The Historic Landscape & Typologies of Ancient Structures at Ambala Tank, Ramtek, Maharashtra

Abstract

Ambala, a small settlement located near the town of Ramtek, is known for its landscape. The landscape of Ambala comprises an ensemble of the physical and human environment with tangible and intangible qualities is paid from Ramtek due to the geographical setting. The historical settlement of Ambala has a water tank surrounded by the typology of Ghats, temples, Chhatries, Kunds, Gate, etc. The ensemble is the center of human interaction through a medium of various ritualistic activities and performances. The development in the region of Ramtek began in the 5th century A.D. by the “Vakataka Dynasty” and continued till the 18th century A.D. ruled by the “Bhonsala Dynasty”. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommend the Historic Urban Landscape, defined as the urban area understood as a historical layering of cultural values and its geographical setting. The fieldwork involved a reconnaissance survey investigating the settlement and built structures within a km radius at Ambala tank, Ramtek. The basic methodology adopted was a reconnaissance survey that included the documentation work of sculptures and various built installations situated around the Ambala tank. The paper investigates the Ambala tank’s historical landscape and contextual study in Ramtek, Maharashtra, India. The context of the study would include topography, natural features, built environment, land use, spatial organization, open spaces, practices and values, tangible and intangible dimensions of the heritage.