THE BATTLE FOR THE SMASHAN

how old is this cremation ground? And how were they able to build these kshattris? What type of technologies did they use?

Guruji: that is special architecture from Rajasthan and Bharatpur. This house is 200 years old; and Babaji’s building was built in 1823, three years after this house. And Hanuman Ji’s building came later.

so the house was the first?

Guruji: yes; the kund was there – and the kshattris are the cremation spots of Brijendr Singh and Balwant Singh.

how were they able to create such precious and precise stonework?

Guruji: handmade only. These types of buildings are one and only in the world. When I bought this place – it was in a very bad condition; even though it was archaeologically protected – nobody was doing anything. So I took it as a big responsibility – because they are not going to build like this anymore; so we tried our best to preserve it. That’s why I don’t allow many people to enter.

how long have You been living here?

Guruji: I have completed my 33rd year. This house is more than 200 years old; it was built in 1820. It is absolutely square: 21 meters by 21 meters – and there are 108 doors in this house. This is a one-bedroom house – I live here alone. Nobody could live here before: they were either found dead – or went mad.

why can we be here now?

Guruji: because I’m here! 33 years – and repairs are still going on. Now I was told that the Government is again giving 1 million dollars for the restoration of the kund and all those kshattris. They are planning to clean the kund and put stone on the steps. They will strengthen the roofs of the kshattris and make them completely waterproof. And all the floors will be made of stone.

are they planning to drain the kund?

Guruji: I’m very curious to see it – how it will go the second time. This time they are going to bring big pumps. Now people can’t imagine how this place looked when I came here: now it looks like another life, another time. But I remember every inch of the struggle.