The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Khiraki Ghat
[The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Detailed description of each heritage Site|Detailed description of each heritage Site]] - Mir Ghat to Bajirao Ghat
Location
[edit | edit source]25º 18.513’ North and 83º 00.611’ East (Jalashayi Ghat, north part).
Exact location on a map
[edit | edit source]Jalashayi and Khiraki Ghats
Area
[edit | edit source]0.089 ha
Historical/cultural/natural significance
[edit | edit source]Khiraki (“the window”) Ghat was earlier developed as a built structure from which attendants could watch the cremation. Presently, this is defunct. Nearby, under an old fig tree, there are several Sati stones, reminding the tradition of ‘religious suicide by the wives on the funeral of their dead husbands’. Close to the cremation ground, such stone statues showing husband and wife are commonly scattered.
Present state of conservation
[edit | edit source]Except for the rest houses directly taking care of their properties, there are no specific action plans, programmes, or strategies for conserving and preserving the ghats. The guest house trusts maintain their properties according to their own perspectives without specific plans. Many of such guest houses and buildings are illegally occupied by the residents.
Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property
[edit | edit source]It is expected that by the support of active people 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 better befit to the society.
Ownership
[edit | edit source]The rest of the house-related properties along the ghat are owned by the respective trusts, the houses and other properties by the inhabitants, and the ghat area is owned by the Municipal Corporation.