Older ghats dating back to the Mughal period like the Qudsia Ghat, built by Qudsia Begum, wife of Mughal emperor Mohammad Shah, in the 18th Century, may now be under what is now the Ring Road, said Divay Gupta, Principal Director, Architectural Heritage division, INTACH. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has kickstarted work on the restoration of what may be ghats from the period between 1857 and the 1940s on the banks of the Yamuna near Kashmere Gate. Older ghats dating back to the Mughal period like the Qudsia Ghat, built by Qudsia Begum, wife of Mughal emperor Mohammad Shah, in the 18th Century, may now be under what is now the Ring Road, said Divay Gupta, Principal Director, Architectural Heritage division, INTACH.

But the river may have changed its course, and when the river moved, the ghats were relocated, he said. The ones that are being restored now are likely to date back to around the mid-19th century, Gupta added. “There were some ghats there, which we discovered under the river sand in 2021. Those will be repaired, restored or rebuilt. We are also making a garden, which will be a reconstruction of what the garden would have looked like, along the river… based on what the old Qudsia Garden of the Mughal period would have looked like,” Gupta said. Today, the Qudsia Bagh lies across the road from the river, with the road separating the garden and the ghats. The project to restore Qudsia Ghat is part of the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) 10-part project to “restore and rejuvenate” the Yamuna floodplains. The project, which entails walkways, cycle tracks and gardens along the 22-km stretch of the river, has run into opposition in some places where makeshift homes and farmlands are being cleared to make way for gardens, wetlands and pathways.

Work on the ghat began about a month ago but has been challenging with fluctuating water levels in the river with the arrival of rains. Pathways are being laid out and a parking area is being created. “The planting pattern will conform to that from the Mughal period. Along the river, there will be grasses, and flowering plants and trees like champa and kachnar beyond the floodline,” Gupta said. There may have been around 12 to 13 ghats along the stretch, Gupta said. “In some parts, they have been washed away. Some are in bad condition. We will now be making a consolidated stretch of around 1 km,” he added. The DDA is funding the project, which is set to cost around Rs 19 crore for Qudsia Ghat. It is expected to take around six months to complete the project. Permanent structures are not allowed to be constructed on the floodplains, as per a National Green Tribunal order.

On the work on the ghats, Gupta said that no concrete will be used and that they are only being restored or strengthened using piling techniques.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/work-begins-to-restore-ghats-along-yamuna-8071579/, August 1, 2022

The city’s first-ever railway museum will come at Nandi Halt station, a heritage structure part of the Yelahanka–Chickballapur line. There are four heritage stations located on the line — Doddajala, Devanahalli, Avathihalli and Nandi Halt. The South Western Railway had roped in the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for renovation of these stations with a theme. Renovation of Doddajala station has already been completed and work is underway at Devanahalli and Avathihalli and is expected to be completed in two months. At Nandi Halt station, along with the renovation, SWR has now proposed to construct a railway museum and railway park.

Kusuma Hairprasad, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, told The Hindu that tender for the museum and park will be floated within a few days. It will be the first museum of Bengaluru division. SWR has already developed a railway museum in Mysuru and Hubballi. “The Cantonment–Chickballapur line has historical significance as it was built during the British Era.

At Nandi Halt, using the railway land we are building a museum.” Ms Meera Iyer, convenor of INTACH told The Hindu that restoration of Doddajala, Devanahalli and Avathihalli is being funded by Mineral Enterprises Limited as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. “It is very heartening to see the Bengaluru based companies stepping up for restoration of the city’s heritage.”

The official said that apart from renovation and museum work, the SWR has also proposed to take up a groundwater rejuvenating project near the railway land where Dakshina Pinakini river flows. The river originates from Nandi Hills which is located around 2.5 km from the heritage station. SWR has requested retired railway employees, public, institutions and NGO’s to share items of historic value or of significance pertaining to Railways such as books, reports, files, journals, photographs, slides, notes, sketches, pamphlets, documents, magazines, layout plans, tape recordings, audio/video cassettes, films, pictures, furniture, stamps, models, statues, newspaper clippings and other artifacts available with them. These articles will be displayed at art galleries at these heritage centers. Interested people can contact Rakesh K. Prabhu, heritage secretary/Bengaluru division on 9731666400 or Shekhar S., heritage group member on 8197311836.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/railway-muesum-and-park-to-come-up-at-nandi-halt-station/article65717307.ece, August 1, 2022

While empires have risen and fallen, governments have changed and so has people’s view of the world, Charminar has remained synonymous with Hyderabad and its culture. Four hundred and forty-four years after Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, inaugurated it on the first day of Muharram, 1000 AH, Hyderabad’s iconic Charminar stands tall. Known as the founder of modern Hyderabad, Qutb Shah, during the inauguration, had prayed that the new city remains prosperous and thrives as a fish does in the ocean. While empires have risen and fallen, governments have changed and so has people’s view of the world, Charminar has remained synonymous with Hyderabad and its culture. To celebrate 444 years of the monument, Deccan Archives in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organised a heritage walk through the Old City on Sunday. Discussions on the history, art, architecture and traditions of the land were held. A week-long photo exhibition named Charminar444, depicting the evolution of the monument was also thrown open to the public by Anuradha Reddy, Convenor, INTACH, Hyderabad chapter. Mohammed Sibghatullah Khan, the founder of Deccan Archives, said, “Historical images, paintings, sketches and maps illustrating different phases of construction and transformation of Charminar are on display for the viewers. Some of these photographs were captured by the renowned Jack Birns of Life Magazine. Descriptions have also been provided in three languages — Telugu, Hindi and Urdu — to help people gain a better understanding of the monument’s history.” Asif Ali Khan, an architect and heritage enthusiast, who documents the lesser-known architectural heritage of Hyderabad, told Express, “Charminar is an architectural and engineering marvel based on Persian architecture concept. Along with the Persian landscape elements such as gardens and water bodies, Charminar was constructed right in the centre of the city with four roads diverging from it.” He added that Charminar would feature in currencies during the rule of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.“In the late 1850s, many artists and photographers from across the world, including ones from European and British nations, were inspired by the monument and used it as a subject for their artwork and photographs. Even now, many youngsters and students enjoy sketching and painting the pictures of the historical Charminar."

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2022/aug/01/444-years-of-charminar-2482780.html, August 2, 2022

The upcoming beautification projects of the Kodaikanal Municipality around the lake has created a stir among local residents and environmental activists. According to Municipal Commissioner D. Narayanan, the beautification project has been undertaken at a total cost of ₹24 crore sanctioned from the Capital Grant Fund. The projects are expected to be completed within six months to a year. There are also plans to install aerators to supplement oxygen in the lake water, bio blocks acting as silt chambers and ornamental lights along the pavement. Invasive weeds. will also be removed.

Biswajit Balasubramanian, a frequent visitor to the hills, feels that the developmental projects are targeted only to attract tourists. “Honestly, beautification is not a priority as the lake's periphery is littered with empty alcohol bottles, plastic covers and other bottles.,” he says. Add to them intensive weed growth in the lake and stagnation of stormwater in many places around the lake, he rues, The concrete bunds built by the municipality at multiple places along the lake to clear encroachments were removed after activists opposed the move.

Likewise, the storm water drain built by the Department of Highways along the lake has not helped prevent water stagnation. Hence, environmental activists have called for alteration of the road to enable water to flow naturally into the lake, he adds. Sunayana Choudhry, convenor of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Kodaikanal Chapter, quotes a Supreme Court order issued on February 8, 2017, the Wetland Rules, 2017, as saying that “any construction of a permanent nature except for boat jetties within fifty metres from the mean high flood level observed in the past 10 years calculated from the date of commencement of these rules” are prohibited. Refurbishing of the pavement is under way. While the tiles are chipped at many places, the activists claim it has been relaid several times in the recent past. Speaking of broken pavements, Madhu Ramnath, vice-president, Palani Hills Conservation Council (PHCC), says the 14 silt traps of the lake through which water flows from the Shola region into the lake are blocked.

“Relaying of the pavement has completely neglected the silt traps, which has resulted in eutrophication of the lake.” A temporary boathouse is being set up by the municipality in a “quiet corner”, again a violation of the rule. The Commissioner has confirmed that it is a temporary one as the municipal-run boathouse is bound for renovation. “We cannot lose out on our important source of revenue of about ₹50 lakh per year,” he says. Retaining revenue is important, while the projects must also take into account the eight micro-watersheds within a 12 sq. km above the lake which are a few water sources for the lake, points out G. Bala, secretary, PHCC. The additional structure must not block the inflow of water into the lake and the municipality must take expert advice from the Watershed Management Committees.

Touching upon the non-functional e-toilets installed at various places around the lake, a local tea shop owner says he has seen umpteen numbers of tourists disappointed. “A team has been called to rectify the issues in the system and they will become functional soon,” assures the Commissioner. He also adds that the upcoming toilet block near the lake is devoid of bathing facilities and the sewage will be directed to the Common Sewage Treatment Plant in Kallaraimedu. A team of environmental activists and concerned locals have called upon the District Level Wetlands Management Committee to actively filter the development projects in Kodaikanal.

The team has held talks with Supriya Sahu, Secretary of Environment and Forest, through a video-conference and Regional Director of Municipal Administration K. Saravanan, Regional Executive Engineer Manoharan, and municipality officials last week seeking clarity on the projects. “We will keep holding discussions with the concerned citizens who have valuable suggestions to enhance our project and ultimately do what is best to protect the lake,” sys C. Chelladurai, Municipal Chairman.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/activists-demand-clarity-on-development-projects-around-kodaikanal-lake/article65707005.ece, August 3, 2022

About the programme- Under the programme, major tourist places are being linked with handicraft clusters and infrastructure support combined with soft interventions.

Eight villages selected under the programme include Raghurajpur(Odisha),Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Vadaj (Gujarat), Naini (Uttar Pradesh), Anegundi (Karnataka), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Taj Ganj (Uttar Pradesh), Amer (Rajasthan).

Craft Village will develop handicrafts as a sustainable and remunerative livelihood option for artisans in the clusters and thus protecting the rich artisanal heritage of the country.

Through this programme, around 1000 artisans will be benefited directly across the country.

The concept of a crafts village emerged to serve the purpose of gathering most of the craft specimens and craftsmen under one roof.

Note: In 2000, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) declared Raghurajpur as a ‘heritage village’.

https://journalsofindia.com/linking-textile-with-tourism-programme/, August 3, 2022

This home by Art and Architecture Associates employs enclosures of compacted earth and gabion walls, channelling sustainability through indigenous building practices and materials. India, a country bursting with a rich heritage of indigenous building traditions is seeing swift growth in the realm of low-tech sustainable architecture that emphasises the use of local materials, age-old construction techniques, and an unpretentious approach to building in harmony with nature. Recent projects such as Design Kacheri’s Sunyata Eco Hotel, PMA madhushala's Red Oasis, or the exemplary body of work by Kerala-based practice Wallmakers stand tribute to these developments, showcasing how locally harvested alternative materials such as earth, brick, and bamboo, can create architectural marvels that fare better in terms of their longevity and adaptability to local climates when compared to their modern counterparts.

Among the most recent exponents of this strategy is the Vadodara-based firm Art and Architecture Associates, led by Indian architect Dharam Patel, that has crafted a naturalistic sanctuary in the city of Halol, in Gujarat. The Earth House, as it has been christened on completion, is a relatively demure abode at first glance, consisting of a single rectangular volume made up of textured, rammed earth walls topped by a single pitched roof that gently inclines towards one side. Clerestory windows beneath the roof - which has been assembled from PUF panels with a cement sheet on its internal face - complete the unostentatious façade design.

Resting low within the landscape, which features sweeping farmland dotted by towering palms, the residence’s design exerts a gentle presence upon its context - both in terms of scale and materiality.

The structure's singular course also has a relatively small footprint in comparison to the full extent of the site, with wide open spaces surrounding it and blending into the agrarian setting. Art and Architecture Associates relays in a statement: "The Earth house demonstrates the built environment's potential to help in addressing the global climate crisis. We have taken a conscientious decision to weave in nature through its effort to construct a net positive home composed of rammed earth along with other natural materials excavated from the site.” Gabion walls made using kherwada stone excavating from areas in the site’s vicinity decorate the sloped lawns on either side of the house, leading towards lines of shrubs.

These caged structures add a rustic touch to the design, providing informal enclosures on either side of the home. While the home's southern walls, made of compacted earth, provide it with ample protection from the sun's rays, the northern side has been left relatively open with floor-to-ceiling windows in some sections, filling the interior with an abundance of natural light. Simplicity was paramount throughout the design process as per the architects, and this is reflected in the straightforward layout, which comprises three bedrooms on side and common living spaces in the other wing, separated by a deck, as well as a lap pool and gazebo at the centre.

Gabion walls serve as privacy screens in both of these semi-outdoor spaces - even supporting a roof canopy with a bamboo-clad underside in the latter area. Glazed doors provide visual connectivity between these two spaces on either side of the plan. The pool area features subtle lighting design through parallel rows of spotlights embedded into the flooring along the water's edges, which colour the enclosing earth walls in a warm golden aura. A similar effect is produced in the gazebo space, this time elevating the texture of the rocks in the nearby gabion wall. Circulation throughout the residence takes place along a single corridor running throughout the plan. Limited partitions and supplementary walls contribute to the low sense of enclosure felt throughout the home, augmented by the glass walls that link spaces to their natural context. The interior design scheme complements the various shades of brown seen in the rammed earth courses along the walls with dark wood partitions and wooden furnishings - all sourced from companies that adhere to environmentally responsible manufacturing practices and utilise recycled materials.

At times, the two seem to blend into one another such that it becomes difficult to ascertain where one begins and the other ends. Landscape design around the home was conceptualised with a preference for local plants that would adapt better to the regional climate. In this vein, the plot is adjacent to a forest cultivated using methods prescribed by the late Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, which allow for high-density green cover in short spans of time. The vegetation on view here includes mango trees and organic farming lots - where the former provides shade as the latter aids in producing food on site. On a similar note, provisions for rainwater harvesting and electricity generation through solar panels on the roof contribute to the self-sustaining nature of the project, as a mark of the designers' pledge to making it a true venture in sustainable design. "As climate change takes effect, it becomes more and more vital to concentrate our efforts toward minimising our carbon footprint and promoting the re-greening of our cities.

A conscious effort to not only balance form with function, but to most importantly be environmentally responsible and sustainable formed the crux of this design," share the architects. By employing rammed earth construction as the primary medium for their architectural expression, the design team aspired to stimulate a shift towards adapting sustainable practices from the past in accordance with contemporary design sensibilities. With the realisation of this project, they have added yet another example to assist in advocating for this trend to move towards larger scales in urban and rural contexts across the country. Project Details
Name: The Earth House
Location: Halol, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Area: 3000 sq ft
Year of Completion: 2021
Design Team: Archy Bhatt (Landscape, Architecture and Interior Design), Priya Goyal (Interior Design)

Rammed Earth Consultants: Harmony Planning and Services Ltd.

https://www.stirworld.com/see-features-the-earth-house-in-gujarat-india-advocates-for-local-ingenuity-with-rammed-earth, August 4, 2022

Court disposes of plea on declaration of area as ‘protected site’ After the State Archaeological Department informed the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court that the department is planning to conduct archaeological excavations in nearly 230 locations in 19 districts, including the Uzhakudi site in Thoothukudi, the Court recently disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought direction to excavate and declare Uzhakudi site as a ‘protected site’.

The litigant, S Kamaraj alias Muthalankurichi Kamaraj, submitted that during research conducted by local residents and archaeological experts, megalithic menhirs, cairns, stone circles, etc., were discovered at a hill near Uzhakudi village.

Claiming that the menhirs dated back to the 5th century, he said Uzhakudi must be declared a protected site and a detailed archaeological excavation be conducted there. When a Bench of Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari and Justice S ww (since retired) heard the case last week, the State government counsel informed that the State Archaeological Department is planning to conduct excavations in nearly 230 locations, including the Uzhakudi site.

“The locations were chosen based on an initial survey and a detailed survey will be conducted for collecting information on the previous explorations, nature of antiquities previously found in the locations, among others,” a report by the department last year said. If required, it would be declared as a ‘protected site’ under the TN Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the government counsel added. But the Assistant Solicitor General appearing for the Centre and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took a different stand saying nothing that required protection was found at the site. Since the State Department took a decision to conduct an excavation, the judges disposed of the plea by directing the department to proceed with said proposal and take a decision.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2022/aug/02/planning-excavation-in-uzhakudi-site-archaeology-dept-tells-court-2483127.html, August 4, 2022

The archeological department found thousands of years old rock paintings in the Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh. The paintings of various animals and others of 15,000 years to 10,000 years BC mean Upper Paleolithic culture were found on the Jugoulametta hillocks in the surroundings of Kondatemburu village in Nandigam mandal in the district.

The archaeological exploration team found these paintings in the chain of small hillocks at Jogula Metta, one kilometer in front of the National Highway 16 and 5 km away from manal headquarters Nandigam. They are found around 44 km north of Srikakulam town. Visakhapatnam archaeology and museums assistant director (Technical) S Venkata Rao told TOI that the paintings were drawn with red ochre at the same places linear figures were disconnected due to peeling surface grains of all animals.

“In front of these rock shelters are nodules and chunks of quartzite stone found in small crevices as heaps in the rock bed. We found a blade core that was used in those days as a tool. Painting and artifacts reveal the human presence and efforts to make stone tools for survival,” he said. Interestingly, the department of archaeology and museums found similar paintings earlier at Thene Konda at Dimmidi Jwala Savararampuram village in the same Nandigam mandal west of the present hillock.

The paintings and rock tools, besides others, indicate that the culture continued to Mesolithic culture 5000 years BC and also Megalithic culture means thousand to 300 years BC. The paintings include Peacock, Boar, Rhino, Monkey, Human figure, Elephant, and Baby Elephant, among others. Further exploration may yield full-fledged evidence of Prehistoric man. One more interesting part is that four cup masks of different sizes were noticed in front of the rock shelter's floor. The AD of the archaeology department said that these cup marks are prominently seen at Megalithic sites like Sangamayya Konda near Amudalavalasa in the district. These were believed to serve the purpose of performing rituals for the dead.

The exploration team said that these are believed to serve the purpose of performing rituals for the dead. After getting information from local villager Ramana Murthy of Kondatemburu, the exploration team including Assistant Director S Venkata Rao, Technical Assistant K Sreenivvasa Rao, and Archaeological Assistant D Visweswara Rao visited hillocks. The archaeology department is now bringing it to the notice of Commissioner Department of Archaeology and Museums Commissioner G Vani Mohan for further action to protect the ancient and historical monuments and Archaeological Remains Act 1960.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/more-than-10000-year-old-paintings-found/articleshow/93281021.cms, August 5, 2022

Archaeology enthusiasts have urged the state government to conduct a detailed survey to throw light on the megalithic civilization that existed in the villages in Thadagam valley. A large quantity of potsherds, which are more than 2,000 years old, are found in the villages, said S Ravi, professor and head of Tamil department of the Central University of Tamil Nadu. A group of researchers led by Ravi inspected Solaiyur panchayat in Palakkad district of Kerala, located close to Tamil Nadu border on Sunday. “We collected hundreds of potsherds in no time. They are russet coated painted wares, which are found across the Kongu region.

Archaeologists of the Kerala government who inspected the site have confirmed that the remnants found there date from megalithic age and are more than 2,000 years old,” he said. Research scholars P S Kathi and Manikandan also took part in the study. “We inspected half-a-dozen pottery artefacts in the possession of president of Solaiyur panchayat P Ramamurthy.

The polished pottery had wavy design on them, which is unique to the Kondu region. Cist and urns are also found in abundance. The area of archaeological importance is stretching into Tamil Nadu in villages close to the border,” Ravi said. “We also found traces of iron remnants.” “Several archaeologically important sites have been disturbed due to rampant mining activities in Thadagam valley. The remaining should be preserved,” Ravi said. “We welcome the state government’s decision to conduct excavations in other states to find artefacts related to the Tamil culture. Such excavations in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are necessary to learn more about the rich historical past of Kongu people and culture,” he added.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/archaeological-digs-can-shed-light-on-kongu-culture-says-expert/articleshow/93335980.cms, August 5, 2022

Nodule and chunks of quartzite stones were found in cervices or heaps in the rock bed in front of the rock shelters. The State Archeology Department has discovered a pre-historic painting site at Jogulametta in Nandigam mandal in Srikakulam district.

The nine paintings found date back to at least 15,000 to 2000 BC, the upper palaeolithic (early Stone Age) and mesolithic (middle Stone Age) periods. Archaeology and Museums Assistant Director S Venkata Rao said the parietal art and artefact revealed the presence of humans and efforts made to create stone tools for survival. He added that a comparison of these paintings with rock art found in southern or eastern India would be interesting. Venkata Rao said Jugula Metta is a chain of small, bush-covered hillocks located five km from Nandigam. He said the department took up the exploration following a tip-off by a local villager, Ramana Murthy.

“During our exploration, particularly in the east of the chain of hillocks overlooking a natural water tank, disconnected rock paintings were found in one of the shelters. On closer examination, we found them to be figures of animals,” he said. Nodule and chunks of quartzite stones were found in cervices or heaps in the rock bed in front of the rock shelters. The findings assume significance as they are related to the pre-historic period. The finding, he opined, might lead to more information on pre-historic man.

“Four cup marks of different sizes were noticed in front of the rock shelters. Cup marks are also seen at megalithic sites such as Sangamayya Konda, near Amadalavalasa in Srikakulam,” he said.Venkata Rao said the department also found similar paintings of lizard and antelope at Thene Konda near Savarampuram village in the mandal.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/archaeological-digs-can-shed-light-on-kongu-culture-says-expert/articleshow/93335980.cms, August 5, 2022

The Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH) will take legal action if heritage properties in the state are defaced or altered. Malvika Pathania, state convener of INTACH, while talking to The Tribune, said that it was unfortunate that many heritage buildings, including those owned by the state government, were being defaced and altered despite a ban.

She added that INTACH would also work to promote heritage tourism. She said, “Following hectic lobbying by INTACH, the state government had issued a notification in May this year announcing that no heritage building that was more that 100 years’ old or more could be altered even after taking permission from the deputy commissioner concerned.

The deputy commissioners have also been directed to take the advice of heritage and archaeological experts while approving any change in heritage buildings.” Malvika alleged that despite the government notification, many heritage buildings were being altered or tempered with without consulting experts. Recently, the Devi Kothi temple in Chamba, a protected heritage building, was defaced at the behest of a local politician, she said.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/intach-to-promote-heritage-tourism-420583, August 8, 2022

It also plans to provide a comprehensive understanding of other dimensions of the city, including planning, natural and cultural heritage, and local traditions. A non-government organisation (NGO) working on heritage conservation and awareness is set to revive its programme ‘Nammoora Kathe’, for students of city-based government schools and schools with low-fee structures, to provide up-close exposure to the history and heritage of Bengaluru. With this programme, the NGO, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) plans to educate city kids on the history of Bengaluru, its origin, geographical influence and growth as a city.

It also plans to provide a comprehensive understanding of other dimensions of the city, including planning, natural and cultural heritage, and local traditions. It is planned to introduce all these aspects which are not prescribed in textbooks, and with this, the NGO’s idea is to complement the social science syllabus in an enticing, fun, and engaging way for students, with field trips to heritage sites and through games, including jigsaw puzzles. The programme, spread over six weeks with two hours of classes per week for students from Classes VI - VIII, is designed with their own resource material, developed in consultation with various educational experts.

Speaking about the programme, convener of INTACH, Bengaluru, Meera S, said while they were involved in conducting heritage walks for children from elite schools, they decided to take ‘Nammoora Kathe’ to introduce the history and heritage of the city to children of government schools and low-fee schools. “The programme was started just before the onset of the pandemic and had to be discontinued due to COVID-19. As regular academic classes have begun now, we are reviving and restarting the programme,” she added.

https://www.edexlive.com/news/2022/aug/08/intach-to-bring-backnammoora-kathe-to-educate-govt-school-students-about-bengalurus-heritage-30391.html, August 9, 2022

The first International Geodiversity Day (IGD) will be celebrated on October 6 this year. This decision was taken by the UNESCO at its 41st General Conference in 2021. It is a world-wide annual celebration bringing people together to promote and create awareness on all aspects of geodiversity.

The objective is to raise awareness in society about the importance of nature for the well-being and prosperity of all living beings on the planet. It also aims at raising awareness of the values of the geodiversity of the planet, D. Rajasekhar Reddy, Adviser, Geoheritage, and convener of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Visakhapatnam, said in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr. Reddy said that INTACH was already putting efforts to organise events through its more than 200 district chapters, School Heritage Clubs and a network of more than 4,000 schools across the country to commemorate International Geodiversity Day. These include geoheritage walks, geodiversity and geoheritage talks, quiz for schoolchildren, cleaning up of geoheritage sites and preparation of brochures. There are hundreds of important geoheritage sites besides 34 National Geological Monuments in our country.

Recently, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) published 90 geotourism sites across the country. INTACH has prepared a list of 180 district-wise geosites across the country for organising geoheritage walks and for promoting geotourism. Thirty sites have been identified in Andhra Pradesh. More geosites would be identified and added to the list. INTACH Visakhapatnam chapter is taking the lead in organising International Geodiversity Day.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/the-first-ever-international-geodiversity-day-to-be-observed-on-october-6/article65750205.ece, August 9, 2022

The narrow gauge Bengaluru-Chikkaballapur light railway line that opened under the Mysore State Railway in 1915 was primarily used to transport goods. The South Western Railway’s (SWR) ambitious restoration project along the 107-year-old rail line connecting Bengaluru and Chikkaballapur may shine a light on stories and cultures on the margins of colonial history. The Bengaluru division of SWR had firmed up plans for the sprucing up of four stations on the line — Doddajala, Avathihalli, Devanahalli and Nandi Halt — in February last year. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is restoring and renovating the stations with CSR funding.

With work on the Doddajala station completed and restoration in Avathihalli and Devanahalli expected to be done in two months, authorities are now inviting citizens to contribute with exhibits for an upcoming museum. SWR officials said the region was a natural choice for the project since the railway line is by itself a part of heritage. “We also want to convert these spaces into hubs of activity. Through museums and galleries, we will be presenting the story of the Indian Railways to a new audience,” Kusuma Hariprasad, additional divisional railway manager, told DH. The narrow gauge Bengaluru-Chikkaballapur light railway line that opened under the Mysore State Railway in 1915 was primarily used to transport goods. It was converted into a broadgauge line in the late 1990s. The SWR took over the route from the Southern Railway in 2003.

At present, three pairs of trains operate on the line, in addition to six pairs of MEMU trains with stops at the Kempegowda International Airport halt station. INTACH has roped in Mineral Enterprises Ltd as CSR donors for work on the Doddajala, Avathihalli and Devanahalli stations, at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore. In the second phase, SWR targets footfalls through rail coach restaurants and entertainment zones. It could also have train coaches converted into reading rooms and anganwadis. The idea is to offset sparse activity on the 60-km stretch — due to minimal train services on the line — by finding ways to engage and empower local communities.

Silk activity
Meera Iyer, convenor of INTACH’s Bengaluru chapter, said the proposal for a silk resource centre at the Avathihalli station could throw the limelight on the region’s largely under-reported home-based sericulture activity. “It operates like a decentralised cottage industry, covering it all — from a cocoon to the finished product. The project could give the industry a human face,” she told DH. A major part of the consolidation work in the Doddajala and Devanahalli stations was done on the roofs.

INTACH has also factored in other possibilities — a verandah at the Devanahalli station was restructured to accommodate a small stage for performances. Work at the Nandi Halt station will be taken up in the final leg of the first phase. SWR is planning a railway museum and a park at the station at a cost of Rs 2.35 crore. Tenders inviting partners will be floated soon. The railway division has also requested institutions, NGOs and retired railway employees to share images, audio and video recordings, journals, sketches, stamps and newspaper clippings relevant to the history of the railways for display at the proposed museum and galleries.

https://www.deccanherald.com/city/bengaluru-infrastructure/century-old-railway-route-to-reveal-forgotten-cultures-empower-locals-1134108.html, August 10, 2022

Sohail Hashmi has seen everything related to it, from conflicts to the rise and fall of businesses. The present-day Delhi in its fast-moving modern landscape offers little room for deep thought.

Yet, the capital city has seen many historical events and has been shaped by them. As we celebrate 75 years of India’s independence, it is important to remember another imminent event from August 1947, the Partition of India. This event not only changed the face of the subcontinent but affected communities, languages, culture, and memories for a lifetime. On this, INTACH's Delhi chapter, a trust working towards heritage conservation and awareness in India, organised a baithak on Delhi and Partition. The talk was conducted by a well-known writer, filmmaker and heritage expert from Delhi Sohail Hashmi on a relatively less hot and humid Sunday evening at Lodhi gardens. We indulged in his personal research, anecdotes and observation of what happened in Delhi during the Partition of 1947 and how has it impacted our present.

Sohail Hashmi who surveyed Delhi post partition has seen everything related to it, from conflicts to the rise and fall of businesses such as the OCM showroom in Connaught Place, forming of Lajpat Nagar, Malviya Nagar, Rajendra Nagar, and Patel Nagar to the gradual disappearance of rich cultural heritages. As it appears the Khidki masjid, and the Kashmiri gate played an important part after the partition of 1947. Moreover, several colonies such as the Regar Pura in Karol Bagh, BK Dutta colony and the CR Park were formed because of the Partition. Sohail Hashmi says that most of the stories that we hear of the partition are of the people who when they entered Delhi as refugees from Western Punjab, possessed substantial financial means, who preempted the Partition and could prepare for it. The real sufferers were those who did not have the means or property or papers. According to him, before the partition, most of the population lived within the wall boundary of Shahjahanabad. The population of Delhi in 1947 was 9 lakh including the suburbs and scattered villages. Here, 33 percent were Muslims. When the rioting began, many of them ran away or were killed.

Humayun’s tomb and Purana Qila were a few designated sites where the Muslim community took shelter. When the movement of people stopped, the population of Muslims in Delhi dropped to 4 percent. The population shrunk to 6 lakh but later increased to 14 lakh when people came from West Punjab. By the end of 1948, Delhi had become a Punjabi majority city. The people who did not have means or papers became the inhabitants of Shahjahanabad turning it into an endless settlement. Sohail recounts that OP Jain, the founding convenor of INTACH Delhi, had told him that the grounds of Red Forts that are now fenced used to be open. It was here that a settlement came up of houses made of cardboard, paper and other waste material.

The people started calling the area as ‘Gatte ka Seher’ or ‘the city of cardboard’. Next, there was a wall at the main road that connects ISBT to Kashmiri Gate which was the entrance to the city. Sohail Hashmi recalls that the walls had arches nearly 2.5 feet deep. Each arch became a home for a refugee family. This is where the women and children slept, cooked and bathed. The grown-up men and boys slept on top of the wall, which was wide enough for horses to run. The government, in an UN-funded project, decided to create homes for these colonies which came up on BK Dutta and Karbala roads. Sohail who has been to these houses says that they were one-room apartments with a verandah and a little kitchen behind them. There was one toilet for 8 houses. These were known as double-story houses. Caste remained a deciding factor in deciding who lived where, and later money and class.

Sohail says that in the entire discourse around Partition, there are a few stories about Multanis, Sindhis and especially the Dalits. The Dalits who remained were settled in Regarpura in Karol Bagh which is one of the reasons it is reserved as a Scheduled Caste constituency. The Regars were the leather workers when New Delhi was being built. He also mentions Tilak Nagar, Malviya Nagar, and Ramesh Nagar were among the first areas where the refugees settled. These areas in the late 1960s and early 70s were not well-lit or well-connected as we see today. Immediately, after the independence, it so happened that the entire communities and clans moved together for safety and founded settlements in Delhi such as the Gujranwala town, New Multan Nagar, and Miyawali Nagar. Moreover, the Bengalis were the first people to be allotted land in Delhi at CR Park after 22 years of independence. It was then called East Pakistan Displaced Person Colony. Sohail Hashmi also mentioned the conflicts that emerged after the influx of refugees in the capital.

A large number of refugees were asked to live in the Khidki mosque. The local men including a school teacher who told him this story went to Gandhiji with the complaint that people cannot be settled in a mosque. Maulana Azad thus came to survey the mosque and later houses were built for refugees around it. Slowly, peace prevailed and the killings came to an end in Delhi. However, violence in parts of Western UP went on, which brought people from there to the capital. In an interesting detail, he mentioned during his MA, he had done a paper with his friends where he realized the only areas where that Delhi had expanded post-partition were the areas where it should not have expanded. He says that except for Shahajnahanbad and Mehrauli, this results in drainage issues to date in various parts of the city. Sohail says that the trauma of the partition is not over.

It is a festering sore that continues to affect us and whose impact plays in different ways still. Another section of people that we don't talk about is Muslims who chose to stay in India. He recounts an observation of his friend Madan Gopal Singh, an Indian composer and film theorist, "There is no single film where a Hindu soldier dies saving the life of a Muslim. This is the piece that Muslims had to pay to prove their loyalty."

https://www.cityspidey.com/news/18687/revisiting-delhi-in-the-aftermath-of-partition, August 11, 2022

As the Jewish community prepares to mark the ‘saddest day’ Tish’a B’Av in its calendar, TNIE takes a walk down the memory lane. Sunday is Tish’a B’Av the last day of three weeks of mourning in Judaism. It is the “saddest day” in the Jewish calendar. The dwindling Jewish community in Kerala now just about 20, mostly in Ernakulam will fast as part of remembering historical atrocities against the community, especially the destruction of Solomon’s Temple (also known as the First Temple) and the Second Temple in Jerusalem of yore.

On Tish’a B’Av, Jewish believers forgo food, water, bathing, and recreational activities in memory of the First Temple burning at the hands of the Neo-Babylonian empire. The day is spent reciting prayers, and one is supposed to refrain from smiling and chatting idly. To remember the destruction, the traditional pre-fast meal includes bread, water and a hard-boiled egg dipped in ash.

Kerala, especially Kochi, has had a long history with Jews. Though once a thriving community, most members migrated to Israel over the past few decades. While some synagogues left behind were preserved as heritage spots, many of them were left to ruin, despite their rich history. “It’s hard to say how many synagogues were there in Kerala,” says Thaha Ibrahim, who used to be the caretaker of Sarah Cohen, one of the last remaining Paradesi Jews in Kochi. Sarah died in 2019. In West Kochi, Thaha adds, there are two prominent structures.

“The Mattancherry or Paradesi Synagogue, and the Kadavumbhagam Synagogue,” he says. “There was another one, too — the Thekkumbhagam Synagogue. Today, only the ground where it stood once remains.” Thaha now runs the Sarah Cohen Embroidery Store near the Mattancherry Synagogue. “I learnt a lot about the Jewish culture and customs from Sarah auntie,” he says. “My research on Kochi’s ties with Jews continues.” The Kadavumbhagam Synagogue is located near the Ernakulam Market, he says. There is another Thekkumbhagam Synagogue near this market, but it is now locked up.

“There are at least three more synagogues — in Paravur, Chendamangalam (both Ernakulam) and Mala (Thrissur). But none of them sees any prayer or religious activities,” notes Thaha. According to former Kochi mayor K J Sohan, the Jewish community came to Kerala when the trade boomed in ancient days. “In the first century itself, we used to have trade ties with Arabia. Muslims, Christians and Jewish merchants visited Kerala,” says Sohan, who is the state convener of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). “Some settled here, some married here. The religions came with them. Our kings were inclusive and welcomed these communities. Gradually, a Jewish community formed here. They were known as the Malabari Jews.” The Paradesi or ‘White Jews’ came here later, in the 15th century, to escape religious persecution in parts of Europe and Iraq. The Paravur Synagogue is the largest and the “complete” one in Kerala. “It was built by Malabari Jews, and can be considered the oldest synagogue,” says Sohan.

“The current structure was renovated in 1616 AD. The old structure was built sometime between 750 and 1150 AD.” The Paradesi Synagogue was built in 1568 AD. It is well-maintained and attracts international tourists and history buffs. “It is the only synagogue that holds prayers even now. But that too depends on requests. The last time we had a community gathering there was in 2018,” says Mordokkayi Shafeer, 45, who belongs to the Jewish community of Kochi. “Most of the customs and prayers now happen at home. Also, not all Jewish people follow tradition these days.”Shafeer is excited as his son’s bar mitzvah (coming of age ritual) is round the corner. “Such a function is happening within the community after several years,” he says.

Shafeer adds he would be taking his 13-year-old son, Menahem Ryan, to Israel for the occasion. “My brother is in Israel,” he says. “We need at least 10 members for any function -- be it bar mitzvah or a funeral. Usually, for such events, relatives come down from Israel,” he says. Even for the yearly celebration of the Simchat Torah (Rejoicing with Torah), Shafeer notes, the lack of enough Jewish members makes it difficult to hold prayers at the synagogue. “When Israel was formed, many Jews left for the ‘Holy Land’,” he adds. “However, my father chose to remain here. I, too, did not feel like shifting to another country. However, in future, if my children want to migrate, I might consider it.” Simon Josephai, another member of the community, says not many among the remaining Jews observe religious customs or holy days. “Before the pandemic, when prayers were held on several special days at Paradesi Synagogue, people used to attend,” he says. “Now, we observe the main occasions such as the Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah — all of which fall in September-October this year. These follow a month after the saddest day — Tish’a B’Av — in our calendar. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the new year (September 25-27). Yom Kippur fasting comes a week later. Sukkot thanksgiving feast and Simchat Torah are also held in October.” Simon’s brother Elias Josephai, the caretaker of the Kadavumbhagom synagogue at Ernakulam Market, says he celebrates all functions at home. “I cannot talk about others, but I want to carry forward traditions,” he says. Josephai is currently busy with the renovation of the synagogue. “When Jews left Kerala, many took several things, including the Torah, to Israel.

However, we got another one from Israel in 2018,” he says. “For refurbishing the structure, people from all walks of life and religions are helping out. However, as attendance would be low, the upcoming Tisha B’Av will not be observed at this synagogue.”

Oldest Synagogue in Kochi
The other Kadavumbhagam Synagogue in Mattancherry is under the state government and in a shambles. “The archaeological department has been saying it would renovate the structure, and convert it into a museum,” says Thaha. The structure was completely run down and, due to heavy rain a couple of years ago, the front portion collapsed. Following outrage against government apathy, officials assured the structure would be preserved. Though a renovation project was announced in 2021, progress is at a snail’s pace. “The state archaeological department received the Kadavumbhagam synagogue in 2019.

It was in a very bad shape,” says an archaeology department engineer. “To prevent further damage, we gave protective roofing. The floor was also destroyed. We have to reconstruct these, and also enhance structural stability. With the funding from Cochin Smart Mission Limited, we are planning to reconstruct the building based on images from 1972.”

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2022/aug/06/the-lastof-thejews-2484484.html, August 11, 2022

The Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mangalore Chapter, in association with Art Kanara Trust and Chiranthana Charitable Trust, Surathkal, organised ‘An Evening with Vinayak Hegde Hirehadda’, a Hindustani vocal music concert on Monday, August 8, 2022 at 6:30 PM at Kodial Guthu Centre for Art & Culture, Ballal Bagh, Mangalore. Vinayak Hegde Hirehadda hails from Siddapur in Uttara Kannada district and is a disciple of Pandit Ganapati Bhat Hasanagi. He is an All India Radio artiste and has been practising Hindustani vocal music for the past two decades. He encourages upcoming young artists through his own organization, Adhara Shadja.

Vinayak Hegde Hirehadda was accompanied on the harmonium by Bharat Hegde, on the tabla by Bharavi Deraje, and on the tanpura by Shashank Madiwal. Vilambit Ek Tal and Drut Teen Taal compositions in Raaga Janasammohini and Madhyalay Teen Tal and Drut Ek Tal compositions in Raaga Miya Malhar were played. It concluded with Basavannana Vachana in Raag Bhairavi. This is the fourth in the Baithak at Kodialguthu series of musical events organised by INTACH, Mangalore Chapter, to promote art and culture.

The intimate settings of a heritage house provided the perfect ambience for a classical musical experience. Subhas Chandra Basu, convener of INTACH, Mangalore Chapter, welcomed the gathering and compered the programme. Sindhushree P. V. introduced the artists. INTACH Life Member Rajendra Kedige gave a vote of thanks. The programme was supported by Max Media and the Department of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka.

https://www.mangalorean.com/intach-art-kanara-trust-chiranthana-charitable-trust-host-hindustani-vocal-concert/, August 11, 2022

The Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mangalore Chapter, in association with Art Kanara Trust and Chiranthana Charitable Trust, Surathkal, organised ‘An Evening with Vinayak Hegde Hirehadda’, a Hindustani vocal music concert on Monday, August 8, 2022 at 6:30 PM at Kodial Guthu Centre for Art & Culture, Ballal Bagh, Mangalore. Vinayak Hegde Hirehadda hails from Siddapur in Uttara Kannada district and is a disciple of Pandit Ganapati Bhat Hasanagi. He is an All India Radio artiste and has been practising Hindustani vocal music for the past two decades. He encourages upcoming young artists through his own organization, Adhara Shadja.

Vinayak Hegde Hirehadda was accompanied on the harmonium by Bharat Hegde, on the tabla by Bharavi Deraje, and on the tanpura by Shashank Madiwal. Vilambit Ek Tal and Drut Teen Taal compositions in Raaga Janasammohini and Madhyalay Teen Tal and Drut Ek Tal compositions in Raaga Miya Malhar were played. It concluded with Basavannana Vachana in Raag Bhairavi. This is the fourth in the Baithak at Kodialguthu series of musical events organised by INTACH, Mangalore Chapter, to promote art and culture.

The intimate settings of a heritage house provided the perfect ambience for a classical musical experience. Subhas Chandra Basu, convener of INTACH, Mangalore Chapter, welcomed the gathering and compered the programme. Sindhushree P. V. introduced the artists. INTACH Life Member Rajendra Kedige gave a vote of thanks. The programme was supported by Max Media and the Department of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka.

https://www.mangalorean.com/intach-art-kanara-trust-chiranthana-charitable-trust-host-hindustani-vocal-concert/, August 12, 2022

Kolkata-based East India Dastangos is one of the practitioners of this rare art form from the Mughal court. The art of storytelling is slowly getting lost. Some young people from the city, however, are not ready to give up as they have been trying to save the tradition of Urdu storytelling — Dastangoi — and reinvent it for contemporary audiences. Kolkata-based East India Dastangos, a brainchild of Palash Chaturvedi and Zahid Hossain, has come forward to keep alive this tradition that was one of the key attractions of the Mughal court. Members of East India Dastangos enact a story to viewers through gesticulations and voice modulations. From folktales twisted to suit the modern taste to expressive facial expressions, they use everything in their repertoire to convey the joy of storytelling. The popular art of Dastangoi began to lose its lustre with the decline of the Mughal court after Sepoy Mutiny in 1857. ‘’Munshi Naval Kishore compiled 46 volumes of traditional Dastans from Tilism-e-Hoshruba, a Persian fantasy tale. These volumes end with the death of Mir Baqar Ali, the last great Dastango, in 1928. Poet Shamsur Rahman Faruqi and his nephew Mahmood Farooqi resurrected this form in 2005,” said Palash Chaturvedi. “A few performances were held in Kolkata around that time. But frequent shows by local people were needed to popularise this art form in the city. That’s why we decided to form a group five years ago and are still performing in the city and elsewhere,’’ he explained, tracing the origins of East India Dantangos. How it all began and thereafter Renaissance of Dastangoi Right at the beginning of 2017, Chaturvedi and Hossain started rehearsing for a Daastaan on the Partition and had their debut performance later that year. “East India Dastangos had its first public show — Daastaan-e-Chauboli — on July 7, 2017. The name of our group is a nod to the cultural impact of our recent rulers who made Kolkata their first capital,’’ said Chaturvedi. Explaining how stories help people grow, Chaturvedi said they passed down culture and wisdom through generations. “The childlike glee on the faces of our audience, those pure smiles, the moment when the entire audience becomes one — this magic keeps inspiring us to perform despite a thousand hardships.’’ Today, the East India Dastangos is a team of 10 people. They are: Anuja Kumar, Swati Sharma, Rahim Pirani, Gurmeet Singh, Shelly Desai, Zahid Hossain, Sukrit Sen, Palash Chaturvedi, Atif Ali Khan Saahab and an eight-year-old boy, Ishmeet Singh. Scripting and performing Dastaans What started in Kolkata has since then travelled to other parts of the country like Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Banaras and Maharashtra. This form of storytelling in Hindustani khari boli is slowly carving a niche for itself in the map of India. ‘’It takes immense skill and knowledge to actually write something close to a Daastaan. We have worked on the collection published by Mahmood Farooqui, Taqseem-e-Hind, Chauboli and Mantoiiyat. We have performed before idle sitters on park benches and family get-togethers,’’ said Chaturvedi. Speaking more about the art form, the co-founder of East India Dastangos was adamant that Dastangoi had to be practised as a discipline. “It is more like a Jugalbandi between two storytellers. Initially, we read the script multiple times and mark the transitional phrases. Then we discuss different aspects of the story, work on pronunciations and study references. Our understanding actually grows with every performance. We also try to incorporate new elements as this is a very interactive form involving the audience.’’ Pandemic blues and the road ahead Everything came to standstill due to the pandemic just when things had started to look up. “The year 2020 was disastrous. It took away some of the most revered gurus from us. But the show must go on as storytellers need to keep the flame alive,” said Chaturvedi. During the pandemic, the East India Dastangos experimented a lot with its content. Apart from opening its first musical on water conservation called Aab ka Khwaab with Living Waters Museum, the group is all set to announce its next Chalyugi musical called Aazaadi ki Zimmedari. “Our team is also working on Kaavad, another storytelling form that was prevalent in north India. We have also started experimenting with various classical dance forms.’’ Stressing the importance of stories in modern society, Chaturvedi felt that storytelling sessions could help people connect to their roots. “From an economic perspective, Dastangoi is cost-effective, hassle-free and minimalistic. Hopefully, we will have many younger Dastangos in the city soon,” he signed off. Those interested to catch the next performance of East India Dastangos can keep an eye on Instagram @east_india_dastangos or check out their YouTube page for teasers.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/lifestyle/how-the-lost-art-of-urdu-storytelling-called-dastangoi-has-been-revived-by-a-kolkata-based-group/cid/1879186, August 12, 2022

INTACH’s upcoming quiz aims to ensure students preserve the rich heritage that connects us all as one nation, one world. As the world moves to an increasingly concrete and cosmopolitan state, it is important to hold on to our roots when on the rise. To expose young minds to the heritage that surrounds them, The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will be hosting their Annual Young Intach Heritage Quiz 2022 on September 2. “This is to sensitise children about our heritage and its value. It is in their hands that the heritage of the country will lie in the years to come. Children are always enthused about a quiz. Learning aspects of a quiz is like edutainment, it’s fun and they learn,” explains Sujatha Shankar, convenor of INTACH Chennai Chapter.The quiz will begin with the city round of approximately 100 school students and four or five best teams (of two each) will be selected for finals. Winners will be eligible for state finals, the dates of which will be announced later. The event will be hosted by veteran quiz master Venkatesh Ramakrishnan, who will ask questions on Indian heritage & culture.

Young but flourishing minds
This annual quiz has been hosted by the Trust for about a decade — even adapting to the online set-up in the last two years — through which Sujatha has seen great interest. In fact, she recalls a memorable anecdote that brings hope for posterity. “We usually hold the quiz for classes 7-10. Some parents, teachers and siblings come with participants. After passes by the teams, the question is thrown open for the audience, before the quizmaster reveals the correct answer. One time, there was a photograph of Gandhiji standing in a verandah with an Englishman. People were asked to identify why the photograph is important. One very young child — who did not fit the age category — actually answered that it was the image from where we have Gandhiji on the Rupee note. It is heartening to know that children actually delve into these aspects and are interested. It’s like Pandora’s box waiting to be open. Their minds are curious and this is the right age they can be exposed to our heritage and therefore, even if some of the children take it as a mission forward, that would be wonderful,” she mentions.

For the love of heritage
Apart from the quiz, INTACH also piques interest in children through heritage clubs in about 50 schools that function with guidance from the Trust. The clubs host speakers as well as programmes like essay, painting or sketching competitions with every year having a unique theme. “We give different topics on natural, built or intangible heritage. And we do it in all languages, it is not restricted to English,” she says. When asked about what she would like the participants and audience to take back from the quizzing experience, she says, “For the wealth of the treasure that we have in India, the heritage that we have inherited from our ancestors, we act as custodians to pass it on to the future generation. It is an exposure to the children, for them to be aware of what they are inheriting and what they should, as custodians, look after, take care of and pass on to their future generation.” Perhaps the next heritage leaders will be seen on this floor.

Preserving for posterity
The quiz will begin with the city round of approximately 100 school students and four or five best teams (of two members each) will be selected for finals. Winners will be eligible for state finals, the dates of which will be announced later.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/aug/27/on-the-hot-seat-for-an-inheritance-2491722.html, August 15, 2022

Ambala: Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Ambala Chapter conducted a national heritage quiz at DAV Public School. It witnessed a record participation of 121 children from 21 schools along with the presence of INTACH members and dignitaries. The event was coordinated by Colonel (retd) RD Singh, Convenor, INTACH. There were two rounds of the quiz that included a written and an oral test. The children enjoyed gaining knowledge about the national heritage.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/counselling-at-teachers-edu-institute-429004, August 16, 2022

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organizes various competitions throughout the year. Their purpose is to institutionalize the conservation of the unprotected architectural heritage all over India. In a competition called ‘Badge Making’ which was conducted on World Population Day, Hitanshi Kewlani of class 9 from Centre Point School, Wardhaman Nagar, stood third. She received a certificate for her effort. In another competition, the participants were asked to send an article based on ‘Fibre Fusion’. Mustafa Hirani’s contribution for this competition was given the title of the ‘best entry’ for his effort. This young class 7 student was given a certificate and a book as a prize. Both these young Heritage Club members were mentored by Nisreen Sabir. The principal, Kanchan Ukey congratulated them and wished them all the very best for their future endeavours.

https://thelivenagpur.com/2022/08/27/heritage-club-shines-in-intach/, August 16, 2022

The Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mangalore Chapter, in association with Art Kanara Trust organised a book reading session by Dr Rahul Ramagundam, author of ‘The Life and Times of George Fernandes’ on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Kodial Guthu Centre for Art & Culture, Ballal Bagh, Mangalore.

The book is a posthumous biography of Mangalore-born labour leader and former union minister for railways and defence, George Fernandes. It was formally released during a programme held at St. Aloysius College on Friday. Dr Rahul Ramagundam read a few passages from the chapters concerning the leader – Reaching Bombay from Mangalore, Days Before the Emergency, Resistance to the Dictatorship of Indira Gandhi, During the Indo-China War, and Women in the Underground Movement during the Emergency.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Ramagundam said he chose to write about George Fernandes because of the exceptional courage and conviction he had shown during the post-independence era. “George Fernandes left his hometown of Mangalore at the age of 19 with a political agenda. By the age of 25, he had become a prominent activist and formed the first organization, the Municipal Mazdoor Union. He fought for the dignity of democracy,” he said. Explaining about the book, the author said it is a result of over 12 years of hard research. He referred to over one lakh documents and interviewed more than 150 people who were closely associated with the firebrand leader.

Though he was able to meet George Fernandes in person before he passed away in 2019, unfortunately, he was too ill to have any meaningful discussion. Describing his book as ‘dark’ because it exposes the underbelly of Indian politics, he said he wants George Fernandes’ life to be an inspiration to the youth. The book also gives a peek into hitherto unknown and unheard stories from his personal life. Subhas Chandra Basu, the convener of INTACH, Mangalore Chapter, welcomed the gathering and compered the programme. Nemiraj Shetty gave a vote of thanks.

https://www.mangalorean.com/intach-art-kanara-trust-holds-book-reading-session-by-dr-rahul-ramagundam/, August 17, 2022

Shriya Shahji from Birla Open Minds International School emerged out as one of the Regional Winners from Jammu and Kashmir Schools in the poster making competition organised by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

The theme of the competition was Heritage in our hands’. Principal of the school Aparana Kohli congratulated Shriya on her achievement. She said that such activities have always been a favoured medium to stimulate and develop creativity within a student. School management also extended their heartly congratulations to her. Chairperson of the school Dr. Panna Manhas Choudhary further added that through such competitions students will learn to appreciate and value their rich historical and cultural heritage.

https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/shriya-outshines-in-poster-making-competition/, August 18, 2022

The school management, Principal and the teachers of Parmarth International School, Baijnath, conveyed their best wishes to the 'Best Entry Award Winner' Aditya Kumar, a student of Class X for his stellar performance in 'Fibre Fusion' which was organised by INTACH. Chairman Indu Goswami wished Aditya good luck for his future endeavours.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/schools/aditya-does-school-proud-425903, August 19, 2022

India nominates GARBA to be inscribed on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. Last year, Durga Puja was inscribed on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, and Garba is nominated for 2022. India has nominated the Indian dance form Garba to be inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. Last year, Durga Puja was included in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list and for 2022, India has nominated ‘Garba’. The next UNESCO meeting will be held in November. In July, India was elected by UNESCO to serve on the distinguished intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A total of 14 elements from India are inscribed on UNESCO’S list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Humanity. These elements include music, dance, theatre, festivals, rituals, and storytelling. What is UNESCO’S list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Humanity? The UNESCO’S list of Intangible Cultural Heritage was established in 2008 after the convention for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage,2003 came into effect. This list is made up of those intangible heritage elements that help to demonstrate the diversity of cultural heritage.

List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in India Buddhist Chanting Kalbelia
Chhau Dance
Koodiyattam
Kumbh Mela
Mudiyett
Nawruz
Ramlila
Sankirtana
Ramman
Traditional Brass and Copper Craft of Utensil making
Vedic Chanting
Yoga
Durga Puja
About Garba
Garba is a dance form which has originated in Gujarat, India. The term Garba has derived from the Sanskrit term Garbha, which means womb. Garba traditionally is performed around clay lanterns with a light inside called Garbha Deep or Womb lamp. It is believed that the lantern represents life and the fetus in the womb of a mother. The dance honors goddess Durga, the feminine form of divinity. Garba is performed in circles which symbolizes the Hindu view of time. The rings of dancers revolve in cycles, as time in Hinduism is cyclical. As these cycles of time revolve, from birth to life, to death, and again to rebirth, the Goddess remains constant.

https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/unescos-intangible-cultural-heritage-list-india-nominated-garba/, August 25, 2022

UNESCO and Royal Enfield have partnered to focus on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of India, starting with the Himalayas. A four-day exhibition and cultural programme at Bikaner House, New Delhi marked the inception of this union, where artists, speakers, chefs, and more from the Himalayan and Northeast regions came to enthral. By Ralan Kithan. Indian multinational motorcycle manufacturing company Royal Enfield and UNESCO have joined hands to put the spotlight on the intangible cultural heritage of India. To mark this union, the two collaboratively held a four-day exhibition and cultural programme at Bikaner House, New Delhi, starting August 22. About Journeying Across the Himalayas

The ongoing exhibition, titled Journeying Across the Himalayas, features the works of artists from the Himalayan and Northeast regions. Curated by Dr. Monisha Ahmed (co-founder of Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation) and Mary Therese Kurkalang (founder-director of KHUBLEI), the exhibition and programme features eminent artists, designers, chefs, mixologists, musicians and prominent figures in the field of the social development sector. This includes actor Adil Hussain, designer Peter D’Ascoli and Sonam Dubal, author Rita Banerji, mountaineer and entrepreneur Malika Virdi, conservationist Tsewang Namgail, mixologist Yangdup Lama, restaurant owner Nilza Wangmo, and chef Anumitra Ghosh. The four-day programme also includes panel discussions, film screenings, poetry, music and lecture-demonstrations. Some of the artists on display include Dipankar Panging, Yawan Rai, and Monisha Ahmed. Panging’s series on display, Mimang Molai, features recycled materials such as bamboo, recycled plastic and cloth rags. The same has been made in collaboration with weavers from Dikhowmukh village in Assam. Photographer Rai has displayed his photographs which captured the people and places of Sikkim, his home. Ahmed, on the other hand, has showcased the ancient craft of weaving in Ladakh through photographs.

Promoting Cultural Heritage with UNESCO and Royal Enfield
As part of its ongoing program globally and in India, UNESCO has been spearheading the movement to identify, document, and preserve the Intangible Cultural Heritage of India. Notably, India is one of the 178 countries to have adopted the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). At the launch of the four-day programme, Eric Falt, Regional Director and UNESCO Representative for Bhutan, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka said “We are happy to celebrate this new partnership with Royal Enfield with a launch that focuses on parts of the Himalayas.

We have focused on a number of states, but the Himalayas remain one of the areas where it has relatively little information. With Royal Enfield, you can go to places where few people can go!” “We look forward to starting by identifying up to 100 existing intangible cultural heritage practices in the next few weeks which are not very now well-known or not very well documented. We will pick it up from there. Next year, we will try to look at other parts of the country,” Falt adds. Siddhartha Lal, Chief Executive Officer of Eicher Motors (parent company of Royal Enfield) explains, “At Royal Enfield, we have been doing a lot of work on the sustainability front and on various other aspects in the Himalayas.

Through this partnership, we aim to preserve and promote the culture, knowledge, and traditions that are harmonious with fair and regenerative living. We want to ensure that Himalayan communities are empowered to make decisions that support their resilience. We have projects which are going to start [soon]. The first one is the great Himalayan exploration which starts in September.” By 2030, Royal Enfield aims to partner with 100 Himalayan communities to adopt sustainable living practices. This is in sync with the motorbike brand’s long relationship with the Himalayas, stretching back over three decades. The four-day programme is open to visitors till August 25, from 10 AM to 9 PM at Bikaner House, New Delhi.

https://www.travelandleisureindia.in/insight/unesco-joins-hands-with-royal-enfield-to-celebrate-cultural-heritage-of-himalayas/, August 31, 2022