14th century tower in Raichur in need of immediate attention

RAICHUR:A historical monument located atop the city is in dilapidated condition. A watch tower built in the 14th century by the Adil Shahi II could soon be erased from the Raichur maps as the Archeological Department and district administration are not bothered to renovate the structure.

A watch tower situated in Andrun Quila in the Raichur city is known as Panch Bibi Pahad. The structure was named because five women or wives of certain king (not recorded in the history) were cremated there.
At present massive cracks have surfaced on the two structures and these may collapse at any moment. There are two structures - Panch Bibi Pahad and Sheikh Mia Baba Darga.Veera Hanumanthappa, a noted historian from this region says this was built somewhere around 1400 during the tenure of Adil Shahi II.

The tower overlooks the city and acts as watch tower and is located at the centre of the two forts.
The structure is one of the significant monuments in Raichur which has seen many wars, sacrifices and deaths. “From a historical point of view, it is heart-wrenching to see the structure dying,” said Khaja Aslam, a social activist fighting to preserve and develop the structure.
Hanumanthappa pointed that preserving the structure is one thing and threat is another. The plight of the structures is such it may collapse any time.

Hanumanthappa said incessant proposals have been submitted to give face-lift to the structure and develop it as a tourist spot but nothing has been done towards that.Many Deputy Commissioners had assured to develop the site but nothing moved while the Archaeological Department cited dearth of funds to maintain the structure.Deputy Commissioner Gautam Bagani told Express said he is unaware of the structure and he will check with the City Municipal Council and do the necessary.