Protecting the ancient wisdomof unique natural water resources into cultural resources-kunds of Rajgir

Abstract

Rajgir is an ancient city in the Nalanda District of Bihar. Ancient Rajagriha was once one of the greatest towns in the Ganges Valley and the capital of the Magadha kingdom. It was also knows as Vasumati, Barhdrathapura, Girivraja, Kusagrapura and Räjagriha. The founders of Buddhism and Jainism (Buddha and Mahavira), who were mentioned extensively in ancient Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain texts, spent a significant amount of their life here. The springs are part of the natural landscape, and they provide a particular character to one area over another. Hot -Springs were traditional flowing water structures in India that served a variety of cultural, religious, social, and utilitarian purposes. Since the beginning of time, hot-spring Kunds have been a source of water for humans. In the city of Rajgir, hot springs kunds have great importance in terms of cultural and social values. The place has the importance of myths, beliefs, and faith where pilgrim activities take place almost every day and month. Every religious people are associated with kunds. A background study has been done to understand the ecological and mythological context of the Kunds, how the fusion of nature and culture has come into existence, and the part the water system has played. To protect this kund, it is important to visualize kunds as a system of multiple elements coming together as characteristics on the site have been observed, beliefs and faith of the people and its importance. The thesis aim is to study and document the kund and other heritage components at the site including its relationship with people and their uses. By analyzing the issue management and maintenance-based proposals are required.