A Journey to McCluskiegan
A
Journey to McCluskieganj: A Fading Dream and a Symbol of Unity (#McCluskieganj
#Hidden India)
My
colleagues, ever the explorers, insisted I join their program to visit
McCluskieganj. This once-bustling town, now a hidden gem, was once home to
around 400 Anglo-Indian families. Intrigued, I packed my car and off we went on
a weekend adventure.
The
story goes back to 1933 when T.E. McCluskie, a British businessman, leased
10,000 acres of land from the Maharaja of Chotanagar. He envisioned a haven for
Anglo-Indians, but as time passed, lack of amenities led to a decline, with
only 13 families remaining today.
Our
drive to McCluskieganj was a scenic one. We passed the majestic Ratu Maharaja
Palace, about 25 km from Ranchi, a vibrant spot during Durga Puja. Roughly 45
km further, near the village of Dhulli, a sight truly captivated us. Two
unique, boundless structures stood tall - a Hindu temple and a mosque -
parallel to each other, forming a fascinating "Sarva Dharm Sthal"
(place of all religions).
Drawn
by their quiet serenity amidst the sparse jungle, we stopped to admire these
architectural wonders. Sadly, the story goes that the builder, aiming to create
a place for interfaith worship, also started a church and a Gurudwara, but
never completed them due to unforeseen circumstances.
Though
lacking restaurants and shops, the calmness of the place offers a perfect
escape. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the serenity under a banyan tree. If you
plan to stay, book a home stay well in advance. Public transport is limited,
with a few buses plying between Ranchi and Khelari via McCluskieganj. Having
your own vehicle is recommended.
McCluskieganj offers a glimpse into a fading dream but also holds a powerful message of unity through its "Sarv Dharm Sthal." Plan a two-day visit and don't miss this unique symbol of interfaith harmony.
Photos details
1. Photo of Sarva Dharm Sthal
2. Photo of McCluskeiganj campus,
3. Photo of McCluskeiganj campus,
Text and Photo by Ashok Karan,
Ashokkaran.blogspot.com



Great shots.
जवाब देंहटाएंNice information.
जवाब देंहटाएंExcellent reptoir. Keep it up.
जवाब देंहटाएंone of glorious past, tragedy, and bittersweet memories that haunt the town. Very nice shoot by Ashok karan..
जवाब देंहटाएं