The Central Government has officially stated that Mangarh Dham, a site of immense historical and emotional significance for the tribal community, isn't eligible to be declared a National Monument. This clarification was provided by the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written response to a question raised by RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal. The decision has sparked a significant political debate, with tribal leaders expressing deep disappointment and labeling the move as an insult to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives at the site.
Reasons for Ineligibility and Statutory Constraints
According to the response provided by Minister Shekhawat, the primary reason for the rejection is the extensive modern development and construction that has taken place at Mangarh Dham. The government argued that under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, a site must maintain its archaeological features, authenticity, and integrity to be declared a monument of national importance. Based on inspections of the site, it was observed that the large-scale modern changes have compromised these essential characteristics. Consequently, the government maintains that there is no pending proposal to grant it the status of a National Monument as it doesn't meet the statutory criteria defined in the 1958 legislation.
Political Backlash and Tribal Sentiments
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from MP Rajkumar Roat, who accused both the BJP and Congress of using the tribal community merely as a vote bank. Roat stated that thousands of tribals attained martyrdom at Mangarh Dham, yet no major political party has successfully advocated for its national recognition. He emphasized that the refusal to grant this status is a direct insult to the history and sacrifices of the tribal people, while mangarh Dham serves as a major spiritual and emotional center for tribals across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, with thousands gathering annually to pay their respects.
Historical Significance: The Jallianwala Bagh of Rajasthan
Mangarh Dham is historically revered as the Jallianwala Bagh of Rajasthan. 5 lakh Bhil tribals gathered on the Mangarh hill for a peaceful assembly. The British colonial police opened fire on the gathering, resulting in the massacre of approximately 1,500 tribals. This tragic event remains a cornerstone of tribal identity and the freedom struggle in the region. Despite its historical weight, the current physical state of the site, according to the ministry, prevents it from receiving the official national monument designation.
Conflicting Recommendations and Local Perspectives
Interestingly, the National Monuments Authority (NMA) had previously recommended national status for the site. On July 6, 2022, the then Chairman of NMA, Tarun Vijay, submitted a report to the then Minister of State for Culture, Arjun Meghwal, recommending that Mangarh Hill be declared a National Monument. The report included relevant details and justifications for the status. However, the current stance of the ministry contradicts that recommendation. On the other hand, Mahant Ramchandra Maharaj of Mangarh Dham expressed a different concern, stating that while the site is a center of faith for tribals in three states, granting it National Monument status might lead to administrative restrictions that could cause problems for the local community and their traditional practices.