Rediscovering ancient history through mobile lessons

Following Haryana Day in November, the Department of Archaeology and Museums initiated a series of heritage walks to promote awareness of the state’s rich cultural and architectural history. The inaugural walk took place in Narnaul, where a group of around 30 individuals gathered at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School to explore Birbal ka Chhatta and nearby protected monuments
Thn illustrated book for children, ‘The Hidden Treasures of Narnaul’, was also released here.
These walks are the brainchild of Amit Khatri, director of archaeology and museums at the state government. “The heritage walk concept is just one of the components of what we at the department aim to do, which is to have regular events that spark awareness about Haryana’s cultural heritage and promote it as well,” Khatri told.
Since then, the walks — getting underway at 10 or 11am, and lasting anywhere between two and three hours — have been organised almost every weekend in Thanesar, Panipat, Hisar, Kurukshetra, and Ferozepur Jhirka in Nuh.
On January 20, one is scheduled for Sonepat, while the following day, Farrukhnagar will be hosting what Kush Dhebar — an archaeologist and heritage expert currently engaged as consultant with the department — calls a baithak with feature sessions of poetry and an art exhibition.
shared Dhebar, whose work primarily comprises field visits and site explorations.
As much as the department is spearheading the project, it recognises that the success of the heritage walks relies on collaborations. So, on the ground it is the communities that are taking charge, such as the INTACH Hisar chapter and Mewat Kal Aaj Kal in Nuh.
After starting a campaign on Instagram, the department empanelled local stakeholders who had reached out to it. Whatever fees they charge (usually between Rs 200 and Rs 300), they get to keep.
With each day, young women and men with a fascination for the past are embracing the opportunity. “We want to empower and endorse those who have an interest in heritage and history, especially local youths who are interested in hosting such walks,” explained Dhebar.
Since time is restricted, and only a limited number of persons can be accommodated, each walk would have no more than 30 slots. “But in Ferozepur Jhirka, around 55 turned up, and we had told the organisers that as long as they’re able to handle that many people, it’s fine,” said Dhebar.
The department has tied up with a booking platform to make available tickets for future events, including in Sonepat and Farrukhnagar.
Vinit Bhanwala, who would conduct heritage walks on his own but is now attached with the government, has led the Thanesar and Hisar walks. “I feel this is a great way of sharing the stories of these places, of the architects that built the monuments, and also what lies behind the names of the places and monuments,” he told us.
Dhebar mentioned that, unlike Delhi, where heritage walks are abundant and well-established, Haryana offers greater potential for this concept. He emphasized that each district in Haryana possesses its unique story, complete with distinct oral traditions, local myths, and culture.