UP's Grand Mahabharat Circuit Receives Major Boost with Sitharaman's Archaeological Development Plan
In a significant move for cultural and religious tourism, the Uttar Pradesh government's ambitious Mahabharat Circuit has received a substantial fillip with the Centre's announcement to develop 15 archaeological sites across the country as experiential cultural destinations. Among these sites is Hastinapur in Meerut district, a location deeply embedded in the epic Mahabharata as the capital of the Kuru dynasty.
Budget Announcement Paves Way for Enhanced Heritage Tourism
During her Budget speech on Sunday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined plans to transform these archaeological sites into immersive destinations. The initiative will involve opening excavated landscapes to the public through curated walkways and introducing advanced storytelling technologies. Immersive storytelling skills and technologies will be introduced to help conservation labs, interpretation centres, and guides, Sitharaman stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to preserving and promoting India's rich cultural heritage.
Hastinapur: A Key Pillar in the Mahabharat Circuit
Hastinapur, one of the earliest urban settlements of ancient India, holds immense historical and religious significance. With this development, it is poised to become a central hub in UP's Mahabharat Circuit, which spans seven districts associated with the Hindu epic. While Sarnath in Varanasi, another UP site on the list, is already part of the Buddhist Circuit, Hastinapur's inclusion marks a strategic step forward for the state's religious tourism efforts.
Officials believe that packaging these sites as a cohesive heritage circuit with structured routes and interpretation will significantly enrich visitor experience. Hastinapur has the potential to attract not only tourists but also pilgrims, as the region is believed to house several Mahabharata-era temples and landmarks, including:
- Vidur Tila: A prominent mound traditionally associated with Vidura from the Mahabharata, suitable for interpretation through story panels and guided walks.
- Pandeshwar Temple and other Shiva shrines closely linked with local traditions from the epic.
- Draupadi Ghat along the Ganga, associated with Mahabharata traditions, with plans to enhance access, seating, lighting, and heritage walks.
- Digambar Jain Prachin Bada Mandir Complex, making Hastinapur a key Jain pilgrimage centre in North India.
- Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, offering integrated nature experiences like birding and river ecology awareness.
- Shringi Rishi Ashram in Parikshitgarh, expanding the narrative beyond the core town as a spiritual and learning-oriented stop.
Recent State Initiatives and Funding
The Uttar Pradesh government has already taken proactive steps to bolster this circuit. Recently, it allocated Rs 4 crore to develop Kampilya in Farrukhabad district, considered the birthplace of Draupadi and the capital of the Panchala kingdom. Additionally, Rs 1 crore was allotted for integrated tourism development at Hastinapur, Rs 2 crore for Shringi Ashram, and Rs 1 crore for works at Jhadkandhi Shiva Temple in Parikshitgarh.
Expanding the Mahabharat Circuit Across UP
The Mahabharat Circuit extends beyond Hastinapur to include various districts with deep connections to the epic:
- Keechakvadh Sthal in Hamirpur district, associated with the slaying of warrior Keechaka.
- Ahichchhatra in present-day Ramnagar, Aonla, a major kingdom ruled by King Nipura, an ally of the Kauravas.
- Gonda and Sangam area near Prayagraj, linked to the exile and wanderings of the Pandavas.
- Handia town in Prayagraj, associated with the Pandavas' exile and the Lakshagraha episode.
- Barnava in Baghpat and Kampilya in Farrukhabad, both tied to the Pandavas' exile.
- Kaushambi, considered the capital of the Kurus after Hastinapur's fall.
- Vidur Kuti in Bijnor district, where Vidura spent his later years in exile.
- Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, the divine guide of the Pandavas.
This comprehensive development plan aims to leverage archaeology, faith, and nature to create a transformative tourism experience, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a premier destination for heritage enthusiasts and pilgrims alike.
