‘Royal History Museum can be a new tourist attraction’
| Date :05-Jul-2020 |
By Vikas Vaidya ;
The idea pitched by ‘The Hitavada’ of setting up a Royal History Museum dedicated to depicting the history of two royal dynasties - Bhonsle and Gond-- is welcomed by the well-known historians member of Bhonsle dynasty and Mayor of Nagpur. Such museum will surely help youngsters in letting know the royal history of these two dynasties and also attract tourists. Historian Dr B R Andhare wrote a lot on both the dynasties throughout his life. He says, “if anybody comes forward, I shall provide whatever literature I have right now with me. The next generation must know about the glorious history of these two prominent dynasties.”
Welcoming the idea, Mayor Sandip Joshi said, “Probably it could have been done earlier. Though look like new concept since we did not have thought over it, I think Nagpur Municipal Corporation should take a lead. As a first citizen I would start the process right now so that it would take shape in the tenure of next Mayor. It will not be easy one as it doesn’t involve mere construction of the building, it requires a proper planning to make it attractive. We can’t expect youngsters to come and see. We have to set up the museum in such a way so that youngsters should come and see.
It can also become the tourist attraction. Once the project completed, we can organise certain activities related to it.” Appreciating the idea of establishing Royal History Museum, Vasundhra Raje Bhonsle, a prominent member of the prestigious Bhonsle dynasty pointed out, “Bhonslas through their valour have expanded till Bengal, Odisha. So the history has several glorious dimensions. Young generation hardly knows about it. Even the generation of our times too have little knowledge. I don’t blame anybody, but the museum is a fantastic concept.” Dr Madan Kulkarni, President of Vidarbha Sanshodhan Mandal admitted the fact the Mandal never had thought about setting up such museum. At the same time he said, “But we have collected lot of literature. In our office lot of books full of history of these two dynasties are there.
The idea put by ‘The Hitavada’ is unique and must be brought into existence. Members of Bhonsle, Gond dynasties should come forward, plus some institution should show willingness to do it. The museum can have books related to history of these two dynasties, some photos, statues that would describe everything. We should be able to create arsenal in this museum. It would tell the stories of weapons used by the soldiers then.” “We have to see Bhonsle and Peshwe, Bhonsle and their connection with the North Indian politics. We have to keep photos of the member of Bhonsle and Gond in the museum, with their individual description, their contribution etc.
This will narrate the history of the members of these dynasties. We have to make it look interesting,” suggested Dr Kulkarni. “There is no mention of these dynasties in Under Graduate history curriculum. But it is there in Post Graduation. Of course the concept of Royal History Museum is beneficial to all--those who have opted for History and those who don’t--. Knowing history of our region is must. Dr Andhare has written lot of books which can be used for the same,” said Dr Shubha Johri, former Head, Post Graduate Department of Ancient History, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University. Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle, the royal member of Bhonsle family appreciated the idea and said that the he would provide all support in establishing such museum.
“The history of Bhonsle dynasty is very interesting and as far as their contribution is concerned the younger generation should be aware of the royal history. Such museum will keep the history alive forever.” Dr Sangita Meshram, Head, Post Graduate Department of Ancient History, RTMNU said, “The museum is the need of the hour. Apart from the books on Bhonsle and Gond dynasties, we also should keep small statues. With the help, members of these dynasties we can create a replica of the palaces of yesteryears, their interiors, their visit to the citizens of the dynasty. We can also let people know how long the present Gandhisagar lake was with the diagrams or photos of that era. It will attract students and create the zeal among them.”