The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Ganga Mahala (II)

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Scindhia Ghat to Pancaganga Ghat

Ganga Mahala (II)

Location
25º 18.803’ North and 83º 00.919’ East (Ganga Mahala Ghat, II).

Exact location on a map
Ganga Mahala (II)

Area
0.019 (Ganga Mahala, II compound)

Historical/cultural/natural significance
Ganga Mahala is the new name of the Yameshvara Ghat. This was part of the Sankatha Ghat till 1864 when Maharaja Jiyajirao Scindhia, king of Gwalior, has purchased it and built a grand palace and also the nearby ghat. The king family given name to this palace as Ganga Mahal, that is how later the ghat is known by this name. There is another such palace built by the king of Banaras, called Ganga Mahal (I, the second ghat from south, after Asi). This ghat is more significant for its artistic palace, instead of the religious festivities. In the northern and southern corners the circular porches with octagonal designs are the most attractive scenes. There is a temple of Radha Krishna in the compound, where on all the major festivals group chanting and celebrations are performed. There are two entrances from the river bank side, representing like climbing tunnels built with stone slabs. In the early 20th century the palace was repaired and several additions added by Govinda Bali Kiratankara. In 1988 the irrigation department of Uttar Pradesh has repaired and built the whole ghat pucca.

Present state of conservation
Except by the Gwalior Estate temple trust and the local public organisations, those work on their own ways, there are no specific action plans, programmes and strategies for conservation and preservation of the ghats.

Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property
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
The palace and temple are owned by the Gwalior Estate Temple Trust; the ghat area by the Municipal Corporation.