In an effort to raise awareness and cultivate affection for cultural and architectural heritage, the National Heritage Quiz 2023 was held here on Thursday which witnessed the participation of a total of 63 teams from 19 schools spanning the region. Giving details, Sahiljit Singh Sandhu, Chairman of Spring Dale Educational Society informed that the Heritage Quiz was organized for the grade VII to grade X students and involved a written test. The top four teams from this stage advanced to the district level, with the ultimate aim of selecting one exceptional team to represent the state-level competition. Sahil said that INTACH Amritsar Chapter and Spring Dale Senior School shared a common ideological foundation, aiming to foster appreciation and affection for cultural and architectural heritage.

He highlighted their efforts in this realm, including initiatives through Punarjyot which focused on conserving fading Indian art forms, and Saanjh, dedicated to promoting shared cultural elements of historic Punjab. Gagandeep Singh Virk, Convener, INTACH's Amritsar Chapter, said that the Heritage Quiz was a part of INTACH's initiative for heritage awareness among the youth.

"The oral round of the quiz comprises the questions based on topics like Indian Heritage information about our state and city" said he adding that Spring Dale Senior School's team comprised of Gursidak Boparai and Mudit Tayal was adjudged as the winners and was qualified to participate in the State level of the competition, while DAV International School Amritsar and Bhawan's SL School were respectively the first and second runner ups.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/cultivating-heritage-awareness-heritage-quiz-2023-engages-schools-across-the-region/articleshow/102613095.cms, August 1, 2023

The restored church will now become a prominent landmark in the city for tourists, city residents and heritage enthusiasts, the LG said. The historical St James’ Church was a centre of celebration on Sunday after the structure was formally opened following year-long restoration works, which helped save it from crumbling while also retaining its vintage character. A ceremony held to commemorate the occasion also saw the participation of Delhi lieutenant governor VK Saxena, who unveiled a plaque and rededicated the church to the people. The restored church will now become a prominent landmark in the city for tourists, city residents and heritage enthusiasts, the LG said.

"Humbled to have rededicated the historical St James Church in the Capital. This iconic and grand house of faith, renovated and restored by the DDA with the help of INTACH in record time, has stood witness to the 1st war of independence, as indeed our entire struggle against colonialism,” said Saxena. The 187-year-old church located along the Lothian Road in Kashmere Gate is the oldest church in Delhi and demonstrates classic colonial architecture. A Scottish mercenary fighter, James Skinner, started building the church in 1821. Construction was completed in 1836. It was consecrated 15 years later, and the first service was held in 1836 by Bishop Daniel Wilson. The church had several conservation and maintenance issues, officials aware of the matter said, which needed to be urgently attended to as there were serious cracks in the structure.

Efforts to put in place conservation plans were initiated in August 2015 by church authorities. They appealed to the LG for funds in 2017 and the financial grant came through in 2019. In 2021, an MoU was signed with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and work was finally initiated in October 2021. After delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and ban on construction to control pollution, the conservation process picked up once again in July 2022. Conservation was carried out by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach)’s Delhi chapter as the project consultant. Jennifer Datt, a member of the church who attended the ceremony on Sunday, said the church was in need of conservation and effort had yielded fruits. “The church has been nicely done. It’s back to its original colour and all facades have been spruced up too,” said Datt, who has been associated with the church since 1996.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/historical-st-james-church-in-delhi-restored-to-its-former-glory-in-record-time-unveiled-by-lieutenant-governor-101691346978408.html, August 1, 2023

Indian handloom is the pride and joy of our nation, but were you aware of its rich history and how much significance it holds for us Indians?

India’s pride and joy which makes it stand out on the global stage is indefinitely its handloom. Indian handloom has been around for centuries. But how well do we know about its existence? Has its history always been rich and colourful? Or have there been specks of black and grey that adds a tone of melancholy to this vibrant sector? Let’s dig deep into this so that we can understand its true value by the end of this article at the very least.

Indian Handloom: A Brief History
Having a vibrant and diverse history, Indian handloom has been around for a really long time. Some say it dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. There was a time in ancient India wherein every village had their own community of weavers. And these weavers ensured that all the clothing needs of each respective town were met. Because of the existence of many weaver communities that were scattered throughout India catering to a very diverse population and having different access to resources, different forms and styles of weaving on different kinds of materials came into existence. Considered a high-standard occupation, weavers were of immense importance to the Vedics. The settlement of Aryan ensured weaving as a craft was honoured and efforts were made to develop it further.

The era of the Mughals was considered the golden age for Indian craftsmanship. During their rule, handloom sarees like Sambalpuri, Banarasi, Jamawar, Maheshwari, Nuapatna Khandua, Mulmul, etc. took centre stage. With the colonial invasion and the usage of industrial looms, the handloom sector in India saw a decline. As the British officials forced the weavers to use synthetic yarn, it led to a loss of livelihood for the spinners. And gradually weavers who were unable to afford these industrial looms lost their livelihood as well. Fortunately, this trend was reversed by Swadeshi movement. As people went back to using Khadi, there was a revival of the Indian handloom sector. Sadly this revival was quashed once again with India’s entry into the global market. On one end India opened its door to globalisation in the 1990s and made it easier for private companies to grow. And on the other end, many traditional weavers closed their shops as they were unable to keep up with the cheap and mass-produced goods.

Significance
Due to continued efforts by the government, such as The rural employment guarantee act (MGNREGA) of 2006, the National Handloom Policy of 2007, etc. weavers’ livelihoods are protected to some extent. The handloom sector not only holds cultural significance to the country but has also made India the 3rd largest exporter of Textiles & Apparel in the world. It is one of the sectors that promoted women’s employment as over 70% of the weavers are women. Because of its huge significance in helping our country gain freedom and ensuring that our culture is immortalized, the government of India has designated 7th August as National Handloom Day, as on that particular day in 1905 the Swadeshi Movement was launched.

It celebrates the historic call to promote indigenous products during the Swadeshi movement. Spearheaded by visionary leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai, this movement held a special significance in encouraging the use of handloom and local craftsmanship, while the Indian handloom played a very integral part in deciding the fate of India’s freedom.

https://www.thetalentedindian.com/the-rich-history-value-of-indian-handloom/, August 2, 2023

Calcutta started its journey as a city over 300 years ago when East India Company administrator Job Charnock established the Company’s trade on the bank of the Hooghly. The business post was selected as the place was skirted by the Hooghly on the west and a creek to the north, waterways being the primary route for trade. The East India Company’s land acquisition was followed by establishment of factories and colonial developments, all along the . Huge warehouses came up and the central business district was established, too. Much water has flowed under the Howrah bridge, but the architectural grandeur of the buildings established around the Hooghly and the ghats remain Kolkata’s icons, despite the co-existing ncroachments, squalor, and grime. The city is dotted with hundreds of ghats—Babughat, Prinsep Ghat, Zanana Ghat, Babughat, Outram Ghat, Jagannath Ghat— which are not merely a series of steps leading to the river but also a space that houses motley activities, starting from bathing, washing, religious rituals, funeral rites, various trades to massage by masseuses from Odisha, and of course, the “night shelter” for the homeless. The prettier promenades are popular hangout places.

While the Hooghly itself is used to cross over from Kolkata to Howrah or towards north by ferry, the riverfront is skirted by the circular railway, used by many for daily commute. “The riverfront has a great potential to be developed as a major tourist attraction through informed and sensitive regeneration,” said G M Kapur of Intach (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage). According to KMC’s blog Kaleidoscope, most ghats were built by local businessmen during the British Raj either as an act of philanthropy or as a status symbol. In 1823, when Rani Rashmani’s father passed away, she visited a ghat to perform his postcremation rites. Shocked by its poor state, she asked her husband, Babu Raj Chunder, to renovate the ghat. Thus, the new-look Babughat was built in 1830, complete with 36 pillars and an Ionic style parapet. Chhotey Lal Durga Prasad, a successful law practitioner at the Calcutta High Court, built a ghat and refurbished a small temple there he would often visit, after his son was born. This later came to be known as Chhotey Lal Ka Ghat.

The Ram Chandra Goenka Family established the Zanana Ghat for women to take a bath in the Hooghly. One of the highlights of the riverfront is the idol-makers’ enclave of Kumartuli. The ghat has 12 pillars and is open on three sides. “It has one of the most beautiful and ornate ghats, which is now used for religious rituals during the day and by the homeless at night,” said Meghna Banerjee, a freelance photographer. In the last few years, social media has propelled the riverfront, the ghats and their history into public consciousness. According to photographers, pre-wedding shoots have become almost incomplete without a few frames with either the Howrah bridge or the Vidyasagar Setu in the backdrop or one of a boat ride or beside the pillars at Prinsep Ghat. “Along with yellow cabs and trams, the riverfront is the most sought-after location for pre-wedding shoots. Some want to be photographed on the steps, some with the Howrah bridge as the backdrop and some on boats,” said Arshad Hussain, a wedding photographer. The riverfront is such a repository of the city’s history that it has spawned several curated walks and trails along it.

“Foreigners as well as locals join our walks. This indicates the heightened interest about the river and the history around it among Kolkatans,” said Partha Banerjee of River Tales, which conducts river trails on weekend mornings between December and March. But the old quarters along the riverfront are also plagued by encroachment, squalor and defacement. Given the proximity of the CBD, goods vehicles are parked on long stretches. Vagrants have made several of the ghats their homes. Open defecation is regular. Shops, eateries, and warehouses dump waste in the river. “I have been conducting walking tours along the Hooghly for a decade and I have seen several aspects disappear over time. Many of the ghats have fallen into disrepair, while illegal parking is eating into space,” said a walking tour organiser.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/city-by-the river/articleshow/102368839.cms?from=mdr, August 3, 2023

Cultural rights are crucial for preserving diversity and promoting growth. India, a culturally rich nation, has adopted universal cultural rights mandates. However, assimilation and globalization pose challenges to India’s culture preservation. The article explores the specific challenges and potential solutions faced by India in preserving its culture amidst migration. Preserving cultural rights is crucial for maintaining the continuity and diversity of cultures, contributing to a harmonious and inclusive society. India has successfully preserved its culture through initiatives such as promoting traditional art forms, preserving historical monuments, and implementing policies that safeguard cultural diversity. This ensures that India’s rich cultural heritage continues to thrive and be passed down to future generations.

However, as migration continues, India faces challenges such as potential dilution of cultural practices, values, and beliefs, as well as erosion of linguistic diversity. To address these challenges, India has established institutions that promote cultural awareness and support traditional art forms. Additionally, initiatives are being taken to ensure the representation and protection of indigenous cultures and languages. These efforts contribute to the universality of adopting the cultural rights mandate and serve as solutions for preserving India’s diverse cultural identity amidst migration.

India’s contribution to the universality of adopting the mandate
India’s cultural diversity is significant in shaping its identity and promoting cultural rights. With over 1,600 languages spoken, India is a linguistic treasure trove and home to various religions, languages, and traditions. This diversity contributes to the country’s rich history and multiculturalism. India’s rich heritage and historical sites, such as ancient temples and Mughal forts, attract tourists from around the world. These sites showcase India’s architectural brilliance and cultural significance, contributing to the country’s cultural identity and heritage. India has played a significant role in advocating for cultural rights at international platforms, such as through its participation in UNESCO conventions. Despite migration and globalization, India has successfully navigated the challenges of preserving its culture amidst migration, implementing measures like cultural integration programs to ensure migrants can embrace their cultural roots while assimilating into the host society.

India’s role in promoting cultural rights internationally
India has played a significant role in promoting cultural rights internationally, showcasing and preserving its diverse cultural heritage through various platforms. The country has been a strong advocate for recognizing cultural rights as fundamental human rights and has actively participated in UNESCO’s programs and initiatives to safeguard cultural expressions and heritage sites. India’s vibrant traditions, such as music, dance, and art, have facilitated cultural exchange and understanding among nations.

India’s involvement in UNESCO has contributed to the universality of adopting UNESCO’s mandate by promoting and protecting cultural diversity and recognizing intangible cultural practices. However, the process of migration poses challenges to the preservation of Indian culture, as individuals may face the dilemma of assimilating into the host culture while maintaining their own cultural identity. To address this issue, India has implemented solutions such as cultural exchange programs and community centers to foster cultural awareness and identity among migrant populations. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is a crucial organization in supporting the preservation of India’s vast and diverse cultural heritage.

Established in 1984, INTACH has undertaken numerous initiatives to promote awareness, conservation, and protection of cultural assets, working closely with government agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders. Preserving culture during migration is crucial for India’s national development and global solidarity. India has implemented various solutions to preserve its rich and diverse culture, such as promoting cultural exchange programs, education on heritage and traditions, and establishing cultural centers abroad.

Challenges faced by India with increasing migration
India faces challenges in preserving its cultural heritage due to increasing migration, which can lead to the dilution or loss of traditional values, customs, and languages. This can negatively impact India’s rich cultural diversity and unique identity. To mitigate this challenge, India can adopt measures such as promoting cultural education, preserving historical sites and artifacts, and implementing policies that support cultural preservation. The Indian government has undertaken initiatives like promoting Indian classical music and dance forms, organizing cultural festivals, and establishing cultural institutions to ensure the preservation of India’s cultural heritage in the face of increasing migration.

Assimilation and dilution of cultural practices are significant issues in today’s globalized world, as migration has led to the assimilation and dilution of traditional cultural practices. India has made significant efforts to contribute to the universality of cultural rights by adopting mandates that aim to safeguard cultural practices and ensure their preservation in the face of migration. These efforts include the establishment of cultural centers, promotion of cultural exchange programs, and the recognition and protection of indigenous cultural practices. Language loss and its impact on cultural identity are also significant challenges.

When a language disappears, important aspects of a culture are lost, leading to a sense of disconnection from one’s cultural heritage and erosion of cultural diversity. India is taking steps to preserve its cultural identity amidst migration by establishing cultural centers and museums, promoting cultural festivals and events, and implementing cultural integration programs. Documenting and archiving cultural practices is crucial for preserving the rich diversity of human cultures. India has undertaken initiatives to document and archive traditional music, dance, and theatre forms, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, and the National Mission for Manuscripts.

The Digital Library of India project has made thousands of books available online, facilitating global access to Indian cultural heritage. India has successfully adapted to the challenges of migration by promoting cultural education, preserving historical sites and artifacts, and promoting mother tongues and indigenous languages. By embracing the benefits of migration and preserving its unique cultural identity, India can continue to thrive in the face of globalization. India’s rich cultural heritage offers a case study for preserving culture amidst migration. With a long history of migration and diverse cultures, challenges arise in preserving cultural rights. The Banjara community in Rajasthan, known for their nomadic lifestyle and folk arts, faces dilution and extinction as they settle into urban areas. Initiatives like local organizations and dedicated cultural spaces in cities like Jaipur help preserve these traditions.

Globalization on Indian cinema
Globalization has significantly impacted Indian cinema, both positively and negatively. The spread of technology and global access to films has allowed Indian cinema to reach a global audience, allowing filmmakers to showcase their talent and grow the industry. However, globalization has also led to the saturation of foreign influences, sometimes dilution of indigenous culture. Indian cinema is not just a victim of globalization but also a powerful tool for cultural preservation and exchange. Filmmakers use their movies to promote and preserve Indian culture, showcasing traditions, customs, and values unique to India. The rise of regional cinema has also played a crucial role in the preservation of local cultures. Regional films showcase local customs, dialects, and rituals, addressing issues specific to each region. The success of regional films has led to the establishment of regional film festivals and platforms, further contributing to the preservation of local cultures.

Impact of urbanization on traditional arts and crafts Urbanization has significantly impacted traditional arts and crafts in India, leading to marginalization and overlooking of traditional practices. As cities grow, artisans are often forced to abandon their crafts for more sustainable livelihoods, resulting in a decline in production and cultural heritage loss. However, efforts to preserve and promote traditional arts and crafts in urban areas have been made by non-profit organizations and government initiatives. One challenge India faces in preserving its cultural heritage is the decline in demand for traditional crafts. With modernization and urbanization, people’s preferences towards mass-produced products have relegated traditional crafts to nostalgia, jeopardizing their livelihoods and eroding the cultural fabric of the country.

Organizations like the Craft Council of India and the Ministry of Textiles are working to revive and promote traditional crafts through awareness, training, and market linkages. Initiatives to revive and promote traditional craftsmanship include the establishment of craft clusters and villages, which provide a platform for artisans to come together, share skills, and collaborate on revitalizing traditional forms of craftsmanship. Examples include the Shantiniketan Leather Craft Village in West Bengal, which brings together leather artisans and provides training and infrastructure support. India’s vast and diverse cultural heritage is crucial in preserving its culture during migration. While India has made significant contributions to universal cultural rights, challenges such as the dilution of regional cultures due to urbanization and the homogenization of popular culture persist. To address these challenges, India has implemented measures such as cultural centers and the promotion of traditional art forms. Preserving cultural rights is crucial for maintaining the continuity and diversity of cultures, contributing to a harmonious and inclusive society. India has successfully preserved its cultural heritage through initiatives like promoting traditional art forms, preserving historical monuments, and implementing policies that safeguard cultural diversity.

Despite the challenges posed by migration, India has successfully preserved its rich cultural heritage through initiatives like promoting cultural awareness, supporting traditional art forms, and ensuring the representation and protection of indigenous cultures and languages. These efforts contribute to the universality of adopting the cultural rights mandate and serve as solutions for preserving India’s diverse cultural identity amidst migration. (The author is an Assistant Director on deputation with National Gallery of Modern Art, Ministry of Culture, New Delhi)

https://www.thehansindia.com/featured/sunday-hans/cultural-rights-in-india-challenges-and-solutions-in-the-age-of-migration-813742, August 4, 2023

The late educationist Atiqa Bano collected over 7,000 artefacts over the course of her lifetime in a unique initiative to be promoted by the district administration in the tourism circuit. Mapping the life and customs of 18th and 19th century rural Kashmir, the Valley’s first ever private museum, its collection curated by the late educationist Atiqa Bano, was officially launched in Baramulla’s Sopore area in north Kashmir on July 21, and looks set to be part of the tourism circuit and educational tours. The dynamic website, meerasmahalmusuem.com, showcases over 7,000 artefacts, providing an ethnographic lens into the rich cultural heritage of the Kashmir Valley’s hinterland. “It is a great initiative of Atiqa-ji. The cultural heritage of Kashmir is preserved in the over 7,000 articles she accumulated over her lifetime. This is a unique and one-of-its-kind initiative.

The district administration is including it in our tourism circuit, and promoting it through the Education and Culture Department,” Syed Sehrish Asgar, District Commissioner, Baramulla, told The Hindu. The Span Foundation, Delhi, and the Kashmir chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), jointly worked on the museum and website. The collection includes rare utensils, agricultural tools, clothing, earthenware, and manuscripts from the 18th and 19th centuries that have disappeared from the hitherto multicultural lifestyle of the Valley. Mapping the life and customs of 18th and 19th century rural Kashmir, the Valley’s first ever private museum, its collection curated by the late educationist Atiqa Bano, was officially launched in Baramulla’s Sopore area in north Kashmir on July 21, and looks set to be part of the tourism circuit and educational tours.

The dynamic website, meerasmahalmusuem.com, showcases over 7,000 artefacts, providing an ethnographic lens into the rich cultural heritage of the Kashmir Valley’s hinterland. “It is a great initiative of Atiqa-ji. The cultural heritage of Kashmir is preserved in the over 7,000 articles she accumulated over her lifetime. This is a unique and one-of-its-kind initiative.

The district administration is including it in our tourism circuit, and promoting it through the Education and Culture Department,” Syed Sehrish Asgar, District Commissioner, Baramulla, told The Hindu. The Span Foundation, Delhi, and the Kashmir chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), jointly worked on the museum and website. The collection includes rare utensils, agricultural tools, clothing, earthenware, and manuscripts from the 18th and 19th centuries that have disappeared from the hitherto multicultural lifestyle of the Valley. "This museum is unique because it tells the people’s history.

The collections recreate the lifestyle. Each artefact is linked to seasons and its significance in the life of Kashmir over 100 years. These objects draw a timeline about how we have reached where we are today," Saleem Beg, convenor of INTACH, Kashmir chapter, said. The museum is the outcome of the late Bano’s exemplary efforts.

A teacher by profession, till she died of cancer at the age of 77 in 2017. Rare terracotta artefacts from the 4th century Kushan period, coins from the pre-Islamic era, and 10th century Didda (the queen who ruled Kashmir from 950-1003 AD) period bear testimony to the efforts of Bano, a woman from a small village in Sopore. “These artefacts are the result of door-to-door collections. She [Ms. Bano] was taunted by many but continued to pursue her passion. She hired horse-driven carts and even trucks to ferry these artefacts from farthest corners of Kashmir over the course of her postings to create such a huge and unparalleled repository in Kashmir,” Muzamil Bashir, Ms. Bano’s nephew, told The Hindu. Mr. Bashir said that during the last days of her life, she had only been concerned about the museum.

“Four days before she passed away, Atiqa-ji told me that she may not live, and willed that the museum was protected,” Mr. Bashir said. He said the virtual museum spotlit her efforts, and added, “It has started to generate interest among locals as well as students. Atiqa-ji’s dream will be realised when people use her repository for learning and research.” “The virtual museum is the consequence of the persistent efforts of one woman despite her own meagre resources and limited network. She worked hard for gender equality and women empowerment,” Mr. Beg recalled.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kashmirs-first-private-museum-shines-rare-ethnographic-lens-on-the-valleys-hinterland/article67135848.ece, August 7, 2023

Unique in design, the crystal unit has a somewhat spherical shape. Archaeologists working at Keeladi, a historic excavation site located 12 km southeast of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, have unearthed a crystal quartz weighing unit from the Sangam era. The weighing unit, found 175 cm beneath the ground, is the first of its kind since excavations began in Keeladi in 2014. Unique in design, the crystal unit has a somewhat spherical shape. An official statement from the state archaeology department said that the unit measures 2 cm in diameter,1.5 cm in height and weighs a mere 8 grams.

In addition, archaeologists also found a terracotta hopscotch, an iron nail, black and red ware, and red slipped ware. Archaeologists also found an earthen snake figurine. This discovery has stirred excitement among historians and archaeologists as weighing units in the past were primarily made of stones. Even as a detailed assessment on the findings is underway, an expert said they do not know the precise unit that the crystal was used to weigh. “We can confirm that they were used for weighing purposes. Though we found stone-made weighing units earlier, these were not rock-made but made of minerals.

These weighting units were not used for paddy or vegetables but for weighing high-value items such as gold, precious and semi-precious stones. Crystals or mineral materials are used as weighing units because they give accurate results and do not depend on the climate,” said an expert with the state archaeological department.

The crystal quartz unit might have originated in the Kangayam area (near Coimbatore). “Even the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has evidence for this.There are also studies about the availability of crystal quartz in Karur region,” a department expert said. Even as detailed studies are underway, experts estimate that the quartz is probably from a period between 600 BC to 2nd century AD. Keeladi is currently witnessing the ninth phase of excavations launched by Chief Minister MK Stalin last April. Ongoing archaeological excavations in Keeladi and a few other sites in Tamil Nadu have extended the timeline of the Sangam Era from 300 BCE to 600 BCE. Multiple excavations in Tamil Nadu sites initiated by the state archeology department have gained political significance in the light of long-running claims and disputes over Tamil civilisation or Dravidian legacy.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/new-find-at-tamil-nadus-keeladi-archaeologists-discover-crystal-quartz-weighing-unit-8885051/, August 9, 2023

India reportedly has numerous fossil parks and known fossil sites all across the country. Dinosaur fossil findings are common and have been quite popular in India. But, the latest buzz is about a discovery in Jaisalmer. Remains of a 167-million-year-old plant-eating dinosaur were found in the desert region. If you’re an archaeology fanatic, this news is for you. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) recently made a special discovery. They found the oldest fossil remains of a plant-eating dinosaur. The discovery took place in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, reported Times Travel. The news of the discovery is exciting for 3 very special reasons.

Firstly, it is the discovery of the oldest known dicraeosaurid, which is a long-necked plant-eating dinosaur. Secondly, it stands as the world’s earliest diplodocoid. Which is a broader category of similar dinosaurs. And lastly, it is the first discovery of dicraeosaurid dinosaur in India. Scientists initially uncovered this groundbreaking dinosaur fossil in 2018, reported TOI. Through thorough research, they confirmed it as a previously undiscovered species, stated the report. They named this dinosaur Tharosaurus indicus, honouring its origin in the Thar Desert and India. Researchers have published the study in Scientific Reports, an international journal under the Nature Portfolio publication, reported Times Travel.

What Did They Find During The Discovery?
During the exploration and excavation of Middle Jurassic rocks in Jaisalmer, the team unearthed the fossil, stated TOI. After its discovery, a group of six scientists dedicated around five years to studying the findings stated the report. This isn’t the first instance of a dinosaur fossil discovery capturing attention. In January, researchers found 92 nesting sites in the Narmada Valley, central India, stated TOI’s report. They discovered a remarkable total of 256 fossilized eggs during this time. These eggs, which belonged to titanosaurs, the largest land-walking dinosaurs, made significant headlines. Such discoveries bring immense excitement, indicating India’s significant role in dinosaur evolution. They suggest that India has played a vital part in shaping the dinosaur timeline. These findings are bound to remain a topic of discussion for an extended period.

https://curlytales.com/167-million-year-old-dinosaur-fossil-was-found-in-jaisalmer-reportedly-the-oldest-of-its-kind/, August 10, 2023

Nestled in Jolaibari, Pilak formed part of a chain of Hindu-Buddhist sites on tri-junction of East Bengal (now Bangladesh), Tripura and Arakkan (Myanmar) region. Pilak, an over 1000-year-old archaeological site in Tripura, is set to woo more travellers as the state government has initiated steps to develop it as a historical tourism circuit with two other places. The place, nestled in Jolaibari, about 100 km from Agartala, formed part of a chain of Hindu-Buddhist sites on the tri-junction of East Bengal (now Bangladesh), Tripura and Arakkan (Myanmar) region. "It is a famous tourist spot in Tripura’s South District which is visited by people from different parts of the country. We have created an archaeological tourist circuit, including Chhabimura and Udaipur in Gomati district and Pilak in South Tripura district. There is a package tour connecting the three sites", T K Das, Director of the state tourism department told PTI.

Approximately, 200 people visit Pilak every day. The tourism circuit starts from Agartala and links Pilak with Udaipur, a temple town in the northeastern state where Tripureswari Kali temple, one of the 51 Shaktipiths is situated. Bhubaneswari Kali temple, which featured in Rabindranath Tagore’s novel 'Rajarshi' is also located at Udaipur.

It also covers Chhabimura, famous for its panels of rock carvings on the steep mountain wall on the bank of river Gomati. Stone engravings of Hindu Gods carved on stone in the Buddhist style, figurines of Shiva, Surya, Baishnabi, Mahishasurmardini, and Buddha statue can be found Shyam Sundar Tilla, Deb Bari, Thakurani Tilla, Balir Pathar, and Basudeb Bari at the Pilak site spread over three sq km in the uplands and green valleys of Belonia subdivision. Research by late Ratna Das, who had authored a book on Pilak, suggest that the place had emerged as a major Hindu-Buddhist site in the eighth century. Several rock-cut images and terracotta plaques lie scattered in the area and the Archaeological Survey of India is the custodian of the site. Executive engineer of the state Tourism department, Uttam Pal, said, the state government has plans to develop the site for Buddhist tourists of South-East Asia and other places. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had taken over the site since 1999. Pal said, "Since Pilak is declared an Archaeological site, no permanent structure can be built within 150 metres of it, but many facilities have been created for tourists outside the restricted zone. Footfall of visitors is remarkably good. The state government has built a tourist Bungalow at Jolaibari, near the site".

A senior official of the ASI, said, a stupa was excavated at Sundari Tilla under the supervision of ASI Superintendent, P Kumaran. Explaining its importance, the official said, "This is a full-size Buddhist stupa built in the 11th century on the pattern of architecture during the reign of Palas of Bengal." Panna Lal Roy, a writer, and a historian said, Pilak stands as an eloquent symbol of Hindu-Buddhist cultural affinity and the glorious cultural past of the state. The dominant style of the rock-cut images and the sculptures in Pilak depict the influence of the Palas and Guptas of Bengal, the Arakkans in Myanmar (formerly Burma), and the local style, Roy said. "Various images of Tantric Buddhist gods and goddesses are also found in the area. Buddha, Chunda (10th c) Avalokitesvara (8th -9th c), Marichi (9th c) made of stone and Tara, Avolokiteswar, Hariti (made of bronze). The style of Pilak sculptures was prevalent in Bengal during the 9th, 10th, and 11th centuries'," Dr Biswadip Nandi, a historian, wrote in his book 'Rock-cut and sculptures of Tripura'. "The moulded terracotta plaques bear resemblance with moulded plaques recovered from Paharpur and Mainamati in Bangladesh", Roy said. According to a state government website, "it may be presumed that the extensive plains of Tripura were under the control of several dynasties who ruled in Eastern Bengal and Samatata in ancient period. Some of them were Buddhists and the others were Hindus.

Most of these rulers had their capitals near this region. The ancient kingdom of Pattikera had its capital in Comilla region and Pilak is not very far from Comilla". The Tripura government received over ₹1,600 crore in funds for developing the tourism sector for the next five years, state Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said in April. In 2022-23, the northeastern state received nearly 3 lakh tourists of whom more than 35,000 were foreigners. Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly was recently roped in as the brand ambassador for Tripura Tourism and the initiative is expected to give a boost to the state's unexplored tourist destinations.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/travel/pilak-a-1000-year-old-tripura-archaeological-site-2-others-part-of-historical-tourism-circuit-beckon-tourists-101689497895475.html, August 11, 2023

As many as 172 students in 86 teams from 14 schools took part in the written and oral contest on ` greatness of ourIndian heritage’ conducted by the East Godavari chapter of Indian national trust for art and cultural heritage (INTACH) at the PR government college here on Sunday. Dr Kalyan Chakravarty Managing Director of Trust hospital who was the chief guest has explained the participants on the values of Indian heritage and culture. He also advised them on the precautions to be taken for maintaining good health.

http://www.uniindia.com/intach-conducts-heritage-contest-to-kakinada-students/south/news/3030400.html, August 14, 2023

Did you know about the oldest church in Delhi? Well, it is the St James Church, also known as Skinner’s Church which is located near Kashmiri Gate. The church traces its history back to the British era and is one of the long standing religious testaments of the British Raj in Delhi. The church had been recently restored and reopened by the government. And here’s all that you need to know about the restoration of the church. So, read on! Restoration Of Faith | Well, it has already been established that St James is one of the oldest churches in Delhi, but how old is the real question! Well, in 1836, it became the official church of the British Viceroy of India and it was built by a Scottish mercenary fighter James Skipper.

This historical church had recently been revamped, restored and finally reopened for the public. The restoration was done by DDA along with the help of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage aka INTACH. The restoration started in 2022 and was inaugurated on 6th August 2023 by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The church will be serving as a major tourist attraction during the upcoming G 20 summit that’ll be held for the first time in India. So, drop by for your Sunday prayers and unveil the history too!

https://so.city/delhi/article/delhis-oldest-church-st-james-church-has-been-restored-will-be-a-prominent-landmark-for-tourists, August 15, 2023

On April 12, the NDMC signed an MoU with INTACH to implement the project regarding the conservation and restoration of Connaught Place building, ensuring that the overhaul is done with the area's heritage significance in mind. In preparation for the upcoming G-20 summit, civic bodies in the national capital are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to beautify the heart of the city, Connaught Place, and other locations surrounding the seat of the government. The Connaught Place area has been freshly painted white and the plaster has been repaired, wherever needed, as part of the New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) beautification efforts. Road markings, kerb stones, zebra crossing markings, and signages have been fixed while the verandahs of each market block have been renovated, officials said. Besides, the lighting inside the corridors has been upgraded with new LED bulbs replacing the old lights. Cleanliness initiatives have also been strengthened at Palika Bazar. On April 12, the NDMC signed an MoU with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to implement the project regarding the conservation and restoration of Connaught Place building, ensuring that the overhaul is done with the area’s heritage significance in mind. According to sources, the NDMC has made sure that the extensive beautifying and revamping procedure does not jeopardise the heritage value of the colonial-era market. As part of the beautification efforts, NDMC has installed four fountains in the Lutyens’ Delhi neighbourhood — one each at Barakhamba Road, Curzon Road, Sansad Marg, and Janpath. All of the T-points in the vicinity are also being beautified with plants. Meanwhile, designer sculptures such as elephants and horses have been installed at Akbar Road while two lion statues have been put up on the roundabout near the PM’s house. According to sources, the seating arrangement in the market has also been upgraded with outdated metal benches having been replaced by new stone benches. “The stone benches are more durable and add more aesthetic value, and the number of benches has also been increased,” officials said. In addition, the indoor parking area has been improved. “All of our efforts are aimed at ensuring that the G-20 delegates have a trouble-free stay in Delhi,” authorities said. The council is focusing its efforts on streets leading to Pragati Maidan, where the main G-20 event is scheduled to take place, such as Bhagwan Das Road, Barakhamba Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Janpath, Ashoka Road, and Purana Qila Road. The council also intends to carpet 43 roadways ahead of the G-20 conference. “As much as 99% of the work has already been completed, with only minor touch-ups remaining…beginning Friday, the NDMC’s enforcement department will conduct daily inspections and 24X7 monitoring of the Lutyens’ area,” BJP leader and NDMC vice-chairperson Satish Upadhyay said. The head of the Connaught Place Market Association, Atul Bhargava, has also asked all traders to clean and beautify their shops.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/fountains-whitewash-lighting-connaught-place-gets-ready-for-g-20-visitors-8897485/, August 16, 2023

Youngsters get the first hand experience of different types of manuscripts, as ‘museum visits their college’. From palm leaves (talapatralu) in Telugu and Sanskrit, specimens of original paintings from Muraqqa from Deccan and handwritten text and calligraphy, besides earliest printed texts of archaeological and historical importance are being displayed. These gave students insights into the century old perspective regarding documentation and their preservation. About 40 students who are part of the college’s ‘Heritage Club' took active part in explaining the significance of the manuscripts on display on their campus. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) which had signed MoU with the Bhavan’s Vivekananda College of Science, Sainikpuri, helped organise the event on the campus, in association with Manuscript Oriental Library – Osmania University and Salar Jung Museum on Monday. Members of the club wished that all historical records are preserved by the government. “It is important that we know our past and should not allow history to fade away. I am fortunate that our college provided a chance to learn about history, rather than going all the way to the museum,” said Sai Bhargav, B Com (final) who has a passion for making sketches of Hindu gods. Mender of TS Government Oriental Manuscripts Library and Research Institute, J Satyanarayana, explained that as part of this ‘awareness camp’ to students two types of manuscript paper and palm leaves are exhibited. “These palm leaves are 350 years old, while those printed are 150 years old. The language used is Sanskrit and Telugu and mostly religious texts. While some authors are identified, others are anonymous,” he explained. Salarjung Museum provided specimens of SiyahQulamDeccani School (paintings). “These paintings reflect the culture of the time; out of curiosity artists made these paintings. These are painted with minute details,” said Dr K Meena Rani, coordinator of the Heritage Club. Anuradha Reddy, convener of INTACH (Hyderabad chapter) who arranged the programme, said it was an attempt to encourage youth to get an idea of importance of heritage. “We have asked the museum and institute to provide relevant manuscripts of Deccani and those reflecting local and regional in digitised format. The illustrated manuscripts are introduced for the first time so that students also get proper knowledge about different categories. We are hopeful of conducting more such events in different institutions,” she said.

https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/hyderabad/museum-visits-students-youngsters-get-good-grasp-of-manuscripts-on-college-campus-815869, August 16, 2023

She wondered as to how the GHMC is planning to dispose of the kitchen and sewage waste generated from the cafeteria and toilets. Heritage activists are raising a strong objection to the construction of a cafeteria and public toilets on the footpath right in front of the museum. On June 13, GHMC had issued a work order for Swachh Management Services, awarding them the work to construct a cafeteria with public toilets under the Safe City Project in Charminar zone, right opposite the museum’s main entrance. “Somebody is constructing restaurant and toilets in front of the museum gate, which will be a safety and security hazard, and the ambiance of the museum will also be affected. It will not be safe for the retaining wall of the Musi,” said A Nagender Reddy, Director of Salarjung Museum. According to P Anuradha Reddy, Convener, INTACH, Hyderabad, the entire stretch from Puranapur to Chaderghat bridge has been declared a heritage precinct, and such a construction will be against the GHMC/HMDA’s own heritage regulations. She wondered as to how the GHMC is planning to dispose of the kitchen and sewage waste generated from the cafeteria and toilets. The heritage activists are requesting the GHMC to find an alternative location. Work stopped, says ghmc official. Deputy commissioner of GHMC, Charminar Circle 9, D Dakhu Naik, said on Tuesday that the construction work was stopped, and he would be inspecting the site before proceeding further with the cafeteria and public toilets.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2023/aug/16/heritage-activists-object-to-cafeteria-in-front-of-hyderabadssalarjung-museum-2605682.html, August 16, 2023

The Delhi government's 'City of Lakes' project seeks to develop about 600 water bodies that will act as natural reservoirs to store excess rainfall as well as recycled water. Timarpur Lake in northern Delhi had been known for decades as a place for petty crime and the foul smell of sewage. It's now getting ready to welcome visitors with a new amphitheater, children's play area and fountains dotting the landscape. The restoration is one of the first of hundreds that Delhi plans to secure its water supply and become less reliant on neighboring states. The Delhi government's 'City of Lakes' project seeks to develop about 600 water bodies that will act as natural reservoirs to store excess rainfall as well as recycled water. The landlocked metropolis, which encompasses New Delhi, once boasted more than 1,000 water bodies, but rapid urbanization has created a city more frequently associated with polluted air and deadly roads. The loss of freshwater ponds and lakes has left Delhi with a water deficit of 1135 million litres a day - almost a quarter of what the city needs and enough to fill more than 450 Olympic-size swimming pools. But the task to bring back those lakes isn't a simple one.

Many require an adjacent water treatment facility, and it's taken five years for the project to get off the ground because of budgetary constraints, the pandemic and bureaucracy across government departments. So far, fewer than 50 lakes have been restored. "Some of these water bodies are in pretty bad health and will need investment," said Madhu Verma, chief economist at WRI India, which helps governments and businesses find economically and environmentally sound solutions. However, investors and planners still need to be educated about the benefits and cost effectiveness of such infrastructure, she said. Delhi's water problem - both too much and not enough - became strikingly evident during the most recent monsoon season, when the worst flooding in decades crippled parts of the city and shut three water treatment facilities when floodwater entered the machines, temporarily cutting water supply by 25%. On a national level, India is also in need of more clean water to serve a rapidly growing population. It's the world's biggest extractor of groundwater, accounting for almost a quarter of the total extracted globally.

It's home to 16% of the world's people but has only 4% of earth's freshwater resources. Results of completed projects show some success with an increase of as much as six meters in groundwater levels, according to the Delhi government. But reviving the lakes - and in some cases, developing artificial ones - is challenging. The city only gets rain about 15 days a year during monsoon season, but lakes need a perennial source of water, said Ankit Srivastava, an engineer who advised the Delhi Jal Board. "We are connecting every lake with a water source so that it doesn't dry up," he said, sitting in a makeshift container office at Timarpur Lake. He estimates the cost for the total City of Lakes project at about 10 billion rupees. Delhi produces nearly 1900 millions of litres of recycled water a day, most of which is currently being wasted. This water will be pumped into the lakes and then undergo further treatment in reverse osmosis plants at some sites before being supplied to households. Another aim of the project is to provide a buffer against floods, but some experts are skeptical. The recent flooding due to a raging Yamuna river happened because of urbanization in low-lying areas where there is no drainage, said Manu Bhatnagar, who heads the Natural Heritage Division at Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, or INTACH, a non-government organization.

"It's a good idea conceptually but there are limitations," said Bhatnagar, an urban and environmental planner. "Delhi lakes can't act as buffer for flood because most are tiny and are in locations where they don't capture floodwater." Many lakes shrunk or became dumping grounds as they were encroached upon for construction in pursuit of economic growth. The restorations should, however, improve the quality of life for Delhi residents and draw birds and plants that are beneficial for lake ecosystems. At Timarpur Lake, a team of about 50 laborers is trying to wrap up the work at the sewage treatment plant that will supply recycled water to the lake. The huge iron gate of the site which reads in Hindi "Work in Progress. Accident Prone Area" is scheduled to open to the public this year.

https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/after-floods-delhi-looks-to-its-lakes-for-water-solution-4307483, August 16, 2023

The Delhi state archaeology department has started conservation work at the 17th century garden of Mehram Khan, comprising two gumtis, near Mehram Nagar village, a few miles from IGI airport. The garden is home to several Mughal era ruins and its renovation comes ahead of the G20 Summit next month. Deputy director (archaeology) Sanjay Kumar Garg told TOI that after getting approval from the defence ministry, work started two days ago. The area, around 40/40 metres, is owned by the defence ministry. The garden, which had turned into a jungle with wild shrubs everywhere, has been cleaned. The repair and conservation of two gumtis inside the garden has started and is likely to be finished by the end of this month. Since the garden is near the airport, it will be illuminated at the front to highlight to G20 delegates its heritage value. In 2016, the department of archaeology, in collaboration with INTACH, started the conservation work and rebuilt one of the two missing gateways and dug out a small tank with a water channel.

The work was discontinued in May 2017 after a dispute between the state archaeology department and the defence ministry over permission of starting conservation work there. Though the land belongs to the ministry, the structures are on the protected monuments' list of the state archaeology department, officials said. According to officials, the garden was made in the late Mughal period and enclosed by rubble masonry walls with octagonal bastions at the north-east and north-west. Its corners are topped with chhatris. On the north, east and west sides are the remains of baradaris in an advanced stage of decay, while at the north-west is a ruined building, said to have been connected to a well from which water was raised by means of a Persian wheel.

The only entrance to the garden was through the north gate of the katra to which it seems to have been originally attached. Historians said the garden was named after the Mughal courtier, Mehram Khan, a eunuch who was in charge of the Mughal harem. It belongs to the period of emperor Shahjahan. The word 'mehram' has an Arabic origin, meaning a close escort and confidant, who can freely talk to and meet women in the king's harem. According to an Archaeological Survey of India listing the Garden of Mehram Khan was situated near Mehram Nagar village, which is at present near Palam Airport terminal 2.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/17th-century-mughal-garden-to-get-new-lease-of-life/articleshow/102668885.cms?from=mdr, August 17, 2023

As Hyderabad’s Osmania General Hospital faces the threat of demolition, we take a look back at its legacy and significance, and how it has been witness to some remarkable milestones in the history of medicine. On July 27, the Telangana government submitted an affidavit before the Telangana High Court announcing its decision to demolish all buildings that form part of the Osmania General Hospital (OGH) campus — including the heritage block. In its place, the government plans to build a new 1800-bed facility. But there are currently several public interest litigations (PIL) in the High Court that seek to preserve the heritage block. For instance, one filed by social activist Lubna Sarwath calls the demolition unconstitutional which will “hurt the city’s identity”.

“The State cannot afford the luxury of forgetting that the destruction of heritage buildings will rob its people of the essence of their identity, and will deprive the city of its sense of uniqueness. While it is important to plan for the future, it is equally important to protect, to preserve and to promote the past,” Sarwath told The Indian Express. Experts want to preserve the heritage building, and want the new hospital to either be built around it, or at another location. Let’s take a look at what makes this hospital so iconic.

Hyderabad’s medical breakthroughs
In the mid-19th century, medical education was picking up in Hyderabad with the advent of the Hyderabad Medical School. The land that houses the OGH campus today was earlier home to the Afzal Gunj Hospital, which was constructed in 1866 and served as a teaching hospital.

It was at these two buildings that major medical breakthroughs were made. The discovery of malaria was made at the Hyderabad Medical School by Nobel laureate Sir Ronald Ross. On the other hand, Afzal Gunj Hospital contributed to a major breakthrough in anesthesia. The first international chloroform trials, backed by the sixth Nizam Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, took place in this hospital from 1888 to 1891, and were conducted by his personal physician Dr Edward Lawrie. The Chloroform Commission conducted experiments to establish the effectiveness of chloroform as an anesthetic to treat patients. It was a major breakthrough that led to several lives being saved in the future.

While the chemical was being used for surgical procedures, this trial helped in determining how it could be used safely. The Commission’s report would go on to be published in The Lancet.

Built in the aftermath of floods and a plague
As medicine flourished in Hyderabad, unprecedented rainfall resulted in catastrophic floods, ravaging the erstwhile princely state. During the reign of the sixth Nizam, one of the casualties of the Musi River flooding was the Afzal Gunj Hospital. More than 15,000 people lost their lives, but a large tamarind tree near the hospital acted as a savior for 150 people who climbed it. In 1911, Mir Osman Ali Khan, Hyderabad’s last Nizam took over. This is when the bubonic plague hit Hyderabad. This epidemic yet again took several lives, and brought to the fore the need for a major infrastructure revamp.

Osman Ali Khan is said to have heralded a new modern infrastructure push that would be better equipped to deal with nature’s fury. In 1912, Hyderabad got its first urban development authority, the Hyderabad City Improvement Board (CIB). From then on, the city saw several new constructions, including buildings, roads, bridges, sewers, railways, parks, dams, courts, universities and hospitals. After the Musi river flooded, Osman Ali Khan is believed to have initiated the construction of two reservoirs — Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar — by Sir M Visvesvaraya, even before he came to power. Many heritage structures, including the Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad High Court, Government City College, Kacheguda railway station and Osmania University were built by the Last Nizam.
An unmissable part of old Hyderabad

In 1919, the Nizam commissioned British architect Vincent Esch to design a hospital equipped with modern facilities. Esch was known as the pioneer of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, which combined elements from Mughal architecture with the British style. The architect had earlier worked on the Victoria Memorial in Calcutta. In a report on Esch, writer and lecturer GHR Tillotson calls this style, “an attempt by British architects in India, beginning in the last third of the nineteenth century, to develop a style which reflected the local architectural heritage, and so to present an Indian imagery for the buildings of the Raj”. Tillotson adds that Esch described his style used in Hyderabad as ‘Perpendicular Mogul Saracenic’. “Esch regarded the style he used in Hyderabad as a slight departure from strict Mughal design, and used this term which acknowledges a visually evident Gothic influence,” adds Tillotson. Flanking the left bank of the Musi River, Osmania General Hospital was built on 26.5 acres of land.

What catches your eye when you see the majestic structure are the huge bulbous domes, which are an unmissable part of Old City’s skyline. The hospital reportedly cost Rs 20 lakh to build and the construction was completed in 1925. The main building, which is the one activists want to save, was constructed using granite, limestone and lime plaster. The three-storied building has a jack arch roof that is supported by iron girders, and is said to be one of the early examples of smaller reinforced cement concrete slabs. While the plan and construction might be British, the grand dome, cupolas, historical motifs, and chajjas give the Mughal touch. There was also a park, nurses’ quarters (in case of quarantine), and a block for laundry, which were later demolished to make way for in-patient treatments. Today, the 1,168-bed hospital campus also includes a nursing and dental college. It is also one of the only tertiary hospitals in the old city that the poor from nearby districts also have access to.
A fight to retain an icon
In July 2020, the heritage block at the OGH was flooded and subsequently vacated. Continuous rains left the wards in the heritage building filled with ankle-deep water. It was sealed and vacated after that. Students and doctors have been demanding urgent repairs for a long time now. “In the last 10 years, all OMC (Osmania Medical College) students have faced problems while studying at OGH. Almost every corner or room has patches of roof that have collapsed over the years. They make temporary repairs, but in the rainy season, these issues worsen. There is always a heavy influx of patients and if we need to provide better services, then we need better maintenance of the building as well,” said Dr Kadali Vishni, who passed out from OMC in 2014 to The News Minute. This led to a renewed push by politicians to demolish the structure and build a new hospital. What everyone unanimously agrees upon, is the fact that the building is in urgent need of repair and restoration. While Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao wants the entire structure to be demolished, conservation architects want it to be restored.

Conservation architects and historians, however, have been arguing for saving the heritage building — which is built on 1 acre — and building a new hospital around it. The structure is graded a II-B Heritage Building in Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Association (HMDA) Listing and is protected under the Heritage Regulations of HMDA. A change.org petition was started in July 2020 to ‘Save Osmania General Hospital-Protect Heritage and Health’, which received more than 14,000 signatures. “This is not just a building but it is the skyline of the city. The entire Musi and the banks of it tell the story of the city and how it took shape,” said conservation architect GSV Suryanarayana Murthy to The Print. In August 2015 and 2019, INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) published a report stating that the building was in a “very good and structurally stable condition and did not pose a threat to its occupants".

In November 2019, Telangana’s Department of Archaeology and Museums and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture published a report that stated that the heritage building need not be demolished. Both reports state that the building should be restored based on heritage conservation principles. “Taking everything into consideration, we observed that the heritage building is safe for another century, however it requires some repairs.

The way the building was built shows how well it was planned — there was a lot of ventilation, large corridors, and proper outlets for the water. The damage caused to it is purely due to ‘unscientific intervention’. There was also a park opposite to the hospital for people to relax, which has been destroyed,” said Anuradha Reddy of INTACH to The Print. “You have to have a basic sense of history, culture, heritage, and an idea of its importance. These are markers of identity, these are icons of the past — if you don’t retain that, Hyderabad is no longer a 400-year-old city,” said Sajjad Shahid, a historian and conservation activist, to Caravan.

https://www.thebetterindia.com/327025/history-and-legacy-of-osmania-general-hospital-demolition-in-hyderabad/, August 18, 2023

More brick structures, including a couple of channel-like structures, have been unearthed during the first phase of excavation by the state archaeology department at Porpanaikottai in Pudukottai district. Archaeologists said habitants used rare fragments of western rouletted ware as coins in the game of hopscotch instead of fragments of domestic pottery, pointing out the material greatness of the habitation. The state archaeology department first spotted a small portion of a brick structure at the excavation site in May this year. Further digging revealed a portion of a semi-circular brick structure at 3.8cm below the surface level. The structure has three cores. “Each core belongs to different timelines, including the Sangam age and the medieval period. We suspect lime mortar to be used as a binding material.

The diameter of the structure is 230cm,” said an archaeologist. Similarly, a linear brick canal was also found. The canal was 57cm below the surface and 355cm long. In another trench, a separate water channel made of brick was spotted at 32cm from the surface. The Sangam age objects such as black and red ware were found at a depth between 200cm and 300cm while objects belonging to the medieval period were found at a depth varying between 80cm and 230cm. “Considering the size and depth of the brick structure, Porpanaikottai should have been a well-established habitation site. More trenches have to be dug to identify the nature of the brick structure which could date back to the 16th century,” said T Thangadurai, director of the Porpanaikottai archaeological excavation.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/more-brick-structures-found-at-porpanaikottai/articleshow/102666288.cms?from=mdr, August 18, 2023

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken a significant step towards preserving India’s rich cultural heritage by forming a special committee dedicated to the development of Indian manuscripts. In a letter dated July 10, the UGC informed the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) about the creation of an eleven-member committee consisting of experts in Sanskrit languages and representatives from renowned institutes like IITs. The primary objective of this committee is to design a comprehensive model syllabus for courses related to Indian manuscripts and Sanskrit languages. These courses can be offered to students specializing in these subjects or as open electives for students pursuing other disciplines. With a history steeped in diverse insights, traditions, languages, and cultural nuances, India boasts an invaluable repository of historical texts, covering a wide array of topics such as philosophy, science, literature, and religion. Heading this esteemed panel is Prafulla Mishra, a former director of the National Mission for Manuscripts. Joining him are experts like Jatindra Mohan Mishra, a Sanskrit professor at the NCERT, Vasant Bhatt, a former director of the School of Languages at Gujarat University, and Professor Malhar Kulkarni from IIT Mumbai. Manuscriptology is the study of history and literature through handwritten records preserved in various scripts and languages. This field encompasses a wide range of ancient documents, including those etched on metal, leaves, sculptures, and walls. India’s cultural diversity has thrived through the centuries, reflecting the uniqueness of each state. According to the National Manuscriptology Mission (NMM), India houses approximately 10 million manuscripts spanning 80 ancient scripts, etched on metals, leaves, fabrics, and bark. Among these, 75 per cent are composed in Sanskrit, with the remaining 25 per cent in regional languages. The UGC Director emphasizes that safeguarding these manuscripts not only nurtures diversity but also deepens our understanding of the nation’s legacy. This effort will significantly contribute to the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), which aims to establish a standardized curriculum. The UGC Chairman, in the communication addressed to NMM, highlights that higher education institutions can utilize the standardized syllabus to promote the Indian Knowledge System. Universities are also encouraged to offer postgraduate diploma courses in manuscriptology and palaeography, enhancing the academic offerings and empowering students to delve into the rich historical and cultural tapestry of India.

https://www.news18.com/education-career/ugc-forms-committee-to-develop-indian-manuscripts-and-preserve-cultural-heritage-8540066.html, August 18, 2023