Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Kalinga Heritage Preservation Trust (KHPT) members have urged Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for construction of a Global Sun temple in the state. In a memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the members of both the organisations have expressed that it would be highly impossible to undertake such a grand and herculean project without the support of Odisha government. The members have expressed that the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya was successfully completed as it was a matter of national pride, the Sun Temple will also be a structure of a global pride.

http://www.uniindia.com/news/east/odisha-intach-sun-temple/3078856.html, November 1, 2023

The INTACH recommends restoring the 1920 building into a railway museum. The INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) has demanded to conserve the Maharaja’s guest house on the first platform of Thrissur railway station. The guest house was built in 1902 during the construction of the Thrissur Railway Station by the then ruler Rajarshi Ramavarma. It was said to be used for overseeing the railway construction works and also as a royal guest house. The INTACH suggested conserving and restoring the building into a railway museum as large-scale development works have been proposed at the station. INTACH Thrissur chapter Convener Vinod Kumar M.M. has submitted a report for conserving the guest house to station manager M.A. George. The report will also be submitted to Archaeology department officials. With its Belgian tiles, stained glass, and the royal insignia of Cochin and the British kingdoms, the building adds to the history of Thrissur and hence should be conserved, Mr. Vinod said. Assistant station manager Neelambari, INTACH executive committee member Shaji M. Vasudevan, and architects Akshay and Anjana were also present.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/demand-to-conserve-maharajas-guest-house-at-thrissur-railway-station/article67466552.ece, November 2, 2023

The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is planning to restore the long-neglected baoli (stepwell) in Badshapur village. The restoration work will start after Diwali, officials said on Tuesday. Built in 1905 by Mohanlal Mangla, the Badshapur baoliwas intended to be a catchment area for a region where water supply wasn’t adequate. But neglected and forgotten, the stepwell dried up over 25 years ago. Although it was declared a heritage site in 2000 and taken over by the Haryana government in 2012, little changed on the ground. It is completely buried under construction and demolition (C&D) waste and other garbage at present. While renovation of the stepwell was discussed several times in the past, nothing concrete was done. Now, GMDA officials plan to clear the baoli, which is largely intact, and build a wall around 150 to 200 metres away to prevent waste dumping in the area. “We have inspected the area.

The baoli hasn’t been destroyed and can easily be restored. We will remove the garbage dumped there and will build a wall so that no further waste can be thrown there,” GMDA additional CEO Subhash Yadav said. Asked if any assistance from the archaeological department or an expert agency like INTACH is required, he said, “As we are not going to conduct any repair work inside the baoli, we can handle the restoration process. We will start the work after Diwali.” Less than 10km away from the city centre, the Badshapur baoli is one of the few remaining historical sites in the Millennium City. In January 2018, the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran proposed an internal sector road running through the baoli, triggering a barrage of criticism from historians who appealed to the government to alter the road’s placement to save the structure. The government relented, and later the state’s department of archaeology also promised to take over the site and restore it, but the plan never materialised. We also published the following articles recently The restoration of a natural creek near Ghata to the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) in Gurgaon will begin in a week. The aim is to prevent waterlogging in the city during heavy rainfall.

Small waterbodies will be developed along natural drains to act as catchment areas for rainwater runoff, helping to recharge groundwater. Encroachments will be removed from the drains to ensure smooth water flow. The project will be carried out in phases, starting with the restoration of the Sector 58 creek. The city's stormwater drains are often blocked due to encroachments, causing flooding during the monsoon. Several puja organizers in Kolkata have taken the initiative to fill up holes that were dug for bamboo poles to erect pandals. They have started restoring damages to roads and pavements, filling up the holes with loose soil, brick pieces, and saplings. The organizers are aware of their responsibility to restore the roads and pavements after the festivities. They have sought permission from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) for making changes in park fences and have taken an oath to restore the old look immediately after the puja.

Archaeologists are calling for the re-excavation of an 80-pillar assembly hall in Patna, India, where Emperor Ashoka is believed to have held meetings over 2,000 years ago. The hall was first discovered in 1912-13 but was buried in 2004 due to waterlogging and seepage. The archaeologists argue that the hall is an important architectural site and should be restored by the Archaeological Survey of India. They are unconcerned about draft heritage bye-laws released for the site and simply want the hall to be brought back to the surface.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/restoration-to-breathe-life-into-badshapur-baoli/articleshow/104872786.cms, November 3, 2023

A bridge is expected to link the museum with the actual excavation site that will be covered with a permanent shed along the fort wall, which has been restored. By February 2024, the first archaeological experiential museum in the country is expected to be ready at Vadnagar in Mehsana district, the birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Vadnagar Archaeological Experiential Museum — – being developed on an area of over 13,500 sq m – is coming up right beside the excavated area in Vadnagar where one can walk through the actual site showcasing the ancient town. A bridge is expected to link the museum with the actual excavation site that will be covered with a permanent shed along the fort wall, which has been restored. Pankaj Sharma, director at the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, said: “A permanent shed will cover the excavation site – estimated to be over 3,000 sq m. It has been carefully planned to avoid structural columns within the excavation site. It will be a direct link from the museum and lake to the excavation site.” “The museum will be divided into nine galleries, each depicting a different time period in Vadnagar, aspects like its old water management system as well as why people lived there for 2,700 years despite calamities like earthquake. Important crafts from the area and language spoken would depict intangible and tangible heritage. Also, Vadnagar as the city will be shown in one of the galleries. A futuristic gallery too is being planned,” he added. The project, a collaboration between the Union and Gujarat governments, had started last November. It is a combination of two components – one showing the visible excavated archaeological remains in situ and the second showcasing the art and craft, culture, architecture and various aspects of town planning with the help of the use of technology. “The town survived for over 2,700 years. While in other towns, people shift or settle elsewhere, people continued (to live) in Vadnagar for so many years,” said Y S Rawat, Officer on Special Duty (Archaeology and Museums). Formerly heading Directorate of Archaeology and Museums and member of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavation committees, Rawat is one of the officials who had worked the longest on Vadnagar. Vadnagar is surrounded by the remains of a fortification wall, a series of gates that mark the entry and exit points of the town. The primary entry and exit points to the town are marked by gateways – elaborate single-storey stone structures with arched entrances through which the roads pass. While during excavation, the state archaeological department has recovered over 20,000 objects, the ASI has found another 40,000 to 45,000 objects, including shells, bangles, pottery and terracotta artefacts, officials said. “Around 15-20 per cent of these items will be on display while remaining will be used for research. Several universities, including Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, are doing research on Vadnagar’s old water management system, ceramics, metals and glass beads recovered during excavation… Banaras Hindu University is studying why this emerged as a trade corridor,” Sharma said. Several archaeological sites were reported in Vadnagar and a few were excavated. Between 1953 and 1954, Vadnagar was excavated for the first time. After 40 years, excavation was again taken up by the state Directorate of Archaeology and Museum between 2006 and 2012. The objective was to find a Buddhist settlement in Vadnagar. It was only in 2014 that the ASI took up excavation in Vadnagar. From 2016-17 to 2022, it carried out excavation work at Ghaskol, Darbarghad and Badi Garbano Sheri areas to find help set up an experiential museum at Vadnagar.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/first-archaeological-experiential-museum-in-country-set-to-be-ready-by-next-feb-in-vadnagar-9009812/, November 3, 2023

Tetso College hosted the 2nd edition of the three-day “The Listener Nagaland”- a Festival of Orality on November 2, at Lorin Hall, Tetso College with head of UNESCO Chair on Language Policies for Multilingualism, Prof. Dr. Gilvan Müller de Oliveira as the keynote speaker. Dr. Oliveira shed light on the profound role of orality in self-understanding and the transmission of literary values focusing on folklore, anthropology, and intangible culture. He stressed on the importance of scientific discourse in the context of changing intangible culture. The festival, according to him, represents an innovative effort to honor and celebrate traditions that form the foundation of cultural identity and stressed the importance of understanding every language as heritage and adapting to evolving concepts and discussions.

He highlighted the universal significance of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) as a lesson for all humanity, advocating for its role in promoting peace through the preservation of diverse cultures. The speaker discussed the challenges in recognizing ICH, focusing on the monumentalization of masterpieces versus the valorization of production.

During the event, Advisor for Law & Justice, T N Mannen, speaking as a guest, highlighted on the significance of preserving the wisdom and knowledge held by elder members of the community in today’s digitalized world. He emphasized the potential loss when the elderly, who possess historical insights, are endangered. Mannen stressed on the importance of renewing and rediscovering the cultural heritage of the Naga society, drawing a parallel with the endangerment of flora and fauna. His remarks underscored the festival’s role in safeguarding traditions and knowledge in an evolving world. Commissioner & Secretary of Art & Culture, Athel O Lotha also emphasized on the Ministry of Culture’s apex-level program.

This initiative focuses on capacity building, raising awareness, and engaging stakeholders to protect and promote the invaluable intangible heritage. Lotha stressed on the significance of preserving this vital aspect of culture, particularly in Northeast India, where distinct traditions face threats from globalization, underlining the pivotal role of indigenous communities in safeguarding and revitalizing these traditions. INTACH book was also released comprised of Ao, Lotha, Pochury and Tenyidie languages by the keynote speaker.

Launches NEIIPA
During the inauguration of “The Listener Nagaland”, Principal of Tetso College, Dr. Hewasa L. Khing, along with Prof. Dr. Gilvan Müller de Oliveira, unveiled the North East India Indigenous People’s Archive (NEIIPA). NEIIPA is a non-profit open-access online repository and community initiative aimed at preserving the rich culture of indigenous communities in Northeast India. The project, initiated in early 2023, seeks to address the lack of resources for preserving indigenous knowledge and encourages contributions from the public in various forms, such as audio and visuals, to enrich the cultural heritage of the region. Tetso College’s efforts to document the unique knowledge known only to elders of the community have led to the establishment of NEIIPA. The initiative invites everyone to participate in safeguarding indigenous knowledge, language, and culture, ensuring their preservation for future generations. The vision of NEIIPA was to provide reliable cultural and historical content from Northeast India to a global audience through a sustainable community of engaged thinkers, promoting further research studies.

The project is brought by the efforts of 6 individuals of different capacities led by Dr. Wichamdinbo Mataina as convenor NEIIPA. He has an experience of over a decade and a notable mention could be of his documentary on Liangmai language owned by University of North Texas. He also serves as assistant professor at the Department of Linguistics, Tetso College. Other members include Toka V Swu (Member Technical NEIIPA), also founder CEO of a startup company called SNAPCRAFT MEDIA based in Dimapur.

He serves as assistant professor at the Department of Mass Communication, Tetso College. Tsukumla Yimchunger (member NEIIPA), holds M. Phil degree in Linguistics with area of research on ethnolinguistics. She serves as assistant professor at the Department of Mass Communication, Tetso College. Imlangba (Member Technical NEIIPA), PGDCA from Hi-Tech Institute of IT Multimedia, Dimapur serving as Junior Executive at IT & Media department, Tetso College. Dr. Opangienla Kechu (member NEIIPA). Research area includes Bi/multilingualism, cognitive linguistics, and language and culture. She currently serves as assistant professor, Department of Linguistics, Tetso College. Abhigyan Goigoi (Member Technical NEIIPA).

https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/tetso-college-hosts-2nd-the-listener-nagaland/, November 6, 2023

The Maharaj Gunj market in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, which had lost its historical glory due to encroachments and deviations, is undergoing a revival project. Srinagar Smart City Ltd. and the Kashmir chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) are collaborating to conserve vernacular elements of Kashmiri architecture, particularly those introduced by Dogra Hindu kings between 1846 and 1947.

About Dogra Architecture:
Dogra architecture is a term used to describe the buildings and structures constructed by the Dogra Hindu kings who ruled over Jammu. The Dogra kings ruled from 1846 to 1947. The Dogras are believed to be of Indo-Aryan descent and migrated to the Jammu region from the Punjab region during ancient times.

Dogra architecture in Jammu and Kashmir is characterized by:
Use of local materials: Utilizes stone, wood, and bricks from the region.
Symmetrical designs: Often feature symmetrical layouts and ornate detailing.
Wooden balconies: Prominent use of intricately carved wooden balconies.
Sloping roofs: Sloped roofs to withstand snowfall, with overhanging eaves.
Courtyards: Central courtyards for light and ventilation in homes.
Influence of Hindu and Tibetan styles: Combines elements of both architectural traditions.
Some examples of Dogra architecture include:
The Mubarak mandi, which was a hub of Dogra culture until 1947
The jharokha style of balcony.
The Amar Mahal Palace.

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/10/25/dogra-architecture/, November 7, 2023

Nizam’s Jubilee Pavilion Trust (NJPT) will also be conducting various programmes for WHW between November 18 and 25. : On the occasion of World Heritage Week (WHW), the Department of Heritage of the Telangana government is organising week-long celebrations from November 20 to 25 at Bhagavan Mahaveer Auditorium at the State Museum in Public Gardens, Hyderabad. Similarly, with the aim to promote the conservation of culture and heritage, the Nizam’s Jubilee Pavilion Trust (NJPT) will also be conducting various programmes for WHW between November 18 and 25. The Department of Heritage is organising a special exhibition on photography of monuments and coins. The posters of monuments will be made available for the public along with a host of guest lectures with experts on history and archaeology.

Professor KP Rao (Retd) of the Department of History, University of Hyderabad, will be speaking on ‘Archaeological potential of Telangana: The Road Ahead,’ and Professor GSV Suryanarayana Murthy from JBR College will discuss ‘Cultural Landscapes of Kakatiyas: Ramappa contextually explained’ and Dr E Sivanagi Reddy, CEO of the Pleach India Foundation will deliver a lecture on ‘Heritage Temples of Telangana (1st Century CE to 16th Century CE).’

Competition for students

A round table meeting on the Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs site and its significance will be organised in association with the Deccan Heritage Academy Trust. Apart from the WHW, Agha Khan Trust and Culture (AKTC), INTACH-Hyderabad chapter and Deccan Heritage Academy Trust will be conducting heritage walks at Qutub Shahi Tombs on November 21 and Saidani Ma Tomb on November 22. Many college students will be volunteering for the events. A quiz on Telangana heritage and architecture will take place on November 22 and drawing and sketching competitions for school children will be organised by INTACH Hyderabad chapter along with an essay writing competition for college students, informed Shailaja Ramaiyer, director of the Department of Heritage.

Nizam’s museum hosts events
In another set of programmes organised by the NJPT, Captain (Retd) Pandu Ranga Reddy flagged off the events on November 18 at the 450-year-old Purani Haveli or Nizam’s Museum, in the presence of various dignitaries, including curator of the museum Dr Ahmed Ali, in-charge secretary Aparna Shankar and heritage enthusiast Sahebzadi Rasheedunnisha Begum, the grand-daughter of the seventh Nizam. The exhibits of the palaces of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty have been displayed in the city gallery. “On November 19, a talk by Usama Ahmed on the unique satin painting of the Nizam embellished in precious stones was organised. On November 20, an essay writing competition on the contributions of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan will be held for students followed by an object sketching competition on November 21. A quiz on the Asaf Jahi Dynasty will be held on November 22.

A gallery walk by historians and heritage experts will be held on November 23 while on the last day (November 25), the concluding ceremony will be followed by prize distribution. All the programmes would commence at 11 am daily,” informed Syed Hyder Hussaini, administrative officer of the museum.

https://newsmeter.in/hyderabad/world-heritage-week-explore-hyderabads-history-through-educational-exhibitions-walks-contests-720835, November 8, 2023

It is time that we make a passionate pitch for Lucknow. It has all the credentials to make it to the coveted list of UNESCO heritage sites By Jayant Krishna The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) believes that heritage is our legacy from yesteryears in today’s world that we live in and leave behind for the generations to come. Our cultural heritage is a precious source of aesthetic beauty, creativity, and an inspiration for life itself. AUNESCO World Heritage Site is said to be a place of special cultural or physical significance and administered by the World Heritage Committee. Lucknow has all the credentials to make the cut, what it needs is an effective pitching. Worldwide, there are 1,172 UNESCO World Heritage Site listings, including 913 representing the cultural heritage. The UNESCO listing ushers in prestige that leads to increasing awareness among government agencies as well as the people for heritage preservation. Listing also helps in receiving funds and expertise from the World Heritage Committee for preservation.

It also results in the increased tourist inflow which generates funds that can be redeployed in conservation. If we observe some recent trends in UNESCO World Heritage listing in India, the historic city of Ahmedabad, Jaipur City and Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai have been successful not for a standalone monument but for a significant part of the city that has a huge heritage value. On similar lines, Delhi - A Heritage City and the Temple City Bhubaneswar have also been included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition, some other sites have also had the listing for a group or ensemble like Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Churches and Convents of Goa, Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park as well as the 2023 addition of Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas.

It is time that we also make a passionate pitch for the listing of the Historic City of Lucknow instead of a monument in particular. After my research around the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India and travelling to many of them worldwide, I firmly believe that the historic city of Lucknow deserves to be there on that list. I have discussed this with historian Rosie Llewellyn-Jones, filmmaker Muzaffar Ali and INTACH’s chair Major General (Retd) LK Gupta and they are all supportive of this idea.

In addition, I recently spoke with UP’s culture & tourism minister Jaiveer Singh and principal secretary of these departments, Mukesh Meshram, in this regard and they both gave a patient hearing. Lucknow’s flagship heritage site Bada Imambara, Bhool Bhulaiya (labyrinth), Rumi Darwaza and Asafi Mosque complex built by the illustrious Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula under a noble ‘food for work’ initiative in the terrible famine of 1,783 inspires awe and reverence. British Residency is a testimony to the prolonged battle ‘Siege of Lucknow’ during our first war of independence in 1857. Its 33-acre campus is reasonably well-kept and surely among the best monuments countrywide to showcase India’s freedom struggle.

Representing a distinctive French heritage, Constantia or La Martiniere has also been conserved quite well and forms an awesome complex along with its chapel, laat and Claude Martin Museum. Even though the Qaiserbagh Complex built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, a great patron of art and culture, was largely destroyed by the Britishers, whatever is left needs conservation as it once was one of the most elaborate palace complexes ever built in India. The Hussainabad clock tower and the Chhota Imambara complex also have great heritage value. Chattar Manzil, once conserved, would bring this magical heritage structure back to life. Haveli Gulistan-e-Iram, Kothi Darshan Vilas and General Kothi have also undergone some worthwhile conservation in recent years. Over and above the historic monuments, Lucknow is a highly acclaimed heritage city famous for its culinary art, chikankari embroidery, mellifluous music, kathak dance-form and soulful poetry. The very mention of Lucknow brings passion to the hearts of people worldwide. Lucknow has also won global appreciation for the hospitality, sophistication, and courteousness of its people and that has given the city a distinct cultural identity. The city, especially its historic part, has a distinctive blend of tangible and intangible heritage.

Having said so, the conservation status of monuments, sanitation standards, traffic management and infrastructural gaps need to improve in a time-bound manner. Lucknow’s heritage zones need to undergo a significant urban rejuvenation. The historic city of Lucknow must be first inventoried as a place of great cultural significance under UNESCO’s Tentative List. Thereafter, a comprehensive nomination file is to be presented to the World Heritage Centre for completeness review. Subsequently, the nomination would reach the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) 11/24/23, 11:19 AM Why Lucknow deserves to be among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites | Lucknow News - Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/why-lucknow-deserves-to-be-among-unescos-world-heritage-sites/articleshow/104972208.cms 2/2 and the World Conservation Union (IUCN) for their respective evaluations to be submitted to the World Heritage Committee.

Additionally, ICCROM could provide advice on conservation issues. World Heritage Committee finally decides the sites for the World Heritage Listing based on their outstanding universal value and meeting at least one out of 10 selection specified criteria. It is about time that the government of Uttar Pradesh, supported by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and heritage consultants, takes up listing of the historic city of Lucknow with UNESCO, duly backed by the Government of India. It is a complicated and long process requiring comprehensive documentation. However, sincere efforts backed with the requisite passion and funding would eventually lead to such a listing that would yield unparalleled benefits for Lucknow’s citizens, as well as tourists spanning several generations. ( Writer is a heritage evangelist, a skill development thought-leader and a propellor for reforms).

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/why-lucknow-deserves-to-be-among-unescos-world-heritage-sites/articleshow/104972208.cms, November 8, 2023

Government Degree College Ramgarh, in collaboration with INTACH, Jammu chapter, today organized a one-day workshop on Heritage food and Craft of Ramgarh, Samba. The event was organized under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Geetanjali Andotra, Principal of the College. All the faculty members and a large no of students of the college participated in the event, the students of Government HSS Gho Brahmana and Govt. HS Swankha also participated in the workshop. At the outset, Prof. Risha Kumari, Convener, College Cultural Committee, welcomed the team from INTACH and made the students aware about the purpose of the workshop. Prof. (Dr.) Geetanjali Andotra, in her address said that the workshop is an initiative to mark awareness and importance of Heritage food and craft of Ramgarh, Samba among the various stakeholders.

Further she added that, there is a dire need to preserve our cultural ethos and heritage which represents the true essence of community. The workshop was focused on Local heritage food and crafts which involved sharing good practices and practical demonstrations by Kaarkhandar unit, Nanke Chak, Samba and Craft and Community Cell, INTACH. The student participants from Schools and College were given hands on training regarding making of straw items and Calico Printing, which was enthusiastically learnt.

A group of students was mentored in preparing the Recipe booklet of heritage foods of Ramgarh by Dr. Aditi Khajuria and Dr. Sandeep Kumari. Dr. CM Seth, IFS, (Retd.) briefed the students about the role and importance of such cultural events, as they not only showcase the culture and heritage of the region but also contribute to safeguarding it for future generations. He further stressed upon the broader relevance of such events, stating that they provide a forum for the preservation and dissemination of cultural traditions and inspire innovation and leadership among youth. SM Sahni, JKAS, (Retd.), Convener, INTACH, Jammu Chapter highlighted the diversity of local Dogra cuisine and its importance in promoting tourism in the Jammu region. He also made the students aware about the old traditional route to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra.

The Programme culminated with the formal vote of thanks presented by Arvind Kotwal, JKAS, (Retd.), Co-ordinator Heritage Tourism, Jammu Chapter. At the outset of the workshop, INTACH Jammu Chapter presented a bunch of heritage books for the College Library. The faculty members who witnessed the event include Dr. Aditi Khajuria, Prof. Sandeep Kumari, Prof. Risha Kumari, Dr. Paramjeet Kour, Dr. Shivali Choudhary, Priya Sharma, Dr. Ekta Rani, Sunil Kumar, Akanksha. The whole event was coordinated by Prof. Risha Kumari, Convener, College Cultural Committee.

https://universalnewstimeline.com/gdc-ramgarh-organises-workshop-on-heritage-food-craft-of-ramgarh-samba, November 8, 2023

The Crafts Council of Puducherry is hosting a half-day candle making workshop on Saturday. The event, which is a part of its “A Craft by the Courtyard” workshop series, is scheduled at 2.30 pm at the INTACH Heritage centre, No:62, Aurobindo Street, Heritage Town, Pondicherry -605001.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/candle-making-workshop-on-saturday/article67494702.ece, November 10, 2023

The Jammu Chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) organised an interactive workshop named ‘Discover Your Living Heritage’ at KC Public School here today. The workshop was attended by a large number of enthusiastic students of the school. The members of INTACH Jammu Chapter Arvind Kotwal was chief guest, SM Sahni , Convener, INTACH Jammu Chapter, Kripal Singh, Parola Art Expert (former Art Curator, Dogra Art Museum, and Shivani Khajuria, Miniature Painting Expert, were present on the occasion. Principal AK Mishra was present on the occasion as the guest of honour. Kirpal Singh highlighted the salient features of the heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in variegated art forms such as miniature painting tradition of the Basohli School of Pahari Art. He underscored the need for and relevance of not only discovering the art heritage of J&K but also to sustain it by imbibing and putting into practice the entire range of its special techniques, forms and unique features. Shivani Khajuria conducted the workshop for students by illustrating the styles of painting traditionally practised in Jammu and Kashmir. She used a large white board to draw a sample of the Basohli school of miniature painting and punctuated it with comments on the special features of this school.

https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/intach-holds-art-workshop-at-kc-public-school/, November 12, 2023

The restoration of the decades-old V.O.C. School, a listed Grade II A heritage building that occupies an important place in Puducherry’s history has been completed. The school, which has been functioning from a heritage building, will finally be open for students after the restoration project, which began in 2021. The restored building was formally inaugurated by Lt. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Thursday. The structure, along with two other government schools—Calve College and the Pensionnat De Jeunes Filles, considered to be India’s only French girls’ high schools, which were run by the Puducherry government—were provisionally shut down in 2014 as a precautionary measure in the wake of the collapse of the 114-year-old Mairie (Town Hall) building. The restoration of the V.O.C. School was taken up under an initiative by Puducherry Smart City Development Limited (PSCDL).

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is the architectural consultant for PSCDL, which has refurbished the 138-year-old school at a cost of ₹2.85 crore. According to A. Arul, senior architect of INTACH, “The building was in an unsafe condition due to rampant growth of vegetation and tree roots that had penetrated into the roofs and the walls of the building. The major works included the replacement of the madras terrace roof and the wooden joist ceiling with precast cement rafters. The compound wall was replaced with a cast iron fence. The walls were plastered with composite mixed lime, and all electrical lines have been newly re-laid. We have preserved all the trees on the campus.”

Historical significance
The V.O.C. School, previously known as Ecole Primare, was built in 1885. It followed the French system of education until 1960, when the medium of instruction changed from French to Tamil. The school is an important landmark in Puducherry and was named after V.O. Chidambaram Pillai to commemorate the Indian freedom fighter. The architectural design of the school was inspired by the European features of Calve College, which was built a few years before the school was constructed.

According to INTACH, a raised colonnaded grand entrance on a high plinth acts as a prominent feature of the building, marking its importance. The plan form follows a U-shape, with the classrooms arranged around a courtyard. “Colonnaded verandahs with doric columns are featured both in the interior, overlooking the courtyard, as well as on the exterior of the building, making them an integral part of the facade. It is one of the few European-style buildings in the Tamil precinct.”



https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/restoration-of-voc-school-completed/article67539570.ece, November 13, 2023

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Kalinga Heritage Preservation Trust (KHPT) members have urged Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for construction of a Global Sun temple in the state. In a memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the members of both organisations have expressed that it would be highly impossible to undertake such a grand and herculean project without the support of Odisha government. The members have expressed that the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya was successfully completed as it was a matter of national pride, the Sun Temple will also be a structure of global pride. At a meeting in Bhubaneswar Sunday, INTACH Odisha chapter Convenor Amiya Bhusan Tripathy said both INTACH and KHPT had several meetings and seminars on the subject of Konark and its conservation in the last decade. Being the only UNESCO world heritage site in the State, Konark is tottering on the brink of becoming a glorious ruin, he said. Due to the ravages of time and nature, and because of inadequate measures for conservation, Konark may be reduced to a mound of shapeless stones in the near future. Chairman and Founder of the KPTH Trust Anil De said that Konark is great not only for its beautiful stone sculptures, it has a lot of intangible heritage presented in the stone art. This intangible heritage, he said, deserves to be preserved in a new form as they are important for contemporary society. In a research spanning over a decade, KHPT has designed a Global Sun Temple in the architectural, spiritual and social essence of the fallen Konark. It has been designed as a modern temple for the contemporary world, without being a carbon copy of the existing temple which will showcase the art and architecture of temples of Odisha and its iconography. The project cost is envisaged to be around Rs 400 crore, he said. This secular temple of the Sun God, Anil De said will also attract tourists and visitors from far and wide due to its novel concept and presentation.

https://www.orissapost.com/intach-khpt-members-urge-odisha-cm-for-construction-of-global-sun-temple/, November 13, 2023

The Annual City Round of INTACH Quiz Competition 2023 was organized in Jodhamal Public School, here today. The City Round of the Quiz held today at Jodhamal Public School, with participation of a total of 23 teams from 12 schools. A total of 46 participants took part in this prestigious Inter-School fixture. The participating schools included Jammu Sanskriti School, KC Public School, K C International School, Army School Akhnoor, Army School Kaluchak, Army Public School B D Bari, Model Academy, Army Public School Jammu Cantt, Army School Domana, International Delhi Public School, etc. The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries including S M Sahni, convener, INTACH (Jammu Chapter), Arvind Kotwal (former JKAS officer), Nandan Kuthiala (Trustee), Arati Kuthiala (Director), Girish Kumar (Principal) and Shefali Senwal (Vice Principal). The Jodhamal choir welcomed all present with their mesmerizing Dogri song. The Quiz was conducted by the Quizmaster Namrata Sharma and the whole programme was coordinated by Deepali Sharma, Teacher-incharge, INTACH Club.

After an exciting and intense written phase, four teams qualified for the final stage round. The five rounds on the stage comprised questions on Indian culture, famous personalities, your state, your city and about INTACH. The Quiz Team of Jodhamal Public School comprising Kushagar Sambyal and Adit Gupta secured first position and qualified for the State level round. The Team of Army Public School Akhnoor secured the third place. The winners were awarded by the dignitaries from INTACH Jammu Chapter, S M Sahni, Arvind Kotwal and K K Sharma. All participants received the certificates of participation.

https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/jodhamal-emerges-victorious-in-city-round-of-intach-quiz/, November 13, 2023

One of the most iconic and busy neighbourhoods of Kolkata and erstwhile Calcutta is Chowringhee. Today, we know it as the road that houses the iconic Oberoi Grand Hotel, Indian Museum, eateries and restaurants, New Market, the abode of street shopping, and merges with the buzzing Park Street. While one side is chaotic with activities the other side of Chowringhee offers a more relaxed outlook towards life guarded by the vast expanse of the Maidan and the majestic Fort William. As a prelude to World Heritage Week, INTACH hosted an intimate discussion on the evolution of Chowringhee spearheaded by GM Kapur and heritage enthusiast Nitin Shrestha at the Oberoi Grand Hotel premise. It was attended by heritage enthusiasts, scholars, and the like. Kapur started the session with a visual presentation of the Chowringhee from an era gone by. Starting right from the transformation of the hotel from a residential complex, to a lodge to the heritage hotel title it has earned today before moving on to other known landmarks, most of which do not exist today. From a timeline of around 1910 through archival photographs the presentation was knowledgeable for the millennials. It made the seniors walk down memory lane while talking about Firpo’s Restaurant, United Services Club, New Market, Asiatic Society, and more. What piqued the audience's interest was the presentation on Fort William, the new and the old by Shrestha. It delved deeper into the history, political treaties and strategies, architecture, and positioning of Fort William, what it was to what it is today. This part was particularly interesting considering that Fort William is a restricted place for the general public. While he busted myths with facts, he also highlighted the lessons learned from the fall of the Old Fort William and how newer and safety-proof strategies were applied during the construction of the new Fort William, especially the biggest lesson learned of having a clear passageway in front which leads to the flourishing of the Maidan. Though a cannon was never fired from within the walls of the new Fort, it is quite equipped to fight enemies both from land and the water. The event curated and hosted by INTACH and its members Siddharth Sarkar and Asif Ali transported us to a Calcutta that was much heard about in oral stories and seen through black and white photographs. What added to the evening was the memory jolt of the seniors present who recalled their tryst with the transforming Chowringhee and shared the same with the audience.

https://www.indulgexpress.com/msociety/2023/nov/22/world-heritage-week-intach-traces-evolution-of-chowringhee-55306.html, November 13, 2023

Parichay, a heritage walk initiated by the Bengaluru chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), is now in its 15th year. The first Parichay walk was held at the centuries-old Panchalingeshwara temple in Begur in March 2008. Today, the itinerary includes historical forts, palaces, places of worship, homes, neighbourhoods, eateries and natural heritage spots such as parks and trees of Bengaluru. Devanahalli and the Nandi village are the farthest locations these walks have been conducted so far, says Meera Iyer, convenor of INTACH Bengaluru. These monthly walks are much sought-after. It’s not uncommon for participants to joke that “it is easier to get a ‘tatkal’ ticket than book a spot in Parichay”, Meera shares. The walks can take in 20 to 30 participants and tickets often sell out in 20 minutes. All slots for their weekend walk to Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Bangalore Fort were booked when Metrolife spoke to Meera on Wednesday. Since INTACH is into conservation of natural, built and intangible heritage, these walks are led by subject matter experts and people who have “deep engagement with the city”.

This is perhaps why Parichay has garnered such interest, Meera feels. Looking back on Parichay’s journey, Meera says, “These walks were free initially and I remember I woke up at 4 am to pack sandwiches for the participants for the first event. Today, we charge Rs 200-250 per person and provide snacks, usually holige.” These tours are usually woven around a narrative. “There’s a common thread to everything you see or experience. When we walk down Avenue Road, we tell the story of the Siege of Bangalore, reliving the events of 1791 through everything we see to our left and right.” While tourists are welcome, these events are targeted at local residents to help them “connect with the city and its diverse past”.

“We recently conducted nature walks in Defence Colony and 12th Main Road, both in Indiranagar. We want to show people that they can connect with nature in their backyards and not just in Cubbon Park or Lalbagh,” she reasons. City walks are on the rise everywhere. Parichay walks see a diverse crowd each time, from teens to 90- year-olds and old Bengalureans to recent migrants. Weighing in on the trend, Meera says, “It’s nice to connect with something that gives you a sense of identity and belonging in a fast-changing world.” She signs off with a story of lasting memories: On a walk to Malleswaram, they were discussing about an old house when a participant quipped ‘It was my great grandmother’s house’. FOR INTEREST GROUPS Besides public walks, INTACH Bengaluru organises walks for focused groups like architecture students, history students, and school children on request. Follow intachbengaluru on Instagram for upcoming walks.

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/what-you-see-on-intach-walks-2774017, November 14, 2023

The inauguration of a week-long exhibition, “Udupi Sub-Jail that Survived Demolition Verdict” marked the beginning of the World Heritage Week celebrations by the Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) here on Sunday. Inaugurating the exhibition at the Kodialguthu Centre for Arts and Culture at Kodialguthu, Mangaluru District Prison Superintendent B.T. Obaleshappa underlined the importance of such documentation in changing the negative public image towards jail buildings. He said, “Just as prisons are indispensable to society, prisons also need the cooperation of social organisations in their upkeep.

We should preserve such beautiful old buildings and restore them to create spaces where awareness programmes for students and youngsters can be conducted.” Introducing the programme, INTACH Mangaluru convener Subhas Chandra Basu highlighted that the documentation of the Udupi Sub-Jail began after the demolition tender was approved. “Our aim is not only to document the Udupi sub-jail but also to propose adaptive reuse methods for its restoration to contemporary use,” he said. Architect Sharvani Bhat, sharing the experience of documenting the Udupi sub-jail, said, “We started the documentation in late June, completing it in a week with a team of four from Udupi. Our goal is to sensitise the public to the existence of such buildings and demonstrate ways to preserve and revitalise them."

The inauguration of a week-long exhibition, “Udupi Sub-Jail that Survived Demolition Verdict” marked the beginning of the World Heritage Week celebrations by the Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) here on Sunday. Inaugurating the exhibition at the Kodialguthu Centre for Arts and Culture at Kodialguthu, Mangaluru District Prison Superintendent B.T. Obaleshappa underlined the importance of such documentation in changing the negative public image towards jail buildings. He said, “Just as prisons are indispensable to society, prisons also need the cooperation of social organisations in their upkeep. We should preserve such beautiful old buildings and restore them to create spaces where awareness programmes for students and youngsters can be conducted.”

Introducing the programme, INTACH Mangaluru convener Subhas Chandra Basu highlighted that the documentation of the Udupi Sub-Jail began after the demolition tender was approved. “Our aim is not only to document the Udupi sub-jail but also to propose adaptive reuse methods for its restoration to contemporary use,” he said. Architect Sharvani Bhat, sharing the experience of documenting the Udupi sub-jail, said, “We started the documentation in late June, completing it in a week with a team of four from Udupi.

Our goal is to sensitise the public to the existence of such buildings and demonstrate ways to preserve and revitalise them.” The exhibition is open to the public from November till November 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Every day, there will be talks at 5.30 p.m., staring with “The heterogeneous layered urbanism of the Old Port of Mangaluru” by architect Caroline D’souza on Tuesday; “Kattes in Mangaluru City” by architects Sindhushree and Sitara on Wednesday (November 22); “Traditional temples and houses in Tulunadu” by Subrahmanya Bhat on November 23; “Zamindar Bari at Raipur” by architect and Intach Mangaluru convener Subhas Basu on November 24 and “Heritage as collective memory” by writer William Pais on November 25.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/exhibition-on-udupi-sub-jail-marks-beginning-of-world-heritage-week-celebrations-by-intach/article67554688.ece, November 16, 2023

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Chennai chapter, and Chennai International Centre are organising a talk by G M Kapur on the ‘Evolution of Calcutta and its Environs’. The event, to be held at Madras School of Economics at 6pm on November 25, is open to all. The talk will outline how Calcutta came to be the second city of the British empire as well as highlight how “Europe on the Ganges” was formed by the Danish, Dutch, French and Portuguese settlements along the river Hooghly. In August 1690, Job Charnock, chief agent of the East India Company for Bengal set foot on the “insalubrious mud flats” on the east bank of the River Hooghly at Sutanuti, receiving permission from the emperor Aurangzeb to establish a factory in Bengal. He chose the east bank having learnt from experience that this place had the best defensible position and a deep-water anchorage. This event led to the creation of Calcutta. Calcutta’s built heritage, and its architectural marvels embodying social and cultural heritage will also be discussed. With a deep interest in history and passion for heritage sown during his college years, the speaker (G M Kapur) took the path of Heritage Conservation and Restoration after he saw the decay which Kolkata, then Calcutta, was being subjected to. He joined what was called ‘an army of conscience keepers to the nation – to protect what is rightfully ours – our heritage’, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), as a perfect platform for furthering the cause of heritage conservation.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/intach-chennai-chapter-to-hold-talk-on-kolkata/articleshow/105414850.cms, November 17, 2023

Museology, the study of museums and their curatorial practices, presents a unique avenue for individuals passionate about preserving and showcasing cultural heritage. While India boasts a wealth of cultural and historical treasures, the professional landscape of museology faces its own set of challenges, despite the country’s rich tapestry of traditions. So, what are the career options in museology and how is the state of the industry in India?While India boasts a wealth of cultural and historical treasures, the professional landscape of museology faces its own set of challenges, despite the country’s rich tapestry of traditions. Career Options in Museology Museum Curator: Curators play a pivotal role in acquiring, cataloguing, and managing museum collections. They are responsible for designing exhibitions that convey narratives and engage visitors.

Conservator: Conservators focus on preserving and restoring artefacts and artworks within museum collections, employing specialized techniques to ensure their longevity. Education Officer: Museums often have educational programs to enhance public understanding. Education officers create and implement these programs, fostering a deeper connection between the museum and its audience.

Exhibition Designer: Responsible for the visual and spatial aspects of exhibitions, exhibition designers craft immersive experiences that bring collections to life and captivate visitors. Digital Curator: In the era of digital transformation, the role of a Digital Curator has emerged as a critical aspect of museology. Digital curators are responsible for managing and curating digital collections, including online exhibitions, virtual tours, and digital archives. They navigate the intersection of technology and cultural heritage, ensuring that museums remain accessible to a global audience through digital platforms.

The Landscape of Museology in India While India stands as a treasure trove of culture and heritage, the museology industry faces challenges that hinder its professional growth. Limited awareness and recognition contribute to the low uptake of museology courses, despite the presence of reputable institutions such as the National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology (NMI), and others. The first museology course in India was introduced by Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat, in 1952. Today, several universities like Calcutta University, Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, University of Rajasthan, and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts offer museology courses. Graduates in diverse fields such as Anthropology, History, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Geology, Physics, Visual Art, and Zoology can pursue museology, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the field.
The Impact of AI on Museums

The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has begun to influence museum practices, offering innovative opportunities and posing challenges. AI can enhance the curation process, providing insights into visitor preferences and optimizing exhibition designs. Virtual assistants and chatbots powered by AI can offer interactive and personalized experiences for museum visitors. However, the integration of AI also raises ethical considerations, such as privacy concerns and the potential for technology to overshadow the human touch in curatorial practices. Careers in this field offer a fascinating journey into the heart of cultural preservation and exhibition. While India grapples with challenges hindering the professional growth of the museology industry, the diverse career options and the rich cultural landscape provide ample opportunities for those willing to embark on this unique and rewarding career path. The interplay of tradition and technology, as seen in the impact of AI on museums, further adds a dynamic dimension to the evolving field of museology.

https://youthincmag.com/careers-in-museology-and-is-india-the-best-place-for-it, November 17, 2023

The researchers also found a few neolithic grooves just 5 metres away from the geoglyph, which could have been formed in and around 4000 BC. In a rare find, archaeology enthusiasts have found a geoglyph dating back to 1000 BC, atop a granite hillock on the outskirts of Muduchinthalapalli mandal headquarters in Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Geoglyphs are a form of rock art, where a design or motif is etched on the ground using stones, iron or some other tools used by prehistoric humans. In this case, archaeologists believe that iron was used in making the geoglyph through a process called ‘pecking.’ Members of Kotha Telangana Charithra Brundam including A Karunakar, Anwar Pasha, Koravi Gopal and Md Naseeruddin found the geoglyph in a perfectly executed circular design measuring 7.5 m in diameter, with a 30 cm thick rim around it, and two triangles inside it.

According to E Sivanagireddy, archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation, the geoglyph has revealed the artistic skill and etching technique of the iron age people who lived and wandered in this area located just 30 to 40 km away from Hyderabad. He told TNIE that the method which was probably used in the art form was one person holding a tool at the centre of the circle, with a rope tied to it, and another person holding another tool at the other end of the rope, drawing the circle by continuously hitting the surface with that tool by going in circles. He said that wooden rafter could also have been used to ensure precision in the design.

“Just 30 cm inside the circle, another circle was drawn, and between these two circles a thick rim was made using the process of pecking,” Sivanagireddy observed. He, however, wasn’t sure about the nature of the triangles inside the circle, and opined that they could have been used to denote some anthropomorphic figures which were found in stick and triangle designs in prehistoric art. Professor Ravi Korisettar, noted archaeologist and expert in prehistoric rock art, dated the geoglyph to 1000 BC. He said that the circle might have served as a model for the megalithic people for constructing their burials, most of which were made in a circular plan. According to Sanathana, a research associate of Pleach India Foundation, this particular geoglyph was on par with the Konkan Petroglyph sites of Ratnagiri zone of Maharashtra, which is a tourist destination.

The researchers also found a few neolithic grooves just 5 metres away from the geoglyph, which could have been formed in and around 4000 BC. Earlier, archaeologists had discovered three prehistoric rock shelters located within a radius of 1 km from this site, where prehistoric rock art was found, with the images of bulls, deer, porcupine, and humans found on the rocks inside those rock shelters. The rock art was found to have been from the Mesolithic and Megalithic periods (8500 BC- 1000 BC). In view of the Geoglyph being the first-of-its-kind to be reported from Telangana, and the various other remnants of the prehistoric era found in that area, Sivanagireddy suggests developing the site as a tourist destination, so that students and archaeology enthusiasts can gain knowledge and cherish the glory of our prehistoric past.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2023/nov/06/geoglyph-dating-back-to-1000-bce-found-inhyderabad-district-2630407.html, November 18, 2023

A team of researchers have discovered an inscription belonging to the 12th and the 13th centuries, apart from a few sculptures at Ragimuddenahalli village in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district. The discovery was reported by a team of researchers headed by C.S. Shashidhara, N.S. Annapurna, and A.P. Rakshith of the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada and the antiquities were found on the agricultural land of a farmer of the village. A release said the inscriptions and the sculptures belong to the Hoysala period and among the discoveries is also a rare yogini sculpture of soapstone. A team of scholars with the help of the landowners cleaned and dug the partially buried sculptures and the estampages of the inscriptions were also taken. The inscription is in the Kannada language of the Hoysala period and there was also a sculpture of Bhairava under a mango tree.

What is significant is the discovery of a sculptural panel of Saptamatrikas a the ruins of an Ishwara temple. The inscription provides the names of Shri Veerabhadra, Shri Brahma, Shri Mahadeva, Shri Vasudeva, Shri Varaha, Shri Indira, Shri Chaudeshwarim, and Benaka. N.S. Rangaraju, former head of Department of History and Archaeology, University of Mysore, said the discovery of Bhairavi and Saptamatrika panel along with inscriptions is rare and thus significant. Also, the names of the sculptors frequently found in the architectural and sculptural works of Hoysala period are also present in this discovery and the Bhairavi and Saptamatrika idols were sculpted by Baichoja, according to Dr.

Shashidhara. The names of Erjoja and Baichoja have been mentioned and the Bhairavi inscription reads as Erjojana maga Baichoja indicating that the former was the son of the latter. The Bhairva idol was sculpted by both father and son as their joint names have been inscribed, he added. Dr. Shashidhara said another point which is clear from the discovery is that the place was a Shaiva religious centre. This is also reinforced by the presence of a ruined Shiva temple belonging to the Hoysala period complete with Nandi, Shivalinga etc. and the inscriptions were read and analysed by S. Nagarajappa of Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India, according to Dr. Shashidhara.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/hoysala-period-inscriptions-sculptures-discovered-in-pandavapura/article67509368.ece, November 19, 2023

These findings come amidst repeated assertions by Chief Minister M K Stalin that his government will take every step to scientifically prove that India’s history will have to be rewritten from the Tamil landscape, in the light of findings in Keeladi and Sivakalai. Nearly 10,000 antiquities, including terracotta figurines, glass beads, carnelian beads, iron tools, a tiger miniature made in bronze, gold, and punch-mark coins, have been unearthed from the sites where excavations began in April. Credit: TNSDA Chennai: Graffiti marks numbering over 2,000 in Thulukarpatti, a ceramic floor level spread over an area of 20 metres, and a weighing scale made of crystal quartz in Keeladi, a Sangam Era site near Madurai, and further remains of a palace built by Rajendra-1 of the famed Chola dynasty and a huge ring well in Gangaikondacholapuram.

These are some of the exciting results of the latest season (2022-2023) of excavations by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) which concluded recently. Nearly 10,000 antiquities, including terracotta figurines, glass beads, carnelian beads, iron tools, a tiger miniature made in bronze, gold, and punch-mark coins, have been unearthed from the sites where excavations began in April. Vembakottai tops the list with 4,600 antiquities, followed by Thulukarpatti (2,030), Pattaraiperumbudur (1,100), Keeladi (804), Gangaikondacholapuram (686), Porpanaikottai (482), and Boothinatham (133), and Kilnamandi (89). Tamil-Brahmi inscription and miniature of Tiger One of the significant findings is the discovery of 2,030 graffiti marks, including four with TamilBrahmi inscriptions, from Thulukarpatti in Tirunelveli district. This assumes importance with the state government embarking on a comparative study of the graffiti marks, potsherds, and the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) signs. “We have so far found 4,600 graffiti marks in Thulukarpatti since digging began last year.

This is a huge number and 10 of these grafittis are inscribed in Tamil-Brahmi. We hope that this discovery will greatly help us in the study,” Vasanthakumar K, Archaeological Officer (AO), told DH. A pot sherd inscribed with the word Puli (Tiger) in Tamil characters, a miniature of Tiger made of bronze, and iron furnaces and slabs, are some of the other major discoveries in Thulukarpatti, close to Sivakalai, an archaeological site whose age is estimated to be 3,200 years. The finding of a floor made by a mixture of clay and lime with a thickness of 3 to 6 cm in Keeladi, which is said to be 2,600 years old based on the carbon dating of artefacts found there, serves as further proof to the existence of an industrialised civilisation on the banks of River Vaigai.

“About two feet deep below this floor, archaeologists discovered a cluster of potsherds which includes black-and-red ware, red slipped ware, and red ware,” Ramesh M, AO – Keeladi, told DH. He added that 55 per cent of the artefacts found in Keeladi this season are glass beads followed by 21 percent of terracotta hopscotch. Keeladi and Konthagai A weighing unit made of crystal quartz, which is transparent in nature, a handmade snake figurine, glass beads, glass bangle fragment, gold wire, ivory dice in cubic and cuboid in shape, iron objects, and various objects made of terracotta were also unearthed from Keeladi. With this, the number of artefacts found in Keeladi since the excavations began in 2014 has gone up to 19,000 – the first three phases were carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) following which the TNSDA took over. In Konthagai, perceived to be the burial site of Keeladi, archaeologists unearthed 24 urn burials and recovered over 110 black-and-red ware and red slipped ware alongside human skeletal remains from them. For the first time ever, a ring made of ivory has been found from an urn burial. “This is the first time in nine years we have found evidence of a ceramic industry having thrived in Keeladi.

In the past excavations, we proved with evidence that industries based on glass beads and terracotta also thrived there,” R Sivanantham, Joint Director, TNSDA, told DH. “In all the nine phases of excavations in Keeladi so far, we have found ring wells which further bolsters our view that the site was an industrialised, urban civilisation,” Sivananthan said, adding that for the first time in three years, archaeologists have this time discovered a ring well in Gangaikondacholapuram close to the remains of the palace. A 17-course ring well, a pillar made of stone, which is possibly an integral part of one of the entrances of the palace built by Rajendra-I in the ancient town, raised in memory of his father Rajaraja Chola, were also discovered from Gangaikondacholapuram.

“Other discoveries include further remains of the palace, a brick channel, and several Chinese wear that reiterate the trade ties that Cholas enjoyed with Chinese,” Prabhakaran, AO, Gangaikondacholapuram, told DH. Burial grounds and Neolithic Age In Kilnamandi, a Megalithic Age site in Tiruvannamalai district, archaeologists have excavated 12 burials which are primarily of two types -- cist burial with sarcophagus and pit burial. In total, 21 sarcophagus a sarcophagus — a coffin of terracotta, adorned with capstones, sculptures and inscription – have been recovered. “Apart from this burial ground a small habitation mound was also excavated here. As a whole, this excavation provides valuable insights into understanding the Iron Age settlement in this vicinity and their mortuary practices,” Victor Gnanaraj, Director, Kilnamandi excavations, said. He also added that carbon samples collected from a grave have been sent for AMS dating to scientifically place this site in a chronological time frame.

In Boothinatham, as many as 133 antiquities, including 43 shell bangles and 13 iron objects, were recovered. “The goal is to discover the neolithic segment in Boothinatham and we have evidence to show a thin layer of Neolithic Age. But we believe this settlement was abandoned during the Neolithic Age and people came here and settled again during the Early Historic period which continued till the Medieval period,” Paranthaman, the site AO, said. In Pattaraiperumbudur, where excavations resumed after a gap of six years, as many as 1,100 antiquities, including Stone Age equipment, and terracotta figurines have been unearthed. In Vembakottai of the 4,600 antiquities unearthed, almost half of them are glass beads, while beads and figurines made of terracotta are 94 and 27 respectively.

In Porpanaikottai, archaeologists unearthed beads, glass bangles, Green stone, citril quartzes, glazed ware black ware, roof tiles, black and red ware, perforated ware, and brick structures. The background These findings come amidst repeated assertions by Chief Minister M K Stalin that his government will take every step to scientifically prove that India’s history will have to be rewritten from the Tamil landscape, in the light of findings in Keeladi and Sivakalai. The archaeological excavations in Tamil Nadu have created a buzz in the past few years as they threw up surprises – artefacts unearthed in Keeladi near Madurai pushed the Sangam Era to 600 BCE from 300 BCE, rice husks found in a burial urn in Sivakalai was found to be 3,200 years old, and that Tamils were aware of the iron technology in 2172 BCE, 4,200 years ago. The carbon dating has pushed the Sangam Era by three hundred years that it was thought to be – the ASI, which conducted the first two phases of excavation, also derived the period of the Sangam-era archaeological site to be between 8th century BCE to 3rd century CE.

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tamil-nadu/10000-antiquities-unearthed-in-eight-archaeological-sites-in-tamil-nadu-2764807, November 22, 2023

The Angami Naga tribe, one of Nagaland's several indigenous tribes, lives in the village of Khonoma. Nestled in the Northeastern state of Nagaland, amid the picturesque hills, is Khonoma – a village that has carved a unique niche for itself as “India’s First Green Village”. Khonoma has been recognized as a model for sustainable community-led tourism and biodiversity preservation due to its rich Naga heritage and commitment to environmental conservation.

Khonoma’s History

The Angami Naga tribe, one of Nagaland’s several indigenous tribes, lives in the village of Khonoma. The Angamis have a rich cultural heritage and a history steeped in warrior traditions. Khonoma’s history as a warrior village significantly impacted its future. During the late 19th century, the village was known for its fierce resistance to British colonial rule. The Angamis, particularly the Khonoma, actively opposed the British and refused to be subjugated. This history of resistance and resilience laid the groundwork for the village’s unique modern-day approach to environmental conservation and sustainability. The people of Khonoma, who once fought fiercely for their freedom, have now taken up a new fight to preserve their environment and culture.

Biodiversity Conservation: A Way of Life
The journey to becoming “India’s First Green Village” began with Khonoma’s deep commitment to preserving biodiversity. The village is part of the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS), established to protect the endangered Blyth’s Tragopan, a pheasant native to this region.

Community-Managed Forests
Khonoma cultivates rotational jhum, a type of shifting agriculture that allows land to regenerate naturally. This method promotes forest health while also meeting agricultural needs. To ensure the forest’s continuity, the village also enforces strict logging regulations, felling trees only when necessary and replanting saplings.

Sustainable Agriculture
Khonoma practices terrace farming to combat the challenges of the hilly terrain, preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil fertility. The village has embraced organic agriculture, reducing chemical use and protecting the environment and the quality of their produce.

Eco-Tourism
The pristine environment and cultural heritage of Khonoma have drawn eco-tourists from all over the world. Visitors can learn about traditional village life, attend cultural festivals, and explore the rich biodiversity. Eco-tourism revenue supports community development, education, and environmental conservation efforts.

Things to do in Khonoma:
Visit the Tragopan Sanctuary and Khonoma Nature Conservation For nature lovers, the KNCTS is a must-see. Visitors can go on guided treks to see wildlife like the endangered Blyth’s tragopan.

Learn about Naga culture
Khonoma is an excellent place to learn about Naga culture and traditions. Visitors can see the Khonoma Gate Monolith, a traditional Naga gate that marks the village’s entrance, and the Khonoma Heritage Village, which showcases Naga architecture, handicrafts, and traditional way of life.

Visit the Khonoma Crafts Center
This is a great location to purchase handicrafts and souvenirs created by regional artists. Additionally, traditional Naga crafts like wood carving, weaving, and basketry are taught to visitors.

Enjoy Naga cuisine
Khonoma has a range of eateries and homestays where guests can try local cuisine, such as fermented fish, bamboo shoots, and smoked pork.

Conclusion
Khonoma, India’s first green village, is a testament to human perseverance and a deep connection to nature. Its journey toward sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and cultural heritage protection is inspiring and instructive. Khonoma’s story demonstrates that, even in the face of adversity, communities can positively impact the environment and the world.

https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/history/know-about-khonoma-indias-first-green-village, November 23, 2023

The Angami Naga tribe, one of Nagaland's several indigenous tribes, lives in the village of Khonoma. Nestled in the Northeastern state of Nagaland, amid the picturesque hills, is Khonoma – a village that has carved a unique niche for itself as “India’s First Green Village”. Khonoma has been recognized as a model for sustainable community-led tourism and biodiversity preservation due to its rich Naga heritage and commitment to environmental conservation.

Khonoma’s History

The Angami Naga tribe, one of Nagaland’s several indigenous tribes, lives in the village of Khonoma. The Angamis have a rich cultural heritage and a history steeped in warrior traditions. Khonoma’s history as a warrior village significantly impacted its future. During the late 19th century, the village was known for its fierce resistance to British colonial rule. The Angamis, particularly the Khonoma, actively opposed the British and refused to be subjugated. This history of resistance and resilience laid the groundwork for the village’s unique modern-day approach to environmental conservation and sustainability. The people of Khonoma, who once fought fiercely for their freedom, have now taken up a new fight to preserve their environment and culture.

Biodiversity Conservation: A Way of Life

The journey to becoming “India’s First Green Village” began with Khonoma’s deep commitment to preserving biodiversity. The village is part of the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS), established to protect the endangered Blyth’s Tragopan, a pheasant native to this region. Community-Managed Forests

Khonoma cultivates rotational jhum, a type of shifting agriculture that allows land to regenerate naturally. This method promotes forest health while also meeting agricultural needs. To ensure the forest’s continuity, the village also enforces strict logging regulations, felling trees only when necessary and replanting saplings.

Sustainable Agriculture
Khonoma practices terrace farming to combat the challenges of the hilly terrain, preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil fertility. The village has embraced organic agriculture, reducing chemical use and protecting the environment and the quality of their produce.

Eco-Tourism
The pristine environment and cultural heritage of Khonoma have drawn eco-tourists from all over the world. Visitors can learn about traditional village life, attend cultural festivals, and explore the rich biodiversity. Eco-tourism revenue supports community development, education, and environmental conservation efforts.

Things to do in Khonoma:
Visit the Tragopan Sanctuary and Khonoma Nature Conservation For nature lovers, the KNCTS is a must-see. Visitors can go on guided treks to see wildlife like the endangered Blyth’s tragopan.

Learn about Naga culture
Khonoma is an excellent place to learn about Naga culture and traditions. Visitors can see the Khonoma Gate Monolith, a traditional Naga gate that marks the village’s entrance, and the Khonoma Heritage Village, which showcases Naga architecture, handicrafts, and traditional way of life.

Visit the Khonoma Crafts Center
This is a great location to purchase handicrafts and souvenirs created by regional artists. Additionally, traditional Naga crafts like wood carving, weaving, and basketry are taught to visitors.

Enjoy Naga cuisine
Khonoma has a range of eateries and homestays where guests can try local cuisine, such as fermented fish, bamboo shoots, and smoked pork.

Conclusion
Khonoma, India’s first green village, is a testament to human perseverance and a deep connection to nature. Its journey toward sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and cultural heritage protection is inspiring and instructive. Khonoma’s story demonstrates that, even in the face of adversity, communities can positively impact the environment and the world.

https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/history/know-about-khonoma-indias-first-green-village, November 24, 2023