Battlefield tourism (English Version) Rakshak News 10 Oct 18
http://www.rakshaknews.com/vishesh/infinite-possibilities-in-war-land-tourism
Battlefield tourism (English Version) Rakshak News 10 Oct 18
A senior army general in Jaipur recently stated in a seminar that Rajasthan could gain immensely from battlefield tourism. He was addressing a two-day convention organized by the Rajasthan government on battlefield tourism. Across the world battlefields where major encounters have taken place are popular tourist destinations, as they enable the visitor to relive those difficult moments of history.
Those officers who attend any course in UK are taken to the site of the battle of Arnhem of the second world war in Holland. As part of the course which I attended in Canada, we were taken to the site of the battle of Waterloo during our visit to Europe, where an eminent historian walked us through the battlefield indicating the way the battle progressed. We were not the only visitors that day, thus implying the importance of exploiting sites of previous battles, both historical and recent for tourism.
India has immense opportunities, whether it be historic battles from ancient times to the Mogul era to those of the 1965 and 71 wars. Students of military history and military buffs, whose numbers are increasing by the day would gain immensely from such visits, as would military officers attending courses in India. It would be another attractive destination for foreign tourists.
In case this aspect of tourism needs to be processed, then there are some essentials which need to be developed for it to become tourist destinations. The development requires the combined support of both the state and central governments, as also of the historical sections of research centres. Some destinations of recent wars can be recreated with the help of veterans who had participated in the operations.
Infrastructure and roads to known battlefields need to be developed. Museums with memorabilia of the battle as also maps, paintings and photographs (where possible) could be established in its vicinity. Souvenir shops could also be located close by. The intention must be to make the visit interesting and worth the effort of travel.
For this to be progressed, the state governments and historians need to study the progress of the battle. Guides need to be educated to be able to explain its realistically to the visitor. In case of wars post independence, there are areas close to the western border which can become ideal tourist destinations, especially where remnants of Pak equipment from the 1965 and 71 wars are still existing, Patton Nagar being an example.
The nation already has a rich heritage of forts and palaces many of which have also been sites of epic battles. Guides at these locations are generally unaware of conduct of battles from those eras. While most visitors come to marvel at the architecture and splendour of the palace, few come to study their epic battles as these are neither highlighted in the brochures nor a part of the itinerary.
India has historical battlefields from ancient times. Its history is replete with battles and wars, fought between rival kings. Post-Independence, India has fought multiple wars. While battle grounds of the 1962 war and in Kashmir may be beyond the areas permissible to tourists, most others on our western border and in the interior are possible to be made into tourist destinations.
It requires will and determination by state and central governments to develop these sites and exploit this aspect of tourism. It would also enhance employment and lead of development of the region. Rajasthan has plenty of such locations, which if developed could be the trendsetter for the rest of the nation to follow.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army