Maalvika Pathania, former chairperson of the Himachal Pradesh Women Commission, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Chapters Division Advisory Committee of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). A native of Nurpur and the current State Convener of INTACH, Pathania was named to the position as part of a recent revamp of the committee by INTACH national chairman Ashok Singh Thakur. Following her appointment, Pathania emphasised the critical role the advisory committee plays in evaluating the performance and activities of INTACH chapters nationwide. “The committee will help align chapter activities with INTACH’s core mandate and encourage broader membership participation,” she said. She highlighted that INTACH draws dedicated and like-minded citizens — including numerous professionals — whose skills and expertise can be effectively harnessed at the grassroots through the Chapters. “This committee will also work to revive inactive chapters and strengthen existing ones across the country,” she added. Founded in 1984, INTACH is one of the world’s largest heritage organisations, with more than 2,000 chapters across India. It is committed to the awareness, conservation and preservation of India’s diverse natural, built and intangible heritage. Himachal Pradesh currently has seven INTACH chapters. Over the past four decades, INTACH has led numerous initiatives in heritage conservation and continues to be a driving force in the field.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/maalvika-is-intach-panel-national-chief/, May 16, 2025

An extraordinary archaeological discovery that has captivated scientists and locals alike — millennia-old skeletal remains of an ascetic, found in a meditative posture — has finally found a home at the Vadnagar Archaeological Experiential Museum after intense debate over their fate. The remains, excavated in 2019 and believed to date back to the 10th century, represent one of only four known examples in India of ancient burials depicting the Dhyan Mudra meditation pose. According to the ASI website, three such examples were reported earlier from Balathal in Rajasthan, Tripuri in Madhya Pradesh, and Adam in Maharashtra. The skeleton, discovered in a seated cross-legged position with the right hand placed on the lap and the left hand raised to chest level, sparked both scientific interest and local reverence. After over five months of persistent campaigning by Vadnagar residents and a tug-of-war between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Gujarat govt's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, the remains were finally transferred to the museum on Thursday. Dr Y S Rawat, director general of ASI, confirmed to TOI that the skeletal remains reached the museum safely after consultation with local authorities. Pankaj Sharma, Director of the Archaeology and Museums of the state govt, did not respond to multiple calls and messages to get perspective. "During the excavation at the south-western side of Kotha Ambaji Lake, an extremely rare type of burial was exposed. It was found on the north-western side of a square platform, identified as a stupa. It belongs to the succeeding deposit as compared to the stupa… The antiquity of this Samadhi burial can be dated back to the 9th or 10th century CE or later, probably when the square memorial stupa was no longer in use," according to the ASI website. TOI earlier reported that the scientists at Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) carried out DNA analysis of the skeleton when the man's ancestry was found to be closer to the current population of northern Gujarat. The skeleton's journey into the museum came after a long battle waged by the locals who believed that due respect should be accorded to the 'Baba'. A Vadnagar resident told TOI on condition of anonymity that the finds created a lot of buzz and conversations around its conservation raised hopes of its long-term preservation at the museum. "The museum was inaugurated in January this year, but there was no word on the skeleton. While one faction wanted to bury it from the place where it was found, another wanted to send it to the national museum for its historic importance. The locals then started correspondence with top offices and finally managed to ensure that the locally-revered 'Baba' remains in Vadnagar with due respect," said the resident. The ASI officials carefully wrapped the entire structure complete with the skeleton from the ASI camp near Hotel Toran in the town and mounted it on a crane, after which it was shifted to the museum premises about 5 km away. Sources close to the development said that currently, the team will carry out ‘preservation'. The decision on whether it will be part of any of the displays at the experiential museum highlighting the town, which is believed to have existed in the same spot for over 2,200 years, will be taken later, sources said.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/1000-year-old-meditating-mystic-to-rest-in-museum/articleshowprint/121195406.cms, May 16, 2025

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a charity gala at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, celebrating wildlife conservation and art in support of the Elephant Family, founded by Camilla’s late brother Mark Shand. King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a charity gala at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, celebrating wildlife conservation and art in support of the Elephant Family, founded by Camilla’s late brother Mark Shand. A key moment of the evening was Queen Camilla presenting the Mark Shand Award to Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, a conservationist from Assam’s NGO Aaranyak, for his work in Asian elephant conservation and conflict mitigation, particularly in Manas National Park. The event, “Wonders of the Wild,” featured royalty, celebrities, and conservation leaders, and concluded the Big Egg Hunt fundraiser showcasing giant artist-designed eggs across London. King Charles emphasised collaboration in environmental efforts, while Queen Camilla recalled her brother’s passion for wildlife. The evening also highlighted grassroots conservation efforts in Assam by partners like Aaranyak and the Balipara Foundation.

https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assams-bibhuti-lahkar-honoured-by-king-charles-and-queen-camilla-with-mark-shand-conservation-award-1213259-2025-05-14, May 14, 2025

The Department of Archaeology, Government of NCT of Delhi, has revealed that 20 monuments across the national capital are currently undergoing conservation and preservation work. In response to a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by Patriot, the department shared the list of sites, which includes structures spanning various periods of Delhi’s rich historical tapestry. These heritage buildings are being restored through a combination of structural repairs, chemical conservation, and landscape interventions. The sites include a diverse range of built heritage—from tombs and mosques to baradaris (compounds) and gateways—located in areas such as Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Lodhi Garden, RK Puram, Vasant Vihar, Turkman Gate, and Bawana village.

Bhuli Bhatiyari, Mutiny Memorial among key sites

Among the prominent monuments under restoration are Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal, situated in the southern ridge near Jhandewalan metro station; the Mutiny Memorial on the northern ridge near Hindu Rao Hospital; and the historic Turkman Gate on Asaf Ali Road. Additionally, the department is working on several unnamed tombs and other medieval structures at Mehrauli Archaeological Park.

Conservation priorities: Stability and authenticity

Speaking to Patriot, a senior official from the Department of Archaeology said, “Conservation works currently underway include strengthening of foundations, repairing damaged masonry, waterproofing of domes, lime plastering, and treatment against biological growth. At many sites, chemical conservation is being carried out to halt stone decay and to clean facades stained by pollution and time.” The official added that maintaining the structural integrity and historical character of each monument remains the department’s central focus. “Our priority is to ensure structural stability while maintaining the authenticity of each site,” he said. “In places like the unknown tombs and the horse stable in Mehrauli, we are focusing on careful reconstruction of collapsed sections using traditional materials. At Turkman Gate and the Imambara on Qutub Road, stone cleaning and joint filling with lime mortar are in progress.”

Wide-ranging efforts across Delhi

Conservation work is also underway at the mosque and entrance gate of Baoli, the enclosing garden walls, a turret, and an unnamed mosque at Lodhi Garden; the embankment inside Talkatora Garden; Gol Gumbad near Lodhi Road flyover; Bijri Khan’s tomb at RK Puram; Bara Lao Ka Gumbad and the baradari at DDA Park in Vasant Vihar; Maqbara Paik near GTK Depot; the baradari at Qudsia Garden; and the Zail building at Bawana village. While Delhi’s built heritage is often overshadowed by more prominent sites protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the state archaeology department continues to conduct periodic conservation drives. Nonetheless, heritage experts have expressed concerns over the pace and scope of these efforts.

No fixed timeline yet

“Conservation is a time-intensive process,” the official clarified. “We are committed to using traditional methods and working under expert supervision to ensure that the historical character of each monument is preserved for future generations.” Although a specific completion timeline has not been provided, the official noted that the work is expected to continue for "a few months."

https://thepatriot.in/reports/delhi-20-forgotten-monuments-get-a-much-needed-facelift-69783, May 11, 2025

The Varanasi Development Authority has decided to engage the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to provide technical assistance for the preservation and maintenance of important records, files and cadastral maps stored for years in its office's record room. VDA announced on Saturday that, in view of the necessity of preserving old documents and records, including maps, the officer in-charge of archives gave a proposal in this connection. It was tabled before vice-chairman Pulkit Garg and secretary Ved Prakash Mishra. Following this, the process for financial and administrative approval began. Upon receiving approval from the VDA vice-chairman and secretary, a team of experts from INTACH, led by its director Dharmendra Mishra, will survey the current condition of the documents and maps stored in the record room and take necessary actions for their physical preservation. Notably, some of the files to be preserved contain documents dating back to 1950, which are of significant administrative importance. The proposed plan also includes provisions for training relevant staff to make the record management system more effective and secure. This training will ensure the organised maintenance of maps and records. Additionally, a scientific system of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) will be implemented. IPM is a comprehensive pest management approach that balances mechanical, physical, biological, and minimal chemical measures as needed to protect documents from termites, insects, mould, and other factors. This method not only ensures the long-term safety of the stored materials but is also environmentally friendly.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/vda-to-engage-intach-to-preserve-its-docus-maps/articleshowprint/121063971.cms, May 10, 2025

The Ferozepur Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) proudly represented Punjab at the 16th Capacity Building Workshop, held at the Indian Heritage Academy in New Delhi. The three-day national workshop brought together 56 delegates from INTACH chapters across India. Designed to enhance the operational effectiveness of local chapters, the workshop focused on heritage conservation strategies, documentation techniques, and community engagement practices. It also served as a collaborative platform for sharing success stories, challenges, and innovative approaches to preserving India’s cultural legacy.

The Ferozepur Chapter highlighted its impactful work in heritage awareness, school outreach programs, and advocacy for the conservation of historical sites in the region. Their presentation received appreciation for its grassroots efforts and strong youth engagement. Dr. Anirudh Gupta, Convener of Ferozepur Chapter, said that representing Punjab, Ferozepur Chapter presented the heritage conservation, awareness programs in schools and public participation efforts for preservation of historical sites. The model presented by the Ferozepur Chapter was hailed as an impressive work at the grassroots level. Speaking on the occasion, Deepak Sharma and Gurbhej Tibbi of the Ferozepur Chapter said, “It was an honor to represent Punjab on such a prestigious platform. This workshop has strengthened our resolve and opened new avenues for collaboration with fellow INTACH members nationwide.” The 16th Capacity Building Workshop reaffirmed INTACH’s commitment to empowering its chapters with the skills, knowledge, and partnerships essential for safeguarding India’s diverse cultural heritage.

https://www.babushahi.com/full-news.php?id=203272, May 1, 2025

The government has tied up with INTACH, which is now finetuning the proposal. The group of monuments at Lakkundi, and temples from surrounding places, dating from the early the 10th to 12th centuries CE and built during the period of Kalyana Chaluykas or Western Chalukyas, are in the process of being finalised for inclusion in the UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The State which has already announced its intent to give the proposal a push, tied up with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) which was fine tuning the proposal.

Focus on key temples
The INTACH has zeroed in on key temples and stepped tanks constructed during the period of Kalyana Chalukyas in Lakkundi, the Doddabasappa temple and Japada Bavi at Dambal, the Trikuteshwara temple at Gadag, the Mahadeva temple at Itagi, the Sri Mallikarjuna temple at Kuruvatti, the Someshwara temple at Lakshmeshwara in Gadag, and the Tarakeshwara temple at Hangal. The Lakkundi group of monuments include the 11th century Kasi Visvesvara temple, the Manikesvara temple, the Nanneswara temple, the Brahma Jinalaya [the oldest temple in Lakkundi and dated to 1007 CE], and Musukina Bavi. But Pankaj Modi, conservation architect from INTACH, said the list may be pruned or expanded based on further discussions with experts from the Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage based on feedback from other stakeholders. The monuments listed under “Architectural Ensembles of Kalyana Chalukyas” fulfil two of the six criteria which should be met for inclusion in the UNESCO tentative and final list. One of the criteria states that the monuments should exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, two planning or design. The other criteria which the monuments should meet is that they should represent an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage or stages in human history; and the Kalyana Chalykya group of monuments meet both the criteria.

Hybrid temples
To underscore this aspect, the INTACH has pointed out that the temples built in northern Karnataka in the period of Kalyana Chalukyas, are vesara temples or hybrid temples that not only combine various elements of the Nagara, the Dravida, and the Bhumija styles, but create a distinctive temple form. In support of fulfilling the second criteria, the proposal points out the temples built in the Kalyana Chalukya regions between the Tungabhadra and the Malaprabha, represent an important phase in temple architecture. Another important element of the Kalyana Chalukya temple complexes are large stepwells which were integral to the complex and the shrine, and some stepwells are larger than the temples to which they are attached to, according to INTACH.



The next step
Once approved, and on completion of an year under the tentative list, the State will be eligible to prepare a detailed nomination dossier for full World Heritage inscription. The other heritage sites already under the tentative list include monuments and forts of the Deccan Sultanate, monuments of Srirangapatana island town, Hire Benkal megalithic site, and Badami and Aihole group of monuments.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/lakkundi-temples-set-to-be-finalised-for-unesco-tentative-listing-as-world-heritage-sites/article69521699.ece, May 2, 2025

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has sought immediate intervention of the state government to preserve the historic Jagatjit Palace, which houses Sainik School, Kapurthala. The INTACH has cited rapid deterioration of the palace structure and artefacts. Constructed in 1908 by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, the palace was modelled on the Palace of Versailles and stands as a testament to Punjab’s regal past. The site holds immense architectural and cultural significance, with ornate wall paintings, sculptures and historical relics reflecting the opulence and heritage of the former princely state.

The Punjab chapter of INTACH has expressed concerns that the neglect and lack of maintenance have caused severe damage to the building and its artefacts housed in it. Wall paintings have either faded or coming off. Several rare artefacts are decaying due to years of exposure and inadequate care. In a letter addressed to the state government, Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd), Punjab State Convener of INTACH, called for an urgent action. “Despite conducting three to four assessments in the past, no significant steps have been taken to allocate funds for the restoration work,” he wrote. “We must immediately reassess the damage and begin the process of restoring cultural treasures before these are lost forever,” he said.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/lakkundi-temples-set-to-be-finalised-for-unesco-tentative-listing-as-world-heritage-sites/article69521699.ece, May 2, 2025

The exhibition features works by three Mangaluru-based artists – Veena Srinivas, Syed Asif Ali and Rajendra Kedige – who were recently honoured by the academy for their significant contributions to the field of visual art. The Mangaluru chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with Art Kanara Trust, will organise an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Karnataka Lalithakala Academy award-winning artists. Titled ‘Contemplations and Dialogue’, the exhibition will be held from May 5 to 14 at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, G. G. Road, Ballalbagh. The exhibition features works by three Mangaluru-based artists – Veena Srinivas, Syed Asif Ali and Rajendra Kedige – who were recently honoured by the academy for their significant contributions to the field of visual art. Ms. Srinivas presents her contemporary interpretation of the traditional art form Kavi Kale.

Mr. Ali showcases a series of water colour landscapes while Mr. Kedige exhibits abstract compositions rooted in geometric forms. An exclusive preview of the exhibition will take place on May 4 at 5.30 p.m. in the presence of artist and film-maker Madhusudan Kumar. The exhibition will be open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., till May 14.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/award-winning-artists-to-exhibit-their-work-in-mangaluru-from-may-5-to-14/article69533677.ece, May 5, 2025

A crucial meeting of the Nagpur Heritage Conservation Committee was held under the chairmanship of Anup Kumar to discuss developments near heritage structures across the city. Key officials present included Chief Engineer Leena Upadhye, Assistant Director of Town Planning Ruturaj Jadhav, MSIDC Superintendent Engineer Prakash Pangarkar, Deputy Engineer Rajeev Gautam, INTACH Nagpur coordinator Madhura Rathod, former Head of History Department at RTMNU Dr. Shubha Johri, Archaeological Department Superintendent Arun Malik, Deputy Engineer Vivek Telrandhe, and architect Ved Purendu Prakash. During the meeting, Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) proposed an exemption from the No Objection Certificate (NOC) requirement for upcoming unified construction of administrative buildings such as the Divisional Commissioner’s office and District Collectorate in Nagpur. Officials clarified that the new District Collector’s office building is planned at a distance of 108 meters from the old Treasury Building—recognized as a heritage structure. The committee found this satisfactory and expressed no objection.

Additionally, the committee also discussed a proposal related to the Jagriteshwar Devasthan at Jagnath Budhwari. The meeting highlighted a sensitive balance between urban development and heritage preservation, with emphasis on careful planning around protected sites.

https://thelivenagpur.com/2025/05/02/heritage-committee-reviews-construction-near-historic-sites-in-nagpur/, May 6, 2025

The historically rich temples and monuments in Karnataka’s Lakkundi region, dating back to the Western Chalukya era, are being prepared for UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list. With INTACH leading the proposal process, these sites are poised to receive international acclai. In a significant development for India’s cultural heritage, the ancient group of temples and monuments in Lakkundi and surrounding areas in Karnataka, built during the Kalyana Chalukya period (10th–12th century CE), are being finalised for inclusion in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The State government has partnered with INTACH to prepare and refine the proposal, aiming to secure international recognition for these architectural marvels.

Why in News?
The Karnataka government, with assistance from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), is in the final stages of submitting a proposal to list the Lakkundi group of monuments and associated temples from the Western Chalukyan period on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The monuments fulfil key UNESCO criteria for architectural and cultural significance.
Location & Historical Context
• Located in Gadag district, Karnataka.
• Temples built between 10th–12th centuries CE during the Kalyana Chalukya (Western Chalukya) reign.
UNESCO Tentative Listing Criteria Met
• Cultural Exchange: Illustrates architectural interchange between Nagara, Dravida, and Bhumija styles forming the Vesara style.
• Historical Significance: Represents a significant stage in temple architecture and technological advancement through features like stepwells.
Important Structures in the Proposal
• Lakkundi Monuments: Kasi Visvesvara, Manikesvara, Nanneswara, Brahma Jinalaya (1007 CE), Musukina Bavi.
Surrounding Temples
• Doddabasappa temple, Japada Bavi (Dambal)
• Trikuteshwara temple (Gadag)
• Mahadeva temple (Itagi)
• Sri Mallikarjuna temple (Kuruvatti)
• Someshwara temple (Lakshmeshwara)
• Tarakeshwara temple (Hangal) Architectural Importance
• Showcases Vesara hybrid style.
• Stepwells integral to temple complexes, some larger than the temples themselves. Process & Future Steps
• Proposal being reviewed by experts from INTACH and Department of Archaeology.
• Upon acceptance to tentative list, a full nomination dossier will be submitted after 1 year.
• Other Karnataka sites on tentative list: Badami, Aihole, Srirangapatana, Hire Benkal, and Deccan Sultanate Monuments.

In a discovery that could reshape our understanding of early human settlement in central India, researchers from Nagpur University uncovered what appears to be the remnants of a nearly 3,000-year-old civilisation in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. The excavation occurred in Pachkhed village, Babulgaon taluka, during the 2023–2024 academic year. This extensive archaeological effort was led by Dr. Prabash Sahu, Chairman of the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology. The findings suggest the existence of an Iron Age settlement—ancient and previously undocumented in this region—offering new insights into the ancient history of the area.

Unearthing ancient settlements in Maharashtra's heartland
The prime site of excavation was a mound situated just beyond Pachkhed village. In archaeology, mounds commonly describe zones of long human settlement, in which soil and rubbish of a cultural nature accumulate over centuries or millennia. The mound excavated presently produced a cultural deposit measuring around 8.73 meters in thickness, indicating a multi-period and extensive occupation. Excavation technique consisted of a keen observation of stratified layers, enabling researchers to recognize multiple phases of occupation through depth, type of soil, and kind of artefacts.

Unveiling the layers of Maharashtra's rich history
At excavation, the researchers were able to identify four distinct periods of culture engulfed by the mound. The earliest and most important of these is the Iron Age, which represents the base layer of the settlement. This period was dated on artefacts such as iron instruments and certain classes of pottery that were characteristic of Iron Age societies in other regions of India. Academics also broke this phase into sub-phases to track material culture through the ages. After the Iron Age, the site registers habitation during the Satavahana period, when the Satavahana dynasty inhabited the Deccan plateau, from about the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE.

Artefacts of this era included ceramic shapes and other artefacts typical of this transformative period in history. The third cultural phase is the Medieval phase, in which the settlement contains evidence of reuse or reoccupation. Although this phase yielded fewer artefacts, their presence was sufficient to position it within the chronological sequence of the site. The highest occupation level was dated to the Nizam period, which indicates that the mound was subsequently reused as a watchtower during the 18th to 20th century, when the area was occupied by the Nizam of Hyderabad.
Architecture of early settlements

One of the most interesting features of this excavation is the light it sheds on ancient buildings. The excavators found remains of round houses, a shape common with early agrarian and tribal communities. The houses featured limestone floors, which indicate some planning and stability in building. Wooden posts had been inserted around the perimeter of the houses, probably to frame organic material roofs such as thatch or wood. In these buildings, archaeologists found beautifully preserved elements of home life. One of the notable finds was a full house plan with a chulha or mud oven, which suggested that there was a dedicated cooking space in the house. This dig lends itself easily to a vision of the daily lives of the ancient inhabitants, bringing physical form to the way people lived, cooked, and very likely socialized in these houses.

Artifacts that tell the story of ancient life
The artifacts uncovered at the site were informative and varied. The layers contained different styles and textures of pottery, tracing the cultural chronology of the site. Iron tools and artefacts confirmed the community's exposure to and utilization of metal, tracing a technological shift that characterizes the Iron Age anywhere. Furthermore, the group learned about beads made of semi-precious stones and terracotta beads, which possibly were being utilized for ornamentation or trading. Bone artifacts were also found, indicating that remains of animals were being made use of in everyday life, perhaps for tools or symbolism. These artifacts collectively reveal a society that was not merely technologically advanced but was also involved in craft, trade, and perhaps ritualistic practices. The occurrence of beads here, especially, can be seen to reflect involvement in broader trading circles or cultural exchange with the outside world.

Scientific analysis will confirm the site’s 3,000-year age
Although the artefacts and environment indicate a 3,000-year-old age for the initial layer of the site, laboratory confirmation is in progress. To reach a correct timeline, the research team has forwarded organic samples to the Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in New Delhi. Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating, a highly precise technique employed to estimate the age of ancient materials by measuring carbon isotope decay, will be carried out by the IUAC. The outcome of dating is expected to be published in May or June 2025. These would turn out to be vital for verifying the premise that the lower levels of the mound from the early Iron Age actually contain them. Dr. Sahu says that he will then be able to confirm the date of 3,000 years beyond any doubt once he receives the data from scientific measurements.

If the date of the initial timeline is confirmed, then this dig may be one of the oldest known Iron Age settlements in Vidarbha. This discovery would greatly add to the archaeological history of central India, particularly in regions that have not been so well-researched such as regions like the Gangetic plain or Indus Valley.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/ancient-3000-year-old-civilisation-uncovered-in-maharashtra-offering-new-insight-into-early-history/articleshow/120739482.cms, May 7, 2025

The plates, discovered on April 30, had corroded after being buried for centuries. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun chemical treatment of nine sets of copper plates believed to be over 800 years old, recently unearthed from a Muslim graveyard in Kodada village of Suryapet district. Speaking to TNIE, ASI Director (Epigraphy) Munirathnam Reddy said preliminary observations suggest the plates were issued by the Chalukyas of Vengi dynasty. The plates, discovered on April 30, had corroded after being buried for centuries. “The copper plates were sent from Kodada village to the State Archaeology Department, and officials from ASI’s science branch have initiated the chemical treatment,” he said. Munirathnam added that after cleaning, the Epigraphy branch will take up estampage to decipher, transcribe and analyse the content. “This content is expected to provide new insights and enhance historical knowledge of the Chalukyas of Vengi, who ruled parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from the 7th to 12th centuries CE,” he said.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2025/May/03/asi-begins-chemical-treatment-of-800-year-old-chalukya-era-copper-plates-found-in-suryapet, May 8, 2025

A 1000-year-old Kalabhairava temple and a 500-year-old Gopura located in Ramagiri village of Pichatur mandal in Tirupati district, have been found in a state of alarming neglect, according to noted archaeologist Dr E Sivanagi Reddy, CEO of Pleach India Foundation. Acting on information provided by locals, Dr Sivanagi Reddy conducted a field visit to Valiswara and Kalabhairava temples, along with the associated ruined mandapas and Gopura structures. The temples were originally constructed during the Pallava period and later expanded under the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. The archaeologist expressed serious concern over the extent of deterioration and emphasised the urgent need for preservation efforts.

“The ruins are in a highly dilapidated condition and demand immediate conservation, these structures represent the artistic evolution of South Indian temple architecture across three major dynasties," said Sivanagi Reddy. The Kalabhairava temple consists of a garbhagriha (sanctum), ardha mandapa (antechamber), and an open mahamandapa (grand hall), constructed primarily in stone.

It also features a brick sikhara (superstructure) adorned with stucco figurines, though many of these have now suffered extensive weathering and damage. The adjacent Gopura, which once served as an intricately carved gateway to the temple complex, has collapsed nearly to its basement level. Despite the structural failure, remnants of high-quality stone sculpture reflecting Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara styles are still visible. In light of the deteriorating condition of these historic structures, he conducted an awareness programme in the village, during which he sensitised the local community to the cultural and historical value of the monuments.

He urged villagers to take collective responsibility for preserving the site and appealed for voluntary efforts to restore the structures to their former glory. Supporting the initiative were Ch Sivakumar, Hariprasad Reddy, and Srikanth from the SV Museum, Tirumala, along with amateur archaeologist P Srinath Reddy, who participated in the awareness programme. The Pleach India Foundation has called for coordinated action involving local stakeholders, heritage bodies, and government authorities to undertake immediate conservation work.

https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/tirupathi/heritage-in-peril-ramagiris-ancient-temple-crumbles-in-neglect-968313, May 8, 2025

Researchers from Nagpur University have claimed to have discovered the remains of an ancient human settlement dating back approximately 3,000 years in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district. The findings, which include relics from the Iron Age to the Nizam era, are expected to significantly enhance our understanding of early human habitation in Central India. The archaeological excavation was conducted during the 2023–24 academic year at Pachkhed village in Babhulgaon taluka. Led by Dr. Prabhash Sahu, head of the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology at Nagpur University, the project revealed an Iron Age settlement previously unrecorded in archaeological studies. Researchers believe it could be among the earliest known habitations in the region. The excavation site was located on a mound near Pachkhed, known in archaeological terms as a “Pandhri Tekdi,” which indicates prolonged human settlement. These mounds accumulate layers of soil and cultural materials over centuries. The mound unearthed during this project had a cultural deposit nearly 8.73 meters thick, suggesting longterm habitation.

Stratified excavation techniques were used to study different time layers of the settlement. The site yielded evidence of four distinct cultural phases. The earliest and most significant phase is associated with the Iron Age, characterized by distinctive iron tools and a variety of pottery types. Researchers further categorized this phase into sub-periods to better understand the evolution of material culture over time. Following the Iron Age, the settlement appears to have experienced continued habitation during the Satavahana period (2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE), a dynasty that ruled much of the Deccan Plateau. Pottery styles and architectural remnants from this era indicate a cultural transition that reflects the region’s integration into larger historical developments. The third cultural layer pertains to the medieval period, with limited yet telling artifacts indicating reoccupation. The uppermost layer dates back to the Nizam era (18th–20th century), with signs that the site may have served as a lookout post or watchtower during that time.

One of the most striking discoveries was the remains of circular houses with lime floors and wooden posts, indicating an early form of planned rural or tribal architecture. These homes featured designated cooking areas, complete with earthen stoves, offering a glimpse into the domestic lives of the settlement’s inhabitants. The excavation also uncovered diverse artifacts, including iron tools, pottery, terracotta and semi-precious stone beads —some likely used for ornamentation or trade. Animal bones were also found, indicating domestication or food consumption practices. According to Dr. Sahu, these findings suggest a technically advanced society with a strong tradition in craftsmanship, trade, and possibly religious practices. The evidence points to not just technological advancement but also a complex social structure. To verify the age of the site, organic samples have been sent to the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in New Delhi for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating. This technique measures the decay of carbon isotopes to determine the age of ancient artifacts. The final results, expected by May or June 2025, could confirm whether the lowest layers of the mound indeed represent early Iron Age settlements from 3,000 years ago. If confirmed, the discovery will stand as one of the most significant archaeological finds in Maharashtra in recent years, offering a rare window into the region’s prehistoric and historic past.

https://www.punekarnews.in/nagpur-university-unearths-3000-year-old-iron-age-settlement-in-maharashtras-yavatmal-district/, May 9, 2025