ISLAMABAD, July 28: About 12 kms south of Chakwal lies the historical town of Bhaun, formerly known as Bhavan, famous for its splendid temples, highly-revered shrines and Havelis with exquisitely carved doors and remarkably built wooden balconies indicating the owners’ affluence and aesthetic.

Before partition the Hindus predominantly concentrated the town. But, later they migrated to India, while Muslim immigrants from India settled in their Havelis and Kothis.

It was a very important trade centre and the Hindus ruled the roost in this town. They left behind a host of temples and Havelis, having a simple architecture, which was a blend of local and Kashmiri style, with very little ornamentation. These temples are different from those at Ketas and Malot that have Kashmiri style of architecture and are lavishly ornamented. Some of the temples at Bhaun are adorned with paintings, while some are immensely towering and conspicuous from a distance.

A recent visit by this reporter to the town revealed that all the temples were in a shambles. Two temples in Chaddran Mohallah are in dilapidated condition. In one of the temples, Kashmiri immigrants are living. They have damaged the temple by defacing some of the figures depicted on the walls, while its western wall has caved in. A nearby temple is being used as a store where household belongings are kept. A furlong or so from these temples is the temple of Madho Sain Kalan, which is fast coming apart. Ironically, the temple has been turned into a cattle pen.

As soon as one enters the temple, he/she will find cows, buffaloes and goats on its courtyard. One also finds heaps of haystacks stored for the livestock. People have taken away the ornately carved door of the temple.

Apart from the temple of Madho Sain Kalan, two temples are located in Madho Wali Ban (Talaab). These were damaged after the Babri Mosque incident. Traces of the paintings can still be found on both temples. In addition to these, there are more than four temples in and around Bhaun.

The authorities concerned should make concerted efforts to save these fabulous pieces of architecture from further decay. They should immediately restore these temples and Havelis’ past glory.

If the authorities concerned are sincere and committed, they can make this place a stopover for tourists heading towards Kallar Kahar and Ketas. By turning this place into a tourist sojourn, the socio-economic conditions of the people will improve dramatically.

Tourism has attained the status of an industry abroad, and countries chalk out strategies for its promotion. In the case of some countries, their economies depend on tourism. But, unfortunately, it is the most neglected sector in our country.—Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro