A circular stone labyrinth that has been found in the Boramani grasslands in the Solapur district in Maharashtra has been discovered to be the largest in the country. The discovery is not only significant in terms of the size and complexity of the structure but also for what it reveals about the trade routes that linked inland India to the Mediterranean world nearly two thousand years ago. It is approximately 50 feet by 50 feet in size and has 15 concentric circles formed from small stone blocks. The rings guide movement inward toward a tightly coiled spiral at the center, creating a design that reflects both precision and symbolic intent. Before this discovery, the largest known circular labyrinth in India had 11 circuits, making the Solapur example unprecedented in terms of circular complexity. Although there is a larger square labyrinth in Tamil Nadu, this newly documented site is the largest circular stone labyrinth identified in the country to date. The labyrinth was discovered not as the result of excavation but through the work of locals who were part of a conservation group that monitored wildlife within the Boramani grassland sanctuary. This site is famous for harboring creatures such as the Great Indian Bustard and the Indian wolf. After documenting the stone formation, the conservationists alerted archaeologists. Primary analysis indicates that this labyrinthine structure dates back around 2,000 years, placing it in the Satavahana period, a time characterized by extensive internal and overseas trade. The presence of soil accumulation between the stone rings shows that this structure has remained untouched for several centuries. In fact, its design resembles classical labyrinth forms found in Mediterranean cultures, including motifs seen on Roman-era coins, while also incorporating a central spiral associated in India with the concept of the Chakravyuh. It is also believed that the labyrinth might be linked to the commercial networks that connected the Deccan region with Roman traders operating along the western coast of India. There is historical evidence that goods such as spices, silk, and indigo were exchanged for gold, wine, and luxury goods, with trade routes extending far inland. Similar labyrinths have also been found in other districts, on a smaller scale, along these routes, suggesting they formed part of a broader cultural landscape shaped by movement, exchange, and interaction.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/intach-calls-for-conservation-of-hajipur-temple/articleshow/125662655.cms, January 1, 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday handed over a stone sculpture of goddess Durga, recovered by a fisherman from the Jhelum river in Baramulla district, to the department of archives, archaeology and museums.

Police said, fisherman Nazir Ahmad Latoo informed Sheeri police station on Thursday he had found the sculpture while fishing. The police took the artefact in its custody and kept it safely at the police station. Subsequently, police officials called experts from the archaeology department to examine it. After the sculpture was formally identified as that of goddess Durga, it was handed over to the archaeology department. The police said they are committed to protect the cultural heritage of J&K and urged people to promptly inform authorities about any discoveries of historical or archaeological significance.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-fisherman-recovers-stone-sculpture-of-goddess-from-jhelum/articleshowprint/126195144.cms, January 2, 2026

Shiv Kumar Mishra, co-convener of INTACH's Bihar chapter, said the Bihar govt should first maintain sites under its control before questioning the ASI. When Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar urged the Centre to improve maintenance at the ASI-managed Kumhrar Park, a key Magadh-era archaeological site in Patna, he reopened an uncomfortable question closer home: Why are dozens of monuments under Bihar’s own protection falling apart? Nitish Kumar’s push for better upkeep of the site has triggered a pushback from heritage experts and archaeologists, who argue that Bihar’s own record on monument conservation is far worse. Critics point out that dozens of state-protected monuments — from British author George Orwell’s birthplace to medieval temples and forts — are crumbling due to neglect, exposing a deeper faultline between political posturing and the state’s failure to safeguard its own historical legacy.

‘Extremely poor condition’
In Bihar, 56 monuments are under the protection of the state government. Bihar’s Art and Culture Department oversees these sites. Most of the ancient sites such as Nalanda, Vaishali, and Vikramshila are maintained by the ASI. “Before blaming and questioning ASI for the upkeep of monuments, the Bihar government should maintain the ancient structures which are under their control. There is rarely any site worth visiting which is under the state control,” said Shiv Kumar Mishra, state co-convenor of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Bihar. “The condition of all the monuments is extremely poor”. Mishra, who has also headed various district museums in Bihar, listed the state protected monuments which are in a dilapidated condition. These include the birthplace of George Orwell in Motihari, Munger Fort in Munger, Nepali Temple in Hajipur, House of Babu Veer Kunwar Singh in Bhojpur, Ahilya Sthan Temple in Darbhanga, Sun Temple in Saharsa’s Kandaha, Hazarimal Dharamshala in West Champaran, and Alawal Khan Tomb in Sasaram. “Some of these monuments and structures are very ancient and related to our contemporary history. If we lose them, we’ll lose an important part of our history,” said Mishra. He gave the example of Nepali Temple in Hajipur, which is famously known as the Khajuraho of Bihar. The 18th-century structure is one of the oldest temples of Bihar. It looks similar to Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple and is built in the pagoda architectural style by one of the army commanders of Nepal.

The temple structure is largely built from wood, and features wooden carvings. “The doors and woods of the temple are broken and no one is trying to conserve it,” said Mishra, adding that if the government wants to protect it, INTACH can save it. In a similar condition is the house of George Orwell, known for his famous books 1984 and Animal Farm. He was born in 1903 in Motihari when his father was working in the Indian Civil Service. In 2014, Bihar’s Art and Culture Department initiated the restoration of the bungalow and proposed a museum. But the project is still in limbo. “This monument has been declared of state importance under the Bihar Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites, Remains and Antiquities Act, 1976,” reads a tattered government signboard at Orwell’s house in Motihari. ASI sites vs state-protected sites On 2 January, CM Nitish Kumar visited an exhibition of photographs related to the Kumhrar excavation ruins, the art of Patliputra, and the influence of cultures, and directed officials to write to the Modi government for the systematic upkeep of the ancient site. “Kumhrar Park is a significant historical site connected to the ancient Magadha Empire. During the inspection, instructions were given for the better maintenance of the park premises along with the exhibits. Instructions were also given to the concerned officials to write a letter to the Government of India for the better development of the Kumhrar Park premises, so that people can easily learn and understand the information related to this site,” the CM wrote on X. Kumhrar is one of Bihar’s significant archaeological sites connected to the Magadha Empire. It houses remains of a Mauryan-era assembly hall with 80 pillars unearthed during two phases of excavations — in 1912-15 and later in 1951-55. Excavations at the site led to the discovery of pillared halls, monasteries, and drainage systems, “revealing the grandeur of one of the oldest cities in history,” according to Bihar Tourism website. “The most notable discovery is the 80-pillared hall, believed to be part of Emperor Ashoka’s palace. History enthusiasts and archaeology lovers visit this site to witness the remnants of India’s golden age”.

ASI officials said that the site is well maintained and over the years many facilities were introduced there. “There is always the possibility to enhance the facilities at any site. All the ASI sites in Bihar are in good condition and lakhs of visitors visit the site every year,” said an ASI official on the condition of anonymity. Bihar, the official said, is the cradle of civilisation and many dynasties and cultures flourished here. “Many sites are under ASI’s control but many important ones are under state protection and they are in bad condition. The government should look into it before questioning our work,” he said. However, the official accepted that some 20 years ago, the Kumhrar site, too, was in a bad condition. On the recommendation of a high-level committee, the excavated area at Kumhrar was filled with soil and sand in 2005 as part of conservation efforts.

In the past few years, Bihar is emerging as a major tourism destination, shedding its badlands image. Between 2013 to 2023, tourist footfall rose from 2.23 crore to 8.21 crore. “Our tourist number is increasing and we also increased our expenditure on tourism. Many places still need better infrastructure and we will work on it,” said a senior official of Bihar’s Art and Culture Department.

https://theprint.in/feature/nitish-asi-bihar-kumhrar-park/2821521/, January 5, 2026

From forests and wetlands to conflict-prone landscapes, these women are working on the frontlines of wildlife conservation across India. Women have always been at the heart of wildlife conservation, protecting forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastlines as caregivers, community leaders, scientists, and frontline workers. Their engagement with nature is often rooted in lived experiences of sharing landscapes with wildlife. They understand issues ground up and respond to environmental change in practical ways. In recent years, women have stepped into roles that were once considered inaccessible or unsafe: as forest officers patrolling remote terrain, scientists studying elusive species, and grassroots leaders mobilising communities against poaching and habitat loss. Working with indigenous communities, farmers, fisherfolk, or students, these women prioritise coexistence over conflict. Here are some women who are leading from the forefront in wildlife and environmental conservation.

Sonali Ghosh
Last year, Sonali Ghosh, the first woman field director of Kaziranga National Park, became the first Indian to win the WCPA-Kenton Miller Award for innovation in national parks and protected area sustainability. In 2023, Ghosh assumed leadership of a landscape globally known for both biodiversity value and conservation pressure. Kaziranga faces persistent threats from organised poaching networks, annual floods, and intense management demands across multiple forest ranges. Ghosh’s impact was most visible in strengthening anti-poaching architecture, improving patrol coordination, ensuring consistent deployment of frontline staff, and reinforcing intelligence-led responses. These systems are critical in a park that protects high-value species such as the one-horned rhinoceros and requires round-the-clock vigilance. During Assam’s annual floods, Ghosh oversaw large-scale wildlife rescue and relief operations, coordinating forest staff, veterinarians, rescue camps, and transport logistics. Timely evacuation, treatment, and release reduced animal mortality during peak inundation periods. Importantly, her tenure emphasised institutionalising rescue protocols, enforcement routines, and accountability mechanisms so that protection did not rely on individual officers.

Purnima Devi Barman
Purnima Devi Barman’s most significant contribution lies in transforming conservation from an external intervention into a community-driven movement. She founded the Hargila Army, mobilizing rural women across Assam to protect the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork, a species that nests near human habitation. Her work produced direct conservation outcomes, active nest guarding, prevention of nesting-tree felling, monitoring of breeding sites, and emergency response during storms or disturbances. These actions improved chick survival rates in landscapes where conservation enforcement alone had failed. Communities that once viewed the stork as undesirable began to see it as a shared responsibility. Women became the primary custodians—tracking nests, educating families, and intervening when threats emerged. Last year, Barman was the only Indian woman on Time’s Women of the Year 2025 list, which honours extraordinary leaders working towards a better, more equal world.

Aaliya Mir
Aaliya Mir operates on the frontlines of wildlife rescue in Jammu & Kashmir, a region defined by difficult terrain, human–wildlife conflict, and heightened operational risk. Her work involves responding to distress calls, assisting in animal capture, relocation, and safe release. By consistently working in the field, Mir expanded the operational capacity of rescue teams, contributing to faster response times and safer handling protocols. Through her efforts, communities became more willing to report wildlife encounters promptly, leading to a shift in mindsets and an increase in timely action. Mir and her team also lead awareness workshops in schools and colleges, helping students learn practical, non-violent ways to stay safe around wild animals—without harming or killing them.

Supriya Sahu
Supriya Sahu’work received global recognition when she was honoured with the Champions of the Earth award, the United Nations’ highest environmental honour, instituted by the United Nations Environment Programme. Sahu is a senior Indian Administrative Service officer who has consistently pushed the boundaries of environmental governance in Tamil Nadu. As Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forests, she has brought long-term ecological thinking into everyday administration, focusing on forests, wetlands, wildlife conservation, and climate resilience. One of Sahu’s defining contributions is her emphasis on technology-led conservation. From deploying AI-powered tools to monitor wildlife movement and reduce human-animal conflict, to strengthening early warning systems and rapid response teams, she has championed data-driven solutions on the ground. These initiatives aim to minimise loss of both human and animal lives, especially in conflict-prone landscapes, while ensuring that conservation efforts are practical and scalable. Sahu believes that conservation works best when local communities are partners rather than bystanders.

Meghana Pemmaiah
Meghana Pemmaiah is a wildlife veterinarian who works closely with the Karnataka Forest Department to rescue big cats and other wild animals caught in perilous situations. Over her career, she has treated a wide range of wildlife, from birds and snakes to mongooses and jackals, and has successfully rescued leopards from wells and snares. She shot to fame with a dramatic rescue near Niddodi in Karnataka, where she was lowered 20 feet into a deep well in a cage to dart and rescue a leopard that had been trapped there for two days. Beyond rescue operations, Pemmaiah emphasises the need for greater public awareness about habitat loss and urges people to seek help instead of harming wildlife that enters human settlements. She also calls on governments to include conservationists and forest communities in infrastructure planning to prevent disruption of traditional wildlife corridors.

https://yourstory.com/herstory/2026/01/meet-the-women-working-to-protect-indias-wildlife, January 9, 2026

The Heritage Craft and Community Division of INTACH, New Delhi, under the able guidance of Smti. Bindu Manchanda in collaboration with the Directorate of Rural Development, successfully concluded a five-day Rag Doll Making Workshop today at the RD Office, Marine Hill. The workshop, which ran from January 8th to 12th, 2026, provided intensive training to 34 women from various rural areas and diverse ethnicities. Under the expert guidance of textile designer and INTACH resorce person Ashwini Kurup from Mumbai, participants learned the intricate art of transforming cotton rags into unique handcrafted dolls. By the end of the program, each participant had successfully crafted two to three dolls. In a personal touch to celebrate their creativity, every doll was named after the woman who created it. The valedictory ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Shri Apurva Gupta, DANICS, Director of Rural Development, who presented certificates of completion to the participants. He lauded the initiative for its role in fostering self-reliance among rural women. Ms. Samhita Veda Acharyaa, Convenor of the INTACH Andaman & Nicobar Chapter, highlighted the workshop’s goal of empowering women with sustainable skills. She announced that the INTACH A&N Chapter will provide dedicated marketing support to the participants once they are ready to retail their products. Looking forward, Ms. Acharyaa informed that plans are already underway to conduct a similar workshop for women in North and Middle Andaman to further expand this livelihood initiative.

https://andamansheekha.com/150280/, January 12, 2026

The mosque is “losing its historical and architectural character” because of the latest intervention initiated by the Jammu and Kashmir Government, INTACH said. Aali Masjid, a 15th-century structure and the second-largest hypostyle mosque in Kashmir, is “losing its historical and architectural character” because of the latest intervention initiated by the Jammu and Kashmir Government, as part of a developmental and conservation plan, the Indian National Trust for Art & Culture Heritage (INTACH) has warned. “The use of cement concrete over the exposed brick masonry floor, a technique introduced for scientific reasons, has exposed the entire structure to rampant dampness. Exposed brick masonry provides a breathing interface that allows water to evaporate and reduces dampness. I fear the 15th-century structure will weaken with each passing year because of this intervention,” Saleem Beg, convenor of INTACH’s Kashmir Chapter, told The Hindu. The J&K Government has approved a ₹4.85-crore development and conservation plan for the historic structure constructed by Shahmiri king Sultan Hassan Shah in 1471. The mosque, whose prayer hall spans over 4,000 square feet area, is the second biggest in Kashmir after the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar. The latest construction plan was introduced after an earlier plan was shelved for “lack of appropriate intervention and conservation details” at the highest level in the Union Territory. However, INTACH fears that the fresh intervention, too, could have a long-term negative impact on the mosque’s structure. “We are worried that the use of concrete material, instead of stabilising the structure, could harm the columns and overall bearing capacity of the mosque. The ongoing interventions could also alter the historical and architectural character of the mosque,” Mr. Beg said. The mosque is a notable example of Kashmiri wooden vernacular architecture, with wooden beams and columns. The main prayer hall stands on 151 deodar wood columns, each about 17 feet tall and 3.1 feet wide, resting on intricately carved stone pedestals. Mosques with such features are unique to Iran and Central Asia. According to INTACH, the ongoing intervention has also tampered with the European-style barn roof, which was restored in the 1930s by the Imperial Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). “The executing agency could have been more considerate in restoring the roof, as was done in 2007, rather than changing its character completely,” Mr. Beg said. INTACH has also expressed concern over the “extensive ornamentation” through Khatamband—the use of wooden pieces in geometrical shapes—which it said was “changing the character of the ceiling too”. The mosque has a unique style of ceiling, known as Vas-talav, where wooden rows are used to create a coffered ceiling. “Conservation is not aimed at beautifying a heritage structure. Instead, the aim is to preserve the historic character and fabric and pass it on to the next generation in the state it exists. Wherever possible, we also create space for reversible interventions,” Mr. Beg said. The mosque has already suffered deterioration due to its age and weathering. “But most, if not all, of the deteriorated elements can be repaired or replaced to rehabilitate the building with appropriate conservation interventions,” Mr. Beg said.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/intach-raises-concerns-over-conservation-work-at-15th-century-aali-masjidin-kashmir/article70509233.ece, January 14, 2026

This news might interest history lovers! The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun digging deep at the Bhimamandali mountains in Redakhol, Sambalpur, Odisha. This comes after the discovery of rock-cut paintings and ancient Stone Age tools. The team may succeed in revealing a civilisation dating back up to 10,000 years. Here’s more on this exciting update! You might be surprised to know that a 10,000-year-old civilisation could be hidden under Odisha. According to a report by NDTV, rock-cut paintings and ancient tools were discovered at the Bhimamandali mountains in Redakhol, Sambalpur district. Researchers at ASI believe these could be imprints of a Stone Age civilisation. Reportedly, experts suggest that these findings may even predate the Indus Valley Civilisation of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. Sounds intriguing, right? Local tradition also links the site to the Mahabharata era. However, scientific teams from Gangadhar Meher University and INTACH are focusing on its prehistoric importance. A user on X, @manas_muduli, also shared images showing the ASI team digging at the Bhimamandali mountains.

Ancient Stone Arrows, Spears & More Discovered

Experts believe this revelation could open a new chapter in India’s ancient past. ASI Superintending Archaeologist DB Gadnayak shared with NDTV that the excavation work is extremely delicate. To protect the findings, teams are digging by hand instead of using heavy machinery. The work progresses by barely a centimetre a day. An ASI team member told NDTV that they have so far recovered fragments of stone arrows, knives, and spears, all clearly ancient. The site features over 45 rock shelters adorned with inscriptions and paintings. Prehistoric artists used natural pigments made from iron oxide mixed with tree bark and leaves. The artwork mostly depicts forest surroundings and daily life, serving as both expression and record of existence. We are truly excited to see what the ASI team uncovers next. Imagine new secrets emerging from a 10,000-year-old civilisation in Odisha. History textbooks may soon have a new chapter added!

https://curlytales.com/india/trending/yo-civilisation-in-odisha-asi-finds-imprints-older-than-mohenjo-daro-at-bhimamandali/amp/, January 15, 2026

The Rag Doll Making Training Programme was concluded on Jan. 13 through a collaborative initiative between the Rural Development Department and INTACH. A total of 34 rural women, including members of various SHGs, actively participated in the training programme and were imparted hands-on skills in rag doll making, with a focus on creativity, quality, and income generation. Dr. Apurva Sharma, Director, Rural Development (RD), graced the occasion and appreciated the dedication, creativity, and sincere efforts demonstrated by the SHG members throughout the programme. He praised their enthusiasm and impressed upon the participants that such skill-based initiatives play a vital role in promoting women’s economic empowerment. He further emphasized that for the 15 SHG members undergone this training of Rag Doll making have the potential to become ‘Lakhpati Didis’, thereby contributing significantly to their household income and serving as role models for others. The programme concluded with certificate distribution.

https://andamanchronicle.net/rag-doll-making-training-by-intach-in-association-with-rural-development-department-concludes/, January 16, 2026

The Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum, envisioned as the world’s largest museum, is set to open its first gallery by the end of 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s cultural and architectural landscape. Located on Raisina Hill within the iconic North Block of the Central Vista precinct, the museum will eventually free up both the North and South Block heritage buildings, transforming former administrative headquarters into immersive public cultural spaces.

New Delhi, January 2026 — The Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum, envisioned as the world’s largest museum, is set to open its first gallery by the end of 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s cultural and architectural landscape. Located on Raisina Hill within the iconic North Block of the Central Vista precinct, the museum will eventually free up both the North and South Block heritage buildings, transforming former administrative headquarters into immersive public cultural spaces.

A Living Chronicle of 5,000 Years of Civilization

Spanning approximately 1.55 lakh square meters, the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum will comprise around 30 thematic galleries once fully opened, showcasing between 80,000 and 100,000 artifacts sourced from the National Museum, state museums, and the Archaeological Survey of India. These collections will narrate the cultural evolution of the Indian subcontinent, starting from the Indus Valley Civilization through medieval eras and classical kingdoms, and up to modern India’s contributions to art, science, and philosophy. Highlights earmarked for early display include terracotta artifacts, sculptural masterpieces from the Gupta period, fragments of the Konark Sun Wheel, and exquisite Chola bronzes. The first gallery opening in late 2026 will act as an introductory showcase, featuring approximately 100 carefully chosen artifacts that reflect India’s deep historical layers and philosophical richness, offering visitors a preview of the museum’s core narrative. The project is a standout example of adaptive reuse breathing fresh public life into historic Central Vista buildings while preserving their iconic exteriors. The renowned firm Arcop Associates, led by architect Kulapat Yantrasast, is steering the design strategy to balance heritage integrity with modern museological needs like climate-controlled galleries, conservation labs, and visitor-oriented circulation. The museum’s design draws on international best practices in exhibition planning and visitor engagement through collaboration with France Muséums Développement, aligning with UNESCO and International Council of Museums standards. The interiors will feature open courtyards, flexible exhibition halls, and plans for an underground cultural corridor linking both blocks.

Impact on Tourism and Cultural Identity

Officials project that once fully operational, the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum could attract up to 10 million visitors annually, reinforcing Delhi’s position as a global cultural tourism hub. It also sets a new standard in how national museums narrate the history of civilization within a world-class architectural setting. By preserving the façades of British-era architecture while repurposing interiors for dynamic, story-rich exhibits, the museum symbolizes a thoughtful combination of preservation and innovation, a cultural testament to the breadth of India’s heritage.

https://parametric-architecture.com/yuge-yugeen-bharat-museum-open-2026/, January 20, 2026

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) organised an all-India poster competition, “Tree Of Life”, for school students of classes 7-9. This was a pan-India competition under the aegis of the Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) division of INTACH, New Delhi. There would be 100 regional winners and 10 national winners. The 10 national winners will get to go on an educational trip in India. Prizes and trophies would be given to all regional and national winners.

Certificates would be given to all participants. The competition was aimed to sensitise students about ecology and promote awareness of environmental conservation. Army Public School Clement Town, Army Public School Birpur, Brightlands School, Brooklyn School, Scholars’ Home, Him Joyti Academy, Oasis School and Welham Girls’ School participated in the competition, said Bharti Jain, Convenor, INTACH, Dehradun.

There was also a tree walk and talk during the competition conducted by Dr Sas Biswas from EcoSanskriti. Eco-Sanskriti is a social enterprise working at the intersection of Ecology and Culture with activities focussed in the space of forest and biodiversity conservation. INTACH has partnered with them for nature walks for sensitising students in ecology, said Anjali Bharthari, Co-convenor, INTACH, Uttarakhand.

Dr Sas Biswas is a distinguished forestry scientist with over 50 years of experience in research and education. The event was held in collaboration with the children’s section of Doon Library and Research Centre coordinated by Megha. Students enjoyed painting trees sitting in the premises of Rangers’ College, from where forestry was initiated in the country.

https://garhwalpost.in/intach-holds-poster-competition-tree-of-life/, January 26, 2026