Army Public School, Jalandhar Cantt, hosted an Inter-Army Public Schools INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) quiz competition wherein students from different schools – APS Jalandhar, APS Beas, APS Kapurthala, Sainik School, Kapurthala, APS Ferozepur and APS Tibri, participated. Quiz master Manvendra (TGT Social Science, APS Jalandhar Cantt) conducted the quiz for the contestants from each team. The quiz was segregated into five rounds based on Indian culture, famous personalities, and facts about Jalandhar city, Punjab’s heritage and about INTACH. All the teams were well prepared. The students surprised the audience with their knowledge. Scoring the highest marks, the students from APS Beas bagged the first position. Major General Balwinder Singh (retd), Punjab convener of INTACH and a member of its governing council, was the chief guest.

Principal Dr Saksham Singh encouraged the students saying, “There is nothing like a little competition to make for perfection.” Both announced the results and congratulated the students on the grand success and wished them a bright future in their forthcoming quiz endeavours. The INTACH Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) has been organising the Heritage Quiz since 2014. The quiz is envisaged as a learning experience for the students. Through each quiz, knowledge about INTACH and its scope of work in the field is shared with the students to encourage the spirit of volunteerism and activism in them.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/army-public-school-beas-win-intach-quiz-contest-544233, September 1, 2023

Organisation mulls initiative to preserve, restore artistic heritage. The Punjab chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage) has raised concerns over the fading art of Hoshiarpur woodwork and the numerous obstacles artisans encounter in preserving this ancient craft. State convener of INTACH, Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd) said the organisation is actively working to promote, preserve and conserve the state’s rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage at the national level. They have been visiting places and interacting with people in order to safeguard the diverse artistic traditions, endangered crafts, culture, restoration of heritage to its original state, saving and preserving the scriptures and many more things. He said as part of INTACH’s initiative, he visited Hoshiarpur recently and interacted with the artisans there who brought to his attention the challenges that are hindering their growth and sustainability.

"Some of the key issues include lack of modern tools and equipment, limited access to training and skill development programmes and inadequate market exposure. These factors are impeding the growth of the woodwork industry in Hoshiarpur, and consequently, the livelihoods of the artisans,” he added. Members of Punjab INTACH said, “Hoshiarpur has the rich tradition of producing intricate woodwork that showcases the skill and artistic abilities of its artisans. The woodwork from this region is not only admired locally but has also gained recognition at the national and even international level. These artisans, often working in small workshops and family-run businesses, have kept this art form alive for generations, passing down their knowledge and techniques."

The INTACH members added that the craft has been a significant part of Punjab’s cultural heritage, and it deserves greater recognition and support. The members informed that they have already written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other authorities concerned in this regard, and requested to consider taking initiatives like organising workshops for the artisans, promoting their work, export opportunities etc and bringing policies that will provide a much needed boost to the artisans working on woodwork. They said that with positive support and intervention of the government, the artisans can overcome these challenges and thrive in their craft. “The woodwork industry has the potential to not only generate sustainable livelihoods but also contribute to the cultural and economic prosperity of our region,” the members added.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/intach-worried-over-fading-art-of-hoshiarpur-woodwork-541763, September 2, 2023

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is ready with its proposal document to add Puducherry in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Cities. The draft is prepared according to the guidelines provided by the agency. Ashok Panda, Co-convenor of the Puducherry chapter of INTACH said, “Puducherry has already taken a leap to achieve the status by reaching three milestones in the initiative. The government has notified a regulation to protect heritage sites and heritage precincts. It has also constituted the State Level Heritage Conservation Committee and has proposed the second list of 118 private and 13 religious buildings to be notified as listed heritage buildings. This second list of buildings has been put in the public domain till August 31, 2023, for suggestions from the public by the Puducherry Planning Authority.” Before this, 114 heritage buildings, including the Governor’s House and Old Court Building, were picked as protected structures. Mr. Panda also said that Puducherry must have an “outstanding universal value”. He also mentioned that the destination should have one of the 10 UNESCO criteria to be included in the tentative list. Apparently, Puducherry is one of those places where one can see a cultural confluence. The place has a unique architectural milieu, which is a mix of French colonial buildings, traditional Tamil homes, and then there is a combined architectural style known as Franco-Tamil. “The Franco-Tamil architecture in itself, which is the direct result of the colonial period of cultural interchange, is unique within India and this world and should be preserved,” he noted. As of now, Ahmedabad and Jaipur from India have made it to the UNESCO World Heritage Cities’ list. Delhi and Shantiniketan are still on the tentative list. According to an official, the Puducherry Planning Authority (PPA) along with INTACH is working on the Heritage Management Plan and the work will soon be completed. On the other hand, INTACH and heritage conservationists have asked the government of Puducherry to take care of some of the long pending issues before the UNESCO team visits the city. For example, the city’s traffic and parking issues need to be prioritised.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/intach-is-ready-with-its-proposal-to-add-puducherry-in-the-unesco-list/articleshow/103204706.cms, September 3, 2023

INTACH, Mangaluru chapter, will organise a Hindustani vocal concert titled ‘A morning with Pandit Ravikiran Manipal” under its Baithak@Kodialguthu series on Sunday at 9.30 am at Kodial Guthu Centre for Art and Culture, Ballal Bagh, in Mangaluru city. The programme is supported by Art Kanara Trust, Chiranthana Charitable Trust, Surathkal, and the Department of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka.

MIT wins cluster 3 finals of Tata Crucible Campus Quiz
Nikunj Sharma from Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) emerged victorious in the cluster 3 finals of the Tata Crucible Campus Quiz 2023 competition held recently. Representing the Karnataka region, the cluster 3 finals witnessed power-packed performances from all participants. The winner earned a cash prize of ₹35,000 and secured a spot in the zonal finals. B. Spoorti from PES University (PESU), Bengaluru, was declared the runner-up, winning a cash prize of ₹18,000, a release said. The top two scorers from the four zonal finals will advance to the national finals. The national finals will feature eight finalists vying for the title of national champion to get a grand prize of ₹2.5 lakh and the coveted Tata Crucible Trophy.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/intach-to-organise-hindustani-vocal-concert-on-september-3/article67260064.ece, September 4, 2023

The legend of Taa’Poi is a primordial Odia folk narrative which is sung during ‘Khudurukuni Osha’ also known as “Bhalukuni Osha”. This festival and the rituals are reflective of Odisha’s glorious maritime history and trading culture and portrays the medieval Kalingans’ great expertise in sea voyage and trade links across the South-East Asian islands. Khudurukuni Osha rituals are based on the legend of a young girl named Taa’Poi, the only daughter of a rich merchant mariner. She had seven brothers, all of whom were seafarers. Her brothers sailed away to distant shores, leaving her alone with their wives; her sisters-in-law. The villainous sisters-in-law made her undergo a lot of sufferings, depriving her of food. She was made to do all the menial work and had to survive on Khuda (rice husk).

The evil sisters-in-law met their nemesis when the brothers returned and punished them for their misdeeds. Goddess Mangala is worshipped by young girls and the evening rituals include the singing of episodes from the life of Taa’Poi. In some villages, wooden images of Taa’Poi are worshipped along with the Goddesses. The riverside village of Manapur, near Badamba has been making these dolls since centuries. Although the craft has nearly disappeared, a few families are trying hard to continue with the tradition.

The dolls lack modern sophistication but preserve in themselves a rustic beauty. Once a thriving tradition, only four families are presently engaged in this dying craft. Carved out from a block of lightwood, the lovely dolls are painted in bright colours. The tedious process of making these dolls starts a good six months away from the festival. The logs are sourced, cut into proper sizes, rough images are chiseled and kept to dry in the summer heat. The cracks are sealed with mud from the Mahanadi, a paste of tamarind seeds is applied.

Each one is hand coloured by the women folk. The craftsmen get only a pittance for their hard labour, as they are sold only in the surrounding villages. But like most traditional handicrafts, the wooden dolls of Manpur too have fallen on bad days. Along with the change in lifestyle, an influx of plastic and machine-made dolls have doomed our traditional woodcraft. The younger generation is just not interested in this trade, it is laborious and fetches little returns. Intach is undertaking a project to document and revive this age old tradition which is fast dying. Thankfully, a few months back, the wooden doll makers of Manpur got a fresh lease of life when the craft was discovered by Intach during the survey of the Heritage of the Mahanadi Valley.

Under the aegis of Deepak Kumar Nayak and Anil Dhir, Intach is extending help to the craftsmen by way of marketing the dolls. Intach is also transforming the craftsperson to adapt natural colours like they have done for centuries. They are being taught to make souvenirs, gift items, toys, masks etc. apart from the traditional dolls, which are a seasonal affair. The artisan live is a small street flanked by single-storeyed mud and brick huts, some of them with an open front courtyard, stacked with the wooden handicrafts. Visitors can watch the making of the carved wooden figurines. Whole families are engaged in the art – usually the men are skilled in wood carving and the women do the colouring and polishing.

Intach has written to the Government to promote these wooden dolls in the various Utkalika showrooms and other emporiums. An Annual Wooden Dolls Fair should be organised along with initiatives to develop a Rural Craft Hub at Manpur. Intach is also sending the report to UNESCO to include it in the heritage map.

https://orissadiary.com/intach-seeks-revivals-manpurs-wooden-taapoi-dolls/, September 16, 2023

The country’s biggest quiz, competitions for schools, the INTACH National Heritage Quiz 2023, was held on 30th August 2023 at Don Bosco Institue for Development Learning – DBI dl, Riverbelt colony, Dimapur. 70 students from classes 7-10 fro mSt. Mary’s Hr. Sec. School, Ram Janaki Hr. Sec. School, El Shaddai Academy, The Maple Tree School, Christian Hr. Sec. School, Hollotoli School, Delhi Public School, Dimapur and Charis High Academy participated in the competition.

The winning team Imkongsenup Longchar, Class 10 C and Sentimoa Longkumar, Class 9C from Delhi Public School, Dimapur, emerged from the written and oral round to win the Dimapur Nagaland Sate round. They will go on to compete in the regional round at Guwahati and onwards to New Delhi for the National Championship if they win the regional round. All participants received a participation certificate and the three top teams with winner’s certificate and INTACH publications on Heritage.

https://orissadiary.com/intach-seeks-revivals-manpurs-wooden-taapoi-dolls/September, 16, 2023

The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and Art Kanara Trust have announced the second edition of ‘Under 30 Photo Story Contest’ for young photographers, photojournalists, and writers between the ages of 16 and 30. The contest is meant to motivate young talents under 30 years of age and is open to participants from anywhere in India or abroad. The contestants are required to submit their original photo essays on or before October 30, 2023.

Shortlisted contestants will be further invited for online interaction with the jury members and will be required to submit high-resolution images. Prizes will be announced in the month of December. Prize winners will be given awards in the name of Dr. Krishna Mohan (popularly known as ‘Krishi’) of Moodabidri, a surgeon and an eminent photographer who mentored hundreds of students and photographers. He was also a science enthusiast, blogger, trekker, nature lover, and wildlife conservationist.

He met an untimely demise on January 11, 2022. About Rs. 50,000/- will be distributed as prize money in various categories along with certificates. Certificates of Merit will be given to all the shortlisted authors and co-authors. An exhibition of the prize-winning photo series will also be held in Mangalore. Contestants should be born on or after 1st January 1993 and before 31st December 2008. The submissions can be made individually or in collaboration between two authors - one as a photographer and the other as a writer. The stories can be in English, Kannada or Tulu, between 600 and 1500 words, using not less than 10 and not more than 15 photographs. Photographs can be taken on a DSLR or a smartphone.

The title of the contest is ‘Landscape as Chroniclers of the Past’. The themes can be people, places, nature and wildlife, history, sports, food and culture, predominantly of Karavali Karnataka, i.e., Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts; and Malenad, i.e., parts of Kodagu, Hassan, Shivamogga, and Chikmagalur; and Kasaragod of Kerala. Kayyara Kinhanna Rai Memorial Anthology – Deadline Extended: The last date for accepting entries to the Kayyara Kinhanna Rai memorial anthology of 101 Kannada poems and micro stories is extended to October 30, 2023. Maximum of 300 words for poems and 500 words for micro stories. 3-5 poems, micro stories and 10–12 limericks (chutuku kavana) may be submitted by email to [email protected] for selection. For details, contact Nemiraj Shetty (9986366355) or Rajendra Kedige (9480014812).

https://orissadiary.com/intach-seeks-revivals-manpurs-wooden-taapoi-dolls/, September 18, 2023

The Bengaluru chapter of INTACH had worked on the nomination dossier for the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Monday evening, in a small office in Bengaluru’s Jayanagar, a small group watched with bated breath the proceedings of the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh. The members of the Bengaluru chapter of the Indian National Trust for Culture and Heritage (INTACH) had spent two years from 2019 working on the nomination dossier for the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the behest of the Karnataka government’s Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage. Their efforts bore fruit and the INTACH office was filled with cheers when the Hoysala Temples were officially confirmed as a World Heritage Site, India’s 42nd on the UNESCO list. The Sacred Hoysala Ensembles had been on the UNESCO tentative list since 2014.

The newest Heritage Site from Karnataka consists of three temples from the 12-13th century CE that best represent the unique temple architecture and artistry of the Hoysala dynasty, namely the Chennakeshava temple in Belur, the Hoysaleshwara temple in Halebidu, and the Keshava temple of Somnathpur. Initially, the World Heritage Advisory Body had recommended referring the nomination back to India for the time being to add the nearby Tank Road and Vishnu Samudra Tank to the nominated area for the site of the Chennakeshava temple, among other recommendations, including managing the carrying capacity of the site.

However, Japan, Russia and several other nations put forth an amendment co-sponsored by three-fourths of the countries present, pointing out that India had previously responded to these concerns and supporting the immediate inscription of the Sacred Ensembles as a heritage site. Responding to a question on the topic from the Zambian delegation, India explained that the Vishnusamudra and Tank Road, while culturally significant and hosted and included in the buffer zone of the site, were not included in the notified area since they did not belong to the Hoysala era and were built almost 400 years after the temple. The raft festival connected to the tank and road dated back to 1523 CE, as confirmed by a nearby inscription. INTACH Bengaluru convenor Meera Iyer said, “These temples have certain differences in their features.

For example, you can see some central Indian influence in the Belur temple. But the interesting thing about Hoysala temples is that they seem to have started at the peak of their skills. You can see this in the temple at Belur, though it is the oldest.” Technical coordinator Pankaj Modi said, “We had to do a lot of archival research. We also spoke to many experts in Hoysala society, managing such sites and also experts in stone and geology. INTACH’s fieldwork also involved extensive comparative work with temples in other states and dynasties, with months spent documenting the temples, including their building style and architecture, with the team eventually visiting most surviving Hoysala temples.” Art and dance historian Gayatri Iyer noted that comparisons had to be done with other heritage sites in India and the world to establish the site’s importance as a heritage site, pointing out that the temples also served as a surviving repository for the performing arts. She said, “We examined sites in Cambodia and Indonesia, namely Khmer Empire structures and the Prambanan Temple in Indonesia, to establish the individual and comparative historical importance.”

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/hoysala-temples-unesco-world-heritage-sites-research-fruition-intach-bengaluru-8946674/, September 19, 2023

The school bagged the first spot in the Inter-School Quiz Contest, conducted by INTACH (The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) at Aadhunik Public School, Sidhbari. The team received a trophy and merit certificates. Their efforts were appreciated by chief guest Dharmesh Ramhotra, SDM, Dharamsala. Bhavyaa and Tanish of Class IX competed with 42 teams from various schools of Kangra district and brought laurels to the school. The guidance of Sr Jancy, Principal of the school, and two teachers Yogesh Bisht and Reena Kumari helped them achieve the feat. Th school will now participate and compete in the state-level quiz competition to be held soon."

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/schools/st-marys-sr-sec-school-sidhpur-546061, September 19, 2023

The historic Shore Temple in Mamallapuram, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming India's first Green Energy Archaeological Site. This has been made possible through the successful implementation of the Green Heritage Project, a collaborative initiative between the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (Renault Nissan Tech) and Hand in Hand India (HiH).

As a result of the Green Heritage Project's endeavors, the Shore Temple will now be illuminated using clean and sustainable solar power. Three solar plants, each with a capacity of 10 kilowatts, have been strategically installed to harness the abundant solar energy in the region. Notably, any surplus energy generated by these solar plants will be channeled back into the grid, ensuring that it contributes to future energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.

Beyond the adoption of solar energy for illuminating the Shore Temple, the project also focuses on enhancing the overall visitor experience and minimizing the ecological footprint of tourism in the area. To this end, the initiative includes the installation of essential facilities that operate on renewable energy sources. One such facility is a solar-operated reverse osmosis (RO) plant, which serves as a source of clean drinking water for tourists. This innovative water purification system is accompanied by three water kiosks, providing easy access to potable water for visitors. Moreover, the Green Heritage Project aims to empower the local community by creating employment opportunities.

Women from the local area have been engaged to operate electric buggies, a sustainable mode of transport that benefits pregnant women, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. This not only promotes inclusivity, but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional modes of transportation. In line with the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), the project has taken steps to support the adoption of clean transportation. A dedicated parking shed equipped with three charging units has been established to facilitate the recharging of electric vehicles. The transformation of the Shore Temple into India's first ‘green energy archaeological site’ not only preserves its historical and cultural significance, but also sets a remarkable example of sustainable heritage conservation.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/tamil-nadus-shore-temple-is-now-indias-first-green-energy-archeological-site/articleshow/103835877.cms, September 20, 2023

Santiniketan's architectural style stands apart from the prevailing British colonial and European modernist influences of the early 20th century. Santiniketan, the renowned cultural hub nestled in West Bengal, has achieved a significant milestone by securing a coveted spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The announcement of this prestigious inclusion was made by UNESCO on its official platform on a Sunday. In a tweet, UNESCO proudly declared, "New addition to the @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List: Santiniketan, #India. Congratulations!" This recognition has been a long-cherished aspiration for India, particularly for the Birbhum district, where Santiniketan is located. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at Santiniketan's inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, stating, "Delighted that Santiniketan, an embodiment of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's vision and India's rich cultural heritage, has been inscribed on the @UNESCO World Heritage List. This is a proud moment for all Indians." His words encapsulate the significance of this achievement for the nation.

"Delighted that Santiniketan, an embodiment of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's vision and India's rich cultural heritage, has been inscribed on the @UNESCO World Heritage List. This is a proud moment for all Indians," posts PM @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/6UG7RnBjEk India had long been striving for UNESCO recognition for Santiniketan, a cultural treasure nestled in Birbhum district. The decision to include Santiniketan in the prestigious list was taken during the 45th World Heritage Committee Meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her joy and pride in the news. She remarked, "Biswa Bangla's pride, Santiniketan, was nurtured by the poet and has been supported by the people of Bengal over the generations. We from the Government of West Bengal have significantly added to its infrastructure in the last 12 years, and the world now recognizes the glory of the heritage place.

Kudos to all who love Bengal, Tagore, and his messages of fraternity. Jai Bangla, Pranam to Gurudev." The Archaeological Survey of India celebrated this momentous achievement, declaring it as "a momentous achievement for India" and marking Santiniketan as the 41st World Heritage Property of India. Noted conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah, who played a pivotal role in preparing the dossier for Santiniketan's inclusion, couldn't contain her joy. She exclaimed, "We had worked on the dossier in 2009, and maybe time wasn't right then, but we always believed in the beauty of Santiniketan, and today we feel vindicated seeing it in the UNESCO list." Lambah, known for her award-winning works in the field of conservation, stated that once ICOMOS recommended its inclusion, it was almost certain to happen. A few months ago, the landmark site was recommended for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), a France-based international non-governmental organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of architectural and landscape heritage worldwide.

This historic site, founded over a century ago in 1901 by the illustrious poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore, originally served as a residential school and a center for art rooted in ancient Indian traditions. Tagore envisioned it as a place that transcended religious and cultural boundaries, promoting the unity of humanity. In 1921, it transformed into a 'world university,' adopting the name "Visva Bharati." Santiniketan's architectural style stands apart from the prevailing British colonial and European modernist influences of the early 20th century. Instead, it embraces a pan-Asian modernity, drawing inspiration from ancient, medieval, and folk traditions across the region. Today, Santiniketan has blossomed into a serene and picturesque town, with its university at its heart, attracting tourists seeking a blend of knowledge and aesthetic brilliance. It is truly a unique haven where the lines between education and artistry gracefully converge.

https://www.outlookindia.com/national/unesco-enrolls-santiniketan-in-west-bengal-on-world-heritage-list-news-318670, September 21, 2023

One of Delhi's oldest police stations, Barh ki Chowki, which was built in the early 1800s during colonial rule, will soon be open to the public as soon as the restoration and conservation work undertaken by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) has been completed, reports TOI. The restored police station is anticipated to be officially inaugurated in September itself, officials said. ACP Rajendra Singh Kalkal said, “We will operate a small Delhi Police office here. We will take care of the over 200-year-old structure and maintain it properly." He added that the office that will run out of the location has not yet been decided. Delhi Police discovered the historic building in 2006, and it was in bad shape. Kalkal told the publication that he learned about the chowki while conducting research for his coffee table book "Delhi Police: History & Heritage. ACP Kalkal also mentioned that the chowki is mentioned in Mirza Sangin Beg's memoirs from the 1820s, titled "Sair-ul Manazil”. Shama Mitra Chenoy, who translated it into English, stated that there was a police chowki next to Sheetla mandir (Usha Mata temple) and across from Kala Pahar, now known as Anand Parbat, Kalkal says.

"Based on this information, we discovered that an old chowki was located beneath the Sarai Rohilla police station area," Kalkal said, adding that the structure was discovered in the North district. Intach was then contacted for its preservation and restoration, he said. Director and head of Intach’s architectural heritage division, A Vijaya, said that the restoration was undertaken in 2022 in two phases. “In Phase I from April to November 2022, emergency repair works funded by Intach were undertaken. Phase II was carried out from May to August 2023 wherein the interiors, illumination and landscape design were taken care of.

This phase was funded by the National Culture Fund, Ministry of Culture,” she said, adding that about Rs 20 lakh was spent on the restoration work. In speaking with TOI, She further mentioned that they carried out traditional masonry work and restored the arches, which had earlier collapsed. A small well that was present on the site was also cleaned by the team, Vijaya added. She further mentioned that the building is a single-storey structure completely made out of stone and has an arcade at its entrance along with two rooms at the rear. Sanjay Beniwal, former Special CP (Perception Management and Media Cell), who is now appointed as the DG (Prisons) of Tihar Jail, was closely involved in the restoration work of the police post, and he played an active role in funds being released from the Ministry of Culture, officials said.

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/barh-ki-chowki-delhis-200-year-old-police-station-restored-2693795, September 21, 2023

The Hoysala temples at Belur, Halebid, and Somanathapur in Karnataka were declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Monday in a move that will bring global recognition with prospects of increase in international tourism to these places. The Chennakeshava temple at Belur and the Hoysaleshwara temple at Halebidu — both in Hassan district — have been on the UNESCO’s tentative list since 2014. The Keshava temple at Somanathapur in Mysuru district was appended to the other two monuments under the tentative list and all three were officially nominated by the Centre as India’s entry for 2022-23 in February 2022.

‘Outstanding sacred architecture’
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said the coming together of creative genius, architectural eclecticism, and symbolism into this outstanding sacred architecture makes these Hoysalas temples a true work of art and their inscription is truly an honour for India and the entire world heritage community. An expert from the International Commission on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) concluded the site visits covering all three temples in September last year and the monuments were officially inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Just a day earlier, Santiniketan in West Bengal was inscribed as a UNESCO site for the 2021-22 cycle.

All three temples are protected by the ASI and the nominations were entered as ‘The Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas’. The Hoysala temples are known for evolving a distinct style that is ornate with temple architecture following a stellate plan built on a raised platform. The material used in temple construction is choloritic schist which is also known as soapstone that are soft and amiable to carving.

The temples have horizontal friezes and many of the sculptures are signed by artists which is unique in the history of Indian art while the doorways show intricate carvings showcasing the excellence achieved by the Hoysala artist. While the construction of the Chennakeshava temple at Belur commenced during the period of king Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE and took 103 years to complete, the Hoysaleshwara temple was commissioned in 1121 CE while the Keshava temple at Somanathapur was commissioned by Somanatha Dandanayaka during the regime of Narasimha III in 1268 CE. A. Devaraju, Commissioner, Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage, said the inscription of the three sites as World Heritage Sites would give global recognition for the three monuments known for sculptures and carvings and further boost tourism.

Future focus
He said going forward, the concerns of UNESCO, if any, would be addressed and there would be an emphasis on enhancing tourist amenities. “We will have to shore up amenities and take up the signages to the next level, befitting the World Heritage status of the sites, apart from improving connectivity,” said Mr. Devaraju. The dossier for final submission was prepared by the Bengaluru chapter of INTACH for the Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage and Department of Tourism with support from the ASI. Pankaj Modi, conservation architect from INTACH Bengaluru chapter, said the ICOMOS had sought certain clarifications and documents which had to be submitted by the stipulated period and the focus of the authorities would be on implementing the management action plan.

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/barh-ki-chowki-delhis-200-year-old-police-station-restored-2693795, September 22, 2023

Do not forget to pay a visit to this unique crafts village near Puri, the famous pilgrim town and beach resort of Odisha. Neat rows of houses, their walls adorned with paintings, will greet you as soon as you enter verdant Raghurajpur village, about 10km from Puri, Odisha's famous pilgrim and beach town. Even without asking, you will realize you have entered an artist's village where homes double up as workshops. Once known as the keepers of Odisha's ancient pattachitra art, largely due to the late Jagannath Mohapatra (winner of the President of India's award in 1965) who lived here, today, the village houses artists practising various traditional arts.

The presiding deity of Puri, Lord Jagannath and his siblings go into seclusion for a fortnight prior to the Rathayatra festival, when the temple remains closed. In ancient times, the artists or the chitrakar would sell small handmade paintings of the idols to pilgrims who visited during this period. It is said that the pattachitra of Odisha dates back to the 12th century and has been passed from one generation to the next. The painting is done on specially stiffened seven layers of cloth cut into discs. Although synthetic colours may have replaced natural dyes from plants and minerals in many areas, traditional Raghurajpur artists prefer organic colours. Ganjifa playing cards or the Dashavatar playing cards of Odisha are also part of the pattachitra genre.

These unique paintings, especially the playing cards, are on display in museums worldwide. Another important art practised in Raghurajpur is palm-leaf painting. Delicate line drawings in black, sometimes with daubs of colours, are made on interlocked strips of palm leaves. Usually, each drawing is like a tapestry narrating a story. Apart from traditional paintings, the artists also produce souvenirs, such as, painted palm leaf bookmarks. In 2000, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) declared Raghurajpur a 'heritage village,' which has helped the artists explore other traditional art forms. Apart from pattachitra and palm leaf paintings, you will find artists making papier-mâché toys, masks, coconut crafts, wooden toys, etc.

Both men and women work as artists. The artists are mostly friendly towards visitors and not averse to sharing details regarding the origin of the art or the techniques involved. Many families even invite visitors to their households. You may directly buy from the artists. You may also enjoy a lesson or two from the artists on separate payments. While exploring the art village, you may also stop to pay respect to the memory of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the much awarded exponent of Odissi dance, who was born in Raghurajpur.

Accomodation
In Raghurajpur, accommodations are limited but unique. Heritage Villa Raghurajpur offers a comfortable stay with traditional decor, immersing you in the local culture. Alternatively, many local families provide homestay experiences, allowing you to live with them, learn about their art, and savour home-cooked Odia cuisine. If you prefer more extensive accommodation options, you can stay in nearby Puri, just a short drive away, and make day trips to Raghurajpur. Remember that amenities might be more basic compared to urban areas. Still, the opportunity to experience the charm of a traditional Odia village is well worth it for art and culture enthusiasts.

Places To Visit Nearby
While Raghurajpur itself is a fascinating place to explore, there are several nearby attractions and places to visit in Odisha that you can include in your itinerary: Puri: Puri, located just 14 kilometres from Raghurajpur, is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and famous for the Jagannath Temple. Apart from the temple, you can also visit Puri Beach and explore the vibrant markets and streets.

Konark: Konark, often called the "Sun Temple City," is around 35 kilometres from Raghurajpur. The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning architecture. The Chandrabhaga Beach nearby is also worth a visit.
Chilika Lake: Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India, is approximately 60 kilometres from Raghurajpur. It's a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. You can take a boat ride on the lake and visit the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.

Bhubaneswar: The capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is about 60 kilometres from Raghurajpur. It's known for its ancient temples, including the Lingaraja and Mukteshwar Temple. The city also has museums, parks, and modern amenities.

Dhauli: Dhauli, located around 50 kilometres from Raghurajpur, is a historical site where the Kalinga War occurred. It's known for its rock edicts and the Shanti Stupa, a symbol of peace and non-violence. Getting There

Raghurajpur is only 10km by road from Puri, yet not on the popular tourist circuit. So you must book a car or an auto-rickshaw for travelling to and fro. The artists and their families are friendly but sensitive, too. So do get permission before entering any household or workshop. It is also advisable to take permission before taking photographs of people and products on display. If you are keen to buy directly from the artists, remember works of art have their own value and the price is set accordingly.

https://www.outlooktraveller.com/experiences/heritage/raghurajpur-the-heritage-crafts-village-of-odisha, September 27, 2023

Do not forget to pay a visit to this unique crafts village near Puri, the famous pilgrim town and beach resort of Odisha. Neat rows of houses, their walls adorned with paintings, will greet you as soon as you enter verdant Raghurajpur village, about 10km from Puri, Odisha's famous pilgrim and beach town. Even without asking, you will realize you have entered an artist's village where homes double up as workshops. Once known as the keepers of Odisha's ancient pattachitra art, largely due to the late Jagannath Mohapatra (winner of the President of India's award in 1965) who lived here, today, the village houses artists practising various traditional arts.

The presiding deity of Puri, Lord Jagannath and his siblings go into seclusion for a fortnight prior to the Rathayatra festival, when the temple remains closed. In ancient times, the artists or the chitrakar would sell small handmade paintings of the idols to pilgrims who visited during this period. It is said that the pattachitra of Odisha dates back to the 12th century and has been passed from one generation to the next. The painting is done on specially stiffened seven layers of cloth cut into discs. Although synthetic colours may have replaced natural dyes from plants and minerals in many areas, traditional Raghurajpur artists prefer organic colours. Ganjifa playing cards or the Dashavatar playing cards of Odisha are also part of the pattachitra genre.

These unique paintings, especially the playing cards, are on display in museums worldwide. Another important art practised in Raghurajpur is palm-leaf painting. Delicate line drawings in black, sometimes with daubs of colours, are made on interlocked strips of palm leaves. Usually, each drawing is like a tapestry narrating a story. Apart from traditional paintings, the artists also produce souvenirs, such as, painted palm leaf bookmarks. In 2000, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) declared Raghurajpur a 'heritage village,' which has helped the artists explore other traditional art forms. Apart from pattachitra and palm leaf paintings, you will find artists making papier-mâché toys, masks, coconut crafts, wooden toys, etc.

Both men and women work as artists. The artists are mostly friendly towards visitors and not averse to sharing details regarding the origin of the art or the techniques involved. Many families even invite visitors to their households. You may directly buy from the artists. You may also enjoy a lesson or two from the artists on separate payments. While exploring the art village, you may also stop to pay respect to the memory of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the much awarded exponent of Odissi dance, who was born in Raghurajpur.

Accomodation
In Raghurajpur, accommodations are limited but unique. Heritage Villa Raghurajpur offers a comfortable stay with traditional decor, immersing you in the local culture. Alternatively, many local families provide homestay experiences, allowing you to live with them, learn about their art, and savour home-cooked Odia cuisine. If you prefer more extensive accommodation options, you can stay in nearby Puri, just a short drive away, and make day trips to Raghurajpur. Remember that amenities might be more basic compared to urban areas. Still, the opportunity to experience the charm of a traditional Odia village is well worth it for art and culture enthusiasts.

Places To Visit Nearby
While Raghurajpur itself is a fascinating place to explore, there are several nearby attractions and places to visit in Odisha that you can include in your itinerary: Puri: Puri, located just 14 kilometres from Raghurajpur, is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and famous for the Jagannath Temple. Apart from the temple, you can also visit Puri Beach and explore the vibrant markets and streets.

Konark: Konark, often called the "Sun Temple City," is around 35 kilometres from Raghurajpur. The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning architecture. The Chandrabhaga Beach nearby is also worth a visit.
Chilika Lake: Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India, is approximately 60 kilometres from Raghurajpur. It's a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. You can take a boat ride on the lake and visit the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.

Bhubaneswar: The capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is about 60 kilometres from Raghurajpur. It's known for its ancient temples, including the Lingaraja and Mukteshwar Temple. The city also has museums, parks, and modern amenities.

Dhauli: Dhauli, located around 50 kilometres from Raghurajpur, is a historical site where the Kalinga War occurred. It's known for its rock edicts and the Shanti Stupa, a symbol of peace and non-violence. Getting There

Raghurajpur is only 10km by road from Puri, yet not on the popular tourist circuit. So you must book a car or an auto-rickshaw for travelling to and fro. The artists and their families are friendly but sensitive, too. So do get permission before entering any household or workshop. It is also advisable to take permission before taking photographs of people and products on display. If you are keen to buy directly from the artists, remember works of art have their own value and the price is set accordingly.

https://www.outlooktraveller.com/experiences/heritage/raghurajpur-the-heritage-crafts-village-of-odisha, September 26, 2023

These stones are normally found in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Excavation in Keeladi has yielded two carnelian beads, reaffirming Tamil country’s trade links with the western part of India such as Maharashtra and Gujarat. “We found them inside the urn while exposing it,” said R. Sivananandam, Deputy Director of the Department of Archaeology. The urn was discovered at a burial site in Konthagai. “Last year, we unearthed 74 carnelian beads. Carnelian stones are normally found in Gujarat and Maharashtra, and beads made of it proves the trade link between Tamil country and the western part of India,” he explained. The beads were traced at a depth of 17.5 cm and 20 cm respectively. One bead was found etched with a wavy pattern and lines. The bead is 1.4 cm long and 2 cm wide.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/carnelian-beads-found-in-keeladi-reaffirm-trade-links-with-territories-in-western-india/article67341642.ece, September 26, 2023

A burial urn was discovered at Kottanipatti village near T Kallupatti in Madurai on Saturday. Archaeology enthusiasts said it belonged to the megalithic period. On Friday, a villager who was digging a pit for a septic tank found the urn. He informed members of Pandiyanadu Cultural Foundation. Subsequently, a group of archaeology enthusiasts from the foundation went to the spot and unearthed the urn on Saturday. They inspected it and then handed it over to the village administrative officer. Talking to TOI, D Muneeswaran, archaeology coordinator of the foundation, said the burial urn was smaller in size compared to the traditional one. “The urn, which is 2.5ft high and 1.5ft wide, was found at a depth of 7ft. A human skull and broken bones were found inside it. Fragments of black and red-coloured broken pot were also found inside it. The top portion of the pot was covered with a thin layer of clay,” he said. “During the early megalithic period, the dead bodies were dumped in the mountains and forest areas. After some time, bones were collected and put inside earthen pots with grains and buried,” he added. The urn will be handed over to the director of the museum in a few days, according a member of the foundation. We also published the following articles recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for an international cricket stadium in Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency.

The Uttar Pradesh government has spent Rs 121 crore to acquire the land, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India will spend Rs 330 crore on construction. The stadium design will reflect the essence of Kashi, with unique features such as crescent-shaped roof covers and floodlights shaped like a trident. The stadium is expected to be ready by December 2025 and will have a capacity of 30,000 spectators and seven pitches. The Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) in Jaipur plans to construct a water tank with a capacity of over 7 lakhs liters to provide water to residents of five wards. The foundation stone for the project was laid by MLA Bagru Ganga Devi, who had raised the issue with the PHED minister.

In other news, the delay in implementing the departmental promotional committee for PHED in Rajasthan has affected its work, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various projects worth Rs 343 crore in Gorakhpur. Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for a new international cricket stadium in Varanasi.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/carnelian-beads-found-in-keeladi-reaffirm-trade-links-with-territories-in-western-india/article67341642.ece, September 29, 2023