International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET) Volume 8, Issue 5, May 2017, pp. 1353 1359, Article ID: IJCIET_08_05_145 Available online at http://www.ia aeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?jtype=ijciet&vtyp pe=8&itype=5 ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316 IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed REINVIGORATING THE PARIKRAMA CIRCUIT OF AN ANCIENT HERITAGE CITY: MATHURA Sunaina Kapoor Assistant Professor, Lovely School of Architecture and Design, Lovely Professional University, Punjab. Partha Sakha Chakraborty Professor, Lovely School of Architecture and Design, Lovely Professional University, Punjab. ABSTRACT Parikrama is a religious ritual which involves circuit of travel to a single or multiple destinations, which may be pilgrimages like temple or any structure of religious sentiments, in one, go. In the previous times, prikrama used to solidify the religious sentiment and cultural beliefs practiced by people. In India at present time, with the changing trends and needs of the society the essence of sparikrama has evolved tangibly and intangibly. The intention of the journey apart from religious sentiments has added value to other social ethical and tourism aspect which in turn plays significant role in driving the economy and other dominant factors which play significant role in development of the city. Mathura, situated on the right bank of river Yamuna, has been recognized as the oldest living city after Varanasi (Kashi) and Rome in the world. The city has been incorporated in one of the 12 cities which have been identified under HRIDAY to have planned development due to its rich and diverse historical context which, in the fast development of the city, needs to be studied and analyzed so that the uniqueness of the city is handled sensibly as responsible designers.(hriday rejuvinating the soul of India)The approach of the study is to develop a parikrama circuit respecting the uniqueness of the city. Key words: Mathura, Heritage, Tourism, Economy, Parikrama, Culture, Ancient city. Cite this Article: Sunainaa Kapoor and Partha Sakha Chakraborty Reinvigorating The Parikrama Circuit of An Ancient Heritage City: Mathura. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 8(5), 2017, pp. 1353 1359. http://www.iaeme.com/ijci IET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=8&ITy ype=5 http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/index.asp 1353 editor@iaeme.com
Reinvigorating The Parikrama Circuit of An Ancient Heritage City: Mathura 1. IDENTIFICATION OF CASE STUDY NEED OF THE STUDY The aim of the study is to derive a parikrama circuit in the city with solutions to the existing urban infrastructure, conserving the heritage and strengthening the economy and social aspects of the city. The study is primarily based on knowing about the city profile, urban fabric, land-use pattern, socio economic trend, culture, and about the case examples to derive comparative issues and solutions. The primary concern of the study is to develop an understanding of characteristics of the city fabric, to derive solutions and help glorify the past, catering present without compromising tomorrow of an ancient city. Strengthening the existing traditional practice- Parikrama, resolving issues at various levels. As tourism has a direct impact on the boost of gross domestic product, this will have direct impact on the economy strengthening by economy flowing in primary secondary and tertiary sectors preventing the drain of economy outside the country, improving the standard of living for the native people. The compilation focuses on the identification of a parikrama circuit on the bases of heritage, religious belief, urban infrastructure, tourism, cultural values integrated all together to sustain the city gracefully with the passing time. The study, on the basis of literature study, analyzes the potential of the city and binds them together to bring a solution. The compilation identifies the circuit based on the secondary sources, literature and case studies, adapted to further analyze and conclude with a proposed parikrama circuit, with respect to the religious, heritage, conservation, urban infrastructure, tourism. 2. INTRODUCTION 2.1. Regional setting Mathura being one of the prime destinations for pilgrimage caters dominant floating population with highlights on river Yamuna where Vrindavan and Goverdhan are the basic vicinity. The national Highway and railway junction moving along splitting the area of Mathura region, create an accessibility corridor in all the four directions. The city hold a significant role as per its location and transport modes (Railways, National Highways) connecting major cities and states-delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan. The city is located 140 km south east of Delhi and 60km North West of Agra, covering an area of about 3,800sq.km. It can be divided into two distinct units-the eastern part in TRANS-YAMUNA TRACT and the WESTERN BNAK of the YAMUNA. Figure 1 State: Uttar Pradesh Figure 2 District: Mathura Figure 3 Tehsils: Chhata, Mat, Mathura, Mahavan http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/index.asp 1354 editor@iaeme.com
Sunaina Kapoor and Partha Sakha Chakraborty 3. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE CITY Mathura holds a diverse culture and historical background of different invasions, situated along right bank of river Yamuna. The birthplace to lord Krishna is pilgrim to Buddhists and Jains alike. Being one of the affluent trade city Yamuna served as a navigation channel.the Mathura school of art under the reign of Mauryas which witnessed sculptures made out of terracotta and paintings. Vishram ghat is the place where Lord Krishna rested after killing Kansa and the Ghats serves as the start and end point of the parikrama. Jami Masjid along with Krishna bhumi built under reign of Aurangzeb lies along with Krishna Bhumi. Mathura District is one of the most important districts of India in Terms of Both Destination and Transit of people as also for the transit of the goods. This established the centrality of Mathura City. The district is bound by state Rajasthan to its west, Haryana to its North. 3.1. Identification of Parikrama Routes in and Along Mathura Mathura parikrama: The parikrama covers 24 temples on the periphery of the old city; the distance covered is 18 km and is done on Akshay Naumi.Milestone and pavers are marked for the ease of the people. The parikrama starts and ends at Vishram ghat. Antargriha Parikrama: The parikrama covers the 20 temples within the vicinity of old city, covering 3km with start and end point at Vishram ghat. Braj Mandal Parikrama: Devotes experience 12 forests and 24 groves over time period of one month. This parikrama is done during Bhadon rainy month. 3.2. Existing Parikrama Circuit The parikrama has religious context and covers all the spots which hold religious sentiments for the visitors from within Mathura and from nearby locations. The existing parikrama route caters the needs of the people in reference to need of the devotees. The parikrama route remains active in few months of the whole year, and draws dominantly local tourists and partially foreign tourists during 3 months of the year. The parikrama Circuit is not branded or marketed at global platform through government tourism portal. Infrastructure development along the parikrama circuit is not meeting the requirements of the visitors and people living along the area, in terms of services-sewerage, Waste disposal, etc. Figure 4 The Mathura Outer Parikrama http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/index.asp 1355 editor@iaeme.com
Reinvigorating The Parikrama Circuit of An Ancient Heritage City: Mathura Figure 5 The Mathura Inner Parikrama Figure 6 Graphical presentation of The braj mandal Parikrama,(Vrindavan-Goverdhan-Mathra)Source Vraja Mandala Parikrama 4.1. Inter-Relating The Tangible and Intangible Assets of Mathura City Apart from the tangible built up masses of heritage structure distributed all along the city vicinity as per historic layering of the reigns that ruled the city, there lies intangible heritage that needs to be interwoven with the tangible heritage of the city to ensure the presentation of totality in context to culture lifestyle of the city. The overall uplift of built heritage and cultural heritage will do justice to the heart and soul of the city. 4.1.1. The akhadas along ghatiya and tilas The parikrama circuit will show case ghatiya encouraging the old built akhdas, encouraging the local sport, which will be a mere source of attraction as a spectator and as a participant of the interested visitors. This will attract and show case to the domestic and Forein torurists the essence of Mathura.(Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority) 4.1.2. The ethnic taste of brij bhumi Kulhad vala Dudh: Despite globalization in tourism, the ethnic tastes of Mathura root back to the lord Krishna s birthplace where cows milk are still considered of supreme quality. The same ethnic roots can be forecasted as the present and healthy future of the people of city, by providing pastures in the form of Gau Shala along the parikrama circuit as stoppages where people can voluntarily provide service sand contribute to the cause and enjoy the best milk products of Mathura.(Brijwasi Group) http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/index.asp 1356 editor@iaeme.com
Sunaina Kapoor and Partha Sakha Chakraborty 4.1.3. Parikrama circuit guided by pandas The Pandas(as per the local slang) in the traditional attire accompanying the visitor with introduction to the lifestyle and culture of the city. The guide(panda) calling the tourists as JAJMAAN meaning guest will create a brand value for the visitors and interest in them towards the local language, ethics their lifestyle. 4.1.4. Braj Folk Songs By Local Singers Preserving and showcasing the dying art of the culture under globalization along the parikrama circuit along with the display of Religious and Heritage built masses will enrich the ethnic culture of the city. This in turn will empower local job opportunities and give maximum exposure to the tourists doing justice to their expectations from the visit. 4.1.5. Light shows along the Builtup Heritage Masses The development of the parikrama circuiting encouraging self-sufficient public open spaces with blend of high technology will develop an interactive way of communicating the history and bring the heritage of the city to be showcased in a glorified manner. 4.1.6. Sustainable approach towards the Development of Parikrama Circuit The city must be able to deal with the dead and live load in context to infrastructure transportation and services where minimum or zero energy consumption, strengthening of public transport should be done to ensure the survival and flourishing of the city in a positive manner. 4.1.7. Sustainable Riverfront Development Approach Being one of the major river based settlement,the city showcases ghats and is vulnerable to further usage and exploitation by man use,which needs to be addressed with increase in the expected tourist fall every year. 4.1.8.Universal Approach Towards Parikrama Circuit Ddevelopment The city will have visitors of all age, for which the city should be prepared to welcome all genre and specially abled global tourists which will not only look forward to be a visitor but also contribute to the economy and society of the city. 5. HERITAGE MAPPING OF THE CITY Mapping of the city done on the basis of ASI and INTACH reports.further the works have been classified on the basis of their values to the socities http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/index.asp 1357 editor@iaeme.com
Reinvigorating The Parikrama Circuit of An Ancient Heritage City: Mathura Figure 7 Identified heritage zones 6. ANALYSIS ON IDENTIFIED PARIKRAMA ROUTES The active parikrama route is primarlity of religious nature which attracts more doemstic tourism.the parikrama circuit fails to cover the diverse heritage of Mathura which if inculcated with proper marketing strategy and tour plans will attract foreign tourists. The increase in footfall of foreign tourists will boost the value of Mathura city in context to intangible values of the place accompanied with heritage structures.furtehrmore,the economy of the people serving tourists (also primary,secondary and tertiary sectors) will develop economy and further help develop infastructure of the city. The challenge will be on carrying capacity of the city and on the infrastructure which should be planned as per the expected projection of vistors (floating) population. The need to consider parikrama as a source of binding the assets of city to be showcased to the world at globally will lend alook into the lifestyle of people of mathura,improve living conditions of the zone and develop the society with job opportunities. The enlargement of the scope of parikrama circuit will help cater larger population and create opportunities at multi level for the growth of the city. The riverfront development along the Vishram Ghat and creating awareness among the habitatnts and visitors for sustainable approach will provide better living conditions for the people. 7. CONCLUSION The inclusive approach of establishing the circuit with built heritage within the extended parikrama circuit along with functional intangible assets of brij bhumi will allow the city to flourish and survive with the coming generations with inevitable acceptable changes. The Parikrama circuit will act as a spine to the development of Mathura and significant contributor to GDP of India through tourism. (HRIDAY rejuvinating the soul of India) As Mathura is one out of the 12 cities selected by HRIDAY for further development to strengthen of the city focusing on heritage. Mathura city holds the diversity of heritage (both tangible and intangible) and religious beliefs which together when blended through parikrama circuit shall have a positive impact on the city development and society. http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/index.asp 1358 editor@iaeme.com
Sunaina Kapoor and Partha Sakha Chakraborty This will preserve the essence of city with the coming generations and acknowledge the changing times and technology. Mathura being third oldest city after Varanasi and Rome, deserves upliftment of its heart and soul which can not only sustain the carrying capacity but also live through the times setting an example for the coming generations instead of getting the real essence of cultural heritage of Brij Bhumi forgotten by the people as visitors and dwellers. The side by side development of tangible and intangible aspects of the heritage of the city interwoven with parikrama circuit will give a resultant society, the society which is able to flourish embracing its culture while being adoptive to the changing trends for the betterment of society. REFERENCES [1] (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2016, from HRIDAY rejuvinating the soul of India: http://hridayindia.in/downloads/template_for_preparation_of_city_hriday_plan.pdf. [2] Brijwasi Group. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://www.brijwasi.com/. [3] Housing and Urban Plannig Department. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://awas.up.nic.in/linkfile/upad1973.htm. [4] HRIDAY rejuvinating the soul of India. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://hridayindia.in/downloads/chp/chp_for_mathura.pdf. [5] ISKCON Vrindavan. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://www.iskconvrindavan.com/. [6] Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://jnnurm.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/cdp_mathura.pdf. [7] MathraVisit. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://mathuravisit.com/. [8] Wani Ahmad, Javed Ahmad Bhat Pre-Tensioned Precast Elements As A Replacement To Wooden Bracings In The Armature Cross Wall System: An Attempt To Revive The Forgotten Heritage. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 3(2), 2012, pp.181-187. [9] Mathura Official website. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://mathura.nic.in/. [10] Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority. (n.d.). Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://www.mvda.in/. http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/index.asp 1359 editor@iaeme.com