Field Report on Pathra – The Temple City, West Medinipur, WB

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1. Site Information:

Site Name: PATHRA, West Medinipur, West Bengal.
Location: Pathra is a village and a gram panchayat in the Midnapore Sadar CD block in the Medinipur Sadar subdivision of the Paschim Medinipur district in the state of West Bengal, India. PIN: 721135, District: Paschim Medinipur, STD code: 03221.
Date of Visit: 20/10/2024.

2. Objectives of the Field Visit:

As per the conversation with Dr Rinita Mazumder, and subsequently after telephonic conference call with Yeasin Pathan it was understood the necessity of visiting Pathra on behalf of the CEO of IBF also a board member of SHF, to find some resolution for the people of Pathra, and also for Yeasin Pathan, the crusader for the purpose of saving and conserving the temple Village Pathra.

Primary Objectives –

1. To survey the site of temples in Pathra, including the present condition of the site, the temples, to understand the status of conservation and care, the security, the importance in local people’s lives.
2. To survey the status of the village people around.
3. To take account of the present status of compensation received by the farmers whose land (around 9 acres) has been taken over for excavation and restoration of the temples.
4. To assess the measures and steps of getting compensation for the villagers 5. To assess the plight of Yeasin Pathan in regard to his social and economic reality who has been already an acclaimed figure for his lifetime service and dedication to the temples.

3. Historical Background:

• Historical Significance (Information Received): A hub for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists: During the Gupta era, Pathra was a significant centre for these religions.
• The village’s name: The village’s name is said to come from an incident where an elephant refused to crush Bidyananda Ghoshal’s head, meaning “escape from elephant’s feet”.

• Temples: Bidyananda Ghoshal established many temples in the village, making it a major destination for Hindu pilgrims. The temples are made from stucco lime and seashell, and many feature terracotta panels with images of Hindu deities.
• Evidence of Buddhist culture: There is evidence of Buddhist culture in Pathra.

• Jinsahar: On the southern bank of the Kansavati River, Jinsahar is home to old Jain temples that were built to spread the Jain religion and civilization.
• The Pathra Archaeological Preservation Committee: The NGO was founded by Mohammed Yeasin Pathan to save the temples. The ASI took over restoration work in 2003.

Mostly the temples are dedicated to Durga, Shiva, Krishna and Vishnu. The origin of Pathra has been linked to the Gupta era which was a hinterland to the Bengal’s ancient port of Tamralipta which was a major gateway to the South-east Asia. This actually has direction to the ancient period.

4. Observations:

1. i: The site of temples in Pathra includes a vast area of 9acres. The temples are situated in scattered way, not maintaining any fixed pattern. But from the elaborate way of constructing the temples and structures, it is clear that there was a very definitive habitation once including the temples by the ruler of the place as there are relics of palaces also delineating the habitation and lifestyle. The condition of the site, the temples, are not well maintained though it has been taken over by the ASI. Some works for conservation were done on behalf of the ASI but the procedure has not been completed. In some cases, the conservation work has been reverted again for the lack of maintenance. The reason may be insufficient fund. The ASI has deputed personnels to look after the site. The persons on behalf of the ASI are eager to explain the history of the place, and to take care of the site, but the manpower also is insufficient to take proper care of the place. There are yet structures hidden under the ground that needs further excavation. Also, poor maintenance is the further cause of ruin of the structures already excavated.
ii: After the acquisition of the site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) the villagers who had to sacrifice their lands, their land for farming including their dwelling places, are going through pitiable plight as they have not received compensation for their land. The poor farmers have even been poorer trapped between the formalities of getting compensation from the Government.
iii: By talking to the local people and with the person behind the conservation of these beautiful architecture Yeasin Pathan it is evident that they are going through real hazards and sufferings for not receiving the due compensation. They are undergoing tremendous mental agony, economical hurdles and poor health conditions including the children with no scope for basic need of food or education or health. The temple crusader Yeasin Pathan has been praised in various social and academic levels including receiving many awards, but has been suffering for not being able to help the poor farmers who gave their land listening to his pleading for conserving the site and the temples. His fellow villagers blaming him for their misfortunes he has stopped going near the site that kept him engrossed since his student life until he can realise the compensation for his fellow villagers.
iv: The issue of getting the compensation for the villagers has been stuck into the formalities between the State and Union Government though there have been delegations of authorities from time to time. It needs to be assessed properly and thoroughly regarding the chain of action for receiving the compensation and to be pursued as one point agenda to complete the procedure.
v: The person behind the excavation and finding of the glorious relics of architecture and temples, Yeasin Pathan, after being felicitated by numerous authorities, after one feature film made on his life and crusade, is struggling to live each day for the pain of not being able to do justice to his fellow villagers who lost their land, and for the plight of his own poor health caused by this agony and stress.

6. Environmental and Preservation Concerns:

Environmental Factors: The river Kansavati is needed to be taken care of. It runs by the site. Together taken as a project can be a very positive work to attract visitors, tourists. Mention may be made of the fact that the site is already attracting many visitors on any regular summer day even, while during November to February the visitors are many and the two persons deputed by the ASI become inadequate for the numbers of visitors. The conservation procedure is also inadequate without proper maintenance, hence the broken or decayed structures are further decaying after excavation.
Conservation Issues: The restoration and maintenance procedure is not adequate, hence the conserved relics are also further decaying after excavation. The conservation procedure needs to be taken care of with more effective way.
Tourism Impact: It has already been identified by people as a place of historical and aesthetic interest. This needs further work on popularising the site. For that the already wonderful site needs to be demarcated and conserved as place of interest for visiting people by cleaning and introducing little beautification and basic facilities for the visitors.

7. Recommendations:

Immediate Actions Required: In pursuing the procedure of compensation for the villagers by coordinating with both the state and central government.
Long-term Preservation Plans: The area needs proper planning and execution to be grown as a Tourist spot, and there is immense possibilities of flourishing into a major place of interest, thereby, it can elevate the lives of the local people hugely.

8. Documentation:

Photographs and small videos: [Attached]

9. Conclusion:

Pathra, a potential tourism spot with remarkable importance, needs immediate intervention. The man with Islam as religious identity, Yeasin Pathan, an example of the communal and religious harmony, including the villagers, can be rewarded in more ways to exemplify our country’s basic nature of tolerance and love.
Finally, the cause of the villagers in getting their due compensation may be taken up as primary obligation to the Village, the villagers, and to the crusader Yeasin Pathan.

10. Prepared by:

Name: SOMALI PANDA.
Designation: Board member of SHF, Research Resource & CEO of IBF.
Date of Submission: 11/11/2024.