Dhubri Fort in Assam, built by Koch King Parikshit Narayan, continues to stand as a silent witness to centuries of history, yet its current state paints a picture of neglect. The fort, perched on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, remains a key cultural landmark in Dhubri district but is overshadowed by the absence of serious restoration efforts.
In 2014, a Dhubri Fort Memorial Construction Committee was formed with 25 members, including the then Deputy Commissioner of Dhubri. The committee inspected the remains of the fort and proposed measures for its preservation. However, nearly a decade later, those promises remain unfulfilled.
Neglect Overshadows Cultural Significance
Locals lament that Dhubri Fort, which once stood as a defensive bastion, is today little more than a relic, with its crumbling walls and fading architecture narrating stories of neglect. The fort’s historical significance stretches back centuries, reflecting Assam’s struggles and triumphs.
Built by Parikshit Narayan, a ruler of the Koch dynasty, the fort served as a strategic defense point during multiple invasions. Its location, overlooking the Brahmaputra, provided a vantage point that shaped military strategy during ancient and medieval times.
Despite this rich legacy, modern development plans have left the site largely ignored. Preservation initiatives have not advanced beyond paperwork, while the fort continues to deteriorate with each passing monsoon season.
Calls for Urgent Preservation
Heritage activists in Dhubri have long urged authorities to restore the fort, emphasizing its potential as a major tourist attraction. They argue that conservation would not only protect Assam’s cultural heritage but also generate employment opportunities through tourism.
“The fort is a priceless part of Assam’s history. Its current state shows how disconnected we’ve become from our own heritage,” said a local historian. Residents also highlight that preserving the fort would help boost Dhubri’s tourism economy, which relies heavily on its cultural and natural landmarks.
Committee’s Vision Yet to Materialize
The Dhubri Fort Memorial Construction Committee was initially seen as a beacon of hope. Its formation in 2014 sparked optimism among locals who dreamed of a fully restored fort, complete with visitor amenities and historical exhibits.
However, locals now question the inactivity surrounding the project. Despite multiple inspections and discussions, concrete action has yet to be taken. Many blame administrative delays, funding constraints, and lack of political will for the fort’s continued decay.
Balancing Heritage and Development
Experts say that Assam’s rapid urbanization should not come at the cost of losing its cultural identity. Dhubri Fort represents a chapter of Assam’s history that could attract visitors from across India and beyond, similar to other heritage sites like Sivasagar’s Ahom monuments and Majuli’s satras.
Conservationists recommend a multi-pronged approach: immediate structural stabilization, historical documentation, and the creation of tourism infrastructure. Such measures could place Dhubri Fort on the state’s tourism map while also preserving it for future generations.
Linking Assam’s Heritage Trail
Dhubri Fort is part of a larger narrative of Assam’s cultural wealth, which includes architectural marvels, traditional crafts, and centuries-old religious institutions. Strengthening this heritage trail could enhance Assam’s identity as a historical and cultural hub in the Northeast.
Government initiatives like the Assam Tourism Development Plan have shown promise in promoting eco-tourism and cultural tourism. However, Dhubri Fort’s condition reflects the challenges in executing these plans at the grassroots level.
To complement preservation efforts, experts also suggest partnerships with private investors, NGOs, and heritage trusts. This collaborative model has been successful in restoring historical sites in other parts of India, such as Rajasthan and Karnataka.
A Waiting Horizon for Revival
For the residents of Dhubri, the fort remains a symbol of pride and a reminder of their history. Standing silhouetted against the Brahmaputra’s fiery sunsets, the structure continues to capture the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Yet the waiting horizon stretches longer as the dream of a fully restored Dhubri Fort remains distant. Community leaders hope that renewed attention from the state government will finally turn promises into action, ensuring that this fort is preserved not just as a ruin but as a vibrant cultural landmark.
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