Historic Chhatri Demolition Spurs Outrage in Rajput Community

The Kota Development Authority's demolition of a 600-year-old Chhatri, a historic structure in Tulsi village, has led to public outrage. Revered by the Rajput community, the site was demolished without prior notice for airport expansion. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has called for an inquiry into the incident.

The demolition of a 600-year-old 'Chhatri' of former Bundi royal Rao Surajmal Hada by the Kota Development Authority has ignited public outrage. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has called for an investigation into the matter.

Villagers, who held the site in high reverence, were not informed in advance. The demolition occurred on Friday for the expansion of Kota airport in Tulsi village, which lies on the border of Kota-Bundi district.

Union Tourism Minister Shekhawat condemned the demolition of the historic structure. In a post on X, he criticized KDA for possibly acting despite knowing the site's historical significance and called for appropriate action.

Shekhawat emphasized that the administration has a moral duty to honor public sentiment. Kota Collector Ravindra Goswami has not yet commented on the issue.

Bharat Singh, a Rajput community member, noted that the Chhatri was a sacred place where locals held a weekly fair. "The Chhatri, worshipped like a temple, was on private land, and villagers had been venerating it for 600 years," he said.

Singh added that the Rajput community believes the historic Chhatri should have been relocated rather than demolished and plans to protest.

(With inputs from agencies.)