Case Study on Heritage Site Rudra Mahalaya
Submitted to
Universities Commerce & Management Teachers’ Association
(Gujarat State)
For
National Conference
On
“Sustainable Development in Business along with Societal Changes”
Organized by:
R. J. Tibrewal Commerce College,
Vastrapur, Ahmedabad
At
L.J. Institute of Management Studies, L.J. Campus,
Submitted by:
Dr. Siddhi Agrawal
I/C Principal & Assistant Professor,
Jafari Arts & Commerce College, Sedrana Square
Mo: 9824341049
Siddhi611@[Link]
Introduction:
UNESCO has included many Indian sites as heritage sites & world Heritage sites like
Khajuraho Temples (Madhya Pradesh) , Architecture of Hampi (Karnataka), Ajanta & Ellora
Caves (Maharashtra), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Sun Temple, Konark, (Odisha) Jantar Mantar, (Jaipur,
Rajasthan), Heritage City (Ahmedabad), World Heritage Site Rani ki Vav (Patan). These are the
few examples. There are many other Heritage sites which are still in existence and many our
archeological monuments are destroyed due to any riots or dispute wars. Still India is an Ocean
of History, Heritage & Culture. Just we need to take care of it & to preserve the same our
Archeological Department is taking too much pain. Resulting India is emerged with the
Historical Landmarks & has secured the special Space in UNESCO list. Our elderly has blessed
us with many legacy in way of our rich heritage & culture. Now it’s our responsibility to
preserve it & this will be the return to our elderly hard efforts.
Background:
Here we are discussing about all such sites which are having their own importance in
respective era. But due to the many unfavorable situations & circumstances this sites may get
destroyed are has lost its Identity or still standing with strong moral to preserve own identity but
they are really in a pathetic situation. Here study is to take focus on such Precious Monuments.
We can not take all such site so study is prepared for Specific Rudra Mahalaya Temple of
Sidhpur.
History of Sidhpur:
Sidhpur is a small town as well as Taluka Headquarter of Patan District Located at
northern part of Indian State Gujarat. This town is spelled as “Sidhpur” as well as “Siddhpur”. It
is located on the bank of Holy River Sarasvati. It is having its own Historical Importance and in
history it was known as “Sristhal” means a pious place. It is said that it is a place of Goddess
Laxami (also named as Shri) in the ancient time. This gradually changed to Sidhpur from the
name of former Emperor “Siddhraj Jayasimha” from the Solanki dynasty. At that time Patan was
called as Anhilpur Patan (on the name of Anhil Bharwad) and it was the capital of Gujarat.
Glory of Sidhpur:
Sidhpur is religious place for Hindus as it has rich lines of Temples, Kunds, Ashrams, &
other Pious Structures. Around in the 10th century it was pinnacle of Prominence & glory. In
Vedas Sidhpur is mentioned as Shristhal and from among the five holy lakes across in India one
is situated in Sidhpur named “Bindu Sarovar”. As per Hindu custom it is said that the obsequies
offering to the maternal ancestors must be performed at Sidhpur. Hence Sidhpur has a landmark
importance as “Matru Gaya” for “Matru Shraddh” this is the place where people come annually
to perform the rituals for their mothers. It is also said like Lord Parshuram performed “Matru
Shraddh” At Bindu Sarovar at KapilMuni Asharam. Apart from that, there are Swayambhu Lord
Shiva temples in India and Five of them are in Sidhpur. They are the most important worship
places during the Hindu month of Shravan.
Sidhpur is also famous for its traditional fair most popularly Camel Festival which took
place in the Month of Kartik (the first month of Hindu Calendar) between 11 th to 15th day of the
month. It is the duration of Full Moon. This fair is popular for buying and selling of livestock by
tribals of surrounding villages. Here Camel & Horses are decorated & also they organize
different race & competitions. This is the time only when the Temple of Kartik Swami is opens
for worship. During the fair local farmers brings a huge quantity of Sugarcane to the fair to sell.
This fair is full with all the color from Tradition to Handicraft.
This town is also an important place for Muslims and especially for Bohra Muslims.
Bohra Muslims spread all over the world and they have contributed significantly for the
development of Sidhpur. Their Old Havelis and Mansions are having remarkable flavor of
European architecture. Their area “Bohra Vad” is giving the essence of replica of European
residencies so it is also called as Paris of Gujarat. “Bohra Vad” is like a stroll through an
England replete with the lamp lighters at dusk. So enamored were they by the style & existence
of living in the 19th century Europe that as a sign of opulence and to gain respectability amongst
the community they tried to create a slice of Europe in their hometown. This, they did by
imitating the Victorian architecture. The facades are rich in variety and aesthetic expression with
intricate details in wood. Thus the living spaces of the Bohra community or the so-called “Bohra
Havelis” represent a nostalgic visual straight out of a Dickenson novel.
King Siddhraj built a glorious temple dedicated to Lord Shiva called as the ‘Rudra
Mahalaya’ in 12th century AD. The temple was an architectural wonder with a three-storied
“shikhara”, 1600 pillars, 12 entrance doors, central “Mandapa” and porches on east, north and
south and chamber in west. Around the temple, there were 11 shrines of Rudra. The eastern gate
was decorated with beautifully carved “Toran”, with a flight of steps leading to the Saraswati
River. The ornamentation of the temple was enthusiastic as shown by the elaborate and detailed
carvings of the pillars and the beautiful Toran, which are the only remains of the temple today.
Present Scenario of Sidhpur:
Sidhpur is a peaceful city with the total population of 61,867 as per Census 2011, people
of sidhpur are well educated. Here literacy rate is 84.04% which is higher than the Patan District
of 72.3% and of Gujarat 78. 03%. Here sex ratio is quite mentained and it is 863, which is quite
less than required rate 930. For further information is compiled in below Tables.
Sidhpur Municipality + Outgrowth
As per the Population Census 2011 data, following are some quick facts about Sidhpur
Municipality + Outgrowth.1
Total Male Female
Children 7,135 3,829 3,306
Literacy 84% 79.90% 68.40%
Scheduled Caste 5,845 3,027 2,818
Scheduled Tribe 1,353 716 637
Illiterate 15,869 6,453 9,416
Caste-wise Population - Sidhpur
Schedule Caste (SC) constitutes 9.4% while Schedule Tribe (ST) were 2.2% of total population
in Sidhpur.2
1
Census 2011 Data - [Link]
2
Census 2011 Data - [Link]
Total Male Female
Schedule Caste 5,845 3,027 2,818
Schedule Tribe 1,353 716 637
Religion-wise Population – Sidhpur
As per the Census 2011, the total Hindu population in Sidhpur is 50,568 which is 81.74% of the
total population. Also the total Muslim population in Sidhpur is 10,911 which is 17.64% of the
total population. Below is religion-wise population of Sidhpur as per Census 2011.3
Religion Total Male Female
Hindu 50,568 81.74% 26,407 24,161
Muslim 10,911 17.64% 5,453 5,458
Christian 86 0.14% 41 45
Sikh 89 0.14% 43 46
Buddhist 9 0.01% 4 5
Jain 176 0.28% 88 88
Other Religion 4 0.01% 2 2
No Religion Specified 24 0.04% 16 8
Tourism of Sidhpur:
Sidhpur is popular as pilgrimage “Matru Gaya Tirth” where Hindus offer “Tarpan” to
their maternal ancestors to clear the debt of Mother as We never realise the importance of a
3
Census 2011 Data - [Link]
mother until she leaves for the heavenly abode. They also visit for Shraddh Karma. Mostly
people visit during the Kartik,Shravan, & Shraddh Pax as per Hindu calendar.
Iconic Rudra Mahalaya:
Sidhpur was under the ruling of the kings of Chaulukya Dynasty and it was well-known
town during 10th century. In this 10th century in year 943 AD MulaRaja was the first and founder
of Chaulukya dynasty who started creation of Rudra Mahalaya Temple. The story behind the
construction is like: in his young age Muldev had murdered his maternal uncle, seized his throne
and killed the whole of his Mother’s family, due to this crimes his mind was hanged up heavily.
So, he decided to Construct the Rudra Mahalay to reduce his sin. He passed his kingdom to his
son ChamundaRaja and focused on the construction of Rudra Mahalaya to end his days in their
company from 996 AD but it was incomplete and get finished in work, till 1140 AD. There are
many more beliefs are prevailing regarding the creations as per different tinkers of that time.
Image of Original Rudra Mahalay.
The original temple, completed in 1140 to lavish magnitude with extensive
ornamentation, consisted of a roof measuring 32 feet (9.8 m), much larger than the Abu Temple.
Its overall dimensions were 300 by 230 feet (91 m × 70 m) with the central building 150 feet
(46 m) in length.4 It was a triple storied temple with 1,600 pillars, 12 entrance doors, and 11
shrines of Rudra positioned around it. The sanctum was located on the west and there was also
a “Mandapa” or hall which had porches on the eastern, northern, and southern wings. Today only
a few bits and pieces of this complex are seen, such as two "Toranas" (porches) and four pillars.
One "Torana" is elaborately ornamented; the eastern gate which leads to the Saraswati River still
stands; the remaining pillars have highly ornamented carvings. Kirti Torana of North has
survived. The western part of complex converted into the congregation mosque is also there.
Dispute with Rudra Mahalaya History:
The Temple was destroyed by the army of Alauddin Khilji for the first time in 1296 AD.
He send Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan who first time destroyed the Temple Complex and further
it was destroyed by Ahmed Shah 1 and Muzaffarid dynasty during 1414 to 1415 AD which was
and it was with their possession from 1410 to 1444. They have converted the western part of the
Temple into Mosque also called as Jama Masjid.
Actual Cases of Rudra Mahalaya from Independence up to now:5
At the dawn of independence in 1947 sidhpur was in territory of Baroda which was ruled
by Maratha Gayakwads. At that time complex consisting of the mosque and the remnants of the
temple as a monument of historical importance. Subsequently, by virtue of an agreement
between the Trustees and the Archaeological Survey of India on 31st March, 1954, the mosque
was declared as a national monument and its maintenance and protection were taken over by the
Archaeological Survey of India. One of the terms of this agreement was that the mosque would
continue to be used by the Muslims for offering prayers.
The Trustees of the Jama Masjid, however, became dissatisfied with the Archaeological
Survey which, they complained, was not doing its duty towards maintenance of the mosque.
Subsequently, continues the Report, a dispute arose between the Trustees of the mosque and the
officials of the Archaeological Department with regard to the maintenance of the mosque as
4
Sastri, Kallidaikurichi Aiyah Nilakanta; Congress, Indian History (1907). A Comprehensive
History of India. Orient Longmans. ISBN 978-81-7304-561-5.
5
[Link]
according to the Trustees, necessary repairs to the mosque were not being carried out by the
Archaeological Department and the mosque was in danger of falling down. These disputes led to
some litigation in the High Court which, however, ended in a compromise. An undertaking was
given by the Archaeological Department in terms of the compromise that they would carry out
the necessary repairs to the mosque. It is alleged that the undertaking was not given effect to and
this resulted in further litigation which again ended in a compromise. Under the fresh
compromise terms, the Archaeological Department again gave an undertaking to carry out the
repairs of the mosque and also to lay out a garden in the courtyard of the mosque. Unfortunately,
this compromise again did not bring about a final settlement between the Trustees of the mosque
and the Archaeological Department. According to the Muslims, the Archaeological Survey of
India, instead of carrying out repairs to the mosque, started digging operations which exposed the
relics of the temples and also the rich sculptural carvings on the two wings of the mosque. These
exposures appear to have attracted the attention of the Hindus and they demanded that not only
should these ancient temple relics be preserved but that the mosque should also no longer be
used by the Muslims for offering prayers or they may also be allowed to worship the Siva Linga
discovered during the excavations within the premises of the mosque.
The Minorities Commission came into the picture on October 4, 1979 when it received a
letter from the Trustees of the mosque, conveying the apprehensions of the Muslims of Sidhpur
that the Hindus were trying to usurp the Jama Masjid. The letter from the Trustees reported: On
the 6th September, 1979, one Yogeshwar Dutt had illegally led a huge crowd into the mosque
and instigated them to usurp it. He again entered the mosque on 2nd October, 1979 and
demanded that Namaz in the Jama Masjid should be stopped and also incited the Hindus to
demolish the mosque. The Commission referred the matter to the Director General of the
Archaeological Survey of India and called for a report.
But before the Commission could receive a reply from the Survey, Begum Ayesha
Sheikh, MLA, of the Gujarat Assembly wrote to the Chairman, Minorities Commission about the
threats to which the local Muslims were being continually subjected by the majority community
and especially the Jan Sangh and the RSS elements for their use of the Jama Masjid and that this
had created a serious communal tension in the town. The Commission wrote to the Government
of Gujarat on December 7, 1979 and asked for a factual report. On 16th January, 1980, says the
Commission’s Report, Government of Gujarat denied any RSS hand in the demand of the local
Hindus for conversion of the Jama Masjid at Sidhpur into a temple as alleged. The State
Government further reported that the dispute between the Muslims and the Hindus about the use
of the Jama Masjid had been going on for quite some time past and that the local police and State
Government were aware of the situation. They also assured the Commission that there was no
possibility of any communal trouble at Sidhpur.
A Hindu-Muslim riot, however, broke out at Sidhpur on March 14, 1980 and took some
toll of limbs and property. The critical stage, records the Commission, was reached on 14th
March, 1980, when a group of Hindus led by a local Sadhu started Bhajans at the
Rudramahalaya. At about 10.00 A.M. a group of boys started closing shops and people started
coming towards the Rudramahalaya. Everything was peaceful till the Muslims started
assembling for their Namaz around 1.00 P.M. By 1.15 P.M. both Bhajans and Namaz were going
on simultaneously. According to reports, some Muslims from the houses adjoining the
Rudramahalaya started throwing stones on the Hindus. The Hindus retaliated. By this time about
800 to 900 Hindus and about 300 to 400 Muslims had collected. The police, anticipating trouble,
was on the spot along with the Taluka Magistrate. They burst teargas shells to disperse the
crowd. The Muslims who had to pass through Hindu localities before reaching their houses, were
stoned by the Hindus from housetops and lanes. Six shops were forced open and looted. Two of
them belonged to the Hindus. The jeep of the Mamalatdar was also burnt and the Mamalatdar
himself also sustained some minor injuries due to the stone throwing. In all 72 persons sustained
injuries during the incident on the 14th March, 1980. The situation was brought under control by
2.15 P.m. Curfew was immediately imposed and the situation at Sidhpur remained peaceful for
some time barring some minor incidents.
Begum Ayesha Sheikh again wrote to the Commission on March 28, 1980, reporting the
communal trouble that had broken out on March 14. She also mentioned that the State
Government had been deliberately trying to play down the gravity of the incident and, therefore,
any report submitted by the State Government would not be fair and impartial. She, therefore,
requested that instead of asking for a report from the State Government the Minorities
Commission itself should undertake an on-the-spot inquiry into the incidents.
But before the Commission could decide what to do, another round of Hindu-Muslim
riots took place at Sidhpur on April 8, 1980. However again on the 8th April, 1980, records the
Commission, at about 11.45 A.M. one Muslim was assaulted by three Hindus as a result of
which two Hindus were stabbed by the Muslims. Incidents of assault took place thereafter in
different parts of the town. Curfew was imposed on the 8th April, 1980, and 42 persons were
arrested. On April 14, nine important Muslim representatives including one Member of
Parliament met the Chairman and handed over a memorandum on the dispute and requested the
Commission to visit Sidhpur.
Current Status:
Currently Rudra Mahalay is with the possession of Sidhpur Police. One of their officers
is taking care of Complex round the clock. But not a single civilian is allowed to enter in the
boundary gate. It is just a grilled boundary with one gate which is open from front and easily one
can view the “Torans” from outside. Two sides of the Rudra Mahalaya it’s a small roads (Galli)
towards residency and on one side it is pack. As we see from outside we can see the unyielding
damage none of the structure is complete somewhere it is broken faces or broken hands/legs etc.
but it is visible, and after such a brutal incidence the Rudra Mahalaya is still alive and it is the
bystander for the Glorious past and tragic today.
Rumors prevailing with Rudra Mahalaya:
There are many rumors are prevailing with the historical Monument of Rudra Mahalaya.
Local citizen are telling new stories for the architecture excellent. This place is in between the
residential area of Sidhpur and an open place but still it is abandoned. Local citizens say that
more than 250 people were killed and case is undergo with Supreme Court so no one is allowed
to visit this disputed place. It is directly connected with the religious issue so often no one initiate
interfere the matter. Police officers are strictly instructed for no photography. In two temples
sometime localities are performing worships but still fencing with jute rope is done so that no
one can enter the premises. It may be because the broken idols of Lord Shiva & Goddesses may
harm the religious sentiments. Now days, none of the Hindus or Muslims are going to the place,
either for Worship or Namaj of Jumma.
Views of Local Citizens:
Local citizen of Sidhpur are always says the story of iconic Rudra Mahalaya but after it is
taken over by Muslims and as now it is in dispute between Muslim leaders, no one is taking
interest in this heritage. At the time when Rani ki Vav was listed as World Heritage Site they
thought of the Heritage of the city but as due to religious matter they consider it as a sensitive
issue because the same thing happened in past as well.
Scope for UNESCO Heritage Sites:
Recently The United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
has revised its list and added many Indian Historical Monuments & Archeological Excellences in
the list of Heritage Sites which gives the place as well as city. This list gives the city an
importance at the world level. Recently very nearby city or we can say Sidhpur District place
Patan’s Rani ki Vav was declared as world Heritage Site & not only this after the declaration
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has printed the replica of Rani ki Vav on 100 Rs. (INR) Currency
note so it is obvious that we need to take care of all Heritage site as all are important.
Government Involvement:
Many positive and negative things are discussed during the study but it is most important
what the output is? When we go into the deep of the current cases and pleadings courts has wind
up the cases related to Rudra Mahalaya. Government is not taking much interest in this matter
because now it is case sensitive; every party is playing their own politics for the Heritage of
Sidhpur. If they favor Rudra Mahalaya as a Temple they will lose the vote bank of Muslims and
if they favor Jama Masjid they will lose the vote of Hindus. Moreover to this there may be the
situation of communal riots as earlier. Resulting the government keeps mum on this Monument.
Questions to be answered:
In the nutshell after discussing all factors related to Sidhpur as well as Rudra Mahalaya
(Rudramal) questions are:
1) which are the things that we can do for Rudra Mahalaya?
2) We the Citizen of India can’t do anything for this National Heritage Site?
3) Should the people of Sidhpur need to take Initiative?
4) What Government needs to do?
5) How can we revoke the party Politics from such matter of Pride?
6) Isn’t it OUR duty to be Unite in this issue?
References:
1. Alexander Kinloch Forbes (1856). Râs Mâlâ: Or, Hindoo Annals of the Province of
Goozerat, in Western India. Richardson Bros. p. 195.
2. Burgess; Murray (1874). "The Rudra Mala at Siddhpur". Photographs of Architecture
and Scenery in Gujarat and Rajputana. Bourne and Shepherd. p. 19. Retrieved 23
July 2016.
3. "Figure sculpture from the Rudra Mala at Siddhapur". Online Gallery of British Library.
Retrieved 8 April 2016.
4. Patel, Alka (2004). "Architectural Histories Entwined: The
Rudra-Mahalaya/Congregational Mosque of Siddhpur, Gujarat". Journal of the Society
of Architectural Historians. University of California Press. 63(2): 144–
163. doi:10.2307/4127950. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
5. "Rudra Mahalaya Temple Sidhpur Patan District Gujarat". Official website of Gujarat
Tourism. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
6. "Ruined Rudra Mahalaya Temple, Siddhapur". Online Gallery of British Library.
Retrieved 8 April2016.
7. Sastri, Kallidaikurichi Aiyah Nilakanta; Congress, Indian History (1907). A
Comprehensive History of India. Orient Longmans. ISBN 978-81-7304-561-5.
8. "Sidhpur". Official website of Gujarat Tourism. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
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