Revitalizing Heritage: Exploring the Cultural and Historical Significance of Maner Tank in Patna, Bihar, India

Abstract

The cultural significance of a heritage structure is represented not only in the place itself but also in its structure, composition, location, functions, history, connotations, and related entities, the construction of which, and associated features are all manifestations of its cultural value. Temple tanks are ingenious ancient technologies that were not only used to collect water for reuse but also to recharge the aquifer. These tanks were invariably found around Hindu temples to accommodate activities such as bathing and cleansing before prayer, along with idol immersions. Maner Tank is such a site of religious and cultural importance in the north-western part of Greater Patna, situated on the bank of Sone River, a tributary of Ganga. The Tank is an ancient site with a rich continuing history that is presently surrounded by village settlements and agricultural fields. A copper plate of the Gahadvala king Govinda-chandra of Kanauj, dated A.D. 1126, found at the site indicates that Maner was a part of the territory of the Gahadvalas of Kanauj. Later, the town became a bastion of Sufism and is home to the tombs of famous medieval Sufi saints. The tombs around the tank carry a part of the religious and cultural heritage of both Hindu and Muslim inhabitants of Maner. Presently, the tank is under several threats, particularly due to its degraded water quality, littering, and garbage dumping around the tank, bathing and washing of cloths with the use of soaps and detergents, plant and algal growth, as well as the falling of leaves from the surrounding trees into the tank, increasing the nutrient load. Presently it is one of the 70 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of national significance in Patna Circle. However,it is in a significantly degraded condition. The tank has significant potential to become an important tourist destination with some improvements.The objectives of this paper are to (1) identify the different aspects of Maner Tank that make it a site of both religious and cultural significance in Bihar; (2) assessand elaborate on the elements of architectural structures and their details; (3) examine its present condition; and (4) suggest interventions and proposals for improvement. This is the first-of-its kind paper that studies the various aspects of this culturally significant historical tank at Maner