The YouTube series is about being conscious, aware about our festivals and the way we celebrate them, especially from an environment point of view. Intach (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) Pune, along with the Parijat Foundation and Centre of Contemporary Dance has introduced a series on YouTube to create awareness about the forthcoming Ganesh festival from an environmental perspective. The series, ‘Let’s Celebrate, But Why?’ is based on ecology, habits and learnings. “The series is about being conscious, aware about our festivals and the way we celebrate them, especially from an environment point of view.

The objective is to inspire people to give it some thought and move towards a more eco-friendly and conscious celebration,” said Supriya Goturkar- Mahabaleshwarkar, co-convenor, Intach Pune. This idea came about with Covid restrictions that gave a reason to analyse celebrations and its real meaning. “The idea was also to look at the festival from different perspectives of mythology, culture, history, ecology, traditional wisdom and even food and nutrition,” said Goturkar- Mahabaleshwarkar. The series also has Kathak performances choreographed by Rohini Bhate, performed by her disciples.

“The series ‘Conscious Ganesha’ has brought together dance along with origin, ecology, history and food practices of our loved festival. I have always believed for dance to be a powerful art tool for spreading awareness and enjoying the festivities, more for what they help us learn. It has brought in an audience who will otherwise have never interacted with each other. We hope the festival starts new, healthy conversations,” said Hrishikesh Pawar, artistic director, Centre of Contemporary Dance.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/intachs-youtube-series-on-ecofriendly-ganesh-celebrations-101630859256657.html, September 6, 2021

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is virtually organising the INTACH Heritage quiz Telangana State round for students of Classes 8, 9 and 10. The State round will be hosted in two levels i.e. preliminary written round and an interactive State finale. The preliminary round of the quiz will be hosted at 4 pm on September 15 and State finals will be held at 4 pm on September 16, the INTACH said on Tuesday. Top two teams from the State final will go to the national finals. A principal or an in-charge of the school will have to register a team of two representing their school, it said, adding that a maximum of two teams can be registered from any school. For more details and registration, visit the website https://www.tackon.org/ihqts.

https://telanganatoday.com/intach-heritage-quiz-on-sept-15?__cf_chl_managed_tk__=pmd_Fq3zFPdPg0jzbqbWXldOoa1WbT4y1AUBQmAvbbakJ7g-1631249703-0-gqNtZGzNAtCjcnBszQlR, September 6, 2021

Stating the teacher plays a very important role in shaping up a person, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) district convenor SV Laxminarayana has observed that the teachers are actually architects of the nation. He said that teachers would carve out gems and jewels from the raw material. Addressing the Teacher’s Day celebration held at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on Sunday, Lakshminarayana said that teachers were the most inspiring factors behind very successful leaders across the globe. He said that teachers had always had a special place in the life of a student as they selflessly work for the betterment of their wards.

“The great teachers always derive satisfaction from the success of their wards. The teachers will be the happiest people on the earth when their students scale better heights than them,” said Lakshminarayana. He urged the teachers to take a proactive role in building a good nation. He said that the teacher’s responsibility would not end with the closure of the school or completion of his class. He said that teachers have a bigger role in motivating the children and making them think about the society, people in their neighbourhood and nation. He said that teachers should not make the students self-centered and pure careerists. “Success of a student does not depend on his position in the career.

Their commitment to the society and nation is equally important along with their career development,” said SVS Lakshminarayana. Former principal of Hindu college Dr DN Deexit explained the significance of a teacher's role in the life of a student. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan general secretary P Ramachandra Raju, principal NVS Santharao, red cross Guntur district branch treasurer Ravi Srinivas felicitated Dr DN Deexit and school teachers on the occasion.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amaravati/teachers-are-architects-of-a-good-nation-intach-convenor-svs-lakshminarayana/articleshow/85947303.cms, September 7, 2021

They contained not merely the departure and arrival times of the trains but also detailed information of make-up times, engine restrictions, permissible speed, watering stations and other information. Old, brittle, yellowed pages from 1869 bearing the times of Up and Down trains have been restored painstakingly and rebound. Vintage timetables of the then Eastern India Railway, published annually, contained not merely the departure and arrival times of the trains but also detailed information of make-up times, engine restrictions, permissible speed, watering stations and other information. There are four kinds of timetables. A working timetable for railway employees, a suburban timetable for EMU trains, a zonal timetable and Train at a Glance, which is the timetable for the traveller.

The working timetable contained information on make-up time (the time needed to make up for any delay), engine restrictions (listing restrictions on the running of engines), watering stations and speed restrictions, among other aspects of running of trains. Eastern Railway, along with Intach Calcutta, took the initiative to restore the timetables. They were lying in a state of disintegration at the office of the principal chief operations manager, U.K. Bal, at Fairlie Place. Bal appointed Intach to restore a timetable from 1903.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/news/eastern-railway-restores-vintage-train-timetables/cid/1829902, September 7, 2021

One of the most striking heritage buildings in Mysuru is the Oriental Research Institute, famed for its collections of over 70,000 priceless books and palm leaf manuscripts, among them the earliest complete manuscript of the Arthashastra. This treasure trove of Indian culture is housed in an edifice that was erected to commemorate 50 years of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne. On June 20, 1887, the Maharaja of Mysore, Chamaraja Wadiyar, laid the foundation stone for the Victoria Jubilee Institute as it was originally called. Four years and Rs 32,000 later, the building was opened. The monarch’s name was soon dropped and the building became known as the Jubilee Institute. In 1891, the Oriental Library was established and housed in the Jubilee Institute, with a mandate to collect and preserve manuscripts and books in Sanskrit and Kannada.

In 1916, the library became part of the University of Mysore. It was renamed as the Oriental Research Institute (ORI) in 1946. The building was designed by John Watts Brassington, then the Consulting Architect to the Madras government. Archival photographs show that the handsome pile was a cynosure in the open grounds of Gordon Park.

Today, there are other buildings in the vicinity and a fence hems in the front, yet the ORI still stands out as an imposing structure. Brassington’s design marries Indian elements with neoclassical features to startling effect. The symmetrical building has a central, triple-arched entrance emphasised with Corinthian pillars and topped with a huge square dome. Rooms stretch on either side, fronted by an arcade of Ionic double columns. The halls at the ends of the arcade have typically Romanesque Corinthian columns and prominent triangular pediments.

Where classical and neoclassical architecture featured friezes narrating episodes from Greek mythology, here, the prominent space above the main entrance features a terracotta bas-relief of the Girija Kalyana, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Terracotta bas-reliefs depicting episodes from the epics appear above each of the doors in the corridors. These panels were all made at the Madras School of Arts. Above the entrance, and occupying pride of place on the dome, is a sculpture of the goddess Chamundeshwari.

The square dome is topped with wrought iron railings and is reminiscent of the mansard roofs of City Market and Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru. The dome is by far the most striking aspect of the building, and the eye is drawn to it again and again. Besides being visually arresting, its construction technique is also unique, says conservation architect Krupa Rajangam.

Terracotta tubes
“A layer of hollow terracotta tubes (set in lime mortar) has been laid over a timber skeleton which defines the dome profile. This is followed by three layers of small, square terracotta ‘chadurbille’ tiles that are typically used for waterproofing. The final finish is in lime plaster. The finished surface is divided into ridged panels in imitation of tiles,” explains Rajangam, who worked with INTACH on the restoration of the structure in 2012. Pankaj Modi, conservation architect at INTACH Bengaluru Chapter, speculates that this unusual construction was adopted “to enhance sound absorption and to ensure thermal insulation.” Domes are famous for their echoes — think Gol Gumbaz! However, the air cavities in the hollow tubes not only absorb sound, they also act as barriers to heat transfer, thus keeping the room cool in summer.

The use of hollow cavities in roofs has a long history around the world. The ancient Romans used hollow terracotta cylinders to build lighter domes. In north Africa, interlocking terracotta vaulting tubes were used to build roofs and domes since at least the 3rd century CE. Many regions in India have a tradition of placing terracotta pots on the roof to improve thermal comfort. The 18th century saw a revived interest in using hollow clay tubes in construction. The first modern example of a hollow tube roof is from 1793, when John Soanes famously used terracotta cones to build a fireproof dome in the Bank of England.

By the early 1800s, hollow tube roofs and floors were not uncommon in England. However, in India, ORI is a rare example of this kind of construction. In 2012, the US Consulate granted US $50,000 to the University of Mysore for the restoration of ORI. The work was undertaken by INTACH and completed in 2013. The restored building was formally inaugurated in 2015. (The author is the Convenor of INTACH Bengaluru Chapter and the author of Discovering Bengaluru)

https://www.deccanherald.com/spectrum/a-trove-of-cultural-heritage-in-mysuru-within-and-without-1026920.html2, September 7, 2021

Delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the much-awaited restoration of a 200-year-old tomb of a , who served in the mercenary army of , in is finally set to commence from the next month, the chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) said. Nestled in the middle of a park at , the tomb, believed to date back to 1821, has withstood the years of construction and developmental activities and now stands as one of the very few remnants associated with Begum Sombre, the wife of Captain Sombre from France, who led her own mercenary army after her husband’s death.

The principal cantonment of the army of Begum Samru, as she was popularly known, is believed to have been located in Jharsa and the tomb is a “proof” of its “positioning” in the city, officials said. In October 2018, the INTACH and the Sushant School of Art and Architecture (SSAA) had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to carry out “conservation and interpretation” of the tomb dedicated to the memory of Major . While the documentation process was completed by January 2019, the work was repeatedly put on hold after the pandemic hit the country in March last year, officials said. “We are now planning to begin restoring the tomb in October.

There has been a delay in the work because of the pandemic. Initially, when we spoke to contractors, there were no labourers available for the work. When we again tried to start the work in February-March this year, Covid-19 cases started to rise and the second wave hit,” said Major Atul Dev, the convener of INTACH’s Gurugram chapter. As per the project report, Major Dev said, the estimate for restoring the tomb is Rs 16 lakh. “It will take us around three months to complete all the work. INTACH has conservation architects among its staff, one of who is a team member of the Gurugram chapter. We have given him the responsibility of heading the team and picking other members,” he said.

According to officials, while there is no signage dedicated to the history of the tomb, an inscription on the structure revealed that it was “sacred to the memory of Major Jean Etienne”, who hailed from Bordeaux, France, and died on “5 June AD 1821” at the age of 75. The inscription also states that he served Begum Sombre for 35 years and was a “gallant soldier” and “honest man”. Begum Sombre, who had begun her career as a 'dancing girl' in the 18th century and later married Captain Sombre, had become popular as ‘Begum Samru’ among the local people who struggled to pronounce the name 'Sombre', INTACH officials said. After the death of her husband, Begum Sombre had inherited his mercenary army and began leading it. “The tomb is a landmark to remember the history of Gurugram and it has become the proof of Begum Samru’s positioning here.

Earlier, there were only rumours about this. In addition, the tomb also has historical, architectural and educational value as the only surviving tomb out of many others representing the early 19th century,” Major Dev said. While the tomb remains intact, a closer inspection shows that the structure is plagued by soiling, growth of weeds and plants, bird droppings, cracks, and chipping in some portions. Along with rectifying these problems, INTACH will erect appropriate signage on the main road to “guide people to the park”. The MoU for restoring the tomb had been signed after INTACH officials had approached the then deputy commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh in June 2018. Subsequently, the deputy commissioner had granted permission for restoring the structure on June 29, 2018, and the MoU was inked on October 18 that year.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/delayed-due-to-covid-restoration-of-200-year-old-tomb-to-begin-in-october/articleshow/85937083.cms, September 7, 2021

Experts have called for carrying out a scientific investigation of a tunnel located beneath the building of the Delhi Assembly. The 'mystery tunnel', first reported around 2016, has sparked multiple speculations. The experts said it will be too early to draw any conclusion unless the structure is thoroughly examined from an archaeological standpoint or any documentary evidence is found. The subterranean structure's mouth lies just below the floor of the assembly hall of the iconic building ( Old Secretariat), which was constructed in 1912 by the British after the imperial capital was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi, and it is being planned to be thrown open to the public next year. Delhi assembly speaker Ram Niwas Goel on Friday had said that historical significance of the tunnel is yet to be established but it is conjectured that the tunnel connects the assembly building to the Red Fort. He also claimed that there was an "execution room" at the site where Indian revolutionaries were brought to by the British.

Many historians and heritage experts, including those who have done extensive research on the multi-layered history of Delhi, however, have expressed skepticism over the claims and suggested scientific investigation of the structure and the site. A senior Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official said that theories and conjectures abound in absence of investigation. "So, the structures beneath need to be seen archaeologically, first. And, even if there are obstructions due to metro and flyover pillars, technology is there to investigate to test the theory. Without investigation, it would not be wise to make comments," he told PTI. Also, the Red Fort link theory seems a bit implausible as the distance between the 17thcentury Mughal monument and the British-era landmark is over six km, and with a low height, a tunnel that long would be hard to imagine as it would also be hard to navigate, the official said.

There are also multiple passages to reach the Yamuna river from the Red Fort. Without investigation, it is difficult to tell if the purpose of the tunnel in question was to escape or to store and if it was built before the construction of the early 20th century structure that stands over it, experts said. Another ASI official said no communication has been received by the Archaeological Survey of India from the Delhi Assembly authorities on carrying out archaeological examination of the tunnel. Designed by architect E Montague Thomas, the current assembly building initially served as the Secretariat of the imperial government while New Delhi capital was being built. Located in the prime area of Civil Lines, the handsome white-colour landmark, also housed the Central Legislative Assembly when it was shifted to the new Parliament House near Raisina Hill in 1927. Historian and author Swapna Liddle also feels the Red Fort link theory remains a speculation as it has no backing of archaeological or documentary evidence. "Another possibility is that this was a 'tahkhana' (a cellar) for storage or hiding, given the British had grown wary of the native population after the 1857 Mutiny. So, a safe passage or hideout may have been built beneath the building," she told PTI.

Liddle, author of 'Connaught Place and the Making of New Delhi' and former convener of the INTACH Delhi Chapter, also said that a conjecture that the tunnel predates the assembly building also does not seem very plausible, "as why would the British take the tunnel out in the Ridge area". The Delhi ridge area was a site of major actions during the First War of Independence in 1857. Rana Safvi, historian and author of 'Shahjahanabad: The Living City of Old Delhi', feels that it was "highly improbable" that such a long tunnel linked the two buildings from two different eras.

"The British documented everything meticulously and if there was such an arrangement, some archival record or map must have shown it. Also, logically, there seems no reason as to why would they build such a long underground passageway," she said. City-based conservation architect and urban planner AGK Menon, however, said, if it was secret tunnel, "of course, there will be no record of it". "The tunnel is visible, now it should be investigated thoroughly and architecturally examined before drawing any conclusion or propounding any theory," he added.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhis-mystery-tunnel-needs-to-be-scientifically-investigated-experts/articleshow/85948342.cms, September 7, 2021

Experts have called for carrying out a scientific investigation of a tunnel located beneath the building of the Delhi Assembly. The 'mystery tunnel', first reported around 2016, has sparked multiple speculations. The experts said it will be too early to draw any conclusion unless the structure is thoroughly examined from an archaeological standpoint or any documentary evidence is found. The subterranean structure's mouth lies just below the floor of the assembly hall of the iconic building ( Old Secretariat), which was constructed in 1912 by the British after the imperial capital was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi, and it is being planned to be thrown open to the public next year. Delhi assembly speaker Ram Niwas Goel on Friday had said that historical significance of the tunnel is yet to be established but it is conjectured that the tunnel connects the assembly building to the Red Fort. He also claimed that there was an "execution room" at the site where Indian revolutionaries were brought to by the British.

Many historians and heritage experts, including those who have done extensive research on the multi-layered history of Delhi, however, have expressed skepticism over the claims and suggested scientific investigation of the structure and the site. A senior Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official said that theories and conjectures abound in absence of investigation. "So, the structures beneath need to be seen archaeologically, first. And, even if there are obstructions due to metro and flyover pillars, technology is there to investigate to test the theory. Without investigation, it would not be wise to make comments," he told PTI. Also, the Red Fort link theory seems a bit implausible as the distance between the 17thcentury Mughal monument and the British-era landmark is over six km, and with a low height, a tunnel that long would be hard to imagine as it would also be hard to navigate, the official said.

There are also multiple passages to reach the Yamuna river from the Red Fort. Without investigation, it is difficult to tell if the purpose of the tunnel in question was to escape or to store and if it was built before the construction of the early 20th century structure that stands over it, experts said. Another ASI official said no communication has been received by the Archaeological Survey of India from the Delhi Assembly authorities on carrying out archaeological examination of the tunnel. Designed by architect E Montague Thomas, the current assembly building initially served as the Secretariat of the imperial government while New Delhi capital was being built. Located in the prime area of Civil Lines, the handsome white-colour landmark, also housed the Central Legislative Assembly when it was shifted to the new Parliament House near Raisina Hill in 1927. Historian and author Swapna Liddle also feels the Red Fort link theory remains a speculation as it has no backing of archaeological or documentary evidence. "Another possibility is that this was a 'tahkhana' (a cellar) for storage or hiding, given the British had grown wary of the native population after the 1857 Mutiny. So, a safe passage or hideout may have been built beneath the building," she told PTI.

Liddle, author of 'Connaught Place and the Making of New Delhi' and former convener of the INTACH Delhi Chapter, also said that a conjecture that the tunnel predates the assembly building also does not seem very plausible, "as why would the British take the tunnel out in the Ridge area". The Delhi ridge area was a site of major actions during the First War of Independence in 1857. Rana Safvi, historian and author of 'Shahjahanabad: The Living City of Old Delhi', feels that it was "highly improbable" that such a long tunnel linked the two buildings from two different eras.

"The British documented everything meticulously and if there was such an arrangement, some archival record or map must have shown it. Also, logically, there seems no reason as to why would they build such a long underground passageway," she said. City-based conservation architect and urban planner AGK Menon, however, said, if it was secret tunnel, "of course, there will be no record of it". "The tunnel is visible, now it should be investigated thoroughly and architecturally examined before drawing any conclusion or propounding any theory," he added.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhis-mystery-tunnel-needs-to-be-scientifically-investigated-experts/articleshow/85948342.cms, September 7, 2021

Puducherry, Sep 5 (UNI) Puducherry Lt Governor tamilisai Soundararajan has accorded approval for the reconstitution of the Puducherry Coastal Zone Management Authority for a further period of three years with effect from 2.10.2021. According to a release from the Raj Nivas the Secretary to Govt. (Science, Technology & Environment) will be the Chairman and one expert each from National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai, National Centre for Coastal Research, Chennai including one NGO viz., Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will be members.

http://www.uniindia.com/pondy-lg-approves-coastal-zone-management-authority/south/news/2496982.html, September 8, 2021

It was on September 22, 1921 in Madurai that Mahatma Gandhi gave up his traditional Gujarati attire and changed into a loincloth which later went on to define his personality. A century later, the Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai is all set to commemorate the historical event on September 21 and 22 with his granddaughter Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee in attendance. An invitation has also been extended to chief minister M K Stalin for the event. Recalling the historical event which happened 100 years ago, museum vice-chairman M Manickam said Gandhiji came out of 251, West Masi Street, where he had been staying, wearing a loincloth and shawl on the day much to the surprise of his followers who were waiting outside. “This event is known as `Aadai Puratchi’ (dress code revolution or loincloth revolution) in Indian history.

The father of the nation did it so as to be identified as one among the masses. As part of this centenary celebration, we have decided to release a book titled, ``Development and Democracy’’ which would be a compilation of essays,” he said. Manickam said ministers and Member of Parliament will participate in the event. They had invited the chief minister too to attend the event. School students had participated in a drawing competition on the topic, ``Arai Aadiyil Annal’’ and the winners would be given prizes during the celebration.

A competition was also held for college students on Gandhiji’s simple life in today’s context and the need for khadi and village industries among various topics. A handbook on Gandhiji’s dress code change was to be released in coordination with INTACH, Madurai chapter which would be circulated among students. He said that they had also requested educational institutes to create awareness on the importance of the historical event on the centenary day. Gandhi Museum director Nanda Rao, treasurer Jawahar Babu and National Gandhi Museum director A Annamali among others were present.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/gandhi-museum-to-celebrate-centenary-of-mahatmas-loincloth-revolution/articleshow/85935192.cms, September 8, 2021

A carbon dating analysis of rice with soil, found in a burial urn at Sivakalai in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, by the Miami-based Beta Analytic Testing Laboratory has yielded the date of 1155 BC, indicating that the Thamirabarani civilisation dates back to 3,200 years. Encouraged by this finding, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday announced in the Assembly the establishment of Porunai Museum in Tirunelveli at a cost of ₹15 crore. “The finding has established that the Porunai river [Thamirabarani] civilisation dates back to 3,200 years. It is the government’s task to scientifically prove that the history of the Indian subcontinent should begin from the Tamil landscape,” he said in a suo motu statement. The Beta Analytic Testing Laboratory released the test report on August 27. Mr. Stalin said archaeological excavations would be carried out in other States and countries in search of Tamil roots. In the first phase, studies would be undertaken at the ancient port of Muziris, now known as Pattanam, in Kerala. “The research will be done jointly with Kerala archaeologists to establish the ancientness and culture of the Chera empire,” he said. Similar studies would be conducted at Vengi in Andhra Pradesh, Thalaikadu in Karnataka and Palur in Odisha. The Chief Minister said the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department would conduct research at Quseir al-Qadim and Pernica Anekke in Egypt, which were once part of the Roman empire, as well as in Khor Rori in Oman, to establish the Tamils’ trade relations with these countries. “Potsherds bearing Tamil scripts have been found in these countries. The study will be conducted with the help of the archaeologists of these countries,” he said. The ghosts of Adichanallur: Artefacts that suggest an ancient Tamil civilisation of great sophistication. Mr. Stalin said studies would also be conducted in Southeast Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, where King Rajendra Chola had established supremacy. Recalling his visit to Keezhadi, where excavations had thrown up new findings, the Chief Minister said the carbon dating of the objects unearthed there had proved that the Tamil society had achieved literacy even in the sixth century BCE. “Keezhadi has united Tamils across the world.” He said Calcutta University Professor Susmita Basu Majumdar had concluded that the silver coin with sun and other symbols was pre-Mauryan. Rakesh Tewari, former Director-General of Archaeological Survey of India, had said the outcome of the excavations at Keeladi, Kodumanal and other sites in Tamil Nadu have corroborated the view that there might have been contacts between south India and north India as early as 600 BCE-700 BCE or even earlier.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/carbon-dating-establishes-that-thamirabarani-civilization-is-3200-years-old-says-tn-cm-stalin/article36375882.ece, September 9, 2021

In a major discovery, footprints of three species of dinosaurs have been found in the Thar desert in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, proving the presence of the giant reptiles in the western part of the State, which formed the seashore to the Tethys Ocean during the Mesozoic era. The footprints, made in the sediment or silt of the seashore, later become permanently stone-like. They belong to three species of dinosaurs — Eubrontes cf. giganteus, Eubrontes glenrosensis and Grallator tenuis. While the giganteus and glenrosensis species have 35 cm footprints, the footprint of the third species was found to be 5.5 cm. Virendra Singh Parihar, Assistant Professor, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, a member of the team of palaeontologists that made the discovery recently, told The Hindu on Friday that the footprints were 200 million years old.

They were found near Jaisalmer’s Thaiat village. The dinosaur species are considered to be of the theropod type, with the distinguishing features of hollow bones and feet with three digits. All the three species, belonging to the early Jurassic period, were carnivorous, said Dr. Parihar. Eubrontes could have been 12 to 15 metres long and weighed between 500 kg and 700 kg, while the height of the Grallator is estimated to have been two metres, as much as a human, with a length of up to three metres. Careful geological observations enabled the scientists to interpret ancient environments in which the rocks of the footprints, which were once soft sediments, were deposited. Geochemical analyses and calculation of weathering indices showed that the hinterland climate was seasonal to semi-arid during the deposition of the footprints. Fieldwork in the Kutch and Jaisalmer basins has suggested that after the main transgression during the early Jurassic period, the sea level changed several times. Spatial and temporal distribution of sediments and traces of fossils and post-depositional structures provided an indication to this phenomenon.

Dr. Parihar said some features of the Grallator tenuis footprint, involving a wide angle of digits, very narrow toes, and long claws, had strong similarities to the early Jurassic ichnogenus of Stenonyx. There could be taxonomic variation between the Grallator tracemakers from North America and the findings in Rajasthan, he said. Jan Schlogl of Comenius University in Slovakia and Grzegorz Pienkowski from Warsaw University in Poland were the first to discover dinosaur footprints in India after the ‘Ninth International Congress on the Jurassic System’ was held in Jaipur in 2014. Dr. Parihar said the possibility of finding more evidence of dinosaurs in the Jaisalmer and Barmer districts, forming part of the mighty Thar desert stretching to both the sides of the India-Pakistan border, is very strong. “It is just the beginning of the findings of dinosaur remains in Rajasthan. More discoveries of dinosaur fossils will be made in the near future,” he said.

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/rajasthan-footprints-of-3-dinosaur-species-found-in-thar-desert/article36277165.ece?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=pmd_3l2NVTKHgGHIRXntnPUdOcyT2H8Fw_uw6ImMB2hEQ_4-1631252746-0-gqNtZGzNAzujcnBszRo9, September 9, 2021

An approximately 1200-years-old sculpture of Goddess Durga was found from river Jhelum at Pandrethan, in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar, by a labourer who was extracting sand from the river in August. The labourer, who retrieved the sculpture, was trying to sell the historical sculpture, but due to the timely intervention of the Budgam police, it was recovered and handed over to the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Jammu and Kashmir Government. Depicting the history of the Kashmir valley are its temples, shrines and mosques. The 1200-year-old sculpture also depicts its rich past. Carved in black stone, the 6"x 08" sized sculpture is of the Hindu Goddess seated on a throne along with four attendants. Mushtaq Ahmad Beigh, the Deputy Director of the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums said, "During examination by experts it was revealed that the sculpture of Goddess Durga dates back roughly to 7th-8th AD (about 1200 years old)."

Giving details of the sculpture, Beigh said, "The two armed Goddess Durga sculpture has two pillars on the back and a lotus and chakra in her hand. The goddess, in the sculpture, is wearing a necklace and crown. The object material of the sculpture is a black stone, which is locally available in Kashmir." He further said that stone carving in the valley is an ancient art that has been kept alive by the people here. "The sculpture is very precious and will be placed at the SPS Museum after completion of legal formalities," Beigh added. Javaid Ahmad, an employee said, "Preserving such pieces of historical importance help us understand the craft of older time and are a reminder of the glorious past of the valley."(ANI)

https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/india-news-1200-year-old-sculpture-of-goddess-durga-recovered-by-j-k-budgam-police-2829146.html, September 10, 2021

The black weathercock atop St Andrew’s Church in Dalhousie, which was dislodged during Cyclone Amphan, is near completion and will be restored in its original position with the help of a chain pulley. Experts at Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), which is sponsoring the whole project, expect the weathercock, which originally weighed around 100kg, to be back at its original position by the end of this month. The groundwork of setting up the scaffolding, taking measurements and arranging a chain pulley has already been done. “We are in the process of giving finishing touches to the weathercock. Work on taking it atop the spire might resume in the third week of this month,” said G M Kapur of Intach. A conservationist has been working on restoring the iconic black weathercock synonymous with the 205-year-old church since May last month in a workshop inside the church. “The cyclonic winds dislodged the weathercock and it was broken into several pieces.

Only a few of them could be retrieved, which have been used to restore the weathercock,” said an official of St Andrew’s Church. The weathercock, which was black in colour, is as old as the church that was built in 1815. St Andrew’s Church has survived two world wars, the Spanish flu, several cyclones and partition of the country. “Intach is sponsoring the entire project. We have tried to restore the bird from the bits and pieces available from the neighbourhoods after the cyclone blew away the weathercock,” said Kapur. The estimated cost could be over Rs 10 lakh. The restoration work slowed down after the second Covid wave when several restrictions were imposed. Scaffoldings were set up a few months ago but the challenge was to access the original position on the top and take the measurements. “But all that work is complete now and we are waiting for the green signal from the person restoring the bird. He is in the process of giving finishing touches,” said Kapur.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/heritage-problem-how-to-put-restored-weathercock-back-atop-st-andrews-steeple/articleshow/86126160.cms, September 12, 2021

Fifteen Kolkata restaurants and food stops are set to be felicitated by INTACH, starting September 19. Three iconic restaurants of Kolkata - Mocambo, Kwality and Trincas - will be officially handed the plaque by Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) on September 19. They had received heritage status in December 2019. “Fifteen restaurants had been given the heritage tag but due to the pandemic, the ceremony was delayed. Now that restaurants have opened, we felt it was the right time to celebrate the industry and boost morale,” said GM Kapur, INTACH Calcutta convenor. What makes these dine dens “heritage”? “Kwality has been around since 1952. We try our best to carry forward the recipes from the time of inception,” said Rajiv Ghai, partner, Kwality restaurant, which celebrates its 70th year in 2022. The recipes include the legendary Pindi Chana at Kwality, plates of which “on a good day” make 125 rounds! Pssst: It also doubles as a starter for the tipplers, without the bhatura.

“On the Mocambo menu, we have an ‘H’ next to some dishes, which stands for ‘Heritage’, such as Devilled Crab, Chicken ala Kiev and Chicken Tetrazzini. These dishes date back to when the restaurant opened in 1956. The award gives us a little boost, which is more than welcome. We’ve been through a rough time, especially our industry,” Nitin Kothari of Mocambo told My Kolkata over the phone from London. The plaque unveiling ceremony will take place at the iconic Park Street restaurants on Sunday at 11am. The basic criteria for the selection of the Heritage tag are that the restaurants should have been in operation since at least 1960 and located within the boundaries of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. “That apart, their historical and cultural significance were considered, as well as their hand in invention and discovery,” said Ayan Ghosh, INTACH member leading the project.

After Mocambo, Kwality and Trincas, next up to receive the plaques will be Eau Chew Restaurant and K.C. Das. Josephine Li Ying Huang, 66, whose son Joel now runs the family-run eating house Eau Chew on Ganesh Chandra Avenue, reminisces about the invention of the Chimney Soup. “As a seven-year-old, winters in Kolkata were harsh. My husband's grandmother would make soup and it would barely reach the table and get cold so she devised this method to keep it warm. Today, it’s famous as Eau Chew’s Chimney Soup.” The rest of the 15 food, sweet and sip stops will be handed the plaque soon after. They are Shiraz, Dilkhusha Cabin, Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Nandy, Allen Kitchen, Nobin Chandra Das, Bhim Chandra Nag, Paramount Sherbets and Syrups, Sabir’s Hotel, Niranjan Agar and Indian Coffee House.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/lifestyle/finally-mocambo-kwality-and-trincas-to-receive-intach-plaque-for-heritage-status/cid/1830538, September 13, 2021

As the Mint clock tower gets a makeover, heritage enthusiasts and archaeologists call for guidelines to restore buildings of importance Can you imagine the Chennai Central Railway Station in any shade except the brick-red? The Ripon building’s facade donning anything but a frosty white paint? No? Recently, the 60-feet-tall Mint clock tower in Old Washermanpet was distastefully repainted by the Corporation in hues of cyan, yellow, pink and blue, robbing it of its architectural authenticity. The “spruced up” look takes the structure far from its warm tans and pale shades, a palette associated with the edifice’s iconic Art Deco architectural style.

Memories of Mint

Octogenarian Muthuswamy, who recalls spending his childhood around the tower, tells that he is disappointed. “The tower holds a significant place in the heritage of the city and the memories of many like me. It’s particularly close to working-class people who toiled and shaped Madras. So, to renovate it without being mindful of what it stands for, for the sake of beautification is disappointing. While the intention might have been to preserve it, the execution in line with its exterior seems to have failed its purpose,” says Muthu, talking about the tower which was inaugurated in the early 1900s. Author-historian Nivedita Louis, weighing in on the misstep by the Corporation, suggests that there needs to be an immediate course correction. “Recently, when the Jallianwala Bagh memorial went through a revamp, there was uproar from people across the country pointing to how hideously it had been done, erasing parts of history. While we cannot draw comparisons to the events that took place or their significance, what we need to be aware of is that the structures we have closer to home too hold a place of importance. They constitute the essence of the city and it shines through every brick and should be safeguarded.” Over time, the functionality of clock towers like the Mint have become obsolete. But beyond its role as a time-teller, the structure is a testimony of the city’s architectural heritage. Back in the day, the British officers at Fort St.George are said to have fired cannonballs at 8 pm daily, as a marker of time. When the first standalone clock tower was established in the early 20th century at Doveton Junction, Purasawalkam, this practice was stopped. The Mint clock tower was built soon after, making it one of the oldest towers in the city.

A guide to conservation

S Suresh, archaeologist and Tamil Nadu state convener of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), notes, “Since buildings such as the Mint clock tower are public structures that aren’t too old (despite their heritage significance) and belong to the colonial or the post-colonial period, they don’t come under the purview of the archaeology department. Hence, the rigid rules of archaeological conservation as per international standards are not followed by the authorities who try to repair or restore these structures. Though the very fact that it has been renovated is a welcome sign, it would be prudent that before undertaking any restoration, the authorities consult the government archaeology department, freelance or retired archaeologists or organisations like INTACH who have the expertise in doing these works. These stakeholders can play an advisory role and the authorities in charge can carry out the restoration. The objective is to follow international norms and finer details of restoration which many may not be aware of.”

Iconic Art Deco

Urban conservation architect Prathyaksha Krishna Prasad, who through her venture Art Deco Madras has been trying to document the architecture style and in the process preserve its legacy in the city, points to how such blunders can lead to permanent damage. “Though it is nice to see efforts by the government towards heritage structures, there are moments you want to ask them to stop. In efforts like this, though the idea is appealing, there is a certain value that is lost. Art Deco represented a whole new culture, a socio-economic movement that touched society. It’s essential to respect that. Additionally, heritage structures have to be conserved in a way that the process is reversible. An irreversible plan can alter the structure, sometimes even adversely damage them,” she informs.

Paint matters

The paint of a building, albeit centring only on the exterior of a structure is a crucial part of its composition. “Even if there is scope to repaint it, it should be done following the painting norms along with other norms of architecture. In this case, while the intentions might have been in the right place, the work done is a matter of sheer ignorance,” says Suresh. The paint for age-old buildings should be determined based on certain parameters. “Structures of historical importance have distinct architectural styles, features and stories. The colour palette is an important factor that helps us identify these timelines. These structures shouldn’t be treated in the same way as a newly constructed building,” emphasises Thirupurasundari Sevvel, architect and founder of Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. In the case of Mint clock tower too, heritage conservationist Ashmitha Athreya of Madras Inherited opines that the architectural value of the structure should have been studied. “This includes the colour because it’s an integral component in building conservation. The newly-painted colours should have been part of the Art Deco palette. Such instances of ignorance further the necessity to put conservation policies on paper and apply them practically. As a city with extensive heritage, we need to set an example for conservation and become a model for such projects in the future,” she says. A Corporation official stated that the current colour palette didn’t have a specific theme. “The paint was chosen only to ensure effective adhesion, durability and easier maintenance of the structure and we decided to give it a multi-colour look. Back when these structures were built, there were limited colour options. So, you found only a monochrome palette. The other colours that the tower has seen so far have faded away quickly. This tower is not a listed heritage structure and didn’t require consultations from the conservation committee. The painting was done in line with giving a new look to public structures in the city. The clock too has been repaired and is now working but needs constant maintenance,” said the official. On asking if there is scope for repainting, the official added, “We will consider if there’s a necessity for it.”

An appeal

Conservationists and enthusiasts are currently calling for a restored look. For Sandhanavalli, a 70-year-old former resident of George Town, currently in the city visiting her grandchildren, the Mint mani koondu holds a very important place in her life. “My husband and I met for the first time under it. I was shocked to see it painted this way,” says the retired teacher, who moved to Mumbai decades ago. “I see how well the city’s heritage is maintained in Mumbai, and it aches me to see ours in such a state. Is coating a structure with random colours in the name of beauty enough to preserve its legacy? Indha koondu mani sollum, vazhi sollum, nariya kadhaiyum sollum (It tells time, direction and stories). While it still ticks, can the authorities please bring its old charm back?” she appeals.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2021/sep/14/a-heartbreaking-saga-of-turning-heritage-sites-into-amusement-parks-2358368.html, September 14, 2021

The Times of India reports that researchers from the Archaeological Survey of India discovered two decorated pillars and a staircase at a temple site in northern India’s Bilsarh village during routine cleanup after the monsoon season. The title “Sri Mahendraditya,” which refers to the fifth-century A.D. Gupta ruler Kumaragupta I, was found in Shankhalipi, or shell script, on the staircase. The ornate script was used between the fourth and eighth centuries A.D. for names and signatures, according to archaeologist Vasant Swarnkar. The same inscription has also been found on a horse statue unearthed further to the east, near the border with Nepal. “The Guptas were the first to build structural temples for Brahminical, Buddhist, and Jain followers,” explained Manvendra Pundhir of Aligarh Muslim University. “Prior to that, only rock-cut temples were built.” This is only the third Gupta temple to be found. To read about a 2,000-year-old temple complex on Srirangam, go to "India's Temple Island."

https://www.archaeology.org/news/9992-210915-india-gupta-temple, September 15, 2021

The Visakhapatnam district is broadly classified by geologists into two regions – the plain area and the hilly tracts that come under the Eastern Ghats. And they say that the regions that fall under the plain area and the Araku hills have all the trappings to be named as the geopark, as its geological diversity ranges from the present to 1,800 millennia. The potential geological features of Visakhapatnam finds a place in the book brought out by INTACH ‘A monograph on potential Geoparks of India’. Speaking to The Hindu, D. Rajasekhar Reddy, advisor to Geo Heritage Cell of INTACH and former professor of Geology, Andhra University, said geopark region is not limited to one particular site or monument but an entire region that has geological, archaeological and cultural sites and values and Visakhapatnam has plenty. He is also the editor of the book. Right from the beaches that are at least 6,000-year-old to the Erramatti Dibbalu that dates back to 20,000 years and from the 65,000-year-old volcanic ash bed in Araku to Borra Caves that is 160 million-year-old, Visakhapatnam has it all, he said.

According to him, Visakhapatnam has all the three components such as geological features, archaeological and cultural features. “Under the geological features, we have the beaches from Gangavaram to Bheemunipatnam, the natural arch at Mangamaripeta beach, the serpentine hood formation at Thotlakonda beach, the Borra Caves, the volcanic ash bed at Araku and the Erramatti Dibbalu,” he said. The Buddhist sites at Thotlakonda, Bavikonda, Pavurallakonda, Bojjannakonda and Lingalukonda are classified as potential archaeological sites and are over 2,000-year-old. The temples such as at Simhachalam and Old Cemetery in the Old Town have historical value and the tribal culture, by itself, is a potential subject for cultural study, said Prof. Rajasekhar Reddy. The book has proposed fourteen geoparks from seven States in the country and the idea is to address the stakeholders and the government to take up steps to declare them as geoparks and protect and conserve them for posterity. The State government needs to protect the valuable geological, archaeological, and cultural sites by designating them as geoparks following the guidelines of the UNESCO. The State government should establish the Visakhapatnam Geopark by bringing all important sites, under one integrated Geopark Management Authority (GPMA) and nominate members to it, he said.

The management authority should oversee policy making and provide guidelines for proper upkeep of the tourist sites. The GPMA should open an exclusive website for the geopark, oversee the establishment of facilities like tourism information centres, trained guides, signage boards, amenities and facilities for tourists at the sites. The government should identify and promote marketing of the local products based on the native skills as souvenirs of the area that will help improve the economy of the local people. If it is done, then Visakhapatnam will be one of the finest geoparks in the country and thus can be a leader in guiding other States as well as get a chance to be recognised by the UNESCO. This will greatly enhance international tourism and boost up the economy of the region, said Prof. Rajasekhar Reddy. The geopark concept arose in the mid-1990s in European countries as a response to the need to conserve and enhance the value of areas of geological significance in the Earth history. At present, there are 161 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 44 countries. China alone has 41 UNESCO Global Geoparks.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/visakhapatnam-has-all-the-trappings-to-be-named-as-geopark-says-expert/article36486461.ece?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=pmd_X26XVL61h.GYy9KBsUI26xInL4QOqulZzzDWC1x9yTE-1631856415-0-gqNtZGzNA1CjcnBszRXR, September 16, 2021

Agitators said that the monument can be utilised to house a museum, photography or art gallery or a library which will help people connect with the culture and heritage of the land. Heritage enthusiasts of Sambalpur staged a silent protest outside the ancient Rani Bakhri on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, protesting distortions being made by Odisha Tourism Development Corporation to open Nimantran restaurant in the palace. They also submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, to the Collector Shubham Saxena. After the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) restored the three centuries-old building last year, the OTDC announced plans to open a Nimantran restaurant by modifying the ground and first floor of the heritage monument. A report on the distortions being made in the palace by the tourism corporation appeared in The New Indian Express on Wednesday. Agitators protested the Tourism department’s decision to open the restaurant inside Rani Bakhri and demanded declaration of the palace as a protected monument. Social activist and member of Vaisakhi, a local outfit, Pragnya Patnaik said Rani Bakhri is one of the few monuments of Sambalpur that exist today in its entire entirety. While restoring the old monument is a noteworthy move by the State government, its decision to open a restaurant inside is inappropriate, she said.

“We are not against the opening of Nimantran restaurant in Sambalpur but we believe it should not be housed inside a heritage building. We request the government to shift the restaurant somewhere else and declare Rani Bakhri a protected monument”, she said. Agitators said that the monument can be utilised to house a museum, photography or art gallery or a library which will help people connect with the culture and heritage of the land. “For maintaining the monument, it can be made a ticketed one. But a restaurant will obstruct the public from accessing the palace. Also, we are apprehensive that in due course of time more alterations to the monument might happen,” she added.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2021/sep/16/sambalpurs-heritage-lovers-unite-against-odisha-tourisms-restaurant-plan-in-rani-bakhri-2359497.html, September 16, 2021

Haryana is finally inching towards finalising an environmental management plan for the Najafgarh lake. The state environment department will hold a meeting with the Haryana chief secretary on Thursday to discuss a draft of the plan. The final plan will be presented to the chief minister on September 22. “A meeting of the CM with the environment department has been scheduled, in which the plan will be discussed,” Gurgaon deputy commissioner Yash Garg told TOI. The details of the draft plan haven’t been released yet. Earlier this year, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) had filed a petition in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for protection of the water body. In June, NGT ordered the Haryana chief secretary to be present for the next hearing, scheduled on October 4, along with an update on the status of the protection plan. When approached, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) secretary S Narayana confirmed, “The management plan for the lake is being finalised.” Delhi has already submitted its environmental management plan for the lake to NGT in March. According to its plan, the lake will be notified under the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017, which would give the two states (Delhi and Haryana) powers to keep a watch on prohibited activities such as encroachment of any kind, disposal of waste and discharge of untreated effluents in the water body. Speaking about the importance of a plan to protect the lake, Manu Bhatnagar, INTACH principal director (natural heritage division), said: “We have already pointed out to the Haryana government that the Najafgarh jheel falls in a natural hazard zone, as it is located in a seismic area and also has high soil liquefaction (substantial loss of soil strength due to shaking).

The two factors, if combined, would be catastrophic to lives and property. Also, this year, we have seen that the lake’s water levels reached 200 metres during the monsoon, which is another reason that the area can’t be used for any activities.” He said the Delhi management plan can only work if Haryana also agrees to it. “Haryana hasn’t been able to approve the environment management plan yet, and thus the area isn’t getting any protection.” The water body, which is spread across 7 square kilometres, is important for Gurgaon as it acts as a large aquifer for groundwater recharge. Many creeks in the Aravalis flow into the lake, which is further carried to the Yamuna. “Najafgarh jheel is a critical natural infrastructure for the region, buffering floods, treating wastewater, recharging groundwater and providing habitat to numerous plant and animal species. The high ornithological value of the wetland is indicated by the presence of 281 bird species, including several threatened ones,” the Delhi management plan report states.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/after-delhi-hry-may-soon-finalise-plan-for-protecting-najafgarh-lake/articleshow/86244064.cms, September 16, 2021

This is the first physical exhibition of old coins being organised at state museum, Shyamala Hills, Bhopal, post lockdown, where you can trace the cultural history of India along with 1500 coins on display- from 600 BC to limited edition modern ones. The exhibition, which started on Thursday will go on till September 22, it was inaugurated by commissioner museum & archaeology, Shilpa Gupta. The star attraction and cynosure of all eyes at the exhibition are gold coins of Gupta dynasty, said the curator of state museum and director of V S Wakankar Archaeological Research Centre, Dr Prakash Paranjpe. “This collection belongs to RC Thakur of Ujjain; we have specially brought it here for people of Bhopal. The oldest ones here are dated 600 BC, these are the punch-marked coins, the first known coins in the world. With marks of sun, trident etc, these were issued by commercial heads of that period, known as ‘shreshty’. Later, when it added a lot to their work, the responsibility of issuing coins fell on the kings. Coins of Mughal era, Holkar era, East India Company, Bhopal state are also on display here,” said Dr Paranjpe.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/rarest-and-oldest-coins-on-display-at-state-museum/articleshow/86273838.cms, September 17, 2021