Archive · 4 Aug 2026
Mangarh Dham Declined as National Monument
Mangarh Dham is a holy place in Rajasthan where many tribal people were killed by the British in 1913.
The government said it cannot be made a national monument because it has been built over and no longer looks like an old historic site.
Some politicians think this decision hurts the memory of those who died.
The site is very important to tribal people in four states and has been used by political parties to win votes.
Earlier, a minister had promised it would become a national monument, but that promise was not kept.
Union Ministry of Culture says Mangarh Dham does not meet criteria for national monument status due to modern development.
Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat cites lack of archaeological authenticity and integrity.
MPs Rajkumar Roat and Mohan Lal Roat criticize the decision, calling it an insult to 1,500 tribal victims.
The site, site of the 1913 Bhil massacre, is a key symbol for tribal identity across four states and has been used politically by parties like BTP and BAP.
Earlier promises of declaring Mangarh Dham a national monument by former minister Arjun Ram Meghwal have not materialized.
- Who
- Union Ministry of Culture, MPs Rajkumar Roat and Mohan Lal Roat
- What
- Declining to declare Mangarh Dham a national monument
- When
- Monday (article date)
- Where
- Mangarh Dham, Banswara district, Rajasthan
- Why
- Site lacks archaeological authenticity due to modern interventions
- Site
- Mangarh Dham
- Location
- Banswara district, Rajasthan
- Status
- Not declared national monument
- Reason
- Modern development, lack of authenticity
- Decision Date
- Monday (article date)
- Proposed By
- Union Ministry of Culture
