The 3D model of Maluti Temples approved for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Telegraph picture

When US President Barack Obama graces India’s Republic Day function in New Delhi, Jharkhand’s chest will swell in pride to present him a slice of the state’s religious history.

The Maluti Temples of Dumka — a heritage cluster of 72 ancient terracotta structures dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries — has cleared the tableau test for January 26 when it will join 14 other displays from as many states on Rajpath.

According to state information and public relations director Awadhesh Kumar Pandey, the expert committee under the defence ministry approved Jharkhand’s tableau theme for R-Day 2015, which had incidentally been nixed in the final round in January 2014. Besides the temples, 35 Mundari and Oraon artistes will also bring glory by performing anganai — a harvest dance — at the Delhi function.

Pandey said the 3D model of the Maluti Temples, which was approved by the defence ministry, was designed by Calcutta-based Adland Publicity.

“The model will reach the Rashtriya Rangshala camp in New Delhi for final touches by December 25. The tableau will be ready by January 20 and three days later join a dress rehearsal on Rajpath, as will our tribal artistes,” he said, adding that the US President’s visit would be like a bonus in terms of exposure.

Maluti village in Shikaripara block of Dumka came into limelight in the 15th century as the capital of nankar raj (tax-free kingdom).

The Sultan of Gaura, Alauddin Hussan Shah, had awarded the kingdom to one Basanta Roy. Son of a poor Brahmin, village lad Basanta had managed to catch the pet hawk of the sultan and in lieu of the bird was given the kingdom. Hence, he earned the sobriquet of Raja Baj Basanta.

The capital of Baj Basanta dynasty was in Damra, but later shifted to Maluti. The royal family was very pious. Instead of constructing palaces, the competitive kings of the dynasty built temples. As many as 108 temples came up one after another with inscriptions from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Later generations could not maintain the monuments and most were left uncared for. With time, 36 crumbled to death.

In 2010, the Global Heritage Fund identified Maluti Temples as one of 12 worldwide sites on the verge of irreparable damage, citing inadequate management as primary cause.

Pandey is sanguine that Obama’s visit would grant Maluti’s heritage necessary international attention. “We had presented five themes — Paika dance, rock art of Hazaribagh, kuchai silk and Santhal vidroh, besides the temples. Maluti got the go-ahead from Delhi. It will be a golden opportunity for the ancient temples with the US President being present as the chief guest,” he said.

This will, incidentally, be Jharkhand’s fifth opportunity to participate in the R-Day parade.

The state made its debut on Rajpath in 2004 with a tableau on Birsa Munda. The entries got rejected for the next two years till 2007 when another on Sarhul — a traditional tribal festival worshipping Mother Nature — won the Centre’s approval.

Jharkhand made the cut next year too. A tableau on Tana Bhagats, their Gandhian way of life exhibited by 35 artistes, found pride of place in the march meant to mark national integrity. In 2013, Dokra art had cleared the tableau test.

Have you ever visited the Maluti Temples in Dumka? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com