also showcases influences drawn from diverse artistic expressions of the time. Intricately carved spires, finely sculpted deities, and weathered but still striking pillars all hint at the care and skill invested in their creation.
Among the various shrines within the complex, the Lakshminarayana temple stands out for its detailed carvings and religious importance.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it remains an example of the fusion of devotion and artistry. Other temples within the precincts house idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Hanuman, deities whose presence would have once drawn a steady stream of devotees.
While the grandeur of these temples may have faded with time, their foundations remain, reminding those who pass by of a history that refuses to be completely erased.
Architectural scholars have noted the intricate work in the temple domes and corridors, elements that reflect the cultural and religious influences of their time. The inscriptions found on some of the temple walls provide insights into the beliefs and practices of the period.
Unlike grand temple complexes in other parts of India that receive attention from conservationists and tourists alike, these structures have largely been left to their fate. Despite their historical significance, little effort has been made to preserve the details that make them unique.
Encroachment and Neglect
For years, the temples remained obscured from public sight, hidden behind layers of unauthorised construction and urban expansion.
Shops, storage facilities, and other structures came up around them, turning sacred spaces into commercial hubs. It was only when a road-widening project was initiated that the temples became visible again.
However, this visibility did not bring the recognition one might expect. Instead, it highlighted the extent of damage and neglect they had suffered over the decades.
Parts of the temple premises have been used for storage, their sanctity giving way to more practical purposes.
In some places, newer constructions lean against the ancient walls, adding further strain to already weakened structures. With every passing year, the original features of the temples become harder to distinguish, lost beneath layers of damage and disregard.
Efforts to remove encroachments have been slow, hindered by bureaucratic delays and a lack of prioritisation.
The widening of Kelibagh Road may have removed some of the barriers to visibility, but it has also exposed the extent of deterioration.
Cracks in the temple walls, missing sections of carved stone, and makeshift repairs with modern materials stand as stark reminders of what happens when heritage is not valued. The loss is not just architectural but cultural, as each defaced sculpture or broken pillar takes away a part of the story these temples were meant to tell.
Documenting the Past
Amidst the indifference, there have been attempts to ensure that these temples are not lost entirely to history. Scholars such as Dr Cathleen Cummings from the University of Alabama at Birmingham have taken it upon themselves to document the remaining structures before they vanish completely.
Her work, focused on identifying and recording Nagpur’s lesser-known temples, aims to preserve their details for future generations.
Dr Cummings has not only studied the architectural aspects of the Kelibagh temples but has also compiled detailed records, including GPS coordinates, to create a heritage map of the city’s sacred spaces.
Through her research, she has highlighted the contributions of the Bhonsle dynasty to temple architecture and has brought attention to the importance of recognising these places as historical landmarks.
Her findings indicate that the Kelibagh Temple Complex is one of the few surviving examples of the city’s temple-building traditions from the 18th century.
Despite such documentation efforts, the reality remains unchanged. Knowledge alone cannot prevent the physical degradation of these temples. Without direct intervention, the complex may continue to deteriorate, its once-sacred halls reduced to mere footnotes in history.
The challenge lies not just in recording what remains but in ensuring that these structures are valued for what they represent.
The Kelibagh Temple Complex is a reminder of a time when religious and artistic expression flourished in Nagpur.
Its gradual disappearance reflects a larger pattern seen across many heritage sites that fail to receive the attention they deserve. As its walls continue to crumble, so too does a piece of history that few may remember in the years to come.
References
Cummings, C. (n.d.). Saving sacred architecture in Nagpur, India. University of Alabama at Birmingham. Retrieved from https://www.uab.edu/news/arts/item/10034-saving-sacred-architecture-in-nagpur-india
Times of India. (2023, March 9). 232-yr-old heritage temple complex in use as godown; shops built. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/232-yr-old-heritage-temple-complex-in-use-as-godown-shops-built/articleshow/98501963.cms
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