A heritage walk to Trilochan Mahadev on 18 August was coordinated by Anurag Chandra and Monika Malhotra. Despite a cloudy morning the group visited the older area of city, and the ancient temples that are associated with interesting mythological and mostly visited by local devotees. The Kameshwar Mahadev Temple main shrine is a Shivlinga. In the same premises the Khakholda Adtiya Temple has the statue of Sun God. Next to it is a statue of Narsingh and statue of Prahlad. There were other interesting temples in the premises. It once had a huge tree in the center which provided shade to the whole area in days of sweltering heat. The Trilochan Mahadev is a short walk away. The main shrine here too is Shivlinga. It is said that that when Lord Shiva first came to Kashi, he resided here before proceeding to Omkareshevara. The walk ended at the breakfast destination next to Kal Bhairav Temple. The authentic and delicious food regularly attracts large number of pilgrims.

- http://chapter.intach.org/pdf/vraanasi-chapter-18aug2019.pdf, October 1, 2019

Providing a peep into the architectural history and significance of the monuments of Mysuru, a heritage walk organised as part of Dasara on Tuesday drew a tremendous response from the public. Nearly 600 people took part in what is billed as the largest participation for such an event in recent years. Most of them were students drawn from local colleges besides trainees from the Administrative Training Institute. The walk commenced from Town Hall which is the starting point for the event since many years now and there was no deviation in the route, said N.S.Rangaraju, convenor, INTACH, Mysuru. From Town Hall, the participants got a fresh insight into the history of the Silver Jubilee Clock Tower after which they reached the Freemason’s Club. This was followed by insights into the history and architectural significance of the Chamaraja Circle while an external view of the palace was provided through the Jayarama and the Balarama Gates. Next in line was the K.R.Circle followed by the Dufferin Clock Tower , an outside view of the Devaraja Market followed by K.R.Hospital, the old CAVA building, Ayurvedic Medical College building and the Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute. S.A. Ramdas, MLA, flagged off the walk and called upon the participants to cultivate interest in heritage monuments and their conservation. Prof.Rangaraju said there were 235 heritage buildings in Mysuru as per an earlier survey but the list has now been updated to include an additional 250 structures. However, only 98 have been officially declared as heritage structures and the local authorities should notify others as well so as to ensure their conservation, he added. In view of the large turnout the organisers – Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage – had a vehicle fitted with loudspeakers so that the commentary on the architectural significances of the heritage structures could be heard by all. The heritage walk was unique as it entailed upon the participants to wear ethnic dress though it was not mandatory. Hence most women were clad in saree while some of the men folk were dressed in traditional dhoti and Mysuru Peta or turban.

- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/heritage-walk-a-huge-draw/article29568879.ece, October 1, 2019

Officials said that under first phase, consolidation and conservation are proposed and the palace’s restoration would be taken up at later stage. A dilapidated, 14th-century hunting lodge located in the central Ridge along the Sardar Patel Marg — Malcha Mahal —is set to get a face-lift as the state archaeology department has agreed to ‘adopt’ the historic structure built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq. The building, hidden behind thick foliage, served as haven for reclusive descendants of the Nawab of Awadh or Oudh for about 32 years. The government officials, aware of the development, said that the department had given in-principle approval to the conservation, which is to be carried out in collaboration Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). Significantly, the Mahal is not in the list of protect monuments of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and state archeology department. “The department has recommended ‘quick’ action on the proposal. Following the formal go-ahead, detailed project report (DPR) will be commissioned. The conservation work is expected to take off within a month,” said an official. Its last royal occupant - Prince Ali Raza (Cyrus) died in September 2017 since then it is vacant, neglected, hence decaying to a wretched state. Raza, along with his mother Begum Wilayat Mahal, sibling princess Sakina, 11 dogs, and a few servants shifted to the lodge on May 28, 1985. The family was occupying the first-class waiting room of New Delhi Railway station for a decade before the Central government allotted the building — a palace for the royal family — bereft of water and power connection. The palace, which is said to be haunted, derived its name from the village Malcha, where the structure was raised. It remained inaccessible to ‘uninvited’ visitors all through the years till Raza was alive. He would occasionally meet foreign guests and journalists but no local was allowed to come near to the fencing of premises. Officials said that under first phase, consolidation and conservation are proposed and the palace’s restoration would be taken up at later stage. “The building has thick vegetation growth, which has damaged its significant portions. Pavilions at four corners have collapsed. After removing vegetation, fixing of stones, pointing, and flooring will be done in the beginning. Repairing of brackets and chhajjas will also be fixed,” said an official. According to the individuals, privy to the proposal, the department will need pruning of trees in its surroundings to expose ‘hidden’ edifices. It may carry out excavation at the site too. “This was a hunting lodge, which is generally a big complex. There should be other structures in its vicinity. Besides the main hall, a wall-like structure, located a just a few metres away, is visible. Cleaning or excavation at the site will require extra care as the area is inhabited by snakes and jackals,” said a heritage conservator. To promote the structure, the department will install adequate illumination and signage’s to guide sightseers.

Groundwork needed

Officials said that a lot of groundwork has to be done, including a steady water supply for the work for which help from New Delhi Municipal Council will be needed. “If work begins in a month, it may take another 12-15 months to complete,” said the official.

- http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2019/oct/02/malcha-mahal-last-refuge-of-a-reclusive-prince-to-be-preserved-in-delhi-2042055.html, October 1, 2019

The fifth phase of the ongoing excavation at the archaeological site in Keeladi in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu has unearthed, over a period of one month, a total of four brick walls dating back to the Sangam age. The State Archeology Department unearthed four walls which are 2,600 years old at the site. The fifth phase of excavation that began in June is likely to close this month. Excavation work in Keeladi village has been conducted on behalf of the Central Archeology Department since 2015. The excavations carried out in the village on the banks of Vaigai river unearthed artefacts which have been found to be dating back to Sangam civilization. A local resident, Marudhu Perumal told ANI, "Tamils are proud to see this discovery of civilization from 2600 years ago. I have studied the oldest civilization when I was in school but there is no evidence of this site. But Tamils are proud to have found this and the items are 2600 years old. Everyone in Tamil Nadu should coe down and view Keeladi. "Earlier nobody knew about this site but now people are aware of it. This makes us feel proud. There is a pride in being Tamil when we see old items in Keeladi civilization," another local Vinitha said. The second phase was conducted in 2016 and phase three in 2017. The government of Tamil Nadu (/search?query=Tamil Nadu) undertook the fourth phase of the excavation in 2018 as various parties insisted on continuing the investigation. So far, 14,500 items were unearthed. Funds have been allocated to construct a trench to protect them. On September 27, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin visited the Keeladi archaeology site as part of the fifth phase of excavation. (ANI)

- https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/tn-2600-year-old-walls-discovered-at-keeladi-archaeology-site20191002121127/, October 1, 2019

On the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, INTACH, Bhubaneswar organised a public lecture on Mahatma Gandhi’s Life and Philosophy. The speakers included Narasingha Mishra, Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi and Amiya Bhusan Tripathy. A book titled “Jagaran” written by Amiya Bhusan Tripathy, the former Director General of Police was released on the occasion. It is published by Mahanadi Books. This is the final book in his trilogy of contemporary essays, the earlier two being “Spandana” and “Manthana”. Speaking on the book release, the author said that the tributes being paid to the Mahatma on his 150th Anniversary are mostly symbolic, to become truly meaningful one has to follow the path that was chosen by him. He said that Gandhi’s brand of nationalism was about not hating the ‘others’ . He believed that Indians are one because they have undergone common historical experiences. Gandhi had rejected the idea that one language and one religion an essential basis for imagining ourselves as one nation. The veteran leader Narasingha Mishra said that repealing sedition would be the greatest tribute India can pay the Mahatma on his 150th birth anniversary. He said that all political parties have gone into an overdrive to sing paeans about Mahatma Gandhi and his relevance to the freedom struggle. Since 1962, the Supreme Court and many High Courts have kept stepping in to quash frivolous sedition cases against journalists, politicians and activists, but sedition law still remains. Retaining the law even after seven decades of independence is an insult to the Mahatma and the countless freedom fighters who endured long prison terms. Dr. Priyambada Mohanty Hejmadi recalled her family’s contribution during the Independence struggle and narrated many anecdotes about the Mahatma and his visits to Odisha. She gave vivid accounts of the many places connected to Gandhi which she had visited.

- https://orissadiary.com/intach-bhubaneswar-organised-public-lecture-mahatma-gandhis-life-philosophy/, October 3, 2019

Malcha Mahal was built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq, and occupied between 1985-2017 by members of a family that claimed its lineage to the royals of Awadh. The Delhi government has received a proposal from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to restore Malcha Mahal, a 14th Century hunting lodge built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq, which was occupied between 1985-2017 by members of a family that claimed its lineage to the royals of Awadh. Official sources said that while the proposal, which also has financial components, was still being examined, the government is inclined to accept it, provided the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has no plan to restore the structure, which now lies in ruins. Founded in 1984, INTACH is a non-profit organisation working to generate awareness on heritage and conservation. “The government, which had approached INTACH, recently received a proposal. It’s not a detailed project report (DPR) though. INTACH will submit a DPR once they get a go-ahead. Although the mahal was not with the ASI, they will get the first opportunity in case they are also interested in conserving and restoring it. But the Delhi government wants to take up the project,” an official said. Malcha Mahal is located deep inside the Central Ridge, off Sardar Patel Marg in Chanakyapuri. It is named after Malcha Marg, which houses the elite of the city, including diplomats, businessmen and authors. For years, the existence of the structure, which has a few arched chambers and a hall, was nearly forgotten. The death of Prince Ali Raza, the last occupant of the mahal, in 2017 sparked renewed interest around it. Raza, known as Cyrus, was found dead inside the mahal on September 2, 2017, having led a life in abject penury, devoid of any material comforts that one associates even with a commoner, let alone a royalty. “In the first phase, consolidation and conservation works have been proposed. The task of restoration will come later as the challenges are immense. There is thick foliage in and around the structure, which has obviously damaged the building. Excavation work has also been proposed at a later stage. “Currently, the main hall stands. There are arched chambers, but they are damaged. The government and the project executing agency plan to work together in illuminating the area and putting up signages for visitors. For years, the family lived without any power and water supply, so arrangements for basic necessities will also have to be made,” another official added. Raza, his sister Sakina and their mother Begum Wilayat Mahal had moved into the mahal along with around a dozen hounds in May, 1985. Before they moved in, the structure was known as Bistadari ruins. The Begum was allotted the mahal after she camped in a first-class waiting room of the New Delhi Railway Station in the 70s, demanding recognition from the government. The entire duration of their stay in the mahal remained shrouded in mystery as the family detested any outside interference. Begum Wilayat Mahal died in 1992, having allegedly swallowed crushed diamonds in her possession, while her daughter passed away a few decades later. Cyrus was the last one to die. The last Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah, ruled for nine years till 1856, and died near Kolkata in 1887.

- https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhis-malcha-mahal-the-14th-century-hunting-lodge-could-see-a-revamp-6049562/, October 3, 2019

The Delhi government has already received a proposal from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage,to restore the 14th century Malcha Mahal. Delhiites, Feroz Shah Tuglaq’s 14th century hunting lodge – Malcha Mahal – which lies in ruin due to decades of neglect, is likely to be restored! Once known as the humble abode of an Awadh prince, the dilapidated structure may seem difficult to spot. Wondering why? Given that it was totally hidden by shrubbery growing around it, the decades old monument withering away solely due to sheer neglect. And treasure hunters, don’t worry, everything of any ‘value’ seems to have disappeared long after the ‘royal’ inhabitants have gone. Only broken vessels and furniture have been spotted by people who have visited the structure that now stands abandoned and without anyone to inhabit it. According to a report by IE, the Delhi government has already received a proposal from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, also known as INTACH, to restore the 14th century Malcha Mahal. Few are aware of the fact that Malcha Mahal, a 14th Century hunting lodge, had been built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq, and it had been occupied between 1985-2017 by members of a family that claimed lineage to the Awadh royal family. According to varied reports, the last Awadh prince was found dead inside the Mahal on September 2, 2018. It is said that he had moved into the Mahal with Sakina, his sister and Begun Wilayat Mahal, his mother. The last surviving member was the Awadh prince and he was finally laid to rest last year. Even as stories of eccentric behavior by the family members of the Awadh prince circulate such as local reports about the hounds they used to let loose on unsuspecting visitors, it is clear that there is a hint of mystery around the structure that lies in ruins today. The proposal is still being examined, but the state government is inclined to accept the proposal, particularly if the Archaeological Survey of India has no plan to restore the structure. INTACH, a non-profit organisation working to create awareness on heritage and conservation, plans to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) upon receiving an official go-ahead on their proposal. As per IE’s report, an official pointed out that the ASI will automatically get the first opportunity to consider restoring the mahal although the structure was not with them. The indications are that the Delhi government wants to take up the project. Now that Malcha Mahal’s occupancy status is in the spotlight and it seems that the Delhi government is keen to restore the structure, Delhiites and other visitors to the national capital can hope to get a closer look at the Tuglaq style monument that is a vital component of Delhi’s history and legacy. Once forgotten for decades altogether, now the Malcha Mahal is set to be the cynosure of all eyes!

- https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/delhis-mysterious-malcha-mahal-ruin-to-be-restored/1725693/, October 4, 2019

Like all the previous dispensations in the State, conservation and preservation of rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir has remained least priority even for the Governor’s Administration as it has failed to start implementing key provisions of law, which was enacted over nine years back. In the year 2010, the State Legislature enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act so as to save both tangible and intangible heritage like monuments, precincts, artefacts, sculptures, manuscripts, music, dance and performing arts etc for the posterity. However, no serious attention was paid towards implementation of the Act by the successive Governments as if merely enactment of law was going to yield the desirable results. “The most shocking aspect is that even during the Governor’s Rule, no effort has so far been made to translate the provisions of the legislation into reality to achieve the objective behind its enactment”, official sources told EXCELSIOR. In the month of December last year, the Government constituted Jammu and Kashmir Heritage Conservation and Preservation Authority under Section 7 of the Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act, 2010 and nominated Dr Chander Mohan Seth, former Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board and environmentalist, S K A Qadri, former Director General Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Abdul Qayoom Rafiqui, former HoD History of Kashmir University and Convener INTACH, J&K Chapter as non-official members of the Authority. It was mentioned in the order issued by the Administrative Secretary of the Department of Culture that Phonsok Tsering, Alumni of National School of Drama will be the co-opted as member of the Authority. “This step generated hope about much needed conservation and preservation of rich heritage of J&K. However, the Authority has not met even once during the past over 10 months and this clearly indicates that even Governor’s Administration is not paying serious attention towards implementation of the provisions of the Act”, sources said. When contacted, some non-official members, who have expertise in conservation of heritage, said, “neither we have received any information about convening of meeting of the Authority nor anybody from the Department of Culture and Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums approached us informally”. “It seems that nomination of non-official members of the Authority was just a formality otherwise some meetings of the Authority should have been convened till date”, sources said while disclosing that Authority, as per the provisions of the Act, is supposed to prepare and implement Heritage Conservation Plans in respect of both tangible and intangible heritage. Sub-Section 2 of Section 10 of the Act read: “The Authority shall prepare Heritage Conservation Plans for listing and upgrading of heritage; specify urban/rural design proposals in the case of heritage sites in order to preserve and protect the character of the area; prepare proposals for incentives, if found necessary, for the protection of heritage or heritage sites. Once the plans are prepared by the Authority, all permissions for development that might affect the heritage/heritage sites shall be in conformity with the Plans”. Similarly, Sub-Section 6 of Section 10 states: “If the Authority finds it fit, it can recommend to the Government that the object/property be declared as heritage/heritage site and the Government may declare the same accordingly”. “Moreover, the Authority enjoys the powers to serve notice to the concerned authorities/persons in case it comes to the conclusion that a listed heritage object/site is not being maintained properly or such sites need repair”, sources informed. They further said, “there is also a provision in the Act for creation of J&K Heritage Conservation and Preservation Fund for maintenance and improvement of heritage objects, areas, buildings, precincts and sites”, adding “since J&K has vast heritage both tangible and intangible non-implementation of provisions of Act amounts to turning blind eye towards their preservation”. Disclosing that J&K Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act will remain in force in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh, sources said, “it is a matter of serious concern that while Ministry of Home Affairs has understood the importance of the law, the concerned authorities of the State are still turning blind eye towards its implementation in letter and spirit”.

- https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/conservation-of-rich-heritage-remains-least-priority-even-for-governors-admn/, October 9, 2019

After the Walled City of Jaipur earned the tag of UNESCO world heritage site, state’s urban department has started an exercise towards conservation of the heritage to maintain the tag. In a meeting chaired by the urban development and housing (UDH) minister, Shanti Dhariwal, direction were given to conduct an aerial survey of the Walled City area and prepare details of the heritage structures and havelis. An official said, “The aerial survey will be conducted using drone cameras from October 14. If required, the traffic will also be closed in certain areas. After the survey, notices will be issued to the encroachers, if any.” The state government also announced to implement the heritage bylaws in the Walled City soon. “The draft of the bylaws is almost finalised. It would be implemented once the final shape is given,” said an official. Experts believe, the title will protect and safeguard its ‘outstanding universal value’ (OUV) which seems to be getting lost with developmental pressures. The recommendation itself led to changes such as declaring the Walled City as no construction zone, continuing with INTACH inventorying, city wall project,and adopting architectural control guidelines. “The inscription has ensured action on six points outlined by World Heritage Committee and ICOMOS. A special area heritage plan has to be formulated to conserve heritage city. This would give boost to conservation and restoration of cultural heritage in a systematic manner,” added the official. The city joined the privileged club of heritage cities across the globe last year in December. During the presentation at Baku (Azerbaijan), it was pointed out that Jaipur’s Walled City area is an 18th century planned living historic city that has for centuries sustained trade, commerce, art and crafts and its practitioners. It is not a fortified city but built in times of peace and guarded by forts surrounding it. The city wall and all of the nine original gates are the most intact and best preserved amongst the historic cities in India.

- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/survey-of-walled-city-by-using-drones-from-oct-14/articleshow/71484366.cms, October 9, 2019

World Post Day is observed globally to commemorate the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Switzerland. The ninth day of October was announced as World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Today marks 145 years of the UPU's existence. Over 150 countries all around the world observes this day to acknowledge the contribution of the postal sector in our everyday lives. Postal services have come a long way. All the way from the days in 1800s when letters were sent to people on horseback to today when the postal department has installed GPS devices in mail vans to ensure safe and timely delivery of goods. Today, 9 October is World Post Day that not only celebrates the industry’s contribution to the humanity but also acts as a reminder of the days gone by. World Post Day is observed globally to commemorate the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Switzerland’s capital city Bern. The ninth day of October was announced as World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969 mooted by an Indian, Anand Mohan Narula. Today marks 145 years of the UPU's existence. Why and how is the day celebrated? The motive behind celebrating this day worldwide is to create awareness about the role of the postal sector in our everyday lives and its contribution in global socio-economic development. Over 150 countries all around the world observes this day including a few that celebrates it as a working holiday. Many countries also use this day to introduce or promote new postal products and services. On World Post Day, conferences, seminars and workshops, cultural, sport and other recreational activities are organized to increase awareness around the role of postal industry. The UPU Director General Bishar Abdirahman Hussein said, "On World Post Day, I extend my warmest thanks to all the world's citizens, and to governments, designated operators, the United Nations, civil society and many others who have made their contributions to ensure ‘One world. One postal network.”

Lesser known things about the India Post:

1. India is one of the earliest active members of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialised agency of the United Nations, with its headquarters at Bern.

2. One can buy exclusive collection of postal stamps offered by India Post on e-commerce websites like Snapdeal and Shopclues. Philatelic products are also available at e-post office – an e-commerce portal of India Post.

3. The postal department has 38 heritage buildings having architectural value.

4. India has the largest postal network in the world with 1,54,939 post offices as on March 31, 2015, of which 1,39,222 (89.86%) are in the rural areas. At the time of independence there were 23,344 post offices.

5. India Post ATMs have been installed in more than 500 locations across the country.

- https://www.firstpost.com/india/world-post-day-2019-significance-background-how-is-it-marked-and-lesser-known-things-about-india-post-7472031.html, October 9, 2019

As part of an awareness programme of INTACH Heritage Education and Communication Services, Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage, Punjab Chapter, organised a state-level Heritage Quiz at Springdale Senior Secondary School on Thursday. Six teams from different cities of the state who remained first in city rounds participated in the quiz. These teams were Bathinda team comprising Pardeep Singh and Kirandeep Kaur of Police Public School, Faridkot team, comprising Bhrat Dhingr and Nitin Garg of DAV Public School, Malerkotla team comprising Zia Akhtar and Zeenat of Al-Falah Public School, Patiala team comprising Uday Malhotra and Vanshita of DAV Public school, Jalandhar team comprising Sania Arora and Vastal Khanna of Police DAV Public School and Amritsar team comprising Parul Goenka and Raghuvansh Vadhra of Springdale Senior Secondary School. The Patiala team comprising Uday Malhotra and Vanshita of DAV Public School stood first, the Amritsar team comprising Parul Goenka and Raghuvansh Vadhra of Springdale Senior Secondary School stood second and the Faridkot team comprising Bhrat Dhingr and Nitin Garg of DAV Public School remained third. Speaking in the occasion Dr Sukhdev Singh, Punjab State Convener INTACH emphasised on the need to link our present to the past in a meaningful manner for progressing toward future.

- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/students-urged-to-link-present-with-the-past/845557.html, October 10, 2019

DPS, Mathura Road, organised a scintillating cultural extravaganza “The Heritage Week” for students. Dr Padmavati Dua, a Delhi-based radiologist was the chief guest on the inaugural day along with principal Deeksha Khera, vice principal Reema Sharma, headmistress Ranjana Dean, senior mistress Renu Puri and other dignitaries. Through an amalgamation of theatre and dance, students depicted the history and the cultural legacy of our nation. Glimpses of special songs and dances, dialects, clothes and customs followed by the diverse population of different states giving a message to preserve our cultural heritage touched each and every heart. In her address, the chief guest appreciated the school for putting up a great show and for providing exposure to the future generation towards our heritage. She ended with a song “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” promoting national integration and unity in diversity. The principal applauded the efforts put in by all and congratulated the students on their performance. With 100% participation by the students, the mega event was appreciated by the parents and other invitees. It concluded with a fun-filled food fiesta “The Taste of India” showcasing dishes from major Indian states.

Khilona Theatre Group

As a part of its endeavour to expose students to the theatre masterpieces of the world, Tagore International School, East of Kailash, organised a stage performance for students by the Khilona Theatre Group, India’s first theatre group of adults performing for children.

The group staged the musical play, The Clown’s Cry for the Moon inspired by the tales, The Wizard of Oz and Monkey and the Crocodile. They also performed, The Golden Fish, a play based on a fairy tale in verse, The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish, by the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. Directed by Vinod Kumar Sharma, a veteran in professional children’s theatre, the plays were an amalgamation of humour, dance and rhythm that spread myriad of messages in a fun-filled way. The involvement of the children was evident through their keen and enthusiastic participation.

Renu Khosla Dance Competition

Mater Dei School, Tilak Lane, organised the Renu Khosla Dance Competition in its Helen Hall.

This annual inter-house event is held in memory of their ex-student, Renu Khosla, and is marked by classical solo dance performances to a musical accompaniment conveying a story or a theme. The programme started with the lighting of the lamp by principal Sr Stella Joseph, headmistress, Sr Nesam and the honourable judges Dr Sneha Chakradhar and Krittika Uppal. The participating houses Ashoka, Gandhi, Nehru and Tagore presented excellent performances. Each dance was choreographed to perfection. The judges praised the energy and enthusiasm of the participants, true to the character of Indian classical dance. They appreciated the school for promoting Indian classical forms and said that dance is a pathway to happiness. The principal announced the results and gave the first prize to Deepshika Upreti and the second prize to Tisha Jain. Tagore House bagged the overall trophy. The vice head girl proposed the vote of thanks.

Interschool Music, Dance, Art and Drama Festival

The Indian School, Sadiq Nagar, celebrated an interschool music, dance, art and drama festival titled Malhaar. It is the raga that settles the dust of the summer and brings in the rains. As many as 17 schools from Delhi-NCR participated in the competitions. The events included dance, music, art and drama. Hours of practice were evident from the performances. The lamp was lit by chief guest Padma Vibhushan, Dr Sonal Mansingh, vice chairperson, Dr Nayana Goradia, principal Tania Joshi and senior PTA representatives. In her address the chief guest said we must remain grounded in our roots. She urged the students to follow only those aspects of the West which complement us. An array of judges were invited to judge the events. The students dressed in their ethnic finery set the mood for the celebration. The Indian School being host school did not vie for a trophy. Therefore although its entries for dance and music were awarded higher scores, the rolling trophy was awarded to Tagore International School, East of Kailash. The “Club with a Cause” of Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute, Subroto Park organised an activity in the primary wing. Club members from the senior wing, students from the primary wing and special wing decorated about 50 paper bags under the guidance of teachers Alka Singh, HOD, English; Shefali Paliwal, special educator; and Sukhjeet Kaur, art teacher, primary wing. Principal Poonam S Rampal and all the administrative heads extended support to the event. The students enjoyed this activity, as they got a chance to interact with each other and create beautiful bags. The school has been working for the cause of the environment and these redesigned bags will be re-used. The Ardee School, New Friends Colony held an inter-house monologue competition to appreciate Shakespearean language. The competition gave students an opportunity to revisit many of Shakespeare’s monologues such as “To be, or not to be, that is the question…” from Hamlet and “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears…” from Julius Caesar. The students were abuzz with excitement as archaic Shakespearean words filled the air. It was a great learning experience for students as they memorised their lines, delivered them with confidence and tried to interpret them.

Oath Ceremony For Swachta And Water Conservation

Ryan International School, Vasant Kunj, celebrated Swachta and Water Conversation Week in accordance with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a clean India. The students took an oath to conserve every drop of water and promised a greener tomorrow. They planted trees to make this vision a reality. They also expressed their views on being the change makers for a better tomorrow as per the guidelines of Ryan group chairman Dr AF Pinto to ensure that every Ryanite is a green ambassador.

Water Conservation

Bala Pritam Guru Harkishan International Public School, Vasant Vihar, celebrated Jal Shakti Abhiyan to create awareness about water conservation. The event made students understand that water is a precious gift of Mother Nature and it is the duty of every citizen to conserve water. They spread awareness through posters, painting, street play, informative rally and poem recitation. It was stressed that now we are left with only two options: Save water now or crave for it in future. About 100 students participated in the awareness week and spread the message that we should not overuse or misuse water. Students visited a rainwater harvesting site at the school to get first hand information.

Indonesian Embassy

Green Fields School, Safdurjung Enclave, hosted an Angklung music performance by traditional musician Wildan Qadaris. The dignitaries from the Indonesian embassy present at the event were Lestyani Yunarish, educational and cultural attaché; Anisha Sophiany, second secretary information and cultural affairs; and Alland Ferdinand, from cultural and heritage presentation board of Gorontalo. Qadaris has wide experience as a composer and organiser of Angklung music. He held the audience spellbound with his performance with the musical instrument Angklung. It is a traditional musical instrument of Indonesia made of tuned bamboo sections on a frame. Wildan kept the students and the staff mesmerised. The grand finale was the Indian national anthem sung by the entire gathering and the Anklung instrument played by the students on directions given by Qadari. Students and staff were able to experience the cultural wealth of Indonesia.

- https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/dps-mathura-road-marks-heritage-week/story-dpNIjfPVkjjAEIO97VWaPJ.html, October 10, 2019

Mahabalipuram is a corruption of the word MahaMalla Puram, the city of the great wrestler - MahaMalla - an epithet for the seventh century Rajah, Narasimha Varma Pallava, and also his descendant Rajasimha Pallava. The town is today popular as a tourist spot and a seaside resort. Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese traveler who came to study Buddhism in India, visited Kanchipuram during Narasimha Pallava’s reign, and perhaps Mamallapuram too, as he mentions a city by the sea. Dandin, a famous Sanskrit poet in Rajasimha Pallava’s court, also mentions the town in his work Avanti Sundari Katha. Mamallapuram is the birthplace of a Vaishnavite poet, Bhuthathu Alwar. It was called Kadal Mallai in the Tamil poems of Tirumangai Alwar, and was perhaps a thriving commercial port then. The poet describes ships, bearing cargoes of grains and riches, anchored along its shores. Some historians believe the town Neerpeyatru, mentioned in the Sangam works several centuries earlier, may also refer to Mamallapuram. Mahendra Pallava — the innovative thinker often called Vichitra Chitta — launched the era of building cave temples in his kingdom, and his successors continued it. Besides architecture of unparalleled variety, the Pallava sculptures of Mamallapuram exhibit grace and balance rarely surpassed elsewhere in India. It is the only place in the world where four types of temple monuments — cave temples, monoliths (rathas), structural temples and open-air bas-relief sculptures — co-exist. And one can not only see the greatest diversity of architecture but also see its evolution in these monument types. The Pallava Grantham script that was used to write Sanskrit in South India, traveled to Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Burma, Java, Sumatra, Sri Vijaya, etc., and formed the basis of the scripts of those languages. In Mamallapuram one finds the oldest monuments of Tamil Nadu, and some of the finest examples of Dravidian temple architecture. These temples and sculptures inspired the later sculptures of the Cholas, the Vijayanagar Empire and their successors, the Nayakas; including the ‘Big Temples’ of Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

Cave Temples

There are twelve cave temples in Mamallapuram, with great variety in layout, size, pillars, sculptures, and number of shrines. Rarely do we consider cave and architecture in the same sentence. But then these are not natural caves; they are artificial caves hewn in granite hillocks, from which rocks were extracted using hammers and chisels to sculpt out shrines, pillars, platforms and sculptures. The art often drowns out the engineering, labour and logistics. How the sthapathis (sculptors/architects), who had in earlier generations worked on wood and brick and metal, mastered incredibly the art of working on the hardest rock, granite, to leave behind masterpieces for us to marvel, is a tale shrouded in mystery. How quickly would their iron tools wither, how often would they have to be sharpened, what platforms did they erect to sculpt in unreachable places, what techniques, what blueprints they drew, if at all they did, and what contorted positions they sculpted from, are questions that should challenge the connoisseurs of engineering and not just art. The most remarkable of these cave temples are perhaps the Trimurti mandapam, Varaha mandapam, and the Mahishasura Mardhini mandapam. But even the simple single shrine of Kotikal mandapam, and the Koneri mandapam, with five shrines delight us, the former with slender shapely dvarapalikas (female doorkeepers), the latter with dvarapalakas (male doorkeepers) in a variety of poses. The Varaha panel in the Varaha mandapam is a study in power, elegance, balance and delicacy. Note that each character is facing in a different direction, with different profiles - front, side, half-turned or turned fully inwards. The shy demeanor of Bhudevi contrasts with the awesome power of the Celestial Boar — the Varaha — holding her and the quivering supplication of the Naga under his foot. The Ananta Sayana sculpture features the serenity of Vishnu in Yoga Nidra while action rages all around him. His serpent, Adisesha, rears his thousand heads spitting fiery venom at the asuras, Madhu and Kaitabha, who are at Vishnu’s feet grimacing in fear and pain, as the Ayudha Purushas, Shanku and Gadha, get ready to join the fight. The Devi panel across this is the opposite, featuring a fiery battle scene of great dynamism. The asura Mahisha is stunned that a lady half his size is so ferocious in battle, and as the seed of doubt sprouts in his mind, his soldiers look for a way out, certain of defeat. This panel has been called the most animated art in all of India. Justly so.

Arjuna’s Penance And Govardhana Mandapam

The vast sweeping canvas of Arjuna’s penance is in the form of a massive open-air bas-relief panel. It is a testimony to the breathtaking ambition of the patron Pallava rajahs, and the ability and imagination of their brilliant sculptors. Ninety feet long, thirty feet tall, it is a snapshot in time - of Devas and Rishis, Gandharvas and Kinnaras, flocking as couples, husband and wife, flying effortlessly, to see the miraculous descent of Ganga, from the heavens to the earth. Or is it to see Shiva grant a boon to a devotee, an emaciated tapasvin, who has done severe penance, his flesh barely covering his skeletal frame? Or is this Arjuna? Or is it Bhagiratha? The debate has raged for a century. Some believe that this sculpture itself is a slesha (union) in stone, depicting the penances of both Arjuna and Bhagiratha. A charging herd of elephants on one side, a calm rishi and his students at an ashrama on the other side of a central split depicting the river Ganga. There is even a hypocritical cat, sitting in penance with adoring mice! Nagas, river serpents in human form, symbolise the river in this living sculpture. Monkeys, lions, deer, an iguana, and other animals enliven this scene.

Equally remarkable is the other grand bas-relief, of Krishna lifting the Govardhana hill, protecting the Yadavas, along with Balarama and Subhadra. Villagers walk about, a man milking a cow, a lady selling buttermilk, another putting a baby to sleep, urging her husband to play the flute, an amorous couple steal away to a tryst, all contributing to a sense of idyllic peace, with the calm certainty of Krishna’s protection, while a terrible storm rages outside. Isnt it remarkable that both these grand pieces of art incorpate natural rain water into their theme? Subtlety twinkles under grandeur, a hallmark of the Pallavas.

Five Rathas

The five rathas are popularly called Pancha Pandava rathams. Neither are they rathams (chariots) nor were the Pandavas involved in any way, except for also being five in number. The rathams are actually temples, dedicated to Siva, Vishnu, Skanda (as Brahma Shasta), Durga, and perhaps Ganesha. They feature four different types of vimanas: Dravida, kutaakaara, shaalakaara, and Gajaprashta - like a magnificent periodic table of Dravidian architecture. Only a King who called himself ‘Athyantakaama’ - a person of Endless Desires - could have had the pride and passion to undertake such an amazing enterprise. The most amazing thing about them is that they are carved not from bottom to top, as is almost any building, but from top to bottom. In fact, the bottom portions are unfinished in most of them. What audacity, what supreme confidence must have possessed and driven the sthapathi - the master architect - who conceptualized and executed this temple! There are three freestanding sculptures of animals - a lion, an elephant and a bull - symbolizing the vehicles or vaahanas of Durga, Skanda and Siva, respectively. The tallest of these rathams, called Dharmaraja Ratham, has a three-storied structure, with a gallery of the most amazing sculptures, on its upper floors. The name of this temple, Atyantakaama Pallava Ishvara Griham, the house (Griham) of Ishvara worshipped by Atyantakaama Pallava, an epithet for Rajasimha, has been inscribed in Sanskrit in the Pallava Grantha script. The central sanctum features Somaskanda - Siva flanked by Uma and Skanda — with Vishnu and Brahma looking on in adoration. The Arjuna Ratham has Siva, Vishnu, and Skanda (or Indra), along with royal couples and dvarapalakas on its three walls. Siva leaning on his bull, and Vishnu leaning on Garuda, are two of the most charming sights in Mamallapuram. The Draupadi Ratham has an image of Durga on its back wall, and three Devis on its exterior walls.

Shore Temples

The most iconic images of Mamallapuram are the twin shore temples — the oldest structural temples of Tamil Nadu - magnificently located by the sea, surrounded by sand. The taller east-facing temple, Kshatriya Simha Pallaveshvara Griham, has a five-storey vimanam; the west-facing smaller Rajasimha Pallaveshvara Griham, has a three-storey vimanam. There was a large mandapam in the front, with a variety of fascinating sculptures, most of which have got worn out due to the passage of time, and most of them have fallen too, with only the lower portions of the walls remaining. A magnificent series of seated Nandis decorate the outer edges of the surrounding wall. Both the temples have images of Somaskanda on the back walls of their inner sanctums. Between them is a smaller shrine for Vishnu, who is curiously reclining on the floor and not on Adisesha. Later Chola kings, Rajaraja Chola and Rajendra Chola have recorded their grants to this temple, in a Tamil inscription. Rumours of six other temples that are now under the sea are very popular. One legend says that the gods themselves were jealous of the beauty of these temples and caused them to be submerged, sparing only the twin temples we see now. Mamallapuram is not only a grand living museum of architecture and sculpture but also a perennial puzzle, delighting the tourist, historian and the rasika alike.

- https://swarajyamag.com/culture/mamallapuram-a-grand-living-museum-of-architecture-and-sculpture, October 11, 2019

Following a plea moved by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) seeking the declaration of Najafgarh lake as a waterbody or wetland, the National Green Tribunal has directed the Gurugram Deputy Commissioner to furnish a status report by December 20. The NGT passed the directions following a doubt on whether the area concerned is a private land or wetland. Following a status and action-taken report furnished by the Delhi and Haryana governments, the green panel observed, “The report says there is doubt that it is a private land and not a wetland. This assertion is based on revenue record of 2005. As against the said record, there is a 1983 gazette notification showing the area as a lake.” Directing officials to furnish a further action-taken report, the NGT said, “It will be appropriate that the earlier revenue records, particularly before the settlement, are checked up. Let the Deputy Commissioner [Gurugram] depute an expert of the department to look into the revenue record.” The directions came when INTACH moved the green panel alleging that large-scale construction work done in the floodplain of the Najafgarh lake had drained the area.

- https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/ngt-seeks-status-report-over-plea-on-najafgarh-lake/article29669030.ece, October 14, 2019

A seventh century stone idol of Parswanadha, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara was found in the fields, close to the Bhimeshwara Temple at Dharmavaram village of Addanki mandal in Prakasam district, said Dr E Shiva Nagireddy, CEO, the Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravati (CCVA). He inspected it on Saturday, based on the information provided by the farmers of the village. Dr Reddy, along with Dr Jyothi Chandramouli, Addanki based archaeologist and historian, Pasmal Jain, Shanti Arts, Guntur and K Srinadhareddy, Trainee Coordinator, CCVA-Heritage Club, rushed to the spot as part of the CCVA's awareness campaign 'Preserve Heritage for Posterity'. He said that the lower portion of the broken image of Parshwanatha was already there on the premises of the temple, where as the upper portion was found in the fields near by the Bhimeshwara Temple, while the farmers were levelling the tilled soil. Dr Shivanagi Reddy, after joining the two broken pieces of the sculpture together, said that the 3.0 high sculpture represents Parswanadha, standing stiff in kayotsarga posture is nude (Digambara Jaina sect) and canopped by seven hooded serpent. He adds that the sculpture dates to the 7th century AD, when the area was ruled by the founder of the Eastern (Vengi) Chalukya dynasty Kubja Vishnu Vardhana (619-641 AD) whose wife was Ayyomadevi, a staunch Jain follower and made munificent grants to Jaina monasteries like those of the Nedumbi basadi in Jammidaddi area of Vijayawada in 7th century AD and Dharmavaram migh also sprang up as a Jaina Centre. Dr Sivanagireddy appealed to the villagers and the officials of the Archaeology and Museums Dept to safeguard it for posterity, by shifting it into the temple with proper security.

- https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/7th-century-parswanadha-idol-found-at-dharmavaram-village-572198, October 14, 2019

Archaeologists have been busy digging out the treasures buried in Keeladi, a village in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, and historians and anthropologists are now interpreting the rich finds from the Sangam era. This is the fifth phase of excavations, and it has revealed many more artefacts and engineering designs. The fourth phase had established that the antiquities unearthed here could date from the 6th century BCE to the 1st century CE. The present phase has shed more light, particularly on the advanced engineering techniques used then, “establishing that there was a culture and civilisation” in the region, as one archaeologist puts it. This is the first time that such a large-scale excavation on a ‘habitational mount’ has been carried out in Tamil Nadu. The excavations offer insights into engineering techniques that are more than 2,000 years ago. As the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department’s experts dug around the site based on a geomagnetism survey, they stumbled upon a closed bridge channel enclosed on four sides with bricks of various sizes. “Whoever built this seems to have had a very good sense of engineering. There are terracotta pipes in the pits that we dug; they could have used these pipes but they created a curved structure with bricks alone to create a closed channel. This would have allowed them to control the flow of water and make sure the channel did not collapse due to the force of water,” said an official from the team. Among the findings is an orange carnelian bead engraved with the image of a wild boar. Carnelian stones, from the quartz family, are not found in Tamil Nadu, but in the north-western parts of India. The engraved bead could date back 2,000 years, the official said, but further studies are needed to confirm it. It hinted at the possibility of an ancient north-south trade link. “This is like a signature bead. The wild boar may be a totem symbol. In the 2018 excavations, we had found some bones, one of which was that of a wild boar. It is likely there is a connection.”

- https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/excavations-in-keeladi-yields-its-secrets/article29667502.ece/photo/1/, October 14, 2019

S Chandrasekaran’s home in Puducherry has more than 300 family members — sparrows, squirrels, a dog and a duck are a few of them. It’s easy to find S Chandrasekaran’s house. Just listen for the high-pitched, repetitive chirping of sparrows and it will lead you right to his doorstep. “Most people who visit us follow the sparrows. They haven’t gotten lost even once in the past ten years,” says the 50-year-old, who was awarded the Biodiversity Award 2015 by D Saravanan, the honorary wildlife warden of Aranya Forest & Sanctuary, a settlement located 20-odd km away from Puducherry. The award is given to individuals who have taken the effort to co-exist with other species. Chandrasekaran’s family comprises over 300 members. Not all are humans. He lists the sparrows, squirrels, a dog and a duck in addition to his wife and two daughters. “We have opened our house to them and now they are the main inhabitants,” he laughs. The metal gate of the duplex house creaks open as he lets a cream-coloured mongrel inside. The old wooden door on the ground floor leads into a 10X12-ft living room with another door that opens into the kitchen. “We have golu dolls that date back to over 96 years,” says Geetha, Chandrasekaran’s wife, pointing at the massive display of golu dolls arranged neatly on seven steps which took up most of the space in the room. Navaratri was closing in, at the time we visited. As they usher us into their abode, outside, a flock of sparrows greet us at the entrance, hopping about for a while on the street before heading for their nests on the first floor. “Initially, there were just two or three sparrows. My wife and I used to keep some water outside during the summer for the birds to drink and bathe in,” says Chandrasekaran. “After a month we noticed that many sparrows were coming to our house and we started keeping millet grains too,” says the eco-crusader from Tindivanam. In 1991, upon encouragement from his father’s friend, Chandrasekaran moved to Auroville. “I worked with many small units there and then joined the Auroville Health Center. I was an accountant there while supervising the administrative and HR work for over 12 to 13 years. Then I worked with Sri Aurobindo International Institute of Educational Research (SAIIER) as an accountant for four years and then with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). That’s how I got involved in conservation,” he says. In 1993, Chandrasekaran’s wife, who runs a self-help group for women, took charge of his home in Puducherry. It was around this time that the sparrows began flocking to the house. “We noticed that none of the sparrows were able to eat the large millet seeds that we kept outside. We then switched to smaller seeds. After that, we had over 60 sparrows added to the group every day,” he tells us. The balcony, on the first floor of their house, in front of the living room, is covered with vines growing from pots and loose twigs tied from the ceiling. Hundreds of sparrows perch on the twigs and chirp irritatedly as we make our way up the staircase. “Sounds like they are curious about our new guests,” he quips. Around ten earthen pots hang from the ceiling, some with bits of hay sticking out from a hole in the side. “We know a pot is occupied when we can see hay inside. We also know by the droppings that appear underneath it,” he explains. The couple uses seven kilos of grains every month to feed the little birds. “We don’t go on vacations because we need to feed them. Whenever we have to leave for an emergency, we request our neighbours to feed them,” he says. “We have even made a timetable for our neighbours to follow when we are not here,” shares Geetha. The sparrows eventually warm up to our presence and tweet their way in and out of the balcony. Some even get comfortable enough to resume bathing. “We have around ten squirrels here. I had to make their houses on the terrace because the birds would peck at them and shoo them away from their territory. They don’t even allow other birds like mynas to come here,” he shares. Upon cue, two squirrels hurry down the vines into the balcony. Before the birds notice them, they stealthily take a few gulps of water and scurry back up. “The whole family is passionate about taking care of these birds and animals. My wife and I knew that only if we do it, our children will continue our work. If either one of us was not involved in taking care of them, our children may not have taken up the responsibility of caring for these creatures,” says Chandrasekaran as Geetha nods in agreement. Six months back, Chandrasekaran met with an accident which left him with severe head injuries. “My daughters took charge of the house. They took care of the sparrows and squirrels along with our dog and duck. When I returned three months later, it felt like I had never left,” he smiles. “They have become a part of our family. We know when they lay their eggs and we take care of their little ones. Every evening we open our doors and windows and they enter like it’s their own home. Despite having a house in the city, we were able to make a home for them too. We will always be there with clean pots for them to build their nests in, for as long as our family can,” Geetha says.

Helping women

Geetha started a ladies club in her colony for women who needed immediate financial help, in 1993. “All members used to pool in money every month. If any member needed to withdraw money for any emergency, they could from our group fund,” she says. Like her husband, Geetha was interested in accounting too. She wanted to help those in need of proper accounting systems. “It was her idea to start the Akshaya Foundation. She saw that self-help groups were growing in number, but they had zero accounting knowledge,” says Chandrasekaran. Geetha began conducting accounting classes for underprivileged women. “The classes were free, but I could only entertain four or five women at a time,” she says pointing at the room. Soon she started helping self-help groups with their accounting, “We designed a notebook with columns for all required details. It made it easy for them to enter details and understand the accounting process too. We charge `200 per year for the service and are currently working with over 2,500 groups,” she says.

- http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/oct/15/the-sparrow-whisperers-2047536.html, October 15, 2019

A team of Archaeological enthusiasts from Tirupur discovered a 10th-century Grantha Inscription stone in Munnur -- 12km West from Karur in the district. A team of Archaeological enthusiasts from Tirupur discovered a 10th-century Grantha Inscription stone in Munnur -- 12km West from Karur in the district. The exploration was done by a team that included Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre from Tirupur, which was headed by S Ravikumar and the team members K Ponnusamy, R Kumaravel and S Sadhasivam. Speaking to TNIE, Team Director S Ravikumar said that by the end of September, they had received a phone call from Chellamuthu (65), a farmer from Munnur, claiming that he has found a hero stone with inscriptions from his farmland. "Since we had found hero stones in Karur, we visited the site to check them on it. However, it was not a hero stone, but a Grantha inscription stone," Ravikumar added.

More about the stone

With six lines of Grantha Script, the stone was 110 cm height and 43 cm in width. Grantha script introduced in the 8th century A.D. was used by the Pallava King Rajasimhan to make pictorial representations of peacocks, swan, snake, creepers and like. Apart from this, at the bottom of the stone, there were symbols like Trishul, Nandi (Bull), corn and pond, he added.

Karur's connection with Grantha script

Explaining the importance of Grantha script in Karur, Team Director S Ravikumar said that the city is one of the most important ancient cities in Tamil Nadu. It is located at a strategically important trade route, running from the Gangetic plain in North India to Kanniyakumari (The Present-day NH-7). This route is called as Dhakshinapatnam Sanskrit classic 'Arathsastra'. It is located in another important trade route of the Sangam Era called 'Kongapperuvalzhi' which runs from the Western Port City of Muzuri and reaches Poombhukar in the East Coast. Adding that Karur served as a meeting point for the two important trade routes of the Sangam Era, he said that this was the reason why the trade activities were carried out from here during the Chera Kings of Sangam Age. They made Karur as their capital city and for the past 2,300 years, Karur has been a major historical and trade link with North India. It should be noted that earlier two hero stones dating back to the 8th and 9th century A.D. were discovered by the Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre in Karur last year.

- http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2019/oct/16/tirupur-archaeology-team-finds-10th-century-inscription-stone-2048444.html, October 15, 2019

The Vikram Sarabhai Library at IIM Ahmedabad, and Mumbai's Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, Our Lady of Glory Church and Flora Fountain bagged the awards. Mumbai’s iconic 155-year-old Flora Fountain and two other heritage landmarks in the country’s financial capital are among the four sites that have been chosen from India for the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation announced on Monday. The fountain, a veritable symbol of Mumbai was opened to the public early this year after painstaking restoration. The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation awards were announced at a ceremony held in Penang, Malaysia, marking 20 years since its institution. The four winners from India, include one from Ahmedabad – award of distinction for Vikram Sarabhai Library, Indian Institute of Management (IIM); and three from Mumbai – award of merit for Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue and Our Lady of Glory Church and an honourable mention for the Flora Fountain. “The careful restoration of the fountain completes the series of conservation interventions to revive the city’s many Victorian-era fountains, a collection of ornate civic monuments unique in India,” Bangkok-based UNESCO Asia-Pacific tweeted after announcing the winners. For Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, it said, the restoration was “undertaken with generous private sponsorship” that “celebrates the cultural plurality of Mumbai”. While announcing the award of distinction for Vikram Sarabhai Library at IIM-A, whose building was designed by noted architect Louis Kahn, the UNESCO said, “the restoration of the monumental heralds an important step forward in the preservation of 20th-century architecture in India (sic)”. The renewal of the historic Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts in Hong Kong received the award of excellence, the highest among all categories. “Sixteen projects from five countries – Australia, Bhutan, China, India and New Zealand – have been recognized by the international Jury of conservation experts in this year’s awards. The jury met in August to review 57 entries from 14 countries across the Asia-Pacific region,” UNESCO Asia-Pacific said in a statement. Mumbai-based architect Vikas Dilawari, who was the main consultant for the Flora Fountain restoration project, was ecstatic and called it a “great moment for India” as it bagged four of the 16 awards. “We hope this achievement and recognition by UNESCO will mean that both governments and people will give heritage conservation a chance. In a rapidly urbanising India, we keep sacrificing our heritage in the name of development. “But, these awards will fill every Indian with a great sense of pride and we hope they will make them more sensitive towards heritage and its protection,” he told PTI over the phone from Penang after attending the award function. This year marked 20 years of the UNESCO Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, which was conceived in Penang, Malaysia, during UNESCO’s landmark ‘Economics of Heritage’ regional conference in 1999. In celebration of the 20th anniversary, UNESCO co-organised the Asia-Pacific Heritage 20/20 Forum and 2019 Awards Ceremony with Think City in Penang. The jury, while praising Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, said, “The transformation of the former Central Police Station into a world-class centre for heritage and arts has created a vibrant new civic space in the heart of the city’s central business district”. “The project tackled a complex site with multiple layers of history dating back to the mid-19th century, enhancing its legibility and opening it up to the public. The technical quality of the restoration work is standard-setting on an international level, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the historic fabric,” the UNESCO statement said.

- https://thewire.in/culture/india-wins-four-unesco-heritage-awards, October 16, 2019

Jammu Chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in collaboration with School Education of Jammu organised Heritage quiz at the Government Higher Secondary School (Boys) Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. A total of 12 schools of Jammu participated in twin rounds of the quiz, wherein first round comprised of written objective type questions while second round comprised oral questions on Cultural Heritage of India, J&K State and Jammu City besides about INTACH. The main aim of quiz competition was to sensitise school children about their rich cultural heritage. This type of heritage awareness programmes connects young students to their roots. Government Higher Secondary School (Boys) Gandhi Nagar, the host school had made elaborate arrangements for visiting schools comprising Jodhamal Public School, Jammu Sanskriti School, APS Jammu Cantt, GHSS (Girls) Shastri Nagar, Shri Ranbir Higher Secondary School Jammu, GHSS Mubarak Mandi, Central Basic School, Hari Singh Higher Secondary School, Girls School Nawabad, Boys School Nawabad and Government Girls School Canal Road. The inaugural session started with a welcome address by Shafqat Chib, Principal of Host School followed by a brief about Cultural Heritage of our country and J&K, Jammu in particular by Prof Sudhir Singh, Joint Secretary BOSE and Member INTACH (Jammu Chapter). Jodhamal Public School team won first prize while second prize was awarded to Shri Ranbir Higher Secondary School. Teams of GGHSS Mubarak Mandi and GHSS (Boys) Gandhi Nagar were presented with consolation prizes. Kuldeep Wahi, Co-Convener INTACH Jammu Chapter was the Guest of Honour and Jyoti Bhatti, Principal Food Craft Institute Jammu presided over the oral as well as valedictory session. S M Sahni, Convener Intach Jammu Chapter and Miralini Atrey, Assistant Prof, The Law School, University of Jammu acted as observers of the event. Others present on the occasion included Surjit Singh, Cultural Officer, DSEJ, Bharat Bushan, Cultural Co-ordinator, DSEJ, Surinder Negi, Coordinator CEO Office, Rajesh Sharma, Paramjit Kour, Sapan Sharma, Core Group Members of INTACH Jammu Chapter, Dr Charak, Parveen Kour along with staff of the host school.

http://news.statetimes.in/intach-organises-heritage-quiz/, October 21, 2019

Two students of Mukand Lal Public School, Yamunanagar — Abhinav Sharma and Kushagra Vashisht of Class VIII — were declared state-level winners of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage’s (INTACH) Heritage Quiz - 2019 held at Banyan Tree Public School, Chandigarh, on October 11. Principal of the school Shashi Bathla said that the quizzers are geared up for the next round at the national level. Purnima Datt, Principal Director, Heritage Education and Communication Service, INTACH, and Major RS Bhatti (retd), Convenor, INTACH, Yamunanagar, extended their greetings to the students.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/voter-awareness-rally/850137.html, October 21, 2019

The mood was tense at Sherwood Hall Senior Secondary School on Sunday afternoon. Participants and parents alike sat excitedly at the edge of their seats, waiting for the quiz to begin. On the occasion of World Archaeology Day, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage was hosting the All Tamil Nadu National Heritage Quiz Programme, Tamil Nadu Chapter. Two students each from Chennai, Karaikal, Coimbatore, Kodaikanal and Thanjavur were seated in a semi-circle around the quiz master...listening intently to a song by Mohammed Rafi as part of the quiz. “The adults may enjoy this five-minute melody, but kids, this is an exam for you,” said Suresh Sethuraman, convener, INTACH TN chapter. The 10-round quiz covered questions related to archaeology, artifacts, coins, cuisine, spices and audio clips of old songs. Sethuraman, an orator and educator, had grasped the complete attention of all present. “Contrary to popular belief, sambhar did not originate from Tamil Nadu. It was first made by Chhatrapati Shivaji’s son, Sambaji, where he had the peculiar idea to use tamarind in the preparation of dal. The recipe was later seen in other parts of south India,” he said.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/oct/21/do-you-know-the-answer-2050523.html, October 21, 2019

The proposal by INTACH to the Delhi Government to restore 14th century Malcha Mahal of Firozshah Tughlak is a step long overdue. I remember that in the late 1970s a strange sight greeted us at New Delhi railway station – a gaunt middle-aged woman standing at platform No. 1 arms akimbo. Trains came and went but she continued to stay unperturbed by the sick hurry of life. When Begum Wilayat Mahal got tired, she went and sat down in the VIP lounge of the ceremonial platform, where she and two of her four children, Sakina Mahal and Raza Mahal, had made their home. They used to eat in the station refreshment rooms while sharing, along with a number of dogs, a conspicuous corner of platform, their boxes piled up neatly on one side and a bedsheet hanging from a cord tied to two pillars, their only screen from prying eyes. Villagers carrying children on their shoulders paused sometimes to stare at the strange family, smiled and then rushed to catch a waiting train, while the urban commuters only cast a furtive glance at them, blissfully unaware of their identify. Sometimes the slim boy and girl were not to be seen for hours, but their mother continued to stand alone, lost in thought, her dark saree rippling in the soft breeze that wafts through the station in the wake of incoming trains, her hair falling just above her shoulder, her face, which must have been beautiful at one time, sad, and her eyes staring (like Mona Lisa) vaguely into the distance as though gaining sustenance from that romantic chapter in the history of Lucknow that threw up such dandies as Wajid Ali Shah. She was related to that colourful nawab and her long stay at New Delhi station was a sort of sit-in dharna in support of her demand for a share in the property of her ancestor, who had been banished to Bengal, after the annexation of Oudh, in 1856. The vigil continued for many more years and then in 1978 a kind of compromise was reached. The Begum, on Indira Gandhi’s suggestion, agreed to make her home in one of the lesser known monuments of Delhi. After a hectic search for such a place, the Begum and her children finally picked on Malcha Mahal, situated on the Ridge, opposite Chankyapuri. The 650-year-old shikargah (hunting lodge) of Firozshah Tughlak became their home. The story goes that on one of his shikar trips the emperor lost his way and was taken care of by a gypsy girl. It was in gratitude to her that Firoz is said to have built Malcha Mahal in the midst of a jungle. The surroundings of the three-roomed structure have not changed much despite its proximity to Chankyapuri, the posh diplomatic colony. Why Wilayat Mahal picked on Malcha Mahal was evidently because of its central location. Initially, the family had a retinue of servants in outlandish livery, who used to bring their meals from the city restaurants. Then that stopped and the meals were prepared in the mahal itself, which was out of bounds to visitors with barbed wire all around and 12 big dogs guarding the place night and day. Slowly, all but one of the servants left and of the dogs too only one remained, the others having been poisoned by thieves. Stray dogs then took their place. After that nothing much was heard about the family until the revelation that the Begum had swallowed a crushed diamond and ended her life in 1993. However, the main branch of the family of Wajid Ali Shah went along with him to Metiabruz in Calcutta in 1856. It included the chief begum and other members of the harem. But the favourite, Hazrat Mahal, stayed put in Lucknow and played a leading role during the 1857 revolt after the claim of her minor son, Birjis Qadr, to the gaddi of Oudh was rejected by the British. After bracing many dangers, the begum escaped to Nepal, following the recapture of Lucknow by the East India Company’s forces in 1858. She stayed on there despite British attempts to seek her extradition on charges of rebellion and put her on trial. The Begum lived till the early 1880s. However, Wajid Ali Shah, who died a few years before Hazrat Mahal, was survived by his many children, among whom were the main claimants to the nawabi. Their claims were partly recognized by Queen Victoria and her Government. Begum Wilayat Mahal, whose husband pre-deceased her, was one of the descendants. He was a Government official and only after his death did it occur to the begum to stake claim for compensation. No one of her family survives after the death from starvation of Prince Raza, who became a pauper in 2017. Since then the ruined Mahal is lying vacant. Its restoration will be a valuable addition to Delhi’s tourist circuit.

https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/the-story-of-malcha-mahal/article29766170.ece, October 21, 2019

As many as 22 people were felicitated by Lucknow chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage on Monday for their efforts to preserve and restore heritage structures. The recipients of INTACH Lucknow Heritage Award 2019 have preserved century-old houses, historical school buildings, estates or gates using their own finances and were not aided by any government or non-government organization. Convener of the event, Vipul B Varshney said: "This award is for true heritage lovers who, in spite of challenges, succeeded in protecting and preserving it." She said entries for the award were invited via INTACH website and such individuals were also searched by its team for recognition. This is for the first time such an award ceremony has been organized in north India. It was first held at Hyderabad. Craftsmen who restored La Martiniere College, residence of Meesam Rafeeq, Kotwara house, Khun Khunji Kothi, Jahangirabad Palace and Mahmudabad Estate were among the awardees. The videos of awardees explaining how they restored and maintained heritage structures have been uploaded on the INTACH's Facbook page. Speaking on the occasion, principal secretary (tourism) and DG, tourism, Jitendra Kumar spoke about government policies on classification of heritage hotels and criteria for establishment of heritage hotels.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/restored-heritage-fetches-honour-for-conservationists/articleshow/71702270.cms, October 22, 2019

The state capital has the potential to develop into heritage tourism with several century-old havelis and kothis, which are a treat to the eyes. The INTACH awards for the best practices in conservation were presented for the first time in north India, recently. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Lucknow, gave away the INTACH Heritage Awards to well-maintained structures that will give fillip to conservation, said former chief secretary Alok Ranjan, who was also a part of the jury. Inspiration for Conservation Award went to La Martiniere College while Excellence in Craftsmanship Award, was conferred on conservationist Ansar-uddin. Principal secret-ary (culture and tourism), Jitendra Kumar, additional chief secretary Anita Bhatna-gar Jain and director IIM, Raipur, Prof Bharat Bhaskar jointly gave away the awards. Other winners include Kotwara House, home of renowned filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, lies at one end of what was once the magnificent Qaiserbagh complex. Together with his architect-designer wife Meera, they have ushered in a cultural renaissance in Lucknow through their couture label Kotwara, said convenor,Vipul B Varshney. In the residential category, Khajurgaon Palace at Naka Hindola stole the show. The area has a prominent place in the history of 1857 Uprising. Khunkhunji Kothi, which was constructed in a traditional style building at the Chowk crossing in 1913, also won an award. Mumtaz Ali Khan’s residence at the erstwhile 13 Radice Road, now reads as 13 Gokhale Marg, was awarded. Lebua Lucknow, Saraca Estate, also figured in the award list. Mohd Abdullah transformed the bungalow into a luxury heritage hotel with modern comforts retaining the original opulence. Habibullah Estate was also awarded, among others. Those who figured in the merit of distinction were Jahangirabad Palace, Mahmudabad Estate, Iqbal Manzil, Shanti Sadan - Bhatia’s Residence, Itaunja Palace while special merit award in commercial category went to Asma Hussain Fashion House. Other structures that got recognition were Sharga Haveli in Kashmiri Mohalla, Sultan Palace, Bajaj House, residence of Madhu Mathur and Ahmad Manzil. The merit award was confer-red on Crown Gate, residence of Meesam Rafeeq and Sultanat Manzil, Kashishwar Temple, Mohanlal Ganj and Oel Frog Temple. The merit award for conservation efforts went to Sibtainabad Imambara. Roshan Taqui and Amrita Dass, the other jury members, congratulated the team. Jayant Krishna said, “It was a well organised event at a large scale by the Lucknow Chapter.” Sufi-kathak founder Manjari Chaturvedi enthralled the audience with her performance by traversing the journey of the feminine in Awadh-Radha Raas. HTC

https://www.hindustantimes.com/celebrating-heritage/story-4FFCUEGOnv7f4YuvvW5lGJ.html, October 22, 2019

The recently-concluded fifth phase of archaeological excavation at Keeladi has unearthed a new find of terracotta pipes which are unique among all terracotta pipes found at other excavation sites in Tamil Nadu. Among the new findings are two different terracotta pipes found horizontally decked one above the other. According to Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, that has taken up the 4th and 5th phase of excavations, the two pipelines could have been for different utilities. During the course of 5th excavation in a particular trench (YD 6/3), the workers found some terracotta structure with a few projections of rim portion at a regular gap of 6 cm. This structure was found at a depth of 0.47 metres. Careful digging at this north eastern corner of the quadrant resulted in unearthing of roofing tiles arranged vertically at a depth of 0.52 metres. Further, it revealed that the terracotta structure was a series of 10 terracotta pipes that were firmly fitted one into other to form a pipeline. “This indicates that the pipeline could have been used for carrying protected water,” Director of Keeladi Excavation, R. Sivanandam told The Hindu on Tuesday. The rims of the pipes gave a spiral shape to the pipeline. Besides, it had holes on its top and sides. Just below this pipeline another row of different shaped terracotta pipeline consisting of three lengthy barrel-shaped terracotta tubes were traced. “This one was distinctly different in its shape and dimension from the upper row of pipeline suggesting that it (barrel shaped pipeline) had a different utility,” he added. The officials were also delighted to find a major portion of a perforated lid which was in the shape of a dish. This lid that was fitted to the mouth of the barrel-shaped pipeline could have been used as a filtering device of water or some other liquid. “Apart from this, it could also be surmised that the lid could have been used to prevent reptiles entering the premises through the pipes.” he added. These terracotta pipelines were found closer to the spot where the Archaeological Survey of India had found some structural activity with bricks, tubs and water chute (open channel) during its second phase of excavation in 2016. “It indicates that there was a link to both (structures) findings of different phases of excavation. We feel that the next phase of excavation in its proximity could reveal further extension of these structures,” an official said. Different types of water channels, brick construction, evidence of trade relations with other domestic and foreign places, sign and letter usages only revealed that the civilization along the Vaigai river was much matured and had adopted advanced technologies.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/fifth-phase-of-excavation-reveals-discoveries-unique-to-keeladi/article29770839.ece, October 23, 2019

An instance of flawed reconstruction violating principles of archaeological conservation came to the fore when the mahastupa of the 2,000-year-old Buddhist heritage site of Thotlakonda, reconstructed in 2016 by the state archaeology department, collapsed on Wednesday morning during torrential rainfall. The site is a prominent tourist spot housing a 2,000-year-old monastic complex with remnants of stupas, chaitya grihas and viharas atop Thotlakonda Hill by the Vizag-Bheemili Beach Road. In 2015, despite objections from Intach (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) and heritage activists, the state government reconstructed the structure using modern bricks, building material and rocks from Vijayawada and Yendada on the excavated base of the original stupa. Commenting on the incident, Vizag Intach convener Mayank Kumari Deo said, “Thotlakonda stupa collapsed within three years of its construction. We had vehemently protested against reconstruction of the stupa, but the department of tourism took no heed of the protest. The department also built an interpretation centre which has not been put to any use. The interpretation centre has already developed cracks. A huge amount of Government money has been wasted.” Heritage narrator and one of the first persons to be present at the collapsed site, Jayshree Hatangadi, said, “A major challenge at Thotlakonda was to remake the original mahastupa. Around Rs 1.6 crore was spent on the interpretation centre and mahastupa. Till today the interpretation centre is lying unused and the unwanted mahastupa has collapsed.” However, assistant director of the state archaeology department, north-coastal AP, S Venkat Rao, pointed out that the mahastupa might have collapsed due to the weight of the harmika atop the dome and been further weakened by the rains. “We have submitted a report on this to our commissioner in Vijayawada. We have also fenced off the broken mahastupa for public safety. As per official instructions, we may remove the remaining vulnerable parts containing the harmik”.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/mahastupa-caves-in-three-years-after-reconstruction/articleshow/71728936.cms, October 24, 2019

The Indian National Trust for Art & Culture Heritage (INTACH) national level Essay and Painting Competition was held on October 25 at Don Bosco Institute for Development Learning (DBIDL), Riverbelt Colony, Dimapur on the theme ‘Icon Of Change – Gandhiji at 150.’ Dr Hesheto Chishi, Director, Indigenous Cultural Society, graced the occasion and presented a highly inspirational talk on Gandhiji and his contribution to the cultural heritage of India. As per a press release from Sentila T Yanger, State Convener, INTACH Nagaland Chapter, altogether 95 students from the following schools participated in the national event: El-Shaddai Academy, Delhi Public School; Christian Higher Secondary; St Mary’s Higher Secondary School; Hollotoli School; The Maple Tree School; Holy Cross Higher Secondary; SD Jain Higher Secondary and Ram Janaki Higher Secondary.

In the culmination of the nationwide competition, there will be 100 regional winners and 10 national winners who will receive the awards in the national capital, the release added. INTACH Nagaland Chapter has acknowledged the school Principals for their support and participation and the teachers accompanying their wards in the national competition.

- https://morungexpress.com/intach-national-level-essay-painting-comp-held, October 28, 2019

The 211-year-old St Mark’s Cathedral has developed cracks in its structure, leaving the faithful and heritage lovers concerned. The cathedral’s walls and pillars – inspired by England’s 17th century St Paul’s Cathedral – is showing vertical and horizontal cracks spanning several metres. The puffing of masonry in many places and pest infestation has significantly marred the landmark building’s beauty. The Indian National Trust for Art and Heritage (INTACH) has done a preliminary investigation of the structure and has given an interim report after visual assessment of the damage. Rev Dr Vincent Vinod Kumar, the presbyter in-charge, told DH that the cathedral management is working overtime with the experts to stabilise the structure.

“The INTACH experts experienced in heritage structures sought permission for further excavation of the damaged places to determine the actual reason for the problem. We’ll think about the remedial issues once they submit the final report,” Rev Vinod Kumar said. The INTACH preliminary report, a copy of which is available with DH, said horizontal cracks were found in various parts between the plinth and the sill, especially in the cathedral’s outer external walls. Vertical cracks have also been noticed at a few places. “Puffing of masonry has separated from the plaster and masonry in many places.

There have been insect attacks in many of these open junctions,” the report said. Structural experts of INTACH attributed the damages to a combination of various factors such as “ingress of water from foundation through capillary action, causing moisture entry into masonry” or “material incompatibility and poor workmanship while building a joint between cement plaster and old lime”. Though the cost of the restoration is yet to be determined, the cathedral management said it would raise the funds for the repair works by holding a fiesta.

Founded in 1808, the cathedral has a load-bearing masonry structure built with bricks in lime mortar and lime plastering. It has a combination of flat roof and dome at different levels. A major fire in February 1924 threatened to destroy the cathedral that could seat 700 people.

- https://www.mangalorean.com/cracks-surface-on-walls-of-211-yr-old-st-marks-cathedral/, October 28, 2019

The INTACH organisation and 'Heritage Beku', a group of citizens, have opposed the PWD's plan to build seven-storied annexe building of High Court of Karnataka on Cubbon Park premises. INTACH convenor Meera Iyer and co-convenor Aravind Chandramohan; members of 'Heritage Beku' group Nupur Basu and Priya Chetty Rajgopal; environmentalists Bimal Desai and H R Murali held a meeting at press club on Tuesday. They told reporters that the citizens of Bengaluru are struggling to save the greenery of the city, including the Cubbon Park and Lalbagh, since a decade. If the court building comes up on the premises of Cubbon Park, other departments and institutions will also knock the door of the court for construction, engulfing the historical park.

They said they would soon meet Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and request him to stop the construction in the park. If the government cannot stop the construction activities, we will look at legal efforts, they said. The Cubbon Park Walkers' Association president, S Umesh, said the walkers would hold symbolic agitation in front of the old State Election Commissioner's building, which is proposed to be demolished for the new building. Freedom fighter H S Doreyswamy and other eminent personalities will take part in the protest. The association will also take up a legal battle against any kind construction on the premises of Cubbon Park, he added.

- https://www.deccanherald.com/city/bengaluru-infrastructure/citizens-oppose-construction-on-cubbon-park-premises-771971.html, October 28, 2019

A rare sculpture of 1000 Nagas (tiny sculptures of serpent) carved on a single slab was found at Velpuru village, Krosur Mandal in Guntur district. The sculpture is believed to have been of 5th century. Following an alert by the villagers, noted archaeologist and CEO, the Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravati (CCVA), Dr. E. Sivanagireddy visited the village on Wednesday and examined it thoroughly. He said that, a slab lying upside down, on an ant hill mound Nagulakatta locally called as Devataladibba titled by the villagers was found by a series of vertical lines in a row shifted and erected on the north-eastern corner of the Ramesvara temple sometime back. Dr. Reddy said that a huge broken granite slab measuring 2’-0 x 6’-0 x 0’-4’’ was carved with 24 rows with 26 miniature sculptures in each row on the front side and a total of 624 serpents are visible and it can be surmised that the rest of 576 serpent sculptures might be on the broken part of the slab yet to be located.

The sculpture bears lot of archaeological significance with its association of the find place Velpuru, where 35 inscriptions ranging in date from the 5th century to 6th century AD representing Vishnukundin, Vengi Chalukya, Velanati Chola, Kota Chiefs, Kakatiya, Reddy, Vijayanagara and Gajapati rulers, said Dr. Reddy. He made an appeal to the local community to safe guard the rare sculpture for posterity and requested the officials of the tourism department to operate a Naga tourist circuit connecting the Durga Nageswara temple, Pedakallepalli and Subbarayudu temple at Mopidevi in Krishna district to that of the 1000 Nagas Sculpture at Velpuru and organise package tours on special occasions like Nagula Chavithi.

- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/fifth-century-sculpture-found-in-guntur-district/articleshow/71817092.cms, October 30, 2019

The excavation done, 80 kilometres east of Tirupati and Nellore, by the ASI team has discovered the remains of a huge settlement surrounded by a massive brick enclosure. Among many antiquities unearthed, is a life-sized Vishnu sculpture and a wide variety of pottery of the early centuries of the current era. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed a 2000-year old historic trade settlement in Andhra Pradesh's Gottiprolu village, along with a Pallava-period Vishnu statue, it said on Friday. The excavation done, 80 kilometres east of Tirupati and Nellore, by the ASI team has discovered the remains of a huge settlement surrounded by a massive brick enclosure.

Among many antiquities unearthed, is a life-sized Vishnu sculpture and a wide variety of pottery of the early centuries of the current era. As per the ASI, a major find from the project was a two-metre high, four-armed Vishnu "standing over a pedestal carrying chakra and conch in his upper right and left hands respectively. The lower right is in bestowing boon and the left hand in 'katihastha' (resting on the hip) posture."

On the basis of iconographical features such as elaborate headgear, thick holy thread and decorative drapery, ASI has dated it to 8th-century AD in the Pallava period, which is said to have ruled the area from early 4th to late 9th century AD. However, other finds, like elliptical, circular and rectangular brick structures, possibly date back to a much earlier time. "The available brick sizes (43-48 centmetres) are comparable with the Satavahana or Ikshvaku period structures in Krishna river valley (Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda).

On the basis of brick size and associated findings, they can be placed anywhere between 2nd-1st century BC or little later, which makes them nearly 2000 years old," the ASI said in a statement. It also suggested that the site could have functioned as a trade centre, given the presence of Roman-style amphorae wares mostly used to transport liquid commodities. Proximity to the seacoast also suggests the site could have been a strategic settlement involved in maritime trade. According to the ASI, "further explorations within a radius of 15 kilometers have revealed a fortified early historic settlement at Puduru, Subrahmanya temple at Mallam, a unique rock-cut laterite stepped well at Yakasiri, (and) Vishnu temple at Tirumuru". It also found a female terracotta figurine with two hands lifted upwards. Other major antiquities unearthed include copper and lead coins, iron spear head, stone celts, terracotta beads, ear stud in semi precious stone and hopscotches. The ceramic assemblage of the site consisted of fine quality black and red ware, conical jars, rouletted sherds, and russet coated ware.

- https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/asi-finds-eighth-century-objects-trade-centre-remains-in-andhra-559044, October 30, 2019

The excavation done, 80 kilometres east of Tirupati and Nellore, by the ASI team has discovered the remains of a huge settlement surrounded by a massive brick enclosure. Among many antiquities unearthed, is a life-sized Vishnu sculpture and a wide variety of pottery of the early centuries of the current era. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed a 2000-year old historic trade settlement in Andhra Pradesh's Gottiprolu village, along with a Pallava-period Vishnu statue, it said on Friday. The excavation done, 80 kilometres east of Tirupati and Nellore, by the ASI team has discovered the remains of a huge settlement surrounded by a massive brick enclosure.

Among many antiquities unearthed, is a life-sized Vishnu sculpture and a wide variety of pottery of the early centuries of the current era. As per the ASI, a major find from the project was a two-metre high, four-armed Vishnu "standing over a pedestal carrying chakra and conch in his upper right and left hands respectively. The lower right is in bestowing boon and the left hand in 'katihastha' (resting on the hip) posture."

On the basis of iconographical features such as elaborate headgear, thick holy thread and decorative drapery, ASI has dated it to 8th-century AD in the Pallava period, which is said to have ruled the area from early 4th to late 9th century AD. However, other finds, like elliptical, circular and rectangular brick structures, possibly date back to a much earlier time. "The available brick sizes (43-48 centmetres) are comparable with the Satavahana or Ikshvaku period structures in Krishna river valley (Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda).

On the basis of brick size and associated findings, they can be placed anywhere between 2nd-1st century BC or little later, which makes them nearly 2000 years old," the ASI said in a statement. It also suggested that the site could have functioned as a trade centre, given the presence of Roman-style amphorae wares mostly used to transport liquid commodities. Proximity to the seacoast also suggests the site could have been a strategic settlement involved in maritime trade. According to the ASI, "further explorations within a radius of 15 kilometers have revealed a fortified early historic settlement at Puduru, Subrahmanya temple at Mallam, a unique rock-cut laterite stepped well at Yakasiri, (and) Vishnu temple at Tirumuru". It also found a female terracotta figurine with two hands lifted upwards. Other major antiquities unearthed include copper and lead coins, iron spear head, stone celts, terracotta beads, ear stud in semi precious stone and hopscotches. The ceramic assemblage of the site consisted of fine quality black and red ware, conical jars, rouletted sherds, and russet coated ware.

- https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/asi-finds-eighth-century-objects-trade-centre-remains-in-andhra-559044, October 30, 2019

A unique temple belonging to the Hoysala period, which lay abandoned for decades and was in ruins at Somanathapura in Mysuru district, has been taken up for restoration by the State Archaeology Department. Reckoned to be one of its kind, the Panchalingeshwara temple was completed around 1265 A.D. It is located just about 500 metres from the famous Chennakeshava temple which is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. T. Venkatesh, Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, told The Hindu that work orders were issued recently and will take about 18 months to complete. The cost has been pegged at ₹3.87 crore and the contractor vested with the responsibility of the restoration has experience in undertaking similar works of monuments under the ASI, he said.

Norms being followed
The ASI norms on restoration of monuments are being followed and the works are being supervised and monitored by senior engineers of the State Archaeology Department. Every dismantled slab and stone has been numbered, its orientation recorded, and will be relaid in the exact position so that there is no change in the orientation of the temple, said Mr. Venkatesh. Other senior officials of the department said though the deadline for completion of the work is 18 months, it excludes the monsoon season during which no civil works can be done. The temple fell into disuse decades ago and was completely neglected despite its historical and architectural importance, and there are agricultural fields spanning around it. N.S. Rangaraju, convener of INTACH, Mysuru chapter, and former professor of the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Mysore, said though there are scores of temples of the Hoysala period in the old Mysuru region, there are only two Panchalingeshwara temples with five shrines aligned in a straight line, which makes it a unique example of architecture. The other one is at Govindanahalli in Mandya district and is well-maintained. However, the latter was originally a trikoota — having three shrines to which two additional shrines were added on — while the one at Somanathapura had five shrines since its inception, said Prof. Rangaraju. The other distinct feature of the temple is that the walls and the shikara or the tower are made of granite and not soapstone, he added. Prof. Rangaraju said Somanathapura was an agrahara during the Hoysala period where five temples were built. This included a Jain temple of which nothing remains, except an inscription, besides two other temples that are in ruins.

- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/breathing-life-into-long-forgotten-ruins/article29826331.ece, October 30, 2019

The 1st phase of excavation by an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team at Gottiprolu near Naidupeta in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh has revealed the remains of a huge settlement surrounded by a massive brick enclosure being dated between 2nd-1st century BC or a little later. The site of Gottiprolu (13° 56’ 48” N; 79° 59’ 14” E) lies on the right bank of a distributary of river Swarnamukhi about seventeen kilometres east of Naidupet and eighty kilometres from Tirupati and Nellore. The excavation revealed the presence of brick-built structures in different sizes and forms. The available brick sizes (43 - 48 cms) are comparable with the Satavahana or Ikshvaku period structures in Krishna valley i.e. Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda.

Detailed topographical study and drone images have helped in identifying an early historic settlement surrounded by a fortification and the possibility of a moat encircling it. Apart from the excavated remains, one of the most major find was the discovery of a buried Vishnu sculpture from the western part of the village.

Subsequent excavations conducted around the image revealed it to be a life-size image of Vishnu measuring about 2 meters in height. It displays a four-armed Vishnu standing over a pedestal carrying chakra and conch in his upper right and left hands respectively. The lower right is in bestowing boon and the left hand in katihastha (resting on the hip) posture.

The iconographical feature like the elaborate headgear, thick holy thread and decorative drapery dates it to Pallava period (circa 8th century CE), the government press release reads. Other major retrieved antiquities unearthed are copper and lead coins, iron spear head, stone celts, terracotta beads, ear stud in semi precious stone and hopscotches.

- https://swarajyamag.com/insta/340-km-purvanchal-expressway-to-be-completed-by-next-year-main-carriageway-would-be-opened-for-traffic, October 31, 2019