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

 

 

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