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| Mukthambal Chatram, near Thanjavur TN timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
''Chatrams'' are something like way side inn built by the rulers centuries ago - 18th and 9th century in this land now known as Tamil Nadu to cater to the basic needs of travelers between towns. Travelers were mostly pilgrims and traders. Built on the frequently used caravan routes, the care-takers of chatram would offer free food and stay for the night to the pilgrims. This would give them respite, relaxation and rest before their on-ward journey to their destination.
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| Mukthambal Chatram, Orathanad near Thanjavur TN ndpaedia.com |
The Maratha rulers of Thanjavur, it is said, once ran more than 80 to 90 chatrams with landed properties in the form of endowment across the land and the expenses were met from the land revenue . Judicious use of income was the hall mark of such chatrams, Immensely useful for the people undertaking long journey, the chatram structures - mostly with just ground floor were well built displaying a blend of Maratha, Chola and British style of design. They were constructed with locally available well- burnt bricks and lime-sand mortar. In some places they were close to the water tank - source of water for the locals as well for the travelers. Some of the structures had fine inner portions with high ceiling to cut down heat and radiation supported by a series of arches native to this place and the Roman volutes in columns. Added advantage is most of them were surrounded by lush green lawn. Some of them would feed more than 3000 guests a day and this might give you some idea about the size of chatrams and revenue from large holding of fertile lands in this delta region.
Thanjavur Maratha rulers ( reign: 1674 to 1855; closely related to Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj clan) had the distinction of introducing charitable institutions for the first time to help the travelling public. Their munificence had a sort of distinct social ramification in terms of community oriented services and social welfare.
Why did the chatrams or choultrys come up in this region in the past? In those days there were no well -paved all weather roads connecting various towns, particularly pilgrim centers. Pilgrims from the northern states to Rameswaram and other places either on foot or with carts, had a tough time to meet the basic needs - morning ablution to bath and food to good rest at night. Knowing their travails of long journey under the hot sun in the tropical land, the Marathas, being socially conscious as they were, built numerous chatrams and water tanks near by to serve the travelers.
Some reports point out that apart from providing temporary shelters to the travelers, chatrams were also known as educational and cultural centers where students, irrespective of caste, etc., could learn various subjects and broaden their knowledge. Besides chatrams offered health facilities for the people and also provided accommodation for accompanying domestic animals brought by the travelers.
With the advent of modern facilities hotels, quick transport, etc most of the chatrams - about 20 fell into disuse and are now in dilapidated condition. Presently only three choultrys barely exist. Reason: Apathy on the part of officials under the ruling government. There are no periodic checks of the structures welting under age, lack of repair work or mere white washing once in a while. Many of the decrepit buildings that have historical significance and cultural ethos need to be repaired and conserved to past glory. This will be helpful to the posterity. Already we have lost the agraharam houses - series of houses of similar style and plan meant for Brahmin community. In Kerala ''Agraharam'' houses near Palakkadu, etc come under the heritage tag.
That our past rulers gave importance to charity, social welfare and community services is true. This is the reason why they built countless water tanks and bunds across the land including less rain fed areas to secure potable water and water for agricultural purposes Way side rest house facility along the pilgrim routs was also part of social obligation of past rulers; cultural and social fabric of this region. Such chatrams kept the long distance - travelers far away from the dangers of wild animals and robbers.
The East India company and the English administrators at one stage became greedy and grasping and were on land grabbing spree. When moved into this delta region, their eyes were glued on the chatrams and their vast landed properties. In 1817 the British took over the control of chatrams for their administrative purposes. Government records of 1908 and 1838 refer to 20 and 15 chatrams respectively that were managed by the Maratha dynasty.
Chatrams have lost the charm and utility values decades ago when railroad was introduced. Some are now used to run government schools and as go down to store paddy bags, etc. Vast lands under the chatram are controlled by the government and the income is used to run the chatram department. After India's independence since 1961 the chatram administration has come under the Collector of Thanjavur. Thanjavur is the only district to have a separate chatram department to administer the buildings and the lands. The Raja rest House in Thanjavur city being run by the tourism department, is part of chatram administration. '
As mentioned earlier the overall condition of the existing chatrams is not good. some are in bad shape surrounded by wild plant growth, weeds and shrubs on the walls, etc and they no longer serve the purpose for which they were built. The social changes and modern life have impacted them - that once enjoyed a special status.
Some of the chatrams in the current list with the Chatram Department did not find a place in the old lists such as the Kalyana Mahal in Tiruvaiyaru. The Thanjavur Kottai Anna Chatram was later called Sreyas Chatram''.The following are some of the chatrams
Kalyana Mahal: According to the media report it is a fine structure with well ventilated verandahs and several rooms. It shows signs of poor upkeep, plaster on the walls is peeling off slowly. Murals on the walls have faded beyond restoration. Wild growth of plants poses a big menace.
Sreyas Chatram: This barricaded structure with weak huge door is in danger of collapse. It seems part of the safe side of the building is serving as a hostel for students.
Muktambal Chatram, Orathanad, near Thanjavur city: This surviving chatram is in bad shape in some places. No semblance of any repair work in the recent time. Because of decades of negligence and poor maintenance decadence has already set in. Named after Muktambal, one of the queens of Maratha ruler Raja Serfoji II, this chatram was built by the ruler in her memory and honor.
Yamunambal Chatram, Needamangalam : The less said the better; it presents a sorry sight. A school is being run there and part of the building is used to store food grains.
Needamangalam chatram: Partly ruined structure with ground floor built by the Marathas is similar to the one at Orathanad and has ornate façade made of fine brickwork. I understand the local INTACH and the chatram administration 've come together to restore the remaining chatram buildings that are crumbling fast. Getting past the NE monsoon rains is a challenge for these old structures.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/resting-in-ruins/articleshow/74789005.cms
architectural and historical value?
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