Around 15 km from Hazaribag town lies Ichak — once the flourishing capital of a powerful dynasty and now a fading symbol of Jharkhand’s rich cultural past. Known as the “temple town” of Hazaribag district, Ichak is dotted with hundreds of ancient temples, ponds and gardens, many of which today stand in a state of alarming neglect, crying for preservation and recognition. Steeped in history, Ichak’s origins trace back over two centuries to the Ramgarh Raj under the Singh dynasty. The rulers had established Ichak as one of their prominent capitals before shifting to areas near the Padma river. During their reign, they built an extensive network of temples, akharas (traditional centres), ponds and gardens, turning the region into a vibrant cultural and spiritual hub. Even today, remnants of that grandeur survive — though in a dilapidated condition. At the heart of Ichak’s main market stands the imposing Singh Dwar, a massive domed gateway that once marked the entrance to the royal palace. Though time has taken its toll, the structure still reflects the architectural brilliance and regal pride of its era.Historians and locals said that at one point, Ichak had nearly 174 temples. Today, only a fraction of them remain, and many of them have either lost their idols — allegedly stolen — or are on the verge of collapse.Cracks run deep through the ancient walls, vegetation has grown unchecked over structures, and encroachments have tightened their grip around heritage sites.“Ichak is not just a settlement, it is history in stone. But what we see today is slow destruction,” said Bateshwar Prasad Mehta, a social worker and resident. Ichak’s identity as a temple town is rooted in the sheer number and diversity of its religious sites. From Baba Banshidhar and Bhairavnath temples to Lakshmi Narayan (Bada Akhara) and Shri Ram Janaki (Chota Akhara), each structure carries historical, architectural and cultural value.Baba Banshidhar Temple is believed to have been constructed during the reign of king Vishwanath Singh. Locals recount that on Janmashtami night, divine flute music of Lord Krishna could once be heard, prompting the king and his subjects to stay awake in devotion. Today, however, the temple stands overshadowed by neglect and encroachment, its premises shrinking amid growing commercial activity. Ichak is also home to the Budhiya Mata Temple, where devotees worship a formless deity — a rare and unique tradition sustained for over 300 years. This temple was renovated recently through public contribution.Similarly, Bhagwati Math Temple reflects architectural influences akin to the Mahabodhi Temple, showcasing the artistic excellence of the past. The region’s 300-year-old akharas — both Bada and Chhota — once served as important socio-religious centres. While one remains relatively maintained, the other is rapidly deteriorating, symbolising the broader neglect of heritage sites. There is an ancient Surya Temple and a cave nearby having a 15km-long passage connecting to the king’s palace. Due to regular illegal activities, a wall was raised to block the path. Beyond temples, Ichak’s landscape once featured dozens of ponds and more than 50 gardens, particularly in Parasi, Kutum and Sukri villages. These water bodies and green spaces were integral to the region’s planning and ecology. Today, many ponds are either filled with debris or encroached upon. Gardens are being cleared and converted into agricultural or residential land. Locals alleged that criminals have illegally occupied trust lands meant for maintenance of temples and heritage sites. “Ponds are being flattened, orchards are disappearing, and no one is stopping it,” said a villager from Parasi panchayat. Historically, thousands of acres of land were allocated under temple trusts to fund upkeep and restoration. The responsibility lay with mahants and trustees of akharas. However, residents claimed that trust meetings have not been held regularly for years, leading to lack of accountability. Encroachments, illegal sale of land and unregulated construction have further weakened the heritage ecosystem. Infrastructure gaps Despite its proximity to the district headquarters, Ichak lacks basic infrastructure needed to attract tourists. Roads leading to temples are narrow and in poor condition, lighting is inadequate, and there are no proper facilities for visitors.“After sunset, the area turns dark. There are no lights or security near many temples,” said a resident. Others pointed out the absence of signage, sanitation facilities and organised promotion, which has kept Ichak off the tourism circuit. Experts believe Ichak has all the ingredients to become a major heritage tourism destination of the state. Its concentration of temples, unique traditions, water bodies and historical structures offers a rare cultural landscape.“If developed properly, Ichak can generate employment, reduce migration and boost the local economy,” said a local teacher. It has the potential to be developed on the lines of Maluti temples of Dumka, locals said. Residents suggested that restoration of key temples, rejuvenation of ponds, removal of encroachments and creation of a heritage circuit could transform the region.Villagers, social activists and local leaders have urged authorities to declare Ichak a protected heritage zone and initiate restoration projects. Researcher Subhashis Das said that despite its glorious legacy, Ichak stands at a critical juncture — caught between heritage and decay.“Its temples still whisper stories of devotion, its ponds reflect a fading past and its gardens bear silent witness to a time when the region thrived as a cultural capital,” he said.He added that Ichak’s story is not just about crumbling structures — it is about a disappearing identity.“Whether it regains its lost glory or fades into obscurity will depend on how quickly stakeholders act to protect what remains. At the entry point of Ichak, there is a large and grand gate made by Ramgarh kings. The dome of this gate is one of the largest in Jharkhand. Even the temples are known for their extraordinary architecture and craftsmanship,” he said.
