Charvisree Nirujogi, a Class VIII student of Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan, has emerged as a winner at the national-level INTACH’s ‘Essay and Poster Making Competition’ on the topic ‘Khana Khazana – My Food Heritage’. The competition, which was open to students of Classes VII to IX, has seen the participation of 10,000 students from across the country. It was based on food heritage, and to make a poster on any unique dish, unique utensil or unique person/cook, specific to a region, and to write a 300-word essay on the same, according to a statement issued by the school on Monday. Ms.

Charvisree, who was among the 15 national winners, made a poster on ‘Avakaya - the king of pickles’. She was felicitated at New Delhi by Maj. Gen (Retd.) LK Gupta, Chairman of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), Padmasree Pushpesh Pant, Professor of International Relations, JNU, and author of ‘India – The Cook Book’, Shylashri Shankar, Senior Fellow, Centre of Policy Research, New Delhi, and Purnima Dutta, Principal Director, INTACH. The national winners were taken on a heritage trip of Delhi to Samskriti Museum, Anand Gram, Humayun’s Tomb, Lodhi Gardens, Prime Minister’s Museum and Lab of Conservation, INTACH. School Director Chitturi Vasu Prakash congratulated the winner on her achievement.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/with-poster-on-avakaya-visakhapatnam-student-bags-prize-in-intachs-national-level-competition/article67064202.ece, July 4, 2023

A major portion of Gurdwara Rori Sahib in Lahore’s Jahman village collapsed after heavy rain lashed the city over the past few days. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has demanded the intervention of the governments and Sikh bodies on the either side of the border to preserve the remains of the shrine. INTACH, Punjab, convener Brig Gen. Balwinder Singh (retd) said the gurdwara is just 1.5 km from the Indo-Pak border. “The shrine was already in bad shape due to the neglect of authorities concerned. Neither the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee nor Pakistan authorities ever thought of preserving the monument. Now, due to the recent rains, a large part of the gurdwara collapsed on Sunday. The overflowing water from a pond was seeping into the structure,” he said.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/sikh-shrine-in-pakistan-damaged-525408, July 5, 2023

A major portion of Gurdwara Rori Sahib in Lahore’s Jahman village collapsed after heavy rain lashed the city over the past few days. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has demanded the intervention of the governments and Sikh bodies on the either side of the border to preserve the remains of the shrine. INTACH, Punjab, convener Brig Gen. Balwinder Singh (retd) said the gurdwara is just 1.5 km from the Indo-Pak border. “The shrine was already in bad shape due to the neglect of authorities concerned. Neither the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee nor Pakistan authorities ever thought of preserving the monument. Now, due to the recent rains, a large part of the gurdwara collapsed on Sunday. The overflowing water from a pond was seeping into the structure,” he said.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/sikh-shrine-in-pakistan-damaged-525408, July 5, 2023

Artists, through Bhaasa Gallery and Studio, in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)-Udupi subchapter, have launched a campaign to save the heritage structures of Udupi. Artists organised a sketching and documenting event at the Udupi old taluk office and old jail premises, recently. Artist Janardhan Havanje, who is also a life member of INTACH, told TOI that the process of documenting the premises is on. “The site documentation was completed recently and a dedicated team from INTACH Mangaluru is working on the digital documentation of the building which is architecturally interesting. Sketching at the premises was organised after it was brought to our notice that the administration is all set to demolish this 117-year-old heritage structure and replace it with a modern commercial building. The heritage structure served as the old jail and it is believed many freedom fighters languished behind bars, especially during the Quit India Movement that began in 1942 and the Salt Satyagraha in 1930,” he said. “It is understood that the building was built in 1906. It may have been under the Madras Presidency. The building flaunts the traditional Madras roofing technique and the walls have been built with laterite stone and lime plastering. If protected, it will last for a minimum of another two centuries, unlike modern concrete structures. The magistrate’s office also functioned here in the past. Since 2015, the building has not been used. In a few places, there is leakage from the tile roofing due to poor maintenance,” he said. “There are only a few heritage buildings left in Udupi and if this building is destroyed, only the Board School building will remain,” said Janardhan. “Those who have visited the building were surprised to see its architecture. The public should have been consulted before taking a decision to demolish it. We are not against development, but strongly believe that when the government spends crores of rupees on tourism projects, the same building, if protected, can act as an important tourist destination,” he said.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/artists-launch-campaign-to-save-heritage-buildings/articleshow/101652970.cms?from=mdr, July 6, 2023

Treated and conserved by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage) in 2017, these 1,163 items are kept under lock and key on the college premises itself. It may seem outwardly that tools and raw material play a large role in the artistic process but they are all somewhat incidental to the idea behind the art. Any artist/artisan worth his/her salt first goes behind that Eureka moment -- when a bright idea strikes like a bolt of lightning. For some gifted artists, the idea may just take a few minutes, and for others, it may take months. But what if, there was a way to simplify this process; a way to inspire artists and hit them with tonnes of ideas? As surreal as it sounds, the Uttar Pradesh Institute of Design and Research actually has three chambers where artistic ideas flow in like the Ganga. These three chambers -- called the ‘museum rooms’ -- have 1,163 rare artefacts displaying designs and handiworks from various parts of the country.

The best part is that these rooms are completely accessible to the students of the institute. Treated and conserved by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage) in 2017, these 1,163 items are kept under lock and key on the college premises itself. “Students often refer to these artefacts to come up with innovative new designs. This repository of artefacts from across states and decades of India’s history is inspiring to budding artists/artisans. The students get to take inspiration from the art readily available around them,” said Shikha Chantia, centre coordinator at UPIDR. The first room displays ivory, silver and soft stone pieces, with intricate handiwork carved onto the pieces in locked glass cases. The delicate handiwork on the 2.5 feet long (approx) elephant tusks are a sight to see, as are the sparkling silver plates, vases, incense pots, jewellery safes, jewellery pieces and other items. The soft stone pieces resemble the minute artworks on the walls of the Taj Mahal. Another room has an assortment of materials, ranging from clay to textile work. One section of the room is dedicated to only terracotta pieces -- including showpieces up to four feet high as well as miniature sculptures which are not as popular as they used to be before.

Draped intermittently through the room are yards of cloth long and short, with gilded zardozi work in the ‘jangla’ weaving style with real gold threads. Ceramics and pottery with ancient Persian motifs, bonework and wooden printing blocks with over 100 designs and woodwork originating from Saharanpur can also be seen in this room. The final ‘museum room’ holds a considerable batch of Bidri engraving pieces originating from Karnataka. “This is something you do not see around very much these days,” said Sakshi Munjal, assistant professor at UPIDR. This bidri work can be seen on decorative plates nearly four feet in diameter, ancient gongs, life-sized lampshades and on smaller artefacts as well. The room has a moonj (dry grass handiwork) and cane wall with art form adorning decorative pieces and furniture, along with copperware and meenakari pieces as well. While these expensive and rare artefacts are kept under lock and key, the institute uses many such pieces as decor for the corridors and entrances of the campus as well. A floor length patchwork quilt adorns the back wall of the school lobby in front of which is a larger-than-life sized model of a man sitting before a handloom, and a terracotta horse stands smack in the middle of the second-floor corridor as well. The institute has found innovative ways to keep the students surrounded by art and craft, and insists on taking elective courses of such crafts outside of their textile and design intensive curriculum as well.

The Uttar Pradesh Institute of Design and Research also has an awe-inspiring library. The library boasts of 1,000 titles which largely predate the late 1900s and 2000s. They are currently in the process of conserving these books so that they do not deteriorate from their already tattered state. According to the librarian Somit Kumar, “These books were gifted to the institute by various benefactors, and some of them are first editions.” The archive includes books by notable artists and litterateurs writing about design, dyes and handicrafts, including PR Ramachandra Rao’s book on Nagarjunikonda sculptures, books on Egyptian pottery and ceramics, tomes on Japanese, Korean and Islamic pottery dated 1926, and a lot back.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/unlocking-creativity-uttar-pradesh-institute-of-design-and-research-inspires-artists-with-rare-artefacts-and-library-101689014232257.html, July 7, 2023

The old collectorate building that witnessed the movement of thousands of citizens has been left in ruins after the collectorate was shifted to the newly constructed premises. Lack of proper maintenance has left the old Kadapa Collectorate constructed in the 18th century in ruins. As a result, the age-old heritage structure is on the verge of collapse. The heritage structure constructed by the British rulers in the 18th century had witnessed the rule of both British and Indian administrators with Thomas Munro discharged duties as the first principal collector. The old collectorate building that witnessed the movement of thousands of citizens has been left in ruins after the collectorate was shifted to the newly constructed premises. Currently, the old collectorate building premises is being used for vehicle parking and became a safe haven to dump garbage wherein the outer surface of the building is peeling off with each passing day raising doubts over building stability. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and historians say that the age-old structure aesthetically constructed by the British rulers stood as a landmark for nearly two centuries and it is our responsibility to safeguard the structures as it is impossible to construct this kind of buildings in the contemporary times. INTACH Kadapa and Annamayya districts chapter convenor K Chinnappa urged the State government to declare the old collectorate building as Dr YSR Art and Cultural Heritage Museum by shifting the artefacts available at the Mahaveer and Mylavaram and develop it into a State-level museum. “The structure should be developed on the lines of Salar Jung Museum with an open air theatre to showcase the rich creative, culture and heritage of the region to students and tourists visiting Kadapa. Measures should be taken to set up lighting, water fountains and statues of the famous personalities on the building premises besides establishing a digital library,” he added.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2023/jul/10/collectorate-building-of-british-era-in-ruins-2593182.html, July 11, 2023

This collaboration between LU and INTACH represents a significant stride towards preserving India’s cultural heritage, ensuring that it endures for generations to come, an official said. Library Science students of the University of Lucknow will be able to gain practical experience in archives, museums, art galleries, state information centres, and renowned heritage libraries like Rampur Raza Library, and Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, said a university official. To promote the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage, the University of Lucknow has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

The MoU was signed with the Department of Library and Information Science at LU. “This hands-on approach will enable them to apply their knowledge and skills in safeguarding and conserving India’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage -- both within the country and overseas,” said Durgesh Srivastava, LU spokesperson. Through this collaboration, INTACH will conduct academic activities such as training workshops and internship programmes, providing students with valuable opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, and apply theoretical concepts of conservation and preservation techniques, he added.

The signing ceremony was attended by Professor Alok Kumar Rai, LU Vice-Chancellor, and Nilabh Sinha, principal director, A & MH Division, INTACH, New Delhi. “This agreement marks a significant milestone as the Department of Library and Information Science becomes the first in India to join hands with INTACH, the largest network of conservation centres in the world. INTACH, the largest network of conservation centres in the world with centres in prominent cities such as Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and New Delhi,” said Durgesh Srivastava, the LU spokesperson.

The MoU lays the foundation for an enriched learning experience for Library Science students with a core focus on preserving various documentary resources, manuscripts, rare books, old paintings, and indigenous cultural heritage, he added. Professor Alok Kumar Rai said, “This initiative of the department is an effort to serve the society and country in conserving and preserving our heritage for future generations.” The MoU was signed in the presence of Prof Poonam Tandon, Dean Academics and Dean Students’ Welfare, LU, Dr Dharmendra Misra, Director, INTACH, Lucknow, Prof. Babita Jaiswal, Head, Department of Library and Information Science, and Dr Anjali Gulati, Associate Professor, Department of Library and Information Science. This collaboration between LU and INTACH represents a significant stride towards preserving India’s cultural heritage, ensuring that it endures for generations to come, an official said.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/university-of-lucknow-partners-with-intach-to-preserve-india-s-cultural-heritage-101690484799507.html, July 17, 2023

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Indian National Trust for Art, Cultural and Heritage (INTACH) has drawn attention to the deplorable condition of the heritage building and invaluable artefacts at Sainik School, Kapurthala. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd), Punjab State Convener of INTACH, emphasised the historical and cultural significance of Sainik School situated within the splendid Jagatjit Palace — an architectural marvel reminiscent of France’s Versailles — holding a special place in Punjab’s heritage. However, he lamented that with the passage of time coupled with neglect and inadequate maintenance has led to the unfortunate deterioration of this cherished building and its priceless artefacts. The artefacts, including sculptures, carvings and historical relics are now in distressing condition, grappling with decay.

Moreover, the exquisite wall paintings depicting the glorious reign of the Maharaja of Kapurthala have suffered from fading, peeling and irreversible damage. “Despite repeated assessments calling for repair and restoration, no concrete actions have been taken, and funds for the necessary restoration have not been allocated. Urgent assessment of the artefacts and paintings is imperative to guide restoration efforts and preserve their historical value,” Maj General Balwinder Singh said. He added that beyond this, it is crucial to implement comprehensive long-term preservation measures including installing climate control systems, providing proper lighting and enhancing security etc to prevent further deterioration.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/university-of-lucknow-partners-with-intach-to-preserve-india-s-cultural-heritage-101690484799507.html, July 18, 2023

Ambala: The Ambala chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has won the best chapter award for the fifth consecutive year. INTACH Ambala convener Col RD Singh (retd) said, “The award reflects the chapter’s dedication and keen interest in heritage activities. The chapter has activated heritage clubs in over 30 schools and colleges. Ambala has a rich history, and a number of valuable heritage sites, which can boost tourism." TNS

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/pedestrian-dies-in-hit-and-run-529001, July 19, 2023

The monument is located on the intersection of Lodhi Road and Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg. It last saw repairs in 2010 in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games. Gol Gumbad, a Lodhi-era monument on the namesake road, will get a facelift as plans are afoot to transform it into a cultural centre ahead of the G20 summit to be held in September, officials aware of the matter said on Tuesday. Repair works at the tomb by the Delhi government’s department of archaeology, under whose jurisdiction the structure falls, are underway, the officials said. The monument is located on the intersection of Lodhi Road and Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg. It last saw repairs in 2010 in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games. On Tuesday, when HT visited the spot, workers were carrying out repairs on the dome and plastering the exteriors of the tomb’s walls. Around 40 workers are engaged in conservation and repair activities at the monument. “The conservation process is time-taking and entails multiple steps. The tomb’s plaster is peeling off and tearing apart. We started work by removing the damaged plaster layering.

Gaps and cracks were filled and strengthening was carried out. We are currently undertaking repairs in some sections while lime surkhi plaster is being done on sections where repairs have been carried out already,” said the contractor working on the project, who did not wish to be named. After the renovation work, there are plans to carve out a small space in the monument for hosting cultural performances, officials part of the repair works said. Not much is known about the stand-alone, square shaped monument with a dome on the top, except that it was presumably built under the Lodi Dynasty in the 15th century. An inscription installed at the site by the department of archaeology says that the monument demonstrates architecture from the 15th century. The structure is mentioned as a tomb dating back to the Lodi period in INTACH’s listing of built heritage in Delhi. The tomb is made of random rubble masonry. A staircase on the southern side of the tomb leads to its domed roof. The domed ceiling of the tomb is ornamental and demonstrates intricate colourful carvings. Over the years, the monument sustained heavy damage in the absence of conservation support, senior officials from archaeology department admitted. But the ongoing conservation exercise which kicked off in June aims to transform the tomb and give it a fresh lease of life as a cultural hub, they said.

“Conservation was last done around 2010. Over the course of time too, deterioration is bound to happen. The plaster was damaged and required that its redone. The dome had also deteriorated on account of water seepage and is being repaired now,” said Sanjay Garg, deputy director, department of archaeology. “Our vision is to transform Gol Gumbad into a world-class monument. We plan to develop it as a cultural hub where cultural progammes can be hosted going ahead. There is space in front of the tomb and in lawns around the monument,” he added.

Once repairs and plaster work is completed, work will be initiated on the fresco on the tomb’s ceiling. “Specialised artists will work on frescos. They are already working on other monuments under the department’s jurisdiction,” said the official. While the exteriors of the monument are already illuminated, interiors will also be lit up as part of the department’s ongoing conservation exercise. “The monument is located on a key stretch and there is good scope for its utilisation as an out-of-the-box cultural hub. We will undertake illumination in the interiors to highlight the jaalis (latticed screens). The steel gates will also be modified to give them the appearance of red sandstone so that the appearance is in consonance. The monument will see a unique transformation in the next two months,” said the official.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/gol-gumbad-to-be-transformed-into-cultural-centre-ahead-of-g20-summit-officials-101690308739574.html, July 20, 2023

In a remarkable development, Odisha has found a touristy gem near Daya River Valley in Puri. Archaeologists reportedly discovered a Buddhist relic in the form of an elephant, as old as 2,300 years old, in the region, believed to have Buddhism as the main religion back then. The elephant has been carved from a single piece of rock against the ancient river's backdrop. The approximately 3-foot-tall elephant symbolises sentinel or a stone guardian, offering visitors a glimpse of a bygone era. However, what adds to the magnificence of the elephant statue is its similarity with other Buddhist statues of elephants in the river valley. This rock-sculpted elephant was reportedly found at the Gada Balabhadrapur village by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in June this year.

The artefact bears testament to the deep-rooted significance of the elephant in Buddhist teachings. Their essence is also quoted in the Buddhist scripture 'Udana' (heartfelt sayings). Quoting Buddha, Udana mentions, "In the quiet solitude of the forests, the spiritual giant finds solace, as does the mighty elephant." The legend also goes that Lord Buddha, in his previous births, was incarnated as an elephant.

Where Else To Spot Elephant Statues In Odisha?
The Buddhist elephant statues are reportedly found across the Daya River Valley. However, the latest sculpture resembles the most with the elephants seen in Dhauli, about 12 kilometres from Gada Balabhadrapur village. Referred to as monolithic statues, these elephants are intricately carved from a single stone or rock.

What Next?
With this finding, archaeologists plan to dig into the area further to see whether or not there are more such sculptures reflective of Buddhist culture that once dominated the river valley. The endeavour aims to trace the era of Buddha's teachings during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, which besides India, pervaded Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Nearby Attractions To Explore In Puri
Shree Jagannath Temple Puri: Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, it attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists annually. The temple's architecture is impressive, and it hosts the annual Rath Yatra, a grand chariot festival. Puri Beach: Puri Beach is a picturesque stretch of coastline along the Bay of Bengal. It offers a serene and relaxing environment for tourists to enjoy the sea breeze and beautiful sunrises.

The beach is also known for its bustling markets and various water activities. Konark Sun Temple: Located about 35 km from Puri, the Konark Sun Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha. Shaped like a colossal chariot with intricately carved wheels, the temple is dedicated to the sun god, Surya. Its architectural brilliance and historical significance make it a must-visit site. Chilika Lake: Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, lies near Puri. It is a haven for migratory birds, particularly during winter, and serves as a wildlife sanctuary.

https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/travelnews/story/72230/all-about-the-2300-year-old-elephant-statue-discovered-in-puri-odisha, July 20, 2023

It is time to re-energise, reinterpret and rehabilitate our city’s heritage architecture, writes Soumen Mitra. Architecture is a representation of a city’s past as well as its future. In theory, old buildings, which have inevitably become difficult to use and maintain with age, need to be pulled down. Yet, a nobler impulse might often remind us of the historical and emotive value of certain old buildings and sites, in which case the imaginative reuse of such buildings can give them a new lease of life. Several colonial architectural styles once dotted the streets of Calcutta, it being the capital of British India until 1911. From the Gothic and Neoclassical to the Art Deco style of the early 20th century, a profusion of fluted columns, sweeping flights of stairs, arches, pediments and chevrons could be found everywhere, from Esplanade and Dalhousie Square to Central Avenue and Theatre Road. In a sudden burst of nationalist feeling & anti-colonial sentiment after Independence, many buildings were pulled down in important locations to make way for ‘modern’ buildings in the 1950 and ’60s.

With time, the names of roads were changed and buildings were razed to make way for large glass-fronted multi-storied buildings. These have nothing of the ornate majesty and finesse of their predecessors, but look like matchboxes or glass shelves. The ornamented sweeping canvasses of colonial buildings were swept away by the pressures of creating residences, shopping centres and offices for a rapidly expanding city. Colonial buildings which survive today are found mostly in properties owned by the government and are used variously as offices, memorials and residences. We stumble past them every day while they stand firm, staid and unnoticed.

There are a few that have been spared the eagle eyes of real estate developers: the Dead Letter Office in the central business district, the Treasury Building opposite it, the Governor’s residence or Raj Bhavan, the High Court, the Tropical Medicine building near the Medical College, St. Andrews Church and other such estates belonging to the Church.

Markers of a shared, lived past
Besides these, existing only in a vague, faraway vacuum, are the ones owned by the police. Over recent decades, there has been a public awakening to the historical significance of such buildings, as markers of a shared, lived past that one cannot (and should not) try to shed. Accompanying this, ideas about conservation and restoration have pervaded the public consciousness. No longer is it the stuff of esoteric academic reading or architectural magazines from abroad. Old buildings have been classified as heritage properties, maintained and restored, and have on the whole, gradually been brought into the fabric of mainstream civil society. Increasing numbers of people are coming forward to protect Calcutta’s architectural history, while in the ranks of the police and administrative services there is great pride and excitement about these structures. A steady stream of social media posts and magazine articles revisiting the grandeur of these buildings shows how these buildings inspire and enliven even today.

Even 10 years ago, some of these remarkable precincts were in shadow – paint-worn, plaster-peeled, damp, broken and layered with dust. I can only speak for the police. Here I detail the stories of four selected iconic buildings owned by the police that came to be saved and how they were restored. All of them won awards by INTACH and acknowledged by the Heritage Commission for their restoration. There were other such buildings that were restored, the stories of which are kept aside for another day.

The Police Training School, off the Race Course on Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road, has immense interest for those who love the past. The building, whose boundary can be seen from the road, is known as Dalanda House. The name originates in the word dullundah, which was one of the 55 villages acquired by the East India Company in 1758. In 1847, the nascent city’s biggest lunatic asylum was established here after shifting the old one from Russapagla, near what came to be known as Russa Road. In 1906, Dalanda House was given over to the Stamp & Stationery Department of the Government of India.

In 1914, after eight years of persuasion, Sir Frederick Halliday, the Commissioner of Police, Calcutta, succeeded in establishing the Police Training School here and overcame the rather cumbersome process of sending police recruits to Bhagalpur for training. With time, Dalanda House became infamous because Charles Tegart used it as an interrogation centre for freedom fighters of Bengal. Perhaps, some of the stigma attached to the property was also due to its architectural design, which seemed to have shades of a prison house about it. The house stood in the middle, surrounded by a circular structure resembling the panopticon envisioned by Jeremy Bentham.

Such a style was used in prisons and hospitals, where the cells along the external wall with a central rotunda allowed inmates to be watched without their knowledge. Dalanda House replicated this possibly because of its use as a lunatic asylum. For years, the house and its grounds were kept up in an uninformed, slap-dash way without any lasting attempt at rescuing it from the ravages of time. In 2014, Dalanda House was thoroughly overhauled, its gatehouses repaired and painted, the buildings inside revamped and refurbished. Today it is not only the centre for the city’s police training but also houses the Police Dog Squad.

Almond House Another building which has survived obliteration is one that houses the Sealdah Traffic Guard on Canal Street. Originally called Almond House, records show that it was built in the last years of the 19th century. A succession of owners included CH Smith, CJ Disscut, Sir Abdul Halim Ghuznavi, the latter being the zamindar of Delduar, in Mymensingh, as well as the chairman of the Tangail Municipality. Sir Abdul was active in contemporary politics. In 1905 he moved a resolution opposing the Partition of Bengal in a session of the Indian National Congress at Benaras. To popularise Swadeshi goods, he started the United Bengal Company and the Bengal Hosiery Company. He was a member of the Indian Legislative Assembly in 1927 and was a delegate to all the three Round Table Conferences.

In 1935, he was appointed as the Sheriff of Calcutta. Sir Abdul’s house had a rich collection of rare books and documents and was also used as a venue for socio-political meetings including several Swarajya Party meetings. In time, the house became derelict, its trustees could no longer maintain it. Deliverance came in August 1970 when this 28 cottah property was acquired by the Commissioner of Police, Calcutta, for the use of the Enforcement Branch. In 1976, the Sealdah Traffic Guard was established here and in time the building became so derelict that there was a move to demolish it.

Fortunately, in 2014, at about the same time as the repairs of Dalanda House was going on, finer minds committed to the conservation of police heritage buildings revoked the decision and got it restored. The Sealdah Traffic Guard stands in stately splendour today, a beautiful double-storied structure in the Neoclassical style, complete with a portico, segmented arched openings and overhanging balconies with decorative balusters.

Limelight
A similar interest in the preservation of historic architecture led to the renewal of another sumptuous structure on Ripon Street. This was a double storied and magnificently built house, which belonged to the Maharaja of Nadia, Kshitish Chandra Roy, who named it Nadia House. In 1912, the house was purchased by Surendra Nath Motilal of Muchipara for his daughter Sarajubala Devi, who married the ‘Borokumar’ of the Bhowal Estate of Dhaka. In 1926, the building was remodelled and the Maharani of Bhowal owned it till 1948. Mejokumar, also known as Ramendra Narayan Roy of the ‘Sanyasi Raja’ fame, stayed here between 1924 and 1929 and fought his legal battles in the Calcutta High Court and the Privy Council. During World War II, the British Government of India requisitioned the premises for the Allied troops and later handed it over to the Commissioner of Police, Calcutta who formally acquired it in 1948.

By 2004 the building, now old and ramshackle, was being considered for demolition. In 2013, the Kolkata Police Housing & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd restored the historical building, re-designed the landscape of the premises and saved it from oblivion. It was renamed Limelight and exists as a library-cum-museum complex, dedicated to the citizens of the city.
Manasseh Meyer

Manasseh Meyer is another mansion that many passing through the busy Bowbazar Street (earlier known as the Avenue to the Eastward) noticed for decades crumbling down. It was built by a Bagdadi Jewish businessman and philanthropist, Sir Manasseh Meyer, in 1911 for commercial use. He was a reputed businessman having interests in Calcutta as well as in Singapore. During World War II, several families of police sergeants were moved here as part of the Dispersal Scheme after evacuating them from Lalbazar as a precautionary policy against Japanese air strikes. Subsequently the building was acquired by Calcutta Police.

With time, the building became dilapidated and was abandoned. In 2021, the mansion was restored and was put to use as the annexe of Lalbazar.

An important reminder of a definite moment in the nation’s past In an era of globalisation, cultural cross-fertilisation has an important resonance. The buildings described above are examples of European-style architecture from India in the 19th century and exist as an important reminder of a definite moment in the nation’s past. The aim of restoration is to counter the notion of development as an aggressive demolition of old buildings without any reference to their historic value.

Today’s Kolkata has evolved from Calcutta, a city where anybody who wanted to be somebody once flocked to. If these old buildings, which represent the international cosmopolitanism that has always been the hallmark of Calcutta, are brutally erased then what is to stop our city from becoming a provincial defeat in the global map of architectural evolution? There are scores of beautiful buildings in the city which are in danger of being summarily pulled down and replaced by some hapless shard of glass. Perhaps it is time to re-energise, reinterpret, rehabilitate and restore them. The author is former commissioner of police, Kolkata.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/places/remembrances-and-revisitations-restoring-colonial-buildings-in-kolkata/cid/1954231, July 22, 2023

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) has promised to rope in experts to keep the historical significance of the deep well that was unearthed by the authorities of Sri Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Mangalagiri. A delegation led by Intach state convenor SVS Lakshminarayana visited the centuries-old structure on Sunday and found that it might not be the 'Koneru' as being perceived by the local authorities. Speaking to media, Lakshminarayana said the structure was built during Srikrishnadevaraya regime. He said similar structure was not found anywhere in the state. He added the groundwater levels could have gone up had it been the 'Koneru' (temple pond).

He said the locals might have dug deep in an attempt construct a deep step-well and left in the middle due to unknown reason. "Entire structure including the staircase was built by the local rock and not by any imported material. "It displays magnificent architecture knowledge and workmanship of locals lived in the town about 500-600 years ago. We need to ascertain the facts behind the structure and conserve it as historical structure," said Lakshminarayana.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/intach-to-help-conserve-centuries-old-deep-well/articleshow/101851021.cms?from=mdr, July 23, 2023

Class VIII student Charvisree Nirujogi from Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan, Vizag has been declared as national winner of the essay and poster making competition (cultural heritage) conducted on the topic ‘Khana Khazana’ by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach). Charvisree made a poster on ‘Avakaya – the king of pickles.’ The student was felicitated in New Delhi for the achievement by Intach chairman major general (retired) LK Gupta, JNU professor Pushpesh Pant, etc. TNN

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/vizag-pupil-wins-intach-contest/articleshow/101652725.cms, July 24, 2023

Established in 1927 by Swiss couple Joseph and Frieda Flury, Flurys at 18 Park Street began as a modest confectionery. Generations have whiled away lazy afternoons with a cup of Darjeeling staring through its glass frontage, eyeing the never ceasing traffic on one of Calcutta’s fashionable streets. There is hardly anyone with a Calcutta connect who hasn’t bitten into a rum ball or stood in a queue for a Christmas cake on its premises. Even Satyajit Ray shot two of his Calcutta trilogy films, Jana Aranya and Pratidwandi, here. That place, Flurys on Park Street, is going to don a heritage plaque presented by Intach, Calcutta chapter, announcing its vintage pedigree.

Established in 1927 by Swiss couple Joseph and Frieda Flury, Flurys at 18 Park Street began as a modest confectionery before evolving into a tearoom favoured by both the British and the affluent Calcuttans. According to history buffs, one Quinto Cinzio Trinca from Poschiavo, Switzerland, joined the Flury couple to start Flury & Trinca at the same address where Flurys now stands. However, the partnership broke up in 1939 for unknown reasons and Trinca moved diagonally across the street and started Trincas.

Flurys thrived at its original address and exuded an old-world charm with its décor reminiscent of European tea salons, with chandeliers, ornate furnishings andpastel hues. In 1965, the ownership was transferred tothe Apeejay Group, with Jeet Paul buying the business from Joseph Flury.

The tea shop over the decades has become part of Calcutta’s culture and is an enduring institution in the city.
Intach, Calcutta, will give Flurys its heritage plaque on July 19 in recognition of this legacy. “The culinary heritage recognition of Flurys completes the quartet of Heritage Eateries on Park Street. It was the first fashionable tea room on the street. Intach is proud to recognise Flurys’ contribution to the heritage of the city,” said G.M. Kapur of Intach. Vijay Dewan, managing director of the Park Hotels Group said: “Flurys is India’s iconic bakery and confectionery brand. It has been part of Calcutta’s landscape since its establishment in 1927.

It was acquired by the Apeejay Surrendra Group in 1965 and today, we have 60 outlets in Bengal, six in the Mumbai region and one each in New Delhi and Indore. We have a plan to have 100 outlets by the end of this year. The recipes, craftsmanship and quality are preserved at Flurys to produce the most delectable confections."

https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/news/indian-national-trust-for-art-and-cultural-heritage-culinary-heritage-plaque-for-flurys/cid/1953029, July 25, 2023

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is working on setting up a museum at the century- old Victoria Town Hall. Intach has already refurbished the town hall. The museum will showcase the life, tradition and culture of western Odisha. The building will be handed over to the tourism department once the museum is ready. “We are now working on the display of the proposed museum. Visitors to the museum will be able to explore a wide range of exhibits, including Sambalpuri saree design, traditional ornaments of western Odisha, musical instruments unique to this region, household items, articles used in the games of the region besides the recovered artefacts of western Odisha. The collection of articles is almost over. We have already kept a traditional loom there.

A special gallery will be there to display the Sambalpuri saree. The museum will be ready within one month,” said member of Intach, Sambalpur chapter, Deepak Panda. The town hall was in a dilapidated condition when the revamp work began in May 2017. While the building’s roof was leaking at different places, the walls were in a pathetic condition. The entire structure was covered by wild vegetation and even plaster was peeling off from the outer wall of the building. Panda said the foundation stone of the building in Sambalpur was laid way back in 1902. The then superintending engineer of the central province JB Leven Thorpey designed the building. Chief commissioner of the central province JP Hewety inaugurated the building in Sambalpur in 1904. The building was named Victoria hall after completion of construction.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/victoria-town-hall-museum-likely-to-be-ready-by-august/articleshow/101972725.cms, July 26, 2023

Meeras Mahal, the valley's first and most extensive private museum, has embraced the digital era by launching an online platform. Nestled in the enchanting Sopore area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district, this revered museum boasts a staggering collection of over 7,000 precious artifacts, offering a fascinating ethnographic lens into the region's cultural heritage. Founded in 2002 by the visionary educationist Late Aatiqa Bano, Meeras Mahal has remained steadfast in its mission to safeguard Kashmir's identity and depict its illustrious history. Ancient ornaments, coins, traditional dresses, and utensils are among the cherished treasures now accessible to the world through the museum's new website, www.meerasmahalmuseum.com. Initially, Meeras Mahal started as a humble room housing a lone Kashmiri firepot. However, with unwavering dedication and a growing collection of donations from eager patrons seeking preservation, the museum blossomed into an awe-inspiring repository of the region's cultural wealth.

Despite efforts to garner government support, late Aatiqa Bano's endeavors faced challenges, but with renewed hope in the present administration, her nephew Muzzamil Bashir remains optimistic about securing the heritage's future. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Kashmir, has stepped up to support Meeras Mahal, playing a pivotal role in mapping, documenting, and conserving the valley's precious cultural legacy. The museum has recently relocated to a purpose-built gallery-type structure that fulfills all the requirements of a modern museum. Meeras Mahal's eclectic collection spans terracotta, woodwork, wicker and grass-ware, metal, stone, textiles, and manuscripts, providing a vivid snapshot of daily life in historic Kashmir until the 20th century.

Adding to its diverse assortment, Meeras now features Ladakh's heritage items, including traditional dresses. The grand inauguration of the museum's website was officiated by Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Syed Sehrish Asgar, underscoring the significance of preserving cultural heritage in the digital age. The tireless efforts of Musarat Kar, President of Municipal Council Sopore and a devoted volunteer, have made the online platform a reality, enabling people worldwide to delve into Kashmir's rich past. As the peak tourism season arrives, Meeras Mahal draws heritage enthusiasts, local students, and curious foreigners alike, eager to glean insights into the valley's illustrious history.

DC Baramulla remarked that the artifacts hold immense cultural and heritage value, reflecting the region's distinctive lifestyle and customs. The museum has become a cherished resource for locals seeking a glimpse into the lives of their ancestors and an invaluable window into their vernacular past.

http://www.risingkashmir.com/meeras-mahal-kashmirs-private-museum-goes-online-9de5accc-28f6-4f18-857d-e73201b1336e, July 27, 2023

A group comprising underprivileged and divorced women is being imparted training in the art of weaving traditional Himroo fabric in Maharashtras Aurangabad city to enable them to earn a living by learning this skill. A group comprising underprivileged and divorced women is being imparted training in the art of weaving traditional Himroo fabric in Maharashtra's Aurangabad city to enable them to earn a living by learning this skill. Himroo is a fabric made of silk and cotton and its origin in Aurangabad can be traced back to medieval India. Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and a city-based family involved in this traditional art of Himroo weaving have joined hands to offer this two-month long course.

''The art of Himroo weaving was brought to Aurangabad during the period of Mohammed Bin Tughlaq when he shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (14 km from Aurangabad). This art went on to become one of the identities of the city. But powerlooms hit this hand weaving craft,'' Imran Qureshi, the owner of a Himroo cloth factory located in Nawabpura area, told PTI. ''SIDBI, INTACH's Aurangabad chapter and our factory came together to offer training in the art of weaving Himroo shawls. A total of 17 participants, including 13 underprivileged and divorced women as well as four men, are learning this art during this programme that began 10 days ago,'' he said.

Himroo fabric is famous in foreign countries, including Spain, France, Japan, the USA, Qureshi said, adding that tourists visit Aurangabad to buy hand-woven Himroo shawls or scarves. By learning this art, they can earn for themselves, he said. Maheveesh, a woman participant, said, ''We had heard a lot about this art, but never got a chance to learn it. I am now learning it with others and I wish to start a business after this training programme gets over.'' Another participant Deepak Karke said he always wanted to learn Himroo fabric weaving. He also said that he plans to start a business after the session. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/2523138-milan-kunderas-remarkable-work-explored-oppression-inhumanity---and-the-absurdity-of-being-human, July 27, 2023

The commemorations begin on the first day of Muharram and continue for ten days. This month holds special importance for Muslims in Hyderabad and the surrounding districts. The first 10 days of the month are of utmost importance for Muslims. The battle of Karbala was fought in the first 10 days of Muharram. Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his family members were martyred by the army of Yazid.

What is Muharram?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it holds immense religious significance for Muslims. It is a time of reflection, mourning, and remembrance, particularly for the Shia Muslim community, who commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at the battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The events at Karbala represent the struggle for justice and righteousness, and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein is a symbol of sacrifice and devotion to Islam's principles. The commemorations begin on the first day of Muharram and continue for ten days. It culminates in a grand procession on the tenth day known as Ashura. Majlis: Throughout the ten days of Muharram, the Shia Muslim community gathers in mosques and religious centers to hold gatherings known as majlis.

In these gatherings, religious scholars and orators recite elegies and narrate the tragic events of Karbala. The aim is to create an atmosphere of mourning and spiritual reflection, evoking deep emotions of sorrow and empathy. Matam and Noha Khwani: "Matam" refers to the act of mourning, and "Noha Khwani" is the recitation of elegies and poems that narrate the suffering and sacrifice of Imam Hussein and his companions. During Muharram, devotees engage in matam, often beating their chests and sometimes using swords or chains, symbolizing the pain and anguish of Imam Hussein's martyrdom.

Tazia Processions: One of the most striking aspects of the Muharram in Hyderabad and surrounding areas is the elaborately decorated replicas of the mausoleum of Imam Hussein, known as "Tazias." These Tazias are carried in processions throughout the city on the tenth day of Muharram. The processions are accompanied by drum beats and chants of "Ya Hussain," creating a solemn yet captivating atmosphere.

Muharram in the Old City of Hyderabad
Muharram is a deeply significant and emotional time in the Old City of Hyderabad, especially around Charminar, Darulshifa, and other neighborhoods. It is known as "Peerla Panduga" in the Telangana region, and it is a time of remembrance and mourning, not a festive occasion. The commemoration of Muharram is deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the Old City. The Ashoorkhanas are essential places of mourning and remembrance for Imam Hussain (AS). Each Ashoorkhana is associated with a particular community and has its unique rituals and customs. The Muharram processions play a central role in the commemoration. People participate in these processions, carrying Taziyas, which are replicas or symbolic representations of the martyr's tomb. These Taziyas are beautifully decorated with black banners and flags as a symbol of mourning. During the processions, participants recite Noha and Marsiya, which are elegies expressing sorrow and grief for the tragedy of Karbala.

The recitations are accompanied by the beating of drums, creating a hauntingly emotional atmosphere. The processions wind through the narrow lanes and streets of the Old City, filling the area with mournful chants. Throughout Muharram, the ambiance is somber, and it fosters a deep sense of unity and compassion among the people. It is a time when religious boundaries are transcended, and people from various communities come together to show their respect and solidarity. The area around Charminar becomes the heart of Muharram activities. Devotees and participants gather around this iconic monument, and the surroundings are adorned with black flags and banners as a symbol of mourning. While Muharram is a religious observance for the Muslim community, it is also a cultural event that showcases the rich heritage and history of Hyderabad. The Old City comes alive with a unique blend of customs and traditions passed through generations.

Heritage Walk in Hyderabad
A heritage walk was organized on Saturday to commemorate the month of Muharram in Hyderabad. The walk, organized by `The Deccan Archive’, took participants through the historic core of the city, visiting some of the most important places associated with Muharram. Describing the heritage walk, Sibghat Khan from `The Deccan Archieve’ says, “We started the walk at Darulshifa and then had a tea break at Hussain e Cafe. The route was historically significant as it was located next to Alawasartauq, and we even had the opportunity to touch the relic at one point.” He adds, “From there, we continued to Azah Khana and then to Badshahi Ashoorkhana. We walked till Kali Kamaan, near Charminar, where we found two ashoorkhanas, and we had the chance to visit both of them.” The walk covered a distance of 3.5 km, and about 30 people participated in it. “During the walk, we discussed the significant influence of Ashoorkhanas on shaping the city and their role in Muharram processions.

Also, we spoke about the relics placed inside these buildings,” said Sibghat Khan. “The sentiment requires etiquette. Women covered their heads. We follow that tradition to respect the religious sentiment of the community,” adds Anuradha Reddy of INTACH.

Built history
Anuradha Reddy, convenor, INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), Hyderabad chapter, says, “In Telangana districts, Muharram is commemorated as `Peerla Panduga’ and not celebrated, It's interesting that people travel back to their districts for this occasion as it holds more significance than in the city.” Speaking about the historical significance, Anuradha Reddy says, “Muharram, the commemoration, is rooted in Iran and is primarily observed by the Shia community. However, it has become an integral part of our cultural heritage as well. The decorations during this time are diverse and impartial, featuring elements like Persian tiles, Sheesh Mahal (mirror work), silverbeaten metalwork, and Quadam Rasool,” adds Anuradha.
Places you can visit to observe Muharram

Charminar: The historic Charminar area in Hyderabad is a focal point for Muharram processions. The bustling streets come alive with mourners and devotees as they carry Tazias and march in procession, creating a visually striking and emotionally charged experience. Bibi Ka Alawa: Located in the heart of Hyderabad, Bibi Ka Alawa is an important site for Muharram observances. The grand mosque hosts Majlis and Noha Khwani sessions, attracting large gatherings of faithful participants. Hussain Sagar Lake: This iconic lake in Hyderabad witnesses a unique ritual during Muharram. Devotees carry Tazias on boats and float them on the lake's waters, signifying the journey of Imam Hussein and his followers. “There is a significant place called Chinna Maoulali in Secunderabad, which is connected to Maoulali Hill and holds importance during Muharram,” says Anuradha Reddys. Sharbath Sharbath holds significance during Muharram as it symbolizes hospitality and togetherness among Muslim communities. This sweet and refreshing drink, made with ingredients like rose syrup and fruit flavors, is distributed during Muharram gatherings and processions, offering comfort and refreshment during this emotional time of remembering the sacrifice of Imam Hussain and his companions. It reflects a caring and compassionate spirit, bringing people together to show respect and solidarity while they commemorate this important event in Islamic history.

Dum ke roat Dum ke roat is a traditional Hyderabadi cookie made with wheat flour, semolina, sugar, honey, clarified butter, and milk products, flavored with cardamom. It's crispy and about the size of a tea saucer. This special cookie is prepared during the month of Muharram in Hyderabad and is believed to have originated from the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, who offered it for the well-being of his grandson. Dum ke roat has become a popular treat during Muharram and it is served as part of the passion plays depicting Imam Hussain's martyrdom. It holds symbolic significance, representing purity and sacrifice, and showcases the strength of the Shia Muslim community. One can find dum ke roat in various bakeries and sweet shops across Hyderabad, and it's also a popular gift during Muharram. Some places to buy it include Subhan Bakery, Pista House, Karachi Bakery, Rose Bakery, Niloufer, and Nimrah.

discourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


https://newsmeter.in/hyderabad/muharram-hyderabad-of-tazias-bibi-ka-alam-sharbath-dum-ke-roat-715607, July 27, 2023

‘The artifacts analyzed correspond with archaeological and traditional Indian spice grinding tools’. Curry recipes were introduced in southeast Asia for the first time about 2,000 years ago, according to a new study that finds the oldest evidence of culinary spice trade outside the Indian subcontinent. The findings, published recently in the journal Science Advances, sheds more light on the role of the global spice trade in shaping world history. In the research, archaeologists, including those from Australian National University, analysed plant remains from the surfaces of stone grinding tools found in Vietnam. In the Funan-era archaeological site in southern Vietnam called “Óc Eo”, researchers recovered grinding slabs as well as mortars and pestles that resemble early South Asian stone tools used for curry preparation. “The artifacts analyzed correspond with archaeological and traditional Indian spice grinding tools, designed to release the flavors and tastes that characterize different spices,” scientists wrote in the study. They could trace these remains to spices of South Asian and Indonesian origins, which are essential components of modern-day South Asian curries.

South Asia has been a key source of spices for civilisations across Asia and Europe for over 4,000 years. Spices such as nutmeg and clove from Indonesia also played an essential role in the maritime spice trade during the Funan era (~65-580 AD) by serving as an intermediary trade hub between south Asia and China. The growth in the use of spices both as preservatives and as flavouring agents for food is also known to have sparked the era of European colonisation of the East. However, direct biological evidence for the culinary use of spices in both south and Southeast Asia during this period of history and earlier times has been limited, researchers say.

Due to the lack of such evidence it has remained unclear whether, or how, these spices may have been used in Southeast Asian cuisine during that time. They also analysed 717 starch grains, pollens, and silica particles from plant tissues found on the surfaces of 12 of these tools. Researchers could identify rice remnants and spices with origins traced primarily to south Asia and Indonesia. These included turmeric, ginger, fingerroot, sand ginger, galangal, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Researchers said the new findings represent some of the earliest evidence for the use of many of these spices, and for curry-making, in Southeast Asia. “We suggest that South Asian migrants or visitors introduced this culinary tradition into Southeast Asia during the period of early trade contact via the Indian Ocean, commencing about 2000 years ago,” scientists wrote.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/curry-evidence-unearth-outside-india-b2381264.html, July 27, 2023

An iron age civilisation existed in Tamil Nadu parallel to the Indus Valley civilisation, new evidence shows. Recent dating has established that objects excavated from Sivakalai in Tuticorin district are from 2,500 BCE to 3,000 BCE. Indus Valley civilisation lasted from 3,300 BCE to 1,300 BCE. A previous dating of samples from Mayiladumparai in Krishnagiri district showed them to be from 2,172 BCE. "Multiple labs including Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleo Sciences, Lucknow, and Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, have yielded the same dates between 2,500 BCE and 3,000 BCE, which points to a contemporary civilisation of Indus Valley in Tamil Nadu," said professor K Rajan, senior academic and research adviser to Tamil Nadu state archaeology department while presenting the paper on recent archaeological investigations and their impact on Tamil culture at the 11th World Tamil Research Conference on Friday. "While people during the Indus Valley civilisation were using copper objects, those here moved to iron objects. Now, the challenge is to find the iron furnaces to prove that iron objects were produced here," professor Rajan said. The Tamil Nadu state archaeology department is trying to find the ancient links with Indus Valley civilisation by studying graffiti marks found in Tamil Nadu and undeciphered Indus script. Researchers are comparing graffiti marks found during archaeological excavations with the Indus script. "It would reveal whether these graffiti marks have come from the Indus Valley civilisation or not," Rajan said, adding that researchers have completed documenting 8,000 graffiti marks out of 10,000 available in the state. "Tamil Nadu alone has unearthed more than 10,000 graffiti marks, while fewer have been found in the rest of the country," he said. Scholars from 20 countries to present research Rajan said, "We are also trying to find cultural similarity to Indus Valley." The three-day research conference was inaugurated at the Institute of Asian Studies in Semmancheri. Scholars from more than 20 countries will present research papers on various topics including ancient Tamil classical literature, ancient Tamil civilisation. Minister for minorities welfare and non-resident Tamils welfare Gingee K S Masthan, Tamil Nadu minorities commission chairman S Peter Alphonse, South Chennai DMK MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian among others took part in the inaugural function.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-iron-age-finds-dated-to-indus-valley-period/articleshow/101585765.cms?from=mdr, July 28, 2023

This month, experts will trek up to a 5,000-hectare area in the Aravalis of Mangar and Kot in Faridabad to figure out how far back the stone-age carvings go. A team of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) will rely on carbon dating to assess the exact age of the carvings. In 2021, ecologist and wildlife researcher Sunil Harsana discovered cave paintings and stone carvings across Shilakhari, Mangar, Kot, Dhauj, Roj ka Gujjar, Dhauj and Nurpur Dhumaspur. At the time, archaeologists said this may be the largest stone carving site of the paleolithic era in the Indian subcontinent. Apart from this, pebble and stone tools found at the site — not too far from the Mangar Bani sacred grove — also indicated that human settlers used to manufacture them there. Haryana government officials said on Sunday that the experts will carry out large-scale excavations, radiocarbon dating and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) of the carvings as well as sediments for analysis. After this survey, the process can begin to conserve the area as an archaeological site, said Haryana principal secretary (archaeology and museums) MD Sinha. “As we do not have the expertise to determine the exact period this site belongs to, we need agencies to do carbon dating. We will eventually proceed to protect the site once we are sure that they are associated with palaeolithic age,” Sinha told TOI. The paleolithic era is a period between 2.5 million years ago to 10,000 years before present (BP), when humans lived in caves or rudimentary huts, and used basic stone and bone tools for hunting. Carbon dating involves a study of markers that give away the age of an organic item.

AMS is the process used to separate carbon isotopes for dating. Banani Bhattacharyya, deputy director of the directorate of archaeology and museums in Haryana, said the ASI team will be visiting the site soon. “ASI has formed a five-member team. I am also part of the team along with four other experts. We will submit the report after evaluation,” she said. To protect the site, the archaeology and museums department had sent a proposal to the state government, to notify the 5,000-hectare area under Section 4(1) of the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964.

The Aravalis of south Haryana have emerged as a treasure trove of archeological findings in recent years. In 1986, stone carvings were discovered at 43 sites in Faridabad’s Anangpur, pivoting archaeologists’ attention to the area. Just this year, Harsana also discovered stone-age hand- and foot-prints, graffiti and shapes of animals engraved on quartzite rocks in a 2km radius area of Badhshapur Tethar village in Sohna. “These findings suggest the Aravalis were occupied by early settlers. Humans have been knapping here, and this is a good indicator of settlements,” Bhattacharyya said.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/soon-carbon-dating-of-paleolithic-era-stone-carvings-in-the-aravalis/articleshow/101443443.cms, July 28, 2023

World-acclaimed collection languishing in Hoshiarpur institute. The Indian National Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage (INTACH) has expressed concern over distressing state of Vedic scriptures at the Vishveshvaranand Vishva Bandhu Institute of Sanskrit and Indological Studies in Hoshiarpur. In a letter to Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig, state convener of INTACH Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd) has said that the institute houses a world-acclaimed collection of ancient Vedic manuscripts. However, the manuscripts are currently facing severe distress and their deterioration poses a significant threat to our cultural heritage. “These scriptures contain invaluable knowledge and wisdom that is irreplaceable. If not addressed promptly, we risk losing a vital historical and cultural connection to our roots. The institute has a remarkable history of resilience, having faced a crisis during India’s partition in 1947, where it managed to bring the entire academic and administrative record, along with the vast reference-cum-manuscript library, safely to India,” he said. Maj Gen Balwinder said regrettably, passage of time and other factors had contributed to the gradual deterioration of these precious documents.

"I personally visited the site and was astonished at their condition, leading to an urgent call for Panjab University to take immediate and concrete action to preserve these ancient scriptures and manuscripts,” he said. He said to address this critical situation, INTACH has proposed several measures that could be undertaken like conservation efforts, digital archiving, preservation centres, awareness campaigns, scholar and expert involvement. “By implementing these proactive measures, Panjab University can ensure the continuity of our cultural legacy for future generations. Preserving these ancient manuscripts goes beyond being a duty to our history. It is a commitment to the identity and wisdom that defines our society,” INTACH members have said, adding that they request the VC for her intervention in the matter and support in initiating the necessary steps to safeguard this invaluable heritage.

"Together, we can uphold the legacy of Punjab and its ancient wisdom,” they added. What letter reads In a letter to Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig, state convener of INTACH Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd) has said that the institute houses a world-acclaimed collection of ancient Vedic manuscripts. However, the manuscripts are currently facing severe distress and their deterioration poses a significant threat to our cultural heritage.

Measures proposed State convener of INTACH Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd) said to address this critical situation, INTACH has proposed several measures that could be undertaken like conservation efforts, digital archiving, preservation centres, awareness campaigns, scholar and expert involvement.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/intach-writes-to-panjab-university-over-neglect-of-vedic-scriptures-532832, July 30, 2023

Spring Dale Senior School, Amritsar, and INTACH, Amritsar chapter, on Thursday organized National Heritage Quiz-2023. The event, conducted at Spring Dale, saw participation by 63 teams from 19 schools all across the zone. The heritage quiz organized for the students of Classes VII-X consisted of a written test leading to selection of four best teams for the district level, out of which one best team will be selected for the state-level event.

Sharing the ideology behind starting the program, Gagandeep Singh Virk, convener, INTACH's Amritsar chapter, said the quiz was part of an INTACH's initiative for heritage awareness among the youth. "The oral round of the quiz comprises the questions based on topics like Indian heritage, information about our state and city," said Virk. While the results of the event were declared, Spring Dale Senior School's team of Gursidak Boparai and Mudit Tayal was adjudged the winners. The Spring Dale team qualified to participate in the state level competition, while DAV International School, Amritsar, and Bhawan's SL School emerged the first and second runner-ups. The school has been consistently working in this regard - may it be through Punarjyot, which strives to conserve the dying art forms of India or Saanjh, which aims at promoting common cultural elements of the undivided Punjab.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/amritsar-world-breastfeeding-week-534165, July 31, 2023