The Rajasthan government has sprung into action to save its heritage property, Bikaner House, in the heart of the national capital from being taken over by another entity following a court's attachment order. It has sent a top government lawyer to represent the state and secure a stay on the order. Bikaner House, walking distance from India Gate, was built in art deco and colonial style with Gothic elements by the Bikaner royals in 1929. It has a spacious ballroom, which is now used as an art gallery and is home to some popular restaurants. A Delhi court had issued an attachment order against Bikaner House in favour of Enviro Infra Engineers Pvt Ltd. The recovery amount from this heritage property is ₹ 50 crore. The Rajasthan government said it has asked Additional Advocate General Shiv Mangal Sharma to ensure everything possible is done to save the property. It faulted a previous officer for "laxity", leading to the situation. It said crucial steps required to protect the state's assets were not taken in a timely manner. Recognising the seriousness of the matter, the Rajasthan government has swiftly issued instructions to take immediate corrective action, the state government said in a statement. Mr Sharma will take all possible legal steps to secure the property and get a stay on the attachment order passed by the local court, it said. Bikaner House is a heritage property representing the historical and cultural legacy of Rajasthan; its attachment has drawn the attention of state authorities due to its prominence and importance as a public asset, the state government said. The arbitral award of ₹ 50 crore in favour of Enviro Infra Engineers had remained unpaid, due to which the Delhi court decided to pass the attachment order. The court said the debtor did not give an affidavit of its assets despite several reminders. Mr Sharma, the Rajasthan government's lawyer, will file for an urgent stay on the attachment order of the state government property. The state government said it will look into apparent negligence by the previous legal representatives and fix accountability.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/after-court-setback-rajasthan-moves-to-save-iconic-building-bikaner-house-in-delhi-7071670, November 21, 2024

The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the Defence Colony Welfare Association (DCWA) for illegally occupying the Lodi-era monument of Shaikh Ali 'Gumti' and running its office from there. The bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah said that the illegal occupation of the tomb by DCWA could not be allowed and threatened to throw it out of the premises after it tried to justify its unauthorised occupation on the ground that it would have been misused by criminal elements if it had been left unattended. "How dare you enter this tomb?" the bench asked the association. With the association contending that it had been there for the last many decades and if the premises remain vacant then it would be used by criminal elements. the bench said, "You are speaking like colonial rulers you know. Like if we didn't come to India, what would have happened." The court also criticised the ASI for allowing the illegal occupation of the 700-year-old Lodi-era tomb by DCWA. The court asked the CBI to complete the probe which was directed by it earlier. Doubting the bona fide of the ASI as also the central govt which had first favoured in 2004 to protect the monument but later on changed their stand in 2008, SC had earlier directed CBI inquiry to find out under what circumstances the authorities took u-turn on the issue. "We deem it fit that CBI be entrusted to initiate a Preliminary Enquiry on the following aspects: (i) How and under what circumstances the Gumti came to be occupied by the DCWA, as claimed, from 1963-64? (ii) How and under what circumstances, when the Central Government and ASI had initially recommended that the Gumti be declared a protected monument, only on the purported basis of alterations/additions having been made by the DCWA and the sole objection submitted by it, both ASI and the Central Government changed their stands? (iii) How and under what circumstances and on whose authority were additions/alterations made to the Gumti? (iv) Why appropriate steps were not taken and by which officer/authority to prevent additions/alterations in the Gumti?," the bench had said. Expressing "surprise at the turn of events" between 2004-08, the court noted the competent body in 2004 recommend declaration of the structure as a monument of national importance and ASI favoured doing so, but later the ASI reports said that as alterations had been made by the DCWA while occupying the structure, the Gumti had lost its originality and it was not feasible for the ASI to protect it as a centrally protected monument. The central govt also decided that the Gumti could not be declared as a protected monument due to major additions/alterations had been made by the DCWA.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/how-dare-you-enter-tomb-sc-slams-delhi-rwa-for-illegally-running-office-from-lodi-era-monument/amp_articleshow/115237856.cms, November 13, 2024

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), a non-profit organisation,has launched a campaign to include Chhath on Unesco’s list of Intangible CulturalHeritage. Chhath, one of the prominent festivals of Hindus dedicated to sun, iscelebrated in large parts of the country. As part of this campaign, the Patna chapter ofIntach has begun proper documentation of the festival through photographs. It hasorganised a national photographic salon for the first time to gather photographicevidence related to the festival. The Federation of Indian Photographers has lent itssupport to this mission, an Intach official said. So far, nine photographers, includingLaszlo Szita from Budapest (Hungary), have registered with Intach while the last date ofregistration is November 12. The others include photojournalists from Ranchi, Kolkata,Bengaluru and Patna.

“For the first time, we are making proper documentation of thisfestival and collecting photographic evidence, highlighting the 2,000-year-old traditionin states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh,” Intach’s Patna chapter convener Bhairab Lal Dastold TOI on Tuesday. Stating this festival is being celebrated in for over 2,000 yearswithout a break, Das said they were trying to prove it through temples, statues, worshipmethods, offerings, utensils used for worship and how this festival has been closelyassociated with rivers and water bodies. “None can offer prayers to the sun withoutwater,” he said.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/intach-launches-campaign-for-unesco-heritage-status-of-chhath-festival/articleshow/114994722.cms, November 4, 2024

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organized a StateCulture and Heritage Quiz at APS Beas. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh, Punjab StateConvener for INTACH, emphasized the importance of the annual event, stating that thequiz... The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organized aState Culture and Heritage Quiz at APS Beas. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh, Punjab StateConvener for INTACH, emphasized the importance of the annual event, stating that thequiz aimed to instill awareness about India’s rich cultural heritage among children,fostering integration within the nation’s diverse cultural landscape. The selectionprocess for the state-level competition began at the district level, wherein districtconveners invited schools to participate. Schools conducted internal selections andshortlisted five teams, each comprising two students, to represent their institutions.Following intense competition at the district level, ten teams were selected for the state-level round. The finalists represented a range of districts across Punjab. From Faridkot,

the DCM International School (Kotkapura) team included Manmeet Kaur and Manmeet Singh. Sangrur was represented by Gyansh Global School, with Ishavmeet Singh and Hamandeep Kaur representing the team. Kapurthala’s MGN Public School was represented by Puneet Kaur and Charuvrat Bains. The Dass and Brown World School team from Ferozepur included Kriday Gaba and Arvav Mittal. From Tarn Taran, Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Public School, Pahuwind, was represented by Mahekdeep Kaur and Gurleen Kaur. Amritsar’s Spring Dale Senior Secondary School team consisted of Sargun Kaur Bhullar and Mudit Tayal. The Oasis Public School team from Malerkotla included Mavia and Zubia. Patiala’s Our Lady of Fatima Convent Secondary School was represented by Diya Bhalla and Bhavik Singh. From Bathinda, Silver Oak School’s team included Chaitanya and Jai Utkarsh. Jalandhar’s Swami Sant Das Public School, Phagwara team comprised Ankit Choubey and Ajitesh Claire. The quiz covered a broad range of topics, including built and natural heritage, living traditions, endangered heritage, prominent Indian personalities, Punjab-related heritage and INTACH’s initiatives.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/amritsar-school-wins-state-culture-quiz/, November 04, 2024

A unique two-day festival, RISE 2024, will bring together experts, educators, and students to explore Artificial Intelligence, inclusivity, and global citizenship in education. Alliance Française de Delhi, in collaboration with One Teacher One Scientist, is set to host the second edition of RISE (Re-Imagining School Education), an annual Thought Exchange Festival that aligns school education with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Curated by the distinguished author and educationist Vaishali Gupta, the event will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and Global Citizenship, fostering dialogue, innovation, and creativity.

The festival will take place on November 8 and 9, 2024, at Alliance Française de Delhi, Lodhi Estate. The event will begin at 12:15 pm on November 8, 2024 with an inaugural ceremony featuring esteemed dignitaries such as UN Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp, French Ambassador to India Dr. Thierry Mathou, and Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India. RISE 2024 will feature influential speakers, including cybersecurity expert Rakshit Tandon, with participation from partners like Airbus, ‰cole Intuit Lab, Amway, INTACH, IIT Delhi’s Innovation Cell, and Microsoft.
The agenda includes panel discussions and talks on AI’s role in education and topics like career ethics, digital inclusion, and student safety. Key sessions include:
Careers, Ethics, and Plagiarism in an AI World” by Vanita Vasudeva, Program Consultant at FITT-IIT Delhi Bridging the Digital Divide in Education”, a panel moderated by Vaishali Gupta
Importance of Nutrition for Health” by Amway
Inclusivity and Child Safety in Schools”, moderated by Dr. Mala Bhandari
Cyber Safety and Security on Social Media” by Rakshit Tandon
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND WORKSHOPS
A diverse range of interactive activities and workshops has been curated for students, teachers, and young adults:
For children: Activities include photography walks, storytelling, robotics, AR/VR exhibits, coding, and 3D printing workshops aimed at fostering critical thinking.
For teachers: Practical sessions cover AI in global education, 21st-century pedagogy, and implementation strategies for the classroom.
For young adults: Sessions address global citizenship through topics like nutrition, wellness, safety, gender equality, and inclusivity.

Additional highlights include themed workshops like “Technology in Preserving Indian Heritage” by INTACH, a drone experience by Airbus, robotics workshops by Microsoft, and a Model United Nations (MUN) in French conducted by Alliance Française students. There will also be competitions for children, including a treasure hunt based on SDGs, poster-making, and NGO’s Got Talent. MUSIC AND SPECIAL EVENTS A series of musical performances will enrich the festival, including a piano concert by French pianist Kim Barbier on November 7, a concert by Alliance Française students on November 8, and a performance by the Kimya Ensemble on November 9,2024. Spaces are limited, and participants—including students, teachers, and parents—are encouraged to register early on a first-come, first-serve basis. Certificates will be awarded to all participants, along with prizes for various competitions.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/ambala-intach-wins-best-chapter-award-6th-time-in-a-row/, October 05, 2024

Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation of a new site museum in 2021. It felt like a departure from the government's Harappan-centric focus. But no progress has been made since. In early 2020, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an allocation of Rs 3150 crore in the Union Budget to the Ministry of Culture. This funding aimed to develop five archaeological sites which were designated as the ‘iconic’ sites. The plan was to build world-class site museums and infrastructure around the sites to promote tourism and cultural awareness. The five sites were the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dholavira, Ahom monuments in Sivasagar, the multi-cultural of Hastinapur, Rakhigarhi, one of the largest Harappan cities, and Adichanallur a significant Iron-Age burial site located in Tamil Nadu. Each site represents a significant era in the history of India. But there is a clear winner in terms of popularity. Rakhigarhi, a Harappan metropolis situated in Haryana has acquired maximum space in the newspapers and is certainly the most talked about archaeological site. The site that’s not gotten the limelight it deserves is Adichanallur. Situated in southern Tamil Nadu, it’s one of the largest and most well-preserved urn-burial sites of the Iron Age. This site represents a practice, which although ancient, has continued till the 12th century CE. It has been grabbing the attention of scholars and archaeologists for nearly 140 years and deserves the attention of the general public as well. From discovery to protection Situated on the southern bank of the Thamirabarani River in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, Adichanallur was discovered by F Jagor in 1876. He conducted haphazard

excavations and retained many artefacts including pottery, copper and iron objects, which he later donated to the Berlin Museum. His actions alerted the government to the rich unknown cultural history of the region, which eventually prompted archaeologist Alexander Rea of the Archaeological Survey of India to survey the site, document the remains and excavate it between 1889 and 1905. In contrast to Jagor’s endeavours, Rea aimed to conduct a systematic and comprehensive exploration. His work involved thorough documentation and analysis of the remains found at the site, which included a vast array of pottery, tools and urn burials. During his investigations, Rea identified that the urn-burials are a significant characteristic feature of Adichanallur. He documented that the skeletal remains were often placed in crouched positions within the pottery vessels accompanied by grave goods. This methodology revealed insight into the social structures and cultural beliefs of the site’s inhabitants. Rea discovered about 5,000 artefacts including many iron implements and weapons, ornaments in bronze and gold, stone beads, lamp stands, hanging lamps, bronze figurines of buffaloes, sheep, goats, antelopes, elephants, etc. But the most important of his discoveries were gold diadems found in well-preserved burials. They were either oval in shape or an elongated strip—plain in design or with dots or lines engraved on them. What is fascinating is that in the more recent excavations conducted in 2004 and 2005, no gold diadem was found. It makes these findings even more precious. Besides his work on burials, Rea also pointed to the possibility of a habitation area, which was traced in subsequent excavations. Rea’s extensive exploration of the Thamirabarani River valley led to the identification of 38 sites. He suggested that Adichanallur might have been a trade hub and centre of pearl fishery, potentially leading to the establishment of Korkai as a seaport. His extensive work led to the protection of 114 acres of land in 1921. After Rea, the site was briefly studied by JR Henderson in 1915 and then extensively excavated again by ASI’s Sathyabama Badrinath between 2003 and 2005. The Archaeological Survey of India along with the State Department of Archaeology excavated the site again from 2019 to 2022. This type of urn burial is typical in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of Karnataka. The one in the Thamirabarani valley is by far the best preserved. The burials are associated with the Iron Age/Megalithic Culture.

Urn burials of Adichanallur
The subcontinent has a long history of diverse burial practices dating back to prehistoric times. Adichchnallur’s urn burial involved placing the deceased skeletal remains in a pottery vessel and burying it in a man-made pit. Scholars suggest that the urns were used to protect the deceased from scavengers. It was based on the belief that the dead would use the same body in their afterlife. Red murram or fractured quartz were the natural formations in the region and the burial pits were cut into them. In a few cases, the pit was dug deep and an urn was placed at the bottom and the top half was filled with murram. Excavations revealed urns with either full, fragmentary or no bones but with grave goods (items buried along with the body). In the case of a complete skeleton,

it was often placed in a crouched position. In some instances, double burials—with the remains of two individuals—were also found. Urns are also in a variety of shapes and are mostly in Red Ware or Black and Red Ware. A few have surface decorations and are closed with a lid. These features of urn burials are typical of the southern Indian Iron Age and especially of Tamil Nadu’s cultural fabric as they continued till the 12th century CE. The later excavations also revealed a habitation area with two pottery kilns, a bead manufacturing workshop, a plethora of pottery which was different from the burial pottery and a large number of iron objects. Multiple analyses done by archaeo-botanists, metallurgists, anthropologists and experts have illuminated the rich past of Adichanallur. Interestingly, a study published in 2010 suggested that this prehistoric site is one of the ‘longest open-cast mines of ancient times’. This makes the site not only a trade hub and a pearl fishery centre but also a mining centre. It provides an explanation for the elaborate burial practice at the site which is dated to c.850 to 650 BCE.

Iconic site? Not yet
When Nirmala Sitharaman visited Adichanallur in 2021 and laid the foundation of a new site museum, it felt like a departure from the north-centric or rather Harappan-centric focus of the government. But a recent PIL was filed in the Madras High Court regarding the renovation of the existing site museum and the progress of the new site museum begs us to question the delay. The Madras High Court on 12 July asked authorities to report the reasoning behind the delay and propose a plan of action for a new site museum. The status of the work is still unknown. What is evident is that there is no site museum, despite heavy government funding and support. However, the buck does not stop at museums, the stakeholders and authorities must make this site a tourism hub and popularise its significance. This will help in attaining the ‘iconic’ status. Disha Ahluwalia is an archaeologist and junior research fellow at the Indian Council Of Historical Research. Views are personal. She tweets @ahluwaliadisha.

https://theprint.in/opinion/tamil-nadu-has-the-largest-iron-age-urn-burial-site-we-must-look-beyond-our-harappa-frenzy/2338006/, November 6, 2024

The Odisha chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) on Tuesday said that the heritage well near the 13th century protected Ananta Vasudeva temple has been filled up and concrete platforms are being made after landfilling the area. The plot adjoining the Ananta Vasudeva temple was earmarked for shifting the kitchen complex, which at present is adjoining the temple. The well water was used in the cooking of the Prasad prior to the days of piped water supply. It said both the ASI and the NMA have been repeatedly demanding the shifting of the Roshaghara outside the prohibited zone. The then Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) V Vidyavathi, during her visit in February 2022, had expressed concern over the threat to the monument from the fire and smoke emanating from the kitchen located just about 2.5 metres from the main shrine. Apart from the intricately carved temple walls, there are two rare inscriptions placed near the kitchen. While giving its NOC to the Ekamra Kshetra Heritage Development Project, the NMA too had recommended that the kitchen should be shifted to an appropriate location outside the complex. Demands for shifting the kitchen have been made time and again by INTACH for over a decade. There have been multiple occasions when the temple kitchen – previously a thatched roof structure which has now been replaced by asbestos – has caught fire. There are 20 wood fired chullahs inside the kitchen which are owned by 25 Suar Nijog families. The making and sale of the Prasad in the adjacent Ananda Bazar is the bread earner of nearly 700 Nijog members.

According to Anil Dhir, the Convener of INTACH’s Bhubaneswar Chapter, the ASI norms do not allow cooking ‘prasad’ in large quantities in such close proximity to the temple. The 2018 fire had damaged the entire kitchen and the main temple to a great extent. In 2013, the government had asked the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation to build a new kitchen in the adjacent plot and work in now underway. The Ananta Vasudeva Plaza plan was incorporated in the Ekamra Khestra Project which would have housed both the kitchen and the Ananda Bazar.

However, the plot is presently being converted into a small path and a garden. Enquiries with the authorities have not elicited any definite plan. The records of the said plot retrieved from the R.I. office state the existence of a well. Filling it up is a criminal and punishable offence, he said, adding that the use of heavy machinery near the temple is in gross violation of the Amasar rules.

Dhir claimed that the authorities have gone on a haphazard and unplanned spree of construction and demolition by throwing all rules into the dustbin. A hastily convened committee has been formed without any experts or local stakeholders, and the unfinished work of the previous regime is being taken up with renewed vigour. A.B.Tripathy, the state Convener of INTACH, is of the opinion that the well should not have been filled up and emphasised the necessity of a separate kitchen outside the complex. He also mentioned that the Ground Penetration Report made by IIT Gandhinagar should be made public and no further construction or demolition should be allowed in any of the prohibited zones. When contacted, Dr N K Swain of ASI’s Bhubaneswar circle said he will go through the views expressed by INTACH and thoroughly examine the issue.

https://odishabytes.com/heritage-well-of-ananta-vasudeva-temple-in-bhubaneswar-destroyed-intach-odisha-chapter/, November 11, 2024

The Amritsar Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Punjab, celebrated the 244th birth anniversary of the legendary Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Dinanagar Baradri. The organization with the support of heritage-related institutions organized a function at Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Summer Palace, a heritage site, at Dina Nagar where a special memorial service was also held. An essay competitions were organised in various schools across the city. Before the start of the event, students of the school cleaned the Baradri campus. After this, beautiful pandals were decorated on the Baradri campus. Speaking on the occasion, Major General Balwinder Singh, Punjab convener, said INTACH was contemplating to take Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s legacy in every district by organising awareness campaigns throughout Punjab. Gagandeep Singh Virk, Amritsar convener of INTACH, said they got to play a major role in saving this vanishing building related to the rich heritage of the state. He said the best way to save these heritage buildings is to turn these spots into tourist places.

On the occasion, a booklet prepared by Amritsar INTACH containing the writings of history writers and journalists Surinder Kochhar and Inderjit Singh Harpura, was also presented to the public. Meanwhile, the Amritsar Vikas Manch also celebrated his birth anniversary and gathered near the statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh situated at the historical Ram Bagh garden. The organisation members expressed their dismay over the current dismal conditions at the historic garden. Principal Kulwant Singh Ankhi, Manmohan Singh Brar and Hardip Singh Chahal, all patrons of the organization, said the floor of the platform on which the staute stands has been broken. The tiles of the platform have come off.

The statue may fall and collapse anytime. The custodian of the Ram Bagh has turned a blind eye towards the maintenance of the historic garden. Insiders say that most of the gardeners employed for the maintenance of the garden are deputed with the officers, a big concern to be addressed. AVM members paid rich tributes to the legendary Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh and demanded from the MC Commissioner to restore the glory of the Ram Bagh.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/maharaja-ranjit-singhs-244th-birth-anniversary-celebrated/, November 12, 2024

Researchers from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) have recently uncovered a stone inscription dating back to nearly 827 years in Maduthuru village, located in Achutapuram mandal, Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. The inscription was found as part of an initiative to list and document historic Kalingan sites in Andhra Pradesh, a project spearheaded by the Odisha state chapter of INTACH. This exploration was led by Deepak Kumar Nayak, project coordinator of INTACH, alongside member Suman Prakash Swain and epigraphist Bishnu Mohan Adhikari. Adhikari, who deciphered the inscription, explained that the text is carved on a stone panel affixed to the wall of the Chodeswara Shiva temple in Maduthuru village, written in Telugu language and script.

The inscription reveals that the temple was built by three brothers—Prolli Setti, Poti Setti, and Bhami Setti—who were the sons of Sittamma Setti. It also notes that land endowments were made to support the temple’s upkeep and to ensure the perpetual lighting of a lamp. The figure of a couchant bull, the royal insignia of the Eastern Ganga dynasty is found carved in the top portion of the inscribed stone panel. INTACH project coordinator Deepak Kumar Nayak stated that the grant mentioned in the inscription was issued in the first regnal year of King Rajaraja Deva III, around 1197-98 CE. Rajaraja III was the grandson of famous Eastern Ganga monarch, Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. Notably, a copper grant of Rajaraja III discovered in Dashagoba village of Puri district, corroborates that the grand Jagannath temple of Puri was reconstructed by Chodaganga Deva.

https://www.orissapost.com/827-year-old-inscription-found-at-shiva-temple-in-maduthuru/, November 13, 2024

The Mandi chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organised a one-day workshop on the Mandi Kalam miniature painting style for school students at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) in Mandi yesterday. The workshop aimed at preserving and reviving the rich cultural heritage of the region’s mediaeval folk painting tradition. A total of 62 students from various schools participated in the event. The primary goal of the workshop was to raise awareness among the younger generation about the intricate Mandi Kalam style, which has deep historical roots in the region. The workshop was inaugurated by Mandi Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Rohit Rathour. He said a painting competition and exhibition would be held during the upcoming Shivratri fair in Mandi, providing an opportunity for young artists to showcase their skills and promote local art. “This wil allow the hidden talent among the youth to come to the fore,” he remarked. Naresh Malhotra, convenor of the INTACH’s Mandi chapter, welcomed the gathering and emphasised the importance of preserving traditional art forms. He revealed that all the paintings created by students during the workshop would be exhibited in the near future, offering them wider exposure. Co-convener Anil Sharma expressed hope that the workshop would spark greater interest in the art among the students. He also commended the students for their enthusiasm and creativity throughout the event. The workshop was conducted by Mandi Kalam expert Rajesh and his disciple Parul Kapoor, who shared their expertise with the students on the history, techniques, and use of colours while making the paintings. They guided the participants through the steps of creating their own miniature paintings, incorporating the traditional style into their artwork. The students, representing schools such as DAV Sanitary Public School, Alpine Public School, Vijay Senior Secondary School, and several others, displayed a range of beautiful paintings, reflecting the unique style of Mandi Kalam. Among the schools, the paintings created by students from DAV, Ner Chowk, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Nagar, and Guru Govind Singh Senior Secondary School were adjudged the best. At the closing ceremony, ADC Rathour presented mementos to the top-performing schools and certificates of participation to all the students who took part in the workshop. The event was attended by dignitaries, including INTACH members Dr Harish Bahl, Ajay, Kamal Malhotra, Rajeev, Banita Malhotra, Indu Sharma, Neeraj Sharma, Harish, and DIET coordinator Rakesh Kumar. Painters Rajesh and Parul Kapoor, along with Kumar Aman, were also present to assist the students during the workshop. The workshop marked a significant step toward preserving the traditional art form of Mandi Kalam while simultaneously engaging and inspiring the younger generation to appreciate and carry forward the region’s cultural heritage.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/art-culture-trust-holds-workshop-on-traditional-miniature-painting-style/, November 14, 2024

The INTACH Nagaland Chapter held two events namely- “The All India National Poster & Essay Competition on the theme “Celebrating India” and “Learn a Craft” workshop on bamboo mat making, in collaboration with NBRC, Sovima, on November 8. The two events threw up over 100 students from Classes 7-9 participated, representing the following schools: Holy Cross Hr. Sec. School, Charis High Academy, Delhi Public School, Christian Hr. Sec. School, St. Mary’s Hr. Sec. School, Little Star Hr. Sec. School, Christina Memorial Hr. Sec. School. The art and essays of the participants competing in the All India National Competition will be sent to New Delhi for judging, to determine national-level winners. The INTACH Nagaland Chapter extends its thanks to all participating schools and Albert Ezung, Team Leader of NBRC, for the collaboration.

https://nagalandpage.com/intach-nagaland-chapter-organizes-poster-essay-competition/, November 14, 2024

Nearly 10,000 objects have so far been unearthed from Vembakkottai ever since the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) began excavations in 2022. Archaeologists have recovered jasper and chert stones - core materials used to manufacture ornaments and tools for hunting animals - from Vembakkottai in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu where the third phase of excavation is underway since June this year. Nearly 10,000 objects have so far been unearthed from Vembakkottai ever since the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) began excavations in 2022. In the third phase, which is ongoing, over 2,400 artefacts have been recovered between June and November. “Jasper and chert stones, raw materials that are used to manufacture ancient ornaments and tools used for hunting animals, have been found in the third phase of excavations. This evidence shows the design skills of ancient Tamils,” said Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, who also holds the additional charge of archaeology.

TNSDA officials told DH that the recovery of jasper and chert stones serve as further evidence to show continuous habitation from the microlithic age. They added that they have been unearthing flake and fluted core materials which are used to produce ornaments from 2022. “Unearthing of such raw materials show that the archaeological site has been continuously under habitation from pre historic-medieval times; semi-precious stone beads like carnelian, agate, amethyst and crystal have also been unearthed from here,” a senior TNSDA official told DH. In 2023, out of the 4,600 antiquities unearthed in Vembakottai, almost half were glass beads, while beads and figurines made of terracotta were 94 and 27 in number respectively.

Likewise, 2,985 antiquities were unearthed from the site in 2022. Glass beads of various colours, shell bangles, glass bangles, terracotta beads, spindle whorls, terracotta gamesmen, smoking pipes, terracotta pendant, toy objects, terracotta figurines, terracotta weighing units, iron objects and copper objects have also been found during the digging.

The potteries collected from Vembakottai are classified into five types as red ware, red slipped ware, black slipped ware, black and red ware, and brown slipped ware. The archaeological excavations in Tamil Nadu have created a buzz in the past few years as they threw up surprises – artefacts unearthed in Keeladi near Madurai pushed the Sangam Era to 600 BCE from 300 BCE, rice husks found in a burial urn in Sivakalai was found to be 3,200 years old, and showed that Tamils were aware of iron technology in 2172 BCE - 4,200 years ago. Carbon dating has pushed back the timeline of the Sangam Era by three hundred years from what it was thought to be – the ASI, which conducted the first two phases of excavation, also derived the period of the Sangam-era archaeological site to be between 8th century BCE to 3rd century CE.

https://nagalandpage.com/intach-nagaland-chapter-organizes-poster-essay-competition/, November 14, 2024

The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will observe World Heritage Week with a series of events from Tuesday to November 25 at the Kodialguthu Centre for Arts and Culture, Kodial Guthu West, Mangaluru. The programme will commence with a Harikatha session on ‘Vàli-Sugreevara Kalaga’, presented by Haridasa Sheni Murali on Tuesday, at 5.30 p.m. The Haridasa will be accompanied by Sripathi Bhat Belleri on the harmonium and Kaushik Manjanadi on the tabla. It is supported by Kudla Arts. Throughout the week, daily talks at 5.30 p.m. will delve into various aspects of art, culture, and heritage. On Wednesday, K. Chinnappa Gowda, former Vice Chancellor of Karnataka Folklore University, will speak on ‘The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in the Making of Oral Epics'.

On Friday, Janardhan Rao Havanje, an artist and researcher, will speak on ‘Kaavi Art Legacy: Art, Identity and Heritage’. Narendra Rai Derla, a retired professor, will speak on ‘Ondu Bogase Hasiru’ on Saturday. On Sunday, Mamata Rai, founder of Kadike Trust, will discuss the ‘Revival of Traditional Weave: Udupi Saree’. A special highlight of the week will be the commemoration of U. Srinivas Mallya’s birth anniversary with ‘Exhibition on The Mallya Residence’ presented by the INTACH Mangaluru Chapter. This exhibition will open on November 21 and continue till November 24, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The World Heritage Week will conclude with an ‘Exhibition on Kattes in Mangaluru’ by INTACH Mangaluru Chapter. This will open on November 25 and continue till November 30, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., a release stated.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/intach-to-observe-world-heritage-week-from-today/article68882823.ece, November 18, 2024

The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with Kudla Arts, inaugurated World Heritage Week on Tuesday, November 19, at 5:30 p.m. with a captivating Harikatha performance titled ‘Vali-Sugreevara Kalaga’. The event, held at the Kodial Guthu Centre for Art and Culture, featured renowned Harikatha artist Haridasa Sheni Murali, accompanied by Sripathi Bhat Belleri on the harmonium and Kaushik Manjanadi on the tabla. The week-long celebration, observed from November 19 to 25, aims to foster appreciation for India’s cultural heritage through various programmes, including talks and exhibitions that highlight the nation’s rich artistic and cultural legacy.

During the performance, Haridasa Sheni Murali explained the history of Harikatha, stating, “Though commonly associated with mythological tales of Lord Vishnu, Harikatha also narrates stories of other gods, episodes from the freedom movement, and the lives of great leaders. The underlying aim is to impart moral lessons to the audience.” His performance, a vivid rendition of ‘Vali-Sugreevara Kalaga’, was enriched with storytelling and detailed commentary. Subhas Chandra Basu, Convener of INTACH Mangaluru, introduced INTACH and the objectives of World Heritage Week, while Akshatha R. Shenoy of Kudla Arts provided an overview of the organization and the evening’s performers. The artists were felicitated during the event.

https://www.mangaloretoday.com/main/INTACH-Mangaluru-launches-World-Heritage-Week-with-harikatha-performance.html, November 19, 2024

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is working to promote heritage sites in Tarn Taran by creating awareness about conserving its customs. The INTACH has identified more than 300 built heritage sites in Tarn Taran for preservation. It is the Tarn Taran area which was on route to Lahore, connecting Delhi. The then rulers would often visit the area. It is because of this that so many buildings belonging to that era call for preservation. To save, preserve and conserve the rich culture, heritage and historical perspective of Tarn Taran, the Punjab chapter of INTACH has taken a major initiative to carry out a listing of all the tangible heritage places in the district.

The INTACH started this work just a year back with the aim of preserving the architectural heritage. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh, VSM (retd), Punjab state convener of INTACH, felt it was important for the future generations so that they are aware of their roots. He said that there are huge possibilities of protecting culture and heritage for the younger generation so that they respect the ancestors and understand cultural diversification and the need to adapt to the ever changing cultural aspirations of the younger generation. INTACH experts from Delhi, conservator and architect Neha Mallick and architect Anjora Khatri, were assigned the task of carrying out the listing of tangible heritage sites of the district.

They assured that saving tangible heritage in Punjab is important, being a border state and also because of the richness of its cultural heritage. The success of an on-site visit was made possible through the efforts of Dr Baljit Kaur, INTACH convenor for Tarn Taran, along with INTACH Punjab listing coordinator Harpreet Singh Bal, who played an important role in making the task a success. The district spans the international Indo-Pak border in the west to the Beas river in the east. The fifth Sikh Guru, Shri Arjun Dev Ji, laid the city’s foundation back in 1596, thus leading to the formation of the Tarn Taran Darbar Sahib.

The region has had a few different ruling dynasties, from the Mughals to the Dhillon clan from Bhangi Misls and the colonisers dating back to the 17th century up to India’s independence in 1947. Tarn Taran was the centre of the Sikh community with most population being Sikh before the partition. The severance with Pakistan created a painful divide in culture, homes, families and heritage. The district still gives us a glimpse of the grand Gurudwaras, mahals, kothis and various khuhs (wells) in the region, irrespective of the trauma it has endured through centuries. Every settlement had a unique approach towards keeping its heritage intact, influenced by the traditional knowledge systems and cultural activities. The layout within each settlement showcased an old Gurudwara built on a higher terrain, around which an area was allotted for havelis and kothis.

Each haveli would use the adjacent area to bake their Nanak Shahi bricks for their respective structure, the pit was later used as a discharge pond by the settlement. The havelis were divided into sections or quadrants, with ownership passed on with each generation. These havelis would be further divided with families growing. Some families had the awareness to safeguard their heritage, while others preferred to relocate to the urban setting, thus leading to a large number of abandoned and dilapidated havelis and kothis in the area. In Fatehbad, Verowal, Naurangabad, Noordi, Sarai Amanat Khan, Chabal, Khalra and Khemkaran, there are a large number of heritage sites worth preserving. For a more fulfilling future for all, fostering a healthy traditional knowledge system and built heritage will have a direct impact towards safeguarding our cultural past. INTACH believes that preserving heritage enriches our lives, and India, including the beautiful state of Punjab, is a testament to this principle. The administration is totally unconcerned over the foul smell emanating from the public toilet located outside the Government Elementary (Centre), School, Char Khambha Chaunk, in Tarn Taran town. Besides the school, there is the historic Madan Mohan Mandir in front of the toilet, besides the regular flow of commuters on the road.

The shopkeepers nearby said that the stink created by the toilet was unbearable. Shamsher Singh, Sanitary Inspector of Nagar Council, Tarn Taran, said the toilet is not in working condition as the doors and other equipment have been stolen. Even then, the people continue to use it though there is no water supply. Besides, garbage from the nearby localities has been dumped in front of the toilet which was creating nuisance for the passersby. Sanitary Inspector Shamsher Singh said the toilet would be rebuilt and the problems of the residents would be resolved soon.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/tarn-taran-diary-intach-promoting-heritage-sites-in-border-district-of-tarn-taran/, November 20, 2024

The INTACH Bhubaneswar chapter has urged the Odisha government to enact a legislation on the lines of Maharashtra law declaring all old trees as heritage and granting them protected status. The INTACH Bhubaneswar chapter convenor, Anil Dhir, has expressed concern over East Coast Railway’s decision to uproot a heritage tree outside the Lingaraj Road station as part of the station’s expansion and modernisation. He said a major portion of the tree’s canopy has already been cut to make way for a two-storied building under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme. Ironically, a project board at the site describes the new structure as an “eco-friendly green building”. The banyan tree, which is estimated to be at least 200 years old and in good condition, could have been preserved by designing the building to accommodate it, with its canopy extending over the platform.

However, the authorities have chosen to prune a substantial part of the tree instead. Dhir said a demarcation line touching the base of the tree was observed marking the site for a new boundary wall. Officials on-site confirmed that the wall would likely be constructed in a way that could damage the roots or lead to the complete felling of the tree. Dhir suggested that the wall could be built around the tree keeping it intact. The INTCH Bhubaneswar chapter has initiated a project to document and catalogue the heritage trees of Ekamra Kshetra. Dhir said the entire Old Town area is being mapped with every heritage tree being documented. Experts from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and Botany department of Utkal University are assisting in identifying and assessing the tree’s current condition. So far, INTACH has identified 250 trees which are over 100 years old in Ekamra Kshetra area, most of which are banyan and peepal trees.

Biswajit Mohanty, a member of INTACH Bhubaneswar chapter, said the Maharashtra government introduced a comprehensive action plan in June 2021 to protect trees older than 50 years in urban areas designating them a “historic trees.” The plan includes guidelines for conservation, determining a tree’s age, conducting tree census, designating plantation areas and imposing fines for unauthorised tree cutting. According to a September 2021 notification, any tree older than 50 years, regardless of species, qualifies as a heritage tree. Dhir has written to the Railway authorities urging them to halt construction activities that could harm the banyan tree. He said that during the Ekamra Kshetra Beautification Project undertaken by the previous BJD government, more than 150 trees in and around Lingaraj temple were indiscriminately felled. On July 15 last year, 14 temples in Old Town here were struck by lightning, including Rameswar temple where the Dadhineuti was totally damaged. Even the Lingaraj temple was hit by two lightning strikes. These incidents were attributed to loss of trees around the temples which previously provided natural protection.

https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/116-slum-dwellers-get-house-allotment-letters-923105, November 20, 2024

Three years ago, a team from Bhopal chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) found the 11th-century temple in Udaipur. The Vidisha district has two temples named as Bija Mandal. One is located near the famous Sanchi stupa while the other has been found in Udaypur village in Basoda tehsil located about 104 kilometres from Bhopal. Three years ago, a team from Bhopal chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) found the 11th-century temple in Udaipur. The place was used to store fodder for cattle. The temple, locally known as Bija Mandal, was excellently preserved as it was fully covered by earth for almost 1,000 years. It stands right across Neelkantheshwar Temple, an ASI-protected monument, in Udaipur. “We have done extensive documentation of the monument and also published a book on it. Now, we are initiating the process for its conservation,” convener of the Bhopal chapter of INTACH Madan Mohan Upadhyay told Free Press.

He also said that they were trying to create awareness in the local community about the precious heritage in their village and the need to protect and preserve it. Like the well-known Bija Mandal temple near Sanchi and Bhojpur Shiva temple in Raisen district, the Udaypur Bija Mandal was also left unfinished for some reason. An inscription installed on the inner wall of mandap in the structure has eight-lines of text in Sanskrit written in Devanagari script. The inscription is in praise of Sun god and is incomplete with its lower part blank. The columns are shaped square at the base, octagonal in the middle and circular at the top. The most striking feature - the threshold of the entrance to inner chambers - is centred on the opposite wall with two plaque stones on either side. The plaque on the left is inscribed partially while the one on the right remains blank, again indicating that the construction of the temple could not be completed.

The structure, presently under the ownership of state government, needs to be preserved, Upadhyay said, adding that the entire Udaypur village should be declared a heritage site as it has more than 60 historical monuments and inscriptions. In 2024, India will celebrate World Heritage Week from November 19 to November 25, as declared by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the theme, Discover and Experience Diversity. It invites travellers across the globe to explore the diverse cultural and historical sites.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/world-heritage-week-another-bija-mandal-temple-found-in-vidisha-district-intach-to-conserve-i, November 21, 2024

A 200-year-old banyan tree, located near the Lingaraj Road railway station, is at risk of destruction due to the ongoing expansion plans under the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme. The proposed construction near the historic tree has raised alarm among conservationists, with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) calling for urgent action to safeguard the ecological heritage of the area. Anil Dhir, Convener of INTACH Bhubaneswar, voiced concerns over the construction work, which threatens the roots and canopy of the ancient banyan tree. He questioned the commitment of the "Eco-friendly Green Building" project, highlighting the potential environmental damage. INTACH has called on the railway authorities to take immediate steps to protect the tree, including the proposal of constructing a boundary wall around the tree to shield it from the construction activities.

This issue comes on the heels of previous concerns regarding the indiscriminate felling of trees during the beautification of Ekamrakhestra, an area near the Lingaraj Temple. The tree felling led to unforeseen consequences, including an increased number of lightning strikes on historic temples in the region. In response to these ongoing ecological threats, INTACH has launched a project to document 250 heritage trees in the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar. The project is being supported by experts from the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and Utkal University, who are helping to assess the historical and environmental value of these trees. Conservationist Biswajit Mohanty has suggested that Odisha should adopt a law similar to Maharashtra's Heritage Tree Act, which protects trees older than 50 years. INTACH has reiterated its call for similar legislation in Odisha to prevent the destruction of valuable natural heritage and ensure the protection of the state's historical and ecological assets for future generations. The call for action underscores the growing concern among conservationists over the balance between development and environmental preservation in Bhubaneswar, a city known for its rich cultural and ecological heritage.

https://www.prameyanews.com/intach-raises-concerns-over-lingaraj-road-station-expansion-urges-protection-of-historic-banyan-tre, November 20, 2024

INTACH held a session on ‘Stories of the Hills: A journey Through Uttarakhand’ at the Valley of Words Literature Festival held from 16-17 November 2024 at Hotel Madhuban, here. An expert talk was delivered by Lady Kishwar Desai, Chair, Partition Museums. She highlighted the history of partition which is the largest displacement in human history. She spoke on building a world class museum from scratch: challenges and victories: Learnings for Uttarakhand. She said that the museums were about hope, survival and friendship.

There was also a talk by Manoj Saxena, Superintendent
Archaeologist, ASI, on Understanding Antiquity. He highlighted the fact that antiques should be registered to be recognised as an antique. Alongside this, there was an exhibition by the Uttarakhand Museum Community (UmC): “Khazaane”, of 10 museums of Uttarakhand from various places in the state. Mussoorie Heritage Centre, Mussoorie, Soham Himalayan Museum, Mussoorie, Pratap Museum/Tibar, Uttarkashi, Colonial Antiques, Dehradun, Jim Corbett Museum, Kaladhungi and Rudraprayag, Garhwal Regimental Centre, Lansdowne, Archaeological Survey of India, Excavation sites, Nature Education Centre, Forest Department, Lok Sanskriti Museum, Bhimtal, participated in the exhibition. There were collections of excavations site tools, coins, WW1, WW2 vintage memorabilia from Mussoorie Heritage Centre, prints by Yashodhar Matpal, products made by Jim Corbett Village Chotti Haldwani, typewriters, inks and various writing materials from Pratap Museum and Colonial Antiquites, traditional hand-crafted products, traditional headgear and various other replicas from Soham Museum, war heroes and military history from KRC.

The exhibition drew a huge crowd of students who were very curious to know about the various artifacts of their own culture displayed, which was a novelty for most. Several exhibits caught their attention, while the collectors faced questions from the young minds trying to satisfy their cultural thirst. Anjali Bharthari, co-convenor INTACH, said that this was the first time that the museums from the hills were presenting in Dehradun and had the opportunity to attend roundtables on capacity building which will help them to upscale their museums. There were focused roundtables by Nerupama Y Modwel, Principal Director, Intangible Cultural Heritage, INTACH, New Delhi. She presented the CAG museum in Shimla and the Man Mahal, museum at Varanasi. Merrin Anil, Centre Coordinator, INTACH Conservation Institute (ICI), Delhi, had an immersive workshop with participants on preventive and curative conservation. She presented case studies on storage management and aspects of preventive conservation which can be implemented by the museums to prolong the life of their collection.

A Fund raising and support session was organised online by Jivan K Bachhav, Deputy Secretary (Museums), Ministry of Culture, Government of India. This was an eye-opening session for the museum collectors who are in need of funding support to upscale their museums. The session set the participants thinking of how they could upscale their museums with funding support. Bharti Jain, Convenor INTACH, Dehradun, and Surbhi Agarwal, Co-convenor, Mussoorie were also present to interact with schools and participants.

https://garhwalpost.in/museums-from-the-hills-exhibit-the-cultural-heritage-of-ukhand-at-vow/, November 21, 2024

Providing details, Bishnu Mohan explained that the inscription in Telugu language and script is on a stone panel affixed to the wall of the Chodeswara Shiva temple in Maduthuru village. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) researchers have discovered an 827-year-old stone inscription at Maduthuru village in Atchutapuram mandal of Anakapalli district in Andhra Pradesh. The discovery is part of a project spearheaded by the Odisha chapter of INTACH to list and document historic Kalingan sites in Andhra Pradesh. The project’s coordinator is Deepak Kumar Nayak, while Suman Prakash Swain is a member and Bishnu Mohan Adhikari the epigraphist. Providing details, Bishnu Mohan explained that the inscription in Telugu language and script is on a stone panel affixed to the wall of the Chodeswara Shiva temple in Maduthuru village. It reveals that the temple had been built by three brothers—Prolli Setti, Poti Setti and Bhami Setti—sons of Sittamma Setti. The inscription further mentions that land had been endowed to support the temple's upkeep and ensure that its lamp remains lit perpetually.

The stone panel has the figure of a couchant bull, with the royal insignia of Eastern Ganga dynasty carved on the top portion. Project coordinator Deepak said: “The grant had been issued in the first regnal year of King Rajaraja Deva III, grandson of the famous Eastern Ganga monarch Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, during 1197–98 CE.” Deepak told this correspondent on Thursday that they had discovered a copper grant of Rajaraja III in Dashagoba village of Puri district, corroborating that the grand Jagannath Temple in Puri had been reconstructed by Chodaganga Deva.

“It is therefore possible that Rajaraja named Maduthuru Shiva Temple "Chodeswara" in honour of his distinguished grandfather. During the 12th century CE, the Kalinga region spanned from Ganga River in the north to the Godavari in the south, with today’s Anakapalli in Andhra Pradesh lying within its borders,” the project coordinator added. Photo Caption: INTACH project coordinator Deepak Kumar Nayak (centre) seen with his associates at Chodeswara Shiva Temple in Atchutapuram of Anakapalli mandal in Anakapalli district on Thursday.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/9th-century-ganga-dynasty-inscription-found-at-anakapalli-temple-1838834, November 20, 2024

The Royal Indian Hotel on Rabindra Sarani, a culinary gem which was started almost 120 years ago by a wrestler who migrated from Lucknow, was awarded the Intach Heritage Culinary Recognition Plaque on Tuesday. It joins a list that also comprises names like Kwality, Mocambo, Trinca's, Bhim Chandra Nag, Bar-B-Q and Aminia, among others. The eatery, located in the heart of the city's business hub, is famous for its biryani and mutton chaap, among other Mughlai dishes. It counts several celebrities

and illustrious personalities among fans of its food. Ahmed Hussain, a wrestler from Lucknow, migrated to Kolkata in 1905. Finding limited opportunities for his physical prowess, he turned his attention to cooking. Hussain opened a small eatery on the ground floor of a building and, in no time, started attracting a loyal following from the surrounding neighbourhoods. Royal has retained its signature dishes with the same ownership at the same location, fulfilling the three criteria for the heritage honour. "It is an honour which will inspire us to serve the city with our quality food. We still follow the procedures that were prevalent in the kitchens of the nawabs," said Mohammad Irfan, Hussain's great-grandson. Continuing our efforts to recognise the culinary heritage of the city, Intach unveiled a plaque at The Royal Indian Hotel in Rabindra Sarani. Food lovers, especially of Lucknawi cuisine, will be delighted. Several personalities from Bollywood, Tollywood, and the world of sports and politics are known to enjoy the food from Royal.

The family of Rabindranath Tagore have been customers since the eatery's inception," said G M Kapur, convener of Intach's Kolkata chapter. In 1997, Royal expanded its offerings. An air-conditioned dining area was added and the menu was enriched with popular dishes, including tandoori chicken and an assortment of kebabs. Yet, it is the restaurant's classic trio — biryani, chaap and liver — that truly captures the hearts of food lovers. Some of the other popular eateries on the heritage honour list are Eau Chew, Indian Coffee House and Swadhin Bharat Hindu Hotel.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/royal-indian-hotel-kolkatas-iconic-120-year-old-biryani-shop-receives-heritage-blue-plaque/articleshow/115533993.cm, November 21, 2024

The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), in association with Kudla Arts, inaugurated World Heritage Week on Tuesday, with a captivating Harikatha performance titled ‘Vali-Sugreevara Kalaga'. The event, held at the Kodial Guthu Centre for Art and Culture, featured renowned Harikatha artist Haridasa Sheni Murali, accompanied by Sripathi Bhat Belleri on the harmonium and Kaushik Manjanadi on the tabla. The week-long celebration, observed from Nov 19 to 25, aims to foster appreciation for India's cultural heritage through various programmes, including talks and exhibitions that highlight the nation's rich artistic and cultural legacy.

During the performance, Haridasa Sheni Murali explained the history of Harikatha, and said, "Though commonly associated with mythological tales of Lord Vishnu, Harikatha also narrates stories of other gods, episodes from the freedom movement, and the lives of great leaders. The underlying aim is to impart moral lessons to the audience." His performance, a vivid rendition of ‘Vali-Sugreevara Kalaga', was enriched with storytelling and detailed commentary. The artists were felicitated during the event.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/mangaluru-kicks-off-world-heritage-week-with-enchanting-harikatha-performance/articleshow/115497979.cm, November 22, 2024