Heritage tourism in Pune district: Problem and Prospect

Heritage tourism in Pune district: Problem and Prospect Mr. Arjun Doke, Assistant Professor, Head Department of Geography, ShankarraoBhelke College, Nasrapur, Tal. Bhor, Dist. Pune. Abstract: The building of any special architectural and historic interest comes under heritage buildings. As India had undergone through many cultural, social influences by various rulers, it is having very rich architectural heritage. Visiting these buildings helps tourist to understand the social, cultural life as well as the advancement in material and technology of that era. Tourism plays very important role in any nation s economy. It is considered the fastest growing market in the tourism industry.in Pune district many heritages places are located. The over tourism, heritage placeless which is near to Pune city and within the city that is harmful in position. The population of district is day by dayincrease and its impact on heritage placeless. The present research deal with the positive and negative impact of tourism on heritage placeless. Introduction: Heritage tourism is defined by the National Tourist for Historic Preservation (NTHP) traveling to experience the places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. It includes cultural, historic and natural resources (National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2008). Heritage tourism India has registered an immense growth in the last few years, ever since additional initiatives were taken by the government of India to boost India s image as a destination for heritage tourism. India has always been famous for its rich heritage and ancient culture. So the onset of heritage tourism in India was long anticipated. India s glorious past and cultural diversity make a potent blend which attracts millions of tourists each year to its heritage tourist attractions. The government of India and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture encourage heritage tourism in India by offering several benefits to the Indian states that are particularly famous for attracting tourists. India's rich heritage is amply reflected in the various temples, palaces, monuments, and forts that can be found everywhere in the country. India is one of the countries possessing very ancient and rich heritage value at global level. The heritage which consist social, cultural and technological aspects helps in understanding the past of the country. Various states of India which has very important heritage structures include Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar etc. Ancient civilization, the temples as well as public utility buildings built by those people are included under heritage Suryawanshi (2012). Heritage tourism is very important segment of Indian tourism industry as tourists from all over the word visits Archaeological sites as well as heritage monuments. The Heritage tourism adds to the facility for education & research in the heritage of India. Tourism industry is getting benefited as the numbers of tourist visiting to these states are increasing year by year. In the year 2013-2014, the growth recorded by Tourism Department of India is approximately 16.56% in comparison with previous year (Market Research Division. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, 2014). Nearly 39.5 million jobs are supported through tourism industry. Average growth rate of industry is 7 to 8% it is the third fastest throwing tour market. 7.42 million Foreign tourist visited India in 2014. India is the 38 th most favoured tourist destination Indian domestic tourists cross one billion. This is 16% increase since 2012 (Market research division Ministry of tourism council Annual report of Ministry of Tourism 2012). 1 st July, 2017 Page No: 1

Maharashtra is one of the states possessing very rich heritage. The first instance of human settlement in the regions of Maharashtra was in the lower Palaeolithic age when the early men wandered around the river basins of Ghod, Bhima, Pravara, Godavari, and Wainganga. Various places like Ajanta, Yellora, Karla-Bhaja caves, Lonar Lake including the cities Aurangabad, Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur etc. are visited by International & National tourists. Out of the total International tourists who visits India, maximum i.e. 28.5% tourists visited Maharashtra in the year 2013-14 (Market Research Division. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, 2013-14). Doke (2017) study the Potential of Eco-Tourism in Bhor Tehsil. Suryawanshi (2013) study developing tribal tourism in Thane District and Suryawanshi (2014) also study an Assessment of Tourism Potential in Thane District. Doke (2016) analyzing the accessibility to the heritage buildings for physically challenged tourists of heritage buildings in Pune city. Objectives: This research paper mainly focuses on the important ecotourism centres of Pune District and their potential for development of ecotourism. 1. To study heritages Sites in Pune District. 2. To investigate Positive and Negative impact of tourism on heritages sites. Study Area: Pune District is in the western region in Maharashtra in India. It is bounded by Thane District to the northwest, Raigad District to the west, Satara District to the south, Solapur District to the southeast, and Ahmednagar District to the north and northeast. Pune district lies in the Western Ghats or Sahyadri mountain range and it extends on to the Deccan Plateau on the east. Pune stands on the leeward side of the Western Ghats. Pune is at an altitude of 559m. (1863 ft.). Pune district is located between 17.5 to 19.2 North and 73.2 to 75.1 East. In the most recent census on 2011, the total population of the district was 9,426,959, making it the fourth most populous district in India and roughly equal to the nation of Beninor the US state of North Carolina (see Fig.1). The district has a population density of 603 inhabitants per square kilometer. Its population growth rate over the decade 2001 2011 was 30.34%.Pune has a sex ratio of 915 females for every 1000 males and a literacy rate of 87.19%. Administratively the district is divided into 14 tehsil and around 1,866 villages. Fig. 1 LocationMap of StudyArea 1 st July, 2017 Page No: 2

Methodology: The primary and secondary data have been used for the research paper. The questionnaire has been prepared to collect the data. The cartographic technique has been also used to represent the data. A) Primary Data Interviews: This was the main method of data collection administered to the Government and to local community representatives. An interview guideline was prepared containing a detailed list of questions and checklist for every department / official being interviewed. Data collected from interviews was documented through notes taken by the interviewers rather than through tape or video recordings as the latter would not have been appropriate with several government officials.the primary data has been collected from tourist by filling up the questionnaires by random sample method; fifty tourists have been selected for filling up the questionnaires. Focus group discussions: In order to collective perspectives from local community members, focus group consultations were organised. A discussion guideline was prepared for the conducting the discussions. Data from the focus group discussions has been documented in writing and through audio visuals. Field observation: Field observation has been another important instrument for collecting qualitative data, especially for socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism activity. GPS readings will be taken from the field for Georeferencing and confirmation of the different locations of the Heritage places of study area. B) Secondary data The main secondary sources of data that were interlaid examined were: Official websites of the respective state governments and Government of India SOI (Survey of India) topographical maps of the study area at the scale 1:50,000. SRTM and ETM+ Data are downloaded from USGS web-link Characteristics of the Study Region: Pune district which is located in the western region of Maharashtra state, comprising of an area of 15642 sq. kms, which is 5% of the area of entire state (see Fig.1). Bhima and Nira are the two main rivers in Pune district. Bhima River originates at Bhima Shankar in Sahyadri hills of Western Ghat and flows towards east side in Pune and Solapur district. Nira River originates in Sahyadri hills in Bhor Tahsil and flows through Bhor, Baramati, IndapurTahsils. River Ghod is the major northern tributary and Bhama, Indrayani, Mula, Mutha and Pavana are the southern tributaries of the Bhima River. The whole of the district lies on the eastern side of the Western Ghats and more or less it presents a hilly topography in the western part of the Junnar, Ambegaon, Mawal, Mulshi, Velhe, Bhor and Purandartehsils. Digital Elevation Model of Pune District shown in Fig. 2. In the eastern part of the district, Daund, Shirur, Baramati and Indapur tahsils are located in the plains away from the hill range. The soil has varied slope in different parts of the district broadly from very steeply sloping (slope >50%) in the western part to very gently sloping (1 to 3%) in the eastern part as shown in Fig.3. 1 st July, 2017 Page No: 3

Fig.2. Digital Elevation Model of Pune District. Roadconnectivity: Cities, towns and villages in the district are connected through the road networkof about 14000 Kms. Out of these 14000 Km, 130 Km are within the limits of councils. Out ofthese 130 Km, 13% are National & State Highways & 40% are district & other district roads.out of the total roads 57% are tar roads & 20% WBM roads (Fig.4).Following three National Highways pass through the district: i. National Highway No.4 (Mumbai-Bangalore): The NH-4 passes through thefollowing places in the district: Khandala, Lonavala, Talegaon, Chinchwad, Pune andkhed- Shivapur. The total length of NH-4 in the district is around 120 km. ii.national Highway No.9 (Pune-Solapur- Hyderabad): The NH-9 starts at Pune and passes through Loni, Bhigwan and Indapur. The total length of NH-9 inthe district is around 152 km. iii.national Highway No. 50 (Pune-Nashik): The NH-50 originates at Pune and passesthrough Chakan, Rajgurunagar, Manchar, Narayangaon and Alephata, which ends at Alekhind (Tal. Junnar) and continues further towards Sangamner in the Nashikdistrict. The total length of NH-50 in the district is around 95 km. Mumbai - Pune Expressway connects Mumbai and Pune, passes through the Khandalaand Lonavala. It is a 100m concrete road having six lanes, divided in the centre by a 7m widedivider. The length of the Expressway within the district is 44.5km. Rail connectivity: The broad gauge single and double track rail length within the district has a total length of311 km. of these, single line (B.G.) is 162 km in length and the double line (B.G.) is 149 km 1 st July, 2017 Page No: 4

inlength. Pune and Daund are the two railway junctions in Pune district. Following are the three main railway routes passing through the district:- i. Mumbai-Pune-Solapur Rail route: It enroutes the Khandala, Lonavala, Talegaon,Pune Jn., UraliKanchan and DaundJunction. ii. Pune-Miraj Rail route: It enroutesfursungi, Alandi (Mhatobachi), Shidwane, Jejuri,Dondaj, Walhe, Nira iii. Daund-Baramati Rail route: It enroutesshirsuphal, katphal, Tandulwadi Air connectivity: Pune is well connected through domestic airlines with the entire country. The airport located at Lohagaon has recently acquired the status of an international airport and is being used to carry domestic as well as international traffic. The Pune city is connected to international cities like Dubai, Frankfurt &Germany. Fig. 4. Transportation Network (Roar and Rail) in Pune Distract 1 st July, 2017 Page No: 5

Fig. 3. Slope Map of Pune District. Discussion: The major Heritage places observed in study area is given bellow: Heritages placeless in Pune city: Shaniwar Wada located in Pune City, This imposing palace was built by the successors of ShivajiMaharaj, the Peshwas in 1736. A massive fire destroyed the building in 1827. Most of the palace interiors also got destroyed and all that remains is the old fortified wall. This Palace situated in the heart of the city near to Shivajinagar, and Laxmi Road, has become the symbol of the culture of Pune. Vishrambaug Wada was the luxurious residence of PeshwaBajirao II, the last Peshwa of Maratha Empire, in early nineteenth century. Kelkar Museum, It contains the collection of DrDinkar G. Kelkar (1896-1990), dedicated to the memory of his only son, Raja, who died an untimely tragic death. The three-storey building houses various sculptures dating back to the 14th century which depicts the skills of the Indian artists of the time.agakhan Palace was an act of charity by the Sultan who wanted to help the poor in the neighboring areas of Pune, who were drastically hit by famine. The palace is closely linked to the Indian freedom movement as it served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, his secretary Mahadev Desai and Sarojini Naidu.. Heritages Pleases in Rural Pune District: Sinhagadlocated in Haveli tehsil, Fortis a fortress located roughly 30 km from Pune. Previously called Kondhana, the fort has been the site of many important battles, most notably the battle of Sinhagad in 1670. Samadhi of SambhajiMaharaj at Tulapur,Sambhajimaharaj along with his poet-friend KaviKalash was brutally murdered by Aurangazeb at Tulapur. Also there is the confluence i.etrivenisangam of three rivers-bhima, Bhama and Indrayani. Near the Samadhi 1 st July, 2017 Page No: 6

there is Sangameshwar temple belonging to Lord Mahadev. Shivneri fortis the birthplace of the King ChhatrapatiShivaji. Shivneri is a highly defensible location, with steep rocks on four sides and a strongly built citadel. Inside the fort is a small temple dedicated to the goddess Shivai Devi, after whom Shivaji was named. At the centre of the fort is a water pond which is called 'BadamiTalav. It has been declared as a protected monument. Naneghat ( Nane means coin, Ghat means pass ) is given because this path was used as a tollbooth to collect toll from traders crossing the hills. It is located near the base of Jivdhan fort and on the border of Pune and Thane district. It has access from Ghatghar village which is in JunnarTehsil and from base it has access through Vaishakhare village of Thane district. Rajmachi located MawalTahsil, Rajmachi fort is a strategic fort overlooking Borghat (ghat between Mumbai and Pune) which was a historical trade route at a distance of 75 kms. from Pune. Rajmachi peak has two fortified structures - the Shrivardhan fort and Manaranjan fort. Lohagad Fort located in MawalTehsil, Lohagad fort has been famous in the recent history as a place where the wealth that was captured by ChatrapatiShivajiMaharaj from Surat, a major trading port of Mughals in that era was stored. Tung Fort located inmavaltahsil, Tung Fort was built before 1600 CE. It was built by the AdilShahi dynasty but was captured by Shivaji. It is small, not being able to hold more than 200 troops at a time. Its shape and structure suggests that its main function was as a watchtower guarding the road to Pune city. During invasion, it served to provide a temporary distraction for invaders. Tikona Fortlocated inmavaltahsil, The high hill is pyramidal in shape and the name Tikona means "triangle". In 1657, Shivaji brought the whole of Konkan, which had been Nizam territory, under his control when he conquered Tikona along with the forts of Karnala, Lohgad, Mahuli, Songad, Tala, andvisapur. Bhaje Caves are located inmavaltehsil, The popular Bhaja Caves are close to the Karla Caves. The rock cut caves date back to 200 BC and they share a similar style of architecture as the Karla Caves. The Bhaja Caves include 14 stupas out of which five stupas are inside the caves and the rest are outside. It is a delight to watch a small waterfall in the monsoon season culminating in a small pond. Bedse Caves located in MavalTehsil, History of the Bedse caves can be traced back up to 1st century BC. There are two main caves. The best known cave is the chaitya (prayer hall) with comparatively large stupa, the other cave is monastery-vihara. Both the caves contain some carvings although are less ornate than later caves. Both caves are facing eastwards so it is recommended to visit the caves early morning, as in sunlight the beauty of carvings is enhanced. There is also a small "Stupa" outside to the right of the main caves. Karla Caveslocated inmavaltehsil, Karla Caves or Karle Caves are a complex of ancient Indian Buddhist rock-cut cave shrines developed over two periods from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD, and from the 5th century AD to the 10th century. The caves lie near a major ancient trade route, running eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan. Purandar Fort located inpurandartahsil, Purandar fort witnesses the rising of Shivaji against the Bijapur kingdom and the Mughals. Purandhar fort stands 4,472 ft. (1,387 m) above the mean sea level in the Western Ghats, 32 km southeast of Pune. It actually consists of two forts-purandar and Vajragad. The latter is the smaller of the two and is on the eastern side of the main fort. The village Purandar takes its name from this fort. The fort has two distinct levels. The lower part is called the machi.north of the machi is a flat area where the cantonment and hospital was housed. There are many temples dedicated to Purandareshwar and SawaiMadhavraoPeshwa here. There is a statue of Murarbaji Deshpande, the fort-commander (killedar) who gave his life to protect the fort from the Mughals. Bhorwadalocated in Bhor Tehsil, Pant sachivchimnajirao built Bhorwada in 1869 after old palace was destroyed due to fire. It is one of the best preserved Maharashtrianwada that exist today. Synergy of Islamic and gothic architecture in vernacular architectural style can be 1 st July, 2017 Page No: 7

observed in this structure. Currently it is used as tehsil kacheri and remaining part sometimes used for film shootings. Rohida fortlocated in Bhor Tehsil, Rohida fort is also known as 'Vichitragad' or 'BinichaQuilla'. Rohida is 3660 ft high above sea level in the Sahyadri mountain range. It is located south to Bhor in Bajarwadi village. There are total six bastions on this fort. Construction of cliffs and bastions on the fort is still intact. Rajgad fort, Velhe Tahsillocated in Rajgad fort is located 42 km to the south west of Pune and about 15-16 km west of Nasrapur, in the Sahyadri range.the fort is 1318 meters above sea level. Formerly known as Murumdev, it was capital of the Empire ruled by ChatrapatiShivajiMaharaj for almost 26 years, after which he moved to Rajgad fort and made that as his capital. The highest part of the fort which has remains of palaces, water cisterns and caves. It has an entrance door called Mahadarwaja. Rajgad boasts the highest number of days stayed by ChatrapatiShivajiMaharaj on any fort. Torna fort located in Velhe Tehsil, Torna is also known as Prachanda Gad. It is historically significant because it is the first fort captured by ShivajiMaharajin 1643, forming the nucleus of his Empire. It is about 100 km to South-west of Pune.The fort has an elevation of 1,403 metres (4,603 ft.) above sea level, making it the highest hill-fort in the district. It is located near Velhevillage. There are total six bastions on the fort. Construction of cliffs and bastions on the fort is still strong. Impact of Tourism on Heritages Sites: Positive Impact of Tourism Heritage tourism is important for its positive economic and social impact. Economically, heritage tourism can be a source of revenue that is capable of creating jobs,providing new business opportunities and strengthening local economies, increase propertyvalues and opportunities for diversified economies.socially, heritage tourism can establish and reinforce identity; it can also help preserve the cultural heritage. Heritage Tourism can also promote community pride, which grows as people work together to develop a thriving tourist industry. Negative Impact of tourism When not well managed, tourism can damage heritage through: Commodification and cheapening of culture and traditions.alienation and loss of cultural identity.undermining of local traditions and ways of life.displacement of traditional residents. Increased division between those who do and do not benefit from tourism.conflict over (and at times) loss of land rights and access to resources (including the attractions themselves). Damage to attractions and facilities.loss of authenticity and historical accuracy in interpretation; and selectivity in which heritage attractions are developed. 1 st July, 2017 Page No: 8

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