The Indian National Trust For Art And Culture Heritage - INTACH Madurai Chapter conducted a quiz at APT Duraisamy School , Anupanadi , Madurai on September 31 (Monday). According to a press release, from 12 schools, 75 students got registered and participated in the quiz programme. With each team consisting of two students 36 teams were formed. The first round had questions based on India's heritage, history, culture, crafts and art, wildlife and architecture from which the top four teams were selected for the next round, which was an audio quiz, related to Tamil Nadu about the food, land mass, martial arts, archaeological sites, power plants and symbols.

The third round comprised visual quiz, which covered about elephants. INTACH convenor Vani Chenguttuven said that the entire quiz was an effort to create awareness among the participants of the country’s heritage, culture and other spheres. Prizes were given to S. Raghunandan and S. Raghugunan from Mahatma Global Gateway, Krithicvel T and Rithik SM from Mahatma School on the occasion, said INTACH Education committee member Hema Arun, the release added.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Ambala, has won the Best Chapter Award for the 8th consecutive time. Colonel (retd) RD Singh, Convenor, INTACH-Ambala, said “Among 237 Chapters in the country, INTACH-Ambala was declared the Best Chapter for conducting an outstanding national painting competition, ‘Tree of Life,’ in December last year. As many as 124 children from over 23 schools participated in the competition.

Ambala has been at the forefront of preserving our rich heritage and culture by spreading awareness and cultivating good values in our youth.” The Colonel added that the Chapter conducted heritage walks, quizzes, painting competitions and art and craft workshops regularly. “We also train children to make short films on saving our environment, nature and ethical values,” he said. RD further said, “Ambala has a number of heritage sites. INTACH’s mission to conserve our heritage is based on the belief that living in harmony with heritage enhances the quality of life, and it is the duty of every citizen of India as laid down in the Constitution.

INTACH-Ambala was raised in the year 2000, with Dr Deshbandhu as its first chairman. Today, Ambala is a leading Chapter in the country with over 50 members and a large number of supporters." RD said he personally visited various schools and colleges to spread the message of INTACH among the youth. “We have created WhatsApp groups with principals and teachers for direct communication and keep them posted on INTACH’s activities. Ambala won its first Best Chapter Award in 2018, and since then it has emerged as the best-performing Chapter for eight consecutive years,” he added.

Host school secures first and second positions; Presentation Convent School bags third place. Jodhamal Public School emerged as the top performer at the INTACH Heritage Quiz 2026, securing both the first and second positions, while Presentation Convent School finished third. The quiz was organised by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Jammu Chapter, and hosted at Jodhamal Public School, bringing together students from leading schools across Jammu to celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage.

A total of 12 schools participated in the competition, including Mount Litera, Army Public School Jammu Cantt, Presentation Convent School, Army Public School Nagrota, Model Academy, Army Public School BD Bari, International Delhi Public School RS Pura, Indian Public School, Kidzee Kathua, MV International School, Jodhamal Public School, Army Public School Akhnoor and Army Public School Damana. The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Arvind Kotwal, JKAS (Retd.), was the chief guest, while Prof A.K. Raina, K.K. Sharma, Dr Rajesh Sharma and Dr Satwant Singh also attended the programme. The quiz was conducted in two phases.

A written preliminary round tested participants’ knowledge before qualifying teams advanced to the stage round, which featured segments on Your State, Your City and INTACH, along with visual rounds. Jodhamal Public School’s performance reflected strong preparation and knowledge of heritage-related subjects, while the competition also highlighted students’ confidence, presence of mind and awareness of India’s history, culture, monuments and traditions. The event was organised by Deepali Sharma, Bhawna Madaan, Bhavna Rohmetra, Anjali Gupta and Namrata Sharma, CCA Senior Coordinator. The guests appreciated INTACH and Jodhamal Public School for providing a platform that combined learning, competition and heritage awareness, stressing the importance of familiarising young people with India’s cultural inheritance.

INTACH’s South Odisha convenor Sudhansu Pati also stated that the structure can be identified only after a detailed survey and excavation. A temple, locals believe to be dedicated to Goddess Gangadevi, has resurfaced at the sea beach near Podampeta in Ganjam, attracting large numbers of visitors. The upper portion of the structure, including what is reportedly the Dadhinauti, the crowning element of a traditional temple, emerged from beneath the sand on August 29 after seawater receded along the coastline. This has generated widespread interest, with people flocking to the beach to witness the structure.

Some visitors have also joined locals in removing sand from around the structure. Locals believe the structure is the Gangadevi temple, which was built by villagers and is believed to have been swallowed by the sea in the late 1990s. Academician Sabar Tarai, who recalled his grandfather’s account of the temple, said the shrine could not be formally consecrated before the settlement and the temple were engulfed by the sea.

However, the exact identity, age and historical significance of the structure have not yet been officially established. Sources said an archaeological survey, along with verification of government records, would be necessary to establish the structure’s history. Incidentally, around two years ago, archaeological excavations were conducted at Palur, also known as Prayagi, around eight km from Rambha, by the Odisha Institute of Maritime and South East Asian Studies (OIMSEAS) under the department of Culture.

Sunil Patnaik, senior archaeologist and director (Excavation) of OIMSEAS said nearly 70 archaeological sites have also been documented in and around Palur, including areas near Podampeta. However, he said that the nature of the structure can only be established through extensive scientific excavation. INTACH’s South Odisha convenor Sudhansu Pati also stated that the structure can be identified only after a detailed survey and excavation.

The archaeological discoveries include a ‘Kirtimukh’ motif, which is traditionally carved above temple doorways, and a carved capital of a temple pillar. Ancient relics dating between the 14th and 16th centuries, indicating the existence of an ancient temple complex and a corridor, have been found during restoration work at the old site of Saptakoteshwar temple in Goa’s Divar island, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Thursday. The archaeological discoveries include a ‘Kirtimukh’ motif, which is traditionally carved above temple doorways, and a carved capital of a temple pillar. The CM said these successive era temple relics are an important archaeological discovery that strengthen the historical chronology and sacred legacy of this ancient site in Goa. In a post on X, Sawant said important archaeological discoveries have emerged during the restoration work at the sacred site of Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple in Divar.

"Relics and remains dating between the 14th and 16th centuries have been found along the old pathway between Koti Tirth and Madhavachi Talli, indicating the existence of an ancient temple complex and sacred corridor," he wrote. "Among the significant finds are a Kirtimukh motif traditionally carved above temple doorways, a carved capital of a temple pillar and parts of Dev Khostam used for placing idols. The variety of stone typologies and temple motifs points towards successive reconstruction of the temple during the Vijayanagar period, following the destruction of the earlier Kadamba period temple," he added.

Sawant announced the findings a day ahead of a programme titled "Udakshanti and Ganga Pujan" organised by the Department of Archives under the “Kotiteerth Corridor Development Project", which is being built as a pilgrimage site for temples destroyed during the Portuguese rule, starting the 16th century. The CM said these successive era temple relics are an important archaeological discovery that strengthen the historical chronology and sacred legacy of this ancient site in Goa, adding that the government remains committed to preserving and restoring the state’s rich civilisational heritage.

In September last year, Sawant had announced that the cabinet had granted approval for development of a ‘Koti Tirth corridor’, where a new Saptakoteshwar temple – destroyed during Portuguese rule in the state - would be constructed at the old historic site in Divar. Sawant had said that nearly 1,000 temples in Goa were destroyed by the Portuguese and the project was part of the government’s effort to restore such places of worship. The government formed a high-level committee last year chaired by the secretary of the archaeology department to plan, execute, and oversee the development of the corridor.

"It was everyone’s opinion that if so many temples were demolished…this kind of a corridor will be established and a big temple will be built on 10,000 square metres of land by the government so that we have a memorial where people can worship," Sawant said at the time. According to historical records, the site of Saptakoteshwar temple at Naroa in Divar existed during the Kadamba dynasty (10th to 14th century).

The rock cut tank of the temple was called ‘Koti-Tirth’. The temple was destroyed during the Bahmani rule and it was subsequently rebuilt in 1391 by a minister in the Vijayanagar kingdom. The Portuguese destroyed the temple in the 16th century. The deity’s idol was shifted across the river to Bicholim, where Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established a new temple in 1668. The Goa government had also formed an expert committee in 2023 to scrutinise applications for consideration and selection of suitable sites for reconstruction and restoration of temples destroyed during Portuguese rule in the state. In its report to the archaeology department, the expert committee observed that "more than a thousand temples were destroyed" and recommended a temple memorial (Smarak Devalaya) to be built in the erstwhile Old Conquests areas.

"Keeping in mind the large number of temples and deities which existed in Goa during the pre-Portuguese period which were destroyed by the Portuguese… the committee recommends a temple memorial to be built, anywhere in the erstwhile Old Conquests, consisting of the modern Salcete, Bardez and Tiswadi talukas, which bore the brunt of the temple destruction spree of the Goa Inquisition and colonial policies… and re-establishing those deities whose original sites have been usurped by the colonial rule," the report said.

At Kumhar Tekri in Ujjain, a hillock in western Madhya Pradesh, 42 skeletons discovered nearly nine decades ago continue to pose an archaeological mystery. The human remains, comprising adults and children, males and females were found in strikingly diverse positions: face down, on their backs, seated, twisted, and with legs raised and folded. While some individuals were buried, others were cremated.

Unearthed during a 1938–39 trial excavation by the Gwalior State's archaeological department under British rule, the site features shell jewellery, urns filled with ashes and bones, as well as cups and dishes scattered among the remains. The site is estimated to date back to around the 3rd century BC, though an earlier origin remains possible. The better-preserved skeletons were originally dispatched for anthropological analysis and are currently held by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Kolkata. To uncover missing historical context, ASI’s regional office has requested permission from its headquarters to excavate the neighboring Vaishya Tekri, situated roughly 2 km from Kumhar Tekri (Potters' Hill).

Vaishya Tekri houses a stupa nearly three times the diameter of the Sanchi stupa, which experts believe could yield vital clue about the burials. Veena Mushrif-Tripathy, an associate professor of biological anthropology at Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute in Pune who examined the remains in 2007–08, advocates for applying modern scientific methods—including AMS (advanced radiocarbon) dating, DNA testing, and isotope analysis—to determine the individuals' age, sex, ancestry, and dietary habits. Advanced study of their distinct morphological traits and shell ornaments could also evaluate the original researchers' hypothes that the location belonged to a distinct population group.

"It is difficult to confirm cultural identity just from burial positions, most probably, these were people from different groups or communities,” she noted, pointing out that the simultaneous presence of both burial and cremation practices at a single site reinforces this likelihood. Dr. Shivakant Bajpai, superintending archaeologist at ASI’s Bhopal circle, emphasized that excavating Vaishya Tekri could frame the Kumhar Tekri skeletons within a broader archaeological setting, ultimately helping researchers ascertain the identity of these ancient people.

Stone relics believed to date from the 14th to the 16th century have been discovered near the Koti Tirtha tank on Divar Island during preparatory work for the Koti Tirtha Corridor project. The finds have not yet undergone detailed scientific or archaeological study, but will be placed on public display at a programme at the site on Friday to mark Gokulashtami. The discovery comes as work advances on the Koti Tirtha Corridor project, being executed by the directorate of archaeology through the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) at the Saptakoteshwar temple site. The state cabinet approved the corridor’s development last Sep, with the project intended to commemorate the destruction of temples during the 450-year Portuguese regime. Chief minister Pramod Sawant said the relics point to “the existence of an ancient temple complex and sacred corridor".

He added that the “variety of stone typologies and temple motifs points towards successive reconstruction of the temple during the Vijayanagar period, following the destruction of the earlier Kadamba period temple”. According to Sawant, these relics from multiple eras are “an important archaeological discovery that strengthens the historical chronology and sacred legacy of this ancient site in Goa".

Director of archaeology Nilesh Faldesai told TOI that the artefacts appear to be remnants of older structures, possibly parts of pillars or other architectural elements. He said they were found near the Saptakoteshwar temple and the Koti Tirtha tali (tank) as workers carried out cleaning, pathway reconstruction, and other preparations for Friday’s programme. Among the objects recovered is an anthropomorphic or zoomorphic carved motif resembling a Kirtimukha, a decorative element commonly associated with medieval architecture. Faldesai said the Kirtimukha is believed to have belonged to a temple, though this has not yet been confirmed through archaeological examination.

He noted that the absence of inscriptions currently prevents definitive attribution to a specific dynasty or monument. Additional director of archives Balaji Shenoy described the Koti Tirtha tank as being hewn directly into laterite rock at the north-eastern corner of the temple complex. He said flights of steps were cut into the rock at the northern and southern entrances to provide access to the water. The rock-cut walls, he added, are decorated with two rows of Rekha-Nagara shikhara motifs, separated by small niches known as ‘dev koshtak’, where deities are believed to have been placed. Shenoy said similar motifs appear on Kadamba-period coins and in temple architecture in Karnataka, indicating broader regional architectural connections.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), through its Heritage Education and Communication Service, organised the Dehradun City Round followed by the Uttarakhand State Round of the INTACH National Heritage Quiz 2026 at the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, today. The quiz was organised with the objective of creating awareness among school students about India’s rich and diverse heritage and encouraging the younger generation to take an active interest in the country’s history, culture, architecture and traditions.

In the Dehradun City Round, RIMC secured the first position, followed by Doon Presidency School in second place, Delhi Public School (DPS) in third place and Doon International School in fourth place. The Uttarakhand State Round saw participation from the leading teams, with Oak Grove School, Mussoorie securing the first position, RIMC securing the second position and St Joseph’s Convent School securing the third position. Maj Gen Anand Singh Rawat (Retd) was the Chief Guest and Colonel Rahul Aggarwal, Commandant, RIMC, the Guest of Honour.

The event was coordinated and supported by members of INTACH Uttarakhand, including Anjali Bharthari, Co-Convenor, INTACH Uttarakhand State Chapter; Bharti Jain, Convenor, INTACH Dehradun Chapter; Apurva Gour, Co-Convenor, INTACH Dehradun Chapter; Surbhi Agrawal, Co-Convenor, INTACH Mussoorie Chapter; and Shambhavi, Convenor, INTACH Kotdwar Chapter. Prizes were given to the winning teams and certificates were given to all 130 participating students. The quiz was conducted by Quiz Master Aniruddha Saha, with Ashutosh Silmana serving as Production Head. INTACH appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the schools and students and emphasised the importance of heritage education in developing awareness, appreciation and a sense of responsibility towards India’s cultural heritage.

The Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) – Andaman & Nicobar Islands Chapter, organised a Heritage Walk titled ‘Heritage Walk World War-II’ in and around Sri Vijaya Puram yesterday. The early morning walk witnessed participation from BBA students from JNRM and office bearers of tour operators’ associations like AATO and ANTOA. The initiative was aimed at showcasing the rich historical and cultural legacy of the Islands and providing participants with an immersive experience of the region’s past. During the walk that commenced from the historic National Memorial Cellular Jail, the participants visited several locations connected with the World War-II history of the Islands. They were introduced to the historical significance, architecture and stories associated with these sites, offering them first-hand insights into the heritage of Sri Vijaya Puram.

INTACH convenor from ANI, Ms Samhita Veda Acharya addressed the participants, highlighting the cultural and educational importance of such walks in connecting the present generation with the memories of the past. The Heritage walk provided an excellent platform for tourism students and local guides to enhance their knowledge and actively engage in promoting the cultural heritage of the Islands.

The programme also seeks to strengthen cultural tourism while encouraging residents and visitors to explore and appreciate the historical landmarks of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Department of Art & Culture will be conducting another Heritage Walk titled ‘Kalapani Trail’ on April 4 as part of the ongoing series. Interested individuals and groups may contact the Librarian (Art & Culture) over Phone No. 9476037145 or email at – [email protected] for participation details.

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Prayagraj Chapter, in collaboration with Tagore Public School, on Wednesday hosted the city-level annual heritage quiz 2026. The quiz was conducted across multiple cities, leading up to state and national rounds. Prayagraj edition saw spirited participation from CBSE schools, with 97 teams registered. Following the rigorous elimination rounds, 13 teams qualified for the oral stages, and the competition progressed through six dynamic rounds, blending written, oral, visual, and buzzer formats.

After an intense final round, the first prize went to Patanjali Rishikul, who displayed exceptional knowledge and quick thinking. The second and third prizes were bagged by Shri Mahaprabhu Public School. Guest of honour Dr Pankaj Sharma emphasised the importance of and sensitivity towards heritage and culture in the world of AI. The quiz rounds covering national, local and INTACH-related heritage were conducted with high energy, with audience interaction encouraged through open questions. Judges Dr Jamil Ahmed and Dr Ritu Jaiswal ensured fair evaluation throughout.

An ancient Buddhist temple along the RamgarhBokaro National Highway, believed to be built in the Pala-era and over 800 years old, will be restored to its former glory. North Chotanagpur division commissioner Vijay Kumar Gupta on Wednesday visited Kheeri Math in Gola block and assessed the condition of the temple. He also spoke to the locals. “Kheeri Math is a part of the region’s historic and cultural heritage. We are taking steps for its restoration.

The objective will be to protect the ancient monument and preserve its original identity for future generations,” Gupta said. District administration sources said a proposal has been moved to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in this regard. Ramgarh deputy commissioner Rituraj did not respond to TOI’s calls when contacted. Local historians said the temple represents a rare blend of architectural and religious traditions.

"The structure remains in remarkably good condition despite being believed to have been constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries,” Harendra Sinha, archaeologist and former deputy director of the state culture and archaeology department, said. Faiyaz Ahmad, director of Zarina Khatoon Museum-cum-Research Centre in Ramgarh, said the temple stands on a square plan measuring about 20.5 feet by 18.5 feet and rises nearly 50 feet high. “Built in the North Indian Nagara style, the double-storeyed monument has its main arched entrance facing east," Ahmad said. What makes Kheeri Math unique are its Buddhist symbols.

Two fish motifs carved above the entrance gateway and an image of Buddha in a meditative posture beneath a canopy on the western wall are considered part of Buddhism’s Ashtamangala, or eight auspicious symbols. Experts place the temple’s time of construction in the Pala era after comparing with the findings of the ASI in Itkhori in Chatra district, a prominent Buddhist site.

A 2,000-year-old megalithic rock-cut tomb has been identified on private property in India, adding to the archaeological record of Iron Age and Early Historic burial sites in northern Kerala. Dr. Nandakumar Koroth, head of the history department at Nehru Arts and Science College in Kanhangad and a regional history researcher, visited the property and identified the structure as a megalithic laterite burial chamber.

The chamber was carved directly into laterite rock and has a circular interior with a stone-blocked entrance leading outward. A central opening at the top measures about 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) across and drops roughly 2 meters (6.6 feet) to the chamber below. A stone believed to have covered the opening lies inside, while a larger rock was reportedly placed over it about 75 years ago.

How the megalithic rock-cut tomb fits Kerala’s burial tradition
The chamber is partly filled with soil, and no pottery or other grave goods have been reported from inside. Comparable megalithic burials in Kerala have produced pottery, iron objects, beads and human bone fragments, but researchers have not established that such material survives at the area. The widely reported age of about 2,000 years is based on the monument’s form and its place within Kerala’s broader megalithic tradition. No published radiocarbon date or other absolute scientific date has been reported for the Nittadukkam site. The discovery fits a wider archaeological pattern across Kasaragod district. Similar rock-cut chambers have been documented at Ummichipoyil, Karayad, Peralam, Cheemeni, Madikkai, Jeerakappara and Panayal.

Several share features seen at Nittadukkam, including circular roof openings, laterite-cut interiors and separate entrances. Panayal, where another chamber was reported in March 2026, offers a close architectural comparison. That structure also had a circular interior, an upper opening, a separate entrance, and a soil-filled chamber. A wider network of ancient burial sites in Kasaragod Ummichipoyil provides a strong regional comparison because archaeological work there recovered megalithic material from rock-cut chambers.

An official National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities record lists a terracotta bead from one chamber. Researchers say the burial strengthens evidence that communities lived around present-day Kanhangad during the megalithic period. The tomb alone, however, cannot establish the settlement’s size, identify those buried there, or show continuous occupation. The site remains unexcavated in published records, leaving its contents and exact age unresolved.

The ASI has recognised Telangana’s neglected Gollala Gudi temple near Ramappa Temple as a monument of national importance, paving the way for conservation. A 12th century temple—Gollala Gudi—in Telangana’s Mulugu district, which had been lying in a state of neglect all these years, has been recognised as a “monument of national importance” by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), people familiar with the matter said. ASI issued a gazette notification on August 31, declaring Gollala Gudi at Palampet village, under Section 4, sub-section (3) of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (Act 24 of 1958).

The Gollala Gudi temple is situated in the southwest of the Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to the notification, the temple is regarded as a significant example of the architectural and sculptural traditions associated with the Kakatiya period, dating back to 12-13th centuries, the premises and providing security,” heritage conservationist Arvind Arya Pakide told HT. The Gollala Gudi has the appearance of a “Trikutalaya” temple, consisting of an east-facing mandapa surrounded by three sanctums, connected to a central pillared hall. The temple’s architectural detailing is particularly notable for its rich ornamented walls and intricate stone workmanship.

The edges of the roof structure are decorated with elaborate designs, while the doorframes feature finely carved rows of hamsas (swans). The temple is also distinguished by its delicate perforated stone-screen work, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period. Pakide said Gollala Gudi is the 10th historical structure in Telangana that has got the national monument status, the other nine being: Golkonda Fort and Charminar in Hyderabad, Warangal Fort in Warangal, Thousand-Pillars Temple in Hanamkonda, Ramappa Temple and Shivalayam in Mulug, Janampet pre-historic site in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Alampur temples in Jogulamba Gadwal district and Ancient Mound at Kondapur in Sangareddy district. In front of the main temple are two separate subsidiary shrines, both adorned with beautifully carved sculptures of Dwarapalakas (door guardians). The edges of the spaces preceding these subsidiary shrines are embellished with intricately carved stone screens, adding to the visual character of the complex. The principal structure has a mandapa at the front through which visitors can enter the central shrine.

The temple has three sanctums, with intervening spaces arranged towards the north, south and west. A variety of sculptures can be seen in niches incorporated into the temple walls. These include representations of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Mahishasuramardini. The temple stands on a raised platform decorated with animal motifs and floral designs, further enhancing its architectural and sculptural significance.

“Now, this monument falls under the direct jurisdiction of the ASI, which regulates activities around the structure typically enforcing a 100-meter prohibited area (no construction allowed) and a further 200-meter regulated area,” Pakide said. Besides, the ASI will also include Gollala Gudi in the list of national monuments and give it extensive popularity, so that it would attract domestic and global tourists to this place, the heritage activist added.

The Mangaluru chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with INTACH’s Heritage Education and Communication Service and the INTACH Heritage Club of Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu, organised a workshop on traditional mask-making and face painting for schoolchildren from the Manchi-Kolnadu cluster recently at Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu, Bantwal taluk. Addressing students, INTACH Mangaluru convener Subhash Chandra Basu said there is a responsibility to preserve the traditional arts and cultural heritage of the region.

"If students develop an interest in these traditions from a young age, it will contribute to preserving our history and heritage," he observed. Artist Rajendra Kedige said mask-making and face painting not only develop artistic skills among students but also nurture creativity and personality. “When children grow up with an appreciation of art, they develop a deeper awareness and sensitivity towards it,” he said. Resource person and artist Harish Kodialbail conducted a practical demonstration on mask-making and introduced students to the process of creating facial moulds using plaster of Paris and cloth. Around 60 students from different schools participated in the workshop and worked in groups to create their own masks. Another resource person and artist Reshma Shetty briefed students on face painting process, preparation and use of natural colours.

Students learned how colours could be prepared using naturally available materials and experimented with different shades and patterns. They then painted their masks using colour schemes inspired by various Yakshagana characters, turning the creative exercise into an engaging hands-on experience. The workshop explored the relationship between mask-making and the living traditions of Tulunadu, where face painting has an important place in Bhoota Kola and Yakshagana. Through hands-on activities, students were introduced to how colour, form and pattern can help communicate character, identity and cultural meaning. Students from Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu; Noojibailu Aided School; Monthimaru School; Ira Primary School and Puddottu School participated in the workshop. Certificates were presented to all participants.

INTACH appointed Samudrala Dhananjaiah as convenor of its new Nalgonda chapter. The chapter will focus on documenting, conserving and promoting the district’s tangible and intangible heritage, including temples, forts, Buddhist remains, inscriptions, traditional settlements, crafts and performing arts. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) on Wednesday appointed Samudrala Dhananjaiah as the convenor of the Nalgonda INTACH Chapter.

The formation of the new Chapter of INTACH brings the rich and diverse heritage of Nalgonda district under a common platform for listing, documentation, conservation and promotion, INTACH said in a statement. Speaking on the occasion, INTACH Chairman Ashok Singh Thakur, who handed over the appointment letter at INTACH headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday, expressed confidence that under Dhananjaiah’s stewardship, the Nalgonda Chapter would provide direction and momentum to heritage conservation initiatives in the region.

Prof. Vedakumar Manikonda, Member, National Executive Committee and Governing Council, INTACH, emphasised the need for active involvement of local communities, educational institutions, heritage enthusiasts and youth to ensure that the region’s cultural legacy is safeguarded and meaningfully transmitted to future generations. Speaking on the occasion, Samudrala Dhananjaiah expressed his gratitude and thanked the senior INTACH office bearers. He said that the INTACH Nalgonda Chapter would undertake comprehensive initiatives for the protection and promotion of both tangible and intangible heritage of Nalgonda district.

The region under the new Chapter is endowed with extraordinary heritage, including historic temples, forts, Buddhist and archaeological remains, inscriptions, water systems, traditional settlements, folk traditions, crafts and performing arts, he said.

The Indian Cultural Fund (INTACH), Patna Chapter, is organizing the Patna Kalam Paintings Exhibition from September 18-20, 2026, at the Bihar Lalit Kala Akademi, Fraser Road, Patna. The exhibition will showcase Patna Kalam-style paintings by over 60 artists. The curators are renowned artists Prof. Jitendra Mohan and Prof. Dinesh Kumar.

Many efforts were made to revive Patna Kalam.
Bhairav Lal Das, Convener of INTACH, Patna, said that INTACH has organized more than 11 training programs and workshops to keep the Patna Kalam style alive. Several initiatives have been taken to attract the attention of art connoisseurs and lovers, including organizing art seminars, producing documentaries, and publishing books. This exhibition is being organized in this context. He said that in the coming days, it is also being considered to make permanent arrangements for training of Patna Kalam Paintings and to run residency programmes.

Patna Kalam is once again gaining popularity among the new generation of artists. Dr. Umesh Chandra Dwivedi, co-convener of INTACH, Patna, and former director of the Bihar Museum, said that the popularity and practice of Patna Kalam paintings had declined over the past few decades. At one point, the art was almost extinct. He said that as a result of the efforts made by INTACH, Patna Chapter, Bihar Museum and the Department of Art, Culture and Youth of the Government of Bihar to revive it, Patna Kalam is now becoming popular again among the new generation of artists.

The inauguration ceremony will be attended by several celebrities from the art world. Dr. Shivkumar Mishra, co-convener of INTACH, Bihar Chapter, informed that Dr. Jyoti Parihar, Director of Kilkari, Prof. Rakhi Kumari, Principal of Patna Art College, Amrita Pritam, Secretary of Bihar Lalit Kala Academy, Pradeep Jain, world-renowned philatelist and art collector, E. Vivekanand Jha, President of Chetna Samiti, Aditya Jalan, Founder of Patna Planet, senior artist Milan Das, along with eminent artists and officials of Patna art world have been invited to the inauguration ceremony of the exhibition.

The exhibition will be available from 11 am to 7 pm.
Dr. Shivkumar Mishra stated that the exhibition will run daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. He explained that the primary objective of the exhibition is to present Patna Kalam paintings created by a new generation of artists to art connoisseurs and art connoisseurs for review. This will provide artists with encouragement and guidance in their art pursuits.

Kumik village in Zanskar was declared Ladakh’s first designated Heritage Village on 15 September 2026. The declaration was made by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, during the launch of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026.

Heritage Village Concept
A Heritage Village is a settlement recognised for its cultural, architectural, religious, and traditional value. Such recognition is used in India for places with preserved built heritage, living traditions, and local knowledge systems.

Kumik’s Cultural Features
Kumik is known for its traditional mud houses, sacred spaces, agricultural practices, and long-preserved Buddhist traditions. The village is part of Zanskar, a high-altitude region in Ladakh with a strong Tibetan Buddhist cultural presence. The village also contains textual heritage in the form of Kanjur manuscripts and other Tibetan Buddhist materials. Kanjur refers to a canonical collection of Buddhist texts in the Tibetan tradition.

Zanskar and Buddhist Heritage
Zanskar has historically functioned as a centre of faith and scholarship in the western Himalayas. Buddhist monasteries, manuscripts, and oral traditions form an important part of the region’s cultural landscape. Traditional mud architecture in Ladakh uses locally available materials such as earth, stone, and wood. This building style is suited to cold desert conditions and high-altitude settlements.

Heritage Tourism and Local Economy
The Heritage Village status is linked with heritage tourism, which is a form of tourism based on cultural sites, traditions, and historic settlements. In India, heritage tourism is often associated with conservation of architecture, crafts, rituals, and manuscripts. The declaration is connected with the Union Government’s vision of "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi", a phrase used for development and heritage conservation together.

The phrase combines infrastructure development with protection of cultural assets. Kumik is the first designated Heritage Village in Ladakh. The village is located in Zanskar, a high-altitude region known for Tibetan Buddhist traditions and manuscript heritage.

Patna Kalam, once a prominent artistic tradition of India, has returned to public attention with an exhibition organised by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Patna Chapter at Bihar Lalit Kala Akademi. The exhibition was inaugurated on Sept 18 and features works by more than 60 artists. Curated by Jitendra Mohan and Dinesh Kumar, the event was inaugurated by Jyoti Parihar, director, Kilkari; Rakhi Kumari, principal of Patna Arts and Crafts College; Amrita Pritam, secretary of the Bihar Lalit Kala Akademi; Pradeep Jain, philatelist; Vivekanand Jha, president of Chetna Samiti; Aditya Jalan, founder of Patna Planet; along with other artists and officials.

Patna Kalam, also known as ‘company painting’, absorbed European and British influences, particularly in its use of colour. Its distinguishing feature is its focus on the daily lives and occupations of ordinary people rather than royal subjects. Amrita Pritam said the govt was committed to providing support for preserving Bihar’s artistic heritage. Bhairab Lal Das, convener of INTACH’s Patna chapter, said exhibitions are important for preserving Patna Kalam by bringing it back into public view and building interest in its revival.

"Patna Kalam has a glorious history and a strong tradition," said Umesh Chandra Dwivedi, co-convener of INTACH Patna chapter, explaining that the style developed in Patna after artists from Murshidabad and other regions migrated here following the decline of the Mughal Empire. Shivkumar Mishra, co-convener, INTACH Bihar chapter, said artists traditionally worked without preliminary pencil sketches, applying ink and colour directly with brushes. He said the paintings were made on paper, ivory, mica and silk, typically with simple backgrounds to keep attention on the central figure. The exhibition will continue till Sept 20.

Six centuries-old iconic heritage buildings in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad have received INTACH Heritage Awards-2026, securing recognition as landmarks located across different areas. Among the awardees is the CSI Wesley Church near the clock tower in Secunderabad. Built in the neo-Gothic architectural style in 1916, the church received the INTACH Heritage Award for its building and was cited as a testament to 110 years of historic existence.

The church occupies a historically significant plot acquired from the British Government and the Nizam by the pioneering missionary. The Chemistry building at Osmania University was also recognised. The Department of Chemistry, described as one of the oldest and largest departments, traces its history to a Royal Chapter in 1917 under Nawab Osman Ali Khan, the 7 th Nizam of Hyderabad, and has a legacy spanning over 100 years.

The Navigation Training School in Begumpet received the award for its heritage value as a Premier Institution of Military Aviation training in India. It was established in 1946 at Royal Indian Air Force Station, Tambaram, later merged to form the Navigation and Signals School, and shifted in 1967 to the Air Force Station, Begumpet building. Sri Puri Jagannath Temple in General Bazar, Secunderabad, was honoured for its architectural character.

Built by philanthropist Ramgopal Malani, who built the Ramgopalpet Police Station building, the temple’s structure was noted as a synthesis of Rajasthani influence and local heritage, featuring intricate nakashi embossments on walls and pillars, cusped arches, and decorative medallions. The Institute of Engineers (India) Telangana State Centre in Khairatabad was recognised as part of the awards. Established in 1938 to address the need for a society for the advancement of engineering science India, it received support through Dewan Bahadur Aravamuddu Iyengar, Minister for Water Works and Public Health, who donated about one acre of land for construction. Telugu coverage of Telangana and Hyderabad The foundation stone was laid in 1945 and the building was occupied in 1947.

College of Defence Management (CDM) House in Secunderabad Cantonment, built in 1885, also received the INTACH Heritage Award. The building serves as the residence of the Commandant of College of Defence Management, Secunderabad, and was cited for an architectural approach suited to the Deccan Region, alongside its association with knowledge and skill development for the Defence Forces. “Since 1996, the INTACH, Hyderabad Chapter has been presenting awards.

The recognition applies to a set of structures regarded as historic and iconic within the city, placing them under the heritage listing associated with the Indian National Trust for Art & Culture Heritage, Hyderabad Chapter,” Anuradha Reddy, convenor of INTACH, Hyderabad Chapter, told Telangana Today.
CDM House, Secunderabad The CDM House is characterized by deep verandas, projecting gazebos, shielding the interior from the intense heat while inviting the surrounding landscape into the living experience.
The Institute of Engineers (India), Khairatabad:
Erric Marretti, Chief Architect of Hyderabad State, was the designer of this building. It features modernist & art deco influence, massing with bold, functional, geometric volumes and clean horizontal lines. The Institution building was named Visvesvaraya Bhavan in honour of the legendary engineer-statesman Bharat Ratna Dr Sir M Visvesvaraya.

CSI Wesley Church:
The church featured a robust structure of granite and limestone. Its building aesthetic was defined by an impressive use of teak and rosewood, complemented by elegant stained glass and a framework of solid wooden beams and rafters.

Chemistry Building, O U
The building follows the Osmanian architectural style, and it features a grand, elevated entrance characterized by a large pointed arch & intricate decorative stone carvings above the doorway. The building’s double-height central hall is showcased with a blend of Jaina, Buddhist and Hindu elements.

A storytelling session on the theme ‘Sant Parampara’ was jointly held by the Union ministry of tourism, Varanasi office; INTACH Varanasi Chapter, Tourist Guide Association and Sant Atulanand Residential Academy on Tuesday at Sant Atulanand Residential Academy, Holapur in the city. During the event, members of the Yuva Tourism Club and stakeholders associated with the tourism sector were introduced to Kashi’s rich sant tradition, spiritual heritage and cultural legacy. Eminent speaker Vyomesh Shukla conducted an engaging session on the sant tradition and the literary legacy of Goswami Tulsidas.

Umesh Kabir spoke on the ideology, life philosophy and teachings of Sant Kabirdas. Joint director general and regional director (North), Ministry of Tourism, Arun Srivastava; convener, INTACH Varanasi Chapter, Ashok Kapoor; director and principal, Sant Atulanand Residential Academy, Divya Singh; and representatives of various tourism-related organisations and institutions attended the event. Speakers said that Varanasi has emerged as a distinctive tourism destination in India and has strong potential to establish itself as a global tourism hub.

They highlighted the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage, living traditions, historic monuments, ghats, culinary traditions and experiential tourism offerings as its key strengths. They said that continued focus on infrastructure, tourist facilities, connectivity, branding, promotion and quality tourism products can further strengthen Varanasi’s position as a global destination.

The programme also underlined the need for greater community participation and capacity building in the next phase of tourism development. Speakers said that hoteliers, tour operators, tourist guides, tourism facilitators, service providers and local residents play an important role in improving visitor experience and ensuring that tourism benefits reach the local community. They stressed the importance of targeted capacity-building programmes in tourism education, skill development, service quality, digital literacy and use of modern technology. Such initiatives, they said, would help local stakeholders meet changing tourist expectations and provide better services. The session aimed to promote tourism awareness, improve service standards among local tourism professionals and service providers, and present Kashi’s sant tradition and cultural heritage on a wider tourism platform.

Officials said the Ministry of Tourism, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is focusing on developing globally competitive tourism destinations across the country through a comprehensive approach covering infrastructure, hospitality, service delivery, digital engagement, safety and visitor experience. They added that capacity building of local stakeholders, deeper understanding of cultural heritage and active community participation are key to developing Varanasi as an inclusive, resilient and world-class tourism destination.

The Dehradun district administration has initiated steps to preserve the city’s historical and cultural heritage alongside its ongoing urban development, with 200 heritage properties and sites identified during a preliminary survey. A meeting chaired by Dehradun District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan was held on Saturday to discuss the conservation of historical and heritage buildings and sites in the state capital. Representatives of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Drona Foundation and concerned departments attended the meeting. Chauhan said development and heritage conservation should complement each other rather than compete. He stressed that Dehradun’s growth should not be confined to modern infrastructure and amenities but should also protect the city’s historical identity and cultural roots for future generations.

The District Magistrate directed NGOs and organisations working on heritage conservation to comprehensively document the city’s heritage under the Historic City Series-2026 initiative. He said a special workshop would be organised in October to seek suggestions and identify important heritage sites for inclusion in the city’s town-planning process. Chauhan directed the District Tourism Development Officer to engage consultants and prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for the conservation of the selected heritage sites. The proposals will subsequently be sent to the state government for approval. He said the city’s historical heritage was an invaluable asset and an important part of Dehradun’s identity.

The administration would work with experts, NGOs and citizens to ensure coordinated efforts for its preservation. Representatives of INTACH and the Drona Foundation said they had identified 200 historical properties during a preliminary survey conducted across the city. A detailed action plan will be prepared following the workshop scheduled for October. Chief Development Officer Abhinav Shah, Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) KK Mishra, Joint Magistrate Harshita Singh, District Tourism Development Officer Jaspal Chauhan, Drona Foundation’s Dr Parul, NHIU manager Divyanshu and officials from town planning and INTACH were present at the meeting.

A thousand years after its construction, Gujarat’s Modhera Sun Temple remains an important symbol of the state’s architectural and cultural heritage, drawing tourists to Mehsana district for its intricate carvings, distinctive design and connection with the Sun. The temple was constructed in 1026-27 AD during the reign of Solanki dynasty king Bhimdeva-I.

Built in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, the complex comprises three principal sections - the Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and sanctum sanctorum — arranged along an east-west axis. The sacred Surya Kund, situated directly in front of the temple, is surrounded by 108 small and large shrines. The Sabha Mandap has intricately carved walls and 52 pillars, while the sanctum sanctorum, the temple’s innermost section, once housed the principal idol of the Sun God.

The 24 pillars inside the sanctum are traditionally associated with the 24 hours of the day, while the 52 pillars of the Sabha Mandap are described as representing the 52 weeks of the year. UNESCO’s description of the monument notes that its east-facing position was planned so that the rising Sun at the equinoxes would shine through the Sabha Mandap doors towards the shrine.

The monument has also received international recognition. UNESCO added the Sun Temple, Modhera and its adjoining monuments to India’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites on December 13, 2022. The UNESCO submission describes the complex as an example of Maru-Gurjara architecture and notes that the Archaeological Survey of India protects, conserves and manages it under India’s heritage conservation framework. The temple’s thousand-year survival, intricate sculptures and distinctive architectural design have made Modhera an enduring part of Gujarat’s historic and cultural heritage.

A significant archaeological discovery in Karivellur in Kannur district of Keralam has brought to light a group of Megalithic burial monuments believed to date back nearly 3,000 years, offering a glimpse into the burial practices of communities that lived in the region around 1000 BC. The discovery was made at Chembottikunnu in the Malappu area of Karivellur Panchayat by local history enthusiast Muraleedharan Karivellur and his friend Unnikrishnan. Acting on information from a fellow villager, they explored property belonging to Perigamana Narayanan Namboothiri and found overgrown Kudakkallu (umbrella stones) and Thoppikkallu (hat stones).

The structures are associated with Megalithic burial practices in South India. According to Muraleedharan, ancient communities buried the dead along with belongings and implements and erected large stone structures over the burial sites. He also pointed to references in classical Tamil literature to different burial practices, including cremation, burial and the use of urns and burial chambers.

Kudakkallu were reportedly erected over burials containing unburnt remains, while Thoppikkallu were associated with pits containing urns carrying cremated remains and, in some cases, iron objects. The discovery prompted the Keralam State Department of Archaeology (KSDA) to launch a three-week excavation at the site.

The excavation, led by Krishnaraj, head of the Pazhassi Raja Museum, along with officers Dr Arya and Vimal Kumar, was conducted from September 6 to 21. The first phase yielded seven Kudakkallu and one Thoppikkallu. Some of the massive stones are estimated to weigh between five and eight tonnes.

Archaeologists say the Karivellur structures are notable for their relatively complete form, decorative elements and stone bases. Similar Megalithic monuments have been documented in several parts of Kerala, including Thrissur. Krishnaraj suggested that changes in the local landscape may have helped ancient communities transport the massive stones, with some present-day fields possibly having once formed part of navigable waterways. The discovery has also highlighted the importance of protecting the site.

Landowner Narayanan reportedly declined offers ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh for the stones, saying they represented a historical legacy rather than private property. He has expressed his willingness to entrust their preservation to the government. Excavation and restoration work is continuing, with efforts underway to reconstruct damaged stone elements and preserve the site for future generations.