The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Ganga Mahala Ghat
Detailed description of each heritage Site - Asi Ghat to Pancakota Ghat
Location
[edit | edit source]25º 17.396’ North and 83º 00.377’ East (centre of Ganga Mahala Ghat)
Exact location on a map
[edit | edit source]Ganga Mahal, House No. B 2/ 1
Area
[edit | edit source]0.54 ha.
Historical/cultural/natural significance
[edit | edit source]This is the extended part of the Asi Ghat, characterised by the stately building made in ca 1830 by the patronage of the king of Banaras, Prabhunarayan Singh. A stone steps between Asi and the palace separates the two ghats. The architectural style of this palace is a beautiful mixture of the Rajput style and the local traditional style.
A little further down, an extension was made by adding another palatial house called Rivan Gha
Present state of conservation
[edit | edit source]Except for the royal trust looking after the Ganga Mahal, the Banaras Hindu University, and the local public organisations that work in their ways, no specific action plans, programmes, or strategies for conserving and preserving the ghats exist. The two institutions maintain their properties according to their perspectives. However, foreign organisations look after the Ganga Mahal better.
Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property
[edit | edit source]It is expected that, with the support of active people's participation, awareness to save the age-old rich heritage, and development under the Master Plan (and its judiciary control), the ghat heritage will be protected and conserved for the betterment of society.
Ownership
[edit | edit source]The Ganga Mahal Palace is owned by the Maharani Trust of the king of Banaras, the Rivan Mahal Palace is owned by the Banaras Hindu University, and the Municipal Corporation owns the Ghat area.