INTACH, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar civic body ink pact for heritage conservation lab Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage have signed an MoU to set up a laboratory for the conservation of the region's cultural legacy, officials said. Marathwada in Maharashtra is home to thousands of historical artefacts, paintings and ancient manuscripts, but the lack of scientific conservation facilities in the region has long threatened their survival.

Recognising this gap, the CSMC and INTACH have partnered to provide a professional solution for the restoration and preservation of the region's cultural legacy, a release said. While INTACH operates five conservation labs across India, the new facility to come up on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum campus here will mark its first such establishment in Maharashtra, it said. The agreement was finalised following a high-level meeting last week, where the blueprint, operational procedures, and future phases of the lab were discussed.

Municipal Commissioner and Administrator G Sreekanth and INTACH's local chapter convener Maya Vaidya signed the MoU on Saturday, the release said. Sreekanth said the lab will serve not just the city but also the region. "Ours is the only municipal corporation in the state that manages a historical museum. This laboratory will serve as a hub for heritage conservation not just for the city, but for the entire Marathwada region," he said. The ability to undertake scientific conservation of artefacts, sculptures, and documents at a local level will be a game-changer. Under the guidance of INTACH experts, the public will also be able to avail these services to preserve their private collections and historical documents, Vaidya said. INTACH, a premier heritage conservation body, was established in 1984.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/intach-chhatrapati-sambhajinagar-civic-body-ink-pact-for-heritage-conservation-lab-101770522074781.html, February 1, 2026

The Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) of INTACH has been conducting the Filmit festival all over India. Each edition highlights short films made on heritage conservation and intangible/tangible heritage. Today, the Punjab Filmit Festival was held at Spring Dale School, supported by the Government of India, Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Students from 12 schools from Punjab were part of the project under which the short films and documentaries were made based on heritage elements. Chief guest for the event, Mahabir Bhullar, an eminent theatre person and actor, inaugurated the festival. Born and brought up in Taran Taran, Punjab, he is an alumnus of National School of Drama, New Delhi. Presently, he is working in Punjabi cinema and is part of several big production movies. The other guest was theatre director Rajinder Singh, also an alumnus of National School of Drama (NSD). As founder member of Dastak Theatre, Amritsar, Singh also worked on a project to revive the folk art community of Bhands and Marasis of Punjab. The short films made by students of several schools from Amritsar, Kapurthala, Beas and Tarn Taran were screened.

The subjects varied from focusing on culinary heritage of Punjab with features on sarson da saag, atte di pinni to putting spotlight on structural heritage with old abandoned havelis and creative epicentre at Preet Nagar. Some of the films were awarded for their sound, light and concept designs. Major Gen Balwinder Singh, Punjab convenor, INTACH, said, "Filmit is a multi-cultural project that helps students make short films on their city's heritage. It's an initiative to save our cultural heritage," he said. Dr Baljeet Kaur, INTACH convener, Tarn Taran, said that the students are trained in content development and technical knowledge through a series of workshops. "So far, over 8,000 short films have been prepared by students in India. The 18th year of the project since its initiation is being celebrated across India --- at Delhi, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Ambala, Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Kochi, Vadodara and Amritsar. It culminates through an annual Filmit Festival which screens overall best movies and awards schools for their efforts in each city," she said. Some of the films screened at Filmit festivals have been awarded at the International Children's Film Festival held in Hyderabad in November 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019.

A film made by Nigam Pratibha Chaukhandi, a student from Delhi, 'Phoolwati Amma' was awarded the second best film made by little directors (across the world) in 2015. Nineteen films were shown as part of non-competitive category. "One of our films was showcased at the International Children's Film festival at Tel Aviv. Also, in 2017, 2018 and 2019, 2021 and 2024, our films were screened at the SIFFCY Film Festival. In 2025, our films were showcased at the Footprints Film Festival organised in association with IGNCA as well as the Jaipur International Film festival," informed Major Gen Balwinder Singh.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/intach-punjab-holds-filmit-fest-for-budding-filmmakers/, February 3, 2026

The city will now have the facility to scientifically conserve old artefacts, manuscripts, and paintings. On Saturday ... The city will now have the facility to scientifically conserve old artefacts, manuscripts, and paintings. On Saturday (February 7), a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) and the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) to establish a conservation laboratory within the premises of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum.

Marathwada is home to thousands of historical objects, paintings, manuscripts, and ancient texts. However, the lack of proper scientific conservation facilities has put many of these treasures at risk. Recognising this need, the Intach and the CSMC signed an MoU to set up a scientific conservation laboratory for these treasures. Intach currently operates five conservation laboratories across India. This will be the first such lab in Maharashtra, located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. In a meeting last week, the proposed lab’s design, operational plan, and future phases were discussed in detail. The meeting was attended by MP Dr Bhagwat Karad, to-be mayor Sameer Rajurkar, Intach’s national president Ashok Singh Thakur, Maharashtra state convenor Mukund Bhogle, museum’s honorary director Shriprakash Purwar, and other Intach members. The agreement was finalised on Saturday, with municipal commissioner G Sreekanth and Intach Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar chapter convenor, senior architect Maya Vaidya, signing the MoU.

Also present were co-convenor Adv. Swapnil Joshi, architect Sneha Bakshi, and executive committee members Aditya Waghmare, Amit Deshpande, and Bageshri Desai. The municipal commissioner G Sreekanth said,"We are the only municipal corporation in the state running a historical museum. This laboratory will serve not only the local area but the entire Marathwada as a centre for heritage conservation." "Since scientific conservation of historical artefacts, sculptures, documents, and archaeological relics will now be possible locally, this laboratory will be extremely useful. Under the guidance of Intach conservation experts, anyone in the future will be able to conserve their manuscripts or ancient objects here," said Intach’s convenor Maya Vaidya.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/aurangabad/csmc-intach-sign-mou-to-set-up-scientific-lab-for-conserving-historical-artefacts/, February 4, 2026

Competition revolved around the thought-provoking theme, ‘Tree of Life’, which symbolises the deep connection between nature and human existence. The Poster making competition organised by Madurai INTACH Chapter was conducted on February 7 (Saturday) at Triveni School, Madurai. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of young minds and served as a vibrant platform to promote creativity, environmental awareness and cultural sensitivity among students, said INTACH Madurai convenor Vani C. Chenguttuwan.

The competition revolved around the thought-provoking theme, “Tree of Life," which symbolises the deep connection between nature and human existence. Students were encouraged to interpret the theme artistically, highlighting the importance of trees in sustaining life, preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. The theme also aimed to instil a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation and sustainable living. A total of 160 students participated in the competition, including 16 students from Madurai, representing various schools. The diverse participation brought together a wide range of artistic expressions and perspectives. Each poster reflected originality, creativity and a strong message, demonstrating the students’ understanding of environmental issues and their ability to communicate powerful ideas through art, said A.

Hema Arun, education committee member of INTACH. Many posters depicted trees as sources of life, shelter and hope, while others portrayed the consequences of deforestation and the urgent need to protect nature for future generations, said Nalini, a retired faculty from the Madurai Kamaraj University. It was a meaningful and enriching experience for the participants. It successfully combined art with awareness, inspiring students to think critically about nature and their role in protecting it. Such initiatives play a vital role in nurturing socially responsible and environmentally conscious citizens of tomorrow, said Nithan Chandrasekaran, education committee member in a press release issued here on Monday.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/intach-organised-poster-making-competition-in-madurai/article70611412.ece, February 5, 2026

Adichanallur, one of India's oldest archaeological sites, is located in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district along the banks of the Tamirabharani river. Recently selected for development under the Union Budget 2026, the site offers rare insights into early Iron Age life and ancient Tamil civilisation, making it a key heritage location set to gain national attention. Hidden along the banks of the Tamirabharani river in southern Tamil Nadu lies Adichanallur, one of India’s most important yet least understood archaeological sites.

Located in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district, about 25 km from Tirunelveli, Adichanallur quietly holds evidence of a civilisation that lived here more than 3,000 years ago, long before many recorded dynasties of South India. For historians, Adichanallur is not just a site. It is a question mark in the story of early India. During the Union Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that 15 archaeological sites across India will be developed as cultural heritage destinations, with Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu included among the selected sites.

A BURIAL GROUND THAT CHANGED HISTORY
Adichanallur is best known for its urn burials, large clay pots used to bury the dead, often accompanied by iron tools, ornaments, and pottery. These urns were first discovered in the late 19th century by British archaeologist Alexander Rea, and later excavated in phases by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). What surprised researchers was the sophistication of the artefacts. The site revealed:

Iron weapons and tools
Gold and bronze ornaments
Inscribed pottery Evidence of advanced burial rituals This suggested that people living here during the Iron Age had a highly developed social and cultural life, challenging the idea that early South Indian societies were isolated or primitive.

OLDER THAN EXPECTED
For years, Adichanallur was dated to around 1000 BCE. But recent studies and carbon dating indicate that parts of the site may go back to 1500 BCE or earlier, placing it among the oldest known settlements in the region.

Some historians now believe Adichanallur could be linked to the early Tamil civilisation, mentioned in Sangam literature, making it a rare bridge between archaeology and ancient texts.
WHY ADICHANALLUR MATTERS Unlike large monuments, Adichanallur tells its story through everyday life, how people lived, worked, worshipped, and buried their dead. It offers rare evidence of: Early iron technology in South India Trade links, possibly with Southeast Asia Social organisation and ritual practices Yet, despite its importance, the site remains largely unknown to the public and underdeveloped for tourism. Visitors today see open fields, scattered remains, and protective fencing, a sharp contrast to its historical value. A SITE WAITING TO BE SEEN With the Union Budget 2026 announcing the development of key archaeological sites, Adichanallur is finally stepping into the spotlight. Conservation work, interpretation centres, and better access could soon turn this quiet village into a window into India’s deep past. For now, Adichanallur remains a place where history whispers rather than shouts, a reminder that some of India’s greatest stories lie buried not under monuments, but beneath the soil of forgotten villages.

https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/where-is-adichanallur-the-archaeological-site-selected-in-budget-2026-2861214-2026-02-01, February 6, 2026

Systematic archaeological work carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from 2017–18 onwards at Kodumanal, a heritage site in Perundurai taluk of Erode district, Tamil Nadu, has yielded significant evidence of early civilisation and craft activity, according to the Archaeological Survey of India’s official post on social media platform X, dated February 4, 2026.

The findings, now documented in official ASI records, shed light on life in the region around the 4th–3rd century BCE, marking Kodumanal as an important Early Historic habitation-cum-burial site. “During the field season of 2017– 18, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carried out systematic excavations at Kodumanal, a habitation-cum-burial site in Erode District, Tamil Nadu. The excavations revealed Early Historic cultural remains dated to approximately the 4th-3rd century BCE,” the post read. As per the Archaeological Survey of India’s report, the 2017-18 excavations revealed habitation remains and associated cultural material datable to the early centuries of the Common Era (CE).

Archaeologists recovered semi-precious stone beads (including carnelian), rock crystal fragments, and indications of specialised craft production, including furnaces for metallurgy and evidence of gemcutting and shell industries, pointing to intensive craft production and early industrial activity at the site. A notable number of potsherds with Brahmi letters and graffiti marks were found across the excavated area. “Among the most significant discoveries was an inscribed terracotta seal bearing the reading "lavasa" or "savaha." Another important find was a potsherd inscribed with the first four vowels - a, ā, i, and ī - in Tamil-Brahmi script. In addition, a substantial number of antiquities in various forms were recovered, including numerous inscribed potsherds as well as graffiti-marked shards,” reads the post on X. In addition to craft-related remains, the excavations brought to light iron smelting features, crucibles, and metal objects alongside hundreds of inscribed pottery fragments — corroborating Kodumanal’s role not just as a burial ground but also as a thriving early historic settlement with complex socioeconomic activities. “Excavation of the megalithic cist burials brought to light secondary skeletal remains, including skulls and other bones, found in association with a variety of grave goods. These included carnelian beads and iron objects such as swords and knives. The ceramic assemblage comprised Black-and-Red Ware bowls, Red Ware pots, and distinctive three-legged jars,” Archaeological Survey of India (@ASIGoI) on X. Archaeological analysis suggests that Kodumanal was part of an ancient trade and industrial network, strategically located near the banks of the Noyyal River. Earlier work at the site has revealed Roman coins and artefacts, underlining its links to long-distance trade during the early historic period. The Kodumanal site continues to be an essential centre for understanding craft specialisation, settlement patterns, and trade links in southern India more than two millennia ago, reinforcing its importance in South Asian archaeology How to reach Erode Erode is well connected by rail, road, and nearby airports. The train is the best and most convenient. Erode Junction (ED) is a major railway hub in South India. There are direct trains from Chennai, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Salem, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram. Erode sits on the Chennai–Coimbatore–Kerala main line. From the railway station, the main city is just a few minutes away by auto or cab. If you are driving, Erode is well linked by national highways and state highways. Erode is located approximately 100 km from Coimbatore, 65 km from Salem, and approximately 240 km from Bengaluru. There are regular TNSTC and SETC buses from major Tamil Nadu cities, also, private buses and taxis are easily available. The nearest airport would be Coimbatore International Airport, located about 100 km away. Salem Airport is nearer (65 km) but there are limited flights available.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/a-history-travellers-delight-ancient-treasures-and-tools-recovered-at-kodumanal-in-tamil-nadu-asi-confirms-in-detailed-report/articleshow/127923273.cms, February 8, 2026

Archaeologists in Tamil Nadu have unearthed an 8ft-long iron spear dating back to 3,345 BCE, making it the longest Iron Age weapon discovered in India. Found at Thirumalapuram near Tuticorin alongside a shorter spear and gold objects, the find could represent either a ceremonial piece or a weapon used by ancient warriors. The 8ft iron spear, slightly rounded at one end for ease of holding, was found in an ‘X’ formation with a second 6.5ft spear next to an urn containing gold objects. Experts suggest the spear could have been used to protect cattle and wealth or as a ceremonial item for a powerful person buried with it.

Iron Age burial sites in India have previously revealed daggers, swords, knives, and other weapons, and the preservation of iron in Tamil Nadu’s dry soil has allowed this spear to survive in remarkable condition.

Historians believe the long spear may have been customised for ceremonial purposes, symbolising the social status of the individual buried. The discovery highlights the advanced metallurgical skills of the period, requiring smelting temperatures of 1,200°C to 1,500°C. Researchers urge further studies to understand the evolution of iron technology in Tamil Nadu and its global significance. The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, in collaboration with IIT Gandhinagar’s metallurgy department, plans to conduct a two-year study across multiple Iron Age sites in the state to track the development of iron use. The spear’s discovery, dating between 3,000 BCE and 2,500 BCE, provides new insight into India’s ancient technological and cultural heritage.

https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/india-tamil-nadu-iron-spear-iron-age-discovery-m9cga10e, February 9, 2026

In southern India, archaeologists have uncovered a striking burial structure that is rewriting what we know about early historic cultures in the region. A 2,300-year-old terracotta sarcophagus with twelve legs has been discovered during excavations in Pallavaram, a suburb of Chennai (formerly Madras), in the state of Tamil Nadu. The find was made by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at a depth of approximately two meters below the present ground surface. Measuring roughly 170 centimeters in length, 45 centimeters in width, and about 50 centimeters in depth, the baked clay coffin immediately stood out because of its unusual design: it rests on twelve carefully shaped legs.

According to ASI Superintending Archaeologist Amv Subramanyam, the discovery provides compelling evidence for a megalithic culture flourishing in Pallavaram more than two millennia ago. “This terracotta coffin indicates the presence of a settled community in the 3rd century BCE with the technological capability to produce sophisticated ceramic burial containers,” he explained. The structure’s form and craftsmanship suggest an advanced understanding of both funerary architecture and ceramic production. The sarcophagus is believed to date to around the 3rd century BCE, a period when southern India was home to complex societies engaged in long-distance trade and regional cultural exchange. The presence of such an elaborately constructed burial container supports the view that the region’s inhabitants were not nomadic but part of an organized and technologically adept community. Interestingly, the site has yielded important discoveries before.

About 140 years ago, British archaeologist Alexander Rea uncovered another ancient coffin in the Pallavaram hills, pointing to the area’s long-recognized archaeological significance. However, systematic excavations had been delayed for years due to legal disputes over land ownership, with ASI only resuming work after a court decision cleared the way late last year. To determine the coffin’s precise age, ASI plans to conduct thermoluminescence dating. Further analysis may shed light on burial practices, social hierarchy, and material culture in early historic Tamil Nadu. The discovery not only highlights Pallavaram’s archaeological richness but also underscores the urgent need to preserve the site for future research. As excavations continue, researchers hope this twelve-legged sarcophagus will offer deeper insight into the lives—and deaths—of a little-understood ancient community in southern India.

https://arkeonews.net/2300-year-old-twelve-legged-terracotta-sarcophagus-unearthed-in-southern-india/, February 13, 2026

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Punjab, is doing yeoman service to preserve the cultural heritage of the state. After the recent success in stopping the demolition of the Dera Baba Nanak railway station heritage structure, the team of volunteers across Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and surrounding areas has completed the listing of more heritage structures that need immediate restorative attention.

Maj Gen Balwinder Singh, VSM (Retd), State Convener, INTACH, said that all-out efforts are being made to conserve both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage. "The latest district that has been covered is Gurdaspur, which is culturally very rich. Positioned along the Radcliffe Line, the district of Gurdaspur is one of the border regions of India and has a history dating back to the Early Historic Period (600 BCE – 300 CE). Explorations in the district under the North-Western Circle of ASI led to the discovery of ancient sites such as Achal Sahib, Kandila, Machharai and Nangal, which yielded Black-Painted Red Ware and Red Polished Ware. These sites are still largely unexplored as heritage sites," said Maj Gen Balwinder Singh. Kalanaur became famous as the place where Akbar was enthroned on February 15, 1556, after the death of Mughal Emperor Humayun. At present, the site of Takht-i-Akbari is situated on the north-eastern side of Kalanaur and consists of a platform positioned in front of a tank. The town is also known for its Shiv Mandir, Shahi Jama Masjid and Gurdwara Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. One of the oldest cities in the district is Batala, roughly established in 1472 CE according to various historical accounts. During Akbar’s rule, Batala had 12 gates, out of which only five have survived. “Batala is a sacred destination for followers of Sikhism, as it was here at the site of Gurdwara Kandh Sahib that Guru Nanak Dev ji was married to Mata Sulakhni. Other sites of religious significance include Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Kali Dwara Mandir, Sheetla Mata Mandir and Ram Mandir. Besides these, there are several other temples and old residences within the confines of the city.

The city also has links with Maharaja Sher Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, as he commissioned a palace and Jal Mahal (Baradari) on the north-eastern side of the fortified city. Later, during colonial rule in 1878, Rev. Henry Francis Baring started a school in the palace of Maharaja Sher Singh and named it ‘Baring High School’. In 1897, a chapel was constructed near the palace, and between 1934 and 1948, the high school was transitioned into Baring Union Christian College," said Maj Gen Singh. These sites have been included in INTACH Punjab’s listing. The district, in several clusters, also has a number of bungalows, churches (Church of North India and Holy Healing Church), and other infrastructural facilities. These structures can still be seen in the city of Gurdaspur and in areas such as Kastiwal and Sathiali. INTACH ground teams in several other historic settlements in the district — such as Dera Baba Nanak, Sri Hargobindpur, Dinanagar, Behrampur, Dhariwal, Fatehgarh Churian, Qadian and Kahnuwan — have also listed heritage sites.

Dinanagar, known for its pleasant mango gardens and six gates built during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time, also has the remains of a hamam and a Baradari constructed during his rule. The district also has a tragic connection with World War I, as several residents participated in the Great War and were martyred. Memorial plaques commemorating residents who lost their lives can be seen in the villages of Chak Sharif and Ghot Pokhar. Harpreet Singh Bhatti, Convener of the Gurdaspur Chapter, said there was an overwhelming response from prominent personalities in Gurdaspur for the listing of sites, which has been undertaken holistically for the first time. “Some citizens also participated in identifying heritage sites. We are now working to chart out a plan for restorative work and to develop strategies for their preservation,” he said.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/intach-punjab-turns-spotlight-on-gurdaspurs-heritage-sites/, February 16, 2026

State convener of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), Bhairab Lal Das, tells TOI’s B K Mishra in an interview that the forgotten Patna Kalam (Patna School of Painting) can be revived if genuine efforts are made by art connoisseurs along with proper support from the govt. Excerpts:

What are the key features of Patna Kalam and how is it different from Mughal
painting?

Patna Kalam, or Company Paintings, flourished in Bihar between the 18th and 20th centuries as a unique Indo-European school of painting that focused on the daily lives of common people, distinct from the earlier elite-centric Mughal art. The key characteristics of Patna Kalam include depictions of everyday activities of vendors, artisans and labourers, besides festivals and scenes from ordinary life.

Unlike Mughal art, which largely portrayed royal, courtly and fantasy scenes with lush green backgrounds, Patna Kalam centred on the common man, mundane routines and realistic, simple backgrounds.
How did this popular art form decline? Patna Kalam paintings, which dominated Bihar and other parts of the country for more than two centuries, began to fade with the weakening control of the East India Company over local populations, a decline in British patronage and, to some extent, the advent of photography. The departure of the British from India and the end of the princely states led to its rapid decline.

What is the current status of Patna Kalam?
Once known as one of the first independent schools to document the lives of ordinary people, Patna Kalam is still regarded as a vital part of Bihar’s artistic heritage. Along with other social and cultural organisations, INTACH has been striving to popularise this art form among the masses and ensure its revival. Targeted efforts, including art workshops, exhibitions and educational initiatives supported by Intach and the Bihar Museum, are being undertaken in this direction.

The recently organised exhibition titled “Patna Kalam: Ek Virasat” at the Bihar Museum attracted a large number of people interested in this art form. Do you think Patna Kalam will be revived any time soon? With our sincere efforts and the encouraging support of the people as well as the authorities concerned, I am sure this art form will see a comeback. Intach has organised several training programmes at different places in the state to teach the younger generation the techniques of Patna Kalam, with descendants of the original painters participating in efforts to restore the tradition. In addition, some contemporary artists are reinterpreting the style, which blends Mughal refinement with local realism, for modern audiences in an attempt to restore the glory of Patna Kalam.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/reviving-patna-kalam-our-collective-responsibility/articleshowprint/128382475.cms, February 17, 2026

Amid the Qutub Shahi tombs, Sajjad Shahid, co-convenor of INTACH Hyderabad, took the captivated audience through the history of the Deccan. The Deccan has always drawn people with an inexplicable pull – a sense of belonging that runs deeper here than elsewhere. Whatever it is, it drew history enthusiasts to the Qutb Shahi tombs in Hyderabad on Sunday, February 15, for an informal talk about the region’s past. Amid the glorious lawns nestled between the complex of the domed monuments, Sajjad Shahid, the co-convenor of INTACH, Hyderabad Chapter, took the captivated audience through the history of the Deccan in what seemed more like a drawing room conversation than a formal talk. “Deccan has been known for its prosperity and was synonymous with wealth and luxury. There was something about the Deccan that made people come here. There’s a sense of belonging here,” said Shahid, a chronicler of Hyderabad, at the talk organised by Sangat and Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The region remained relatively isolated from the Aryans, a debate within itself. It was never considered a part of India by North Indians, so much so that the Mughals looked at the Deccan as a separate country, he said, adding that despite this, it was a region of inkesari, or humbleness, which was the defining culture of the Deccan. In Hyderabad itself, the city had a stark contrast between the Dakhni people and the Hindustanis, or those who came from outside the region, with each group having its own customs and traditions. “For instance, people sent by the Mughal rulers settled in a separate area, which later came to be known as Mughalpura,” Shahid said. Telangana represents the cultural core of the Deccan. Many people have come and settled here, becoming an integral part of its fabric. And when new people come, they become the “outsiders” till they fully become part of the culture, he quipped. A language for the masses, an identity of its own. Dakhani, the language of the region born from the interaction of Dehalvi, Telugu, Marathi and Kannada, is the most important aspect of the Deccan. “It was a language that was made for everyone to understand, a rekhta (mixture) of sorts. It was the language of the masses that was suddenly given a literary status,” Shahid said. “Dakhni literature is unique because it is both the same as the written language and the language spoken by the people,” Shahid said, explaining that this was unlike Latin, where the written language was different – formal and more elitist in nature – from what is spoken. Elaborating on the accessibility of Dakhni, the co-convenor of INTACH said that poetry in the language is rich with the flora, fauna and animals that exist in the region, which can be found in the architecture in the region, especially in Hyderabad. On its unique identity, Shahid said that Hyderabad did not mint coins in its own name or rulers until 1858 under the rule of Afzal-ud-Daulah, the fifth Nizam of Hyderabad, a year after the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was overthrown. The identity was also different in the way women dressed at the time. For instance, the historian said, Muslim women in the north could be differentiated from women of other faiths by what they wore, but women from the Deccan always wore sarees. A clever, witty Hyderabad. On a lighter note, Shahid said Hyderabad is a city of intrigue and very welcoming, while also being a city of chakma dena, or misleading in a clever and witty way. “It is a place where you sympathise with the perpetrator and not feel too bad for the victims,” he joked, with the audience bursting into laughter at the street-smart way of the people here. The city has had a syncretic culture, where religion was culture-driven, and that is what actually makes Hyderabad. On an audience question of how Hyderabad balances the cultural differences of Shias and Sunnis, Shahid said, “Hyderabad is a city that does not get into such contrasts and is, in fact, an amalgamation of cultures. For example, almost every Ashoorkhanas and Imambaras, which are places of worship for Shias, in the city are headed by Sunnis.” He pointed to an example of his friend, a Shia Muslim who married a Sunni Muslim, who, he said, sometimes asks him in jest if he is actually Sunni instead. “He also asks me if I am Shia,” Shahid said. In another example, he said his co-worker and friend Anuradha Reddy, the convenor of INTACH Hyderabad, went to an Ashoorkhana to get a mannat dhaaga – a sacred thread seeking blessings – for him when he was ill. “When I got better, she also took me to a few dargahs to get blessings,” Shahid said. “That’s the beauty of Hyderabad."

https://www.siasat.com/the-region-mughals-saw-as-separate-country-inside-the-deccans-cultural-core-3349877/, February 18, 2026

Prof Ravi Korisettar said they found four types of foodgrains -- two of millets and two of pulses -- which the archaeologists collected from 40 Neolithic sites between the Eastern and Western Ghats. The charred foodgrains that were discarded and fell on the mud house floors of Neolithic settlements have survived thousands of years to give the unique story of agricultural origins during the Neolithic period between 3000 and 1200 BCE in South Asia. One of the most enduring archaeological finds from the Neolithic sites at Tekkelekota, Sangankallu, Kurugodu and Brahmagiri in and near Ballari district are not the human remains, but charred pulses and millets that were locally grown in the prehistoric era and helped archaeologists establish that this region was a thriving and independent agricultural centre in India between 3000 BCE and 1900 BCE.

After this period, food crops from outside the region were introduced by pastoral movements from the North. Speaking to TNIE, renowned archaeologist Prof Ravi Korisettar said they found four types of foodgrains -- two of millets and two of pulses -- which the archaeologists collected from the 40 Neolithic sites between the Eastern and Western Ghats. “We found some charred grains at these excavation sites. Because they were charred they were unfit for human consumption. Discarded, they were thrown on the soil and remained embedded for thousands of years. These are carbonised grains and never sprouted. We collected them and studied them using the flotation method and found that they were locally cultivated in the region and were not imported from any other Neolithic settlement in India.

This was a major discovery in our understanding of the prehistoric sites in South India,” said the archaeologist.
Millets staple crop of Neolithic era Flotation is an important archaeobotanical sampling technique used on site to investigate ancient plant and seed remains lost in the normal screening of soils from archaeological sites. “The staple crops of the Southern Neolithic were millets, dominated by a foxtail millet, in some cases to be identified with the bristly foxtail, although the yellow foxtail may also have been present. It is also possible that sawa millet, another grass that is a natural constituent of the peninsular grasslands, is present.

The ubiquity and quantity of millets from recently studied sites strongly suggests their use as staple grains, although it remains ambiguous as to whether these were actually domesticated or extensively gathered in the wild. The high level of purity of the samples, with relatively few other grasses present, argues for cultivation," explained Korisettar. “Of the plant remains, pulses were clearly the most prevalent. The most widespread pulse on the Southern Neolithic is horse gram. It occurs in the earliest samples, such as the lowest level at Sangankallu, and it has also been recovered from all regions of the Neolithic sites thus far sampled. The green gram is also widespread through the middle and later periods of the Southern Neolithic,” added the veteran archaeologist.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2026/Feb/14/charred-foodgrains-found-in-karnataka-reveal-agri-origins-of-neolithic-era-in-south-asia, February 20, 2026

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) filmed a documentary at the Living Museum, in Falkawn Mizo typical village near Aizawl. According to officials, the department organised a special Saturday showcase of the Living Museum to facilitate the documentary production. The Living Museum at Falkawn-which recreates a traditional Mizo village complete with indigenous houses and cultural settings – has been drawing regular visitors since its inauguration. The Living Museum was formally inaugurated in last year under the initiative of Art & Culture Minister C. Lalsawivunga. The project has since received appreciation at the national level for its efforts to preserve and present Mizo heritage in its authentic form.

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/intach-films-documentary-at-falkawn-living-museum-to-showcase-mizo-heritage/, February 23, 2026

The INTACH Nagaland Chapter has announced the first ever “North East Festival of Rice: Grains of Heritage” on February 26 and 27 at Agri Expo, Dimapur, bringing together communities from across Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Sikkim to celebrate rice at the heart of indigenous culture and sustainable living. In a press release, the INTACH Nagaland Chapter stated that the festival will feature curated rice exhibitions showcasing heirloom and indigenous varieties, traditional farming tools, and seed preservation practices from across the region.

Visitors can explore how rice cultivation shapes the region’s agricultural heritage and biodiversity. A craft section will highlight bamboo work, handloom textiles, and artisanal products inspired by agrarian life. Student participation is a key highlight, featuring immersive farm-to-table experiences, a rice-themed painting competition, cultural performances, and a two-day seminar on rice to address critical issues. The festival marketplace will host farmers and entrepreneurs offering organic produce, rice-based products, and handmade goods.

A dedicated food arena will serve diverse rice dishes from steamed and sticky varieties to traditional beverages reflecting the culinary traditions of the region. The event is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland; ICAR NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema; ICAR NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya; and NEZCC, Ministry of Culture. The festival aims to promote cultural pride, sustainable agriculture, and community collaboration while celebrating and honouring the grain that binds and sustains life in Northeast India.

https://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/intach-nagaland-to-host-north-east-festival-of-rice, February 24, 2026

The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with Art Kanara Trust, organised a discussion on “Multilingualism and Cultural Identity in Mangaluru” on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, Ballalbagh, to mark International Mother Language Day. Scholars, writers and cultural practitioners reflected on language as a vital component of intangible heritage and the need to preserve linguistic diversity in a rapidly changing world.

In his opening remarks, Subhas Chandra Basu traced the origins of International Mother Language Day. “The observance has its origins in the 1952 language movement for recognition of the Bangla language in present-day Bangladesh and was later recognised internationally as a day to promote linguistic diversity,” he said. The discussion featured Prof. P. Krishnamurthy, former Principal of Govinda Dasa College, Surathkal; poet and author Raghu Idkidu; poet Anarkali Saleem (Mandya); senior journalist Raymond D’Cunha of Pingara; and author Subraya Bhat. Prof. Krishnamurthy moderated the session, inviting speakers to share their perspectives on language and identity. Reflecting on the region’s linguistic ethos, he said, “We live within a multilingual culture. Though we have different mother tongues, the emotion within language reminds us that despite our differences, we share a common bond, and it is this spirit that has shaped Mangaluru’s linguistic relationships.” Raghu Idkidu spoke on the cultural depth embedded in language.

“A mother tongue goes beyond the limits of communication; it plays a vital role in shaping one’s character, values and culture,” he said. Anarkali Saleem reflected on his bilingual experience. “Though I speak Urdu at home, I have learnt Kannada throughout my life, and it is Kannada that has become the primary language of my literary pursuits and creative work,” he said. Raymond D’Cunha spoke about the spread and resilience of Konkani. “Konkani is spoken by over 40 communities across different religions and castes. The language migrated out of Goa and spread along the western coast. Today it is widely spoken in Mangaluru,” he said. Subraya Bhat addressed the distinctiveness of Havyaka Kannada.

“Havyaka Kannada is a unique dialect, closest to hale (old) Kannada. Though I believe it is difficult to write literature in this dialect, there have been several efforts in that direction,” he remarked. The discussion was followed by an interactive session in which participants spoke about language-based community engagement abroad, the relationship between language of thought and speech, the rise of English-medium education, and the need to foster interest in mother tongues among younger generations. The programme concluded by reiterating the importance of safeguarding linguistic diversity as an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage.

https://www.mangaloretoday.com/main/INTACH-Art-Kanara-Trust-mark-International-Mother-Language-Day-with-dialogue-on-multilingualism-in-Mangaluru.html, February 25, 2026

The ASI is looking forward to getting the structure declared as a centrally-protected site of national importance. The Menhir is stated to be the tallest in the country. Over the next one year, the ASI will analyse pottery pieces, iron slags and other traces of iron age and earlier history found during two years of surface study at the location, to establish evidences of Roman trade, P. Aravazhi, Superintendent Archaeologist (in-charge), Archeological Survey of India, Tiruchi Circle, told mediapersons after initiating the excavation process at the key trench.

The location for excavation which is situated just 10 km away from archaeologically-prominent Kodumanal in adjoining Erode district is expected to throw up stronger evidences of Roman trade, Mr. Aravazhi said. During August 2025, the ASI had mooted a joint survey along with the Tiruppur district administration for the purpose of declaring the Menhir as Centrally Protected Monument under The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The State government’s Department of Archaeology had also announced during June 2025 that the Menhir believed to belong to iron age will be protected and preserved under The Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1966 (Tamil Nadu Act 25 of 1966). The department had taken note of the mention about the menhir in the 249th verse of Akananuru, a Sangam-era classical Tamil anthology.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/asi-initiates-excavation-in-the-vicinity-of-26-feet-menhir-at-kumarikkalpalayam-hamlet-in-tiruppur-district/article70680307.ece/amp/, February 26, 2026

Nearly 700 antique coins, believed to be of significant historical and archaeological value, have been recovered in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, police said on Wednesday. Police in Awantipora have recovered 694 antique coins from Pinglish area of Tral during a routine operation, a spokesman said. He said the recovered antique coins were kept in safe custody under the supervision of the Staion House Officer, Tral, Inspector Tajamul Islam.

Subsequently, coordination was established with the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums to facilitate scientific handling and preservation in accordance with established archaeological norms, the spokesman said. He said the handover of the antique coins reaffirms the commitment of Jammu and Kashmir Police towards safeguarding peace and tranquillity, as well as preserving the archaeological and cultural heritage of the Union territory, while fostering public awareness about Kashmir's rich historical legacy.

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir/nearly-700-ancient-coins-unearthed-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-pulwama-handed-over-to-archaeology-dept-3911610, February 27, 2026

A community-funded effort to restore a 475-year-old Cathedral in Vasai has reaped a rich reward. The conservation project of Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in Papdy village received the prestigious Award of Merit at the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation announced in Bangkok Friday. China and Japan won top honours. The stone structure, built without cement, has weathered centuries of wear and tear to emerge stronger and immensely beautiful. The cost of the restoration was approximately Rs 4.5 crore, and the local population contributed with an open heart. The UNESCO citation read, "The conservation of the Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, a tangible testament to the establishment of Catholicism in Maharashtra, is noteworthy for reviving a sixteenth-century structure that embodies the architectural legacy of the Portuguese colonial architecture in India. Of particular significance is the thoughtful restoration of the cathedral's interior... The skilled use of traditional craftsmanship, especially in the hand-carved renewal of liturgical elements, successfully reinstated the interior as a living place of worship and communal devotion. Despite a modest budget, the project was realised through the parish community's sustained engagement and donation network..." Conservation architect Ainsley Lewis executed the project. He told TOI, "Working with a community is always a challenge. This engagement required negotiation with all stakeholders. Every large structural intervention to the tiniest detail had to be explained. We would often back it up with philosophies of conservation. The outcome of this process was truly, a fulfilling experience." Using appropriate technique and material, Lewis restored the roof, facade, corridors, colonnade and interiors. Years of well-meaning but erroneous repair had to be undone. The Cathedral's former priest Fr John Furgose said work lasted from 2023-24. He said, "The Mangalore tiled roof was leaking, and the entire structure including bell tower was in a state of disrepair. The Cathedral is built of stone, using mud, since there were no bricks or cement at the time. (Former) Archbishop Felix Machado took keen interest in restoring it and I launched the task."

Parishioner Jerry D'Cunha, himself an architect, networked with Lewis. "We are very happy and proud that the Cathedral has won this recognition. Now hopefully more people will visit Vasai looking to explore this UNESCO award winning site," D'Cunha laughed. The year 2025 was the silver jubilee of the awards.

The highest Award of Distinction went to the Iwami Ginzan Library Conservation Project in Oda, Japan, and the Sihang Warehouse Conservation Project in Shanghai, China. The seven-member international jury also recognised outstanding projects across Malaysia, Nepal and Vanuatu. The winners were selected from 90 entries across 16 countries, a record number of applications. They were chosen based on understanding of place, technical achievement, and sustainability and impact.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/475-year-old-vasai-cathedral-wins-unesco-award-for-conservation/articleshowprint/128640213.cms, February 27, 2026