Ranchi, July 9: Walking down the restored passageways of Badam Fort, where rulers of the Ramgarh dynasty once lived, now you can connect with history.

Built in the 17th century and situated 42km from the Hazaribagh district headquarters, the fort is being developed into a heritage site jointly by the state art, culture, sports and youth affairs department in association with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

Work is in progress and only one gateway of the fort remains to be restored. A part of the fort stretches across a mound, also known as Badam village, inhabited by 250-300 tribal families, mostly artists practising kohabar and sohrai forms of art.

A small river that flows across the Badam village, in the backdrop of the fort, adds to the beauty of the region. The heritage project will also benefit the village as parks, play areas and other recreational facilities will be constructed.

The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 25 lakh, which will be provided by the state art and culture department.

A large rose tree stands next to the fort, which blooms during the winters. “This is uncommon. Such trees can’t grow in other places and this can be an added attraction for visitors,” said state convener of INTACH S.D. Singh.

About 10-12km from this fort is a mountain range famous for the rock painting in Isko village dating back to the stone age. “There are carvings depicting gods and goddesses, men and women, domestic animals, which would also be preserved,” Singh said.

After restoring the fort, the artisans will be supported to promote dying art forms like kohabar and sohrai. With help from the Hazaribagh administration, raw materials will be provided and workshops organised for the artists.

INTACH has also opened heritage shops across the state that stock creations from villages. “We have also spoken to the scion of the Ramgarh dynasty, MLA Saurabh Narayan Singh, who has appreciated our proposals,” the state convener claimed.