Conservation Strategies for the temples constructed in Maratha period at Nagpur

Abstract

Nagpur was the capital for the Bhosle in Maratha Confederacy from 1730CE – 1853CE. The city gained its status of being an important city as the capital in the 18th century when the Maratha Rulers extended their kingdom and appointed Bhosle's for tax collection in eastern India, thus extending the eastern empire of the Maratha Empire. The Bhosles, in their expeditions to other territories, were influenced by the architectural styles of other regions which have reflected in their architecture. Artisans were brought in and came from other parts of the country and made their contribution. This architectural fusion is reflected on the temples built by them. The temple architecture of Nagpur forms a regional variation of Maratha Temple Architecture. All the temples are a part of historic urban core of Nagpur. These temples have been in tremendous urban pressure due to which they are vulnerable to major changes and threat of destruction. The thesis has dealt with understanding the Maratha temples and Nagpur’s regional contribution to Maratha temple architecture. Later, the significance of the temples is established, and conservation strategies are proposed for them.