Wake-up call through brushstrokes of Kangra painter Aman Guleria
Shrey Awasthi
In the heart of Himachal Pradesh lies a mesmerising yet endangered piece of history — Bathu Ki Ladi, a centuries-old temple complex submerged for most of the year and accessible only during the summers when the Pong Dam waters recede.
Visited by nearly 1,500 tourists daily, this marvel of ancient architecture is now slowly crumbling under the weight of time, negligence and environmental factors.
One voice, however, has risen with passion and persistence to draw attention to its deteriorating condition — that of Aman Singh Guleria, a talented painter from Kangra district. Aman sends out a poignant message — “Save Bathu Ki Ladi before it’s too late”. His work is not just art, but activism.
Bathu Ki Ladi, a group of Mahabharata-era temples submerged in the Maharana Pratap Sagar (Pong Dam Lake) for most of the year, resurfaces only during the summer months. This architectural marvel, with roots tracing back to the Pandava period according to local legend, stands as a timeless symbol of Himachali heritage. However, in recent years, it has been suffering due to increasing human negligence, lack of protective policies and minimal awareness.
Aman Guleria, moved by the deteriorating condition of this historical treasure, has taken it upon himself to raise awareness through his paintings. His canvases depict not just the beauty of Bathu Ki Ladi, but also the threat looming over it — pollution, unchecked tourism and administrative apathy. In each of his artworks, one can see a subtle yet clear appeal to the authorities: act before the damage is irreversible.
His paintings often show the temples surrounded by plastic waste, fading sculptures or metaphorical symbols like crying deities and submerged histories. Through exhibitions and social media, Aman is reaching out to both the public and the administration, urging them to recognise the urgency of the situation.
This form of artistic activism is rare, but immensely impactful. In a world where environmental and historical preservation often take a backseat to modern development, voices like Aman’s are critical. His paintings not only reflect his immense talent but also his deep-rooted love for the soil he hails from.
Through the medium of his art, Aman has embarked on a heartfelt mission to preserve this cultural gem for future generations. Not just content with painting from afar, Aman has personally created and presented 12 original artworks of Bathu Ki Ladi to various high-ranking officials, highlighting the cracks, structural damages and the urgent need for conservation efforts.
In recognition of Aman’s efforts, even the Wildlife Wing has chosen to present one of his paintings to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, a gesture that speaks volumes about the significance of his campaign.
“Bathu Ki Ladi is not just a structure of stone and history, but a symbol of our heritage, resilience and spiritual connection. Yet, without prompt intervention, this heritage could fade into ruin. Cracks in the walls are not just physical signs of decay but represent the cracks in collective responsibility toward cultural preservation,” says Aman.
