Remains of Historical Importance in Pratapgarh District, Rajasthan

I visited a wind farm site spread over two villages, Dalot and Raipur in Pratapgarh District in Southern Rajasthan. In fact, Pratapgarh is close to Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh and I stayed there for two days for my work. During the visit, on the first day itself, I noticed the remains of old buildings between two wind turbine locations and made up my mind to visit that area next day after completing my work. I spoke to Vinay, the Site Manager and he showed interest in joining me for this visit, as well.

In the afternoon on March 4, 2012, having got free from the official work, Vinay and I went to explore the area of the remains.  Notwithstanding the hot sun, we enjoyed this exercise. What we saw was broken parts of a number of structures. But it did not take much time to figure out the symmetry and magnificence of the layout. What is visible is indeed remarkably beautiful from any angle. The main building is an imposing structure although damaged. There are several structures that surround this building, all of them attractive despite the severe damage suffered over the years.

It is a pity no one has bothered to take care of this place. These villages are in the remote parts of the State untouched by development except for the ubiquitous cell phones. As I gathered from the locals, the main activity around is farming and that is of poppy! It has been a tradition that dates back to many centuries. The farmers have permission to grow these exotic plants that produce quality opium. Pratapgarh can boast about its supremacy in the field of opium cultivation in the country!

Coming back to the remains and its surroundings, it is no more a sleepy state that one observes. It is bustling with activity; construction of a wind farm is in full swing. Heavy cranes erecting 85 m tall massive wind turbines, trucks and trailers ferrying men and material and earth moving equipment making roads and digging deep for wind mill foundations are a common sight. We have a good road access to this area now.

Vinay and I could not do much research in the limited time at hand. We took a few photographs. The villagers whom we met could not throw much light on the history and significance of the remains. Vinay who visits the wind farm under construction daily is busy with his work but I believe he will find time to explore further. Once the wind farm is complete the place will have a facelift automatically. I do hope Green Infra, the owner of the wind farm and Re-Gen Power, the turbine manufacturer and project developer will  look after this area and not only preserve it but also enhance its appeal.

I hope the District administration and the Archaeological Survey of India take note of these remains and take steps for restoration and preservation.