The Kashmir Valley was recently listed by UNESCO among the creative cities of the world. The valley has innumerable arts and crafts. And one such craft is Glazed pottery. The glazed tiles and other items have been made for centuries in the valley but the art was on the verge of extinction. A 26-year-old commerce graduate from Srinagar's Nishat area, Mohamad Omar Kumar has taken it upon himself to revive the craft. Omar has learnt the art from the only person alive in Kashmir valley knowing the craft. And with the help of Jammu and Kashmir's Handicraft department, Omar was able to set up a unit to make these items. ''My grandfather and father have been doing pottery. But In the beginning I was not interested but once I finished studies I got to know that Glazed pottery is at the verge of extinction. It caught my attention and I searched more. There was only one old man in the Khanyar area of srinagar making the glazed tiles and other stuff. Even that person's children did not take it up. I went to him and learnt for around 6 months. I learnt how to make glazed pottery from him as he is the only person alive knowing the art. I thought of reviving the art and bringing it back to life. I did a lot of hard work. I learned how to make these glazed items here. The glaze is made at home with things which we generally throw away. '' said Mohamad Omar Kumar, Artisan. The Jammu and Kashmir government has various schemes for the revival of endangered arts of the Kashmir Valley. Among them was Glazed pottery. The government helps artisans establish units and also provide them with raw material as well as stipend. The Jammu and Kashmir governments want to make Srinagar into a craft destination. ''The department of Handicraft launched a policy where we revive critically endangered crafts and glazed pottery is one of the craft which we are endeavouring to revive. We approached this entrepreneur, who was inclined in starting his enterprise of glazed pottery manufacturer. He did his basic training from one of the old teachers. From our intervention under KarKhanDar Scheme, we help in the form of raw material.

We also provide stipend to the trainer and also to the trainee so it's a win-win situation for all. Our craft is revived and we incentivised the revival process. We are happy that intervention has borne fruit. Revival of one endangered craft has been accomplished. We want to approach more such individuals who are interested in these critically endangered crafts. This becomes even more critical in view of UNESCO creative city listing wherein we will be pitching in as a craft destination. '' said Mehmood Shah,Director, Handicrafts. The Kashmiri tiles were used centuries ago in palaces as well as traditional Kashmiri homes. But with time, people started using ceramic tiles and with no market, the artisans were left with no choice but to stop production. And now the artisans like Omar are trying to bring back the Kashmiri Tiles in the market. Within a short span of time, He has received orders from across the country for these tiles. ''We are not unemployed, we have made ourselves as such. We have so much art here and if we take up all these arts again, no one in the Kashmir valley would be unemployed. Our older generations have left us with so much craft and art, we just need to work on it. The clay tiles I started making were completely finished but now I am making them again with a different design and I have so many orders in a short span of time. I can't manage it alone on my own. We need more and more people taking this up. It's our responsibility to bring alive all these arts. '' said Mohamad Omar Kumar, Artisan. The government is helping Omar in every possible way. As the orders increase, the government is helping him to meet the growing demand for these items. ''In the years gone by we used to manufacture these glazed clay tiles. In fact our museum has one of the diverse collections of tiles. And The manufacture and baking of tiles is a historical process which has been carried out here and these tiles were all seen in all old houses but we nowaday we are finding it difficult to source but with this intervention we have a source who can churn out tiles. In Fact we are working with him and we are also helping him with production increase. Since it has gotten a lot of attention, people are interested in buying stuff from him so we also have to make sure of the production. '' said Mehmood Shah,Director, Handicrafts. The Srinagar city has made it to the UNESCO list of creative cities and now the government aims at making the summer capital of Jammu Kashmir into a craft destination.

https://www.wionews.com/india-news/reviving-kashmirs-dying-crafts-youth-becomes-an-inspiration-to-bring-back-glazed-pottery-433218, December 01, 2021

If you consider yourself a heritage buff, then there could be nothing better than spending long hours inside a museum. Studying Museum Studies, also known as Museology, can open doors to this career where you’ll get a chance to preserve history for future generations.

What is Museology

Museology is a multidisciplinary subject that encompasses different features of history, archaeology, research and archiving. Infrastructure maintenance, technical inputs needed to design a museum and audience engagement mediums are some of the other aspects of Museology. It also involves the management and administration of museums.

Studying Museology

Diploma, postgraduation and PhD courses are available in this subject. The graduation and diploma courses include different aspects of Museology. You need some knowledge of Ancient History, Culture, Sociology, Anthropology or Arts in undergraduate levels to pursue a postgraduate course in Museology.

Some top institutes that offer Museology courses:

The University of Calcutta, Kolkata

Course offered: MA or MSc in Museology.

Duration: Two years.

Eligibility: You need at least 55% marks in your undergraduate studies in any of these subjects: Anthropology, Ancient Indian History, Archaeology, Environmental Studies, Folklore, Fine Arts, History, History of Art, Islamic History and Culture or any equivalent subject.

Admission: Merit-based.

Course offered: PhD.

Eligibility: You need to write an entrance exam to qualify for admission to the course. The exam tests your knowledge of museums.

Check out here to know more.

Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata

Course offered: MA in Museology.

Duration: Two years.

Eligibility: You need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any discipline from a UGC-recognised university.

Admission: Merit-based.

Course offered: PhD.

Eligibility: You need a master’s degree in Museology or an equivalent subject with at least 50% aggregate from a UGC-recognised university.

Check out here to know more.

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

Course offered: MA in Museology (professional course).

Eligibility: You need to clear the Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Exam to qualify for admission.

Check out here to know more.

Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh

Course offered: MSc in Museology.

Duration: Two years.

Eligibility: You need to score at least 55% in your undergraduate course in any of the following subjects: Biological Sciences, Geology, Chemistry, Anthropology, Engineering, Computer Applications, Archaeology, Industrial Chemistry, Geography, Agriculture, Forestry, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, History and Fine Arts. You also need to clear the department’s internal entrance exam.

Course offered: Post-MSc diploma in Museology.

Duration: Two years.

Eligibility: You need to score at least 55% in your undergraduate course in any relevant discipline.

Admission: Merit-based.

Course offered: PhD.

Check out here to know more.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai

Course offered: PG Diploma in Museology and Conservation.

Duration: One year.

Eligibility: You need a BA or BSc degree in an equivalent subject.

Admission: Merit-based and depends on the reservation policies set by the University of Mumbai.

Check out here to know more.

The Centre for Studies in Museology, University of Jammu, Jammu

Course offered: MPhil in Museology.

Duration: One year.

Eligibility: You need a master’s degree in a relevant subject with at least 55% marks. You also need to clear the entrance exam conducted by the department concerned.

Course offered: PhD in Museology.

Eligibility: You need a master’s degree in a relevant subject with at least 55% marks. You also need to clear the entrance exam conducted by the department concerned.

Check out here to know more.

Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi

Course: PG Diploma in Museology.

Eligibility: You need a master’s degree in any of the following disciplines with 55% aggregate — Ancient or Medieval Indian History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology with knowledge of the Pleistocene era, Indian Classical languages like Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Arabic or Persian. Applications are invited through direct advertisement in June, followed by a written exam and interview of the shortlisted candidates around September each year.

Check out here to know more.

Job roles with a Museology degree

Museum curator: They assemble the display of historical artefacts in museums, design specialised galleries, label and align all the items in that gallery, purchase new collections, and record the origin, age and conservation details of each item. They also host special events or exhibitions in the museum.

Museum educationist: These professionals interact with museum visitors and enlighten them about the historic artefacts in a museum or a specific gallery. They host and guide groups of academics, students, scholars and dignitaries.

Exhibition coordinator: There can be multiple exhibitions in a museum at the same time. Exhibition coordinators curate and coordinate such exhibitions. They also handle public relations for those exhibitions.

Archivist: They evaluate, organise, collect, conserve and keep access to records and archives in museums and galleries. They also need some knowledge of technology for working in the digital domain.

Conservation specialist: They have specialised knowledge to spot decay in a historical artefact. These professionals are trained to treat deterioration of paintings, monuments and artefacts and restore them to their original forms.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/edugraph/career/courses-in-museum-studies-where-to-study-and-nature-of-work/cid/1841426, December 01, 2021

An earthen pot filled with ancient coins was discovered in a stone mine in Madhya Pradesh’s Tikamgarh district on November 30, as per TNN. There are 164 coins and the engravings are in Persian. They have been deposited in a closed container in the district treasury waiting for an archaeology team to study them. The pot was carefully removed and were stunned to see it full of coins. The pot was carried to the treasury office, where it was inventoried. “They have Persian engravings. By tomorrow, we may be known more about them,” said the District Collector. This region of Bundelkhand had a strong Afghan and Mughal presence back in the 16th and 17th centuries. Emperor Shahjahan sent an army under Aurangzeb's command to Orchha to defeat king Jujhar Singh. This is indeed a major discovery and it remains to be seen what part of history these coins are from. More such pots could be around and no doubt a search will be conducted. It could be hidden treasure for all we know and it will be interesting to see when and if anything else turns up.

https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/madhya-pradesh-pot-full-of-ancient-coins-found-in-tikamgarh-mine-555789.html, December 02, 2021

The project in south Delhi began in 2007 and a multiple initiatives have been taken under it which have improved the quality of life. In double joy for India, a project on holistic urban revitalisation of the historic Nizamuddin Basti community in Delhi, has brought laurels for the country in two categories in this year's UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservatio. The project has won the prestigious Award of Excellence, and another award in the Special Recognition for Sustainable Development category, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) said. Nine projects from six countries – Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand – have been honoured by a jury of heritage experts. Jurors met online in November to review a total of 39 entries from 12 countries across the Asia-Pacific, UNESCO Bangkok said in a statement issued on Wednesday. Jingdezhen Pengjia Alley Compound in Jiangxi, China and Kesennuma Historic Citiscape in Miyagi, Japan, have won Award of Distinction; while Award of Merit went to Doleshwar Hanafia Jame Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh; Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple in Penang, Malaysia; and Baan Khun Phithak Raya in Pattani, Thailand. "The jury applauded the Nizamuddin Basti project for its outstanding achievement in placing heritage at the heart of the sustainable development agenda and noted that through an innovative People-Public-Private Partnership model, the project overcame major socioeconomic challenges and improved health, education and well-being, particularly for women and youth," the statement said. The project in south Delhi began in 2007 and a multiple initiatives have been taken under it which have improved the quality of life, livelihood of the people in the centuries-old neighbourhood, said a senior official of Aga Khan Trust for Culture, which executed it in partnership with local civic body, Archaeological Survey of India and a few other agencies. The UNESCO awards jury further commented, “It is notable that the development initiatives preceded the conservation efforts, which encompassed the meticulous restoration of over 20 historic monuments clustered around the 14th-century mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya".

"From conserving monuments to reviving local crafts, to improving the urban environment and creating new jobs, the project has brought about the revitalisation of the living historic urban landscape in its truest sense," it said. "We at the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) are overwhelmend to receive two of the highest awards from UNESCO this year. This ratification, for over decades of work, will hopefully expedite our projects, being replicated across India. In Nizamuddin, its been a privilege to work alongside the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, residents and the ASI," CEO, AKTC, Ratish Nanda told PTI. Delhi's iconic Sunder Nursery, a 90-acre garden which was transformed into a horticultural paradise after a decade-long conservation work, was among the winners in the UNESCO AsiaPacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2020. The park, located near UNESCO heritage site of Humayun's Tomb, had won the Award of Excellence. After a decade-long conservation work by AKTC and its partnering agencies, the Sunder Nursery, located in Nizamuddin area, was transformed into a new horticultural delight, and was opened to the public in February 2018. Since 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation programme has been recognizing the efforts of private individuals and organizations in restoring, conserving, and transforming structures and buildings of distinct heritage value in the region In 2020, UNESCO introduced the Special Recognition for Sustainable Development and an updated set of Awards criteria to highlight the contribution of cultural heritage to sustainable development within the broader framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the statement said.

https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/twin-cheers-for-india-as-nizamuddin-basti-project-wins-two-unesco-heritage-awards-1056859.html, December 02, 2021

One-week Workshop on ‘The Art of Writing a Research Paper’ commenced at Islamic University of Science and Technology on Wednesday. The event being organized by the Department of Management Studies will focus on guiding the scholars through various stages of publication of a research paper – selection of the broad area, identification of research gap, design of research approach and methodology, presentation of results, submission of a paper to the journal, creating revisions and responses to reviewer comments. While addressing the participants, Dr. Asif Iqbal Fazili, Head Department of Management Studies, highlighted the growing significance of research in the contemporary academic arena besides underscoring its nuances in the backdrop of the New Education Policy, 2020. He also brought to the fore the earnest need for the workshop as several scholars, though well equipped with the knowledge of methodological tools of research, find themselves floundering while trying to transform their academic learning into meaningful scholarly output.

Dean Research Professor Haroon R. Naik, while delivering the inaugural address, congratulated the Department of Management Studies for providing this much needed platform to the scholars on an oft-neglected but, nevertheless, most pertinent aspect of research. He advised the scholars to make the best use of this opportunity in order to produce insightful research articles that are relevant not just to academia but the society as well. The inaugural function concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Anisa Jan, Associate Professor, Department of Management Studies, IUST. Besides IUST’s Department of Architecture in collaboration with INTACH J&K Chapter, organized a day-long workshop on 'Exploration of Cultural Resources of Kashmir' on Wednesday. Convenor INTACH (J&K Chapter), Muhammad Saleem Beg, who was also the Chief Guest on the occasion said, "Kashmir has contributed immensely to cultural artifacts like poetry, calligraphy, painting and numerous other artforms". He also added that the Valley had succeeded in recording it's own unique and exhaustive history. "We have the historical records of the last 5000 years available with us which are rarely found in the Indian Subcontinent", Beg said. Head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences IUST, Prof. Fozia S Qazi in her speech highlighted the patterns of art and cultures through mathematics. She discussed how artisans in the Valley had been stitching different geometric designs on the fabric since past many several decades. Incharge Head Department of Architecture IUST, Dr. Mehran Quraishi shed light on the monumental graveyards from the mediaeval period found in Kashmir including 'Mazar-e Kalan' and 'Mazar-e Shora'. He also spoke about the early Muslim point of view about building these Royal Graves. Both the workshops were attended by students, scholars and faculty members.

https://www.risingkashmir.com/-Workshop-on--The-Art-of-Writing-a-Research-Paper--commences-at-IUST-96332, December 02, 2021

It took around four months by INTACH to restore 10 rare manuscripts that were in dilapidated condition at Bharti Bhawan Library in Prayagraj At least 10 rare manuscripts at Prayagraj’s Bharti Bhawan Library that were in a dilapidated condition have been restored by experts of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The manuscripts have been recently brought back to the library where they are now accessible to scholars, said INTACH officials. A delegation, including joint secretary of INTACH’s Prayagraj chapter Vaibhav Maini, PR and events coordinator Nilesh Narayan and librarian of Bharti Bhawan Swatantra Pandey brought back the manuscripts from Lucknow-based INTACH Conservation Institute (ICI) recently. Maini said the project was funded by INTACH and it took around four months to restore the manuscripts. “The antique manuscripts were in a dilapidated condition but Bharti Bhawan Library lacked funds required for their restoration and preservation which prompted INTACH to take up the task,” Maini said. The manuscripts that have been restored are Mahakal Sanhita (samwat 1600-1700), Navgrah Srot Mantra Janta (samwat 1600-1700), Mahabharat (Sauptik Parv samwat 1663), Kishkindha Kaand (samwat 1762), Lanka Kaand (samwat 1762), Tulsi Mahatya (samwat 1757), Panchang Panna (samwat 1842), Panchang Panna (samwat 1857), Panchang Panna (samwat 1858), Panchang Panna (samwat 1887). “These manuscripts are part of the rare and rich collection at Bharti Bhawan and a great source of knowledge about religion, science and culture,” Maini further said. Maini said there were more old and important manuscripts and rare books that needed immediate restoration. However, due to lack of funds the work was still pending. “INTACH members and Bharti Bhawan officials will soon hold meetings to chalk out a plan for arranging funds for their restoration,” he added.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/rare-manuscripts-at-prayagraj-s-bharti-bhawan-library-restored-by-intach-101637944427835.html, December 03, 2021

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is on a mission to document the traditional masonry gate arch named Kamanam found in old houses in the eastern part of Palakkad district. Starkly different from the traditional gate arches named Padippura that serves the purpose of a mini outhouse in Kerala houses, Kamanam has been found to be exclusive to Chittur, Palakkad and Alathur taluks of the district. “With a distinct Tamil influence, Kamanams are seldom found in other parts of the State. Although many of them have been demolished, there still are a few Kamanams scattered in different parts of eastern Palakkad. We are planning to document those surviving ones,” said Arun Narayanan, INTACH convener in Palakkad. INTACH is planning to bring out a book that can serve as a heritage souvenir of Palakkad with photographs, illustrations and text by architecture experts. Mr. Narayanan said the Kamanams would be featured in the work. “Unlike a coffee-table book, ours will be one meant for treasuring. It will feature illustrations, sketches and photographs that can make a Palakkad native proud of their heritage,” said Mr. Narayanan. INTACH has sought the people’s help to identify Kamanams. “If you know of a house that has a Kamanam that you would like featured in the book, let INTACH know about it either through WhatsApp (9873440216) or email ([email protected]) with a photograph and location details,” he said. Heritage walks

The Palakkad chapter of INTACH has resumed its periodic heritage walks and gatherings after a long gap brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. INTACH officials said that several programmes were on the cards with the objective of cultivating an interest among people for the preservation of heritage. INTACH had organised several sketch walks in historical sites such as the Fort of Tipu Sultan at Palakkad and Killikurissimangalam near Ottapalam. Killikkurissimangalam was home to the 18th century Malayalam poet Kunjan Nambiar. INTACH was instrumental in popularising the sketch walk culture across the country. INTACH had launched its Palakkad edition of sketch walk titled Varayo Vara at the Fort of Tipu Sultan a couple of years ago under the guidance of cartoonist E.P. Unny.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/intach-to-document-palakkads-traditional-masonry-gate-arches-kamanams/article37824923.ece?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=_LB7mbwBJAhg8i_eFPdqu6EMJNBSas1uLkxXnKITwss-1639114371-0-gaNycGzNE70, December 03, 2021

The Pudukottai archaeology research forum, during a field study conducted near ponnamaravathi town in Pudukottai district, has discovered 10 memorial pillars erected for the members of a Tamil merchant guild that served during the period of Rajendra Chola I and Kulottunga Chola I. Epigraphists said that the multiple memorial pillars with Tamil inscriptions stating name of the emperors signify the prominence of merchant guilds, members and the warriors, who were protecting the group during the Chola dynasty. Out of the 10 pillars discovered on the banks of the Konnaipatti tank near Ponnamaravathi, inscriptions only on nine pillars were readable. The pillars have a varying height of five to seven feet and the base is square in shape. According to the inscriptions, the 10 members of a Tamil merchant guild seem to have died due to unspecified reasons in different years, so the memorial stones were said to be different to the hero stones. The inscription mentions the name of Rajendra Chola I, epigraphists said. One of the merchants for whom a was raised, identified him as Gangaikonda Chola Setti, presumably named in the honour of Rajendra Chola addressed as Gangaikondan. Other names in the stone pillars include Kundran, Saththan, Marudhan Setti, Poolankulathan, Mummudi Chola Sithilatti and Sirappan. “The merchant guild has remained influential people during the period of Rajendra Chola I. Finding 10 such pillars at one place is very rare,” said A Manikandan, a research scholar with Thanjavur Tamil University, who was part of the research team. The pillars were erected during the 10th, 17th, 28th and 29th regnal years of Rajendra Chola I.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/10-chola-era-memorial-pillars-for-tamil-merchant-guild-discovered/articleshow/88081072.cms, December 04, 2021

The three-day-long held along the Ganga river concluded on Sunday night, with a special rendition of the Kumaoni Ramilala. The event, which commenced on December 3, was organised by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), Uttarakhand, along with the citizen group Been There Doon That with the support of the Namami Gange project. Many young artists from across the country performed at the event. According to organisers, the festival aimed to promote the heritage of towns and cities along the river while also highlighting the cleanliness efforts being put in to preserve the Ganga. “This is the first edition of the festival but we hope to have many more. The crowd hasbeen more than what we had expected,” said Lokesh Ohri, convener, Intach. Organisers said they didn’t want to commercialise the festival but instead keep it accessible to the public, who had free access to all events this time. Kirti Singh, a tourist from Saharanpur, told TOI, ‘I like the line-up of the event. The Sufi music and heritage walks were very informative. I also liked the clean-up drive. I believe these events are important for creating awareness among people toward the conservation of Ganga.’ The three-day fest saw artists performing devotional music, origami events, painting jams, heritage and nature walks, clean-up drives by school students, open music jams, and Sufi and folk music by Rajasthani folk singers.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/rishikesh-festival-concludes-with-rendition-of-kumaoni-ramlila/articleshow/88110563.cms, December 06, 2021

Better late than never. The department of heritage has finally decided to give a facelift to 27 monuments in twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Though this is a truncated list and excludes most of the monuments built during the Asaf Jahi period, heritage experts welcome the move as the department has turned its attention to conservation after a long time. The decision to protect, conserve and give a facelift to the monuments, mostly built during the Qutub Shahi period, comes after the high court earlier this year pulled up officials concerned over the neglect of heritage and historical structures. Heritage experts suggest that the department of heritage Telangana include all the structures of the Qutub Shahi and the Asaf Jahi periods to give a holistic approach to conservation of city’s heritage, culture, history and architecture. They argue that unless all the monuments, big and small, are brought into the protected list, it would be difficult for Hyderabad to bag the Unesco’s world heritage city tag. Hyderabad has everything to qualify for a world heritage city, but what is required is removal of encroachments, protection of the monuments and conserving them for the posterity. Hyderabad has hundreds of monuments including the not so famous. Every heritage monument and site in the city speaks volumes of the engineering and architectural advancement of those days. They have their own heritage tales to tell. If the tomb of Hakim brings forth the history of the medicine in Hyderabad, the tombs of Kulsum Begum and Khairati Begum give a glimpse of the women power in the Hyderabad of yore. The Shamsheer Kota and Khazana building tell about the weaponry and economic and military prowess of old Hyderabad. “Hyderabad has witnessed three different styles of architecture – Qutub Shahi, Asaf Jahi and Osmanian. They are a synthesis of Indian and Persian styles of architecture. We need to protect prehistoric sites too.

The monuments built during the Nizam VII should also be protected,” said P Anuradha Reddy, convener of city unit of INTACH. She said the Osmania General Hospital building should be included in the state heritage list. Dr Mohammad Safiullah of Deccan Heritage Trust said though the decision to conserve 27 monuments is a welcome move, the department of heritage Telangana should ensure that all monuments of the Asaf Jah period are also protected. The department should expand the list of heritage sites in twin cities. “The state government is keen to secure world heritage city tag for Hyderabad. Heritage and history of Hyderabad should not be seen in isolation or limited to a certain period. The continuity should be maintained and the best way is to protect all the Qutub Shahi, pre-Qutub Shahi, Asaf Jahi and Osmanian monuments,” Safiullah said, adding that continuity of city heritage and history would only fetch Hyderabad the heritage city tag. The monuments protected under state archaeology (heritage Telangana) are Chennakesava Swamy temple, Chandrayangutta; Shamsheer Kota, Golconda; Premamathi mosque, Ibrahimbagh; Khairati Begum’s tomb and mosque, Khairatabad; Kulsum Begum mosque, Kulsumpura; Old Idgah, Madanapet; Miya Misk mosque, Puranapul; Badashahi Ashoorkhana, Pattarghatti; Toli masjid, Karwan; Dargah Hazrat Saidanima, Tank Bund; British Residency, Koti; Gunfoundry, Abids; Reymond's Obelisk, Moosarambagh; old gate of Dabirpura, Dabirpura; Mecca masjid at Charminar; Qutb Shahi tombs, Golconda; Khazana building, Golconda; Taramati Baradari, Ibrahimbagh; Khairat Khan’s tomb, Sultan Shahi; Dargah Hazarat Syed Shah Raziuddin, Gazi Banda; Puranapul gate, Puranapul; Armenian Cemetery, Uppuguda; Sir Ronald Ross building, Begumpet; Shams-ul-Umra tomb (Paigah tombs), Santoshnagar; Musheerabad mosque, Musheerabad; Shaikpet mosque and serai, Shaikpet; and Hakim’s tomb, Toli Chowk. Heritage experts also call for a reconciliation of monuments listed in HMDA and heritage Telangana. The state archaeology should work in tandem with the archaeological survey of India (ASI) to brighten the chances of Hyderabad getting the world heritage city status.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/27-city-monuments-to-get-facelift-experts-urge-for-more/articleshow/88111072.cms, December 06, 2021

The heritage structure, Tipu Khan Sarai, popularly known as Nampally Sarai, located right in front of Nampally railway station closer to the state assembly building, is now being converted into a transit dorm, exclusively for women travellers coming to city from various parts of the state. A 110-year-old heritage structure in the heart of Hyderabad, which had once served as a choultry for tourists coming from far off places, is all set to be demolished to pave way for a modern multi-storeyed guest house. The heritage structure, Tipu Khan Sarai, popularly known as Nampally Sarai, located right in front of Nampally railway station closer to the state assembly building, is now being converted into a transit dorm, exclusively for women travellers coming to city from various parts of the state. A senior official of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) familiar with the development said Nampally Sarai, which was completely in a dilapidated condition, would be demolished. “The GHMC, in coordination with the Hyderabad police department, has proposed to construct of a five-storeyed 400-room rest house for women under the Safe City project sanctioned by the Central government,” he said. The plan is expected to be finalized at the GHMC standing council meeting to be held on December 18. Hyderabad was among the eight cities in the country chosen by the Centre in 2018 for taking up various initiatives for the safety and security of women in public places, the other cities being Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai. An amount of ₹282 crore had been sanctioned for the construction of two transit dorms in the city, one at Nampally Sarai and other at Secunderabad, to provide women travellers a safe place to stay when in Hyderabad, the official said. Heritage conservationists, however, are crying foul over the proposed demolition of Nampally Sarai, which was given the heritage structure status in 2012. “It is very unfortunate that such a wonderful structure, is being razed after being neglected for decades by the successive governments. The present Telangana government, too, is showing more interest in demolishing the heritage structures rather than preserving the same,” said Hyderabad heritage activist Sajjad Shahid.

Convenor of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Hyderabad chapter Anuradha Reddy said before taking up any such demolition of the heritage structure, the authorities have to consult the INTACH. “But the government has not taken any suggestions from us,” she said. She said there had been no maintenance of the building and nobody cared when a part of the building collapsed due to heavy rains in October 2019. In fact, the building was handed over to the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited authorities for construction of an overhead station, linking it with Nampally railway station, but later, the proposal was dropped due to protests. Built in a sprawling area of more than an acre of land in 1910 by Nawab Tipu Khan, a high ranking official working for Mir Mahabub Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam, the Nampally Sarai, originally called Sulah Sarai (a peaceful resting place) was used as a rest house for travellers to Hyderabad. “It was providing free stay and sumptuous food for all the guests for three days. It used to cater to people of all walks of life, irrespective of caste or creed. Even those travelling to Haj, Nampalli Sarai used to provide accommodation,” Anuradha Reddy said. In 1948, after the Nizams merged Hyderabad with Indian Union, the Nampally Sarai was used as a state guest house by the Andhra Pradesh government. But subsequently, it was abandoned and since then, has been in a state of neglect, she said. Principal secretary (urban development) Arvind Kumar, who has been showing keen interest in restoring the heritage structures in the city, could not be reached for a comment.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hyderabad-110-yr-old-structure-to-be-demolished-for-transit-dorm-101638904214689.html\, December 08, 2021

The vibrant city of Srinagar, along with its army of artisans and their works, got a badge of honour on Monday when it was selected among 49 creative cities across the world by UNESCO. The city, which hosts 50,000 locally registered hand-art workers and another 3,50,000 of their associates, nudged three other Indian cities to bag the rare honour. “Srinagar was nominated ahead of Gwalior from India by UNESCO in Paris. It is great news for the people and its artists and craftsmen,” an elated Mehmood Shah, director of Handicrafts, told News 18. By virtue of this feat, it is now a part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The UNESCO announced the list of cities on its official website on Monday and Srinagar was chosen for its focus on crafts and folk art. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness over this achievement. “Delighted that beautiful Srinagar joins the @UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) with a special mention for its craft and folk art. It is a fitting recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos of Srinagar. Congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said in a tweet. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also congratulated the people for making it to the distinguished list. The UNESCO Network now numbers 295 cities reaching 90 countries that invest in culture and creativity – crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music – to advance sustainable urban development.

“A new urban model needs to be developed in every city, with its architects, town planners, landscapers and citizens”, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay was quoted as saying on the organisation’s official website. “We are urging everyone to work with States to reinforce the international cooperation between cities which UNESCO wishes to promote,” he said. Other cities that made it to the Network include Abu Dhabi (UAE), Doha (Qatar) and Bursa (Turkey). Mehmood Shah told News18 that the inclusion of Srinagar in the creative city network will help artisans showcase their handicrafts on the global stage. “This is going to project Srinagar in a bigger way - both as an art and as a tourism destination,” he said, adding that tourism and art are integral to city’s development and popularity. He said the dossier for nomination of Srinagar as a creative city was first filed in 2019 but it could not make the cut. “This time a lot of efforts were made by teams of INTACH and handicrafts to prepare a dossier,” he said. Shah said that four cities - Indore, Gwalior, Kolkata and Srinagar - were picked up by the Union Culture ministry to be sent for nomination to UNESCO but Indore and Kolkata were dropped later. “Out of Gwalior and Srinagar, the latter was picked for a special feat," he said. Only two cities - Hyderabad for gastronomy and Mumbai for films - were chosen during that year. Only three Indian cities were recognised as members of UCCN for creative cities, namely Jaipur (crafts and folk arts) in 2015, Varanasi (creative city of music) in 2015 and Chennai (creative city of music) in 2017. In 2020, UNESCO did not ask for applications for creative city network.

https://standardmedia.co.ke/standard-entertainment/article/2001431402/india-srinagar-makes-it-to-unescos-network-of-creative-cities-earns-praise-from-pm-modi, December 09, 2021

The residents of Nani (Choti) Kashi, a historic village in Chamoli district of Garhwal, that has temples believed to be established by Adi Shankracharya, the 8th century philosopher saint, have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pointing out that the 444 MW Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydroelectric power (HEP) project being executed by Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) near their village is posing a serious threat to their homes as well as ancient temples in the area. The letter, sent by gram pradhan Rajendra Hatwal, highlights that THDC has set up a muck dumping zone right above the sanctum sanctorum of the Lakshmi Narayan temple established by Adi Shankaracharya. “The wall of the dumping zone can fall anytime and severely damage the temple,” the gram pradhan said in the letter.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), has also come out in support of the villagers and written to THDC as well as World Bank, which is funding the project, to “restore the impacted sites and also conserve the historic village in its entirety.” Divay Gupta, principal director of the architectural heritage division of INTACH, in his letter dated December 21, said, “The ancient complex (including the temple sites and remains) and village settlement must be included in the protected list of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Instead, the hydroelectric power project is in dangerously close vicinity to the ancient settlement and sacred sites. Sadly, they are designated as ‘muck dumping sites’ of the power project, which renders this important heritage site at serious risk of permanent loss.” Gupta, in his letter, also cited the report filed by the ASI in 2009 after a survey of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti HEP project site. He said, “The ASI report stated that the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which dates back to 9-10th century AD, is located in project immediate affected area”. On the other hand, the environmental impact assessment by THDC says that the “project does not have any impact on cultural resources within the project influence area and the project immediate affected area”.

Meanwhile, the World Bank authorities held an online meeting with around two dozen villagers on Wednesday. The meeting was also attended by those villagers who had refused to relocate for the HEP project in 2009. When asked about the meeting, Hatwal said, “We asked them how could the World Bank sanction a loan if it is not even aware of the project site and its historic importance? Our village has almost 15-20 small temple groups belonging to the ancient era. Recently, an over 1000-year-old copper plate was found at a villager’s house, suggesting the historical significance of our village. Despite the rich legacy, authorities have chosen our village as a muck dumping site for building a 14.5-km-long tunnel from Birayi in Pipalkoti village to Helang.”

Hatwal added, “We also highlighted the huge disparity between the ASI report and that of the THDC. To this, the World Bank officials said that they would come to the village again in February or March but we rejected their offer saying that by that time, our village will be in ruins. Later, we were given an assurance that a meeting will be held to discuss the issue with THDC and subsequently, they will meet us in person.” Earlier in the day, the villagers didn’t allow THDC officials to join the meeting. Notably, the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti HEP project has courted controversy since its inception as half of the villagers claimed they were not taken into confidence or not given full information regarding their rehabilitation process.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/temples-established-by-adi-shankaracharya-under-threat-from-hydropower-project-in-garhwal-hills/articleshow/88440383.cms, December 20, 2021

A 13th-century temple was discovered on the outskirts of Kota Nemalapuri village of Rajupalem mandal in the district. Alerted by locals, Pamulapati Srinath Reddy, an archaeologist and member of Indian Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage (Intach), visited the village and found the temple amidst bushes and debris. He cleared the jungle with the help of locals and found the beautiful ancient structure in a ruined state. After closely inspecting the structure, Srinath Reddy said that the temple had architectural features of Kakatiya period. The temple is locally known as Mulasthaneswara. While the linga is missing from the temple, Garbhagriha was in a completely broken state.

Locally available limestone slabs were used for the construction of the temple. With villagers moving towards south, the temple was left neglected and abandoned, said Srinath Reddy. He said that the temple must have been built in the 13th century and needed to be protected as heritage structure. He requested the villagers to protect such structures as they are treasures for future generations. He explained the significance of the architectural features of the centuries-old structure.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/ruins-of-13th-century-temple-found-in-rajupalem/articleshow/88398244.cms, December 20, 2021

Churches fill your heart with great peace with their tranquil ambience

Delhi with its British colonial past has a rich heritage when it comes to cathedrals. They not only have religious or community significance for the strong Christian community of Delhi but some of these are real architectural marvels. INTACH's Delhi chapter regularly conducts heritage walks to these cathedrals during winter days and the days surrounding the Christmas festivities. It is a great idea to visit these churches during Christmas days. This is when they look their best. During these visits, you can not only appreciate their architectural beauty but can also light up a candle here to partake in the Christmas spirit. At this opportune time, we take you on a whirlwind tour of some of these churches spread across Delhi.

Saint James' Church
This is one of the oldest and well-known Churches in Delhi. Not only as a place of worship but also as a tourist attraction. The Church was constructed in 1836 and has withstood the test of time.

With its royal exterior and well-kept interiors, the Church is still used as a place of worship. Many ancient statues and paintings are housed in the building and are kept in near-mint condition. This Church has always been on the list of travellers to Delhi because it has a lot of open spaces and a sense of calmness in the area.

Location: Mori Gate, Delhi
Sacred Heart Cathedral Church
Sacred Heart Cathedral Church is unquestionably the most well-known Church in the city. It is also one of the largest churches in Delhi, dating back to 1930 when construction began. Easter and Christmas are ideal times to visit because several major ceremonies occur during these holidays. The structure's façade, which features several elements of Italian architecture, is complemented by equally impressive interiors. Other notable features include broad arches, murals depicting various Biblical events, and a curved roof.

Location: Ashok Place, Delhi
The Cathedral Church of the Redemption The Cathedral Church of the Redemption has been in existence for more than eight decades. The Governor-General and Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin, laid the foundation stone for this structure in 1927. After years of planning and raising funds, the Church was finally opened to the public in 1931. The interiors of the Church, which are adorned with beautiful paintings, are as fascinating as its history. Above the altar is a replica of the Madonna and Child by Giovanni Bellini, an Italian Renaissance painter. There are a plethora of other works of art to be found here.

Location: North Avenue, Delhi
Stephen's Church Placed in the heart of Delhi, this Church is located in the bustling neighbourhood of Chandni Chowk. The Church has a lovely rustic exterior and elegant interiors. In the evening, the lights of the Church can be seen from afar. The red exterior gives the Church a Victorian feeling. It was established in 1862; the Church has stood the test of time and has been the go-to destination for many.

Location: Khari Baoli, Chandni Chowk, Delhi Thomas Church
The Church was founded in 1972 and has been an integral part of the community's ecosystem ever since. The building structure is modern and constructed primarily of bright red bricks. The entire Church appears to be a massive ship when viewed from a distance. Every day of the week, there is a mass on Sunday and Thursday. On special occasions like Christmas, this Church looks terrific. This location's very high semi-circular windows give it the appearance of a palace.

Location: R. K. Puram, Delhi Luke's Church
St. Luke's Church was built on the orders of Archbishop Angelo Innocent Fernandes in 1978. Because the area's people required a parish, a vacant plot was purchased, and a residence where religious gatherings were held was built. Only a few years later, the location was blessed. If you live in Central South Delhi or are passing through, take some time to visit. It will undoubtedly give you new life, especially on the occasion of Christmas.

Location: Defence Colony, Delhi Centenary Methodist Church

Before establishing Centenary Methodist Church Delhi, the city was served by only one Methodist church in the Old Delhi area. Bishop J. W. Robinson began holding prayer meetings in a small cottage in South Delhi to help the faith's followers. Soon, the faithful flocked in, necessitating the establishment of a proper place of worship. The Methodist Church received a 1.27-acre plot of land from the Government of India in 1956 to build a worship place. That is how Centenary Methodist Church came to be. Location: Lodhi Road, Delhi

Victory Churches Of India – Known For Architecture A church in the Chhatarpur area is well-known for its sessions and, more recently, its architecture. This small Church gives the impression of a family gathering for a mass. All of the Church's members have spoken highly of the pastor, and his preaching has brought the congregation together.

The Church is peaceful and quiet, and there is a service every day of the week. As part of the Church, many extracurricular activities contribute to the overall development of the community's youth. Location: Chhatarpur

https://www.cityspidey.com/news/15984/soak-in-the-christmas-spirit-with-a-tour-of-delhi-cathedrals, December 21, 2021

He was like a man possessed; inflamed with the passion of an Indian Michelangelo. The object of his over-riding desire was a palatial zamindari mansion in the hamlet of Bawali, 24 Pargannas, that he had stumbled upon; pushing past creepers, weeds and fecund vegetation that had claimed the ruins. Despite the sadly dilapidated state of the magnificent mansion, a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Kolkata, the original splendour and contours were faintly visible. Ajay Rawal, the protagonist of this story and the current owner, reminisced about his journey as we sat in the glass-enclosed bar, the Verandah, at Rajbari Bawali, a boutique heritage hotel that he has sensitively and painstakingly restored over seven years. Rawal said, with his signature fugitive smile, that he has a bit of Indiana Jones in him. When he first stumbled on the Rajbari in 2009, it resembled the crumbling palace of a forgotten king. May be an Angkor Wat kind of place where the roots of banyan trees curved sinew-like around the grounds and had destroyed walls and several wings of the palace.

Yet the historic pile thrummed with magic and finally, after repeated visits, he succumbed to the irresistible, poignant romance of the place and the promptings of his inner voice to save this splendid 250-year-old building for posterity. As we chatted, we gazed at the grand courtyard in front of us with steps leading up to the pillared Thakur Dalaan (Portico of the Gods in Bengali) flanked by two colonnaded wings of high-ceilinged rooms. It was hard to believe that this stately mansion was located in an obscure hamlet that was once part of the Sunderbans. Back in the day, its wild topography was covered with swampland and mangroves and dotted with a few isolated homes where Baul tribals lived. Tigers would stroll past to slake their thirst at watering holes and, even today, there is an aura of desperate fertility about this neighbourhood, carved out of the Sunderbans.

Lush vegetation, orange groves, tall palms interlaced with tranquil water bodies and the occasional low-slung home where the elderly sit, watching the world go by. As remarkable as its location is the story of the Rajbari’s restoration. Brushing away the warnings of naysayers who cautioned, “You will never do it but if you do, you deserve a UNESCO award,” Rawal began the arduous task of tracing land records and locating the 18 owners scattered across the world. During much of the time, the Kolkata-based industrialist was gnawed by fear that the stately mansion would be felled by time and nature. And it took another five years to restore, brick by brick, the extravaganza that once belonged to landed aristocrats, the Mondal family. When the Mondal family first settled in the obscure hamlet, they built a temple to Lord Krishna, their family deity. Over a period of time, more temples and palatial mansions came up in this rural heart of Bengal.

The Rajbari Bawali meanwhile became the centre of wealth and privilege, and grand parties and banquets were hosted to entertain its many eminent guests. The Rajbari also became a hotspot of culture and romance, and even intrigue and battles, typical of those times. Post-Independence, the fortunes of the zamindari families dwindled and the forest clawed its way back, overtaking many a palatial mansion and the temples that clustered round them. Once Rawal got possession, he began to consult architects and advisors from the US, UK, Italy and Mexico as well as Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage(INTACH), in order to master the nuances of restoration. He even sent a team of local craftsmen to train in the art of lime water construction at the Aga Khan Foundation by the craftsmen who had been involved in the restoration of the famed Humayun’s tomb in Delhi. With his eye for detail, finely honed aesthetic sense and driven by unbridled passion, Rawal became the architect, restoration expert and designer — all rolled into a one-man army. He stretched both his imagination and finances to re-create a splendid slice of history from what was largely rubble, a gaping wound left behind by time.

Roofs were restored, ponds carved out with the help of a willing Mother Nature, engaging pavillions were raised and new bricks made in the traditional style with moulds specially made in Murshidabad. Plumbing, lighting and air-conditioning systems were laid. A beautiful old mosaic floor was salvaged when it emerged from the palace ruins while Burma teak was rescued from colonial homes and cast-iron pillars and railings were brought from north Kolkata edifices that were being torn down. Even Italian marble rescued from old homes that were being demolished found its place at the Rajbari as did old wooden shutters that once shielded the women in the zenana from prying eyes. Today, the Rajbari has a patina of age but with all the mod cons that a modern-day traveller would expect in a luxury hostelry. Rawal even added a new wing connected with the restored one by a terracotta tiled pathway and lush tropical gardens.

The new wing, too, exudes the same spirit as the vintage section with its low-slung buildings and pitched, tiled roofs. It encompasses in its faux old-world interiors a modern spa, swimming pool and a hip bar and restaurant where the front end of a Tata truck and a Rajdoot motorbike are part of the eclectic décor. The interiors of the 30 rooms and the public areas are furnished with antiques that Rawal had collected over the years, thanks to his passion for old things. There are touches of the outré yet everything seems to have a pre-ordained place in the general scheme of things. The corridors are lined with the stands of Singer Sewing machines; a huge Louis Vuitton trunk, which perhaps sailed on gracious ocean liners of the past, stands in a corner outside a suite while the rooms are kitted out with grand handcrafted four-poster beds, old sitars, drums, carved treasure chests, sinuous old metal chandeliers, sepia-tinted photographs, large-winged armchairs, skylights, distressed chests of drawers. In the dining area, a polished grand piano occupies centre stage. It was sold to Rawal on the condition that the then owner could play it whenever she visited Kolkata. There are many objets d’art with fascinating back stories.

And the Rajbari adds to the fairy-tale ambience with bespoke experiences that offer a glimpse of the opulent zamindari lifestyle of one of the richest and most powerful families in Bengal. Guests get to savour splendid zamindari thali spreads and culinary demonstrations where you bite into living history. Come evening, take to the river on a vintage country boat with a sundowner and watch life unfold along the river banks as musicians strum your senses. Early morning, embark on a walk in the village and watch it wake up to a new dawn. The sun drizzles its rays on crumbling temples and the remains of old palaces that speak of a discarded past against the backdrop of a vibrant present where locals sit on the verandahs of their homes and watch the world go by. Later, enjoy high tea by the pool and as dusk settles on the mansion, seeming to bring alive the ghosts of the past, a sandhya aarti (an evening prayer ritual) takes place on the diya-lit steps of the Thakur Dalaan. Accompanied by the blowing of conch shells and pounding of drums, and the swirling of a tray-full of diyas, this moving ritual is followed by a candle-lit dance performance.

Rawal’s path was rocky and littered with ups and downs and even personal tragedy.“When you embark on something like this, it owns you,” he mused. “When I was re-building Rajbari, I was re-building myself in a way.”

https://www.dailypioneer.com/2021/vivacity/indiana-jones-and-the-rajbari-of-dreams.html, December 22, 2021

Office of Assistant Director Handicrafts Jammu, in collaboration with INTACH chapter Jammu organized a one day awareness camp/workshop at Middle school Sarot, here today. While addressing the participants, the Assistant Director Handicrafts Jammu said that the main objective of organising the awareness camp at school is to connect the younger generation with heritage craft to make them self-reliant/atma nirbhar. He also appraised the participants about the training programs and running schemes of the department. During the program, artisans also performed live demonstrations of wheat straw craft and students practiced enthusiastically by making binnas and chabbri. On the spot registration of artisans was also done by the department. The elected representatives appreciated the department for organizing the awareness camp and demanded the opening of a training centre in the area. Handloom training officer Subhash Sharma, Sr.Instructor Mukesh Sharma were also present.

https://indiaeducationdiary.in/handicrafts-department-organises-awareness-workshop-on-languishing-wheat-straw-craft/, December 23, 2021

A monument complex popularly known as Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram is positioned on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Mahabalipuram is situated in close proximity to Chennai in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. The UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of rock-cut cave temples, monolithic temples, bas-relief sculptures, and structural temples as well as the excavated remains of temples.

The architectural magnificence of the 7th and the 8th century monuments makes Mahabalipuram a peerless illustration of ancient civilisation and beliefs. Read further to know about these monuments…

40 ancient monuments
The site has 40 ancient monuments and Hindu temples, including one of the largest open-air rock reliefs in the world, which includes the Pancha Rathas of Dharmaraja Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Draupadi Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, and also Ganesha Ratha. The group contains several categories of monuments: ratha temples with monolithic processional chariots, mandapa viharas (cave temples) with narratives from the Mahabharata and Shaivic, Shakti and Vaishna inscriptions in many Indian languages and scripts.

Pallava construction
The monuments were built during the Pallava dynasty. Known as the Seven Pagodas in many colonial-era publications, they are also called the Mamallapuram temples or Mahabalipuram temples in contemporary literature. The site, restored after 1960, has been managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. The monuments dating back to the early 7th century includes the Mandagapattu inscription (Laksitayana inscription) of Mahendravarman I. Characteristics

The monuments are a fusion of religion, culture and legend relating to the Hindu religious pantheon. The 40 monuments vary in degrees of completion, categorised into five groups:

Rathas: The monolithic temples are locally called ‘ratha’ (chariot), as they resemble the processional chariots of a temple. Mandapas: During the time of Narasimhavarman-I Mamalla, innovations were introduced in the rock medium in the form of cave temples. Rock reliefs: The sculptural bas reliefs are another very important class of masterly creations created during Mamalla’s reign. Structural temples: King Rajasimha introduced structural architecture on a grand scale. The earliest and most modest is the Mukundanayananar temple. Excavations: Sustained removal of the sand over a period of time has brought to light several buried structures around the Shore temple. There are ten major rathas, ten mandapas, two rock bas-reliefs and three structural temples.

The monumental plan is based on a square and circle, or stacked squares (producing a rectangle). Conservation A plan to beautify Mahabalipuram was implemented in 2003. The Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture is financed the Integrated Development of Mamallapuram project. The Archaeological Survey of India has laid the lawns and pathways around the monuments, and the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) has designed parks on both sides of the roads leading to the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas.

There are several famous temples at the Mahabalipuram including Krishna Cave Temple, Mahishasuramardini Mandapa, Araha Cave Temple, Pancha Pandava Cave Temple and structural temples including the Shore Temple and the Olakkannesvara Temple. The monuments got the status of UNESCO’S World Heritage Site in 1984.

https://telanganatoday.com/group-of-monuments-at-mahabalipuram, December 24, 2021

A day after as many as 1,689 British-era coins were found while digging at the site of the upcoming memorial of late Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray in N-6 area of the city, mystery still surrounds the origin of the treasure. Weighing around 2 kilogram, some of these coins are embossed with the picture of Queen Victoria and belong to 1854, 1861 and 1881 period. As per preliminary analysis, these coins are made of bronze with some of it having gold-plating. The cloth-made pouch carrying these coins has been found very much intact, which has led to speculations that the coins must have buried by somebody a few decades ago. Vijay Gore, ward engineer with Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), said workers at the site heard the sound of metal while dumping the debris. “The workers found a cloth pouch in which the coins were put together.

Further digging at the same spot revealed more coins. All the coins were sealed in presence of the police and the district administration for handing them over to the state archaeology department,” he said. Historian Dulari Qureshi said Aurangabad had two British military bases during the mid of 19th century as a part of their treaty with the Nizam IV. “The coins might belong to those days when Britishers stayed in Aurangabad. The coins must have got inherited to next generations and later were buried by the owner well before the area of N-6 was developed,” she said. Amrutrao Patil, curator with the local state archaeology department, said his office was yet to get possession of the coins. “Once received, we will study these coins. The coins might be kept at the government museum at Soneri Mahal in Aurangabad by following the laid down procedure,” he said.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/aurangabad-cops-get-regimen-to-stay-fit/articleshow/88418712.cms, December 23, 2021

Some of the artefacts discovered at Keeladi, part of a 2,600-year-old civilisation, are likely to make their way to the Government Museum in Chennai. Relics from Adhichanallur civilisation in Tuticorin district are already displayed in an exclusive gallery at the museum. Archaeology secretary Dr. B. Chanfra Mohan told reporters construction of the museum at Keeladi was in an advanced stage. On whether some antique pieces could be moved to the Government Museum in Chennai, he said, “We will consider it. As far as Adhichanallur and Keeladi are concerned, there will be permanent museums at Tirunelveli and Keeladi, respectively. We will examine bringing it to Chennai.” He was speaking on the sidelines of a special exhibition on ‘Indian Freedom Struggle,’ as part of the 75th Independence Day celebrations, on Wednesday. While the Egmore’s museum, the country's second oldest, has a gallery with more than 300 artefacts from Adhichanallur, a few including two quartzite grinding stones that have not been displayed are part of the special exhibition. Antique pieces including a range of iron tools from the 3,000-year-old civilisation are also on display. Keeladi’s excavation models are on display too. A total of 122 artefacts have been displayed in the month-long exhibition.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/egmore-museum-may-house-keeladi-findings/articleshow/88442167.cms, December 23, 2021

Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya, which highlights the socio-cultural, social and botanical links among people and nature, is vying for tag of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meghalaya's Jingkieng Jri (Living Root Bridge) are trailblazers that not only highlight the symbiotic relationship between Nature and human culture to a global audience, but more so, it focuses on the need to adopt a balanced approach between economy and ecology, something which the state Government has been working tirelessly in the past few years.

This was stated by the Chief Minister Conrad. K. Sangma at the National Convention on Community and Science based Conservation Research and Development of Jingkieng Jri held at the state Convention Center, Shillong. The National convention witnessed the presence of the Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan, scientists from across the Nation including community representatives and members of the Living Root Bridge (Jingkieng Jri) Co-operative Societies from across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and region. Each of them shared the initiatives being taken by their respective cooperative societies towards not only preserving the Jingkieng Jris but also preserving the biodiversity (Flora and Fauna) in and around each Living Root Bridge in their respective villages.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister also highlighted the concept of ‘Just Transition’ where he laid emphasis on ensuring a transitional process that is just for all, so that environment conservation is brought about while ensuring livelihoods for the primary force. “As a State Government, we have been extensively working towards Natural Resource Management where we are focusing on creation of livelihood out of the natural resources that we possess, so we use them in a sustained manner and yet create a parallel economy with more inclusive forms of livelihood, while keeping the ecology at the forefront”, he added.

“This National conclave on Jingkieng Jri focuses on just one part of the massive big picture on Natural Resource Management that we are trying to bring about and we feel that the Living Root bridge Conservation project could be a lighthouse project that would bring attention to the need for NRM interventions to preserve the ecosystem while facilitating sustainable livelihoods”, the CM added. He also thanked the community for their support and said that their contribution will go a long way in achieving the long term impact through this Jingkieng Jri Project while also realizing the overall NRM goals. He said that if the Living Root bridges of Meghalaya receive the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag, it would be more about the larger message that we would be giving to the world that the Living Root Bridge is an ecosystem in itself, supporting many birds, animals, lichen, mushrooms, flowers, trees, serving its simple purpose while allowing the humans to cross over them for their living. The process of making these bridges is an age-old craft, a very much living and alive tradition among the locals in the present age. It is crucial to archive this age-old wisdom of not only making, but more so, conserving the bridges and the related ecosystem.

It may be mentioned that many such living root bridges in the forests are conserved by the communities of Meghalaya in the customary practice of preserving the sacred groves known as 'Law Kyntang'. These forests also possess a huge resource of medicinal plants and herbs. There lies a dire need for the larger world to go back to its roots and respect nature once again. Speaking at the event, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan, the Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India said that the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya which highlights the socio-cultural, social and botanical links among people and Nature is well deserving of the tag of UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the rich micro as well as the macro world associated with the Jingkieng Jri, which will also initiate the need for their preservation and conservation. Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and CEO, MBDA, said that the confluence of both scientists and people from the grassroots together in one platform is a wonderful idea.

While the traditional knowledge of living root bridges is ancient, research on their ecosystem has become altogether more important to improve their conservation. The community representatives of the Jingkieng Jri cooperatives spoke at length at the National conclave and shared their experiences and unique initiatives. They highlighted interesting activities being undertaken by them, which involved not only keeping alive the age old craft of building the living root bridges and preserving them but also their involvement in a wide array activities such as preserving medicinal herbs, keeping traditional games alive, handicraft activities, planting fruit seedlings, protecting the natural habitat in and around the root bridges. The event also witnessed performances from the community members of the Jingkieng Jri Cooperative societies. Iora Dkhar, Chairperson of the Syrwet u Barim Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Federation Ltd., spoke on the importance of cooperatives for bringing about collective action among communities to preserve the knowledge and skills that have evolved through generations.

The conclave saw the presence of Scientists from all over the country representing Geological Survey of India (GSI), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Indian Institute of Science (IIS), Forest Research Institute, and Center for Environmental Planning and Technology University. Presentations on the observations made from various site visits were shared by the scientists who included Dr. A.A Mao, Director, Botanical Survey of India, Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director, Zoological Survey of India, Dr. C. Murugan, Scientist, Botanical Survey of India, Dr. Lucy Nongbri, Post Doctoral Research, Renee M Borges Lab, Indian Institute of Science, Prof. Renee Borges, Center for Ecological sciences, Indian Institute of Science, among a group of about 50 scientists and environment specialists. The National Convention is a follow up of the field visits made by the scientists wherein they came across unique species of orchids, amphibians, and mammals which have not yet been reported from anywhere in the country.

The field visits also revealed key findings that indicated urgent need for attention to strengthen conservation measures for these unique living structures. The scientists in a unanimous voice said that the living root bridges are a house of several critically endangered species of flora and fauna and therefore are definitely a reason to be considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/mumbai-reports-922-new-covid-19-cases-two-deaths/articleshow/88509084.cms, December 23, 2021

Durga Puja — celebrated predominantly by Bengali communities in India and abroad — is regarded as a classic blend of culture and religion. One of the most important festivals in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, it showcases the dynamism of art, music, culinary and much more during the 10-day celebration.

On 15 December, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Set up for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, the Committee reviews submissions from countries across the globe. Durga Puja was this year’s submission for the list from India. Among many others who hailed UNESCO’s decision was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who shared the news and congratulated one and all on Twitter.

Read on for some of the other notable cultural heritages of India that are part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list

Kutiyattam
One of the oldest living theatrical traditions in the southern state of Kerala, Kutiyattam was inscribed in the list by UNESCO in 2008. Traditionally performed in sacred theatres called Kuttampalams located in temples, it is a blend of Sanskrit classical items and local elements of the state. This highly codified theatre form is based on netra abhinaya, or eye movements, and hasta abhinaya, or hand gestures. An actor must undergo 10-14 years of training to master this art form. It is performed by elaborating an episode and presenting the minutest details of an act. One complete Kutiyattam performance may take as many as 40 days.

Ramlila
Inscribed in 2008, the traditional theatrical performance of the epic Ramayana is called Ramlila. Widely performed in North India during Dussehra, the plays are based on the life of Hindu god Rama who was exiled. With brightly coloured costumes, the performances include the epic battles between Rama and god-demon Ravana, Rama’s return from exile, a series of dialogues between the gods, saints and other characters. Ramlila brings the entire community together with no barriers of caste, gender and creed. Ayodhya, Ramnagar and Benares, Vrindavan, Almora, Sattna and Madhubani are some of the most prominent places where Ramlila is performed.

Ramman
The villages of Saloor and Dungra in Uttarakhand light up to the occasion of Ramman where villagers gather to worship the local governing god Bhumiyal Devta. The festival was inscribed on the UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009. With complex ritual practices, villagers dance, play music, recite prayers, make offerings and much more during the festival that represents many environmental, spiritual and cultural aspects of the community. Adhering to their respective roles, people from various walks of life and occupational groups unite to celebrate the festival. For example, the Brahmins lead the prayers, Bhandaris wear the sacred mask of the Narasimha — half-man, half-lion Hindu deity — while the youth and elders perform songs and dances during Ramman. Additionally, the family hosting the Bhumiyal Devta follows a strict daily routine.

Chhau Dance
The folk dance from eastern India, which was included in UNESCO’s list in 2010, is mainly based on three distinct styles that emerged from the villages of Seraikella, Purulia and Mayurbhanj. Typically taught to male members of traditional artist families, the Chhau dance is performed in open spaces at night. Performers from Seraikella and Purulia wear masks, depicting the characters from the scenes of the Ramayana or the Mahabharata.

Uniting nature with music played on reed pipes called mohuri and shehnai, the dance is mainly associated with the spring festival of Chaitra Parv. It has religious connotations and bold movements, including mock combat techniques using props, movements of women doing daily chores, and gaits of birds and animals. An integral part of the community, the dance form brings together people from various sections of society.

Kalbelia songs and dance
Included in the list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010 is Kalbelia folk songs and dance. The Kalbelia community of Rajasthan takes pride in their traditional dance and songs, which are performed wearing dazzling outfits and black tattoo designs. Once professional snake charmers, the men use a unique woodwind instrument called poongi used to capture snakes and a percussion instrument called khanjari, while the women dance to the beats. The community is also well known for improvising lyrics and poems during performances, and they are part of the oral tradition passed down through generations.

Mudiyettu
Another cultural heritage that made it to the list in 2010 was Kerala’s ritualistic theatre, Mudiyettu. Enacting the mythological story of the tussle between Goddess Kali and demon Darika, this theatrical performance is held at temples called ‘Bhagavati Kavus’ across villages along the rivers Chalakkudy Puzha, Periyar and Moovattupuzha. Divine figures like Sage Narada, Lord Shiva and the spirit of Goddess Kali, or Kalam, are invoked at the site while Mudiyettu performers go through a rigorous purification process. The entire community comes together for this annual spectacle, and it makes for a sight to behold.

Buddhist chanting
The holy Buddhist chanting from the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh was inscribed on the UNESCO’s list in 2012. In every monastery and village in the region, Buddhist priests or lamas recite the teachings and philosophy of Lord Buddha in the form of hymns. The monks wear sacred masks and use special hand gestures, or mudras, that symbolise Lord Buddha. They use instruments such as drums, cymbals and trumpets to add a musical rhythm to the chanting.

Sankirtana
This traditional art form from Manipur was inscribed on UNESCO’s list in 2013. It is performed mainly to portray tales and episodes from Lord Krishna’s life by the Vaishnava community of the region. Sankirtana involves dance and music replete with nature and mythical motifs. A typical Sankirtana performance takes place within an enclosed courtyard or temple with two drummers and around ten dancers and singers. The aesthetic and fluid movements make the dance a divine performance as if it is a manifestation of the deity. Sankirtana performances bring the community together and usher in harmony and unity among the Vaishnava community in Manipur.

Traditional brass and copper craft of making utensils

Inscribed in 2014, this intangible cultural heritage is extremely unique. Pioneers of this craft are the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru of Punjab. They use copper, brass and other alloys, which are believed to have health benefits. Artisans use solid metal plates, which are hammered to get the desired utensil. Hot plates are moulded under careful temperature control, using underground wood fire stoves to render the texture. The utensils are then polished using natural elements like sand and tamarind juice. This tradition of metalwork is orally passed down the generations.

Yoga

Yoga needs no introduction. Inscribed on the list in 2016, this age-old Indian practice unifies the mind, body and soul. The free-hand exercises are aimed at achieving a calming effect and a sense of being at one with nature. Yoga comprises several postures called asanas, which are directed to benefit the body and the mind. It also includes controlled breathing patterns, chanting and meditation. Earlier, it was transmitted directly from the guru (teacher) to the shishya (student), but options of yoga ashrams and wellness centres offering training to anyone who wishes to practise it are available these days. 21 June is observed as International Yoga Day around the world annually.

Kumbh Mela

Inscribed in 2017, Kumbh Mela, or the festival of the sacred Pitcher is the world’s largest peaceful congregation of people. A rich and culturally diverse festival, the Kumbh Mela is held every four years in north Indian cities of Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. Millions of people, including saints, sadhus, kalpavasis and visitors, from across the globe come to these cities to witness the mammoth gathering. It is one of the holiest events, and people take a dip in the Ganges to cleanse themselves of all sins and free them from the cycle of rebirth. Kumbh Mela also incorporates values of astronomy, astrology, spirituality and other scientific avenues, making it a melting pot of knowledge.

https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/culture/events/durga-puja-unescos-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/, December 24, 2021

Built centuries ago, these Indian monuments are based on clever mathematical calculations and design principles that use algebra, fractal geometry and trigonometry. What has been connecting mathematics to architecture since time immemorial? Several branches of mathematics like geometry, algebra and trigonometry, are employed in designing these structures. Ancient Indian architecture which includes temples and historic monuments used several mathematical calculations and design principles that reflected the rich socio-cultural heritage of the country. Here is a list of monuments in India that are architectural marvels designed based on interesting mathematical calculations:

1. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
Situated in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is the largest, tallest and most ornate among the western group of temples in the city built by the Chandela rulers between 950 and 1050 CE. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is considered one of the best-preserved temples from the medieval period in India. It is also celebrated for its intricate sculptures and for the dramatic geometric massing in its lofty towers that resembles a mountain.

2. Charminar
Built in 1591 CE in Hyderabad by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth Sultan of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty, Charminar is considered a monument as well as a mosque. It is believed to have been built to commemorate the end of a widespread plague during that period. Charminar is built on a square structure and has four grand arches and four minarets on each corner that are built into the main structure. It is interesting to note that the number ‘char’ or four and its multiples can be figured in at least 22 spots in the design of the structure.

3. Ranakpur Jain Temple
The Ranakpur Jain Temple in Pali district of Rajasthan is known for its classic architecture and is believed to have been constructed by a Jain trader named Dharna Shah in the 15th century. Considered one of the largest Jain temples in the country, it is dedicated to Adinatha, the first Tīrthaṅkara of Jainism. It is also known for the dense network of 1,444 carved pillars, despite which the design allows a clear sight of the idol of Adinatha.

4. Modhera Sun Temple
Dedicated to Surya, the solar deity, the Modhera Sun Temple is situated in the Mehsana district of Gujarat. It was built in 1026 CE by King Bhimdev – a Solanki King on the banks of river Pushpavati. The temple has 52 heavily carved pillars signifying the weeks of the year, a mandap divided into seven sections signifying the days of the week and a panel of 365 elephants on the base of the temple signifying the number of days in a year.

5. Samrat Yantra
The Samrat Yantra, the world’s biggest stone sundial standing at 73 feet high, is situated in Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is one of the 19 astronomical instruments built by Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh II. The Samrat Yantra is known for its precision in measuring time and tells the local time with an accuracy of 2 seconds using the shadow cast from the sunlight.

6. Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha temple is the largest and most sophisticated out of the monuments in Pattadakal, a complex of Hindu and Jain temples in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was built by Queen Lokamahadevi in the 8th century to commemorate the victory of her husband Vikramaditya II over the Pallavas. It is known for its triangular dome and square layout built to create fractal patterns that echo the geometry of nature.

7. Sundial at Konark Sun Temple
The wheels of Konark Sun Temple in Puri, Odisha are sundials that help in calculating time to a minute including day and night. The sundial is unique as it shows time anti-clockwise. It has eight major spokes that divide 24 hours into eight equal parts which means the time between two major spokes is three hours.

8. Taj Mahal
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is considered to be one of the finest masterpieces of architecture in India. It was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 in the loving memory of his wife Mumtaz and was believed to have been completed in 1653. The monument that houses the tombs of both Shah Jahan and Mumtaz is built inside out in white marble. Their tombs lie at the centre of the base and all the windows there are equidistant from one another. Another marvel of this structure is that the walkway tiles combine to form squares and hexagons to create octagons.

https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/culture/events/durga-puja-unescos-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/, December 24, 2021

H aving grown up in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and lived in Agra, the Taj Mahal was a familiar sight to me. I had visited it innumerable times but I had never spared a thought for Burhanpur where Mumtaz Mahal had died and had been initially buried. It was in search of her first burial place that I went to Burhanpur and as someone whose spirit is in tune with ruins, was rewarded with riches beyond compare. The word burhan means demonstration or proof and true to its meaning, Burhanpur stands witness to the initial tears and sorrow of the grief-stricken husband and children of Mumtaz Mahal. But let’s take a tour of the city first. Once a thriving Mughal city known as the ‘Gateway to the Deccan’, it is now a sleepy town, which to me looks stuck in a time warp. Unlike most other walled cities, the city walls of Burhanpur, MP are still intact, as are the gateways. I drove through the Shanwara Gate, Itwara Gate and Shikarpura Gate.

Other gateways are named Lohar Mandi Gate, Dilli Gate, Sindhipura Gate, Silampura Gate and Rajpura Gate. Beautiful wooden houses coexist with cement ones, though lack of heritage management is proving tough on the former. Tongas still ply as a regular means of transport. The earliest rulers of the area were the Rashtrakutas. In the fourteenth century, it was annexed by the Faruqi rulers who ruled here till the sixteenth century. In 1599, Akbar’s army occupied Burhanpur and it became the Mughal capital of Khandesh. The city of Burhanpur was named after the famous Chisti saint Khwaja Burhanuddin Gharib (d. 1344 ce). Perhaps that is why there are many dargahs in the city. One of the most famous dargah is of Hazrat Nizamuddin Shah Bhikari. The dargah of Shah Bhikhari dates back to the reign of the Farooqi ruler Adil Khan II in the fifteenth century. Just like other dargahs, this is the resting place of many people. But the unique aspect of this dargah is that it sits on the riverbed of the Utawali River. More than a lakh devotees offer namaz on Barawafat— the Prophet’s birthday and also the day of Shah Bhikhari’s urs. The other famous dargah is the luminous Dargah-e-Hakimi, an important pilgrimage for the Bohra community, the resting place of Syedna Abdul Tayeb Zakiuddin (d. 1787).

He was the forty-first Da’i al-Mutlaq (head) of the Dawoodi Bohra sect of Muslims. Another very important place of pilgrimage is the Gurudwara Badi Sangat. It marks the site where Guru Gobind Singh, travelling to the south with Emperor Bahadur Shah I, stayed in May-June 1708 and has a copy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib handwritten by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Faruqi rulers have left many architectural gems in the city and the Jama Masjid is a glorious testimony to their legacy. This mosque is special for it is proof of our syncretic culture with its Sanskrit and Arabic inscription on the walls, detailing its building by the Farooqi rulers. The mosque has no roof and its soaring arches fuse together to form a ceiling. The Farooqi rulers also built a Shahi Qila or royal fort on the banks of the Tapti River. The Mughals used this Qila as their residence once Khandesh became a part of the Mughal Empire. The importance of the subah or province of Khandesh can be seen from the fact that Mughal princes, including Akbar’s son Daniyal, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb were its governors. The shikaar-loving, pleasure-seeking Prince Daniyal built an Aahukhana, or deer park, opposite the Badshahi Qila in the village of Zainabad on the banks of the river Tapti.

It was here that the young Aurangzeb met Zainabadi Bai and fell passionately in love with her. Unfortunately, their love story was doomed as Zainabadi Bai died soon after due to poisoning. When Shah Jahan was the governor of the Deccan, he added various buildings within the Badshahi Qila, including a once-gorgeous and now deteriorating hammam, for his wife’s relaxation. The hammam is beautifully painted and one of the fading frescoes has a building which looks remarkably like the Taj Mahal. It was in this palace that Mumtaz Mahal died on the night of 16-17 June 1631, after giving birth to Gauhar Ara Begum. Death plays a huge role in this city’s history, if the beautiful tombs dotting the city are anything to go by. I came here in search of Mumtaz Mahal’s original grave but was fascinated by the numerous other graves that dot the landscape. The tomb of Shahnawaz Khan, son of Abdur Rahim Khan-e-Khana, is called ‘Kala Taj Mahal’ or ‘Black Taj Mahal’ by the locals. It’s a beautiful monument, shaped like the Taj though built on a much smaller scale. And though it owes its name to the local black stones used for its construction, it has also been blackened by age. I visited another stunning mausoleum, the grave of Bilqis Begum—wife of Shah Shuja, son of Shah Jahan. Coincidently, she too died during childbirth, like Mumtaz Mahal. It is very small but gorgeous, like the twelve-leaved, lotus-shaped platform it sits on. Its dome and walls are fluted which also gives it another name: Kharbooza Mahal or Kharbooze ka Gumbad. In a village, some 10 kilometres away from Burhanpur, there is the chhatri of Raja Jai Singh, the great Rajput general who was the commander of the Mughal forces in the Deccan.

He died at Burhanpur, reportedly while returning from the Deccan, and Aurangzeb built a chhatri in commemoration, keeping with the custom among the Rajputs. It is a rarely visited monument and I am not surprised since the road leading to it, which goes through villages, is rough and not metalled. The chhatri itself is of black stone and looks quite grand, standing all alone amongst the plantain fields. This excerpt from A Saint, a Folk Tale and Other Stories: Lesser-known Monuments of India by Rana Safvi has been published with the permission of Rupa Publications

https://www.news18.com/news/opinion/this-sleepy-town-in-mp-is-home-to-black-taj-mahal-mumtaz-mahal-original-grave-4593419.html, December 24, 2021