British Deputy High Commission- Hyderabad and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) observed Remembrance Day at the World War 1 Memorial in Chaderghat. Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Musharraf Ali Faruqui, Additional Commissioner, GHMC, P Anuradha Reddy, INTACH Hyderabad and Vikram Jain, Canadian Trade Office laid poppy wreaths and observed two minutes of silence remembering the fallen heroes. Anuradha Reddy, INTACH- Hyderabad explained the significance of the memorial site to the guests. Speaking on the occasion, Andrew Fleming said, "I am pleased that for a second time we have been able to remember these brave men and women at the Chaderghat Memorial. Remembrance Sunday has been observed since WW1 which came to an end on the 11th hour or the 11th day of the 11th month when the armistice was signed. This is now a day we remember those lost in both World Wars and other conflicts”.

https://telanganatoday.com/tributes-to-ww1-heroes-on-remembrance-day-in-hyderabad, November 11, 2019

The State Archaeology Department has clubbed 14 temples from the Hoysala period reflecting similar architectural styles — including the monuments at Belur-Halebid and Somnathpur — for serial nomination to seek UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The final dossier, to be submitted by September 2020, is being prepared by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Bengaluru, which is expected to submit it by April.

Pankaj Modi, an architect leading the team preparing the dossier, told The Hindu that the tentative list had only Belur and Halebid monuments, but they were expanding the list for serial nomination by incorporating more temples given their architectural significance. Apart from the monuments at Belur and Halebid, the list includes Panchalingeshwara temple at Govindahall, Chennakeshava temple at Somnathpur, Kesava temple at Harnahalli, Lakshminarayana temple at Hosaholalu, Ishvara temple at Arsikere, Bucheshwara temple at Koravangala, Nageshwara and Chennakeshava temple at Mosale, Kalyani at Hulikere, Lakshmidevi temple at Doddagaddavalli, Amriteshwara temple at Amrutpura, and Viranarayana temple at Amrutpura. UNESCO defines serial nominations as any two or more unconnected sites that may contain a series of cultural or natural properties in different locations, provided that they are related because they belong to the same historical and cultural group.

In India, forts at Chittorgarh, Kumbalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Jhalawar and Jaisalmer are examples. The Archaeology Department entered into an agreement with INTACH earlier this year and the inception report was submitted in the last week of September. Mr. Modi said the effort involves a number of processes, besides stakeholder meetings so as to revise and refine the final dossier. T. Venkatesh, Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, said the final dossier would highlight the monuments as representing a masterpiece of creative genius in monumental arts and as an outstanding example of a type of architectural ensemble illustrating a significant stage in human history.

He said another stakeholder meeting would be held in due course and would involve the district administrations of Hassan, Mandya and Mysuru, as some of the temples listed are scattered across these districts. The consultant team carried out site visits recently and covered 29 Hoysala temples, including ones in Belur, Halebid, Somnathpur and Hosaholalu, to study the ground situation and gather information on the maintenance and upkeep of the temples and surrounding areas. There are 137 Hoysala temples of significant value in the State — 43 are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, 55 by the Archaeology Department, and the remaining 39 are unprotected.

The process and the list

For a monument to qualify as a World Heritage Site, it should be in the tentative list for at least six months to one year. The Belur-Halebid temples made it to the tentative list in 2014, while the concept paper for the same had been prepared sometime in 2007. In addition to Hoysala temples, the final dossier for the ‘Evolution of Temple Architecture at Badami, Ahihole and Pattadakal’ is also being prepared. The ‘Monuments and Forts of the Deccan Sultanate’ is another cluster in it. However, submission of the final dossier alone will not suffice as it will go through another round of scrutiny by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, which has to nominate the monuments and submit them to UNESCO, which will take the final call. At present, Karnataka has the Hampi and Pattadakal group of monuments inscribed as World Heritage Sites. Besides, the State has 844 State-protected monuments, nearly 600 ASI-protected monuments, and about 35,000 temples under the Muzrai Department. There are 42 sites in India that are in the tentative list. The country has 38 World Heritage Sites — 30 cultural and eight natural properties.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-to-seek-unesco-world-heritage-site-status-for-14-hoysala-temples/article29939199.ece, November 11, 2019

Subsequently, it began a survey of buildings of historic significance, including nationally important monuments, decaying due to negligence by the authorities, and documented them for protection. A public interest litigation (PIL) in 2005 before the Delhi High Court seeking protection of five heritage structures — gateways and Kos Minar — in Badarpur led to the launch of arguably the biggest and most wide-ranging conservation project for historic sites in Delhi since Independence. While disposing of the petition, the court directed the state archaeology department (SAD) of the Delhi government to initiate efforts for protection and conservation of the structures cited in the petition. Subsequently, it began a survey of buildings of historic significance, including nationally important monuments, decaying due to negligence by the authorities, and documented them for protection. For the purpose, the department signed a memorandum of understanding with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Inatch) in October 2008 and in November 2012. The efforts have borne fruit as the collaboration helped in safeguarding 65 such buildings in the past decade. "The department undertook a survey, identified 238 monuments, not part of any list of protected buildings, either of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) or the state archaeology department and documented them. It was decided that they would be conserved in a phased manner. Since then, the department has taken up 19 monuments for repair every year,” said Vikas Maloo, Head of Office (Archaeology) of the Delhi government. Later, in July 2013, the SAD entered into an agreement with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) to undertake conservation of Sarai of Azim Ganj, located inside the National Zoological Park.Key monuments and buildings restored since 2008 are Mutiny Memorial in Kamala Nehru ridge, Talkatora Garden embankment, Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal in Central ridge near Jhandewalan Metro station, Bada Lao Ka Gumbad in Vasant Kunj, Gol Gumbad (Lodi Road), library of Mughal prince Dara Sikoh at Kashmere Gate, and clusters of ancient structures in Mehrauli Archeological Park — tombs of Quli Khan and Ghiyas ud din Balban, and Rajon Ki Baoli. Manish Saxena, secretary (arts, culture, and language (AC & L) department), said that the association with Intach and AKTC had helped the government in keeping monuments safe and well-maintained. "They brought a lot of expertise and knowledge with them, which has resulted in conservation of many significant heritage structures, as in Mehrauli,” she said. The SAD is part of the AC & L department. Swapna Liddle, convener of the Delhi chapter of Intach, said that the partnership had been fruitful as several structures which were out of the public eye were restored. "Both parties (Intach and the government) have been benefited with the partnership. In fact, Delhi has been benefited most. Several unprotect structures of national importance not being taken care of by the ASI were identified and conserved,” she said. Until 2008, there were only five heritage buildings, which were mentioned in the PIL, in SAD’s list of protected structures. As several are being restored every year, the department keeps proposing their notification. So far, it has declared 19 ancient properties as protected. But despite its efforts, it has failed to achieve success on several occasions. Another official of the Delhi government said that due to opposition from locals, authorities, and encroachment, conservation work at a few sites has to be aborted. "The work at the 17th-century caravanserai in Mehram Nagar is at a standstill due to a dispute with the Defence Estate Department. Work on the tomb of Ziauddin Rumi in Kalu Sarai is pending because of encroachment. We had prepared a detailed project report for a cluster of structures in Delhi Golf Club, but we were not allowed to proceed. Now, the club management is taking up the work on its own,” he said.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2019/nov/13/10-year-long-effort-saves-65-heritage-structures-in-delhi-2060887.html, November 13, 2019

A seven day World Heritage Week will serve lovers of history an opportunity to revisit the legacy around Muziris near here, as the event will highlight key features of the civilisation that lasted for three millennia till its abrupt end in the 14th century. The November 19-25, Muziris Heritage Week at Kottappuram near Kodungallur of this district will feature exhibitions on conservation of pertinent monuments besides classes on creating public awareness on the matter. Organized by the Muziris Heritage Project (MHP), the festival focuses on the historical museums such as the Paliam Palace and Nalukettu, the ParavurChennamangalam synagogues and the Kottappuram fort as well as the market. The event will also host a workshop on Kottappuram Integrated Development Society making household articles using organic fiber and a show on traditional weaving from Chennamangalam handloom, according to P M Nowshad, Managing Director of MHP functioning under the Government of Kerala since 2008. "There will also be exhibitions on the local Jewish culture, an art show and an archaeology gallery featuring excavated artifacts," he added.

http://www.uniindia.com/world-heritage-week-in-muziris-to-showcase-kerala-s-culture/south/news/1790273.html, November 14, 2019

To mark the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak Dev, the Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has recently announced that eleven academic Chairs in the name of Guru Nanak will be installed in different universities, including one from Iran. Of these, seven are in Punjab, while the rest are one each in Gwalior, Bhopal and Kolkata. These Chairs will be entrusted with conducting research on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, and will assist scholars in collecting information on the life, philosophy and vision of Guru Nanak. Anil Dhir, who has written a well researched book on Sikhism in Odisha and the impact of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s visit to Puri in 1506 has written to the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Odisha, requesting them to set up a Chair at the Utkal University at Bhubaneswar. According to Dhir, the relevance of Odisha, Lord Jagannath and Puri in Sikhism has not been studied and given its proper place in history, hence Odisha deserves a Chair more than any other place. Guru Nanak Dev has culminated his first and most important Udasi at Puri, walking more than 3500 kms across the northern and eastern parts. His visit and the composition of the Sikh Aarti at Puri are very most important events in Guru Nanak’s historical timeline. Consequent to Guru Nanak’s visit to Puri, the Mangu Mutt was set up by Bhai Almast, the Sikh preacher and Dhuari of the Udasi sect sometime in 1615 C.E. He had been deputed to the eastern provinces by Baba Gurditta, the eldest son of Guru Hargobind, to preach the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the eastern provinces. The image of Baba Shri Chand, the son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is kept in the shrine inside the mutt. It is because of Almast’s impressive work that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji chose to visit the place in 1670 CE. Another cherished link of the Sikhs with the Puri temple is its connection with Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In 1699, at Anandapur Sahib, while the guru was creating the Khalsa, Himmat Rai, a young lad from Puri who came from a humble background, offered his head to the guru. Even the lyrics of the Poet Laureate of Odisha, Bhagat Jayadeva finds a place of eminence in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. There are many such legends like these that indicate a strong bond between Puri and the Sikhs. Maharaja Ranjit has bestowed huge grants including a lot of gold to the temple and even bequeathed the Koh-i-noor to Lord Jagannath. The Nanak Panthis would travel 2000 miles each year to visit Puri. They were primarily responsible of taking the Jagannath culture to Northern India and spreading the word of the Lord. Even after partition, they still came from Lahore each year during the Rath Yatra. Their presence has been recorded till 1955, after which border restrictions were imposed and they could not travel from Pakistan. Historic mentions of the Sikhs in Odisha are made in innumerable texts and written records. In 1868 Smith, Sanitary Commissioner of Bengal reported that Punjabis came to Puri walking on foot about 2000 miles for six month long journey. They used to stay at Puri a day or two and walked back home happily. In 1873, J.S. Armstrong, Magistrate to the Commissioner, Orissa Division, wrote about the Mutt and its Sikh occupants. The Gajapati Raja of Puri had also granted the right of Chamar Seva or Mayur Pankhi Seva to be rendered by the Mahant of the Math. Mangu Math also played an important role during the freedom struggle. Many freedom fighters, both from Odisha and upcountry were sheltered here. Dhir further said that during his research on the Old Jagannath Sadak, which was conducted in 2012, he had found numerous relics of Guru Nanak’s visit. There are tangible evidences of the Guru’s visit at Balasore, Markona, Biranchipur, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack and Puri. With proper research much more will be unraveled. Biranchipur in Simulia block has fifty families who have been practicing the Sikh faith since the last 500 years, after hearing the words from the Guru himself. The tradition of Nanak Tamasha at Bhadrak flourished for centuries and can be revived. The sheer lack of proper knowledge of Guru Nanak’s Odisha connection, both among the Sikhs of Odisha and the academicians led to the recent unpleasant incidents in which two of their important Mutts were slated for demolishment at Puri. The proper outcry and protests put a halt to the destruction of this valuable heritage. Even the representative of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee and the Akal Takht were unaware of the importance and relevance of these places. Dhir says that 500 pages of references were made available by him to the petitioners in the Supreme Courts cases to justify the Sikh claim. Dhir further said that the Odisha Government should set up a Jagannath studies Chair at a prominent University in Punjab. This reciprocal gesture will give impetus to proper research to the syncretism that exists between the Jagannath and Sikhs cultures. According to Amiya Bhusan Tripathy IPS (Retd.), the State Convener of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), the path taken by Guru Nanak to come to Puri should be declared as the Guru Nanak Corridor and all the vestiges pertaining to the Sikhs should be properly restored and conserved. He said that these shrines hold immense potential for religious and cultural tourism and will draw Sikhs from all over the world. Dr. Biswajit Mohanty said that the Panjabi Mutt at Puri should be converted into a Sikh Museum. Advocate Sukhvinder Kaur, whose activism was vital in stopping the demolishing of the two Sikh Mutts at Puri, has appealed to the Sikh Community of Odisha to collectively write to the Punjab Chief Minister. She has also appealed that the Odisha Sikh Pratinidhi Board should fund the Chair in case the Punjab Chief Minister does not agree.

https://orissadiary.com/plea-guru-nanak-chair-utkal-university-bhubaneswar/, November 15, 2019

It was a place where Mahatma Gandhi planted trees and ‘Nightingale of India’ Sarojini Naidu wrote poetry. Golden Threshold is known as much as a family home to the Naidus as it is for the era it belonged to. Originally belonging to celebrated poet-nationalist leader Sarojini Naidu’s father Aghornath Chattopadhyaya, the Principal of Nizam College, it was a dwelling where ideas, arts and culture co-existed with patriotism and dozens of animals, as the Naidus were ardent pet lovers. In 1974, when the University of Hyderabad was created by a special act of Parliament, Padmaja Naidu (Sarojini’s daughter) donated the premises to be used for academic purposes. The social sciences and humanities streams of the University ran from the Golden Threshold premises in Abids, where stalwarts like Meenakshi Mukerjee and Shiv K. Kumar (Literature), Mahatma’s grandson Ramachandra Gandhi (Philosophy), Ratna Naidu (Sociology) and RVR Chandrasekhar Rao (Political science) taught legions of students. While these streams were moved to the Gachibowli Campus in 1988, the Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication ran at the historic premises till 2003. Since then, the building has been used for its distance education program but still was a far cry away from its rich history where artists and poets as well as great thinkers of the age held salons and ideated in its hallowed precincts. Currently however, there is a buzz of activity in its premises as plans are being chalked up to convert it as a place for arts and activities. Vinod Pavarala, Senior professor of communication at University of Hyderabad and the designated incharge of the restoration project says that multiple avenues are being explored to ensure that the place is transformed into a thriving arts centre. He explains, "In the new building constructed behind the heritage premises (on the property) the Raj Kumari Indira Devi Hall was inaugurated this month. With a seating capacity of nearly 100 people, we plan to use it as a gathering space for literary events, poetry readings or even small music concerts. As more and more cultural centres move away from the heart of the older parts of the city to Jubilee/Banjara Hills, we plan to make this an easily accessible arts hub.” Plans are on the anvil to revamp the heritage premises. An erstwhile shell space is being earmarked for the construction of an auditorium which can be accommodate around 200 people while some of the outdoor spaces are being earmarked for events. A huge wall near the mango tree planted by Mahatma Gandhi is ready to be let out for movie screenings (ideal on wintry evenings) while a small stage is erected for theatre and art performances. An annual University of Hyderabad-Golden Threshold lecture series is also on the cards which will allow the faculty members/researchers/scientists to showcase their wealth of knowledge with a cross section of society. The most significant plan however is to renovate the heritage structure which is badly in need of restoration. The heritage home was named Golden Threshold after Sarojini Naidu’s debut eponymous book of poetry published in 1905. Built in the Indo-European style of early 1900s with Islamic influences, the building remains a syncretic symbol of an architectural style which has since vanished. The University has reached out to conservation architects and INTACH, Hyderabad and an action plan has been firmed up with a deadline of one year set aside for restoration. Vinod Pavarala asserts the importance of the premises when he says, "Golden Threshold remained at the heart of Independence movement and it shouldn’t be reduced to a monument. We want to pay our tribute to the ideas and ideals of Sarojini Naidu. Our aim is to convert it into an interactive and engaging space, much like it was a century ago.” Once restored, the heritage structure would have a museum dedicated to the ‘Nightingale of India’ while an art gallery to encourage young artists is also scheduled to open. One only hopes that these ideas translate into action at the earliest, and a place where individualism was welcomed, will find its place out in the sun again.

https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/golden-threshold-sarojini-naidu/article29971930.ece, November 15, 2019

As a part of the World Heritage Week celebrations in Jammu, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH Jammu Chapter) celebrated November 18 in Jammu Cantonment with the release of brochure of built heritage of Jammu Cantonment with a history of built heritage of more than 150 years. The heritage buildings mostly built in 1890 onwards are existing in a well maintained manner by the Indian Army. An impressive function was organized to highlight the built heritage of Jammu Cantonment. Maj Gen Sharad Kapur, was the chief guest where as Air Commodore Ajay Singh Pathania, and Maj Gen (retd) Goverdhan Singh Jamwal, , Advisor INTACH Jammu Chapter on Military Heritage were the guests of honour. SM Sahni, Former Director Tourism Jammu and presently convenor, INTACH Jammu Chapter explained the beginning of the World Heritage Week celebrations 2019 with the documentation, listing and release of brochure of built heritage of Jammu Cantonment.

He mentioned that all these buildings have been listed under the able guidance of Maj Gen Goverdhan Singh Jamwal. Maj Gen Goverdhan Singh Jamwal in his address gave a brief history of the State forces as well as Indian Army right from Gen. Zorawar Singh’s time to the present era. He also explained the importance of built heritage existing in Jammu Cantonment. The history starts from the J&K State Dogra Forces way back in 1890 when the first Railway Station now in Air Force Station Area was built and accordingly other buildings like the Satwari House, the Topi Bungalow, the Usman Officers Institute, the J&K Army Training Centre now Station Canteen, the Railway Station of Jammu Cantonment now Army Station Headquarters and so on. Air Commodore A S Pathania, explained the built heritage falling under his jurisdiction in the Air Force Station Jammu and gave impressive brief about its maintenance, preservation with changed use of the Built Heritage as per the requirements. In his presidential remarks Maj Gen Sharad Kapur, GOC 26 Infantry Division highlighted the importance of built heritage of Jammu Cantonment.

He said most of the buildings are in good condition. The Indian Army is maintaining them with its reuse plan for which he advised them to preserve and conserve the heritage buildings for the future generations which at one stage will be a history. He feels honoured to live in Topi Bungalow, one of the prestigious heritage houses of the Cantonment. He complimented the INTACH for initiating the listing, documentation and coming out with a document released by him today. Dr. CM Seth co-convenor INTACH J&K proposed vote of thanks. Dr. Sudhir Singh life member of INTACH conducted the proceedings.

https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/intach-jammu-chapter-celebrates-world-heritage-week/, November 18, 2019

The recent appeal of the Dalai Lama to residents of Ladakh for preserving the rich heritage of the decaying rock art and inscriptions has worked and suddenly people have realized the historical, religious and cultural importance of these artifacts. Following the appeal of the Buddhist spiritual and temporal leader Dalai Lama for preserving the rich heritage of the ancient rocks with Buddhist inscriptions scattered along the Indus River and other places in Ladakh, steps are being initiated for the Geographical Indication (GI) tagging of these rocks.

The recent appeal of the Dalai Lama to residents of Ladakh for preserving the rich heritage of the decaying rock art and inscriptions has worked and suddenly people have realized the historical, religious and cultural importance of these artifacts. The appeal was made by the Dalai Lama during his recent visit to Ladakh when he came to know that the ancient rocks with inscriptions of the Kushan period and Bronze Age were decaying due to negligence. Such rocks are scattered throughout Ladakh but the largest cluster of rocks carrying inscriptions and images of animals, hunting scenes, human giants, masks and various other themes is in the Murgi-Tokpo where the village was preserving these. Before bifurcation of Ladakh into a separate Union Territory (UT) the general complaint of people was that the Kashmir centric governments were discriminating against the Ladakh region.

Now that the Ladakh region has become a separate UT, the local authorities are focusing on the issues related to preservation of art and culture of the mountainous area. Tsering Phunchok, deputy superintending archeologist of the Archeological Survey of India, said that the rock inscriptions are rare but figure depiction is seen more on the rocks on the banks of the Indus in Western Ladakh. He said that he has sent a proposal for preserving such rocks in the Murgi-Tokpo but the villagefolk have religious sentiments attached to these wonderful pieces of ancient art. Rocks in Khalsi carrying portrait of the then Kushan rulers have decayed or broken. It is learnt that several such rocks have been broken or damaged due to floods and also during construction of roads.

The Himalayan Heritage Cultural Foundation (HCHF) has established an autonomous Rock Art Unit (RAU) to bring focused attention to the research, conservation and documentation of this precious cultural heritage in Ladakh, said Sonam Wangchok, founder and secretary of the HCHF. Wangchok said that the Convenor of the RAU, Tash Ldawa Thsangspa, who is based in Leh, is the local pioneer of Rock Art research, and he is assisted by the Co-Convenor, Viraf Mehta, a Delhi-based social anthropologist who has been documenting the rock art of Ladakh since 2009. Both Tashi and Viraf bring invaluable field experience and a rich database of the rock art of Ladakh through their own personal efforts, and through their contacts with other scholars, researchers from across the world. Most visitors to Ladakh are unaware of the richness and uniqueness of rock art of Ladakh-a living tradition from prehistoric to historic and modern times.

Rock Art in Ladakh comprise carvings or incisions on rock surfaces that are called petro-glyphs which display a very wide range of themes and motifs, and provide crucial information about Ladakh’s prehistory about which very little is yet known, he said. The rock art of Ladakh, whilst concentrated around the Indus River and its tributaries, is represented in all parts of Ladakh and Kargil districts, including Zanskar, Changthang and Nubra. However, the Rock art of Ladakh at several locations is under severe risk of damage and outright destruction through road, housing and other development projects, and we are confident that the establishment of the RAU will play a key role with other interested organisations, to create local community level awareness and ownership of this precious cultural heritage, Wangchok said.

- https://www.thestatesman.com/india/following-appeal-dalai-lama-steps-initiated-preserve-rare-buddhist-inscription-rocks-ladakh-1502823504.html, November 19, 2019

At the crack of dawn, the walled city came alive with a group of heritage lovers who strolled through the narrow lanes watching in awe the intricately-designed Narsinhji Temple, the Belgian glass floors of the century-old Central Library and more. The medley group was part of the heritage walk organized by Chandrashekhar Patil on the first day of the People’s Heritage Festival. "The city that was ruled by the Mughals once and then by the royal Gaekwads has a rich history and priceless architecture to match. The heritage walk is organized to make Barodians as well as tourists aware of our history and culture,” Patil said, talking to TOI.

The walk began from Vitthalnath Mandir near Mandvi and proceeded towards the Central Library that has a rich collection of books. "The library was built over a century ago and was designed in such manner that fire or earthquake cannot damage its structure. Many of the heritage walkers were amused to learn about this advanced technology designed in that era,” Patil said. While they were awed by architectural prowess of that era, the walkers were dismayed to see dilapidated old homes in Jagmahal ni Pol and even discussed ways of restoring these heritage structures.

After passing through Amba Mata ni Pol and Sayaji School, the walk ended at Jumma Mosque near Mandvi. Four different exhibitions on sketches of vintage cars, coins, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad’s paintings and stamps were also inaugurated at Sayaji School. Another heritage walk was organized by INTACH, Vadodara jointly with the Vadodara Smart City Development Ltd (VSCDL) in Kothi area. The walk began from the collector office building that has been designed on the lines of a Scottish castle and passed through Jaisinghrao Library, Manekrao Akhaada, Aurbindo Ashram and Raopura.

- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/ornate-temples-and-aesthetic-structures-enchant-heritage-lovers/articleshow/72133404.cms, November 20, 2019

As an initiative by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India, you can now adopt a monument! Over 90 monuments have been listed on the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ website. These monuments are available for adoption by both public and private sector companies as well as individuals. As a part of this project the Monument Mitras, or the people who adopt the monument, have to provide for the basic and advanced amenities at the heritage site as well as look after the upkeep of the monument. Some of the basic amenities include public conveniences, ease of access and aesthetics and cleanliness. The provision of advanced facilities will depend on the footfall at the heritage site.

Some of the advanced facilities will include cafeterias, campus illumination and facilitation of night visits to monument, light and sound shows with regular cultural shows, battery-operated vehicles and advanced surveillance systems among other facilities. The ‘Adopt a Heritage’ project covers monuments and heritage sites from all over the country. Ranging from forts, tombs and caves to waterfalls and lakes, this initiative aims at developing these heritage sites, making them more tourist friendly and enhancing their cultural importance in the country.

All revenues generated will be reinvested in the maintenance and enhancement of the monument. The process of becoming a Monument Mitra is simple. Register on the website and make a selection of the monument that you want to adopt. The prospective Mitras will then have to submit a proposal in the form of a document called the Expression of Interest (EoI). These proposals will be carefully scrutinized by the Oversight and Vision Committee. The shortlisted proposals will then proceed for vision bidding, where bidders will have to come up with vision developments for the monuments they are interested in adopting. Selected bidders will be called Monument Mitras and an MoU will be signed between the Monument Mitras, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India.

Some of the monuments that are up for adoption include the Raja Rani temple in Odisha, the Akhnoor fort in Jammu and Kashmir, the Aurangabad Caves in Maharashtra, the Chapora fort in Goa and Megalithic Bridge in Meghalaya among others.

- https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/travelnews/story/69890/this-world-heritage-week-adopt-a-monument-in-india-and-become-a-monument-mitra, November 20, 2019

It was a battle of minds as students from across the state participated in a quiz hosted by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) at Salar Jung Museum on Wednesday. Over 25 schools participated in the annual event. B Pavan Kumar Reddy and D Vishnuvardhan, both class 10 students from Teja Vidyalaya, Kodad in Suryapet, were declared the state winners. Incidentally, Vishnuvardhan was part of the team that won last year’s Intach national quiz. Speaking about how he prepares for the quiz, Vishnuvardhan said, "I spend three hours every day."

The 15-year-old said he was excited to now go on to compete in the national level again. The national round will be held in Delhi on December 5 and 6. Pavan Kumar added that they have been preparing for quizzes since they were in class 6. "Today we learnt a lot,” he said. Speaking about the quiz, Anuradha Reddy, Intach, Hyderabad, convenor, said, "We have been conducting this quiz for several years. This time, we felt it was important to step outside the city and involve all the districts in the competition. Not only would this provide exposure to students but also recognise their talent.

- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/teja-vidyalaya-shines-at-intach-quiz/articleshow/72149986.cms, November 21, 2019

INTACH publication ‘Discovering Bengaluru: History. Neighbourhoods. Walks’ has recently hit the stands. The book, written and edited by Meera Iyer, writer, researcher and Convenor INTACH, is part history and part a walking-guide, as the author herself puts it. "It tells the story of streets and houses that people live in and the markets they go to. It brings up the kings and their battles, wars and dynasties and about events and people with a larger narrative of the State. It has a perspective on the local, and this is where it differs from the books already available on Bengaluru,” says Meera Iyer. On speaking about the necessity of having such a book on Bengaluru Meera says, INTACH had to showcase to the people that the city has a long and diverse history. "We have so many layers from so many different times, dynasties and cultures.

We are tired of hearing people say that Bengaluru is a city with not much past or heritage. This book reverses this notion with narratives on amazing buildings, parks, trees and lakes, and some unique intangible heritage.” More than 225 visuals including archival and illustrated maps, documents, archival photographs and new photographs are used in the 339-pages. This includes narratives on Malleswaram, Fraser Town, Basavanagudi, Ulsoor, Whitefield, Sampangi kere and Lalbagh amongst others.

There are also contributions from Hita Unnikrishnan, Harini Nagendra, Krupa Rajangam, Karthikeyan Srinivasan and others, with a foreword by Chiranjiv Singh, former UNESCO Ambassador. Meera has reached out to a host of people for photographs.

"We accessed a lot of archives and many were also willing to share their old photographs and postcards with us. We also redraw maps to help illustrate some things better,” she says. It was with INTACH’s ‘heritage walks’ started 11 years ago that one could assess people’s earnestness to be part of it to ‘feel connected’ with the city, be it old Bengalureans or newer residents. "When one walks to see a building or hears about a school built lovingly by a great scholar, or when you know that a battle took place where you do your shopping now, it makes you think differently, and see it in a new light.

Fresh journeys of discoveries, that is what this book sets out to do, especially through walks,” says Meera. Hence, the Pete, Kote, Cantonment, Basavanagudi, and Malleswaram were a must-add. And of course Bengaluru’s trees and lakes, and the popular Labagh! "As for Whitefield, a place that was initially set aside for people to do bee-keeping, breed sheep and grow vanilla is now a technology park!” It took the writer nearly five years to get ‘Discovering Bengaluru’ on record. It is a history of the city told through the histories and stories of some of its older neighbourhoods. "So we are really focusing on the stories of the streets, on the people who lived there, on the events that have happened there, on buildings you can see, touch and feel for yourself.

By its very nature, the book encourages you to go out and explore the city by walking through it because that's the best way to get a feel,” says Meera adding that the book straddles between the academic and the popular. As a former academic herself Meera says she understands the value of original research. At the same time she wanted a book that would be accessible to everyone. So although it does of course draw on previous literature on Bengaluru, there is also a fair amount of original research and new information, along with a fairly exhaustive bibliography for anyone who wants to read or know more. "Researching was just fun part of the entire exercise,” adds Meera who had to talk to old-time residents and their descendants. Recording heritage in a country like ours is not easy, according to INTACH, simply because resources and information are often not accessible.

"This book, for example, involved transcontinental help. Some references have come from journals found in Canada, others from some files in the British Library in the UK or from a library in the US! And detective work included poring over old maps and combining that with information gleaned from old paintings. A classic example of this is the work Harini, MB Rajani (from NIAS) and I did on Lalbagh to find out its old boundaries. This research, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Current Science earlier, has also been mentioned in this book,” says Meera. Celebrating the old Commenting on the merits of ‘Discovering Bengaluru’ Chiranjiv Singh says while it celebrates the old, it does not lapse into nostalgia, but rejoices the present too. "In spite of the inevitable destruction and galloping increase in population, there is still lot of historical Bengaluru left that is brought with interesting details in Discovering Bengaluru.” Globalisation is not new to the city, as the book rummages on all details.

"Roman coins have been found in Yeshwantpur, evidently the inhabitants of this area have had trade links with the wider world. Lalbagh’s wide acclimatisation and dissemination of plant species is another dimension to the earlier globalisations,” observes Singh. Singh comments that decades ago public buildings were being destroyed thoughtlessly by the Government.

"Orders to display Sir M Visvesvaraya’s portraits in offices were issued by the Government, which also issued orders to demolish his house! When I had suggested that the house be preserved as a memorial to Sir MV, it wasn’t accepted. But the name of the building was changed from LIC Building to Visvesvaraya Towers which was designed by Charles Correa,” he recollects.

The keres or the lakes

• Hita Unnikrishnan, Harini Nagendra and Manjunatha have written eloquently in the book on the Sampangi Kere (lake) which chronicles just how integral this lake once was to the city's culture and livelihood. Kanteerava stadium stands on this lake now, and the original Kere dates back to the mid-16th century built by chieftain Hiriya Kempegowda.
• Karanji Kere by the early 1900s had reduced to small pools amidst mud with the coming of piped water. So residents of the new extension of Basavanagudi got it filled up with mud for fear of it becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• The book also talks of Kempambudhi Kere which is not lost but has been forgotten to a great extent, even in neighbouring Basavanagudi. There have been efforts from NGOs and the city administration to restore it.

Did you know

• Binny and Co had introduced electric lighting in their oil mill in the Pete area way back in 1891 itself by attaching a dynamo to the oil-fuelled engines that ran their oil-pressing machinery
• Conservancy Lanes were built in the city to allow access to backyards of houses where workers came along these lanes to remove ‘night soil’ or human excreta to be disposed off in cesspits
• Fort High School at Chamarajapete had its origins in 1800s, although its building came up in 1907. Several eminent personalities as cricketer GR Vishwanath, freedom fighter HS Doreswamy Iyengar, Kannada poet TP Kailasam and former Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah studied there
• The Albert Bakery on Mosque Road has been operating since 1902, and has remained one of the oldest in Bengaluru
• Lalbagh was once a battle ground, a mango orchard, a royal garden, a botanical garden and even had a zoo since 1866 started by superintendent John Cameron who brought in a tiger cub, orangutans, bears, and rhinos besides innumerable birds from Australia and Singapore
• Halasuru or Ulsoor is said to be named after Halasina hannu, the jackfruit growing area. A monkey is said to have thrown a jack to the ground and a curious man dug up the place to find a shivalinga there that was installed at the Someshwara temple
• Like Basavanagudi that takes its name from the presiding deity Basava, Malleswaram was named after Kadu Malleshwara or the Forest Shiva. The neighbourhood sports one of the oldest examples of adaptive reuse with the old old swimming pool converted into dhobi-ghats spread over 6 acres with nearly two lakh clothes washed here everyday.

- https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/intach-bengaluru/article30027591.ece, November 21, 2019

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has failed to revive its immensely popular ‘heritage walks’ in the city over the last three years, even as the World Heritage Week is being celebrated across the globe during November 19 to 25, 2019. During UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and cultural organization) World Heritage Week, special heritage-related events are organised in various cities across the country to promote awareness about heritage and stress on the preservation of cultural heritage and monuments.

While the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) offered free entry to its monuments to mark the day and the city bus service received a good response to its Pune darshan tour, the immensely popular ‘heritage walks’ through the lanes and bylanes of this city of the Peshwas, have been lying defunct for the last two years.

Janwani, a non-profit organisation floated by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MCCIA), wound up its heritage walks about three years ago at the end of its two-year agreement with the PMC.

Harshada Shinde, a member of the PMC’s Heritage Committee, regretted not having any planned event to mark the week. When asked about the defunct heritage walks, she said, "We are in the process of finalising the tender details for the heritage walk which will be on the lines of taking people in the old city and covering several wadas (characteristic residential structures) that we have renovated.” She said the heritage cell had begun the process of floating a tender to restart the heritage walks that were very popular three years ago. This walking tour will cover Shaniwar Wada, Lal Mahal, Nana Wada, Belbaug and include all the important heritage structures in the city. Private heritage walks are quite popular in the city.

Supriya Goturkar Mahabaleshwarkar, Co-convenor, INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), Pune Chapter, said, "Heritage walks are a wonderful way to experience a city first hand. Pune core city never fails to surprise a tourist or even a resident Punekar with its various sights and sounds. Be it the marvel of architecture that represents different layers in history or the narrow bylanes with craftspeople’s workshops like Tambats, Buruds and the Kumbhars.” "INTACH Pune has been conducting walks for over 25 years and we will be happy to join hands with, and support the PMC in conducting interesting heritage walks,” said Mahabaleshwarkar. On Wednesday, the Pune Darshan bus tour run by PMPML saw good business from and saw many visitors on Heritage Day despite it being a weekday. According to Nayana Gunde, chief managing director, PMPML, "We have two buses for Pune Darshan with a ticket of Rs 500. Tourists are taken to 15-16 places depending on the time.” While the Pune tour has been receiving a good response, the same is the not the case with the three buses in Pimpri-Chinchwad, she said.

- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-without-heritage-walks-for-3rd-year-as-unesco-s-world-heritage-week-begins/story-pAvu6kazmKnTBQjRXoT18H.html, November 21, 2019

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage’s (INTACH) Mangaluru chapter is showcasing here, the unique historical contributions of the Saraswat Brahmin community through a photo exhibition. Titled ‘Tracing the Roots’, the exhibition will contain over fifty photographs capturing buildings and localities in the city which were built by the Saraswat Brahmin community. The photographs will be on display at Kodial Guthu (West), in Ballalbagh in the city from November 23 to 30. Small snippets of oral history preserving memories of migration of the community from Goa to the coast of Karnataka will also be part of the exhibit.

The photographs have been clicked by Deekshith Pai, an alumnus of Nitte Institute of Communication, and were part of his final semester's Bachelors Degree project. Deekshith is currently pursuing an MA at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru. "The Saraswat Brahmin community’s migration and establishment in Mangaluru has been narrated from generation to generation to keep the history alive, which is why I wanted to show this through a combination of photographs, recorded history and snippets of conversation which is oral history,” said Deekshith.

"Major milestones in Mangaluru’s history include some of the oldest printing presses, mechanized oil mills, hotels and cinema theatres built by the Saraswat Brahmin community, which we have attempted to preserve through photography,” said Nemiraj Shetty, a curator of this exhibition and founding member, INTACH, Mangaluru chapter. The exhibition will be inaugurated on November 22, at 5 pm, at Kodial Guthu (West), Ballalbagh, by Dr Kasturi Mohan Pai, noted doctor and historian of the city and also by Dr Subhas Basu, convenor INTACH, Mangaluru. Entry to the opening ceremony is open to all.

- http://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=645990, November 21, 2019

As part of World Heritage Week celebration, Food Craft Institute, Jammu in collaboration with INTACH Jammu Chapter organized ‘Ethnic Food Competition’ in the Food Craft Institute complex Nagrota, here. Anuradha Gupta Director School Education was the chief guest, while SM Sahni Convener INTACH Jammu Chapter and Jyoti Bhatti Principal Food Craft Institute, Jammu were the guests of honour. Bharti Samayal, Nidhi Kotwal and Dr Suvidha Khanna acted as judges panel.

Nine teams of institutions including Government Higher Secondary School Miran Sahib, Government College for Women Parade Ground, Jammu, Government College for Women Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM), Jammu University and Food Craft Institute, Jammu participated in the competition.

Ethnic foods of Jammu such as Ambal, varieties of Rajmash, Chane Ki Dal, Kayuer, various chutnies and various ethnic theme cuisines were prepared on the spot in the lab of Food Craft Institute, Jammu by the participating students. The students were very enthusiastic to prepare their dogra cuisine besides interaction with inter institutional teams.

Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Miran Sahib won the 1st prize, whereas 2nd prize was awarded to team of Food Craft Institute, Jammu and 3rd prize were awarded to the team of School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM), Jammu University.

Participation certificates were awarded by the chief guest alongwith all the senior functionaries and members of INTACH. Anuradha Gupta while speaking hoped that the participating students and teachers will carry on this kind of activity which connects the younger generation to their roots. The ethnic foods are very important to high light the cultural heritage of any place and for visiting tourists in Jammu region, she added. Earlier, Jyoti Bhatti Principal Food Craft Institute, Jammu presented the welcome address, whereas in the end, SM Sahni Convenor INTACH Jammu Chapter proposed vote of thanks.

- https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/ghss-miran-sahib-emerges-winner-in-ethnic-food-competition/, November 22, 2019

Secretary Rural Development Department & Panchayat Raj, Sheetal Nanda on Thursday released a Brochure on "Glimpses of Traditional Water Bodies” here. ‘An intangible and tangible heritage documentation initiative’ has been prepared by Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Jammu chapter. Speaking at the launch function, the Secretary said that government is launching a number of schemes for rainwater harvesting which include Jal Shakti Abhiyaan, under which a water body in each Panchayat would be developed to tackle the portable water scarcity in rural areas.

Emphasizing that traditional water sources were essential for meeting the water requirements of the people, especially in water deficit areas, she said it is the duty of both public and the government to regenerate and revive these systems. She underlined the need to restore the traditional water bodies with adequate landscaping so that these are protected and people also get benefited from such economical resources.

She appreciated the role of INTACH in preparing the Brochure in a professional manner with detailed pictorial depiction of ancient ponds. Pertinently, some of the ponds shown in the brochure have lost their existence due to one reason or the other. These include Ragunath temple pond which has now been filled up and developed as Ranbir Market, another was on the hill top over which Civil Secretariat complex has come up. Director Rural Development department Jammu and team members of INTACH and concerned officials were also present on the occasion.

- http://news.statetimes.in/intach-brochure-depicting-heritage-water-bodies-of-jammu-released/, November 22, 2019

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Hyderabad Chapter, conducted a heritage walk from Koti to Hasmathgunj Gate, Sultan Bazaar here on Sunday. The walk was organised on the occasion of Heritage Week, 2019. As part of the programme, a booklet on the history and heritage of Hashmathgunj area ‘Retracing Connections’ was released.

A poster announcing the INTACH Architecture Students Competitions 2019-10 for third and fourth year students was also unveiled. The theme for the competition was Redesign and Regeneration of Historic Urban Areas in the post-Hyderabad Metro context at Hasmathgunj Gate, Sultan Bazaar. INTACH Hyderabad Chapter Convenor P Anuradha Reddy, GHMC Director (Planning) Srinivasa Rao and others were ppresent, said a press release.

- https://telanganatoday.com/intach-holds-heritage-walk-in-hyderabad, November 25, 2019

As a part of World Heritage Week Celebrations, INTACH Jammu chapter in association with Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (JU) organized Heritage Drive on the traditional route to Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine in Katra. A group of 70 students along with 10 scholars, faculty and INTACH members participated in the Heritage Drive. Prof Keshav Sharma, Dean Academics Affairs, JU, along with S M Sahini, convener INTACH Jammu chapter, Dr C M Seth, co-convener, INTACH JK, Prof Anil Raina, Reactor Bhaderwah Campus and Prof R K Rampal, HoD, Environmental Sciences, JU flagged off the Heritage Drive.

S M Sahini explained the salient features and importance of this heritage route which in ancient time was used by the devotees to reach the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. Dr C M Seth briefed the students about the natural heritage beauty of area with traditional plants, pollution free environment and streams along the route from Nagrota to Katra passing through Bambayal-Deva Maiji and Nomain.

Prof Keshav Sharma emphasized that the students must study and learn about their cultural heritage and suggest the ways and means to conserve and preserve the same for posterity. During the Heritage Drive, students were shown Pangali village complex having a Sarai, Stepwell with five chambers, pond, small temple, Mango tree grooves, traditional stone pitching wells at village Shiba, village Thandapani, village Marh and Gundla pond. They were also shown Heritage temple Oli with Stepwell, Sarai, sandy rocks towards hills side (east), a stream towards lower side (north) and track Deva Maiji-Katra. O P Vidhyarathi delievered a lecture (tree talk) to the students in the lush green lawns of Food Craft Institute, Nagrota, followed by a visit to the Institute.

- https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/heritage-drive-on-traditional-mata-vaishno-devi-route-organized/, November 25, 2019

Meera Iyer’s book Discovering Bengaluru captures the city’s local history, including old neighbourhoods like Fraser Town Malleswaram and Lalbagh. The usually quiet Bangalore Fort came to life this Sunday morning when a bunch of history enthusiasts gathered there for the launch of author Meera Iyer’s Discovering Bengaluru. Published by INTACH – a non-profit organisation that works towards conserving the Indian heritage - the book was launched by actor-director Prakash Belawadi, Prem Chandavarkar, Managing Partner of CnT Architects, and Shivakant Bajpai, superintendent archeologist, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Bengaluru.

The event took place in celebration of World Heritage week, which is celebrated between November 19 and November 25. Iyer, who is a writer and researcher with INTACH, said her book is about the city’s "local history”. And what better way to launch the book than by making people walk down memory lane? The walk, which was attended by 45 people and led by Iyer, started from the Tipu Summer Palace and continued through Fort High School (which is now being restored by INTACH) and Tipu armoury, finally ending at Bangalore Fort. It took Iyer more than four years to finish the book, the idea for which was planted in her mind when she started working with INTACH in 2008.

Talking about the necessity of the book, she said, "There aren’t enough books on the city. There have been some excellent ones but not many that focus on the local stories or areas, which a regular Bengalurean lives and comes across everyday.” The book mostly focuses on the old Bengaluru neighbourhoods like Malleswaram, Fraser Town, Basavanagudi, Ulsoor, Whitefield, Sampangi Kere, Lalbagh and more. The event also saw Iyer raise concern about heritage buildings turning into government offices. "The heritage buildings in the city are repositories of the memories.

We could visit Vidhan Soudha as kids, why has it now turned into a security fortress?,” she said. Agreed actor-director Prakash Belawadi, who said the city is made of its own stories, which people need to accept. He added, "Kadalekai Parishe (groundnut festival) is not a nuisance. It’s a part of our heritage. If it’s too much of a nuisance then proper administrative arrangement has to be made for it."

- https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/nov/25/unravelling-citys-hidden-heritage-2066589.html, November 25, 2019

The Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in association with the Department of Cultural and Creative Studies, North Eastern Hill University organized a workshop on "Scientific Preservation of Indigenous Language" on Friday at the New Guest House in NEHU, Shillong. The workshop was graced by FR Kharkongor, Commissioner and Secretary, Arts and Culture in the presence of Dr Madeline Y Tham, Convener, INTACH, Professor Desmond L Kharmawphlang, Head Cultural and Creative Studies, NEHU, Professor Andrew May, University of Melbourne and Dr Kailash Bhattacharya, Guwahati Medical College.

Kharkongor in his inaugural address stated, "The indigenous language needs to be preserved, protected and promoted in order to sustain vernacular literature. The new generation should refrain from using casual abbreviation text that may cause harm to their mother tongue.” He lauded the effort of INTACH in this regard and urged upon the members to initiate such noble endeavours for the benefit of the future generation. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Madeline Y Tham, Convener INTACH and the workshop session was chaired by Dr Moushumi Dey, Co-convener, INTACH.

- https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/meghalaya-news/workshop-on-scientific-preservation-of-indigenous-language-held-in-nehu/, November 25, 2019

"Rejuvenating Ganga — a citizen’s report” released during ongoing India Rivers Week, has put together an analysis of why flows in most rivers of the Ganga basin are dwindling, and recommended that the Centre make environmental flows mandatory for the entire basin and not just the main stem of the river. There are at least a thousand dams on the Ganga basin obstructing the flows of its various tributaries and adversely affecting the overall health of the river system, according to a recent assessment by researchers and experts from multiple organisations.

"Rejuvenating Ganga — a citizen’s report” released during ongoing India Rivers Week, has put together an analysis of why flows in most rivers of the Ganga basin are dwindling, and recommended that the Centre make environmental flows mandatory for the entire basin and not just the main stem of the river. The Natural Heritage Division of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has mapped the dams, barrages and hydroelectric projects based on data from Water Resources Information System of the Central Water Commission, the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency, and the Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam.

"We have found more than a thousand dams on the Ganga basin. The main reason for declining flows in our rivers is these dams, according to our assessment. Other reasons are ruthless sand and boulder mining, indiscriminate extraction of groundwater and loss of flood plains,” said Manoj Mishra, convener of the Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan and river expert who has co-authored the report.

The report, which is the summary of a book that organisations such as INTACH, Worldwide Fund for Nature and the Dehradun-based Peoples’ Science Institute are putting together, says certain stretches of the rivers linked to the Ganga -- such as Betwa, Chambal, lower Yamuna, Sone, Kiul, Damodar and Ganga Sagar -- have recorded more than 50% decline in annual and seasonal flow over a 31-year period between 1975 and 2005.

Experts gathered at the Rivers Week proceedings in New Delhi said it was time that the Namami Gange Program of the Centre define the environmental flows (e-flow is a regime of flow in a river that mimics the natural pattern; tt refers to the quality, quantity and timing of water flows required to maintain the components, functions, processes and resilience of aquatic ecosystems that provide goods and services to people) for all tributaries in the Ganga basin. "This is also the mandate given to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) by the Ganga Authorities Order, 2016,” the report states.

"Not all dams impact river flow. But diversions where water is withdrawn for other purposes like irrigation, flow is impacted. Some dams like the Tehri dam in Uttarakhand have helped maintain a flow in the lean season. Whether we need a moratorium on further diversions and dams on the Ganga basin should be decided through negotiations between stakeholders and the government,” said Prof Vinod Tare, a water expert from IIT, Kanpur.

NMCG, on October 10 last year, published a notification specifying the minimum environmental flow for the Ganga main stem in the dry, lean and high flow seasons. The notification was to complied with by all hydroelectric projects and large dams by 2021. NMCG has now advanced this deadline to December 15, 2019. "Ganga main stem has only five dams or barrages including Farrakka. These must be small dams on rivulets in the basin. We don’t have the total count of dams or barrages on Ganga basin,” said Rajeev Ranjan, director general of NMCG, when asked about the report.

- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/study-1-000-dams-on-ganga-basin-obstructing-tributaries/story-o5pJFesbqQdZ59VGkcuKlJ.html, November 25, 2019

On the fifth day of the World Heritage Week, the department of archaeology carried out two heritage walks in the old Nashik city area. Students of schools and colleges as well as citizens participated in the heritage walks conducted in two batches from Sundarnarayan Temple to Sarkarwada. The walks were carried out from 8 am to 10 am in collaboration with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The first group consisted of 40 school students from Symbiosis School and V N Naik School. The schools had roped in 10 boys and 10 girls each from Class VIII and Class IX.

- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/school-college-students-participate-in-2-heritage-walks/articleshow/72203480.cms, November 25, 2019

To create awareness about our country’s rich cultural heritage among the children and to provide a platform for them to showcase their talents, Kalai Aayam foundation here and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) are jointly organising ‘Ilanthalir ‘2019 - Children’s festival’ from Nov 27 to Dec 1. The festival is organised in connection with the children’s day, world heritage week celebrations and to celebrate unity in diversity of our nation (Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat) at South zone cultural centre, Thanjavur.

Several competitions on performing arts are to be conducted for the children between 8 Years and 17 Years in two groups. Free accommodation is available for the outstation Students. Competitors should strictly stick to the traditional items only and follow the guidelines given in the poster. Classical music and classical Instruments competition will be held on Nov 27, Wednesday.

Bharatanatyam solo and group competition (not exceeding 6 members) will be held on November 28, Thursday, folk music and folk Instruments competition will be held on November 29, folk dance solo and group competition on November 30, Saturday and theatre solo and group competition will be held on December 1, Sunday, organisers said.

‘Ilanthalir ‘2019’ award of excellence will be given to the winners in each category on the valedictory function to be held on December 1 at South Zone Cultural Centre Thanjavur. Certificates will be distributed to all the participants. For more details students can contact S. Muthukumar, event coordinator 98424 55765 or mail to [email protected] During the festival days heritage lectures, handicraft demonstration, traditional games, traditional food and cultural programs will be held as special attractions of ‘Ilanthalir’2019’, said a press release issued here on Monday. This festival is supported by South Zone Cultural Centre, department of art and culture, Tamil Nadu government and Thanjavur tourism promotion council.

- https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/261119/5-day-childrens-festival-in-thanjavur.html, November 25, 2019

Today morning before the bustling Hasmath Jah Bazar aka Koti market opened around 100 Heritage enthusiasts and young architects of the city got together at Andhra Bank to participate in a Heritage walk of the Hashmath Jah Bazar and The British Residences. The walk was organized under the aegis of INTACH Hyderabad chapter and supported with Center of Venues, Vaasmah Constants, and SufiTrails. The walk was flagged off in the presence of Mr.

Dinakar Babu IAS Department of Heritage, Telangana. Mr. K Sriniavas Rao, Director, Town Planning, GHMC. and other dignitaries and officials from GHMC and State Archeological Department. The walk also witnessed a brochure launch of the walk which has illustrated maps and images of the surrounding areas. The walk was lead by Mrs. Anuradha Reddy, Convener INtach Hyderabad and supported by Dr. Haseeb Jafferi SufiTrails and the audience was briefed on the history and architecture finesse of this historic area. The walk culminated at the steps of the Brtish residency now know as the women’s college where the historic love story of Kirkpatric was narrated.

- https://www.therahnuma.com/heritage-enthusiasts-and-young-architects-of-the-city-participated-in-the-heritage-walk-of-hashmath-jah-bazar-and-british-residence/, November 26, 2019

On November 26, country will celebrate the 5th Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas. The Constitution Day was first celebrated four years ago in 2015 as a mark of tribute to Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the first law minister of India, who played an important role in the framing of the Indian Constitution.

The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day. The Government of India declared November 26 as Constitution Day on November 19, 2015, by a gazette notification.
As a citizen of India, we are entitled to certain rights as well as obliged to certain duties. It is our duty as responsible citizens that we abide by these laws and carry out our duties. Similarly, knowledge of our fundamental rights is important so as to prevent injustice. Let us update ourselves about the Fundamental Rights and Duties laid down by the constitution of India.

The Fundamental Rights
These are the basic human rights of all citizens, defined in Part III of the Constitution. These are applicable irrespective of race, place of birth, religion, caste, creed, or gender. They are enforceable by the courts, subject to specific restrictions. Following are some of the important rights of the citizens of India in accordance with the Constitution.

Right to Equality
Right to freedom
Right against exploitation
Right to freedom of religion
Cultural and Educational Rights
Right to Constitutional Remedies.
Right to Equality (Articles. 14-18): It includes equality before the law without any discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, gender or place of birth.

Right to Freedom (Articles. 19-22): It includes freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement and residence. It also gives freedom of right to practice any profession or occupation.

Right against exploitation (Articles. 23-24): It prohibits all forms of forced labour, child labour and trafficking of human beings. Right to freedom of religion (Articles. 25-28): It includes freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion and freedom to manage religious affairs. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles. 29-30): It preserves the right of any section of citizens to conserve their culture, language or script.

Right to constitutional remedies (Articles. 32-35): If fundamental rights of any citizen are violated, he/she can approach the court for enforcement of his rights.

The Fundamental Duties

These are defined as the moral obligations of all citizens to help promote a spirit of patriotism and to uphold the unity of India and concern the individuals and the nation. Included in Part IVA of the Constitution, like the Directive Principles, they are not enforceable by the law. According to the constitution, following are the duties to be followed by every citizen of India. To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.

To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so. To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.

To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures. To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement. Who is a parent or guardian, to provide opportunities for education to his child, or as the case may be, ward between the age of six to fourteen years.

According to the 86th constitutional amendment in 2002, it is the duty of the people of India to adapt to make India a safer place to live, to be clean and make the surrounding clean and not to hurt anybody physically and mentally.

- https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/constitution-day-2019-list-of-your-fundamental-rights-and-duties-as-an-indian-citizen, November 26, 2019

On November 26, country will celebrate the 5th Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas. The Constitution Day was first celebrated four years ago in 2015 as a mark of tribute to Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the first law minister of India, who played an important role in the framing of the Indian Constitution.

The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day. The Government of India declared November 26 as Constitution Day on November 19, 2015, by a gazette notification.
As a citizen of India, we are entitled to certain rights as well as obliged to certain duties. It is our duty as responsible citizens that we abide by these laws and carry out our duties. Similarly, knowledge of our fundamental rights is important so as to prevent injustice. Let us update ourselves about the Fundamental Rights and Duties laid down by the constitution of India.

The Fundamental Rights
These are the basic human rights of all citizens, defined in Part III of the Constitution. These are applicable irrespective of race, place of birth, religion, caste, creed, or gender. They are enforceable by the courts, subject to specific restrictions. Following are some of the important rights of the citizens of India in accordance with the Constitution.

Right to Equality
Right to freedom
Right against exploitation
Right to freedom of religion
Cultural and Educational Rights
Right to Constitutional Remedies.
Right to Equality (Articles. 14-18): It includes equality before the law without any discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, gender or place of birth.

Right to Freedom (Articles. 19-22): It includes freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement and residence. It also gives freedom of right to practice any profession or occupation.

Right against exploitation (Articles. 23-24): It prohibits all forms of forced labour, child labour and trafficking of human beings. Right to freedom of religion (Articles. 25-28): It includes freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion and freedom to manage religious affairs. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles. 29-30): It preserves the right of any section of citizens to conserve their culture, language or script.

Right to constitutional remedies (Articles. 32-35): If fundamental rights of any citizen are violated, he/she can approach the court for enforcement of his rights.

The Fundamental Duties

These are defined as the moral obligations of all citizens to help promote a spirit of patriotism and to uphold the unity of India and concern the individuals and the nation. Included in Part IVA of the Constitution, like the Directive Principles, they are not enforceable by the law. According to the constitution, following are the duties to be followed by every citizen of India. To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.

To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so. To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.

To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures. To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement. Who is a parent or guardian, to provide opportunities for education to his child, or as the case may be, ward between the age of six to fourteen years.

According to the 86th constitutional amendment in 2002, it is the duty of the people of India to adapt to make India a safer place to live, to be clean and make the surrounding clean and not to hurt anybody physically and mentally.

- https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/constitution-day-2019-list-of-your-fundamental-rights-and-duties-as-an-indian-citizen, November 26, 2019

Stakeholders of heritage sites in Hyderabad expressed their anguish about how their legacy is proving to be a bane as they are caught between tough rules and whimsical officers of the State. "I don’t want help from the government. I don’t want their technical expertise, materials or knowledge. If they let me carry on with the restoration of the temple without interference it is enough,” said the custodian of the Sita Ram Bagh temple in the city. "It appears as we are being penalised for inheriting heritage property,” said Faiz Khan, a Paigah scion.

At a one-day workshop on ‘Inclusive and community participatory heritage management’ organised by UNESCO in collaboration with Intach and GHMC, many stakeholders blamed the government for the state of heritage sites in the city. "We will form a citizens’ heritage committee and take steps to ensure the city’s legacy is protected and developed,” said Sajjad Shahid of Intach summing up the mood of the participants. Despite weeks after the Telangana High Court verdict on Erram Manzil, there has been no movement towards constituting heritage committees by the State government hobbling conservation effort. "From the time Regulation 13 was scrapped we have lost six or seven structures unless civil society acts, we will lose more,” Mr. Shahid said.

"The Telangana government is not serious about heritage. It has no respect for heritage or the city’s past. The Hillfort Palace is next in line and is being targeted for its land,” said Deepak Gir, who marshalled resources to clean up the former residence of Nizamat Jung, a few weeks back. "Heritage, tourism and development are some of the key components towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals,” said Junhi Han of UNESCO, Delhi. "Involving stakeholders and the community to safeguard heritage is the only way to go. Heritage has to be seen in its entirety. We need to incentivise the protection of heritage,” said Navin Pilani of Intach.

- https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/rules-hinder-protection-of-heritage-sites/article30088692.ece, November 27, 2019

How did Bengaluru get its name? The most famous legend says that Hoysala King Veera Ballala II, on one of his hunting expeditions, stumbled upon an old dwelling where lived an old woman. She served him some boiled beans. Overwhelmed, the place Benda-kaal-uru (the town of boiled beans), which later became Bengaluru when Kempegowda-I laid the first stone of the modern city in 1537, starting with the petes, now at the heart of the city.

However, facts don’t corroborate this story. The Hoysalas ruled between the 10th and the 14th centuries. Kempegowda lived in the 16th century. But, the very first instance of the name appears in a stone inscription at Begur Nageshwara Temple in South Bengaluru. The stone dates back to 890 AD, the Ganga period. This implies that Bengaluru is at least 1,129 years old. The slab is also proof that a village by such name existed much before the Hoysalas and the Kempegowdas. "Kempegowda I is rightly credited for building the infrastructure for Bengaluru and paving the way for today’s vibrant cosmopolitan trade town. However, Kempegowda could not be the founder,” says P V Krishnamurthy, an epigraphist and historian.

This inscription, found in 1915 by R Narasimhachar — the then director of Archaeology Department for the State of Mysore — was documented but neglected. Many history enthusiasts who have visited the Begur temple have written about the stone. But no one, including the government, cared until recently. The non-profit organisation INTACH (Bangalore Chapter) has reinstalled the inscription within the premises on a pedestal under a stone gazebo, to save it from elements of weather.

"Even if the government wants to bring it to the museum, the locals perceive it as a possession of pride and don’t allow us to shift it,” says Dr R Gopal, Director, Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage. A similar inscription in the Madivala Someshwara Temple from 1247 AD mentions a ‘Vengalur’. Interestingly, it’s in Tamil, though it belongs to the Hoysala period. Hoysalas are supposed to be Kannada kings hailing from Malenadu. Recently, a group of inscription enthusiasts led by Udayakumar P L rediscovered over 40 such forgotten inscriptions in the city and helped tell their stories. He often conducts knowledge sessions that take enthusiasts down history lane. One such story is that of a Begur chieftain, Nagattara pledged his allegiance to Ereyappa Arasu, the Ganga ruler at the time. The inscription installed by Nagattara refers to a battle of ‘Benguluru’ in 890 AD, in which Buttanapati, son of Nagattara, and Pervonasetti, adopted son or an attendant of Nagattara, die. But what happened to Nagattara himself? A Begur hero stone measuring 6’X6’ with carvings of battle scenes and war techniques, prepared by Ereyappa Arasu, says he died in the battle of Tumbepadi, fought between the dynasties of Gangas and Rashtrakutas. The inscription also mentions 10 localities in Bengaluru, which were villages back then and donated to another chieftain after Nagattara’s demise. The hero stone was moved to Bengaluru’s Government Museum around 1870. Begur also holds more relics that throw light on the centuries-old history of religion, culture and practices that existed in what is now Bengaluru. Another inscription on the wall of Begur’s fort mentions Tondabbe, Nagattara’s daughter, who died by fasting unto death, also known as sallekhana, a Jain ritual of ending one’s life, supposedly because her husband died in a battle. As some inscriptions show, Begur is supposed to be older than Bengaluru — the name Begur appears in metal inscriptions of the 5th century. The Begur area is also a living proof of Jainism that once ruled there. For example, there are remnants of an old Jinalaya in Begur and a 1426 CE inscription on a Tirthankara. They refer to Jain subsects of the time and indicate that there were Digambaras there in 1426 CE. This is supposed to be the last Jain inscription in Bengaluru. What happened to Jainism later? The headless statue of a Tirthankara only gives a glimpse into the possible dark alleys of history.

- https://www.deccanherald.com/state/top-karnataka-stories/what-s-in-a-stone-a-city-s-age-780799.html, November 28, 2019

Two more British era cannons found during the excavation work at Kasturchand Park (KP) on Thursday. At present, the work of beautification and walking track is underway at the ground. While digging for a canal, labourers found the cannons. Last month, four cannons were found during the development work from different site at the same ground. According to experts, the cannons are of 1840 war that was fought between Bhonslas and British. Unlike last event this time the news spread immediately and people thronged the Kasturchand Park to have a glimpse of the cannons. Actually, the cannons found on Wednesday evening.

The earlier cannons were kept in Central Museum. On Wednesday evening, when the digging work was on at the ground in front of Sitabuldi fort, the two cannons were unearthed by the labourers. These cannons found today are similar to those found last month from the same ground. The cannons also are of the capacity of firing at enemy from a long distance. These cannons are of 9.5 feet long and weigh more than 1,000 kg (about one tonne each). After receiving information about the finding of two more cannons at KP, Ashok Mokha, noted Architect and Member of Heritage Committee, rushed to the spot. He was accompanied by historians. They inspected the cannons and passed on the information to State Archaeology Department.

Bhonslas had taken some cannons from British East India Company. These are those cannons, said some experts. According to some people these cannons became broken-down during the war with British. Some Architects have again expressed their anguish about work of beautification on the ground which ideally should have been used for playing. With the cannons coming out from beneath earth, it is a clear indication that the ground comes under heritage. Unfortunately not a single person working for the preservation of heritage structures coming forward to raise the issue.

- https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2019/11/29/Two-more-British-era-cannons-found-at-KP.html, November 28, 2019

The river painted in sepia tone, flows from the top left of the canvas, descends to the right bottom, dividing the space diagonally. The forest land with rich flora and fauna and the daily activities of rural life depicted on the one side of the river, slowly gives way to a concrete jungle, with cars, buses and trains plying and factories spewing fumes. This painting in Warli style done by artist Rajesh Chaitya Vangad captures the contrasting rural and urban life. Sitting next to him are Jitendra Dala Behera, Saura artist from Odisha and Warli artist Hareshwar Nathu Vanga, who are painting images based on ritualistic forms of expression. Behera depicts a ritual connected to death, while Vanga opts for wedding rituals that are painted on the walls of every home during a marriage ceremony.

These two paintings, along with many more in varied styles from across India, highlight the felicity with which artists adapt to the changing environment even as they continue to follow their traditional style. This spirit has helped in the survival of the arts in each region. These works have been created as a part of the ‘Tribal, Folk and Traditional Art Conclave’ presented by the Lalit Kala Akademi Regional Centre in collaboration with DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum.

The pillared corridors and open central courtyard at DakshinaChitra provide a perfect ambience for the artists to interact, exchange ideas, understand each other’s creative language and tradition, before creating works in their signature style. “Every year, shortly after Durga puja, the walls of our houses are given a coat of gobar on which is applied black soil. We paint lines and shapes with white soil, we use combs and nails to create designs to herald the festive spirit during Diwali,” says Anita Devi and Sogiya Devi from Jharkhand, even as they demonstrate the process.

They carry the coloured soil from Jharkhand to create their paintings. The stark bold imagery of their work finds resonance in the works of Ishwar Chowda Naik from Karnataka as he paints a palanquin with four traditional colours — yellow ochre, red, white and black. He paints the dots and criss-cross lines to create textural patterns on a design created by flat application of colour. Viswanath G, working on his canvas, shows how he has adapted the art of weaving baskets. To save the native Chittara art form from becoming extinct, his family is pursuing it full time besides training others. The images of deities painted with linear strokes and muted tones of an earthy colour pallette found in Kerala murals are recreated in the paintings of Athira Sajith. Adapting the same traditional techniques to a contemporary subject, the monochromatic artwork of Naveen Kumar blends the two in an impressive manner.

Form of embroidery
By the careful placing of stones and gold leaf foil, Swarna Raja creates a large visual of Perumal in a standing posture, integrating it with elements from Dasavatharam. Sujani Devi from Bihar runs the needle through the fabric to create images of her environment through Sujani Kala, a form of embroidery. Showing amazing enterprise, she has created an embroidered artwork on the free cycle scheme of the Nitish Kumar Government. The images of girls on cycles forms the border of the work, while the central space details their activities from home to school and depicts a road with a row of children astride cycles en route to school. A 3,000-year-old rock art site Ezhuthu paarai in Kothagiri in Nilgiris is the inspiration for the Kurumba paintings revived by the C.P.

Art Foundation. The paintings created by the artistes Krishnan and Balsubramania follows the techniques and monochromatic colour pallette of the cave paintings as they depict the life around them in their work. Kalamkari, the popular art form, is represented by artists M. Vishwanath and Thilak Reddy from Andhra Pradesh, while its lesser-known Tamil Nadu counterpart is represented by Prabhakaran, Lakshminarayanan and Praveen through animal and bird motifs. Used as a visual accompaniment for travelling musicians in the past, Cheriyal painting by the Nakashi family from Andhra Pradesh has been adapted to canvas by Pavan Kumar Dhanalakota, Venkataramana Dhanalakota, Vinay Kumar and Nagilla Ganesh. Tales from puranas and the epics are painted in vibrant colours. The equally bright coloured spaces that form the background in the works of Prabhakar Maharana become muted with an array of dainty Patachitra images.

A painting style very similar to Gond, yet distinct in its usage of colour is seen in the works of Maheshwar Naik from Odisha. The image of a row of dancing figures in a spiral formation, a signature element in most Warli paintings, is integrated creatively by Jayesh Mahadu Dhanap into a jungle scene. He transforms the spiral figures into a row of ants. These imaginative explorations by the artists gave an edge to this conclave, curated by the regional secretary of Lalit Kala Akademi Sovan Kumar and Gita Hudson, curator, Art Galleries, Dakshinachitra. “This conclave was envisaged as a platform for artists to create works of merit in their respective styles. Along with works from other centres, they will be displayed in a major national exhibition of art. Ten of them will be chosen for National Awards,” says Uttam Pacharne, chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi. It is definitely a laudable idea to include the folk and tribal art into the mainstream, but the organisers also need to be more sensitive to the difficulties faced by the artists. For instance, it was insisted that each artist make two 3ft by 4ft canvas paintings in seven days.

"The move by the Government to make all payments online is fine, but there should also be some arrangements in place for cash dispersal because many tribal artists need cash to travel back and forth to their native place. A little more care should also be taken about their travel and art material needs, this will ease their tension and help them to concentrate on their art,” points out Gita Hudson.

- https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/art/spotlight-on-tribal-and-folk-art/article30105449.ece, November 29, 2019