Chhapra/ Patna: In a development coinciding with World Heritage Day, a Dutch tomb located in Karinga village, just four kilometres from Chhapra city in Bihar’s Saran district, has been officially recognised as a protected monument. The announcement came through a notification issued by District Magistrate Aman Sameer, following approval from the Directorate of Archaeology under the Department of Art, Culture and Youth, Government of Bihar.
Believed to be around 350 years old, the tomb was built by Dutch traders in memory of their relatives, echoing the architectural grandeur of the Taj Mahal. Over the centuries, the site had fallen into disrepair, drawing concern from locals who had long demanded its preservation.
The Directorate of Archaeology proposed the monument’s protection under the Bihar Ancient Monuments Act, 1976, initiating a process that included seeking objections and suggestions from the public. With the District Magistrate raising no objection in April, the site was officially listed as protected on April 16.
The news has sparked enthusiasm in Karinga and nearby areas, with locals expressing hope that the recognition will not only preserve a piece of history but also promote tourism and boost the local economy.
“This historical monument, if developed properly, can become a cultural landmark and provide opportunities for economic growth in the region,” said a resident of Karinga village.
The inclusion of the tomb in the state’s protected heritage list is seen as a long-overdue acknowledgment of Saran’s layered past, which includes a lesser-known Dutch connection from the colonial period.
