The excavation is underway in Nachne village of Madhya Pradesh where the experts have zeroed in on two mounds. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is excavating a site in Madhya Pradesh, hoping to find India's oldest temple. The digging is underway in Nachne village where the experts have zeroed in on two mounds. The excavation sites are just 30 metres away from two ancient temples- a Gupta-era Parvati temple- and close to Chaumukhi temple, built by the Kalachuri Dynasty. "We are carrying out this excavation with the objective of finding the oldest temple in India," ASI superintending archaeologist(Jabalpur circle) Shiva Kant Bajpayee told The Times of India. He added that the excavation work began on March 4 and would take 3-4 months to complete. Bajpayee informed that the oldest known temples in India are from the Gupta era (4th to early 6th century CE). He added that a majority of the earliest known temples of the country are in Madhya Pradesh- Temple No. 17 in Sanchi, the Nachne Parvati temple, Tigwa's Vishnu Temple and Bhumara's Shiva Temple. The excavation team hopes to find pre-Gupta-era temples. "If we are not able to find it here, we will continue our exploration in the area as it cannot be that only Gupta-era temples exist. There can be temples older than that," said Bajpayee. As per The Times of India report, the site has eight archaeological mounds. The excavation team has got permission to dig two mounds. Both mounds are nearly two metres in height and spread over 1000 sqm.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/archaeologists-dig-to-find-indias-oldest-temple-in-madhya-pradesh-101710558728643.html, April 1, 2024

100 years since its discovery, the Indus Valley Civilisation has remained an enigma. However, classical Tamil texts could hold the key to unraveling its mysteries. One of the defining moments in the history of India is the discovery and subsequent announcement of the Indus Valley Civilisation. On September 20, 1924, Sir John Marshall, a 48-year-old archaeologist with 22 years of experience as the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, announced the discovery of the IVC in The Illustrated London News to the world. It would not be an exaggeration to state that his announcement restored more than three thousand years of ‘missing’ Indian history, in a single stroke. Marshall’s excitement was evident in his words, “Our knowledge of Indian antiquities has up to the present taken us back no more than 2,500 years.

Now, in a single bound, we have doubled that period and found that 5,000 years ago, the people of Sind and Panjab were living in well-made cities.” The newly found civilisation was unique in several aspects, such as the uniform layout of the cities, the standard size of bricks, weights and measures, presence of female figurines (which Marshall termed as Mother Goddess), numerous seals and sealings featuring a uniform script, and the absence of any religious structures. The prevailing notion at the time was that Indian culture was indeed ‘inaugurated by followers of the Rigveda’ and it was an article of uncontested faith. Hence, Marshall’s announcement struck down like a thunderbolt. Marshall meticulously drew attention to the contrast between the Indus Valley Civilisation and Rigvedic culture, and argued against the possibility of a Vedic age preceding the Chalcolithic civilisation.

Nayanjot Lahiri describes the personality of John Marshall to be having ‘a bit of Sherlock Holmes’ and the analogy is quite appropriate. It required the inquisitive and liberal mind of Marshall to take cognisance of a material culture that was distinct from anything previously known and the implications of its discovery. Hundred years have passed since its discovery, and yet, IVC remains an enigma, as the reasons for its decline are still not known. Although, there are speculative research findings, we still have not deciphered the IVC script and we do not precisely know about the language or languages spoken there.

Some scholars have endorsed the view that IVC belongs to the Dravidians, while some others have argued that it is an Indo-Aryan civilisation. However, recent DNA-based findings push the enigma towards a Dravidian resolution. Among the early proponents of the Dravidian hypothesis was Sunithi Kumar Chatterji. As soon as Marshall made his announcement, Chatterji presented his ideas in the article ‘Dravidian origins and beginnings of Indian civilisation’ in Modern Review (1924). He compared the Indus Valley Civilisation with the excavations in Adichanallur and also outrightly rejected the possibility of an Indo-European and Sumerian origin. Then came along Father Henry Heras, who was also an early advocate of the Dravidian hypothesis. Two other important scholars who contributed to the Dravidian hypothesis are Asko Parpola from Finland and Iravatham Mahadevan from India.

Both of them took different approaches in their research. Asko Parpola studied particular symbols and signs such as the fish sign, bangle sign and the wild ass symbol, while Mahadevan took the direction of a bilingual analysis of the Indus script. He was the first one to publish a concordance for Indus scripts in 1977. Subsequently, he interpreted several signs of IVC and presented papers in several forums. Mahadevan’s concordance (IM77) has been digitised by the Indus Research Centre (IRC) of the Roja Muthiah Research Library and hosted online at indusscript.in.

As a conclusive decipherment of the Indus script still remains elusive, particularly in the absence of a Rosetta Stone-type bilingual aid, I decided to follow a different approach, to compare and contrast IVC’s social, material and cultural contexts with the Dravidian and Indo-Aryan paradigms with the help of ancient Tamil texts, Vedic and early Sanskrit texts and also cultural contexts specific or peculiar to the speakers of languages belonging to both the families. During a brief stint at IRC, researching the subject, I worked on a paper on the High-West and Low-East dichotomy of Indus Valley town planning, which I argued to be a Dravidian paradigm. As a Tamil student, I felt that Sangam literature would hold the key to unlocking the mysteries, as it is among the most ancient literature from the Indian subcontinent, with unique traditions. I argued that Sangam literature contains several memories of an ancient Tamil civilisation that have been carried forward, which might be related to the Indus Valley Civilisation. Besides, I have been positioning Comparative Onomastics as another field of research that could add strength to the Dravidian hypothesis. I placed verifiable, identical place name clusters that are common to the Indus geographies, Sangam Tamil texts and early Tamil epigraphy.

I call these identical place name clusters as the Korkai-Vanji-Tondi Complex (KVT Complex). Apart from this, I have presented multiple case studies from outside Tamil Nadu and microstudies involving certain social groups of Tamil Nadu. In the process, I located certain evidence from the ‘Dravidian Gujarat’ and the ‘Dravidian Maharashtra’ to connect the ‘missing links’ between IVC and ancient Tamil cultural, geographical contexts. In 2019, my book Journey of a Civilization: Indus to Vaigai was published.

Subsequently, I translated the book into Tamil, which was released in 2023. For the past five years, I have been delivering lectures in several forums, part of my efforts to create awareness about IVC and how Sangam Tamil texts could be used to unlock the enigmatic Indus riddle. History is not only important and inevitable but also inescapable. However, evidence-based history is the only way out. What needs to be secured is not merely the present and future, but the past as well. While the past cannot be undone, lessons can be learnt from it, lessons that can guide us in the present, in walking towards the future. I believe, the history of mankind is nothing but the sum total of human journeys and past migrations. When one reconstructs the past on a wider canvas such as the geography of India, one cannot afford to operate from self-made cocoons of insularity. Ancient Tamil traditions are rooted in pluralism. Urban life portrayed in Sangam texts paint a matured, cosmopolitan outlook. I can say that Sangam Tamil texts are the most urban literature India has ever produced, a literature par excellence. Tamil traditions display a vast knowledge of seas, foreign trade, emphasis on equity, spread of education and are essentially knowledge-centric, empowering and inclusive. These ideological ‘signals’ match ideological ‘inferences’ that can be drawn from the ruins of IVC.

India’s pluralism is not its frills but roots. It is not a ‘melting pot’ or a ‘salad bowl’. In the former, many identities are amalgamated into a new, singular one; in the latter, there is a choice of selection as to what goes into the bowl.

Hence, I call Indian pluralism to be a ‘rainforest pluralism’. In fact, the Indus Valley Civilisation itself portrayed such a pluralism, with layers of evidence pointing to peaceful coexistence. Ancient Tamil ideas are evidently rooted in similar narratives of inclusiveness and peaceful coexistence. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of IVC’s discovery, we at IRC are planning a series of events, such as seminars, exhibitions and conferences to disseminate information regarding the Indus Valley Civilisation to more people. We have been celebrating September 20 every year with a lecture, and this year too we will be organising a series of special lectures. Moreover, Tamil Nadu government has also announced, in its latest budget, that the centenary of IVC will be commemorated by organising an international seminar on the subject.

The state’s archaeology department has taken tremendous initiative in excavating the past at Keezhadi, Porpanaikkottai, Adichanallur, Sivakalai and other locations. Keezhadi has heralded a new era of archaeological consciousness.

‘Aadhan’ spelt out on potsherds in Tamizhi script has turned a household name now. The findings also coincide with what is documented in Sangam literature. The C14 tests have pushed the age further backwards. The graffiti and markings on the pottery resemble some of the signs found in the IVC. Further research is going on to identify the similarities and patterns. I wish for all those who seek knowledge to stand at the Keezhadi museum, holding a copy of the Sangam Tamil corpus and harappa.com pulled up on their devices, and draw their own conclusions. Tamil Sangam texts are the most reliable source material to unravel the mystery of the Indus Valley Civilisation, as well as the genesis of Tamil traditions. These two ancient riddles of Indology, though concerning two different geographies and timelines, are indeed the two sides of the same coin. The writer is an honorary consultant at the Indus Research Centre, Roja Muthiah Research Library, Chennai R Balakrishnan

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Mar/29/the-harappan-centenary-through-a-sangam-lens, April 2, 2024

Numerous Indian monuments have been lost forever. So much so that not even a photo is available of them in the public domain. We are talking about monuments that are thousands of years old. In one case, parts of an 8th Century temple have been looted to be used in homes. If not for Aurangzeb, his brother Dara Shikoh would have ascended the Mughal throne in Delhi. At least their father, Shah Jahan, believed so. After the death of Emperor Shah Jahan in 1658, Dara Shikoh was killed on Aurangzeb's orders and his body, tied to an elephant, was paraded along the roads of Shahjahanabad. Just like the memory of Dara Shikoh, his grave was lost too. Until a municipal officer discovered the grave of Shah Jahan's liberal heir apparent among many marked and unmarked Mughal graves in Delhi in 2020. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, an engineer at South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), attracted praise from the likes of Irfan Habib, BR Mani and KK Muhammad, for the find.

Singh laboured tirelessly for 4 years to trace Dara Shikoh's grave. However, the lost-and-found story of Dara Shikoh's grave is a rarity. Numerous Indian monuments have gone missing or are lost from their physical existence forever. So much so that not even a photo is available of them in the public domain. Some have even been erased from public consciousness. Many locals could not point to Delhi's Barakhambha cemetery, a monument that was recently declared untraceable or 'lost'.

HISTORIC MONUMENTS WIPED OFF FROM INDIA'S MEMORY

The Barakhamba Cemetery in Delhi, once on the list of 'Monuments of National Importance', was not the only one that had been delisted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the caretaker of India's historical monuments. Along with it, a Kos Minar in Faridabad's Mujessar village in Haryana, Gunner Burkill’s tomb in Jhansi, a cemetery at Gaughat in Lucknow, and the Telia Nala Buddhist ruins in Varanasi were removed from the list of monuments of 'national importance' because they were untraceable. They are among the 18 monuments to be delisted from the ASI's list of 3,693 centrally protected monuments because their location, or their current physical state, is not known. In fact, the Centre told Parliament last year that a total of 50 monuments were untraceable. In the case of the Telia Nala Buddhist ruins, a part of a deserted village in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, not even a photo is available in the public domain. A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report in 2022 noted that houses had been built on the historical site.

MONUMENT MATERIALS USED TO BUILD HOUSES
It was a similar tale of loss in Uttarakhand's Almora. The ASI couldn't find the 8th century Kutumbari temple. The temple came under ASI protection in 1915. Over time, the temple's condition deteriorated and only ruins of the structure remained. Mysteriously, around the year 2000, the ruins of the temple could no longer be found. In 2018, the temple was put on the "untraceable" list of the ASI. The ASI later found that the remains of the temple were taken away by villagers to build their houses. As per a survey by the Dehradun circle of the ASI, the temple has now become a part of courtyards, verandas, doors of the houses of the locals. Around half a dozen houses in Dwarahat were found to have some or other part of the temple. Such incidents are, however, not isolated, said Nakul Chhabra, who organises heritage walks and awareness campaigns through his initiative 'Delhi Roots'. Chhabra said during one such walk, he found a heritage enthusiast carrying a 2,000-year-old brick dating back to the Kushan age along with him. "He said it was from a mound near his village in Mewat. It could have been from an abandoned old building, roughly dating back to the 1st century to 3rd century CE. He even told me that people from nearby villages come there to pick up bricks to build their houses," Chhabra said.

Bibek Debroy, the head of the committee that submitted the report 'Monuments of National Importance -- The Urgent Need for Rationalisation', explained the ill-fate of the Indian monuments using a quote by Oscar Wilde. Quoting Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest', Bibek Debroy wrote in The Indian Express in 2023, "ASI’s monumental performance transcends both misfortune and carelessness. The agency has lost 24 monuments. They are untraceable."

MONUMENTS TURNED INTO CATTLE SHED, HORSE STABLE We are losing monuments that are thousands of years old and are part of the nation's identity, history and heritage. Just like Dara Shikoh's grave, the Tamluk Rajbari (palace), believed to be established in the 5th century BC by the Mayuradha dynasty, is at its last stage of disappearance in Bengal. A horse stable overgrown with weeds is what lies at the site that had a major contribution to India's struggle for Independence, as per a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report. The rajbari was a refuge for our freedom fighters. In fact, in 1938, Raja Surendra Narayan Roy cut down an entire mango orchard within the rajbari to create space for a meeting of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and other revolutionaries. Legend has it that the site is also linked to the swayamvar sabha of queen Draupadi in the epic Mahabharata. In Delhi, cattle sheds abound in Zamrudpur village, near Lady Shri Ram College, which houses a lot of gumbads, baradaris, and gumtis dating back to the late mediaeval period. However, there have also been instances where structures on the verge of being wiped out from history have been restored and declared monuments of 'national importance'. The Anang Tal baoli, a stepwell believed to have been built a thousand years ago by King Anang Pal II, who is considered as the founder of Delhi, was declared a monument of national importance in 2022.

Delhi was then referred to as Dhilli or Dhillika. The move came after the CAG, in a review report, found that sewage from nearby areas was being discharged into the reservoir and the remains of the structure were in a neglected state. However, restoration work is yet to be started. The heritage stepwell holds immense historical significance and an excavation carried out by the ASI between 1992 and 1995 revealed a sequence of two cultural periods -- the Rajput period and the Sultanate period (11-12th century). BR Mani, former Additional Director-General of ASI, in his book 'Delhi, Threshold of the Orient: Studies in Archaeological Investigations', said that a notable feature of the tank was the presence of incised mason marks like a swastika, a trident on the stone blocks used in the reservoir's construction. These marks were found in Madhya Pradesh's Bhojpur temple, from the same period, as well as in the stone slabs in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the first mosque to be built in Delhi using rubble masonry, near Qutub Minar, Mani said in his book.

'HISTORICAL MONUMENTS CAN GENERATE EMPLOYMENT'
But, what leads to these monuments going 'missing'? A New Delhi-based archaeologist, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told IndiaToday.in that lack of public awareness about our built heritage and culture was a major reason for the degradation of monuments and historical sites in India. "People need something to connect to a structure or a site, until then, it is just a public place ready to be encroached upon. Several mediaeval monuments are under encroachment in the Delhi-NCR region. If a national capital fails to protect these structures, what do we expect from the suburban and rural areas?" the archaeologist said. Nakul Chhabra, who organises heritage walks, said during his visit to Pinangwan in Haryana's Nuh district, he found that villagers had dug up an unknown tomb thinking there might be valuable things under the cenotaph.

In 2013, the CAG had surveyed 1,655 protected monuments, comprising 45% of the total 3,693 monuments, and found 92 missing. It was more than 2.5 times the number being provided by the Culture Ministry since 2006. Apart from reasons like encroachment, urbanisation and shortage of manpower to monitor the structures, the CAG report has also pulled up the Culture Ministry for negligence while the monuments go "missing". An example of this is the story of British brigadier General Nicholson's statue, which was a protected monument near Delhi's Kashmere Gate at the time of Independence in 1947. The statute was gifted by the then Indian government to Ireland in the 1960s, but the ASI was unaware of the transfer, and it continues to be on its list of protected monuments. To prevent further monuments from going 'missing', Vineet Bhanwala, the founder of Heritage Haryana Foundation that engages in heritage walks, said it was important for the government to engage the locals and raise awareness about them.

He said that most centrally protected monuments lack fencing, making it easy for cattle to graze, and miscreants to occupy them in the dark and engage in anti-social activities. "I have seen several havelis with beautiful intricate murals in Bhiwani and Hisar painted over in the recent past. The locals must be made aware of the perks of tourism as a source of earnings. If the local youth get employed in tourism and related activities, the anti-social activities will vanish as well," Bhanwala said. India, one of the world's oldest civilisations, boasts a wealth of historical structures. If this "historical wealth" is not preserved, the country's monuments may get lost in time.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2011117, April 3, 2024

Ministry of culture has identified 17 monuments that it has proposed to remove from the list of monuments of national importance. The list has been placed in public domain till May 8 for public objections and suggestions. Spread across several states, these range from Barakhamba cemetery in Delhi to a copper temple in Arunachal Pradesh's Lakhimpur. The list of monuments include Inchla Wali Gumti in Delhi; a Kos Minar in Mujessar village in Gurugram and another one in Shahabad in Karnal; inscription in the fort of Bachhaun in Madhya Pradesh's Satna district; a 12th century temple in Baran locality of Kota district of Rajasthan; inscription in a fort in Nagar locality of Jaipur and Dwarahat Kutumbari in Almora district of Uttarakhand. A cluster of eight monuments that are proposed to be removed from the list are from Uttar Pradesh. They include a banyan grove that was cited to be of great antiquity containing traces of ancient buildings in Ghazipur, Gunner Burkill's Tomb at Rangoon in Jhansi, cemeteries and tombs in Lucknow and Telia Nala Buddhist ruins that form part of a deserted village in Varanasi among others.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/17-monuments-may-lose-tag-of-national-importance/articleshow/108443865.cms, April 4, 2024

UNESCO established the Intangible Cultural Heritage List with the aim to highlight the significance of the cultural heritage and raising awareness among people about its beauty and importance. UNESCO’s list consists of traditions and living expressions. India is globally known for its diverse culture, rich heritage, and glorious history. Its beauty lies in the serenity of lush green vegetation and the wide range of rituals and cultural performances that take place across the nation.

Considering its value and global importance, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has listed some cultural performances and rituals of India on its Intangible Cultural Heritages list. UNESCO established the list with the aim of highlighting the significance of cultural heritage and raising awareness among people about its beauty and importance. UNESCO’s list consists of traditions and living expressions. Intangible cultural heritage means the representations, knowledge, skills, expressions and practices that communities follow. Additionally, the artifacts, instruments, objects, and cultural spaces associated with the rituals are also considered as Intangible cultural heritage.

List of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages in India The list mentioned below consists of the Intangible Cultural Heritages in India recognised by UNESCO. A total of 14 cultural heritages of India have been listed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. The data has been taken from the official website of UNESCO.

https://www.news9live.com/knowledge/list-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-elements-in-india-2483770, April 5, 2024

A six-week orientation programme will be held for students and young professionals from April 14 to May 18. The International Council on Monuments and Sites, India (ICOMOS), Deccan Heritage Academy Trust (DHAT), and Salarjung Museum, in collaboration with Woxsen School of Architecture and Planning, JBR Architecture College, and Telangana Sculptors and Artists Association have planned a slew of activities for World Heritage Week in Hyderabad, starting April 14. A heritage walk will be held from Charminar to Chowmahalla on Sunday, April 14, at 7 am to spread awareness on the heritage and architectural styles and to trace the city’s cultural history. Commemorating 50 years of the Venice Charter on the occasion of International Day for Monuments and Sites, a six-week orientation programme will be held for students and young professionals from April 14 to May 18. Expert lectures, workshops, and heritage site visits will be held. On completion of the programme a ‘Voice of Heritage Badge’ will be given to the trainees. An exhibition on Hyderabad’s heritage and heritage work will be held at Salarjung Museum on April 18.

https://www.siasat.com/hyderabad-icomos-plans-host-of-activities-during-world-heritage-week-3006388/, April 12, 2024

A necropolis of 500 graves led to the discovery of this site. A team of archaeologists has unearthed a 5,700-year-old Harappan settlement at Padta Bet in the Kutch region of Gujarat. In 2018, the excavation of a nearby archaeological site at Juna Khatiya, which had over 500 graves, was key to the discovery of the Padta Bet settlement. When the Juna Khatiya site was excavated, the archaeologists guessed that this must have been a burial site, and set out to find any nearby settlements, where the Harappan people might have lived. They found a settlement site on a nearby hillock called Padta Bet, about a mile away from the mass burial site of Juna Khatiya.

The team has found residential structures, pots, dishes, and even semi-precious stones like carnelian and agate at the Padta Bet site. They believe that a river once flowed nearby and that the residents engaged in animal husbandry. They dated the site to 5,700 years ago, placing it in the early to late Harappan periods.

The team of archaeologists investigating this site is an international collaboration between the University of Kerala, Kachchh University, Pune’s Deccan College, and Central University of Karnataka in India; Catalan Institute of Classical Archaeology, Spanish National Research Council, and University of La Laguna in Spain; and Albion College and Texas A&M University in the United States. Read more here.

https://indiacurrents.com/kutch-gujarat-harappa-settlement-archaeology/, April 12, 2024

Archaeologists from the Department of Archaeology have discovered an earthen pot containing a hoard of 3,730 lead coins at the Buddhist site of Phanigiri, located in Suryapet district, India. The deposit dates from the Ikshvaku dynasty, also known as the Solar dynasty or Sūryavaṃśa, one of the two major Kshatriya dynasties in Hindu Puranic and epic literature. The dynasty ruled the Andhra region, Krishna River Delta, and Godavari river on the east coast, with their power base centred on their capital of Dharanikota (present day Amaravati). Excavations at Phanigiri, a Buddhist complex dedicated to Gautama Buddha, recently uncovered an earthen pot containing 3,730 lead coins with a depiction of the elephant symbol on one side and the Ujjain symbol on the reverse.

The Ujjain symbol consists of a cross connecting four circles/orbs, and was used on coinage by various ancient dynasties and kingdoms of India. The symbolism of the Ujjain is open to speculation, with some scholars suggesting that it represents the junction of four roads, or that it might represent the Damaru’ of Lord Shiva, or the four temples of Lord Shiva with the temple of Lord Mahakaal in the centre. According to the Department of Archaeology, the coins date from between the 3rd and 4th century during the Ikshvaku dynasty period. Alongside the coins, the team also uncovered stone and glass beads, stucco motifs, limestone sculptures, shell bangle fragments, a wheel from a child’s toy cart, and various ceramics.

https://www.heritagedaily.com/2024/04/earthen-pot-containing-3730-lead-coins-found-at-phanigiri/151414, April 13, 2024

Archaeologists from the Department of Archaeology have discovered an earthen pot containing a hoard of 3,730 lead coins at the Buddhist site of Phanigiri, located in Suryapet district, India. The deposit dates from the Ikshvaku dynasty, also known as the Solar dynasty or Sūryavaṃśa, one of the two major Kshatriya dynasties in Hindu Puranic and epic literature. The dynasty ruled the Andhra region, Krishna River Delta, and Godavari river on the east coast, with their power base centred on their capital of Dharanikota (present day Amaravati). Excavations at Phanigiri, a Buddhist complex dedicated to Gautama Buddha, recently uncovered an earthen pot containing 3,730 lead coins with a depiction of the elephant symbol on one side and the Ujjain symbol on the reverse.

The Ujjain symbol consists of a cross connecting four circles/orbs, and was used on coinage by various ancient dynasties and kingdoms of India. The symbolism of the Ujjain is open to speculation, with some scholars suggesting that it represents the junction of four roads, or that it might represent the Damaru’ of Lord Shiva, or the four temples of Lord Shiva with the temple of Lord Mahakaal in the centre. According to the Department of Archaeology, the coins date from between the 3rd and 4th century during the Ikshvaku dynasty period. Alongside the coins, the team also uncovered stone and glass beads, stucco motifs, limestone sculptures, shell bangle fragments, a wheel from a child’s toy cart, and various ceramics.

https://www.heritagedaily.com/2024/04/earthen-pot-containing-3730-lead-coins-found-at-phanigiri/151414, April 12, 2024

The Parsi community in Secunderabad is elated as the Khan Bahadur Edulji Sohrabji Chenai Anjuman Dar-e-Meher (Anjuman Agiary) has been bestowed with the Intach heritage award. The recognition highlights the significance of the agiary in preserving the collective history and tradition of the Parsis in the city. The Fire Temple, which observed its centenary during the Covid-19 lockdown, houses the holy Padshah Saheb in its sanctum sanctorum and serves thousands of Parsis.

Among the three fire temples in the region, Dar-e-Meher is the youngest, built by Seth Jamshedji Edulji Chenoy and his brother in memory of their late father during the reign of Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam. The consecration of the temple took place during the reign of Osman Ali Khan and King George V, by Dastoor Khurshed Dastoor Behram Jamasp Asa. Thanking Intach for the award on World Heritage Day, the committee members and Parsi community reiterated their commitment to safeguarding their heritage for future generations.

Homi D. Chenoy, secretary and trustee, received the award on behalf of the Anjuman. Members emphasised the special significance of this recognition as the world celebrates the richness of cultural heritage, underscoring the Anjuman Agiary's role as a custodian of collective history and tradition, symbolising the essence of their shared identity.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/fire-temple-gets-intach-heritage-award-890208, April 15, 2024

The award was received on behalf of the Anjuman by Mr. Homi D. Chenoy, Honorary Secretary-Trustee of PZASH, at a ceremony held on Thursday. The Indian Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has honoured the Khan Bahadur Edulji Sohrabji Chenai Anjuman Dar-E-Meher (Anjuman Agiary) in Secunderabad with the prestigious INTACH Heritage Award on Thursday, coinciding with World Heritage Day. In a statement, Khorshed S. Chenai, president of Parsi Zoroastrian Association Secunderabad Hyderabad (PZASH), expressed gratitude for the recognition.

“As the world comes together to celebrate the richness of our cultural heritage, this recognition holds special significance. It magnifies the importance of the Anjuman Agiary as a custodian of our collective history and tradition, symbolizing the essence of our shared identity,” he stated. The award was received on behalf of the Anjuman by Mr. Homi D. Chenoy, Honorary Secretary-Trustee of PZASH, at a ceremony held on Thursday.

https://telanganatoday.com/anjuman-agiary-recieves-intach-heritage-award, April 16, 2024

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) recently unveiled it project for reviving Kerang fabric of the Gadabas of Odisha’s Koraput. Justice Sashikanta Mishra released the project report in the presence of head of INTACH’s Heritage Crafts and Community Division Vandana Manchanda during an event organised on the occasion of World Heritage Day here on Thursday. Gadaba tribeswomen participated in the event attired in Kerang sarees. According to INTACH, Gadaba and Bonda tribes have a long history of using hand-woven clothes made of Kerang fibre.

They collect the bark of wild Kerang trees, soak those in water from nearby hill streams, dry those in the sun, and extract the fibre. Different vegetable colours are used before weaving it in a set pattern that has been followed for centuries. While the Gadaba women wear full-length cloth or saree with colorful stripes that cover the entire body, the Bonda women wear a small piece of cloth called Ringa, which wraps the lower part of the body.

The clothes made of Kerang fabric can be used for several generations and up to 100 years. A study conducted in 2020, however, revealed that hardly any villages had looms and none of the Gadabas were engaged in making Kerang fabric. Following which, INTACH decided to launch a project to revive the dying tradition.

The team interacted with the Gadaba tribesmen in different villages through workshops and open discussions and provided looms and other assistance to the tribals in four villages of Lamptaput block. “The district administration and state government have also agreed to provide proper and adequate handholding to ensure that this ancient tradition of the Gadabas does not vanish,” said project leader and retired IAS officer Sanjib Hota.

https://odishabytes.com/intach-unveils-project-on-reviving-bark-cloth-of-odishas-gadaba-tribes/, April 17, 2024

Beyond the popular tourist spots, the built heritage of Amritsar is gradually fading away. Whether once grand havelis of Misl period or the remnants of the glorious abodes of Marwari merchants, the structural history of the walled city is gradually falling prey to rapid urbanisation. While successive governments have failed to provide a sustainable solution or initiate any plan for restoring these structures, INTACH Punjab chapter has announced a project to identify and list built heritage including monuments and buildings to be brought under restoration cover. “This has been a long standing goal for us to protect the built heritage, intangible heritage of not just Amritsar but its surroundings. This was a seat of political, economic and cultural importance and there are many such unidentified heritage structures that require to be saved. If we do not do it now, then the future generations will never know or experience of their heritage,” said Col Balwinder Singh, president, Punjab Chapter of INTACH.

INTACH will be initiating a ground level identification, listing and documenting of the heritage structures across Amritsar, Taran Tarn and Ajnala. These will be later published in a gazette for research and restoration purposes. Commercialisation inside the walled city also had paved way for rapid demolition and destruction of many old structures. While concerned authorities have been sitting any plans of restoration and protection of such structures, experts believe that all might not have been lost. “Amritsar still possesses its glorious heritage in the form of labyrinth street pattern, which is distinct character, traditional mohalla depicting intangible heritage.

The walled city is losing its character due to various reasons, but prominently due to neglect and extensive change of land use especially from residential to hotels and commercial activities. “On the World Heritage Day, we and the municipal corporation should take initiative to introduce concept of listed buildings, which will be useful step for initiating restoration. Another important step is to establish heritage cell that will be responsible for the listing of built heritage in the walled city,” said Prof Balvinder Singh, a conservation expert and former head of department, Guru Ramdass School of Architecture and Planning, GNDU.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/international-heritage-day-intach-announces-project-to-save-city-heritage-611995, April 18, 2024

Amidst a host of activities organised to celebrate World Heritage Week, INTACH Hyderabad also bestowed an award on Anjuman Agiary in Hyderabad. CE takes a look at the celebration of heritage in Hyderabad. Abuzz with activities celebrating the heritage of Hyderabad, World Heritage Week witnessed several heritage walks in the city. From the GHMC commissioner to the state heritage department, all history buffs seemed enthusiastic about preserving Telangana’s and Hyderabad’s unique heritage. Telangana Department of Heritage and INTACH Hyderabad organised an event where government dignitaries were invited to a photo exhibition on restored monuments and heritage sites of Telangana as well as attend a talk on ‘Monumental Heritage—its protection for posterity’.

The event culminated with presentation of INTACH’s Heritage Awards 2024, where Secunderabad’s Anjuman Agiary was also bestowed with an award for its conservation and maintenance. The 103-year-old Agiary was built by Seth Jamshedji Edulji Chenoy and his brother in memory of their late father. “We are thrilled that the Khan Bahadur Edulji Sohrabji Chenai Anjuman Dar-E-Meher has been honoured with the prestigious INTACH Heritage Award. This recognition holds special significance. It magnifies the importance of the Anjuman Agiary as a custodian of our collective history and tradition, symbolising the essence of our shared identity,” said Khorshed S Chenai, President, PZASH. Another heritage walk was organised at Laxman Bagh Venkateshwara Swamy temple in Khajaguda and yet another at the stepwells of Golconda.

The temple also bagged a heritage award by the INTACH. Focusing on ownership of monumental and cultural heritage, INTACH Hyderabad convener Anuradha Reddy highlighted the significance of preserving heritage. She also threw light on the contributions of Ghulam Yazdani in documenting the historical sites such as Ajanta and Ellora caves in Deccan, and under whose guidance, Hyderabad State’s first archaeological department was established on the orders of the last Nizam. Co-convener of INTACH, Sajjad Shahid, emphasised on taking care of both tangible and intangible heritage. “In Deccan, Hyderabad and Telangana hold a special place. They have always been rich in terms of culture, language, monuments and geographical locations, due to which, people who come here plan to settle and never leave.

We must remember the contributions made by the Seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan," he said. Commemorating World Heritage Day, INTACH also collaborated with Deccan Archive and Uniquely Telangana to organise a photography competition. The participants covered the heritage along the river Musi. The first prize was bagged by Emaduddin, for a picture of High Court’s domes, seen through an arch. The second prize went to S Krishna Karthik for a snap of the British Residency and the third prize was won by Yerra Shashidhar Goud for his picture of the Shivalighat at Puranapul. The chief guest at the event, Shailaja Ramaiyar, Principal Secretary, urged universities like MANUU and Osmania to host academic research, conferences and workshops to spread awareness aboutw conservation of heritage. She highlighted that the heritage department has always faced a shortage of funds but it is through collective will of the citizens as well as government bodies that helps in protecting heritage sites.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2024/Apr/23/hyderabad-celebrates-world-heritage-week-with-awards-and-heritage-walks, April 19, 2024

On the occasion of the World Heritage Day, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), unveiled it Passion Project on the Kerang Fabric of the Gadabas of Koraput. In an event held at Bhubaneswar, Gadaba tribeswomen, attired in Kerang sarees, showcased the revival of the age old heritage. The use of hand woven clothes made out of Kerang fiber by the Gadaba and Bonda tribes has a long history and has occupied an important place in their culture and mythology.

The women of these two tribes wear clothes made out of the bark of the Kerang plant which grows wild. Tribal men and women collect the bark of the tree and after soaking it in waters of the nearby hill streams, sun dry it and extract the fiber out of the bark. They use different vegetable colours before weaving it in a set pattern that has been followed for centuries. While the Gadaba women wear full length cloth or saree with colorful stripes which covers the entire body, the Bonda women wear a small piece of cloth called Ringa which wraps the lower part of the body in a certain customary manner. This colorful fabric lasts for several generations and has a usable life of a century.

The weaving of the Kerang fabric is a rite of passage for every Gadaba girl, she wears it during her marriage and is also draped in it when she dies. This ancient tradition of weaving the Kerang fabric was on the wane. During Intach’s study in 2020, it was found that there were hardly any villages which had existing looms and none of the Gadabas were engaged in making the Kerang fabric. Intach undertook a Passion project to revive the dying tradition. Four villages were selected in Lamptaput Block and looms and assistance were provided to the villagers.

The Project was initiated by the State Convener Shri A.B.Tripathy (IPS) Retd and a proposal sent to Intach’s Head office at Delhi. After approval of the project, it was headed by Sanjib Ch Hota IAS (Retd) with the other members being Dr P.C. Mahapatra, Convener Koraput Chapter, Anil Dhir and Dr Rajendra Padhee. The team interacted with the Gadaba tribesmen in different villages through workshops and open discussions. The report was released by Justice Sashikanta Mishra, Judge of the High Court of Odisha in the presence of Ms. Vandana Manchanda, Head of Intach’s Heritage Crafts and Community Division. Sanjib Hota, the Project Leader said that the District Administration and the Govt. of Odisha have agreed to provide proper and adequate hand holding to ensure that this ancient tradition of the Gadabas does not vanish.

https://www.mycitylinks.in/intach-unveils-its-passion-project-on-the-revival-of-the-kerang-fabrics-of-the-gadabas-of-koraput, April 20, 2024

INTACH’s Odisha chapter has unveiled the Kerang Fabric project with an aim to revive the age-old heritage and ancient tradition of the Gadabas of Koraput. At an event held in Bhubaneswar to mark World Heritage Day, Thursday, Gadaba tribal women, dressed in Kerang sarees, showcased the revival of this ancient tradition. The use of handwoven clothes made from Kerang fiber by the Gadaba and Bonda tribes has a long history and holds a significant place in their culture and mythology. Women from these tribes wear clothes crafted from the bark of the Kerang plant, which grows in the wild. Tribal men and women collect the bark, soak it in water from nearby hill streams, sun-dry it, and extract the fiber. They then use various vegetable dyes before weaving them into patterns that have been followed for centuries.

Gadaba women typically wear full-length cloth or sarees adorned with colourful stripes, covering their entire bodies, while Bonda women wear a small piece of cloth called ‘Ringa’, which wraps around the lower part of the body in a specific customary manner. These vibrant fabrics can last for generations, with a usable life span of a century. Weaving the Kerang fabric is a rite of passage for every Gadaba girl; she wears it during her marriage and is also draped in it when she passes away. However, this ancient tradition was dwindling. In INTACH’s 2020 study, it was discovered that hardly any villages had existing looms, and none of the Gadabas were engaged in making the Kerang fabric. INTACH initiated a passion project to revive this dying tradition, selecting four villages in Lamtaput block and providing looms and assistance to the villagers.

The project was spearheaded by INTACH’s Odisha State Convener, AB Tripathy, a retired IPS officer, who proposed it to INTACH’s headquarters in Delhi. After approval, Sanjib Chandra Hota, a retired IAS officer, led the project along with other INTACH members PC Mahapatra, Convener of the Koraput Chapter, Anil Dhir, and Rajendra Padhee. The team interacted with Gadaba tribesmen in different villages through workshops and open discussions. The report was released by Justice Sashikanta Mishra, a judge of the High Court of Orissa, in the presence of Vandana Manchanda, Head of INTACH’s Heritage Crafts and Community Division. Hota, the Project Leader, stated that the Koraput district administration and the Odisha government have agreed to provide proper and adequate support to ensure that this ancient tradition of the Gadabas does not vanish.

https://www.orissapost.com/kerang-fabric-project-aims-to-revive-age-old-tribal-heritage/, April 21, 2024

First time in the history of this border region, a Heritage Circuit Car Rally was organized by Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Ferozepur Chapter which commenced from the historic Gurdwara Jamni Sahib in Bajidpur village and culminated at the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala after passing through the various historic sites of Ferozepur including Club View Hotel, Old Ferozepur Club, Wazir Ali Building, St. Andrews Church, Barki Memorial, Pir Baba Sher Shah Wali's Mazar, Saragarhi Memorial and Ferozepur Fort. Dr. Anirudh Gupta Convener INTACH Ferozepur Chapter said that Ferozepur has immense potential for tourism.

He said that while the development of historical places is the need of the hour, tourists from the country and abroad can be attracted to come here by promoting military and border tourism only. He said that due to being on the border location, the district is industrially backward of course, but if tourism is encouraged, the sources of employment will increase with the tourists coming from outside and there will be lot of development. The rally was flagged off by the Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Dhiman, Station Commander Bikram Singh and INTACH Punjab Convener Major General Balwinder Singh (Retd). On this occasion prominent personalities including DIG BSF Brig Pawan Bajaj (Retd), District Sessions Judge Virinder Agarwal, Army Women Welfare Association (AWWA) Chairperson Shikha Sheoron, Army Officers Bikram Singh, Tarun Pathak, M K S Mouli, Red Cross Secretary Ashok Bahl along with other dignitaries Dr.

Kamal Bagi, Dr. Sheel Sethi, Malwinder Singh, Gundeep Sodhi, industrialist Sameer Mittal, Shailendra Shelley, Dr. Harsh Bhola, Dr. K.C. Arora, Advocate J.S. Dharmapal Bansal, Dr. Satinder Singh Sodhi, Prof. Gajalpreet Singh, Vipul Narang, Parminder Thind, Sohan Singh Sodhi, Sunir Monga, Gauri Mehta etc. were present. While addressing, Dr. Anirudh Gupta Convener INTACH Ferozepur Chapter said that Ferozepur has immense potential for tourism. He said that while the development of historical places is the need of the hour, tourists from the country and abroad can be attracted to come here by promoting military and border tourism only.

He said that due to being on the border location, the district is industrially backward of course, but if tourism is encouraged, the sources of employment will increase with the tourists coming from outside and there will be lot of development. He said that Ferozepur has many places which can be promoted as an tourist attraction including Hussainiwala International Indo-Pak border, Saragarhi Memorial, Anglo Sikh War Memorial, Secret hideout of revolutionaries in the city area, Mudki Memorial, Harike Pattan Wetlands besides several others DIG BSF Brig Pawan Bajaj (Retd) said that it is a matter of great pleasure to organize such a large-scale rally to promote tourism for the first time in the border district.

He gave the credit of the successful rally to Dr. Anirudh Gupta the convener and said that people who preserve their heritage are remembered in history. Retired Major General Balwinder Singh, Convener of Intake Punjab Chapter, deeply appreciated historian Dr. Anirudh Gupta. He said that Ferozepur is the only district in the country where such a big car rally has been organized for the preservation of heritage.

VINTAGE CARS REMAIN THE CENTER OF ATTRACTION
In the rally, Landlord Malvinder Singh Sodhi participated in the Ferozepur Circuit Car Rally with a 1948 model Chevrolet Fleetmaster car, while Gundeep Singh Sodhi, another landlord brought a 1984 model Maruti 800 DX. City resident Sunir Monga added to the beauty of the rally by bringing a 1937 model Chevrolet.

https://www.face2news.com/news/91734-for-the-first-time-in-history-of-ferozepur-heritage-circuit-car-rally-organized-to-promote-tourism.aspx, April 22, 2024

Give protected status to college, school’. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has announced free entry for all its protected monuments in the country on April 18 — World Heritage Day. The day is observed annually to spread awareness about the importance and significance of the heritage sites, and to safeguard these for the future generations. Kangra district, which is one of the oldest settlements in the world, is bestowed with unique heritage — both tangible and intangible — which, according to art connoisseurs, needs to be preserved for posterity. There are forts, palaces, temples, ponds, wells and gateways dating back to several hundred years. Some of these have already been declared protected and are in the safe custody of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), whereas many others are less fortunate as these still await the ‘protected’ status. Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) (Kangra Chapter) Convener L N Aggarwal has been organising activities every year on this day such as monument sight-seeing, quiz competitions and painting competitions for schoolchildren. This time, it is proposed that students would be taken for a museum walk so as to acquaint them with the monumental and cultural heritage of the area. According to him, there are several architectural heritage properties in and around Dharamsala — both private and government-owned — that need to be preserved. The old Boys School in Dharamsala, for instance, came into being in 1926 as a high school. The school emerged as model multi-purpose higher secondary school in 1961 and was upgraded to Senior Secondary School in 1986. Aggarwal said, “Its building has been constructed in the typical hilly style. The government may consider to declare it as heritage property and preserve it.” Similarly, Government College, Dharamsala, has a unique heritage building dating back to the years when Kangra district was part of Punjab. The alumni proudly associate with this building, known as the Old Main Block. The building’s foundation stone was laid on May 4, 1912, by Sir Louis Dane, the then Lt Governor of Punjab. It was the first college in undivided Punjab to introduce the faculties of Arts, Science & Commerce. In 1984, it became the first college in the state to introduce masters in geology. The INTACH convenor has made an ardent appeal to the government to declare both these structures as protected monuments.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/world-heritage-day-free-entry-at-asi-sites-intach-wants-two-more-added-to-list-611943, April 23, 2024

Though the exact number of monuments could not be counted in the dense forest and slopes of the hill, there appears to be more than 200 megalithic monuments. A team of archaeologists claimed to have discovered a unique Iron Age megalithic site at Ooragutta near Bandala village in SS Tadvai mandal of Mulugu district, Telangana. A team of archaeologists claimed to have discovered a unique Iron Age megalithic site at Ooragutta near Bandala village in SS Tadvai mandal of Mulugu district, Telangana. The site was discovered by a team comprising K.P. Rao, history professor of the University of Hyderabad, and Ch Praveen Raju, research scholar from Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, in the forested area of the tribal-dominated district. Though the exact number of monuments could not be counted in the dense forest and slopes of the hill, there appears to be more than 200 megalithic monuments, says Prof. Rao, an active field archaeologist, who teaches ancient history, field archaeology, and pre and proto historic culture related subjects. “It is interesting to note that this site has new types of monuments, which have not come to light so far anywhere in other regions of India. Usually in this region, we find a type of megalithic monument known as ‘Dolmenoid Cists’. Most of the monuments in this region have squarish or rectangular shapes,” he said. Contrary to this, the site discovered at this place (Ooragutta) has unique features. The side slabs are arranged with slabs following the shape of the cap-stone. Hence, each ‘dolmenoid cist’ has a unique shape as dictated by the cap-stone. These monuments can be dated around 1,000 BCE, he added. Prof. Rao also said, "In Europe, such monuments are known as Passage Chambers. It is likely that this type of monuments have given rise to the more evolved type of squarish and rectangular monuments."

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/three-new-archaeological-sites-discovered/article68076064.ece, April 24, 2024

In the quiet village of Baghanki near Manesar, Haryana, a remarkable discovery has brought the past to life. During a routine excavation for a house construction project, three metal idols estimated to be around 400 years old were unearthed, stirring excitement and curiosity among locals and historians alike. The idols, which include depictions of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, were found as the foundation for a new house was being dug using a JCB machine. This chance discovery has provided a rare glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and religious history. The plot owner initially attempted to conceal the find, offering money to the JCB driver to keep the discovery a secret. However, the driver informed the Bilaspur police two days later, leading to a police team securing the site. The idols recovered include a standing idol of Lord Vishnu, an idol of Goddess Lakshmi, and a joint idol of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the time.

Upon being notified, the Deputy Director of the Archaeology Department, Banani Bhattacharya, and Dr. Kush Dhebar, an archaeological expert, took possession of the idols. The villagers expressed a desire to have the idols handed over to the local panchayat with the intention of building a temple on the plot.

However, the Archaeology Department officials declined this request, stating that these idols are government property and cannot be claimed for personal or local community rights. The idols, now in the custody of the Archaeology Department, are set to be studied in their laboratory. Preliminary examinations suggest that the idols are indeed around 400 years old, but further excavation will be conducted on the plot to determine if more artifacts are buried beneath the surface. The discovery has halted the construction work on the site, as the area has become a point of interest for further archaeological exploration.

The idols are believed to be made of bronze, a material commonly used during the period for creating religious artifacts. The presence of such idols in Haryana is not entirely surprising, given the region’s historical significance and its role in various dynasties and empires throughout Indian history. However, finding idols from this particular era is relatively rare, making this discovery all the more significant. The Archaeology Department’s refusal to hand over the idols to the villagers highlights the importance of preserving such artifacts in a controlled environment where they can be properly conserved and studied. These idols will eventually find a new home in a museum, where they will be displayed for public viewing and educational purposes. This discovery in Baghanki village is a reminder of the layers of history that lie beneath our feet, often hidden and forgotten.

It highlights the importance of archaeological preservation and the need for careful consideration when new construction projects are undertaken. As the Archaeology Department continues its work, there is hope that more light will be shed on the history of the region and the people who once worshipped these deities. The idols of Baghanki have opened a window into the past, offering a tangible connection to the spiritual and artistic expressions of a bygone era.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/archaeologists-discover-400-year-old-antique-idols-in-haryana/articleshow/109586918.cms, April 25, 2024

A team of archaeologists, led by Assistant Professors of the Archaeology Department at Kerala University, Dr Abhayan GS and Dr Rajesh SV, discovered the remains of a 5200-year-old Harappan settlement at Padta Bet in the Kutch district of Gujarat. Among the finds on the hillsides of Padta Bet are circular and rectangular buildings built in sandstone, pottery, artifacts and animal bones. According to the researchers, these findings indicate the settlement of the Harappan people in the region from about 3200 to 1700 BC. Many of the potsherd to the Harappans, which have not yet been fully documented.

One of the two storage jars below the floor level of a building is a rough red vessel. Stone beads in carnelian and agate, copper artifacts, lithic tools, cores, debitage, grindstones, hammer stones, remains of cattle and sheep and shell fragme also been found. Archaeobotanical samples have been collected to further identify the uses of plants. A man was found buried under a pile of stones on the hillside. Foreign universities like Deccan College PGRI (Pune) and KSKV Kachchh University (Gujarat) are collaborating with Kerala University on the research programme.

https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1294705&u=, April 26, 2024

Three statues, estimated to be around 400 years old, were found in Manesar’s Mohammadpur Baghanki on Monday. According to the state department of archaeology and museums, the statues of Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi were found while a local doctor was excavating his plot with an earthmover for the installation of a borewell. Officials said the exact age of the statues will be confirmed after a detailed analysis. Deputy director Banani Bhattacharya, who was handed over the idols by Manesar police, said they were found at a depth of around 15 feet and are made of bronze. Three statues, estimated to be around 400 years old, were found in Manesar’s Mohammadpur Baghanki on Monday.

According to the state department of archaeology and museums, the statues of Lord and goddess Lakshmi were found while a local doctor was excavating his plot with an earthmover for the installation of a borewell. Officials said the exact age of the statues will be confirmed after a detailed analysis. Deputy director Banani Bhattacharya, who was handed over the idols by Manesar police, said they were found at a depth of around 15 feet and are made of bronze. Many people from nearby villages have been flocking to the site to catch a glimpse of the idols and offer their prayers.

Police have cordoned off the area to prevent any damage to the artifacts or the site. Vikas Rao, a villager, said they plan to build a temple. “We are planning to construct a temple in the area where the artifacts were recovered. These statues could provide valuable insights into the religious practices and artistic styles of the period they originate from,” he said. The locals, in collaboration with the archaeology department, will continue to dig the plot to check if there is anything else left in the ground. “The idols have been transported to our laboratory for further study. The archaeology department plans to use scientific methods to determine the exact age of the statues. According to a preliminary examination, they seem to be around 400 years old.

It appears someone buried them long ago. The Manesar area doesn’t have any previous findings, but we will examine the matter.” Bhattacharya told TOI. The archaeology department appealed to the public to cooperate with them and not to disturb the site or the artifacts. Officials said they will look for inscriptions or markings that could provide clues about the statues’ origins. Discovery of such idols is not uncommon in Haryana, which has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The state is home to several important archaeological sites, including the Indus Valley Civilization ruins at Rakhigarhi and stone carvings in Aravalis of Faridabad.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/doc-digs-plot-for-borewell-finds-400-yr-old-idols/articleshow/109543765.cms, April 27, 2024

The list includes 18 centrally protected monuments, spread across Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The Ministry of Culture, in a notification issued on March 8, declared its intention to delist 18 protected monuments as they have “ceased to be of national importance.”

The government has evoked Section 35 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act), which gives it the power to delist ancient and historical monuments or archaeological sites and remains which were earlier declared to be of national importance. The government has notified a period of two months for the public to register objections or suggestions.

What does the government’s decision mean?

An ancient monument which is declared to be of national importance by or under the AMASR Act is classified as a protected monument. The Ministry of Culture, through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), takes care of all the centrally protected monuments of national importance, as well as excavation of historical sites and collection and showcasing art objects of historical and cultural importance. Apart from maintaining/developing centrally protected monuments, the ASI also takes up other responsibilities like providing drinking water, toilet blocks, facilities for the physically challenged, pathways, cultural notice boards/signage, vehicle parking, and cloak rooms to tourists visiting these monuments. Section 35 of the AMASR Act allows the central government to delist any ancient and historical monument or archaeological site and remains when it believes that they are not of national importance anymore. Once the centrally protected monuments are delisted, the ASI and Ministry of Culture will no longer be responsible for their preservation, safeguard, and conservation. The background.

The 359th Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, titled ‘Functioning of the Archaeological Survey of India,’ had in 2023 said that there are “several problems” with centrally protected monuments in the country. Currently, the ASI looks after 3,693 monuments, and the parliamentary committee report suggested that at least a quarter of those are minor monuments with no national significance. A 2013 report submitted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Performance Audit of Preservation and Conservation of Monuments and Antiquities said that 92 monuments were not “traceable” during an inspection. Many of these, including Kos Minars of Shahabad and Mujessar in Haryana, the Bara Khamba cemetery in Delhi, and multiple cemeteries and tombs in Uttar Pradesh now find themselves among monuments notified to be delisted.

Which monuments are included in the list?
The list includes 18 centrally protected monuments, spread across Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Delisted monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Hover over the points to check the monuments delisted in the marked locations. Some locations have multiple delisted monuments. Most of these monuments are from the pre-Independence era. The Kos Minars, for example, were introduced under the rule of Sher Shah Suri to mark a distance of a little over 3 km.

The AMASR Act
The AMASR Act was passed by Parliament in 1958 for the protection and preservation of archaeological and historical monuments and sites. It also provides for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for protection of sculptures, carvings and other such objects. The government is planning on introducing an amendment to the Act which alters rules related to construction of public works in “prohibited areas,” and the approval and impact assessment of such public works. The original Act prohibits construction in an area of 100 metres around protected monuments, and the central government can extend this area beyond 100 metres. With the amendment, the government may be allowed to take up infrastructure projects for public works in this prohibited area.

According to the central government, the “prohibition of new construction within prohibited areas of a protected area or protected monument is adversely affecting the various public works and developmental projects of the central government.” Section 35 of the AMASR Act allows the central government to delist any ancient and historical monument or archaeological site. An ancient monument which is declared to be of national importance by or under the AMASR Act is classified as a protected monument. The list includes 18 centrally protected monuments, spread across Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/doc-digs-plot-for-borewell-finds-400-yr-old-idols/articleshow/109543765.cms, April 28, 2024

From Ajanta Caves to Krishna Mandapam, here are some interesting facts about India’s ancient caves. World Heritage Day, also known as the International Monuments and Sites Day, is observed on 18 April every year to celebrate some of the world’s most unique and stunning architectural masterpieces. Several historic monuments and sites present in India are in dire need of preservation, to keep the cultural heritage intact. On this day, several organisations, societies, governments, and individuals come together to advocate the preservation of these marvels and increase public awareness about their significance.

When we talk about historical structures, we often think of elaborate monuments and temples that boast of resplendent architecture and intricate detailing. However, we often forget the significance of ancient caves. India is home to several of some of the most fascinating and historically rich cave complexes, many of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These caves offer a unique glimpse into ancient cultures, religious practices, and remarkable architectural feats. Here are some interesting facts about these structures.

Ajanta Caves
A masterpiece of Buddhist art, Ajanta caves are located in Maharashtra and are renowned for their exquisite Buddhist rock-cut cave monuments. These caves date back to the 2nd century BCE and were created as retreats for Buddhist monks. It is believed that these Buddhist monks took shelter in these caves during monsoons as they were forbidden from travelling during this period of the year. While living in the caves they spent their time and effort painting the walls of the caves, depicting Buddhist legends, scenes from daily life, and ornate sculptures of deities. The caves not only feature some of the most awe-inspiring paintings giving a glimpse of Buddhist beliefs, but also contain mound-like structures called stupas as well as large pillars. However, what’s worth noting is that Buddha had always preached against sculpting and painting images of him. He explained that the purpose of living life is to work towards achieving nirvana.

Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves are also situated in Maharashtra and are a remarkable fusion of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments. These caves were carved out of solid rock between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. The site includes 34 caves featuring stunning sculptures and intricately detailed architecture. The Kailash Temple in Ellora, carved from a single rock and dedicated to Lord Shiva, particularly attracts visitors from all over the world due to its sheer size and intricate detailing. Another significant structure within the complex is cave 10, or the Vishvakarma cave, which consists of some of the most exquisite Buddhist sculptures. Cave 32 is known for its significance within the Jain community as it depicts some of the most important principles of the religion such as non-violence and simplicity in life. It is a series of shrines dedicated to Mahavira and other Jain divinities spanning over two storeys. The sculptures also depict scenes from the lives of Jain Tirthankaras.

Elephanta Caves
Another architecturally significant cave complex situated in Maharashtra, Elephanta caves are just a short boat ride from Mumbai. This site features a collection of rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. These caves, dating back to the 5th century CE, are situated on Elephanta Island and are famous for their colossal sculptures. What’s worth noting is that the island on which Elephanta Caves are situated was originally called Gharapuri. However, after the Portuguese conquered the region, they renamed it as Elephanta, as they erected a large stone elephant on the island. The most notable among the network of caves is the Trimurti, a massive three-headed statue representing the aspects of Shiva as the highest form of God in Hinduism fulfilling the roles of a creator, preserver, and destroyer. In the coastal town of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu stands the Varaha Cave Temple, a UNESCO-listed monument carved out of a single rock in the 7th century CE. One of the best examples of the creativity and intricacy of ancient Pallava architecture and sculpture, this cave temple is adorned with intricate bas-relief sculptures depicting various forms of Lord Vishnu, including his avatar or incarnation as Varaha (boar) to save Goddess Earth. The detailing and craftsmanship of the sculptures stand as evidence of the artistic mastery of ancient Indian artisans and sculptors.

Krishna Mandapam
Another significant UNESCO World Heritage site in the Southern part of India is the Krishna Mandapam in Mahabalipuram. Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the Kancheepuram district, it is another rock-cut cave temple featuring some of the most awe-inspiring bas relief sculptures, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this cave temple features beautiful bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, including well-known tales of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill. There are other images in the cave that include Lord Krishna in a playful mood with the gopis or milkmaids, carrying water pots on their heads, and several other scenes from the Hindu mythology.

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/world-heritage-day-2024-caves-india-unesco-archaeology-9277182/, April 29, 2024

The huge reptile, Vasuki Indicus, is likely to have lived 47 million years ago, say IIT Roorkee researchers. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have reported the discovery of fossils of one of the largest snakes that ever existed and likely lived 47 million years ago during a period called the Middle Eocene. The fossils were found in Kutch, Gujarat, and the reptile, named Vasuki Indicus, could have been anywhere between 10 metres and 15 metres long, or as big as a modern-day school bus. und in Kutch. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have reported the discovery of fossils of one of the largest snakes that ever existed and likely lived 47 million years ago during a period called the Middle Eocene.

The fossils were found in Kutch, Gujarat, and the reptile, named Vasuki Indicus, could have been anywhere between 10 metres and 15 metres long, or as big as a modern-day school bus. It belonged to the now-extinct Madtsoiidae snake family but represents a unique lineage from India, the authors note. found in Kutch. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have reported the discovery of fossils of one of the largest snakes that ever existed and likely lived 47 million years ago during a period called the Middle Eocene.

The fossils were found in Kutch, Gujarat, and the reptile, named Vasuki Indicus, could have been anywhere between 10 metres and 15 metres long, or as big as a modern-day school bus. It belonged to the now-extinct Madtsoiidae snake family but represents a unique lineage from India, the authors note. Professor Sunil Bajpai and post-doctoral researcher Debajit Datta at the IIT Roorkee, stumbled upon 27 pieces of a “partial, well preserved” vertebral column of the snake at the Panandhro Lignite Mine in Kutch. The discovery, the authors report in the peer-reviewed journal, Nature Scientific Reports, could improve understanding of how the madtsoiid species evolved in different kinds of climate, as well as the factors that contributed to large body-sizes. One of the causative factors is held to be high temperatures in the tropical climate of that time. The reptile existed at a time when the earth looked quite different from today, and Africa, India and South America were one, conjoined landmass.

Vasuki Indicus likely had a broad and cylindrical body, hinting at a robust and powerful build and was as big as Titanoboa, a massive snake that once roamed the earth and is reportedly the longest ever known, said a press statement from IIT Roorkee. Much like present-day pythons and anaconda, Vasuki Indicus killed its prey by suffocation. Vasuki refers to the mythical snake often depicted around the neck of the Hindu god Shiva. “This discovery is significant not only for understanding the ancient ecosystems of India but also for unravelling the evolutionary history of snakes on the Indian subcontinent.

It underscores the importance of preserving our natural history and highlights the role of research in unveiling the mysteries of our past,” Dr. Bajpai, said in a statement. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have reported the discovery of fossils of one of the largest snakes that ever existed and likely lived 47 million years ago during a period called the Middle Eocene. The fossils were found in Kutch, Gujarat, and the reptile, named Vasuki Indicus, could have been anywhere between 10 metres and 15 metres long, or as big as a modern-day school bus. Vasuki Indicus likely had a broad and cylindrical body, hinting at a robust and powerful build and was as big as Titanoboa, a massive snake that once roamed the earth and is reportedly the longest ever known, said a press statement from IIT Roorkee.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/fossils-of-massive-prehistoric-snake-found-in-lignite-mine-in-gujarat/article68083916.ece, April 30, 2024

A team of archaeologists, led by Assistant Professors of the Archaeology Department at Kerala University, Dr Abhayan GS and Dr Rajesh SV, discovered the remains of a 5200-year-old Harappan settlement at Padta Bet in the Kutch district of Gujarat. Among the finds on the hillsides of Padta Bet are circular and rectangular buildings built in sandstone, pottery, artifacts and animal bones. According to the researchers, these findings indicate the settlement of the Harappan people in the region from about 3200 to 1700 BC. Many of the potsherd to the Harappans, which have not yet been fully documented.

One of the two storage jars below the floor level of a building is a rough red vessel. Stone beads in carnelian and agate, copper artifacts, lithic tools, cores, debitage, grindstones, hammer stones, remains of cattle and sheep and shell fragme also been found. Archaeobotanical samples have been collected to further identify the uses of plants. A man was found buried under a pile of stones on the hillside. Foreign universities like Deccan College PGRI (Pune) and KSKV Kachchh University (Gujarat) are collaborating with Kerala University on the research programme.

https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1294705&u=, April 26, 2024

Kondaveedu fort development committee convenor Sivareddy, who was on the spot while renovation works were being taken place, found these four inscriptions. As many as four ancient Telugu inscriptions dating back to the 15th century were unearthed at Kondaveedu fort in Edlapadu village of Palnadu district on Saturday. Kondaveedu fort development committee convenor Sivareddy, who was on the spot while renovation works were being taken place, found these four inscriptions engraved on the mandapam and sent the details to Archaeological Survey of India Director K Muniratnam Reddy. After deciphering the inscriptions, he said that one of these four inscriptions seems to record the construction of one mandapam among the four present on the hilltop and is dated to Saka year, Durmukhi month, su 11 Friday in 1416 CE. The mandapam which has been in ruins for several years has 24 pillars. According to the inscription, the mandapam is called Ranga Mandapam and the inscription is written on the occasion of its inauguration in 1416 CE. The mention of Pedda Komati Vemareddy on the inscription matches to the historical facts that Kondaveedu fort was ruled by Vemareddy from 1402 CE to 1420 CE. The other three inscriptions are not historically significant, he informed. Kalli Sivareddy opined that finding these inscriptions proves that Kondaveedu fort is a treasure of history. “There is still a vast area of 4-5 kilometres on the hilltop and temple which are yet to be explored. If the Archaeology department inspects the area and conducts close inspections, they might find much more historically significant artefacts explaining about the fort and the kings who ruled the area,” he added.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2024/Apr/14/four-ancient-telugu-inscriptions-unearthed-at-kondaveedu-fort, April 29, 2024

Officials from the Department of Archaeology and Museums have made a significant discovery at the Phanigiri Buddhist site in Suryapet district in Telangana. Led by N Sagar, the excavation director, and B Mallu, the co-excavator, the team unearthed a coin hoard on 29 March as per a report by The Hindu. They found an earthen pot, measuring 16.7 cm in diameter and 15 cm in height, buried at a depth of two feet. Inside the pot, they discovered 3,730 lead coins, each featuring an elephant symbol on one side and the Ujjain symbol on the other. The coins are believed to belong to the Ikshvaku period, dating between the third and fourth centuries CE. In addition to the coins, the archaeologists found stone beads, glass beads, shell bangle fragments, stucco motifs, broken limestone sculptures, a wheel from a toy cart, final nails, and pottery. Phanigiri is an important Buddhist site that has recently gained recognition, with many of its excavated artefacts now being showcased around the world, including at the New York Met Museum.

https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/archaeological-excavation-at-phanigiri-in-telangana-yields-trove-of-ancient-coins-from-third-fourth-century-ce, April 30, 2024