The buildings figured on the 2013 Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)-Delhi’s list of 62 modern heritage structures submitted to the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC), an urban development regulatory body. What do the Ashok Hotel, Vikas Minar, one of the tallest buildings in Delhi, Dak Tar Bhawan, and Akbar Bhawan have in common? These are some of the buildings that dominated the Capital’s skyline in the mid-50s and 60s and represented the evolution of post-colonial architecture. But with the focus on vertical growth for optimal land utilisation set to alter Delhi’s skyline, experts have called for protecting these post-Independence buildings that are an essential part of the city’s modern architectural heritage.

The buildings figured on the 2013 Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)-Delhi’s list of 62 modern heritage structures submitted to the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC), an urban development regulatory body. The list also included the iconic Hall of Nations, which was razed in 2017 to make way for the Pragati Maidan redevelopment project, Baha’i Temple, Vigyan Bhawan, Asiad Games Village, Nehru Memorial Library, Supreme Court, Garden of Five Senses, India Habitat Centre, National Science Centre, among others. From design and use of technology in their construction, these buildings are symbolic of the city’s growth since Independence.

Swapna Liddle, the convenor of the INTACH-Delhi, said that they are now working on detailed criteria to identify such modern heritage buildings and also grade them based on a thematic framework. There are rules to protect over 100-year-old structures of historical importance but none to recognise the city’s modern heritage and protect it. The absence of any guidelines defining post-Independence heritage value led to the demolition of the Hall of Nations. The Delhi High Court decided against intervening as only buildings older than 60 years were considered for heritage status. Constructed in 1972, the Hall of Nations commemorated 25 years of India’s Independence. It symbolically and technologically reflected India’s important place in the modern industrialising community of nations, according to INTACH. The World Health Organisation’s headquarters, another piece of Delhi modern heritage, constructed in 1962 was also demolished in 2019 for redevelopment.

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad’s decision to demolish 14 of its dormitories designed by architect Louis Kahn in the 1960s was rolled back following widespread opposition. The move revived the debate about the need to protect modern heritage buildings.

"These modern heritage buildings are game-changers, and heralded new trends in architecture post-Independence. For instance, Louis Kahn’s IIM Ahmedabad buildings marked a shift in design for educational institutions,” said KT Ravindran, a former DUAC chairperson. As the Centre plans to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence, heritage experts say it is about time to put in place a policy to give official recognition to buildings that represented post-Independence, neo-Indian architecture and nation-building efforts. Annabel Lopez, project consultant, INTACH-Delhi, said they prepared their list of heritage buildings based on six broad themes: architecture, structural ingenuity, typology or function, context, socio-cultural developments and historical events. “The grading was also undertaken based on the value or significance assigned to the structures, which is a reflection of the number of criteria it satisfies and not the age of the building. These landmarks of the post-Independence period [should] also receive some protection.” Delhi’s skyline is set to transform dramatically as newer development projects focus on vertical growth. Old residential areas such as Sarojini Nagar, Nauroji Nagar, Kidwai Nagar have given way to new high-rise developments to cater to the growing housing requirement. The new Transit Oriented Development policy, which will be notified by the Centre, allows for skyscrapers with mixed development along with the mass transit hubs. Experts believe that multi-storey flats in RK Puram have an important place in the city’s architectural history. The eight-storey Y or T shaped buildings, with lifts in the central core, were among the early attempts to provide multi-storey housing in the capital. Similarly, built in 1988, the Jeevan Bharti building in Connaught Place represents the high-rise development around the British-era market in the 80s and 90s.

"Some of the buildings such as the Hall of Nations were recognised for their architectural significance worldwide. But being not protected under the law, it was demolished to make way for new development. Given the current pace of development or redevelopment in the city, soon we may not have any buildings built in the 60s or 70s left,” said Liddle. INTACH’S list also includes Vigyan Bhawan, which was constructed in 1955 and is among the buildings that fall in the area surrounding Central Vista that is under redeployment. “It is a modern building with reinterpreted elements from historic architecture such as jaalis and the chaitya window opening,” said Liddle.

The Centre is redeveloping the Central Vista to construct a new common central secretariat, the new Parliament House, Central Conference Centre, residences of the vice-president and the Prime Minister. While the new Parliament is likely to be ready by next year, the rest of the project will be completed by 2024. There are 1,208 protected monuments in the city wherein any change in structure or renovation has to be approved by the Heritage Conservation Committee.

Experts have called for similar regulations for modern heritage buildings. “There is an urgent need to have norms to identify and protect modern heritage,” said AGK Menon, an urban designer who was involved in preparing the INTACH’s list. “Several buildings constructed post-1947 are of great significance. Udyog Bhawan...for example, represents what we were capable of building immediately after Independence.” Urban designer Abhimanyu Dalal, who is also a DUAC member, says efforts have been made globally to protect modern heritage. “These buildings are cultural markers in time, and there is a need to have regulatory mechanisms to protect them. Cities such as Paris, New York, and Chicago have rules to protect modern heritage. Any redevelopment or change in these buildings should be as per some rules." With several set to be razed as part of the Central Vista project, Ravindran called for the need to protect buildings such as Krishi Bhawan and Udyog Bhawan. “They might not be architectural masterpieces, but certainly have heritage value, representing... adaptation of Indo-Saracenic style.” Raj Rewal, the architect of the Hall of Nations, called for an independent committee comprising eminent architects, conservationists, architectural historians, art and architecture critics to protect the post-Independence heritage.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/focus-on-vertical-growth-delhi-needs-to-protect-modern-heritage-buildings-101614676773544.html, March 1, 2021

Four railway structures that are over a hundred years old and in a dilapidated condition are set to be restored. The South Western Railways has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to undertake the restoration. As per the plan, the stations – Devanahalli, Doddajala, Avathihalli and Nandi Halt on the KSR Bengaluru-Chikkaballapur-Kolar railway line – will be restored to their former glory. The Bengaluru-Chikkaballapur light railway (narrow gauge - 62 km) has a rich history. It is the earliest example of private-public partnership. The railway line was constructed by an Indian company under a guarantee from the then princely state of Mysore. Construction was sanctioned in 1909 and completed gradually in sections. The Chikkaballapur to Yelahanka stretch was opened in 1917, and the full route up to Bengaluru in 1918. South Western Railways said that work will be undertaken in two stages. In the first stage, INTACH will undertake the renovation, restoration and preservation of the station buildings in consultation with Railways, and identify partners for funding the initiative under CSR. In the second phase, railway stations in Rajanukunte, Oorgaum, Champion and Chintamani will be developed as heritage railway stations.

In a press release, SWR said that there are plans to develop an art-cum-cultural-cum convention centre at Doddajala. An ‘interpretation centre’ for monuments, a café or snack counter at Devanahalli station are also on the cards. At Avathihalli, SWR plans to build a silk museum and resource centre along with a park. Nandi Halt station will have a rail museum, café, restaurant, cultural performance centre, pop-up weekend craft markets, and an amphitheatre. Last year, rail enthusiasts and heritage lovers carried out a campaign demanding that SWR restore its historical structures. Meera Iyer of INTACH Bengaluru Chapter said, “That entire region is so full of history, from megaliths to millennium-old temples to medieval forts to the birthplaces of some very important historical figures. This is also a region that is famous for the sericulture industry. It would be fabulous if these could be showcased.” She added that some of the station buildings are currently not in use, such as Devanahalli, while others like Doddajala are used only for a couple of hours a day. “So, along with conservation and restoration of the station buildings, there also needs to be a suitable and sustainable use for the station buildings, something which is acceptable to all parties concerned."

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/swr-and-intach-to-restore-heritage-railway-structures/article33944986.ece, March 3, 2021

Four railway structures that are over a hundred years old and in a dilapidated condition are set to be restored. The South Western Railways has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to undertake the restoration. As per the plan, the stations – Devanahalli, Doddajala, Avathihalli and Nandi Halt on the KSR Bengaluru-Chikkaballapur-Kolar railway line – will be restored to their former glory. The Bengaluru-Chikkaballapur light railway (narrow gauge - 62 km) has a rich history. It is the earliest example of private-public partnership. The railway line was constructed by an Indian company under a guarantee from the then princely state of Mysore. Construction was sanctioned in 1909 and completed gradually in sections. The Chikkaballapur to Yelahanka stretch was opened in 1917, and the full route up to Bengaluru in 1918. South Western Railways said that work will be undertaken in two stages. In the first stage, INTACH will undertake the renovation, restoration and preservation of the station buildings in consultation with Railways, and identify partners for funding the initiative under CSR. In the second phase, railway stations in Rajanukunte, Oorgaum, Champion and Chintamani will be developed as heritage railway stations. In a press release, SWR said that there are plans to develop an art-cum-cultural-cum convention centre at Doddajala. An ‘interpretation centre’ for monuments, a café or snack counter at Devanahalli station are also on the cards. At Avathihalli, SWR plans to build a silk museum and resource centre along with a park. Nandi Halt station will have a rail museum, café, restaurant, cultural performance centre, pop-up weekend craft markets, and an amphitheatre. Last year, rail enthusiasts and heritage lovers carried out a campaign demanding that SWR restore its historical structures. Meera Iyer of INTACH Bengaluru Chapter said, “That entire region is so full of history, from megaliths to millennium-old temples to medieval forts to the birthplaces of some very important historical figures. This is also a region that is famous for the sericulture industry. It would be fabulous if these could be showcased.” She added that some of the station buildings are currently not in use, such as Devanahalli, while others like Doddajala are used only for a couple of hours a day. “So, along with conservation and restoration of the station buildings, there also needs to be a suitable and sustainable use for the station buildings, something which is acceptable to all parties concerned."

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/swr-and-intach-to-restore-heritage-railway-structures/article33944986.ece, March 4, 2021

India on Wednesday pledged ₹24.6 crore for reconstruction of three heritage sites in central Nepal that were destroyed during the devastating April 2015 earthquake. India on Wednesday pledged ₹24.6 crore (USD 2.11 million) for reconstruction of three heritage sites in central Nepal that were destroyed during the devastating April 2015 earthquake which saw the death of over 9,000 people. The Memorandum of Understanding for reconstruction of Jestha Varna Mahavihara in Lalitpur district, Sulighyang Gumba and Shermathang Gumba in Sindhupalchowk district were signed between the officials of Indian Embassy, Kathmandu and Nepal National Reconstruction Authority (NRA). The contract agreements have also been signed between the successful bidders and the NRA. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will provide technical assistance for the restoration of Jestha Varna Mahavihara, while the other two projects will be led by Nepal's Central Level Project Implementation Unit. The three cultural sites were damaged during the April 2015 earthquake. The 7.8 magnitude jolt had left nearly 9,000 people dead and 22,000 injured. As per an agreement in 2017, India has pledged ₹580 crore (USD 50 million) for reconstruction of 28 ‬heritage ‬ sites in the Himalayan nation, apart from aid in the health and education sectors.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/art-culture/nepal-takes-up-reconstruction-of-heritage-sites-with-indian-aid-101614827461123.html, March 2, 2021

According to the government officials, aware of the development, the first draft of MoU has already been shared with the trust. Long-awaited Delhi City Museum is set to become a reality as the Tourism Ministry and The Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TACHT) will soon enter into agreement to set up the facility, which would come up at Dara Shikoh Library on Ambedkar University campus at Kashmere Gate. A six-member expert panel headed by secretary tourism to vet the content and exhibits has been formed. The trust, known for creating the Partition Museum in Amritsar, will adopt the heritage building under the Central government’s ambitious ‘Monument Mitra’ scheme.

Besides, separate galleries on India’s independence freedom movement, subsequent division of the country, and history of seven cities of Delhi, a sound and light show and audio-video guide facility are also proposed. Around 10 years ago, the Delhi government first conceived a proposal to convert the centuries-old Dara Shikoh Library into a city museum with the intention of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the city.

According to the government officials, aware of the development, the first draft of memorandum of understanding (MoU) has already been shared with the trust. “The six-member panel will act as an advisory body, which will approve features of the museum and archival collections. There will be another panel-technical committee comprising engineers and other officials to oversee facilities and services,” said a senior government officer.

The official said that Delhi government’s archeology department is the custodian of the building and has started handing over its archival material to TACHT for preservation. Dara Shikoh, who was the heir-apparent of Emperor Shah Jahan, built this mansion cum library at Yamuna bank during 1639-48.In later years, it served as the residence of Mughal viceroy of Punjab Ali Mardan Khan and a powerful British officer in Mughal court David Ochterlony at the beginning of 19th century. When it became the British residency, the façade of the building was modified by adding classical colonial features. “The building is being conserved by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the work is nearing completion. Site inspection has already been done and as soon as the MoU is finalised, the building will be handed over to the TACHT in a week or so,” said another government official. Dara Shikoh, who was the heir-apparent of Emperor Shah Jahan, built this mansion cum library at Yamuna bank during 1639-48.In later years, it served as the residence of Mughal viceroy of Punjab Ali Mardan Khan and a powerful British officer in Mughal court David Ochterlony at the beginning of 19th century. When it became the British residency, the façade of the building was modified by adding classical colonial features. “The building is being conserved by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the work is nearing completion. Site inspection has already been done and as soon as the MoU is finalised, the building will be handed over to the TACHT in a week or so,” said another government official.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2021/mar/02/delhi-city-museum-to-soon-see-light-of-the-day-2270965.html, March 3, 2021

On a pleasant February afternoon, as we turn off the General Road in Yapral onto an unpaved side road, a church is visible above closed metal gates. On a pleasant February afternoon, as we turn off the General Road in Yapral onto an unpaved side road, a church is visible above closed metal gates. As we make our way in, what meets the eye is a quaint little church. The Valerie grammar school compound that houses this Church is noiseless as students have left for the day. As we make our way inside this, the St Francis Xavier Church guided by Father MM Kennedy, we find that it is a place of surprising quietude. The rows of wooden pews beckon us to sit silently and enjoy the peace. It is as if the time has stood still in this modest church. Even as there are some well-known cathedrals, some others get neglected despite their attractiveness. A church doesn’t need to have a famous name in order to be awe-inspiring and St Francis Xavier Church is one such gem. This less-known Church is located in a peaceful area away from the hustle and bustle of the city, within the campus of Valerian Grammar High School, in the centre of the Secunderabad Cantonment in Yapral. This church, small in the area is made in the shape of ‘T’ with aisles on all three sides. During these 40 days of Lent, the devout come out to experience the ‘divine presence’ here and attend special services on Wednesdays and Fridays, apart from the regular morning mass that the Church conducts. A heritage structure, the church’s construction is believed to have started in 1840 by Father Daniel Murphy and is dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier. Built originally for the British soldiers who lived in this area, Fr Kennedy says that though the St Mary’s Basilica in Secunderabad commenced construction in 1840, “It took ten years to build and was ready in 1850.” Fr Kennedy adds: “However, in the meantime, in 1842 Fr Murphy built the St Francis Xavier Church at Yapral (erstwhile Bolarum). It could be the oldest church in the city/state.” Fr Kennedy who has been the priest here for three years shares that, “The church from its inception seems to have always had a very small community as its members. This is true even to this day with the membership of 182 families.” The 53-year-old priest adds, “This probably explains why this church has remained more or less unknown.” The 181-year-old Gregorian styled church with big wooden doors still boasts the original architecture and décor. The wooden doors lead to a humble entrance with the crucifix in the front drawing the attention of the devout. “The 14 stations that depict the Way of the Cross are all original and are reported to have been brought by Fr Murphy from Britain at the time the Church was built,” informs Fr Kennedy. He adds, “Only the walls were restored by the parishioners in 2015 and the Church was re-dedicated to the community by the then Archbishop of Hyderabad.” The church is a lime mortar structure with timber gables supporting a tiled roof. The windows, arches, and doors of the church are based on Gothic designs, an architectural style in Europe that lasted from the mid-12th Century to the 16th Century. The presbytery (priests’ residence) is attached to the church structure on the rear side and seems to have been built later. “History is written all over this Church’s structure. One look at the tiled roof would reveal various years of manufacture such as 1885 and 1942, with names of companies of those ages,” says Fr Kennedy. It is widely believed that this Church’s campus was used by the Archbishops of Hyderabad and other pastoral staff as a summer residence till the 1950 or 1960’s. Around the mid-60's the abutting campus was developed as a school. The church has been the recipient of the INTACH Heritage Award in 2016. It also received a citation by INATCH in 2018 of ‘Heritage of Generations’ for “protecting and maintaining cultural assets.” As special services are held in Churches across the World in this holy month of Lent, we visit a hidden little gem in Yapral, the 181-year-old St Francis Xavier Church, reportedly, the oldest Catholic Church in the Twin Cities — TamannaS Mehdi tamanna @newindianexpress.com @tamannamehdi

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2021/mar/04/a-church-that-retains-theold-world-charm-2271803.html, March 4, 2021

An accidental discovery of ancient artefacts in Uttar Pradesh’s Sanauli village led to an excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India, and findings hint the tribe was of a warrior clan. It also spurred a 55-minute documentary titled ‘Secrets of Sanauli’ by Discovery Plus. One day in 2005, Shriram Sharma, a farmer from Sanauli village Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district, was carrying about his day, and ploughing his field. Little did he know that what was otherwise part of his daily routine would lead to an accidental discovery of skeletons and copper pots, which would one day raise questions on ancient global history. He alerted the local media about his discovery, and soon, a team from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) had arrived at the scene, to begin digging deep into three bighas (0.40052356 acres) of Sharma’s land.

The first round of excavations lasted for 13 months, during which they found chariots, coffins, pots, skeletons, what could arguably be the world’s oldest copper helmet, and more, tentatively dating back to 2000 BCE. Interestingly, most wooden artefacts were layered with copper sheaths, inlays, and wires, which prevented them from decomposing for nearly 4,000 years. “In the area where we excavated furnaces, we suspect that the superstructure was made of wood. But the sediment is very difficult to work with, and to retrieve wood impression is particularly tricky. Thank God for the copper inlays and covering, which helped us identify the findings,” Disha Ahluwalia, who was appointed the site-in charge in February, tells The Better India. The carbon dating tests confirmed that the burial site — where 125 burials were discovered — is 4,000 years old. The most striking aspect of the excavation has been the discovery of three chariots, which bring up questions regarding the Aryan Invasion theory.

The design and size of the chariot indicate they were horse-driven and were contemporary to the Mesopotamian and Sumerian culture. According to historians, the horses were brought from Central Asia by the invading Aryan army around 1500 BC. Besides, the Harappan civilisation had chariots driven by bulls.

The ASI carried two more rounds (in 2018 and 2019) of meticulous digging thereafter, bringing forth several intriguing theories and discoveries about the Sanauli burial site. Needless to say, Sanauli has caught everyone’s attention, as these discoveries could be a major chapter piecing together history in this century. Discovery Plus recently released a 55-minute documentary called ‘Secrets of Sanauli — Discovery of the Century’, made by director Neeraj Pandey and compered by Manoj Bajpayee. It follows the archaeological findings and questions the western hegemonic narratives. The theories, history and language have been simplified by experts including Dr VN Prabhakar – IIT Gandhinagar, Dr BR Mani – National Museum, and so on.

Did Sanuali coexist with the Harappan civilisation?
The archaeologists found a slew of antiques such as chariots, a torch, an antenna sword, highly decorated coffins, and helmets. The astonishingly well-preserved remains are similar to those found in the late Harappan phase. However, the Orche-Coloured Pottery (OCP) and copper-coated items are reasons enough to dismiss that Sanauli was part of the late Harappan phase. Hence, it could be that Sanauli was another Chalcolithic culture that existed alongside Harappa. “The 2005 excavations helped us discover pottery of different sizes, besides beads and other material that were similar to those used in the Harappan civilisation. However, a chariot near a coffin is not seen anywhere in the Harappan sites,” Dr Sanjay Kumar Manjul, director of the ASI’s Institute of Archaeology and in-charge of the excavation, told Outlook.

Further, the bricks found on the in-situ site are different as well, “The Harappan bricks are smaller than Sanauli, but excavators could not identify the alignment or make sense of the structure. This has left many questions unanswered,” says Disha. Explaining the process of identifying the bricks and discovering a new element with Dr Manjul, she says, “After days of strenuous work, we noticed one brick in the structure was perfectly horizontal, and others which were falling. This one brick gave the impression that it is supported by some sort of structure or more bricks underneath. I decided to undercut the section and we found the fourth side of the collapsed wall. We understood that there are two layers to this structure, and that it’s not a platform, but instead a walled structure. What was interesting was that two sides of the structure had collapsed inwards, whereas the third wall that I found after undercutting the section was outwards. As the level of the base was the same as that of the burial pits, it suggested that this was a structure built in a pit, where the two sides that collapsed inwards were supported by the natural sediment and then the rest of the structure was above the ground with a wooden superstructure.

We could see the heavy use of wood everywhere.” In 2018’s digging, the ASI team unearthed other items that gave further insight into the culture of Sanauli including warfare and royal borough. The fresh evidence, comprising eight burials, screams of evidence of an elite class. A decorated horn comb with a peacock motif, copper mirror, armlet made of agate beads, vases, and bowls are a few examples of this. One royal coffin had a decorated lid with eight anthropomorphic figures such as headgear, and pipal leaf. A copper armour shaped like a torso was another item. Besides, ceramic pots were found next to the coffins, suggesting the possibility of rituals that were performed before the person was buried. The burials also hinted that the tribe consisted of warriors who used technologically advanced weaponry.

For example, the antenna sword was placed in an upright position next to the skeletons of both, male and female (yes, women also may have fought wars as per Dr Manjul). Additionally, the swords have copper-covered hilts and medial ridge, which are sturdy enough for war. The three chariots made of wood and covered with thick copper sheets also denote wars. Unlike the ones found in Harappan culture, these chariots were smaller in size with thinner carts. This means that they could accommodate a maximum of two people according to Dr Manjul. Hence, they weren’t used as carriers. The chariots are two-wheeled and are fixed on an axle. This was supposedly linked to the yoke of a pair of animals by a long rope. Helmets and shields further affirm the possibility. Interestingly, the ASI team believes that the helmet could be the world’s oldest. “If you see the documentary, the excavator says ‘helmet’ or ‘copper pot’.

But earlier, the excavator suggested that it’s a copper helmet. We are yet to be sure. It could be the earliest, because if it is a helmet, then no other such object predates Sanauli. The ones in the West are of later dates. But in my opinion, we should conduct more analysis,” says Disha.

Meanwhile, the shields had two gender-specific designs. The ones found next to women had steatite inlay work and men burials had ones with copper designs. According to Dr Manjul, the ASI team had used modern and scientific techniques such as X-Ray, Handheld XRF, 3D scanning, CT scan and drone and Magnetometer surveys to analyse the startling findings. Both Dr Manjul as well as Disha reiterate that more studies will be conducted to unearth specific historic events and significance in future.

https://www.thebetterindia.com/250026/uttar-pradesh-sanauli-secrets-excavation-historic-findings-ancient-global-history-archaeological-survey-of-india-discovery-plus-gop94/, March 5, 2021

In a letter to ASI’s director general (DG) V Vidyavathi, the trust has offered its service for free, saying that it (conservation task) would be a matter of “pride” for it. With the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) expediting its efforts to conserve only surviving vintage national flag, hoisted at Fort St. George in Chennai on the first Independence Day on August 15, 1947, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has expressed willingness to undertake the conservation of the Tricolour. In a letter to ASI’s director general (DG) V Vidyavathi, the trust has offered its service for free, saying that it (conservation task) would be a matter of “pride” for it.

According to individuals, in the know of the matter, recently a meeting to discuss conservation treatment was held at the headquarters of the national watchdog of heritage sites in the national capital that was chaired by the DG. Seeking to take over the conservation task, the INTACH’s communiqué says that it has “highly” specialised conservation centres across the country and has restored flags of various army regiments and collections of different organisations.

Despite efforts, Vidyavathi couldn’t be reached for the comments. The 12-foot by 8-foot pure silk flag was part of the ASI’s reserve collection for decades. It was placed for public display at the museum on Fort St. George campus for the first time in January 2013. The flag has been kept in an airtight wooden-glass showcase surrounded by six bowls of silica gel to regulate humidity and absorb moisture to prevent it from deterioration. The ASI had planned conservation of the heritage flag in 2017, which was hoisted after lowering the British Union Jack on August 15 in 1947 at Fort St. George. “Our centres are well-equipped with modern scientific tools and equipment to carry out the best conservation treatment on textile objects. Therefore, I request you to entrust the conservation of the flag to INTACH conservation institute, New Delhi. INTACH will bear the cost of conservation since it is of national importance and pride for us to do so. We would be willing to involve other institutes like the Science Branch, ASI, take their regular inputs,” states the letter sent by member secretary, INTACH Dr CT Misra.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2021/mar/11/intach-offers-to-conserve-only-surviving-national-flag-hoisted-on-first-i-day-for-free-2275110.html, March 11, 2021

INTACH Ambala conducted a short film making (2 to 3 minutes duration) contest for schoolchildren in December last year. Lt Gen Ranjit Singh (retd) was the chief guest. It was part of the national contest organised by INTACH head office, Delhi.

Col RD Singh (retd) said that as many as 146 children from across the country participated in the contest. The winners from Ambala whose films were selected for sharing across the country among schools were: Police DAV School’s Abhinav Mehta and Akarshit Goel, Army Public School’s Antariksh and Namit Chopra, Convent of Sacred Heart’s Meenal and Sujal. Antariksh also won a trophy in the category of ‘best screenplay’.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/store-owner-worker-felicitated-222090, March 9, 2021

Efforts are afoot to restore Sardar Mahal – one of the oldest structures in the city – to its past grandeur. The work for its renovation was long due. This 121-year-old palace had an important place in the list of historic palaces in the city. Currently, this palace houses the office of GHMC South Zone. Measures are being taken to carry out the renovation and repair works at this historic palace. The Principal Secretary Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Arvind Kumar undertook a visit to this palace.

He, later on, tweeted saying that a program is being finalized to carry out works for the renovation and repairing of Sardar Mahal to restore it to its past glory. GHMC is planning to renovate Sardar Mahal along with the renovation of "Nampally Sarai" which would add to the beauty of the city. This iconic palace was built in European style by Nizam VI Mir Mahboob Ali Khan in 1900. It was declared as a heritage building by the Heritage Conservation Committee and INTACH.

There was a proposal in the past to covert Sardar Mahal into a museum to showcase the history of the region through maps, paintings, pictures and display the heritage of the erstwhile Hyderabad State besides conserving the heritage structure and attract the visitors and tourists.

https://www.siasat.com/sardar-mahal-palace-to-be-restored-to-its-past-glory-2106773/, March 10, 2021

Ambassador of India to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra laid the foundation stone for reconstruction and development of Kumari Chhen and Kumari Niwas in Patan, Lalitpur today. The event was attended by Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City Chiribabu Maharjan, former Minister of Culture and former Mayor of Lalitpur Buddhiraj Bajracharya, Project Director, National Reconstruction Authority, Shyam Kishor Singh, Members of the User Committee of Kumari Chhen and community members. Officers from Reconstruction and Development Wing of the Embassy of India were present at the ceremony.The conservation and development work of Kumari Chhen and Kumari Niwas is second of the 28 cultural heritage conservation and restoration projects being under taken with Government of India reconstruction grant of NRs 5800 million conservation, restoration and reconstruction of cultural heritage projects in eight districts of Nepal.

The 28 sites have been identified by Government of Nepal and the projects are being implemented by the Central Level Project Implementation Unit (Building) of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA). The Kumari Chhen and Kumari Niwas will be conserved as per Nepal's Ancient Monument Preservation Act, and Department of Archaeology's Basic Guidelines and Manual for conservation and reconstruction of heritage affected by 2015 earthquake. The scope of work includes restoration of the old building and conservation of the wall painting which will serve as the ritual/prayer building of the Kumari Goddess along with the construction of a new building on the vacant plot on the eastern side of the present Kumari Chhen to function as the new official residence of the Kumari goddess.

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has been engaged to provide technical support during the conservation and development work as per the Detailed Project Report approved by Government of Nepal."Kumari" refers to the living Goddess worshiped by people in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. The Kumari culture is central and unique practice among the Newar Buddhist community of Kathmandu Valley.

The new Kumari Niwas incorporates traditional architectural features which are symbolic representations of the importance of the Kumari Goddess in the social, religious and cultural life of the Newar community.Government of India is honored to be associated with Government of Nepal in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage sites in Nepal to preserve the living cultural heritage sites to their past glory, stated the Embassy of India, issuing a press release for the same.

https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/ambassador-of-india-lays-foundation-stone-for-reconstruction-of-kumari-chhen-and-kumari-niwas-in-patan, March 10, 2021

The site of experiential museum at PM Narendra Modi’s hometown Vadnagar, currently excavated and developed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has thrown in numismatic treasures. The team of researchers has found six hoards of coins and one hoard of cowrie shells from the site during excavation. A gold coin, believed to be of Mameluke dynasty of Egypt dating back to 15th century, has also been found. It signifies the ancient town’s trade connection overseas.

The ASI team had displayed the finds on Wednesday as Raghavendra Singh as secretary of culture, visited the PM’s hometown to review the progress of the experiential museum work. It was discussed during the secretary's visit that till 500 years ago, the cowrie shells were used as a lower denomination currency. While scattered cowries are found from many archaeological sites, here the team has found an earthen pot full of 1,100 cowries – pointing at the ancient method of burying the currency for safekeeping.

The biggest coin hoard contains 1,300 silver coins – believed to be about 1,000 years old and belonging to the Solanki dynasty of Gujarat. Other cache includes two pots of 100 coins each, one of 50, another of 70 and one of 20 coins. It’s one of the biggest coin cache recovered in Vadnagar where over six sites have been excavated so far.

The museum will exhibit all the treasures unearthed to the public. The team of ASI, in Vadnagar since 2015, has thrown light on the Buddhist heritage of the town – believed to be existing on the same spot for over 2,000 years – finding Buddhist sites as mentioned by the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang during his visit to the town in 7th century. The st ate archaeology department had earlier excavated a nunnery from the town.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/vadnagars-treasure-trove-7coin-and-cowrie-hoards-found/articleshow/81455852.cms, March 10, 2021

The Iron Age inhabitants of Adichanallur were of medium height and strong, say a study on the skeletons unearthed from the site in 2004-05. The Iron Age inhabitants of Adichanallur were of medium height and strong build, says study on the skeletons unearthed from the site in 2004-05. The report on the Adichanallur archaeological excavation conducted by then Superintending Archaeologists Dr Sathyamurthy in 2004 and 2005 reveals a rich cultural, traditional values, funeral rituals, and industrial activity of the iron age people.

Speaking to TNIE about the report, Sathyamurthy said that the Adichanallur burials were unique with Black-and-Red wares and such double coloured earthen wares were not reported anywhere else. The site had yielded more iron articles than the copper or bronze indicating a megalithic site with artistic works. However, he could not find any cotton cloth materials may be due to decomposition, as the Thamirabarani river valley receives considerable rains both during Southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon, he said.

Iron objects predominant The objects unearthed during this excavation were mostly iron objects and few copper objects, whereas Coeux beads also formed a large component in the habitation site. The iron objects include both agricultural implements and weapons, which confirms reports of former British India archaeologist Alexander Rea, who extensively excavated Adichanallur back in 1899-1904. The excavation during 2004 and 2005, has not yielded objects like gold diadem and other rich bronze and copper objects, however, Rea has found gold diadem during his survey 100 years ago.

Burial system
The archaeologists led by Sathyamurthy had unearthed a total of 178 burials excavating an area of 600 sqm (6458 square foot or nearly 15 cents). The graveyard had featured superimposition of two burials in the same pit, and double burials like male and female, mother and child in a single urn. The evidence of full skeleton remains throws light on the burial system prevailed in this region - Primary burial and Secondary burial.

The Primary burials were noticed in red ware except for a single stray case in Black-and-Red ware urn. Primary burials contained full skeletons of the humans. The secondary burials consist both Black-and-Red and red ware - comprising some fragmented bones and ashes, and sometimes without bones. Charred bones and ashes were noticed inside the urns indicating the secondary burial, the report noted. These Iron Age people had chosen compact red murrum and fractured quartz sites for the burials. The urns were placed at a distance of one metre to several metres. The intra-site variations on the type and shape of the urns, and also the contents of the urns.

The body of the dead was placed in a crouched position along with grave goods and grave pots, archaeologists had observed. Explaining the burial system, Sathyamurthy told TNIE, that each urn burials will have at least 10 small bowls with grains, ashes and other offerings for the dead. The bowls will be inside the urn and also outside. "The usage of Black-and-Red ware urns for burial purposes were unique to Adichanallur and appears to be the first, as it has not been reported till now", says Sathyamurthy.

Graffiti
The habitation site of Adichanallur yielded a number of graffiti bearing potsherds. The more common graffiti marks are star, bow and arrow, ladder, fish, sign like Asokan - Brahmi "ma" and etc, the report says. Sathyamurthy said that these graffiti’s were found along urn burials also in the later period. "An interesting piece of graffiti on a potsherd found inside an urn featured a dancing woman, nearby an alligator, likely a sugarcane tree, a deer, and a crane having a fish in her beak". It was fantastically carved on a dual coloured urn and depicts prosperity, pleasant environment and climatic conditions of a spring season - in Tamil Vasantha Kalam. "It is a "relief art" which exhibits an expression of relief with the scenic beauty of nature", he said.

Anthropology
Sathyamurthy said that the excavation yielded over 40 full skeletons even though 178 burials were exposed and the scientific analysis was conducted on 24 of them. Dr Ragavan Pathmanathan, a forensic anthropologist from Australian National University, Canberra, Australia conducted the scientific research on the skeletons, Sathyamurthy said. Quoting the anthropological study of Dr Ragavan Pathmanathan, the report said that the recovered skeletons disclosed striking pathological and structural abnormalities and manmade injuries. The injuries including cut and crack marks on various long bones and crania indicate the physical conflicts among the people.

Cranial fracture and crushing injuries on the recovered crania were supposed to be caused by lethal weapons. The anthropologists had identified a large number of tumorous growths, sexually transmitted diseases, and epidemic diseases including infectious diseases, age and work related illnesses particularly on bones. Some bones revealed calcium deficiency. Upon concluding the research, Ragavan observed the results on pathological skeletal and dental abnormalities are just amazing as none of these abnormalities were reported anywhere from ancient site before.

However, the author says the recovered skeletal biological data is insufficient to draw a genuine conclusion on the ancient community structure, he concluded. The researchers have also observed a considerable number of diseases, which affects the bones such as bone rickets, criba, leprosy, tuberculosis, and some other sexually transmitted diseases by microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.

The malnutrition problems were mainly caused by the inadequate supply of appropriate vitamins and minerals, the report says. Commenting on the anthropological studies, Sathyamurthy stated that the anthropological study on the skeletons collected from Adichanallur has disclosed some interesting aspects of Adichanallur people. The analysis of the skeletons shows that the ancient Adichanallur settlers must be of medium height and of strong build. "The Adichanallur people should have been 5.3 feet to 5.6 feet tall and not more than that", he said.

Pott Puffy's tumour
A remarkable discovery of the bioarchaeological studies is the appearance of holes in the skulls of Adichanallur people- the third eye. The Ragavan's studies reveal that it is well developed on the right superciliary ridge and also found at rudimentary stage on the left side. The pathological condition of the hole on the foreheads is called as Pott Puffy's tumour, which was first described by Sir Percivall Pott in 1760. It is identified with sinus disease which occurs due to regular pearl fishing. Haemophilus influenzae in the past was the most common bacterial agent to cause sinus infections. Fungal invasion can also initiate acute episodes of sinusitis.

"It has no age bar, and mostly found among teenagers and adolescents, while it often attacks the sea travellers and deep sea divers", the report said. It may be noted that pearl fishing was an important occupation and pearls were exported to various countries as maritime trade flourished then. The reports concluded with a note that the Iron Age cemetery of Adichchanallur has granted wonderful information on many branches of Bio archaeology, Bio anthropology and Social Archaeology."A multi-disciplinary study on the recovered artefacts and the grave materials could shed light on the prehistoric culture of the people", said Sathyamurthy.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/mar/10/adichanallur-a-rich-cultural-existence-of-iron-age-people-2274584.html, March 11, 2021

Do you recall the first time you saw dinosaur bones? You were told they lived a thousand years ago. Ever wondered how bones gave away this information? Well, this is what paleontology deals with. Paleontology is the study of fossils to classify organisms and study about their interaction with each other and the environment. Paleontology differs from archaeology in that it excludes the study of anatomically modern humans. Fossils are the principal evidence of ancient life forms on earth. This gives us knowledge of our past and most importantly how the species have evolved in the course of time to reach where they are today. Let us have detailed information about it and he career scope in it. The science of paleontology became established in the 18th century as a result of George Cuvier’s work on comparative anatomy and later developed rapidly in the 19th century.

The term is of Greek origin. Paleontology lies between biology and geology. However, it now uses techniques drawn from wide range of sciences including biochemistry, mathematics and engineering. Use of all these techniques has enabled paleontologists to dig out more information about the evolutionary history of life. With the increase in knowledge, it has developed specialized sub divisions, to share the work load, some of which focuses on different types of fossils while others study ecology and environmental history. Carbon dating is the common way to decipher the time period in which the organism existed. Estimating the apt dates is not only essential but also difficult.

Radiometric dating (which provide absolute dating with 0.5% accuracy) are not always an option and often the paleontologists have to rely on relative dating by deciphering the rock layers from youngest to oldest (biostratigraphy). Classification of ancient organisms is also difficult, for many do not fit in the Linnaean taxonomy classifying living organisms. Development of molecular phylogenetics, which investigates the relationship of the animals, has also been used to estimate the dates when species diverged. However there is some controversy upon the reliability of the molecular clock on which such estimates depend.

Scope
A degree in paleontology offers several career opportunities. The most common career paths are teaching, working in a museum or as a monitor for an oil company. You can also be a television researcher where television channels that produce documentaries employ paleontologists to research a topic in depth and provide contents for their programmes. You may work for a scientific publication which involves large amounts of knowledge and determining whether they would be interesting for the readers.

Many people hold the wrong notion that paleontologists only study dinosaur bones but there’s much more to this field. Using fossil evidence paleontologists explore evolution, ecologies and living things of the past to understand the present and prepare for the future.

Job Description
Paleontologists plan, direct and conduct projects in the field. They dig up the fossils and collect core sample from soil and water bodies and prepare them for transport to the institution where the samples will be studied. They gather and analyses the data. They prepare reports which are to be presented before their colleagues at professional meetings and teaching institutions. Some sub-disciplines in this diverse field include:

Human paleontology: study of prehistoric human and proto-human fossils.
Ichnology: study of fossil tracks, rails and footprints.
Invertebrate paleontology: study of invertebrate fossils.
Micropaleontology: study of microscopic fossils.
Palaeobotany: study of fossil plants.
Palaeoecology: study of ecology and climate of the past.
Palynology: study of living and fossil pollen and spores.
Taphonomy: study of process of decay and formation of fossils.
Vertebrate paleontology: study of fossils of vertebrates.
Education Requirements
For most of the jobs in paleontology you might require a Ph.D. which requires four to seven years of advanced study after graduation. As an undergraduate, you’ll need to have a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, calculus, statistics and computer science in addition to biology and geology. Field and lab experience are of equal importance in preparing for course work at the undergraduate and graduate levels.Institute Watch
The top institutions in India are:
IISER Kolkata
Jadavpur University
Presidency University
Banaras Hindu University
Delhi University
The writer is Chief Mentor and CEO of Maven Career Coaching.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachsanjayarora/

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jobs-careers/take-up-the-challenge-of-discovering-origin-of-life-222883, March 12, 2021

A Chola-era stone inscription dating back to the 11th century reign of Cholaking Rajaraja II detailing land donation was found near Anunmozhidevanpettai village near Thanjavur. The stone inscription was found a few months back during renovation of a village tank. A S Mohan, a local resident, took the stone inscription to his home and informed Mani Maran, an archaeology enthusiast from Sarasvati Mahal Library, Thanjavur. Mani Maran on Monday deciphered the inscription and found it to be about land donation from a group of people to another.

Officials of the Archaelogical Survey of India have been informed about the find. The inscription also mentions Muvendha Velan, one of the lieutenants of Rajaraja II. Maran said a few other inscriptions from the Chola rule around the central region also talk about a vast lake dug by the Chola king. A team led by Maran also found a few parts of a Shiva temple that existed near the lake. The inscription is testimony to the fact that there could have been a palace of the king and residence of workers and a lake was dug in the process, he said.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/tamil-nadu-chola-era-inscription-found-near-thanjavur/articleshow/81424790.cms, March 12, 2021

The controversy over the destruction of ancient monuments around the 11th century Lingaraj Temple in Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar amid a State-sponsored redevelopment drive, spiralled with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) stating that irreparable damage had been done to the temple and ancient shrines around it. The INTACH’s findings come close on the heels of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urging the Union Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel to help salvage and preserve priceless ancient architecture.

The Odisha government’s Ekamra Kshetra beautification project is aimed at creating space adjoining the Lingaraj Temple to accommodate around two lakh devotees expected to visit the temple for the festival of Shivaratri in March. The space in front of the ancient temple can now barely accommodate 10,000 to 15,000 devotees.

Guidelines ignored
“We find that no standard guidelines have been followed by the project implementation authorities and excavating teams. Irreparable damage has been done to adjoining ancient shrines,” INTACH’s preliminary investigation says. t pointed out that the use of heavy equipment such as bulldozers and earthmovers in a sensitive zone, dotted with ancient temples, was against all norms.

Carvings destroyed
“This has resulted in massive damage to the invaluable decorative entities of this temple. We saw many carved stone pieces and blocks having fine stone works of the glorious Eastern Ganga era scattered all around the temple premises,” observed INTACH. According to the Trust, the Suka Sari temple precinct is one of the important locations in Ekamra Kshetra that is mentioned in various ancient treatises like Ekamra Purana and Ekamra Chandrika. “Demolition of the 700-year-old Shiva Tirtha Matha was also assessed. Except for a small 225 sq ft temple present inside the Shiva Tirtha Matha, everything has been razed and the stone blocks used to fill the plinths of the surrounding.

The surviving temple is perched high on an earthen mound, and is prone to collapse. Moreover it is a clear violation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act),” it said. Pointing out violations of the AMASR Act, Mr. Pradhan had also requested Mr Prahlad to send a team for carrying out scientific cleaning of the two-acre land adjacent to the Suka Sari temple complex. Intervention by the ASI might stall the Naveen Patnaik government’s ambitious multi crore beautification programme.

The State government had earlier announced a project to give a ‘facelift’ to the 11th-century Lingaraj Temple. The redevelopment is taking up over 66 acres of land surrounding the temple. The government has proposed to spend more than ₹700 crore for the temple project.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/intach-alarm-over-damage-to-odisha-heritage-amid-beautification-drive/article33731478.ece, March 15, 2021

The GPR is used to assess what lies beneath the surface before demolition or excavation is carried out at heritage zones. After raising alarm over the demolition drive by BMC-BDA around the Suka-Sari temple complex, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Odisha chapter, on Tuesday submitted a report to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recommending scientific study of the entire Ekamra Kshetra area. The heritage watchdog has also called for a proper inventory of all excavated material, carved or otherwise. It has recommended 15 measures including ground penetration radar (GPR) survey and a heritage sensitive development plan for the area.

The GPR examination should be undertaken before proceeding with further works on the project. An eight-member INTACH team had visited the site on Sunday and flagged violations of heritage protection laws while clearing the two acre land for the Ekamra project. The conservation body has urged the Chief Minister to direct the officials concerned for GPR examination of 100 sensitive zones (sites of archaeological and heritage importance) in the Ekamra Kshetra. These include sites near Papanasini temple, Lingaraj temple, Suka-Sari, Bhabani Shankar temples and Vaital Deula precinct.

The GPR is used to assess what lies beneath the surface before demolition or excavation is carried out at heritage zones. Stating that an expert committee should review all works being undertaken under the project and recommend the future course of action, the INTACH has also sought a heritage impact assessment of the Ekamra plan - both the completed and pending works. While the State government two months back formed an eight-member expert committee to supervise the project, the panel met on Monday for the first time. INTACH also demanded that paving the cleared portions (areas from where encroachments were removed) with cement tiles should be immediately stopped as this will retard the recharging of the ground water during rains.

The heritage mutts which are slated for demolition should instead be restored with proper conservation. In their report to the CM, they also demanded that 15 holy tanks in Ekamra Kshetra including the Papanasini Tank, Debapadahara Tank, Ganga Yamuna Tank and Gosagareswara Tank should be desilted and cleaned.

ASI finds Pranala of Sari Deula
The ASI archaeologists on Tuesday cleaned a portion in the north of the Sari temple that was earlier buried under the MCG Sanskrit college building and found its Pranala, a discharge outlet attached to the wall of the sanctum. The Pranala extends towards the north direction of the temple where Bindu Sagar is located. They said the north-east corner of the temple where a platform-like structure is partially exposed will be further cleaned. Superintending archaeologist Arun Malik said it is presumed that the platform is also the remains of a subsidiary shrine of the Sari Deula.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/feb/03/intach-calls-odisha-government-for-ekamra-kshetraarea-development-plan-2258913.html, March 15, 2021

An INTACH team led by the State Convener Amiya Bhusan Tripathy, after a site visit of the Sukasari Temple and other heritage structures around the Lingaraj Temple, has expressed deep concern over the demolitions underway as part of the larger Ekamra Development Plan.The team alleged that the razing of old structures and buildings were done leading to violations of the AMASR Act 1958, 2010. The INTACH also lodged complaints with the police and Government over the demolition drive. The team in its report said that no guidelines have been followed by the project implementation authorities and excavating teams as a result of which substantial damage has been done to the Sukasari temple and the adjoining ancient shrines. The use of heavy equipment like bulldozers, excavators, JCBs, Hywa trucks etc in a sensitive zone, filled with ancient temples, was against all norms, it said.``We saw many carved stone pieces/blocks having fine stone works scattered all around the temple premises.

https://www.dailypioneer.com/2021/state-editions/intach-miffed-over-razing-drive-near-lingaraj.html, March 16, 2021

On October 18, 2018, INTACH had partnered with Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Ansal University, to sign a MoU for the “conservation and interpretation” of the tomb. Work on restoring the 200-year-old tomb of a French Major, who served in the mercenary army of Begum Samru, is likely to commence in the next one month. This comes almost three years after the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) received permission from the Gurgaon district administration for the project. On October 18, 2018, INTACH had partnered with Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Ansal University, to sign a MoU for the “conservation and interpretation” of the tomb.

“We have the funds, sanction, everything is set for restoration, but we could not muster the contractor earlier. There was also a delay due to Covid and non-availability of labour. We intend to start work in the next month, after which it will take around two months to complete,” said Major Atul Dev, Convenor, Gurgaon Chapter of INTACH. Located in the middle of a park in Mohyal Colony, the tomb was erected in memory of Major Jean Entienne. He hailed from Bordeaux, France, and died at the age of 75 in 1821. He served in the army of Begum Sombre, who came to be known locally as Begum Samru – the wife of Captain Sombre from France, who began her own mercenary army after her husband’s death.

Her army is believed to have camped in Gurgaon, between Badshahpur and Jharsa, during one of its assignments. In the project report prepared for the restoration by Sushant School of Art and Architecture, the structure is identified as one of “historical, architectural, educational value” as it is “the only surviving tomb out of many others which would have been there in Jharsa representing the era of early 19th Century”. Furthermore, it is “one of the very few remnants of tangible built structure” associated with Begum Samru. The project report also proposes developing the area around it – redesigning the gates of the park, erecting signage at the site to “attract and encourage visitors to understand the significance” of the tomb, and creating a “seating cluster” in the area.

“The report has estimated an expenditure of Rs 15 lakh, which is being provided by INTACH from INTACH funds. Once the contract is awarded, and we know what the current wage is on the ground and other details, we may be able to adjust the cost plus or minus 5-10% percent,” said Major Dev, adding that the restoration will be “supervised by an architect member of INTACH".



https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/work-on-restoration-of-french-majors-tomb-in-gurgaon-to-begin-in-a-month-7167317/, March 17, 2021

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan wrote to the Culture Minister on Saturday urging him to intervene in the preservation of the 'invaluable' remains discovered around Bhubaneswar's Lingaraj temple. Officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have uncovered an ancient stone structure near Bhubaneswar’s Shree Lingaraj Temple, believed to go back centuries in time and of immense historical importance. The ASI was engaged in cleaning and preservation work across areas demolished by the Odisha government for a beautification project.

It was near the area when it discovered the ancient ruins. "The Sari temple located close proximity towards the south-east of the exposed structure of which the former is datable to circa 13th Century CE and the latter could be contemporary or earlier to the Sari Deul," ASI Odisha head Arun Mallick said. The structure is thought to be older than Shree Lingaraj Temple itself -- the 11th-century relic that is a storied landmark across the state and nation. Mallick said that the structure was found during ASI's "scientific cleaning" of a stretch of land near the Suka and Sari temple complex, close to the Shree Lingaraj Temple. "Features of said mouldings suggest that it seems to be part of an ancient temple of typical Kalingan style.

The structure seems to be the pista of a temple." "The platform consists of paving of dressed stone blocks while the edges of said platform bears stone slabs with mouldings. The exposed platform is located at the north-west corner of the Sari temple," Mallick added. He said that the Odisha government carried out a beautification project around the Shree Lingaraj Temple in 2019 to level the area and relieve it of congestion. "The demolition drive has damaged remains of several ancient temples in the vicinity", he noted, referring to the use of heavy machinery. After several meetings, the ASI began sorting through the rubble to look for structures carrying historical value to save "from further vandalism".

The discovery carries immense archaeological, socio-cultural and religious importance, interlinked with ancient Odisha's temples. Mallick fears that some portion of the structure might have been permanently damaged due to the usage of machinery in the development project. The discovery of the temple has sparked a movement to preserve and protect the state’s cultural and historic legacy.

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is from Odisha, wrote to Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel on Saturday urging him to intervene in the preservation of heritage. The minister has requested that a team of heritage experts from Delhi visit the structure to study and explore the remains.

https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-asi-unearths-ancient-odisha-structure-linked-to-oldest-temple-groups-rally-for-heritage-preservation/372784, March 17, 2021

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed significant remains of what is presumed to be a Jain temple belonging to the Hoysala period at Halebid in Hassan district. The excavation, which commenced on January 20, is taking place near Shantinatha Basadi and promises to throw up interesting antiquities from the 11th to the 14th century when the Hoysala dynasty ruled parts of Karnataka. The excavation was initiated by G. Maheshwari, Regional Director, ASI (Southern Region), and it is being conducted under the direction of Shivkant Bajpai, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Bengaluru Circle. Dr. Bajpai said the mound where excavation is taking place measures 30 m x 20 m. “Based on the preliminary observation of the findings made so far, we can say that it was a Jain temple,” he said.

The excavations have unravelled remains of a temple and the ASI will expose the entire structure. Earlier excavations had revealed some loose structures in the area, and the ASI decided to take up further excavations in order to preserve the structure lest it is lost, as stones tend to get removed from the site for various local use, said Dr. Bajpai. Apart from exposing the remains of the temple, the ASI team has recovered a sculpture of a Jain upasaka. It is a classic Hoysala sculpture and measures around 2 ft in height, he added. The Hoysalas encouraged and patronised all sects and cults and the presence of a Jain temple close to the Hoysaleshwara temple underlines the harmony that prevailed during those times.

The discovery of a new temple reinforces this view, according to Dr. Bajpai. ASI technical staff and other personnel, including A.V. Nagnoor, R.N. Kumaran, Sujana Stephen, Saranya, Basavaraj Mayachaari, and Murli Mohan are part of the team conducting the excavation. Dr. Bajpai said this was also an opportunity for students of history and archaeology to visit the place and learn how archaeological excavations are conducted and reinforce their theoretical knowledge. Students have access to some parts of the site, and some of them are already visiting the place, he added.

thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/excavation-unravels-remains-of-a-jain-temple-in-halebid/article33744568.ece, March 18, 2021

Archaeologists have discovered an ancient Vishnumurthy sculpture of 12th century AD behind the panchayat office at 80, Badagabettu near a temple in ruins on January 31. T Murugeshi, associate professor, department of ancient history and archaeology, MSRS College, Shirva who led the discovery on Wednesday said the idol was discovered in a dilapidated well near the temple filled with architectural remains and laterite bricks. The discovery team came across this beautiful mutilated sculpture of Janardhana, popularly known as Vishnumurthy in Tulunadu after removing around 18 feet of debris, Murugeshi said. This sculpture has ‘Karanda mukuta’ (headdress), ‘makara kundala’ (ear rings), armlets, anklets, ‘Kaustubhahara’ and nice eyebrows, nose and lips which make it a masterpiece of coastal Karnataka, he explained.

It holds a ‘pinda’ in the front right hand.The left hand is resting on the waist and the sculpture is seen holding a club. In the back left hand, one can see Vishnumurthy holding a conch, he said. Noting that the right hand is missing, he said efforts are on to discover this piece too.In the ruins of sanctum sanctorum, only a pair of human foot parts has remained in the middle of the peetha with the upper part missing.

The sculpture stylistically belongs to the period of the 12th Century. Opening that the sculpture was a pre-Madhwa one and a best specimen of the Bhagavatha cult of coastal Karnataka, Murugeshi said reasons why the temple was razed is still mystery. The work of restoring this sculpture, a delicate process, is on, he said adding it will be kept in the archaeology museum of the college and used for academic purposes. Research papers too will be published on the finding, he said, adding work at the discovery site is still on.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/karnataka-archaeologists-discover-vishnumurthy-sculpture-from-12th-century-ad/articleshow/80691643.cms, March 19, 2021

According to the INTACH's listing of heritage structures in the national capital, Jharna was built around 1700 in which additions were made subsequently by later rulers of Delhi. Two inconspicuous heritage sites Jharna, a Mughal era garden in Mehrauli and the Tomb of Bijri Khan in RK Puram are set to get a new lease of life. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will develop and promote these historical buildings, victims of urban sprawling, as venues for cultural and literary events under the 'adopt a heritage scheme'. The archaeology department of the Delhi government and INTACH have also signed a memorandum of understating (MoU) for regular upkeep and sprucing up of their surroundings. Vikas Maloo, head of office (archaeology), said that the department would soon start working on a plan to develop these sites for events. "We will determine what needs to be done apart from basic amenities such as pathways, installation of dustbins, and toilets. Some requirements are site-specific, which are to be ascertained. Hopefully, both the places will be available for the events soon," said Maloo. According to the INTACH's listing of heritage structures in the national capital, Jharna was built around 1700 in which additions were made subsequently by later rulers of Delhi. The walled garden earned its name from a waterfall, which was constructed to drain off excess water from Shamshi Talab located in its vicinity. Mughal kings Akbar Shah II and Bahadur Shah Zafar added two pavilions to the place. The Lodi-period mausoleum of Bijri Khan is located at a raised mound along Venkateshwara Marg. Khan was probably a noble. Apart from this fact, no significant information is available about the tomb and the person buried at the site. The grave inside the sepulchre has no inscription. As per the MoU, the sites, once ready, will be available for cultural events and activities such as Sufi musical recital, poetry symposiums, book readings, theatrical plays and also for products launches. The officials, in the know of the matter, said that INTACH will tie up with different organisations and corporates for their better maintenance and create awareness about their significance. "The idea is to promote and bring more footfalls to small monuments. The events, majorly connected with culture, will pave the way for their popularity. They can be utilised for art exhibitions, book launches, musical programmes, and other purposes. Corporates can be roped in to run a cleanliness drive etc. The association will result in their better upkeep and make people more aware of the heritage of Delhi," said Ajay Kumar, project director, INTACH (Delhi chapter). The sites will be available for corporate or private events on nominal charges. INTACH will ensure proper illumination and facilities such as a sitting area, benches, kiosks for refreshments, and signage or information panels about the history of the site.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2021/mar/21/delhis-jharna-gardens-bijri-khantomb-to-be-made-available-for-corporate-events-2279348.html, March 22, 2021

With spacious classrooms, Fort High started as a boys only high school (Classes 8 to 10), with a strength of 2,000 students. The newly restored Fort High School building, a 115-year-old heritage structure, will finally be handed over by the restoration organisation — the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) — to the Education Department on Saturday.

Fort High, located in Chamarajpet, Bengaluru, is known to be the first school in Karnataka, and was built in phases starting 1903 by the Mysore Wadiyars. The school, which was originally an anglo-vernacular school with multiple first languages being taught when it started, still teaches seven first languages — Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, S C Chandrashekar, former principal, said. With spacious classrooms, Fort High started as a boys only high school (Classes 8 to 10), with a strength of 2,000 students. The previous year, it catered to 210 students from Classes 1 to 10. The school is a Karnataka Public School and has been teaching in English for a few years, he added.During the restoration, the students were shifted to one side of the school to ensure continuity of education.

INTACH will hand over the school to the department in a grand manner with an evening of classical musical concert, and in the presence of the Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar. “The building, we understood during the restoration, is a good architectural study about how to add on to an existing structure — we learnt that the building was built in phases, with different architectural plans,” said Pankaj Modi, technical coordinator, INTACH, who headed the project.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2021/mar/20/fort-high-restored-to-be-handed-over-to-govt-2279000.html, March 23, 2021

The 350-year-old building is in ruins as litter piles up near the heritage structure. While driving towards Shamshabad from Mehdipatnam, if you take a left between pillars 136 and 137 at Attapur and go about 300 yards into the lane, you will come across an open area with an imposing structure that looks at least a couple of hundred years old.

But it is older than that, in fact, it is almost 350 years old and its construction is attributed to Miyan Mishk Malik, a military commander in the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. Various reports online say it was originally called Mishk Mahal before its name became what it is known as today – Mushk Mahal. The building is listed as a heritage structure by the Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH).

The two-storeyed building, located in a vast area of open land seems out of place in the middle-class locality that surrounds it, and currently is in near ruins. Access to the building is through a kutcha path through the bushes and while the ground floor seems to have housed long rooms at one point, several sections there seem to have been bricked up decades ago. According to city-based historian Sajjad Shahid, it was built during the reign of Abdullah Qutb Shah in the late 17th century. “According to the legend, there was a caravan of musk traders who came to the Golconda empire to sell their wares.

The king got to know of them and at that time. He loved the fragrance of musk so much that he bought the entire stock and put it in the foundation of the Mushk Mahal building and that’s why it is called Mushk Mahal. Or at least that’s how the story goes,” explains Sajjad. The place is in need of attention as litter including disposable glasses and alcohol bottles could be seen all around. The lane directly behind the structure is also where people casually stop by to urinate.

Gopala Krishna AB of Hyderabad Trails says they decided against a heritage walk there after doing a recce of the place four years ago. “I couldn’t stay there for a moment without closing my nose. As far as I know, it is the only remaining palace (apart from Goshamahal Palace) from the Qutb Shahi era,” he says. The structure, undoubtedly tourism worthy, could do with some attention towards repairs and conservation.

https://telanganatoday.com/hyderabads-mushk-mahal-loses-its-fragrance-with-time, March 24, 2021

The 16th century quarries that supplied rocks for the construction of Bhramarambha Mallikarjuna Swamy temple were identified at Srisailam on Tuesday. The Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravathi (CCVA) CEO and archaeologist Emani Siva Nagi Reddy said that the quarries on the left side along the road opposite Alluri Sitaramaraju Choultry, close to the temple, could be the sites from where rocks were used for the construction of the main and subsidiary temples, and the huge compound wall between 12th and 16th centuries. Mr. Sivanagireddy said that he identified the quarries during an extensive survey conducted in and around Srisailam as part of CCVA’s programme ‘Preserve Heritage for Posterity’. The cut marks used for inserting iron wedges to split the stone blocks measuring 3”x1”x1” (inches) were clearly visible at five spots along the road, he added. Kannada inscriptions dating back to the 16th century were also found there, which were then brought to the notice of Mysuru Archaeological Survey Of India Director (Epigraphy) K. Muniratnam Reddy, for deciphering the contents. Based on the significance of the finds, Mr. Sivanagireddy has appealed to the Srisailam temple authorities and the Archaeology and Museums Department to protect and preserve the ancient quarries and inscriptions for posterity.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/ancient-quarries-of-srisailam-temple-found/article34164932.ece, March 25, 2021

Seven similar big-size brown 'laddoos', two figurines of bulls and a hand-held copper adze were excavated by the ASI at the Harappan site in Anupgarh district of Rajasthan. People living during the Harappan civilization around 4,000 years ago, have been found consuming high-protein, multigrain 'laddoos', according to a study. The scientific study of the material found during an excavation in Rajasthan has revealed this. Jointly conducted by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi, the study was recently published in the 'Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports' by Elsevier.

At least seven 'laddoos' were discovered in 2017 during the excavation of a Harappan archaeological site in Binjor in western Rajasthan (near Pakistan border) between 2014 and 2017. BSIP senior scientist Rajesh Agnihotri said, "Seven similar big-size brown 'laddoos', two figurines of bulls and a hand-held copper adze (a tool similar to an axe, used for cutting or shaping wood) were excavated by the ASI at the Harappan site in Anupgarh district of Rajasthan.

"These laddoos, dating back to around 2600 BCE, were found well preserved since a hard structure had fallen in such a manner that it acted as a roof over them and prevented them from getting crushed. Had they been broken, the 'laddoos' would have decayed entirely but since these were in contact with the mud, some of the internal organic matter and other green constituents remained protected." He said the most peculiar thing about these 'laddoos' was that when it came in contact with water, the slurry turned purple. ASI had handed over samples of laddoos to BSIP for scientific analysis. "At first, we thought that these laddoos, excavated near the banks of Ghaggar (erstwhile Saraswati), had some connection with occult activities since figurines and adze were also found in close proximity. We were intrigued by their shape and size as they were clearly man-made. This curiosity led us to explore their composition.

We initially presumed it could be a non-vegetarian food," Agnihotri said. However, primary microscopic investigations carried out by BSIP senior scientist Anjum Farooqui found that these were composed of barley, wheat, chickpea and a few other oilseeds. As the early Indus Valley people were mainly agriculturists, the composition of these food balls with mainly vegetarian items with high protein content made sense," he added. The presence of pulses, starch and protein was further confirmed by discovery of significant excesses of magnesium, calcium and potassium. "These laddoos had cereal and pulses, and moong dal dominated the ingredients," the scientist said.

Full organic geochemistry of the food balls was later conducted at BSIP and National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) in Lucknow. A team of nine scientists and archaeologists from the two institutes concluded that the presence of seven laddoos along with typical Harappan tools/items hinted that Harappan people made offerings, performed rituals and consumed multi-nutritive compact 'laddoos' as a food supplement for instant nutrition. The presence of bull figurines, adze and a Harappan seal in the vicinity of these seven food balls signifies that humans revered all these items due to their utility and importance to them. "The study provides important insights into types of food grain used in making ladoos, which reveal contemporary farming practices by Harappan people.

This scientific finding appears to be unique and opens up avenues for more intrusive scientific research in archaeology to reconstruct the unwritten history of India and its glorious past," Agnihotri said. The discovery of food balls, along with figurines of bulls and copper adze, suggests that Harappan people used these items to perform some kind of rituals.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/laddoos-made-with-cereals-and-pulses-dating-back-to-2600-bce-found-during-excavation-at-harappan-site, March 25, 2021

For decades, Amitabh Bachchan preserved some 60 of his films in an air-conditioned room in his bungalow in the western city of Mumbai. Five years ago, the Bollywood superstar handed over the prints to a temperature-controlled film archive run by a city-based non-profit, which had begun restoring and preserving Indian films. Led by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, an award-winning filmmaker, archivist and restorer, the Film Heritage Foundation has been at the forefront of these efforts. It has "built an international reputation for excellence", according to director Christopher Nolan, and Bachchan is its brand ambassador. For years he has been tirelessly advocating and actively helping in trying to preserve India's fast-decaying film heritage.

And on Friday, Bachchan was feted for this little-known facet of his work. The 78-year-old actor was conferred this year's International Federation of Film Archives award. Nolan and fellow filmmaker Martin Scorsese gave away the award, whose stellar past recipients include the two acclaimed directors themselves and such auteurs as Ingmar Bergman, Agnes Varda and Jean-Luc-Godard. Bachchan, Dungarpur says, has "always been deeply invested" in the idea of preserving and archiving cinema. During a conversation, the star once agonised over the fact that he couldn't watch some of the earlier films of the thespian Dilip Kumar because "they were simply lost". India has 10 major film industries - including Bollywood, the world's largest - and produces close to 2,000 films a year in some 36 languages. But it has only two film archives - a state-run one in the western city of Pune and the non-profit, run by Dungarpur.

"This is woefully inadequate given our rich and prolific film history," Dungarpur says. Not surprisingly, much of India's storied film heritage has been lost and damaged because of spotty conservation and preservation of film. India's first talkie Alam Ara (1931) and its first locally-made colour film Kisan Kanya (1937) are untraceable. Newer films have fared no better. Original footage of a documentary on freedom heroine Lakhshmi Sahgal made by Sai Paranjpye (1977) and Shyam Benegal's Bharat Ek Khoj (1988) no longer exists. The negative of a 2009 film called Magadheera made by SS Rajamouli "disappeared in just six years", according to the director. As Dungarpur tells the grim story, only 29 of 1,138 silent films made in India survive. Some 80% of the more than 2,000 films made in Mumbai - then Bombay - between 1931 and 1950 are unavailable for viewing. Last year, Dungarpur and his team found 200 films languishing in sacks in a warehouse in Mumbai. "They were prints and negatives, and someone had just dumped them," he says.

That's not all. According to government auditors 31,000 reels of film held by the state-run film archives have been lost or destroyed. In 2003, more than 600 films were reportedly damaged in a fire in the state-run archive - among them were original prints of the last few existing reels of the 1913 classic Raja Harishchandra, India's first silent film. "You have to respect your past. To respect your past you need to preserve and restore your films," says director Gautam Ghosh. Before digital arrived, films were usually preserved as original negatives, duplicates of those negatives and prints that were released for viewing. After most Indian filmmakers stopped shooting on film in 2014, Dungarpur says, many film labs digitised their stock, and threw away the negatives, thinking that they had no use for them.

"The original camera negative has a much higher resolution than digital today. That's what they didn't know." Now, preservationists in India mainly work on prints. "It's a complete disaster. We had to try to create a completely new awareness about celluloid film and its history". Over the last six years, Dungarpur and a faculty composed of experts from leading film archives and museums around the world have held workshops all over India and trained over 300 people in restoration and preservation of film. The foundation has collected and preserved more than 500 films of top Indian filmmakers, footage of the independence movement and Indian home movies in its facility in Mumbai.

Its collection includes such rarities as two 16mm reels of Oscar-winning director Satyajit Ray in conversation with legendary Italian-American director Frank Capra. Dungarpur also has an impressive collection of Indian film memorabilia: tens of thousands of old photographs, photo negatives and film posters. Bachchan has always been outspoken about the need to take charge of India's crumbling film heritage. Two years ago, at an international film festival in Kolkata, he said: "Our generation recognises the immense contribution of the legends of Indian cinema, but sadly most of their films have gone up in flames or have been discarded on the scrap heap". "Very little of our film heritage survives and if we do not take urgent steps to save what remains, in another 100 years there will be no memory of all those who came before us and captured our lives through the moving image."

https://au.news.yahoo.com/amitabh-bachchan-indias-battle-preserve-020003938.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvLmluLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAaoUD4L8PGow91Z77rw54xFT1W0i1ths_7FtaxakIHMKORJH3uS23XtR6Mw04x1qgBAHBEs84ZTINcAhV3eMuHgvg5vNXgeXNL5KL5_3Ct5ZfZMOArmFuYbncpdAWa09BlNzHsUABOOraQdOQHBNGujyISkNhLmyw4-DjyZYng9, March 26, 2021

Mah Laqa Bai, poet, dancer and advisor to the Nizams, made unmatched contributions to Hyderabad’s literature and architecture in the 18th and early 19th centuries

* In a densely packed street ... lies the grave of one of the most influential women of the Deccan region
* Mah Laqa Bai wrote poetry, mastered the difficult Deccani Kathak, trained courtesans at her mansion, and even played a part in the battlefield
* The grave faces the dargah of Maula Ali, the Sufi saint she revered
“Where is the grave of Mah Laqa Bai?” I ask a couple of men sunning themselves on a Sunday morning. They look askance and Google Maps are not of much help in the Byzantine lanes of Maula Ali in Hyderabad. Our team of heritage walkers eventually locates the maqbara or grave of Mah Laqa Bai, an 18th-century poet, dancer, and political advisor to the Nizams, after a few hits and misses. In a densely packed street just off the Maula Ali dargah, with homes arranged cheek by jowl, lies the grave of one of the most influential women of the Deccan region. Almost 200 years after her death, the city where she lived, composed poetry, built schools and stepwells, has all but forgotten her. A heritage walk organised by the Deccan Archive and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), Hyderabad, earlier this month was an attempt to re-introduce the poet to the city she loved and lived in. A ceremonial gateway carved in teak leads to the maqbara complex which has an inner compound full of trees and adorned by tapered pillars and towering arches; the quietude within the complex is in stark contrast to the din outside its doors. The rippling leaves, the lush garden laid out in the famous Mughal Charbagh style and the gentle grace of the monument transport the visitor to a viridian world.

An accomplished life
Born Chanda Bibi in 1768 to Raj Kunwar Bai, a courtesan who migrated from Rajputana, the north-western region in modern India, Mah Laqa Bai received an aristocratic upbringing thanks to her stepsister who adopted her as a child. She received the best education in arts and aesthetics, and was trained in thumri by Khushhal Khan, a great-grandson of Tansen. She became one of the first women to compile her own Diwan (collection of ghazals) in 1798 and was a celebrated poet during the reigns of two Nizams — Mir Nizam Ali Khan and Sikandar Jah — of Hyderabad. Mah Laqa Bai wrote poetry, mastered the difficult Deccani Kathak, trained courtesans at her mansion — Hassa Rang Mahal (a crumbling building which is now a government girls’ school), and even played a part in battlefield.

Mah Laqa Bai (the moon-cheeked one), was her court name given in honour of her beauty in 1803, and Chanda is her takhallus or pen name by which she signed off her ghazals. All her surviving portraits have a crescent against her visage, a testimony to the title bestowed upon her. Anuradha Reddy, convener, Intach, Hyderabad, first came across the story of the poet as a student in the 1960s when she chanced upon a stepwell built by her in the precincts of Osmania University which was formerly a part of Mah Laqa Bai’s jagir (the region allocated to her to collect revenue from).

Reddy observes that to Mah Laqa Bai’s credit, she used the opportunities she was given to optimum use. “Then, as it is now, women found it very difficult to establish themselves. Mah Laqa used the opportunities available to her, thanks to growing up in a milieu which was exposed to power, and brought herself up from any ordinary courtesan to a person of prestige,” says Reddy. The period of Mah Laqa Bai’s life and that of her mother is a reflection of the inclusive nature of erstwhile communities. The fact that she was a courtesan did not take away from her contributions and the sheer respect she commanded during her lifetime. Mah Laqa Bai was one of the most influential women in Hyderabad’s long history.

The maqbara
On the death of her mother Raj Kunwar Bai in 1792, Mah Laqa Bai built a magnificent tomb in Maula Ali, at the foothills of the dargah, and was herself buried there in 1824. If the tomb of this legendary poet survives today, it is due to the efforts of Scott Kugle, professor of Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies at Emory University in Atlanta. In 2006, Kugle, who was studying Islamic religious monuments in Hyderabad, chanced upon the dilapidated tomb complex. By 2011, it was restored with grants from the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation and under supervision from the Centre for Deccan Studies. Kugle tells BLink says that Mah Laqa Bai’s contribution to the city’s architecture and literature is unmatched by any other woman before the 20th century, with the possible exception of the Qutb Shahi queen Hayat Bakhshi Begum. “Mah Laqa Bai’s achievement is even more notable because she was not born into a royal family and never married to secure her social standing. What she achieved she earned by her own talent and ambition,” he says.

Mah Laqa Bai’s tomb is a simple structure in which she is buried alongside her mother. Situated on the foothills of the Maula Ali Dargah (the Sufi saint revered by Mah Laqa Bai), the graves face the dargah and the location is a continuation of a lifelong belief held by the poet that Ali was her protector and benefactor. Such was her devotion that the last couplet of almost every ghazal she wrote was addressed to Ali. In the Deccan, the dargahs of popular Sufis are preferred resting places for the mausoleums of the royalty and aristocracy. The tomb with elements from Mughal and Rajasthani architecture has five structures within the complex. The pavilion, two dalans (halls), two stepwells and a mosque. The stucco work is decorative with traditional emblems of flowers and scenes from nature containing motifs which were popular in the Asaf Jahi period (18th-20th century) in Hyderabad.

Her poetry
Mah Laqa Bai wrote in the popular ghazal form, short lyrics used to describe love — both erotic and spiritual. The themes of her work ranged from the romantic to the mystic. Classical singer Vidya Shah, who sang some of Mah Laqa Bai’s verses at an event to commemorate the restoration of Hyderabad’s British Residency in 2017, says that the language of her repertoire is rich and lyrical. “The fact that she might have sung the same songs 200 years ago at the very location, for the British Resident of Hyderabad, was surreal,” the acclaimed singer says. Mah Laqa Bai’s poetry had many inflections and inspirations; she wrote and sang of spring, love and heartbreak.

Her music was a reflection of her journey and bore the influences of the Rajputana (where her mother was from) and Deccan traditions. Her Diwan consisted of dohas (couplets) and verses which sound like the taranas — compositions where syllables are repeated — of Hindustani music, indicative of her training. Shah likens her work to that of Ghalib, and says that her poetry could easily be set to music. To place the 18th-century poet’s music in context, it is important to not write her off as a courtesan, believes Shah and quotes one of her ghazals.

Dil meñ mere phir ḳhayāl aatā hai aaj
koī dilbar be-misāl aatā hai aaj
(And the thought comes to mind again,
of that incomparable one, my lover.)

"Women in her position were respected, included in society and have led to the making of the cultural history of our country. That is relevant in Mah Laqa Chanda’s context because when we talk about her greatness, let us also consider the fact that her greatness was also lodged in this identity (of her being a courtesan) and yet it was considered greatness," observes Shah.

The legacy
In Hyderabad, barring the scholarly circles, information about Mah Laqa Bai is still scant. Her meticulously restored tomb has new constructions towering around it. A swanky new multi-storeyed building looms large over one of the dalans. With people living in the very street where her tomb is located unaware of its historic or architectural significance, protecting the maqbara is bound to be challenging. Caught in the crossfire between conservation and development, the maqbara of Mah Laqa Bai battles the same uncertain future faced by many a heritage structure in the country. For now, Mah Laqa Bai’s beloved Ali is watching over her tomb from the hillock.
Mallik Thatipalli is a journalist based in Hyderabad



https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/explore/the-moon-cheeked-poet-and-her-forgotten-legacy/article34187931.ece, March 29, 2021

One of the oldest Rock Art sites of the state, Bhima Mandali near Naktideul in Sambalpur District is barely recognisable now. An INTACH team led by Dr. Biswajit Mohanty had gone to the site last week and reported its sad state. Most of the rock art is indecipherable and faded, with graffiti scrawled on the rock face. Mohanty expressed concern about the damage being caused by tourists and vandals. There is an illegal ashram with a Yagna Kund built in the vicinity. It has been reported that regular religious congregations are held at the spot. Bhima Mandali is spread over an overhanging open cave with a length of around 100 metres in two stretches, separated by 300 metres of thick forests. There are sixteen cave shelters, of which four have rock art. The place can be reached after traversing a four km forest road, 10 km away from Naktideul on the Deogarh-Rairakhol highway, amidst a thick forest. The spot draws a lot of picnickers, as it is in an extremely scenic area with a good view from the hill slope of the surrounding dense forests. Three small hill streams flow at the bottom. Thermocole plates and trash litter the stream banks. Local forest officials confirmed that the area is part of Landimal R.F. which is spread over 150 sq. km and adjoins Hatidhara R.F. of Athmalik Forest Division with abundant wildlife like leopards, wild boar, spotted deer, sambhars and elephants. Odisha has the richest repository of rock art in Eastern India with more than a hundred rock shelters with rock paintings and engravings spread all over the state. An eminent historian had earlier discovered the rock art at Tilori in Kandhamal District. This 12,000 years old site has numerous geometric symbols, dots, lines along with animals and human figures dating from the late Pleistocene period. Many of these geometric shapes and patterns are enigmatic in nature. Ramesh Prasad Swain, a local with good knowledge about the site, said that several researchers from Sambalpur and Utkal University, including a team from the Archaeological Survey of India, have visited the spot which can only be reached after crossing a dry forest stream by foot. The place is inaccessible during the monsoon due to the fast-flowing stream. The massive rocks have been scoured by the water and are geological wonders. According to Biswajit Mohanty, the site is not a protected monument either by the ASI or State Archaeology. He has written to the authorities for proper preservation and conservation of this place and the installation of a proper signage. A guard needs to be posted there to prevent visitors from defacing the paintings. No vehicle should be allowed in the forest road and no picnics should be permitted at the site. There are at least another four cave painting sites in the vicinity which are difficult to access. It truly deserves to be declared a Conservation Heritage site, he said.

https://odishabytes.com/odishas-oldest-rock-art-site-in-peril/, March 30, 2021

Drawing inspiration from the 7th wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built more than a century ago not only reminds the symbol of love but remains intact. This captivating structure continues to intrigue the passerby and is cynosure for those who wish to savour the old world charm, away from the hustle and bustle of concrete jungles. The historic Maqbara of Nawab Fakhr-ul-Mulk Bahadur, who was the Defense Minister during the reign of Mir Mehboob Ali Khan Bahadur, the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad state, is one of its kind in the city.

It resembles the iconic Taj Mahal from the foreground. Nawab now rests with his wife and other family members for eternity at this architectural excellence of pure granite. The magnificent stone building was constructed in 1902 and Nawab was buried there after his demise in 1934, beside his wife. Drawing inspiration from the 7th wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built more than a century ago not only reminds the symbol of love but remains intact. This captivating structure continues to intrigue the passerby and is cynosure for those who wish to savour the old world charm, away from the hustle and bustle of concrete jungles. The historic Maqbara of Nawab Fakhr-ul-Mulk Bahadur, who was the Defense Minister during the reign of Mir Mehboob Ali Khan Bahadur, the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad state, is one of its kind in the city. It resembles the iconic Taj Mahal from the foreground. Nawab now rests with his wife and other family members for eternity at this architectural excellence of pure granite.

The magnificent stone building was constructed in 1902 and Nawab was buried there after his demise in 1934, beside his wife. The structure that looks like Taj Mahal is constructed from granite, limestone and sand. A large beautiful dome has been built on the upper surface which is carved out of granite stone. And four small domes have been built in each corner, while each dome has been decorated with four small minarets. The entire monument is covered with granite wall fencing including a Kaman (gateway).

Anuradha Reddy says it is the last example of granite construction in modern Qutub Shahi style and known for its importance as a milestone in the evolution of tomb architecture in Hyderabad. The INTACH Heritage Award was given in 2011 for its iconic style. "However, the sad fact is that such a beautiful historical mausoleum has been so badly neglected and needs to be repaired and maintained. The structure which got the INTACH Heritage Award in 2011 is now in a terrible condition due to lack of maintenance. The surrounding areas of the tomb have also been usurped by some occupants. The concerned officials must take action for its repair as well as to remove the illegal structures attached to the maqbara," said Mohammed Habeebuddin, a heritage activist. Illustrious History Nawab Fakhr-ul-Mulk-II was one of the Umra-e-Uzzam, the Great Nobles of Hyderabad, whose place was right after the Nizams and the Paigahs.

He inherited his fondness for the western way of life from his father Fakhr-ul-Mulk-I, who had been responsible for the security of the Englishmen in Hyderabad, during the First War of Independence in 1857. The Nawab was known for his flamboyant lifestyle and his love for entertaining. He was also known for his kindness, and charity to the poor, regularly distributing money, goods and food cooked in his own home to the poor. Nawab Mulk initially lived in the Asad Bagh Palace (now the Nizam College).

Later, in 1870, he built the Errum Manzil palace. It is said that Nawab Fakhr-ul-Mulk and Sir Vicar-ul-Umra (the Paigah Nawab) had a competition to see who could build the higher palace. Since both built their palaces on hilltops, it ended in a tie. Fakhr-ul-Mulk built Erum Manzil, while Vicar-ul-Umla built Vikhar Manzil.

https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/hyderabad/hyderabad-taj-mahal-look-alike-cries-for-attention-678930, March 30, 2021

Three contract agreements for reconstruction and restoration of the Government of India- funded Cultural Heritage projects were signed by National Reconstruction Authority and contractors today.The three cultural heritage projects include Chiri Ghyang Gumba, Tarkey Ghyang Gumba and Melamchi Ghyang Gumba of Sindhupalchowk. The signing event was witnessed by former state minister of Finance Larkel Lama, member of Provincial Assembly Nima Lama, Second Secretary of Development Partnership and Reconstruction Wing of the Indian Embassy, Project Director of Cultural Projects of NRA, chair of respective Gumbas, GoI Project Consultant INTACH and stakeholders.According to the Indian Embassy, the three projects are part of 28 cultural heritage projects being taken up by the Government of India for post-earthquake conservation and restoration under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Government of Nepal.The projects are being implemented under US $50 million grant assistance committed by the Government of India for post-earthquake reconstruction of the Cultural Heritage sites across eight districts of Nepal.The three gumbas will also function as learning centres for Sherpa and Tamang communities, mostly Hyolmo people residing in Sindhupalchowk district, and they will also help promote tourism in Sindhupalchowk.

https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/india-to-fund-rs-230-million-for-restoration-reconstruction-of-cultural-heritages, March 31, 2021

Shivalinga carvings in an ancient script have been discovered on a rock lying in river Nagavalli in Srikakulam town by a team of officials from archaeology and tourism departments and representatives of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The rock is stuck in the sand dunes of the river and is located near the ancient Lord Koteswara Swamy temple and the century-old bridge on the river. The team visited the spot on Saturday to collect evidence to bring it to the notice of higher officials. Speaking to TOI, Srikakulam district tourism officer N Narayana Rao said, “We have taken photos, videos and impressions of the ancient script and carvings which appear to be Shivalinga. Archaeological experts from Visakhapatnam will visit the spot for further studies.” Sources informed that the inscriptions were similar to those belonging to the era of Chalukya dynasty of Badami. On the basis of this information, officials have preliminarily assumed that the inscriptions may belong to the Eastern Chalukyas or the Chalukyas of Vengi, the dynasty that ruled parts of south India between seventh and twelfth centuries.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/ancient-rock-carvings-discovered-in-skulam/articleshow/81727558.cms, March 31, 2021

Mayong was an exotic name, known to many as a place of witchcraft and black magic, but never did one realize that it was a melting pot of civilizations, both tantric and Vaishnavite. It lay neglected in-between deep and dense jungles and floodplains, with the Kolong-Kopili rivers flowing through it and draining into the river Brahmaputra in the north. The area lay cut off from modern day hustle bustle as communications to the area were flooded in summer and could be reached only through dust trails in winter. This was a blessing as we later found as an ancient civilization lay protected as well as the natural environment. This undisturbed natural environment made the Pobitora sanctuary a haven for the endangered one-horned rhino and the Asiatic water buffalo, along with exotic species of migratory birds in thousands in winter. What emerged in due course is that the Mayong area was a centre of tantric practices in the past, probably of the Aghori sect. Tantricism, a branch of the Hindu religion, has many exotic and erotic practices, shrouded in secrecy and limited to a very closed circle of intense believers. They believed in occult practices and deep meditation in crematoriums. Thus, an aura was built around the tantrics and common men stayed away from the community, seeking their succour only in times of deep distress. The laity on the other hand came into the Vaishnavite fold by becoming followers of Srimanta Sankaradeva, the patron saint of Assam. Thus, Mayong evolved as a mix of tantric and Vaishnavite influences, which coexisted together in a strange way. Each practitioner left space for the other in peaceful cohabitation. The geographical isolation, till a few years ago, allowed century-old practices to carry on. On the anthropological aspect also the tribals, the Hinduized tribals, the Nath Yogi community, and the fisherfolk who formed the bulk of the population, added the practices of their own communities to form a beautiful potpourri. The little information and artefacts that were available on the civilization was housed in a museum built assiduously by two locals Lokendra Hazarika and Dr Utpal Nath. The taking up of conservation of the Mayong Museum was a challenge from the day one. The museum was owned by the community and its affairs were managed by a committee, which neither had the resources nor the expertise to run a museum. Repeated floods had damaged the building and it was in a state of collapse. The artefacts were not catalogued, the display not done scientifically and periodic maintenance of the fragile artefacts were near about absent. The Indian National Trust for Culture and Heritage (INTACH), Assam chapter came forward to help. The first issue to be tackled was to build up the confidence of the community to accept INTACH as a partner in the restoration. The district administration also came into the picture to assist the community in confidence building measures and begin the work on the museum. The local panchayatalso came forward to help the INTACH team to begin the work. Initially it was thought that the work of restoration of the Assam Type structure would be done. On assessment, it was found that the building with its weakened foundations and damaged super structure, was beyond economic repair and hence the idea was junked. The next choice was to shift the museum to the incomplete building next door. The incomplete but designed building was built to shift the old museum. However, the fund flow for the project died out with the change of government and, hence, it remained incomplete. The floods of 2019 and 2020 exposed the vulnerability of the concrete building to flooding inside. Hence, it was decided that if the artefacts were not to be damaged by floods, the floor of the building had to be raised by half a metre. This was an additional cost that was not factored in while preparing the estimate for renovation. Savings were found out to begin the work, while the village council came forward to help to complete the additional civil works. No sooner had the work begun, the Covid-19 pandemic struck to slow down the works. However, the team managed to keep the work going on following Covid protocol, which albeit reduced the speed. The scope of the project was increased once it was realized that it was not just a museum that was going to be renovated, the remnants of a whole civilization had to be documented. A listing of all monuments, archaeological sites and temples of the region starting from Kajolichoki in the west to Pobitora in the east and south had to be documented. A separate team under the leadership of Dr Manjil Hazarika was constituted for the purpose. The team had to work in consultation with the Land Records Department of the Government to map the sites, document the specialities and also build up a narrative to link the dots of the connection with the Mayong civilization. This also involved liaison with the Deputy Commissioner of Morigaon district and the Circle Officer, Mayong to provide the revenue maps and related details of land ownership, etc. The next issue was getting the people to part with their antiquities, be it sanchi bark manuscripts, items of religious and social use for documentation, repair, digitization and cataloguing. There were restrictions on taking these valuables out of the homes. It was with great persuasion and following religious prescriptions that the artefacts were brought to the workstation to get the required works done. The owners of the artefacts were not aware of the damage that had set in while storing them without periodic maintenance. The restoration team headed by Mridu Moucham had a difficult time in restoring the artefacts. Their diligence and persistence paid off and it was a heart-warming feel –when the restored artefacts were returned to their owners in a new look. The gratitude of the owners needed to be seen when they couldn’t believe their eyes after the restoration job was done. This documentation and digitalization of the manuscripts will open up a new phase of research on the little known Mayong civilization. All the while, the renovation of the museum was going on under the watchful eyes of historian Dr Shelia Bora, assisted by this writer. The display plan was prepared, the display compartments designed and assembled, photographs restored, printed and framed, name tags of the artefacts on display sorted out, the dioramas sculpted and the painting of the building completed, observing Covid-19 protocol. The coordination duo also had to shop for restoration chemicals and equipment, most of which had to be procured from outside the State. The liaison with the panchayat, the Land Records Office, the district administrator and the community meant frequent meetings and on-the-spot solution of problems. Mayong being a village, every small article had to be procured from Guwahati or Morigaon town which meant commuting a hundred kilometres both ways. However, all efforts and difficulties bore fruit when the museum came up finally after a year’s toil. The teams did a marvellous job of the responsibilities assigned to them in a spirit of service and the joy of resurrecting a living heritage which was dying. Above all, nothing would have been possible without the grants from the Gerda Henkel Foundation of Germany, which is another saga of international cooperation in preserving the world heritage of mankind.

https://assamtribune.com/rediscovering-a-civilization/, March 31, 2021

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mangaluru Chapter, in association with Art Kanara Trust organised “An Evening with Hindustani Vocal by Mithun Chakravarthy” on Saturday at Kodial Guthu Centre for Art and Culture, GG Road, Ballal Bagh here. Mithun Chakravarthy is a disciple of Pandit Rajshekar Mansur, son of the legendary Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur of Jaipur Atrauli Gharana tradition. He is an All India Radio artiste and has been practising Hindustani vocal music for the last two decades. By profession, he teaches English at MRRS College, Shirva, Udupi district. The musician was accompanied on the harmonium by Sridhar Bhat, on the tabla by Bharavi Deraje and on the tanpura by Satish Kamath. Ek Nishad Behagda and Basanti Kedar were the ragas played, apart from Dasara Pada and Vachana. This was the third in the series of musical events organised by INTACH to promote art and culture. The intimate settings of a heritage house provided the perfect ambience for a classical musical experience. INTACH Convener Subhash Basu and Sindhushri introduced the artistes. Rajendra Kedige and Nemiraj Shetty, trustees of Art Kanara Trust, were present on the occasion.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/hindustani-vocal-concert/article34185395.ece, March 31, 2021

Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mangalore Chapter in association with Art Kanara Trust organized ‘An Evening with Hindustani Vocal by Dr. Mithun Chakravarthy’ on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 6:00 PM at Kodial Guthu Centre for Art & Culture, GG Road, Ballal Bagh, Mangalore 575003. Dr. Mithun Chakravarthy is a disciple of Pandit Rajshekar Mansur, the son of the legendary Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur of Jaipur Atrauli Gharana tradition. He is an All India Radio artiste and has been practicing Hindustani vocal music for the past two decades. By profession, he teaches English at MRRS College, Shirva, Udupi district.

Dr. Mithun Chakravarthy was accompanied on the harmonium by Sridhar Bhat, on the table by Bharavi Deraje and the tanpura by Satish Kamath. Shree, Ek Nishad Behagda, Basanti Kedar, Dasara Pada and Vachana were the ragas played. This is the third in the series of musical events organised by INTACH, Mangalore Chapter to promote art and culture. The intimate settings of a heritage house provided the perfect ambience for a classical musical experience. Subhash Basu, convener of INTACH, Mangalore Chapter and Sindhushri introduced the artists. Rajendra Kedige and Nemiraj Shetty, trustees of Art Kanara Trust were present on the occasion.

https://www.mangalorean.com/intach-art-kanara-trust-host-hindustani-vocal-concert-by-dr-mithun-chakravarthy/, March 31, 2021