The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with HECS-INTACH and the INTACH Heritage Club of Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu, organized a one-day workshop on traditional basket weaving for rural school children on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu, Bantwal Taluk. Resource persons Shankar Koraga Gutthakadu (traditional craftsman) and Supriya (community educator) conducted the practical training through live demonstrations of basket weaving. A total of 67 students from seven schools in the Manchi cluster actively participated, working in groups and engaging enthusiastically in the creative process. Under the guidance of the experts, the children learned each step carefully and worked towards crafting beautiful creations.

Addressing the gathering, Subhash Chandra Basu, Convener of INTACH Mangaluru Chapter, said there is a pressing need to preserve and propagate traditional arts that have been nurtured for generations. “We must identify skilled artisans from society’s grassroots and create opportunities for them,” he observed, adding that such efforts would help increase global demand for their crafts. Chief guest Mrs. Devaki H., alumna and retired headmistress of Manchi-Kolnadu High School, remarked that skill-based training programs for rural school children can open avenues for livelihood. “Programs that enhance hand skills not only build confidence among students but also play an important role in preserving traditional crafts,” she said.

Speaking on the occasion, School Betterment Committee President, Shivashankar Rao Manchi, said that training and guidance from capable resource persons stimulate creativity and self-expression among students. “Such extracurricular activities not only nurture intellectual growth but also contribute to the overall development of personality,” he noted. Among those present were Ramaprasad Rai Tiruvashe, President of the Alumni Association of Manchi-Kolnadu High School, INTACH Mangaluru Chapter coordinators Rajendra Kedige, Harish Kodialbail, Reshma Shetty, Sharvani Bhat and faculty members of the host school. Copies of ‘Young INTACH’ Heritage Club Newsletter were distributed to all the schools. Artist and INTACH Heritage Club Coordinator of Manchi-Kolnadu School, Taranath Kairangala, welcomed the gathering and conducted the program. Headmistress Mrs. Sushila delivered the vote of thanks.

https://www.mangaloretoday.com/mainnewsprint/INTACH-organizes-one-day-Traditional-Basket-Weaving-Workshop-for-rural-school-children.html, September 1, 2025

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) has initiated the process of preserving the rare artefacts and historic collections of the Dumraon royal family as well as the wall paintings in the region's prominent temples here in the district. There are also plans to establish a museum on the royal premises, showcasing the family's historical weapons and artefacts. This conservation effort commenced on Monday, following a formal request by the Dumraon royal family. Shiv Kumar Mishra, in charge of Sitaram Upadhyay Museum in Buxar and co-convener of Intach's Bihar state chapter, said that it is a matter of great pride that the royal family took the initiative to safeguard their invaluable heritage.

In early June, Dharamendra Mishra, director of Intach, Lucknow, visited Dumraon to assess the heritage structures and artefacts. During his visit, Shivang Vijay Singh introduced him to the rare artefacts and historic collections of the royal family. Shiv Kumar emphasised the importance of preserving the intricate wall paintings in the region's prominent temples, including Bihari Ji Temple, Rajrajeshwari Temple and Janakinath Temple. Intach, recognised globally as a premier institution for heritage conservation, has deployed a three-member expert team from its Lucknow chapter to begin survey and documentation work. The team — comprising Suresh Singh, Saurabh Karmakar and Mukesh Vishwakarma — has already started inspecting and documenting the wall paintings and artefacts. According to Shiv Kumar, once the initial survey and documentation are completed, the Intach will prepare a comprehensive estimate for the conservation work and the construction of the proposed museum.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/intach-starts-preservation-of-dumraon-royal-family-artefacts-temple-paintings/articleshowprint/123367505.cms, September 1, 2025

INTACH Andaman and Nicobar Chapter organised the Endangered Art and Craft Workshop at GSS Junglighat on 30th of August 2025. The resource person was Mr. Promotho Mazumder, renowned Sculptor and Clay artist who was the recipient of the Mr. Martand Singh Memorial Award at INTACH New Delhi last year. A total of 50 students participated in the workshop.

The children learnt the basics of clay modelling and came up with innovative and creative sculptures. The workshop was organised by Ms. Samhita Veda Acharya, Convenor, INTACH A and N Chapter and Mr. Sajit Jana, Volunteer with INTACH with support from Ms. Minaz Nadeem.

https://www.andamansheekha.com/143729/, September 2, 2025

In a bid to give momentum to the move for inclusion of the Chhath festival in the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage List, the state art and culture department has nominated the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) as its knowledge partner. Intach will assist in the preparation of the detailed dossier required for the proposal. Intach's state convener, Bhairab Lal Das, said recognising Bihar's growing demand for inclusion of Chhath in the Unesco list on the lines of Kolkata's Durga Puja, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, has constituted a committee of eminent educationists to prepare the dossier. The committee is headed by IGNCA's regional director, Richa Negi.

Das further announced that Intach will organise an international seminar on the subject in Patna on Oct 11 with participation from scholars and devotees from several countries. Among those expected is Chicago-based Northwestern University professor and eminent sculpture scientist, Raub Linroth. An international photography salon will also be organised by the Federation of Indian Photographers during the Chhath festival to capture vivid images of the occasion. Shiv Kumar Mishra of Intach said relevant materials on Chhath — sculptures, paintings, writings, folk songs and photographs — were being collected for inclusion in the dossier to be submitted to UNESCO.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/govt-pushes-for-unesco-recognition-of-chhath/articleshowprint/123506423.cms, September 3, 2025

Calcutta Architectural Legacies (CAL) and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) that have been nudging the Kolkata Municipal Corporation to accord heritage precinct status to historic neighbourhoods in Kolkata with significant built architecture have again submitted the proposal on Dalhousie Square and Bow Barracks. In addition, work on a dossier is underway to demarcate two other localities — Lake Temple Road and College Street — as precincts as well. The proposal on Dalhousie Square, now known as BBD Bag, had earlier been submitted to KMC in Sept 2024. CAL and INTACH resubmitted the proposal last week following a request by KMC commissioner Dhaval Jain. The dossier was prepared by architects Partha Ranjan Das and Kamalika Bose to give shape to a demand that CAL founder and writer Amit Chaudhuri has been raising to declare heritage precincts so that the city's unique built heritage can be preserved.

"We need to declare zones as heritage precincts to retain the character of these localities instead of focusing just on individual buildings," said Chaudhuri. INTACH that has been promoting heritage conservation in the city for decades has lent its weight to the proposal. INTACH and CAL had moved Calcutta High Court in 2019 with a PIL on the unilateral delisting of heritage buildings and later argued for the declaration of heritage precincts. The HC had in Jan 2025 issued an order asking the state to approve the draft KMC rules for heritage buildings within 8 weeks. But there has been no headway on the issue yet. "Since the HC deadline has lapsed, KMC needs to urgently take it up with the state government and act on the matter," said GM Kapur of INTACH. Several other Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Pondicherry, have heritage precincts that ensure that any new development does not alter the character of the zone.

Speaking to TOI, conservation architect Das said the proposal maps the heritage precinct of Dalhousie Square and Bow Barracks and spells out building rules that will govern addition and alteration to existing buildings and addition of a fresh building in the precinct. "The proposal is not anti-development but regulated development so that the inherent character of the neighbourhood or precinct is retained," explained Das. CAL, which was set up around a decade ago by a group of like-minded citizens united in the common goal of working to prevent the disappearance of our city's distinctive residential neighbourhoods and other marks of modernity unique to Kolkata, has been advocating the need to declare zones as heritage precincts to retain the character of these localities instead of focusing just on individual buildings.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/fresh-heritage-precinct-proposal-for-kmc/articleshowprint/123347673.cms, September 3, 2025

Over 700-year-old bones, including skulls, found in a Mizoram cave may redefine Mizo history, according to INTACH. The discovery, dating between 1260 and 1320 CE, breaks the record for the oldest remains found in the state. An in-depth study is being conducted to examine the implications. In a groundbreaking discovery, over 700-year-old human bones, including skulls and femurs, were unearthed from a cave in northern Mizoram, near the Manipur border, potentially reshaping the historical narrative of the Mizo people. This significant find was announced by the Indian Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) on Tuesday.

At a press conference, Rin Sanga, Convenor of the Mizoram chapter of INTACH, revealed that these bones, which include nine human skulls, various femurs, and other skeletal remains, surpass the age of previously discovered remains in the region. Sanga stated that an in-depth study would be pursued to reassess the history of the Mizos. Discovered by a hunter on January 11, the remains were found buried in an elevated cave within the Thingkhuang forest area, a few kilometers from North Khawlek village in Saitual district. Carbon dating tests have dated the bones to between 1260 CE and 1320 CE. The discovery, which raises questions about the timeline of the Mizo people's arrival in Mizoram, is sparking renewed interest in the region's ancient history.

https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/3612550-ancient-discoveries-reevaluating-mizorams-history, September 4, 2025

Archaeologists have discovered human skeletal remains estimated to be over 700 years old in a remote Mizoram cave, a find that challenges established timelines of Mizo settlement and promises to reshape the region’s historical narrative, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) announced Tuesday. The remains – including nine skulls, femurs, and other bones – were unearthed in an elevated cave within Thingkhuang forest near North Khawlek village in Saitual district, close to the Manipur border. Carbon dating conducted in the United States confirms the bones date between 1260 CE and 1320 CE, making them the oldest skeletal remains ever found in Mizoram. “This discovery shatters previous records and forces us to fundamentally reconsider Mizo history,” stated Rin Sanga, Convenor of INTACH’s Mizoram chapter and a retired IAS officer. “The evidence suggests human presence here centuries earlier than the widely accepted theory placing Mizo entry into the region around 1700 CE.”

The find significantly predates the previous oldest known remains, discovered at Vangchhia in Champhai district, which date to 1485 CE – a gap of approximately 200 years. Archaeologist Vanlalhuma Singson from the state Art and Culture Department detailed the discovery. A local hunter first stumbled upon the site on January 11, 2024, prompting local leaders to alert INTACH. A joint team from INTACH and the state department, including Singson, reached the difficult-to-access cave (1,228 meters above sea level in a gorge) on May 2. Alongside the bones, researchers recovered ancient artifacts including a ‘dao’ (traditional machete), a knife, and fragments of pottery. “This site offers an unprecedented window into Mizoram’s ancient past,” Singson explained. “The preservation and associated artifacts provide a rare opportunity to understand the lives of these early inhabitants.”

INTACH emphasized the need for comprehensive further study. “We are committed to an in-depth examination of these remains,” Sanga said. “Plans include DNA sequencing to determine the origins and lineage of these individuals, potentially revealing new connections within the broader story of human migration in Northeast India.” The discovery marks a pivotal moment for Mizoram’s historiography, with researchers anticipating it will catalyse a major reassessment of the region’s early history and cultural development.

https://nenews.in/mizoram/700-year-old-bones-found-in-mizoram-cave/31840/, September 5, 2025

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) annual heritage quiz 2025 is all set to take place on Sept 12 at the Delhi Public School (DPS), Naini. A vibrant curtain-raiser event was held on Tuesday to kick off the celebrations and generate excitement among students and educators alike. Organised by INTACH, the annual heritage quiz is a flagship initiative designed to promote awareness about India's rich and diverse cultural heritage among school students. Since 2016, the Prayagraj Chapter of INTACH has been conducting this quiz annually. This year, more than 55 teams from leading CBSE schools in Prayagraj have registered to take part in the city-level round. The quiz will be conducted from 9:00am to 12:30pm, featuring a written qualifying round, followed by five exciting oral buzzer rounds. Topics will span Indian history, literature, art, culture, and traditions. The winning team from Prayagraj will advance to the regional level inter-city quiz, representing the city on a larger platform.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/intach-annual-heritage-quiz-on-sept-12/articleshow/123791980.cms, September 6, 2025

Several historical heritage structures in and around Amritsar can also be counted among the flood affected. The recent floods have wreaked havoc in Punjab, especially in the Majha belt, causing destruction and displacement like never before. It has also put the safety and sanctity of historical sites across the border belt of Amritsar and Gurdaspur in extreme danger. While people from the affected areas count their losses, several historical heritage structures in and around Amritsar can also be counted among the flood victims. The INTACH Punjab, led by its Amritsar team, is already on the ground to assess if any damage has been done to certain heritage structures in flood-affected areas of Ajnala, Ramdass and Gurdaspur. Kalianwala Khu is a historic site dedicated to the martyrdom of Indian soldiers of the 26th Native Bengal Infantry, who were killed by the British in 1857. This site is protected now.

A similar old structure known as Kachehri Wali building from the British era remains in a dilapidated condition. As water recedes, teams of the district administration will be on the ground for damage assessment and so will be INTACH teams. “We have mobilised our volunteers and team members, who will start visiting the known historical sites to check for any structural damage. It is known that floods and incessant rain can severely damage historical sites in a variety of ways—physically, chemically and structurally. These sites, often made with ancient or fragile materials, are particularly vulnerable,” said Major Balwinder Singh, Convenor, INTACH, Punjab.

Among the known historical sites is the ‘Martyr’s Well’ or Kalianwala Khuh, also known as Shaheedan Da Khuh near Dadian Sofian village in Ajnala and a samad, purportedly of Shravan Kumar. He is an epic figure from the Mahabharat, whose parental dedication and love is among the most celebrated stories of Indian mythology. Historian Surinder Kochchar said that while Kalianwala Khu, a historic site dedicated to the martyrdom of Indian soldiers of the 26th Native Bengal Infantry, who were killed by the British in1857, remains protected now, a similar old structure known as Kachehri Wali building from the British era remains in a dilapidated condition. “These old structures that have not yet been maintained or restored stand in danger of perishing as incessant rains and flood water corrode them. There are several relatively unknown structures like an old fort, a 250-year-old Baradari belonging to the Bhangi Misl, in village Chhina Karam Singh, in Ajnala. Karam Singh Chhina was one of the famous Bhangi Misl commanders, who conquered Lahore and was the founder of village Chhina Karam Singh.

A structure that old may incur structural damage due to such heavy rains,” he said. These structures have previously also incurred damage due to rain. Meanwhile, the samad of Shravan Kumar in Jastarwal village near Ajnala, has been completely cut off from the mainland due to flood waters. The locals believe that Shravan Kumar was allegedly struck by an arrow here while carrying his blind parents on a bamboo pole with baskets at both ends, as they walked forth on a pilgrimage. The site includes a small structure and a water body, with wall paintings depicting the event.

While there is another samad of Shravan Kumar in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, the history of this samad is relatively unknown. But the local villagers maintain it and claim this to be a historical site. Other than Ajnala, several historical sites in Amritsar city too remain vulnerable to damage due to rains. “In Sultanwind area, there are several talaab (ponds), dating back to Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time. These structures have incurred damage during the monsoon and no one cares to restore or even maintain them,” said Kochchar.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsarheritage/intach-to-assess-historical-sites-for-damage-by-floods, September 7, 2025

A 10-day workshop on ‘Patna Kalam’ (Patna school of painting), organised jointly by the Patna chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and ‘Your Heritage’, got off to a colourful start at the Buddha Smriti Park museum here on Saturday. As many as 40 artists drawn from across the state are attending the sixth such workshop organised in a row. Inaugurating the workshop, B D College’s principal Ratna Amrit pleaded for revival of this old art form of Bihar which was once quite popular in the world. Bihar will once again be known all over the world if Patna school of painting is revived, she said.

She also praised the efforts of INTACH in enriching the cultural heritage of the state. She further observed that the recent initiative of INTACH to get the popular Chhath festival included in the UNESCO’s intangible heritage list is quite praiseworthy and asserted that B D College would also join in this move. Bihar Museum’s former director Umesh Chandra Dwivedi, in his presidential said Patna school of painting, a distinct style from Bihar, was quite popular from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. It was well known for its depiction of everyday life and artisans, unique brush techniques, and use of natural colours extracted from plants and minerals. It features simple, clear, and proportionate figures on handmade paper or ivory, he said. INTACH’s state convener Bhairav Lal Das welcomed the guests. Buddha Smriti Park museum in charge Shiv Kumar Mishra proposed a vote of thanks.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/workshop-on-patna-kalam-begins-in-patna/articleshowprint/123738386.cms, September 8, 2025

Mirba, a 1,000-year-old Monpa village in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, has been declared a Heritage Village for its timeless architecture and way of life. Built with stone, wood, and mud, its houses have stood strong for centuries, reflecting a legacy of sustainability and tradition. High in the serene hills of Tawang lies a village that time seems to have forgotten. Nestled within Mukto circle, Mirba stands as a living museum of tradition — untouched by modernity yet alive with the warmth of its people. For over a thousand years, this little hamlet has quietly endured in the mountains that cradle it.

The meaning behind the name The name itself tells a story. ‘Mirba’ comes from two simple yet profound words: Mi, meaning human, and Ba, meaning face. Local people point to a nearby mountain — its ridges and contours forming the uncanny likeness of a human visage. For the Monpa people who have lived here for generations, the mountain is not just a landmark but a reminder that nature and humanity are deeply entwined.

Walking back in time
Walking through Mirba may feel like stepping back in time. Every house is built the way the ancestors once built them — with wooden logs, stone blocks, and mud plaster. Reinforced cement concrete is nowhere to be seen. “One might be amazed to find single-, double-, and even triple-storeyed houses made entirely of stone and mud,” says local resident Sangey Phuntsok Nguimo, quoted in The Arunachal Times. “Some are over a century old, yet they stand strong, needing only roof repairs every few years.” These homes are more than shelters. They are reflections of ancient Monpa wisdom. Their designs are resilient enough to withstand earthquakes, with common living areas for family gatherings and attics where precious food grains are stored. Their beauty lies not just in their form but in their function, in how seamlessly they blend with the land and climate of Tawang.

Recognition as a Heritage Village
This timeless authenticity has now earned Mirba official recognition as a Heritage Village. Chief Minister Pema Khandu first envisioned showcasing a village that preserves originality, sanctity, and sustainable living in harmony with nature. Guided by this vision, in July this year, a team of officials, architects, and village heads walked the winding paths of Mirba. Led by Ankur Choudhary, an architect and urban designer from Tezpur, the group conducted detailed surveys — mapping the topography, assessing structures, and recording every detail of its ancient architecture. Their findings affirmed what the villagers had always known: Mirba is a treasure of living heritage.

A promise for the future
Recognition as a heritage village is more than a label; it is a promise. It means that Mirba’s legacy of culture, craftsmanship, and community living will not only be protected but also celebrated. It also opens doors for rural tourism. Mirba’s serene beauty and cultural richness could draw visitors from across the world, eager to experience authentic rural life. With warm weather, sunny skies, and fields blooming with ragi, maize, and other millets, the village offers a glimpse into sustainable living that modern societies strive to reclaim. For the people of Mirba, the recognition has earned them immense pride. “This recognition is not just for us but for our forefathers, who built Mirba with their hands and wisdom,” Nguimo reflects. “It tells the world that our way of life has value, that simplicity and sustainability can endure for a thousand years.” More than recognition, it’s a promise that Mirba, with its traditions and timeless charm, will continue to live on for generations, inviting visitors to experience history that’s still alive. Edited by Pranita Bhat

https://thebetterindia.com/travel/mirba-heritage-village-arunachal-pradesh-monpa-architecture-mud-stone-homes-sustainable-10064713, September 9, 2025

Researchers have identified four cultural phases, namely Period IA: Early Iron Age, Period IB: Iron Age, Period II: Satavahana, Period III: Medieval and Period IV: Nizam. An excavation at Pachkhed, an ‘Early Iron Age’ site in Yavatmal district, has unearthed evidence of ancient habitation, technological innovation and cultural continuity dating back nearly 3,000 years. The 2023–24 excavation season has brought to light lime-processing kilns, iron tools, terracotta beads, shell bangles, painted pottery and other artefacts that point to a farming and craft-specialised community in Vidarbha’s Early Iron Age. The Pachkhed site is located on the left bank of the Chandrabhaga River, nearly a kilometre from its confluence with the Wardha River, in Babulgaon tehsil. It is 43 km from Yavatmal city and 3 km east of Shindhi village on the Pulgaon–Babulgaon road. Locally called ‘Sasu-Suneche Ukhade’ and ‘Barad’, the large settlement mound, now partly damaged by quarrying, reflects a long history of habitation. Among the major findings is a lime-processing kiln, which gives the earliest direct evidence of this technology in Vidarbha’s Early Iron Age.

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating of charcoal and a rice grain sample has placed the site’s earliest cultural horizon between 908 and 725 BCE. Talking to The Indian Express, Prof Prabash Sahu, Head of the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, said, "In 2009, this site was reported by Vilas Wahane (Assistant Director at State archaeology department), and he had written and published a paper on the same. Looking at the evidence and the architectural remains he reported, it was of significance, and we were interested in the Iron Age. There are so many sites in Vidarbha, but as far as the Iron Age is concerned, the evidence from other places has not been properly studied scientifically.

So, we decided to carry out a holistic study of the Iron Age, and Pachkhed was one of the sites where maximum deposit is present." He added, "Nearly 10 metres of cultural deposit was present in Pachkhed, because the mound was deposited in two parts. The sections were visible, and that prompted us to study the Iron Age deposit properly. For the entire Iron Age matter, we had 8 AMS dates provided by IUAC (Inter University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi), with the earliest date being 908 BCE and the latest 752 BCE. More than 200 years of the Early Iron Age are represented at Pachkhed.” On the excavation’s key findings, Sahu said, “We have evidence of rice. Nowadays, in Yavatmal, you don’t find rice cultivation, which means that during the Iron Age, people were cultivating rice. We have evidence of both domesticated as well as wild rice varieties, which indicates that the climate was suitable for rice cultivation back then. We have evidence of a lime kiln.” “As far as the metallurgical aspect is concerned, people were deeply engaged in extracting iron and making utensils and implements for utilitarian purposes. Previously, the scientific dates we had from Vidarbha went up to the 8th century BCE, but this study has pushed back the antiquity of the Iron Age to the 1st millennium BCE.

This is a 3,000-year-old site,” he added. Archaeologists say the excavation has revealed a rare, well-preserved cultural sequence covering over two millennia — from the Early Iron Age to the Nizam period—shedding light on Vidarbha’s role in early iron technology, trade systems, and state formation in the Deccan. Researchers have identified four cultural phases, namely Period IA: Early Iron Age, Period IB: Iron Age, Period II: Satavahana, Period III: Medieval and Period IV: Nizam. The first period being divided into two parts. The Early Iron Age phase has yielded lime floors, posthole patterns, and pottery such as micaceous red ware and black-slipped ware, alongside artefacts like terracotta beads, bone points, and iron tools. In the Iron Age phase, kilns, lime-ash pits, and copper slag point to advanced metallurgy and trade networks. Satavahana-period layers feature a brick-lined well, lime-plastered floors, and pottery with Brahmi inscriptions, markers of organised urban planning. Medieval layers indicate simpler structures but continued rural habitation, while the Nizam-period remains show later reuse of the site.

Postholes arranged in a circular pattern were found representing the house plan of an Iron Age hut (9th – 5th Century BCE). Eight AMS samples, tested at Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, have provided calibrated dates ranging from 908 to 725 BCE, making Pachkhed one of Vidarbha’s most precisely dated Early Iron Age sites. Archaeologists highlight a well-preserved kiln found alongside domestic layers, postholes, and lime floors as rare evidence of on-site craft activity, possibly lime processing, in the Early Iron Age. The rich pottery collection, including red ware, black and red ware, and painted vessels, reflects both regional and South Indian styles, with distinct local innovations.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/3000-year-old-pachkhed-site-early-iron-age-rice-cultivation-vidarbha-10242249/, September 10, 2025

A team of archaeological enthusiasts has found a set of sculptures including a Shiva lingam near Keeranur in Pudukkottai district. A Manikandan, chairman of Pudukkottai Archaeological Research Society, said the sculptures could belong to the chola period during the 12th century. The sculptures, representing Saivism, Vaishnavism and Jainism, were unearthed at the site of an ancient kaltali structure used during the chola era.

Manikandan, who is also associated with the department of archaeology at Tamil University, Thanjavur, said inscriptions on the sculptures identify the village as "Thanaiyakudi," a name that later could have modified into Senaiyakudi. "The sculptures declare that a Shiva temple called Arunmozheeswaram was named after Raja Raja Chola in the village. Based on the architectural style and construction, the sculptures can be dated to the 12th century," he said. The continuing archaeological discovery in Pudukkottai is encouraging, he added.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/chola-era-sculptures-found-in-pudukkottai/articleshow/123737524.cms, September 11, 2025

In a proud achievement this year, India's remarkable Maratha Military Landscapes has earned global recognition as the 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site. The decision was taken at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee, India's official nomination for 2024-25 cycle, 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' got inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India's 44th place to receive this prestigious global recognition. UNESCO has inscribed 26 new properties into its World Heritage List. The session which was organised in Paris saw inclusion of 26 that includes one mixed-use site, four extraordinary natural landscapes, and 21 culturally rich locations. Among these, India's Maratha Military Landscapes too has earned its place. Let’s have a look at other heritage sites:

The 26 new additions are as following: Cambodian Memorial Sites – Cambodia (Asia) – Cultural Cultural Heritage Sites of Ancient Khuttal – Tajikistan (Asia) – Cultural Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape – Cameroon (Africa) – Cultural Faya Palaeolandscape – UAE (Asia) – Cultural Forest Research Institute Park – Malaysia (Asia) – Cultural Funerary Tradition, Prehistoric Sardinia – Italy (Europe) – Cultural Maratha Military Landscapes – India (Asia) – Cultural Megaliths of Carnac – France (Europe) – Cultural Minoan Palatial Centres – Greece (Europe) – Cultural Mount Mulanje Cultural Landscape – Malawi (Africa) – Cultural Murujuga Cultural Landscape – Australia (Australia) – Cultural Petroglyphs along Bangucheon Stream – South Korea (Asia) – Cultural Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave – Russia (Europe/Asia) – Cultural Sardis & Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe – Türkiye (Europe/Asia) – Cultural 17th-Century Port Royal – Jamaica (North America) – Cultural Colonial Transisthmian Route – Panama (North America) – Cultural Palaces of King Ludwig II – Germany (Europe) – Cultural Prehistoric Sites of Khorramabad Valley – Iran (Asia) – Cultural Wixarika Route to Wirikuta – Mexico (North America) – Cultural Xixia Imperial Tombs – China (Asia) – Cultural Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son Complex – Vietnam (Asia) – Cultural Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park – Brazil (South America) – Natural Coastal & Marine Ecosystems of Bijagós – Guinea-Bissau (Africa) – Natural Gola-Tiwai Complex – Sierra Leone (Africa) – Natural Peruaçu River Canyon – Brazil (South America) – Natural Møns Klint Chalk Cliffs – Denmark (Europe) – Natural Spotlight on India’s Maratha Fortifications
More about the Maratha Military Landscapes

The Maratha Military Landscapes is a combination of 12 forts including such as Raigad, Shivneri and Gingee, among others. These were constructed sometime between the 17th and 19th centuries across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. These forts are the living examples of the Marathas’ brilliant defensive architectural expertise and tell the story of an important era in Indian history. These 26 sites, from fortresses and palaces to coastal beauties, shine a light on the diversity and depth of our shared heritage.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/unesco-adds-26-new-world-heritage-sites-in-2025-indias-maratha-military-landscapes-also-on-the-global-recognition-list/articleshow/123784906.cms, September 12, 2025

Marking the death anniversary of celebrated poet Subramania Bharathi, the INTACH (Madurai chapter) screened a documentary - Shaktidasan - a poet’s quest for truth at the Kadambavanam. The Tamil Nadu government had announced the day (September 11) as ‘Mahakavi’ Day and to recollect the poet’s contributions would be a proud moment for the entire nation on the anniversary. Speakers hailed the contributions to Tamil literature, spirituality and human values of the stalwart poet. The ethnic resort - which is known as Temple of Tamil traditions and for its conventional hospitality displaying themes of various literary verses, including composition of Bharati provided the ambience to cherish his ever inspiring verses.

The great poet’s powerful thoughts, words, courage and wisdom were the outcomes of his search for truth and intense faith in divine grace of Sakthi, they noted. The research, script and commentary of the film was rendered by Niranjan Bharathi, the great great grandson of Mahakavi. The inheritance of the prolific national poet could be recognised through the authentic rendition and choice of sites related to their renowned generations old grandfather. INTACH Members B. Nalini and Chitra Ganapathy mediated meaningful interactions. Students from the Thiagaragar College participated. The convenor Vani C Chenguttuwan expressed support to Bharathi consciousness and promotion of it in their endeavour to conserve the legacy of Mahakavi.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/intach-organises-mahakavi-day-at-kadambavanam/article70045976.ece, September 15, 2025

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Prayagraj chapter, in collaboration with DPS, organised the city-level annual heritage quiz 2025 on Friday. The INTACH annual heritage quiz is conducted across multiple cities, culminating in state and national rounds. This year, the Prayagraj edition saw enthusiastic participation from CBSE schools, with 58 teams registered. The competition progressed through six thrilling rounds, including written, oral, visual, and buzzer formats, testing the participants' knowledge and quick thinking. The final round was marked by fierce competition, with the first prize awarded to Patanjali Rishikul School. The second prize went to Maharshi Vidya Mandir School, while the third prize was secured by LDC Public School. The quiz rounds covered national, local, and INTACH-related heritage topics, engaging the audience through interactive questions.



https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/intach-heritage-quiz-2025-celebrates-cultural-legacy-in-prayagraj/articleshowprint/123856933.cms, September 16, 2025

INTACH engineers sliced the 60x10 ft artwork into six panels to save it when the WHO office was razed, making its preservation a first-of-its-kind feat in Asia. For nearly six years, one of Delhi’s most significant public artworks lay hidden from view, carefully boxed away in climate-controlled storage as if it had faded from memory.

Now, at last, the monumental mural by modernist painter and Padma Vibhushan awardee MF Husain has come home again. Painted in 1963, just a year after the original World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia regional office was completed, Husain’s massive mural – The History of Medicine – is no ordinary artwork. Spanning 60 feet in length and 10 feet in height, signed twice by the artist in English and Hindi, it was a bold fusion of public architecture and modern Indian art at a time when such collaborations were rare. Its journey, however, has been anything but straightforward. In 2019, the WHO building — designed by legendary CPWD architect Habib Rahman — was declared structurally unsafe and demolished. A wall painting of this scale had to be extricated intact -- a feat hitherto never attempted anywhere in Asia. The task was unprecedented, and the risks immense.

An unlikely rescue Unlike a canvas, Husain’s mural was painted directly onto a plaster wall inside a conference room. To save it, a team of conservators from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) spent around six months cutting through brick and mortar, slicing the mural into six massive panels before transporting them to a climate-controlled storage facility. WHO itself acknowledged the scale of the feat.

A 2019 regional committee document noted: “This was an ambitious and complicated project with the most modern technical procedures being implemented for the safe removal of the artwork, a feat hitherto never attempted anywhere in Asia.” For four years, the mural lay in crates, awaiting the rise of the new WHO complex. That moment has now come. Reinstalled in the lobby of the organisation’s middle tower -- insead of being tucked away in a conference room where few saw it up close -- the work will soon greet every visitor as they step into the gleaming new headquarters at IP Estate. “The mural has been reinstalled in the reception area of the building,” an NBCC spokesperson confirmed.

“Final finishing work will be carried out once the building is dust-free.” “The most effective and least harmful way to remove artworks was to move them en bloc while attached and this procedure is only permitted under the supervision of structural engineers and conservators. So, INTACH collaborated with diamond saw cutting experts to protect murals from damage. Prior to any dismantling work, five protective layers and a dummy wall were prepared to test the saw’s efficacy, ensuring conservators were prepared for any eventualities,” according to an INTACH newsletter, which detailed the process.

Part of an iconic building
Its return also resurrects memories of the building it once adorned. Conceived in 1962, the WHO office was among the most expensive public projects of its time. Its architect, Habib Rahman -- Padma Bhushan awardee, modernist pioneer, and the designer of many post-Independence landmarks -- saw art as inseparable from public architecture. In a little-known policy shift in 1956, then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had mandated that 2% of the cost of public buildings be devoted to art. According to an unpublished interview of Rahman from the 1980s, shared by his son photographer Ram Rahman with HT, “CPWD set up the ‘decoration committee’ of which I was a member. The name of the committee is significant as it sums up the attitude of the engineer-overlords to the arts in general. My WHO building and the Indraprastha Bhawan benefited.” Ram pointed out that Husain made three major public murals in Delhi in the early 1960s: “Hussain did two long mural paintings for the auditorium at WHO, and the exterior tile mural at Indraprastha Bhawan in 1963-65 and the CSIR building on Rafi Marg.” “The one in the WHO building was an interior mural painted directly on the brick and plaster wall of the conference room.

That is why its removal and preservation was such a technical challenge,” Rahman explained. “This is not a canvas that can be rolled up. Entire portions of the wall had to be extracted. That in itself shows the significance of the painting.” For Ram, the building was also a milestone in India’s architectural journey. “When my father passed away in 1995, architect Joseph Stein said the WHO building was his finest creation,” he recalled. The mural speaks not only of medicine but also of an era of ambition – when India’s newly independent state attempted to embed art into everyday life. Husain, already recognised as a leading figure of modern Indian art, painted the mural on the walls of the conference hall in his unmistakable form -- sweeping brushstrokes and bold colours. It depicted the history of medicine, from the traditional Ayurveda to modern medicine.

It also shows Lord Hanuman bringing the Sanjeevini Booty from the Himalayas. Officials from NBCC, tasked with the campus redevelopment, said the new WHO towers are 99% complete and will be handed over by September 2025. But for Delhi’s cultural memory, the homecoming has already happened. “The MF Hussain mural has been reinstalled in the reception area of the building. At present, the murals are kept covered and the final finishing work of the mural shall be done after September when the building shall be dust free,” said an NBCC spokesperson. And so, more than 60 years after Husain first stood on scaffolding to paint it, his brushstrokes once again animate walls, reclaiming their place in the public eye. For now, covered under protective sheets, they wait to be unveiled, ready to catch the gaze of health workers, diplomats, and everyday visitors, giving back Delhi a part of its modernist legacy.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/mf-husain-s-1963-mural-returns-to-delhi-after-six-years-in-storage-101757714880851.html, September 17, 2025

Documentation of ancient site in Rewa district of MP by INTACH using drones for first time. The 1000-year-old Lord Shiva temple in Rewa district has been documented for the first time. It is part of a project for the renovation of the ancient temple housing the horizontal stone idol of Bhairav, a form of Lord Shiva, which is 28 feet long and 12 feet wide. The documentation was done by the Bhopal chapter of The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) using drones. The renovation project is being taken up at the initiative of deputy chief minister Rajendra Shukla, who represents Rewa Assembly constituency. The monumental sculpture of Kaal Bhairav, the fierce form of Lord Shiva revered as a guardian deity in Shaivism, is located in Khamdih village, 6 km from Gurh in Rewa district. Set on the left bank of Bichhia River, about 23 km from Rewa town, it lies amidst the scenic Vindhyan Kaimur range. Carved from red sandstone during the Kalachuri dynasty of Tripuri (10th–11th century CE), the sculpture was recently finished with a black polish using traditional Orissan techniques. Though originally conceived as a standing figure, it now rests horizontally. “Why the idol was not installed in a standing position is something we don’t know about,” says MM Upadhyay, who heads the Bhopal Chapter of INTACH. The temple stands beside a lake whose waters are believed to have healing powers. Worship at this site is associated with protection from evil and removal of fear. The deity appears in Chaturbhuja form. The upper right hand holds a trident and lower right hand carries Rudraksha Mala. The upper left hand bears a Trishir Nag, while the lower left hand carries a Beej Phal. The figure is adorned with a crown, earrings, a sacred thread, and multiple necklaces. Four attendants flank the deity, two seated and two in Anjali Mudra highlighting Bhairav’s role as cosmic protector, Upadhyay said.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/1000-year-old-temple-housing-28-foot-shiva-idol-to-be-renovated-in-mps-rewa-district, September 18, 2025

INTACH plans to honour Saragarhi martyr by tuning his village into a destination for military and border tourism. Among the countless stories of Punjabi valour, the Battle of Saragarhi, fought on September 12, 1897, stands tall as one of the greatest last stands in world military history. Staring death in the face, 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment (now 4 Sikh) of the British Indian Army fought against 10,000 Afghan tribesmen, choosing honour over life and fighting till their last breath. The Saragarhi post, a signalling station located between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the Samana Hill range (now in Pakistan), was the site of this heroic stand.

Among the martyrs was Naik Lal Singh, second-in-command of the contingent, who hailed from the quaint village of Dhun Dhia in Tarn Taran, Punjab. Though it may appear like any other rural settlement in terms of geography and lifestyle, Dhun Dhia holds a place of immense historical pride due to its association with Lal Singh. Now, INTACH Punjab has proposed to develop the site into a destination for military and border tourism. To commemorate Naik Lal Singh’s martyrdom, INTACH Punjab held a special ceremony today at Dhun Dhia. “Punjab’s villages have long been the cradle of warriors, nurtured by a spirit of resilience and valour rooted in Sikh teachings and Punjabi culture. Naik Lal Singh’s story, woven into the larger tapestry of the Saragarhi battle, reflects both the individual courage of a Sikh soldier and the collective ethos of Punjab’s martial tradition,” said Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (Retd), Convenor, INTACH Punjab. “Growing up in such an environment, Lal Singh would have been immersed in stories of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Khalsa warriors, the sacrifices of Baba Deep Singh and the unrelenting spirit of Punjab’s defenders. For his village, Lal Singh remains a son who brought eternal honour. Therefore, we want to develop this place as a site that inspires and tells the story of this brave son to a wider audience,” he added. For Dhun Dhia, the martyrdom of Naik Lal Singh is a defining moment. Villagers have passed down his story with immense pride, weaving it into local memory and identity. The village is now associated not only with agriculture but also with a deep-rooted martial valour. To this day, the people of Dhun Dhia honour and cherish their connection to the legacy of Saragarhi. Maj Gen RS Manral, the chief guest at today’s event, said, “Punjab’s contribution cannot be forgotten.” He also encouraged the youth to come forward and join the armed forces. Troops of the Grenadiers’ Regiment from the Golden Arrow Division gave a guard of honour to martyr Naik Lal Singh during the ceremony.

Maj Gen Balwinder Singh, who has been the driving force behind efforts to highlight Punjab’s military heritage, added that INTACH is making every effort to revive the region’s cultural legacy. “The Heritage Well, located next to the memorial and believed by locals to have belonged to Lal Singh, was in a dilapidated condition. It has now been restored to its original glory by INTACH. We plan to set up a museum here and have already preserved a piece of original stone from the Saragarhi fort at this location. The earthen buckets excavated from the well date back to the pre-British era,” he said.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/legacy-of-saragarhi-lives-on-in-naik-lal-singhs-dhun-dhia-village/amp/, September 18, 2025

The Ministry of Culture on Tuesday initiated consultations with international partners to secure the inclusion of Chhath Mahaparva in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The meeting, held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi, brought together senior diplomatic representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Suriname, and the Netherlands to discuss a multinational nomination under UNESCO’s 2003 Convention. The consultations were chaired by Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, and attended by officials from the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of External Affairs, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and IGNCA. Representatives from the participating countries welcomed the initiative, acknowledged the festival’s cultural significance among diaspora communities, and assured full support for the nomination.

Later in the evening, the Culture Secretary held a virtual interaction with Indian envoys to Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, UAE, and the Netherlands, who pledged cooperation in identifying communities and facilitating data for the nomination process. Officials said that recognition of Chhath Mahaparva by UNESCO would not only highlight India’s rich living traditions globally but also ensure their systematic documentation and preservation for future generations. The move is also seen as a step to strengthen cultural pride among the Indian diaspora and deepen international cultural cooperation.

India currently has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The proposed multinational nomination of Chhath Mahaparva for the 2026-27 cycle is being viewed as another milestone in India’s cultural diplomacy and commitment to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Chhath Mahaparva, dedicated to the Sun God and Goddess Chhathi Maiya, is among India’s oldest festivals and is widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and by diaspora communities across the world. Known for its ecological ethos and emphasis on equality, the festival promotes sustainability, inclusivity, and community spirit, transcending caste, creed, and religion.

https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-initiates-multinational-bid-to-nominate-chhath-mahaparva-for-unesco-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/, September 19, 2025

Ever year on September 9, personnel of the Army’s Golden Arrow division, gather at the mausoleum of Abdul Hamid at Asal Uttar village in Tarn Taran to acknowledge his valour. As part of the diamond jubilee (60th anniversary) of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, the Army in collaboration with INTACH Punjab, led by Maj Gen Balwinder Singh, who is convener, INTACH Punjab, is going to throw open the first military heritage site of Punjab which will contain a selfie point, Company Quarter Master Havildar (CQMH) Abdul Hamid with an RCL gun mounted on a jeep with which he destroyed seven Patton tanks, a photo gallery on him, the audio-visual room narrating the story of the war and a museum showing the three wars. A 72-feet high flag will also be unfurled this year.

The first “Military Heritage War Museum” of Punjab with audio-visual depiction is going to open for public on this day with the motto of “Let this site forever echo the legacy of sacrifice, resilience and patriotism”. It has been erected by the Golden Arrow Division of the Indian Army in collaboration with INTACH Punjab. Ever year on September 9, personnel of the Army’s Golden Arrow division, gather at the mausoleum of Abdul Hamid at Asal Uttar village in Tarn Taran to acknowledge his valour in stopping the advancing Pakistani tanks, saving the nation from the ignominy of defeat and helped thwart the Pakistan’s attempts to cut off Amritsar and Tarn Taran which were then one district. This year, they will gather here in the last week of September due to floods hitting the region. The 1965 war is known for Pakistan pressing in its most advanced Patton tank and the exemplary leadership displayed by Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, GOC-in-C of the Western Army Command, and the valour displayed by Abdul Hamid.

Dr Baljit Kaur, convener, Tarn Taran chapter of INTACH, said the 1965 war had come after the 1962 India- China war in which India had lost men and weapons. India was raising divisions to fight the world’s second largest tank battle. The Indian Army destroyed 97 enemy tanks which included 72 Patton tanks which were lined up in Bhikhiwind, attracting people from the rest of the country to visit the place to see themselves the trophies of war. After losing in Jammu and Kashmir and Sialkot sectors, Pakistan had planned a move to cut off the Majha region through a well-orchestrated armoured move by deploying the American Patton tanks on the Khemkaran side for fast movement towards the Beas river to isolate the city of Amritsar and adjoining areas to gain an upper hand and bargaining power. However, Lt-Gen Harbaksh Singh gained credible information through the wireless communication of the Pakistani Division Commandant about their move, regrouped armoured and infantry troops in that area and breached the strategic canal to halt the advancement of the Patton tanks. Lt Gen Harbakhsh Singh displayed exemplary leadership that was crucial in maintaining India’s defensive posture and morale. His ability to anticipate enemy moves and prepare accordingly was a key factor in India’s successful defence.

The successful defence of Punjab, particularly the decisive victory at Khemkaran, stands testament to his military genius. His legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations and a reminder of the importance of strategic thinking, adaptability and unwavering commitment in the face of national security challenges. In the 1965 Indo-Pak war, the Pattons were the pride of Pakistan army and were considered unmatched and unbeatable. These Patton tanks suffered heavy attrition along the western front. In the famous battle of Asal Uttar in Khemkaran sector, Tarn Taran, a total of 97 tanks were destroyed of which 72 were Pattons. The area of Asal Uttar and Chima became the ‘Graveyard of Pattons’. These tanks were later collected and brought to Bhikhiwind, which was rechristened at that time as "Patton Nagar". The Indian Army repulsed a formidable armoured offensive, halting the advance of the enemy and securing a historic victory that safeguarded the sovereignty of India. This clearly brings out the fact that, “It is not the machine, but the man behind the machine that matters".

https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-initiates-multinational-bid-to-nominate-chhath-mahaparva-for-unesco-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/, September 22, 2025

The Odisha chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the State government to take immediate steps for the conservation of the medieval-era Gohiratikiri battlefield, now in ruins, to preserve it for future generations. The Odisha chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the State government to take immediate steps for the conservation of the medieval-era Gohiratikiri battlefield, now in ruins, to preserve it for future generations.

The historical site of Gohiratiki, situated in the Dhamnagar Panchayat Samiti on the western bank of the Genguti River in Bhadrak district holds deep historical, mythological, and cultural significance, according to historian Anil Dhir. “Gohiratikiri is no less important than the other battlefields like Panipat, Plassey, Haldighati, Talikota, or Khanwa. The battle that occurred not only shaped the political landscape of medieval Odisha but also influenced the cultural narratives that followed,” Dhir emphasized. “Preserving the site is vital for understanding the complex legacies it carries, both the triumphs and tragedies of history.” One of the last independent rulers of Odisha, Gajapati Mukunda Dev, was martyred at Gohiratikiri in 1568 during a battle against the Muslim rulers of Bengal.

Facing imminent attack, the king had marched with his army and camped in a dense forest west of the Genguti River. Fortifications, watchtowers, barracks, and water tanks were constructed under his command, according to historical documents. This site has historical significance, in view of the fact that the last independent king of Odisha, Gajapati Mukunda Dev, was martyred at Gohiratikiri in 1568 during a battle against the Muslim rulers of Bengal.Facing imminent attack, the king had marched with his army and camped in a dense forest west of the Genguti River.

Fortifications, watchtowers, barracks, and water tanks were constructed under his command, according to historical documents. Several of the ponds built for troop sustenance, including Nauri Gadia, Gobind Gadia, Rani Gadia, and Bela Gadia, still exist today. A large water tank named Senapati Pokhari, located northeast of the site, lies in neglect, while another, Alamchand Pokhari, is buried under soil and overgrowth. A Radha-Krishna temple now stands in the middle of one of these tanks, Dhir noted. The descendants of the Kshatriyas of the Udra clan, who claim lineage from ancient rulers, continue to reside in surrounding villages, keeping the memory of Gohiratikiri alive. A team from INTACH, led by State Convener Biswajit Mohanty, visited the site and observed that the original battlefield has significantly shrunk in size over the years and is now surrounded by farmland. Despite its historical importance this last bastion of Independent Odisha is fading into oblivion, neither the state administration nor the tourism department has taken steps to protect or develop the site. Calling the battlefield the “last bastion of Independent Odisha,” INTACH has submitted a proposal for the construction of a memorial and a site museum, offering its full support for the project.

"Battlefields are more than sites of conflict — they are sacred grounds that encapsulate the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs of our history, Indian history is richly marked by numerous decisive battles that shaped its political, social, and cultural landscape” Dhir said. “From early tribal wars and dynastic rivalries to colonial invasions and the fight for independence, these conflicts have defined empires, altered territorial boundaries and shaped Odisha’s destiny,” historian Dhir said.

https://www.thestatesman.com/india/intach-odisha-chapter-seeks-conservation-of-gohiratikiri-battlefield-for-posterity-1503491336.html, September 23, 2025

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Sikkim Chapter under the aegis of Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) organized the INTACH National Quiz 2025 on September 19. It was held for students of Class 7 to 10 at Modern Senior Secondary School, Tathangchen. It is part of an annual event conducted across Indian cities to raise awareness about India’s natural, built and material heritage, a press release informs. This year, there were a total of 54 students representing 27 teams from different schools across Gangtok. The participating schools included Baha’i Senior Secondary School, Enchey Senior Secondary School, Greendale Senior Secondary School, Holy Cross School, Modern Senior Secondary School, Taktse International School, Tathangchen Secondary School, and West Point Senior Secondary School. The quiz started with the written round where each team had to answer 20 questions on national heritage, Sikkim’s heritage and INTACH. This round was very competitive as it was also the eliminating round, and the top four scoring team would reach the final oral round. Interestingly, there was a tie for the fourth place between Enchey Secondary School and Holy Cross School as the latter eventually secured their spot for the final round. The four finalists included two teams from Modern Senior Secondary School, Taktse International School and Holy Cross School. Hosted by Dr. James V. Haokip, INTACH member, it was a thrilling round of questions on Indian culture, personalities, Northeast India, Sikkim and INTACH, there was again a tie for second place between Modern Senior Secondary School and Taktse International School. After a tight battle of three more rounds, Taktse International school secured second place. The winning team of Newin Rai and Yashvir Singh from Holy Cross School took the first place for the INTACH National Heritage Quiz 2025. Second place went to Rigzor Gyatsho Denzongpa and Tenzing Choeki Bhutia from Taktse International School. The third place went to Sama Pervin and Tenzing Tashi Sherpa of Modern Senior Secondary School, the release mentions. Mala Jigdal Dorjee, principal, Modern Senior Secondary School, congratulated and awarded the winners with medals and certificates for their brilliant performance. The event ended with certificate distribution ceremony for all participants. Holy Cross School will now be representing Sikkim for the Northeast regional-level competition which will be held in Guwahati later this year, the release mentions.

https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/holy-cross-school-wins-state-level-intach-national-heritage-quiz-2025, September 24, 2025

The prehistoric geoglyphs of the Konkan coast — presented for World Heritage Sites nomination — could date back as far as 24,000 years and be among the oldest known rock art traditions in the world, Maharashtra's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums told TOI on Saturday. Earlier estimates placed the age of many Konkan geoglyphs at around 10,000 years. "Recent investigations suggested a much older time frame — possibly 24,000 years — based on excavations and stratigraphic evidence from Koloshi caves," an official from the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Maharashtra, told TOI. Officials said recent excavations at Koloshi caves in the Konkan belt yielded cultural layers around 38,000 years old. "To be on the safer side, we are dating the geoglyphs presented for World Heritage Sites nomination around 24,000 years.

They appear to have continued till the historical period," the official said.Cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar has sanctioned a Rs4.5 crore "geoglyph desk" to fund research and a documentary on the tentative-list sites, which officials said could be aired on platforms such as National Geographic or Discovery, as part of efforts to bolster Maharashtra's Unesco World Heritage bid. The state archaeology department's official dossier submitted to Unesco compares the Konkan carvings with international sites such as Peru's Nazca lines, Chile's Atacama Giant and California's Blythe intaglios. It notes that while the Konkan engravings are smaller in scale than these global sites, they are more intricate, carved into hard laterite using stone and metal tools.

Unlike the desert geoglyphs, the Konkan panels depict a wide range of animals, including rhinoceros and hippopotamus, that vanished from the region thousands of years ago. The dossier lists nine sites — Kasheli, Barsu, Jambharun, Ukshi, Rundhye Tali, Devache Gothane, Devi Hasol and Kudopi in Maharashtra, and Phansaymal in Goa — and notes features not reported earlier. At Devache Gothane near Ratnagiri, a standing human figure is linked to an "unusual magnetic deflection" flagged for scientific study. At Barsu, a carving of a man flanked by two tigers resembles motifs on Harappan seals, while microliths found beside Kasheli's giant elephant suggest human presence in the terminal Pleistocene. The dossier also records ritual continuity at Devi Hasol, where a carved panel remains part of ceremonies at the Aryadurga temple. There are plans to make the eight geoglyphs in Maharashtra ticketed heritage sites because these are under private ownership.

The directorate has involved local landowners, as the geoglyphs are all on private land. Owners have given consent for conservation works. They are being encouraged to form societies to manage the sites and collect entry fees. The directorate has completed two key steps in the World Heritage process - submission of the preliminary nomination, accepted by ASI and UNESCO, and a preliminary assessment report this month. The ASI will now forward it to the World Heritage Centre, with a view to place the bid in the 2027-28 cycle. The Directorate credited Sudhir Risbud of Nisargyatri Sanstha for first noticing the geoglyphs and bringing them to its notice, after which systematic scientific research was undertaken. The state authorities have moved to protect the sites under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments Act. "Out of eight identified locations in the state, five have been notified, with the rest expected by the year-end. Conservation works, including stone fencing, information boards and basic visitor facilities, have begun. By the time the Unesco team comes, they should be able to see the efforts taken," Maharashtra's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums director Tejas Garge said.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/konkan-coast-geoglyphs-may-be-24000-years-old-says-state-directorate-of-archaeology/articleshowprint/124019912.cms, September 25, 2025

Historic Gujarat town with 3,000-year-old heritage submitted for preliminary assessment, highlighting trade, culture, and ancient architecture. The Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO in Paris has submitted the nomination of Vadnagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthplace in Gujarat, for preliminary assessment at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The move coincided with the Prime Minister’s birthday on Wednesday.

India’s Permanent Ambassador to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma, said Vadnagar’s history spans nearly 3,000 years, dating back to 800–900 BCE. “On this special occasion, we extend our warm birthday wishes to him,” Sharma said, highlighting the town’s antiquity and heritage. The nomination marks the first step in UNESCO’s two-stage process. The preliminary assessment will evaluate whether Vadnagar demonstrates “Outstanding Universal Value,” meets cultural significance criteria, and has adequate protection and management systems in place. Only then can it proceed to formal inscription on the World Heritage List. India currently has 69 sites on UNESCO’s Tentative List, several awaiting review for years, including the Temples at Bishnupur in West Bengal, Mughal Gardens in Kashmir, and Odisha’s Ekamra Kshetra.

Located in Mehsana district, Vadnagar has evidence of continuous habitation for about 2,700 years. Excavations by Gujarat’s Directorate of Archaeology and the Archaeological Survey of India revealed seven successive cultural periods from pre-2nd century BCE to the 19th century CE. Strategically situated at the crossroads of major ancient trade routes, Vadnagar connected central India to Sindh and northwest regions, as well as Gujarat’s port towns to northern India.

Artefacts uncovered include Mesopotamian jars, Roman coin impressions, Greco-Indian coin moulds, Mamluk gold coins, shell bangles, cowry shells from the Maldives, and Indo-Pacific beads, pointing to extensive trade links with West Asia and the Mediterranean. Built around Sharmishtha Lake, Vadnagar retains its medieval fortifications, gates, and layers of cultural history. Excavations have unearthed Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and industrial areas, underscoring its evolution as a fortified settlement, mercantile hub, and religious centre.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/vadnagar-modis-birthplace-nominated-for-unesco-world-heritage-status-1905127, September 26, 2025

The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will organise a week-long photo exhibition titled “Album of the Porches“, documenting traditional Mangalorean Catholic houses. It will be inaugurated on Saturday at Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, Ballalbagh, in the presence of Ronald Gomes, president of the Catholic Association of South Kanara, and remain open to the public until October 11, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. A release here said Mangaluru is renowned for its traditional Mangalorean Catholic houses, which reflect a mix of European and local architectural styles, adapted to the South Indian landscape. Verandas welcomed guests, private altars anchored daily devotion and the iconic Mangalore tile roof crowned generations of family memory.

INTACH’s project has documented 27 such houses across the city, capturing their architectural features, history and cultural significance. Led by Subhas Basu, architect and convener of INTACH Mangaluru Chapter, the project team included photographer Murali Abbemane and researcher Sharvani Bhat, with Harriet Vidyasagar, Michael Lobo, Nayana Fernandes and Vincent D’Souza providing insights into the homes’ history and cultural context. Notable houses documented include Ferndale, linked to Lawrence Fernandes, a key contributor to Father Muller Hospital; Nandigudda House, associated with Derek and Patsy Lobo and their family lineage; and Camelot, home of researcher and genealogist Michael Lobo, each with layered personal and historical narratives. Some houses were photographed both internally and externally, while others were recorded externally due to access limitations.

Several houses remain occupied, some are empty and a few have been sold or demolished, forming a valuable record of the community’s heritage. The exhibition captures these houses and their stories, including other Christian heritage homes influenced by Colonial architecture. An accompanying album-book is planned to preserve this legacy for future generations. At a time when rapid urban development threatens to erase much of this history, the project serves both as documentation and preservation, the release said.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/intach-to-host-album-of-the-porches-photography-exhibition-on-traditional-mangalorean-catholic-houses/article70121490.ece, September 29, 2025

Bhubaneswar hosts the state-level quiz to foster awareness of India’s and Odisha’s rich cultural heritage among young learners. The Odisha State Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) conducted its annual State level Heritage Quiz, engaging over 1,500 students from 25 schools across the state. The initiative aims to cultivate awareness and appreciation of India’s and Odisha’s cultural legacy among young minds. The intellectually charged competition, organized under the guidance of Bhubaneswar Chapter Convener Anil Dhir, saw students impress with their depth of knowledge and keen understanding of heritage. Five teams from Baripada, Balangir, Balasore, and Bhubaneswar advanced to the State-level round, demonstrating remarkable aptitude and enthusiasm. The winning team from D. N. Wisdom Tree Global School, Bhubaneswar—Rehan Ankit and S. G. Anul Selvan—stood out for their exceptional performance, reflecting dedication, analytical skills, and mastery over complex heritage topics. Dr. Biswajit Mohanty, State Convener of INTACH Odisha, emphasized the importance of nurturing custodianship of heritage among children, stating, “The wealth of the treasure that we have in India, the heritage inherited from our ancestors, should be preserved and passed on responsibly to future generations. This quiz provides exposure and awareness for children to become conscious custodians of our cultural legacy.” Alongside the quiz, INTACH encourages heritage engagement through clubs in schools that host speakers and competitions such as essay writing, painting, and sketching on heritage themes. The victorious team from Odisha will now represent the state at the National Level INTACH Heritage Quiz in New Delhi this December.

https://boldnewsonline.com/over-1500-students-compete-in-intach-odisha-state-heritage-quiz/, September 30, 2025