Centuries-old British cemetery yet to find favour with state govt
The centuries-old British (Christian) cemetery of Kota, with cenotaphs and pyramidshaped graves, is vying for attention. For years, the conservationists have been asserting for its preservation and promotion as a heritage and ‘Cemetery Tourism’ site.
The unique thing about this Nayanpura cemetery is that the graves have no cross inscribed onit,something veryunlikelyin Christian cemeteries.
The cemetery houses 29 graves, including that of British political agent, Major Burton, and his two sons — Arthur Robers and Francis Clark. The trio was killed during the 1857 mutiny in Kota. Victoria Singh, a British-origin woman settled in Kota and treasurer of Kota Heritage Society, said: “The cemetery has great potential of being developed into a tourism site in Rajasthan as very rarely would you find graves in Indian architecture”, she said.
Singh informed that the land belongs to the government but the authorities have done nothing to conserve the site except allotting ₹5 lakh around a decade ago to raise the height of the boundary wall. “The sewage line from neighbouring households leads to the cemetery and garbage littering is rampant there. The government authorities must provide a maintenance budget for the cemetery and increase security ,” she said.
She said that Kota Heritage Society has spent around ₹ 7 lakh in last few years for painting, pavement construction and other works in the cemetery. The organization also arranges funds for upkeep and security. “However, there should be some efforts on part of the government to preserve the site. The cemetry came into existence in the year 1818 and is spread in more than 2 bighas of land,” she added.
The associate professor of commerce and management, University of Kota, Dr Anukrati Sharma, who is pursuing a research on ‘Dark tourism’ under UGC, said the British Cemetry of Nayapura is located in the heart of the Kota but it is goes unnoticed by most.
“Several descendents of British officers, who lie there, have visited the cemetery but it deserves to be visited by tourists from across the globe,” Sharma said, adding that the graveyard can be developed into a ‘dark tourism site’ as the place has emotions of grief and sorrow associated with it.
The last-known burial in the cemetery dates back to 1891. Aashayein – The Life Saviours, a social group working under the umbrella of JECRC foundation, organized a felicitation ceremony in honour of blood donors. Padma Bhushan DR Mehta, founder of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayta Samiti, and paralympian Devendra Jhajharia graced the occasion as special guests. Mehta inspired the youth with his words and said that if humanity is instilled in every student, they can build a beautiful world and create a bright future. Jhajharia encouraged the younger generation of donors to be positive and keep The Annual Sports Day of Jayshree Periwal High School was held on February 18 at Chitrakoot Stadium. The flag was unfurled by school director Dr Jayshree Periwal and the event started with the lighting of the torch and the oath-taking ceremony followed by a march past. A number of events such as yoga, drill, skating and parents’ and teachers’ races were organised as part of the event. The event culminated with a prize distribution ceremony. HTC