The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) – workshop at Chennai from October 31st to November 2nd 2023 (4)

The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities  (NMMA) – workshop at Chennai from October 31^st to November 2^nd 2023 (4)

The CAG Report and the response of the ASI: On 02-11-2023, after lunch Dr Charuta Kulkarni, IIT, Madras talked about her subject, as detailed above. Then, the certificates were distributed to the participants and mementoes were given to some. Now, I discuss about some issues involved in the documentation of monuments and antiquities. As I worked in the GST (formerly Customs, Central Excise, Narcotics – indirect taxation) department, mostly in the Judicial, adjudication and legal sections for more than 38 years from 1980 to 2018, the CAG Reports on the various departments, institutions and others were periodically read, along with the judgments. Here, before coming to the workshop, I have read the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India Follow-up on the Performance Audit of Preservation and Conservation of Monuments and Antiquities. The issues related to the documentation, workshop conducted etc., were pointed out therein.

The NMMA caught in the web of politics: The National Monuments Authority (NMA) has released draft heritage bye-laws for the supposed site of the Palace of Asoka in Patna, Bihar. The site, located in the Kumrahar area, is being protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The draft bye-laws aim to conserve and develop the site and have been released based on a field survey conducted by the competent authority. The NMA is responsible for the protection and preservation of monuments and sites, as well as granting permissions for construction-related activities in the prohibited and regulated areas. The Congress party has accused the Modi government of attempting to weaken a law that protects monuments and archaeological sites in India. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh praised the National Monuments Authority (NMA) for releasing draft heritage bylaws for the conservation and development of protected monuments in Bihar. Ramesh stated that the Congress and other parties have successfully resisted the government’s attempts to weaken the law so far. He also emphasized the need to strengthen and maintain the professional character of the NMA.

2015 to 2022 no workshop conducted: The CAG pointed out that, “Since March 2015, no workshop was held to facilitate documentation work, rectify mistakes or to provide clarification to agencies involved in the process. As a result, there was absence of a system for regularly up-grading the technical capability of executing agencies, which affected the work process.”

The documentation process carried on by NMMA: The CAG  pointed out the lacunae in the documentation of the monuments[1].

NMMA has given these figures to the CAG.

Issue of “Non-antiquity” certificates by the ASI: ASI (respective circle) issues a certificate of non-antiquity for the exportof art-objects, arms. Here, who issues such certificate, after analyzing the “non-antiquity” nature of te object. Otherwise, millions of Indian antiquities would not have been illegally exported out 0f India after 1947 or 1976.

2. To facilitate Custom Authorities in allowing non-antiquities to be exported, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has established Expert Advisory Committees to issue non-antiquity certificates.

India’s rich cultural heritage, bureaucratic apathy and poor implementation of antiquities protection law has made India a fertile ground for loot and smuggling of antiquities for sale in the International market. In recent years, there has been growing concerns over antiques being smuggled and sold to fund terrorists’ activists.

According to the Antiquities (Export Control) Act, 1947 [Act No. 31 of 1947]  – “antiquity” includes-

(i) any coin, sculpture, manuscript, epigraph, or other work of art or craftsmanship,

(ii) any article, object or thing detached from a building or cave,

(iii) any article, object or thing illustrative of science, art, craft literature, religion, customs, morals or politics in bygone ages,

(iv) any article, object or thing declared by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette to be an antiquity for the purposes of this Act,

Provenance (origin, attribution, derivation) includes the list of all owners from the time the object left its maker’s possession to the time it was acquired by the current owner. However, here in the workshop, it is taken as “Province”!

Most of the exports of antiquities take place from north India from airports: According to Section 2(1) (a) of the Antiquities and Art Treasurers Act, an antique is defined as an article or object of historical interest that has been in existence for not less than one hundred years.

The import and export of antiques is covered by the prohibition imposed under Section 11 (c) of the Customs Act 1962, specifically referred to as The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.

Similarly, exports are also under the prohibition category. The export of antiques can only be done by the central government or any authority or agency authorised by the central government.

 The law does not permit any private person to export antiques. If any private person exports antiques, there are penal provisions to confiscate the material and impose monetary penalties or prosecute the person.

Port	Location	Value (INR Million)
Pakwra	Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh	34..567
Kolkotta Air cargo	West Bengal	27.151
Nhava Sheva sea[2]	Raigad district, Maharashtra	20.475
Mundra[3]	Gulf of Kutch near Mundra, Kutch district, Gujarat.	11.141
Chennai sea	Tamilnadu	7.381

The ASI blaming the Customs department: When Arun Raj said that the Customs department was not co-operating, I pointed out that it is not that the Customs department did not cooperate with the ASI officials, but, the ASI officers only many times did not turn up, when they were requested to come and identify the objects of antiquity were seized at the airports. Moreover, they have to go by the certificates issued by the ASI only and in many cases, the Customs officers could get genuine doubt that older antiquities were taken out of India, instead of recent artefacts. Sreelakshmi responded that the ASI officers were asked to verify the import of Indian artefacts. Then, I clarified that it was different, because, the art-smugglers had been adopting a modus operandi, as if such antiquities were imported legally so that they could again export. That is why they sought the help of the ASI for the identification of the objects[4].  There have been several reports urging the ASI to co-ordinate with the RI, Customs etc., but, they are not doing so[5]. As the certificates issued by the ASI are / have to be relied upon and whenever, the Customs officers have any doubt about the object for antiquity, they used to seek the help of the ASI officers, but, they hesitate to come.  The famous VJA Flynn case also pointed out by me[6]. Here, VJA Flynn had contacts with many historians and archaeologists, but, caught red-handed in smuggling artefacts out of India[7].

The illegal import and export of Tipu Sultan’s sword: The classic case of Vijay Mallya in 2005, imported Tipu Sultan’s famed sword to India and exported it without any license[8]. Mallya was served a show cause notice by the Customs Department for exporting without informing the government, and not paying the duty for it[9]. However, the tycoon felt that since the sword was a matter of national pride, he should have been exempted. Thus, the provisions of the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972, have been amended to do away with several lacunae in the Act, commonly recognised as the Customs Act. As per the Act, any private buyer that buys an antiquity of Indian origin and brings it to India must first acquire a license. This is granted on the basis of several factors, including the experience of the person in the art trade, the place of exchange of the art object, the name and the number of people involved, etc. Domestic trade of antiquities is currently unregulated, as the Act is silent on it. The statutory authority of the Act is usually the Director General of the ASI, who decides what an antiquity or art treasure is. As per Section 2 of the Act, any coin, sculpture, painting, epigraph, artwork, object from a building or cave and object of historical interest that is over one hundred years old, is defined as an antiquity. In circle offices of the ASI around the country, where the DG is usually not present, the Act cannot be implemented by any officer below the position of a director. “Yet, several circle officers have been flouting the rule, declaring several antiquities as invalid leading to the thriving of the smuggling of art objects,” said the official.

All departments of GOI should work together: The CAG has been part of the GOI and all other departments also have been parts of GOI. The CAG has been auditing the accounts of different departments and trying to advise to implement the Act and Rules under which they work. All have been working with the Public Finance and the government is responsible to account for every rupee that collected from the citizens. As our country has been handling more than 100 crores population, now 140 crores, we have more responsibility than other countries with less population. Moreover, our government and democratic polity have been so open that everybody can appreciate and criticize also, unlike other countries. Thus, the ASI has been having the most noble duty, virtuous responsibility and righteous accountability in handling thousands of years of monuments and temples; sculptures and coins; palaces and buildings; ghats, and others. It can invite the officers of the other departments for discussion to sort out the practical problems. After all should work for the progress and development of our country creating awareness about culture, tradition, heritage and civilization.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

05-11-2023

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[1] Report No. 10 of 2022; https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2022/Chapter 6-062f0de36c49e05.39285992.pdf

[2] Jawaharlal Nehru Port, also known as JNPT and Nhava Sheva Port, is the second largest container port in India after Mundra Port. Operated by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust Authority (JNPTA), it is located on the eastern shores of Arabian Sea in Navi Mumbai, Raigad district, Maharashtra.

[3] Mundra Port is India’s first private port (adani) and largest container port, located on the northern shores of the Gulf of Kutch near Mundra, Kutch district, Gujarat.

[4] Press Release dated 24-07-2023, Three Hundred Forty Eighth Report on the subject „Heritage Theft – The Illegal Trade in Indian Antiquities and the Challenges of Retrieving and Safeguarding Our Tangible Cultural Heritage,” Sansad News.

[5]https://sansad.in/getFile/rsnew/Committee_site/Committee_File/Press_ReleaseFile/20/173/656P_2023_7_12.pdf?source=rajyasabha

[6] K. V. Ramakrishna Rao, Historians involved in smuggling also – The historical case of Prof. V.J.A. Flynn, a friend of many Indian historians – arrested for smuggling, jailed and deported to Australia for further proceedings!, February 17, 2022.

[7] https://kvramakrishnarao.wordpress.com/2022/02/17/the-historical-case-of-prof-v-j-a-flynn-a-friend-of-many-indian-historians-arrested-for-smuggling-jailed-and-deported-to-australia-for-further-proceedings/

[8] DNA India, ASI for easier norms for private import of antiquities, Amrita Madhukalya, Updated: Nov 02, 2016, 07:05 PM IST.

[9] https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-asi-for-easier-norms-for-private-import-of-antiquities-2269587

The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) – workshop at Chennai from October 31st to November 2nd 2023 (1)

The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities  (NMMA) – workshop at Chennai from October 31^st to November 2^nd 2023 (1)

NMMA workshop first day programme 31-10-2023

National Database of all Monuments and Antiquities: With the objective of preparing a national database of all monuments and antiquities, the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) was launched by the Government 36 (2007), initially for a period of five years i.e. 2007-2012. In order to complete the documentation process and continue the momentum, this period was extended by another five years (2012-2017) and later NMMA was merged with ASI (October 2017). Delay in setting up of NMMA and lack of planning leading to failure in achieving its objective was pointed out in the previous CAG Report.

Lighting lamp to inaugurate the workshop….

Objectives of NMMA: The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities was launched in 2007. The time frame prescribed for its completion is five years. Documentation and creation of suitable database on built heritage and sites through published and unpublished secondary sources for information and dissemination to planners, researchers, etc. and for better management of such cultural resources. Documentation in a uniform developed by NMMA, of all Antiquities that are available in different formats in the form of Registered Antiquities, Catalogued Antiquities with Central as well as State Governments, Private museums and Collections, Universities, etc. Promote awareness and sensitize people concerning the benefits of preserving the historical and cultural aspects of built heritage, sites and antiquities. Extend training facility and capacity building to the concerned State Departments, Local bodies, NGOs, Universities, Museums, Local communities etc. Help in developing synergy between institutions Archaeological Survey of India, State Departments, concerned Institutions and NGOs to generate close interaction.

• Publication and Research.
• Expected output
• National Register on Built Heritage & Sites
• National Register on Antiquities.

Lighting lamp..

2022 onwards workshops conducted: The NMMA has been conducting workshops on the documentation from 2022 onwards[1] – November 2022 – Greater Noida; December – Guwahati; December – Aurangabad; 2023 January – Bhopal; 2023 January – Bangalore; 2023 February – Bhubaneswar; Why conduct workshops suddenly? As I am familiar with CAG audit, audit reports etc., and reading them carefully, I noted in the 2022-CAG Report[2] that, “It also stated that there was a need for reviewing the existing documentation process/guidelines, identify and revive Documentation Resource Centres (DRC)/State Level Implementing Committees (SLIC), initiate training programmes and workshops at the local levels. …….Since March 2015, no workshop was held to facilitate documentation work, rectify mistakes or to provide clarification to agencies involved in the process. As a result, there was absence of a system for regularly up-grading the technical capability of executing agencies, which affected the work process.”

NMMA workshop= audience view RHS

Three-day workshop at Chennai: A three-day workshop on “documentation of monuments” was held at Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Katti-Ma, Chennai, Kalakshetra Road, Thiruvanmiyur, organized by NMMA and ASI (Chennai circle) from October 31st to November 2nd 2023. It was inaugurated by  Prof Kishore Kumar Basa DG of ASI by lamping lamp and the proceedings continued with the speeches of Ravikorisettar, Sathyabhama and Samanta. Then, there was a practical session to identify the artefacts, measure their physical dimensions and note them down in the format for documentation. This was followed by photography practice, in which, how to take a photograph of an artefact was demonstrated.

Documenting of antiques will prevent their smuggling to other countries, said Archaeological Survey of India’s National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities director Madhulika Samanta on Tuesday [31-10-2023][3]. “A large number of antiques are getting smuggled out of the country. We do not have any knowledge that they were with us till they are showing up in museums in Europe and America,” she said[4]. She was speaking on the sidelines of a regional workshop cum training programme here on the documentation of monuments and antiques (southern region). “When we initiate legal proceedings to bring them back, we end up losing cases in international courts as we do not have any national data to show that they were with us,” Samanta said.

• The national mission had a target of documentation
• ASI’s NMMA has documented 17 lakh antiques and 58 lakh antiques and four lakh built heritage sites. , and 1.84 lakh heritage sites.
• “But we have published only 11,000 sites so far because the data was collected from secondary sources, including research articles, reports,” she added.

She said unprotected monuments are also getting demolished due to developmental activities. “If universities, state archaeological departments, colleges, organisations come up with project proposals to document antiques, we will recognise them as documentation resource centres and give them grants,” she said.

In India, it is a problem of plenty: “Heritage is our strength. If not managed well it could be a liability,” ASI director general Kishore K Basa[5] said while speaking at the inaugural function[6] pointing out, as for as the antiquities and monuments are concerned, it is a problem of plenty. However, it has to be accepted as positive manner in presenting them. There is a difference between the attitude and approach of the people towards the monuments by the colonial period and till 21st century. During the colonial period, the natives were kept away from te exploration, excavation and heritage management. But, now the citizens have to be taken into account in heritage management. ASI has to work with citizen-centric approach, as money comes from the public. He emphasised the necessity of the documentation of all the monuments, artefacts and others[7]. In the documentation processes, multilayered information should be provided and even children should be made to take an interest in heritage management.

Who is responsible for the illegal trafficking of the artefacts?: Sathyabhama Badrinath talked about, “Objectives of NMMA and future course of action,” tracing the creation of NMMA somewhere in 2006-2007 period under the Five years plan and then extended to 2011-2012. On 01-10-2017, it was merged with the ASI. With te urbanization and looting of antiquities, the monuments started disappearing. Illicit trafficking has been taking place. There have been 4 lakh heritage sites, 3  lakhs of the ASI and one that of Built-heritage categories. The Customs and Postal Department have seized many artefacts, but they are lying and the condition is not known. Thus, she tried to blame the other departments. The private collectors should register with the ASI. It appears that the ASI is interested in adding more numbers in their NMMA register.

Prehistory artefacts, ulture, terminology etc. – to follow European o African model?: Ravikorisettar talked about, “Documentation of Antiquities Chennai circle, Southern region – from documentation perspective.” He explained about the exploration, excavation and recovery of the prehistoric artefacts from different sites of South India. He also listed out the sites according to their location, geographical and geological importance and the nature of artefacts recovered. He also pointed out as to how these sites have been getting affected by quarrying, infrastructure development and climatic conditions.As he has been an expert in the prehistory, he covered most of his findings with slides for about one hour and then come to the issue of documentation, classifying / grouping such prehistoric / paleolithic sites. He pointed out how the lithic objects, cultures and related issues were / are mentioned with different terminology. The European model / terminology is not applicable to India. Thus, Africal example are followed and expression like  “Madrassian complex” is also used. Coming to the upper Paleolithic, it is not known to identify them as European or African model?

Madhulika Samanta – vote of thanks: The Archaeological Survey of India’s National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) director, Madhulika Samanta, has emphasized the importance of documenting antiquities to prevent their smuggling out of the country. Samanta stated that India often loses legal cases in international courts because there is no national data to prove that the smuggled antiquities were originally in India. The NMMA has documented 17 lakh antiquities and 1.84 lakh-built heritage sites so far, but the data published on their website is limited as it is collected from secondary sources. Samanta also highlighted the need to protect monuments from demolition due to development activities.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

03-11-2023

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[1] http://nmma.nic.in/nmma/workshop.do

[2] Report No. 10 of 2022; https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2022/Chapter 6-062f0de36c49e05.39285992.pdf

[3] Times of India, Director of ASI’s NMMA suggests a way to prevent smuggling of antiquities, A Ragu Raman / TNN / Oct 31, 2023, 19:26 IST

[4] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/director-of-asis-nmma-suggests-a-way-to-prevent-smuggling-of-antiquities/articleshow/104860696.cms

[5] Prof. Kishor K. Basa,  Utkal University Professor (Retired on 31.03.2018), Ph. D. (London); Phone No.: 8895615636; E-mail ID: kishorkbasa58@gmail.com

[6] Times of India, Documenting of antiques will curb smuggling: ASI’s NMMA director, TNN / Nov 1, 2023, 08:17 IST

[7] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/documenting-of-antiques-will-curb-smuggling-asis-nmma-director/articleshow/104872987.cms

What historians and archaeologists could learn from the installation of 108 feet high Adi Shankara statue at Omkareshwar (1)

What historians and archaeologists could learn from the installation of 108 feet high Adi Shankara statue at Omkareshwar (1)

About the 108 feet high Adi Sankara statue: About the construction of the religious complex and the installation of Adi Shankara statue, there had been news coverage for the last one year from July 2022 onwards when the work was entrusted to L&T. However, the people movement started in 2018 itself for the collection of “Astadhatu” for the construction of the statue. The Construction had started on a 108-feet statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Madhya Pradesh’s Omkareshwar, one of the most revered Jyotirlingas in the country, and was likely to be completed by September when it would be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just ahead of Assembly elections in the state. The news reports carried the story in their own way. Thus, one daily characteristically reported that “….it is believed that Adi Shankaracharya travelled to Omkareshwar in the heart of India as a child from his birthplace Kerala and attained knowledge at the sacred place. The statue will likely reflect this stage of his life. Checking up on the status of the project, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan travelled to the site in Omkareshwar along with his family members to welcome Swami Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan Haridwar, Anandmurti Gurumaa along with Manoj Muntashir, Advaita Kala, Markand Paranjape and others.” Thus, here also, one has to keep politics, ideology and biased reporting aside and look into historicity, historiography and related subjects for the benefit of the students of history and archaeology.

Adi Shankara sojourn to be researched historically and archaeologically: How a boy or youth could have travelled to different parts of India learning under Gurus, debating philosophers with others, establishing mutts and settling down to depart away at the age of 33, should also to be thought of in historical perspective. Travelling by foot, bullock cart, horse etc., covering thousands of kms, staying at different places, carrying out daily routines, but following his austerities strictly are also to be studied. Incidentally, “Advaita” is studied, discussed and debated even today, not only in India, but also in many world universities. It is well known that philosophy had been part and parcel of Indian wisdom acknowledged by all world philosophers. In fact, several Greek philosophers reportedly sojourned to India to learn philosophy. Of course, one Indian philosopher reportedly self-immolated during a debate to prove that his spirit lives forever, but, only his body was destroyed. Therefore, the influence of Adi Shankara can be felt in the philosophical, logical, religious, ethical and moral arenas.  The Buddhists had been so envious, resentful and spiteful enough to dub him as “Praccanna Buddha” (the masqueraded Buddhist).

The Ekatma Dham project: Apart from the statue, named the ‘Statue of Oneness’, the project includes an Ekatma Dham. In total, the project will cost the Madhya Pradesh government more than Rs 2,000 crore, out of which the statue is worth Rs 200 crore. While the entire project will be completed by 2026, the statue is expected to be ready by August / September this year, 2023. The Ekatma Dham, to be made on Onkar Parvat, will include a state-of-the-art grand ‘Advaita Lok’ museum, which will show the life journey of Adi Shankaracharya. A public information centre, Nauka Vihar and Vedic Gurukul will also be part of the Ekatma Dham. Once the project is complete, around 3,000 people will be able to attend laser and sound shows through the ‘Shriyantra’. A ‘Sharda Peeth’ will also be designed and materials for the same will be brought in from Kashmir. The teachings of Guru Adi Shankaracharya will also be taught here.

L&T received order for the construction of Adi Shankara statue and the complex – July 2022[1]: Larsen & Toubro, which completed the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, is working on the ‘Statue of Oneness’ as well[2]. It has also been allotted the construction work of the Ram Temple in UP’s Ayodhya[3]. Their press release declared[4], “Further, the Business has secured an order for the Engineering, Procurement & Construction of the ‘Statue of Oneness’ –

• The Statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Omkareshwar in District Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh from the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd[5].
• The Statue will be bronze cladded and will be placed on a lotus petal base made of stone, which will be placed over a RCC pedestal[6].
• The sole height of statue from base i.e., from the paduka till the apex will be 108 feet[7]. The project is scheduled to be completed in 15 months.”[8]
• The statue and the Shankar Museum will be set up on an area of 7.5 hectares on the Mandhata mountain. A gurukulam will be developed on the other side of the Narmada River in a 5-hectare area and Acharya Shankar International Advaita Vedanta Sansthan will be developed in a 10-hectare area[9].
• The Buildings and Factories (B&F) business of L&T Construction had secured an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) order from the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Limited to construct a statue of Adi Shankaracharya[10].

Spiritual tourism complex: L&T Project Director MV Satish told News18 that 70% concrete work has been completed and the remaining will be completed at the earliest. The concrete base of the statue will be around 28 metres with heavy use of steel and bronze. The design and architectural work has been allotted to Delhi-based firm CP Kukreja. “The project is so sacred that it has changed the way we work. I have seen the positive changes as soon as I got on board with ‘Ekatma Dham’,” said Dikshu Kukreja, chief designer of the project. Officials say that after the Mahakaal Lok in Ujjain, the project in Omkareshwar should also be seen as a mega investment project which will yield good returns. While the project is being completed, the state government will also work to connect Ujjain, Omkareshwar and nearby cities into one spiritual tourism circuit. As per further details, the portrait of Adi Shankaracharya has been made by renowned painter Vasudev Kamat and the sculpting has been done by accomplished sculptor Bhagwan Rampure.

How the prototype was prepared, metals contributed for the statue etc: The selection appropriate picture with which the prototype was prepared has been carried on meticulously engaged with experts from the respective fields:

• Sample statues of Adi Shankaracharya prepared by artists from Mumbai, Gujarat and some other states have also arrived at the Acharya Shankar Cultural Unity Trust’s office located in the Tribal Museum of Bhopal[11].
• The Trust had assigned the task of making sample statues to 20 artists, out of which 10 had made the statues and presented to the Trust[12]. 
• The statue had been prepared on the basis of the picture of Adi Shankaracharya made by the Trust. 
• One of these sample images has been selected and the 108 feet statue built accordingly.
• The statue has been made of Ashtadhatu, a mixture of copper, tin, zinc, lead and other metals 85:5:5:5 collected from 23 thousand panchayats of the state[13]. 
• Weighing 100 ton statue with 50 feet artistic based statue has been installed, facing the south direction i.e. towards Omkareshwar Jyotirling and Narmada[14].
• Famous painter Vasudev Kamat prepaed a picture of the child of 11 year old Shankaracharya.
• Well-known sculptor Bhagwan Rampure is preparing the idol under his guidance.

Thus, every step has been taken care of, to get the best out the contributors.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

22-09-2023

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[1] News18, Work on 108-Feet Tall Adi Shankaracharya Statute Begins at Omkareshwar; PM Modi Likely to Inaugurate in Sept, Reported By: Nikhil LakhwaniCNN-News18, Last Updated: MAY 08, 2023, 10:38 IST,New Delhi, India

[2] https://www.news18.com/india/work-on-108-feet-tall-adi-shankaracharya-statute-begins-at-omkareshwar-pm-modi-likely-to-inaugurate-in-sept-7748239.html

[3] L&T Press Release, L&T Construction awarded (Significant*) contracts for its Buildings & Factories Business, July 2022.

[4]  https://corpwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/media/46897/2022-07-11-lt-construction-awarded-significant-contracts-for-its-buildings-factories-business.pdf

[5] Economic Times, L&T bags contracts for data center construction, ET Online, Last Updated: Jul 11, 2022, 11:06 AM IST.

[6] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/property-/-cstruction/lt-construction-bags-contracts-for-data-center-service-providers/articleshow/92795745.cms?from=mdr

[7] Business Standard, L&T Construction wins order under its buildings and factories biz, Last Updated : Jul 11 2022 | 2:32 PM IST

[8] https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cm/l-t-construction-wins-orders-under-its-buildings-and-factories-biz-122071100261_1.html

[9] Free Press Journal, Indore: Assembling of parts of the Idol will begin soon, Staff Reporter, Updated: Thursday, January 19, 2023, 01:16 AM IST

[10] https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indore-assembling-of-parts-of-the-idol-will-begin-soon

[11] Bhaskar, Special preparations for the statue to be installed in Omkareshwar: 10 sample statues of Adi Shankaracharya made by artists of Mumbai and Gujarat came to Bhopal, out of these 3 were selected, Bhopal, 2021, Author: Rahul Sharma

[12] https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/bhopal/news/108-feet-statue-to-be-installed-in-omkareshwar-10-sample-statues-of-adi-shankaracharya-made-by-artists-from-mumbai-gujarat-came-to-bhopal-out-of-which-3-were-selected-129106415.html

[13] Bhaskar, 108 feet tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya: The statue, weighing 100 tons, will be installed at a height of 50 feet, Uday Mandloi Khandva, 2022.

[14] https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/khandwa/news/100-ton-statue-will-stand-on-50-feet-high-base-130449982.html

Analysis of Archaeological Material Remains through Geoarchaeology, Geo-Micro Fossils and Literary Sources of South India (4)

Analysis of Archaeological Material Remains through Geoarchaeology, Geo-Micro Fossils and Literary Sources of South India  (4)

The second day academic proceedings started with the paper presentation by different scholars. The papers presented on 18-08-2023:

Dr. N. Preetha, Assistant Professor S. Kokila Maya, M.Phil. Research Scholar Department of History, Meenakshi College for Women (A) Kodambakkam,  Chennai – 600 024.	Spatial studies on Jain Beds – A Petrological analysis
Dr. Jinu Koshy, Excavation in-charge Dept. Of Ancient History and Archaeology,  Madras University, Chepauk, Chennai – 05.	Evidence of Micro-Archaeological remains from Naduvirapattu, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu
Dr. K.Vengatesan, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras., Chepauk, Chennai – 05.	Thiruvakkarai: Geo-Archaeology Study
Dr. P. Ramesh, Guest Faculty Dept. Of Ancient History and Archaeology,  Madras University, Chepauk, Chennai – 05.	Highlights of Archaeological vestiges in Sangam Literature.
Dr. J. Vijaya Ratna Kumar Dr. B. Jishamol Dr. R. K. Maya	Gleaning the Socio-Political History and the Significance of Fort St. George through Material Remains
Dr. J. Soundararajan, Asso. Prof & Head i/c K. V. Ramakrishna Rao,  I.R.S (Retd) Guest faculty, University of Madras	From Khambat to Kaveripumpattinam to Poompuhar – The archaeology of exploration and excavation on land and underwater!

Linguistic interpretation of “original”: Gaesan Ambedkar gave a special lecture about “Original” in linguistic interpretation. Taking “alva,” he started his discourse, Tirunelveli Alva, original Tirunelveli Alva, authentic Tirunelveli  lva, Iruttuk kadai Tirunelveli Alva, etc. He proceeded to original Talappak katti, Tindukkal Talappak katti, etc. He described how –

“Chapattis” are made with wheat by north Indians in north India;

“Chapattis” are made with wheat by north Indians in South India;

“Chapattis” are made with wheat by South Indians in north India;

“Chapattis” are made with wheat by South Indians in South India;

“Chapattis” are made with wheat by north and south  Indians in north India;

“Chapattis” are made with wheat by north and south  Indians in south India;

Of course, such narratives could be made with atta, maida, ragi etc. It is not known as to he proceed with other examples of idly, doas, vadai etc. with “milagu rasam,” he tried to link with archaeology, as “milagu” was exported to foreign countries and Roman coins found in India and so on.

How to identify geologically, archaeologically, whether a “chapatti” was manufactied by north or south Indian!

Highlights of Archaeological vestiges in Sangam Literature: P. Ramesh in his paper described the, “Highlights of Archaeological vestiges in Sangam Literature.” The occurrence of natural, man-mde and processed glass, Agate, Carnelian, Jasper, coral, and seashells at different places are attesting the existence of a brisk local industry dating between 3^rd cent.BCE to 3^rd cent.CE, “Sangam period”.  100 years since Alexander Rea conducted thefirst excavation at Adichanallur in the present district of Tuticorin in 1920. The sangam literature indicates clearly that sepulchral monuments were raised in memory of heroes and subsequently nadukals or standing stone were planted as part of the burial more than 25 poets have described it. The sangam works like Tholkappiyam, Akananuru, Purananuru, Malaipadukadam, Aingurunuru and Pattinappalai speak about hero stones in detailed manner. The sangam poet sittalai sattanar speaks about this hero stones as “viluttodai maravar vill ida vilntor elutrutainadukal” meaning ‘ the hero stone with letters (eluttutai nadukal) raised for the hero (maravar) who died pierced with arrows.” The ancient Tamils classified their land into five existential territories or landscapes in relation to the human life. They are Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, Neythal and Palai. Kurinji is the mountain and the mountainous region, Mullai is the forest and forestry region, Marutham is the river and riverside areas, Neythal is the sea and seashores and finally, Palai is the dry land and desert areas. This classification that goes with the name Tinai is not merely geographical or geological, but describes the nature of people who live in the respective lands, their naturally conditioned occupations, culture and religion that emerge out of their pre-occupational conditions and attitude.

Morphological analysis of formed stone tool types: J.. Soundararajan, Jinu Koshy and seven others presented a paper, “Morphological analysis of formed stone tool types from Vadamathurai, Tiruvallur Distict.” Rosilo Joseph explained with statistical data converted to graphs and displayed through a PPT. In archaeology, lithic analysis is the analysis of stone tools and other chipped stone artifacts using basic scientific techniques. At its most basic level, lithic analyses involve an analysis of the artifact’s Morphology (archaeology), the measurement of various physical attributes, and examining other visible features (such as noting the presence or absence of cortex, for example). The term ‘lithic analysis’ can technically refer to the study of any anthropogenic (human-created) stone, but in its usual sense it is applied to archaeological material that was produced through lithic reduction (knapping) or ground stone. A thorough understanding of the lithic reduction and ground stone processes, in combination with the use of statistics, can allow the analyst to draw conclusions concerning the type of lithic manufacturing techniques used at a prehistoric archaeological site. For example, they can make certain equation between each the factors of flake to predict original shape. These data can then be used to draw an understanding of socioeconomic and cultural organization.

Fort St. George through Material Remains: J. Vijaya Ratna Kumar,  B. Jishamol and R. K. Maya presented a paper on “Gleaning the Socio-Political History and the Significance of Fort St. George through Material Remains,” describing the existing structures, tombs, barracks, churches and other buildings built by the colonial forces. The magnificent white building that stands tall along the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Chennai, houses within itself a rich history of not just the then city of Madras but the overall history of colonial rule in India. Established in the year 1639-1640 CE, Fort St. George is seen as the first English fortress in India. What began as a trading post for the British East India Company, after enduring numerous wars, plagues, and hostility, led to the birth of the colossal city of Madras. Today, the fort serves as the administrative headquarters of Tamil Nadu’s legislative assembly as well as a base for military troops in transit to several areas of Southern India.

Vestiges of Fort St.George: The initial construction of the fort was concluded on April 23, 1644 CE, which is also celebrated as “St. George’s Day” in several nations. Hence, this auspicious name was conferred on the fort. However, numerous constructions and reconstructions were carried out after 1644 CE as well. The Fort St. George we see today is considerably different from the one built in 1639-1644 CE. After independence, the fort was declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). St. Mary’s Church is regarded as the oldest Anglican Church in the whole of Asia. Its foundation stone was laid on March 25, 1678 CE. Governor Streynsham Master collected 800 Pagodas from each house in the White Town to build the architectural marvel. It took 2 years to complete the construction and was it duly christened on “Lady Day”, i.e., March 25, 1680 CE, from which it earned its name. In 1790 CE, the Fort Exchange was established within the fort – a place used for the exchange of goods and commodities by the merchants. It was completed in 1795 CE. It was later converted to the Fort Museum. Another important remnant of the British rule in India is the flagstaff of Fort St. George. The flagstaff has stood erect in the fort since 1688 CE and is believed to be one of the tallest in the country, rising as high as 148 ft.

From Khambat to Kaveripumpattinam to Poompuhar – The archaeology of exploration and excavation on land and underwater!: Dr J. Soundararajan and K. V. Ramakrishna Rao presented this paper. The news about the “submerged Poompuhar” has enthralled the general public, fascinated ideologized experts and engrossed researchers raising many questions. The media hype, news publicity and internet build-up have attracted them to know about the four-six Poompuhars, reportedly were existing many thousands of years ago. While historians and archaeologists have been cautious and not reacting to such push, the scientists involved with the project have been publishing papers on the topic. As most of them have been imbibed with the satellite, Geologic, Digital geologic, mid-ocean Ridge, Bathymetric maps and charts, after the scientific discussion, suddenly they come to a conclusion confirming that they discovered submerged man-made structures, harbor or port etc, dated to different periods. Thus, they locate Poompuhar at four places away from the coast reportedly submerged at 3000, 8000, 11,000 and 15,000 YBP or 1000, 6000, 9000 and 13,000 BCE respectively. The excavations carried on in connection with Kaverippumpattinam, Puhar or Poompuhar are discussed herewith first, moving to the scientific study and then the conclusion is arrived at. Anyway, going through all data and information, the following points may have to be kept in mind in the context of Poompuhar:

1. The Sangam literature has been dated from 300 BCE to 100 CE, and the Sangam period has been fixed accordingly. Recently, based on the single C-14 dating of Keeladi sample, the 580 BCE date is claimed for the Sangam period. Thus, the “historic period” of Sangam period is claimed to precede the Asokan period of 3^rd cent.BCE and going to 6^th cent. BCE.
2. However, there has not been any inscription found comparable to the Asokan inscriptions, as the claim is made on few  “marks” found on potsherds.
3. There has not been any consensus among the historians and archaeologists, as the town formation and other material evidences do not go back to such 6^th cent BCE period.
4. Here, in the case of Poompuhar, now no sample has been collected and therefore scientific dating cannot be thought of.
5. The location of Poompuhar at the mouth of Kaveri and its change of location as visualized have to be correlated, corroborated and corresponded with other evidences.
6. The “20, 000 / 15,000” years claim has been far-fetched and has no historical basis.
7. No human habitation is proved for the different levels assumed for the existence of a city based on the photographs.
8. They also claim that they would excavate for “Kumarik kandam,” another myth floated by the Tamil protagonists and linguistic enthusiasts.
9. Under the guise of “scientific studies,” such claims need not be made and news created sending wrong signals to the general public.
10. Multi-disciplinary approach should be there and all experts come together to decide the history, historiography and methodology

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

21-08-2023

Analysis of Archaeological Material Remains through Geoarchaeology, Geo-Micro Fossils and Literary Sources of South India (2)

Analysis of Archaeological Material Remains through Geoarchaeology, Geo-Micro Fossils and Literary Sources of South India  (2)

Seminar banner kept near the University main building gate……

Closer view of the seminar banner

Archaeology students welcome with beautiful kolam (this is also a scientific pattern only, but, Indian ladies do wth dots, linea and curves…..)

Of course, you can read their message only if know the Brahmi script……..

They invite the dignitaries and delegates with flowers…..

Then, they are registered………..

The photo exhibition and artefacts displayed by the ASI….

Dignatries on the stage RHS….

17-08-2023 – the National seminar was inaugurated: As the Vice Chancellor could not take part in the inaugural function, it was decided to start the academic session and thus,  Dr Shaikh Mohammad Hussain, who was the head of the RUSA project for the particular theme, “Analysis of Archaeological Material Remains through Geoarchaeology, Geo-Micro Fossils and Literary Sources of South India,” he inaugurated the seminar. The following dignitaries participated in the function:

1. Shaikh Mohammad Hussain, Head, Department of Geography, Madras University
2. Prof. M. Suresh Gandhi, Department of Geography
3. Nandita Krishnan, Chairman, CP Ramaswamy Iyer Trust
4.  T. Sree Lakshmi, Director, Archaeological Survey of India
5. Amarnath Ramakrishnan, Supervising Inspector, Archaeological Survey of India
6. Shanti Babu, founder of the Sharma Organization for Traditional Education, Chennai.
7. Dr J. Soundararajan, ‘Head of Department-in-charge, Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Chennai

They were also facilitated with shawls, mementoes and others. Then, the light was light with another light as usual and all with shoes and these things have been going on as a matter of routine.

11.27 to 11.35 – Dr. Shaikh Mohammad Hussain: On behalf of the VC, as he was busy with meeting, he formally inaugurate the seminar and gave a brief inaugural address. “If we go by the paleontological evidences, the age of the earth is found to be 3 million years…..As there have been IVC sites in Pakistan, on the western side, we have Dolavira, Lothal and other sites in India. Not only archaeologists, even paleontologists also studied these sites…dockyard ..irrigation tank and Dolavira and both are in Gujarat….. people were living in these areas. The people constructed a huge wall to protect from tsunami like disasters. …thus studying palaeontology, we can predict tsunami-like effects…..the palaeolithic tools have to be studied in all aspects, as they give different results, if they are studied chemically, physically etc……….the microfossils give details about the climate of the period in which they lived……..Dwaraka and Poompuhar are submerged towns……likewise, with the multidisciplinary studies, we study archaeology with geoarchaeology, geology, palaeontology and other fields. ”

ASI exhibition of photos and samples: In between, the photo exhibition and some excavated samples recovered at the different archaeological sites were displayed, was declared opened by Amarnath Ramakrishnan, ASI. The media covered the event and reported also. In fact, about the expo / exhibition, some photographs appeared in the English media also. The exhibition was useful to the students and visitors and there was a good response. There was also a display of books published by the department on the seminars, conferences conducted earlier and other related topics.

11.35 t0 11.44 pm – Dr Nandita Krishna[1]: The brief of what she spoke, “Unless the literary evidences are taken into account, the historical and archaeological findings cannot be understood and interpreted….. For example, S. R. Rao located and decided the site, where he wanted to conduct the underwater excavation based on the references of Mahabharat etc., and that is how he could discover Dwaraka…. Another example is Poompuhar and it is located only based on the Tamil literature. Unfortunately, in India, because of the British approach, we think that the literature is mythology and the details given are myth…B. B. Lal also could locate the sites based on the Mahabharat evidences, conducted excavations and the sites accordingly….We conducted research on the ancient plants to write a book on “Sacred plants of India,” we get many references from the Rigveda about the plants, listed them with their names and then tried to locate them… and they were found to be growing between the Indus and Ganges. Our student Amritalingam collected data for the book… Sacred Plants of India systematically lays out the sociocultural roots of the various plants found in the Indian subcontinent, while also asserting their ecological importance to our survival. Informative, thought-provoking and meticulously researched, this book draws on mythology and botany and the ancient religious traditions of India to assemble a detailed and fascinating account of India’s flora. ……While countries like Egypt get enough funds for archaeology, we are not getting. …..archaeology field is very expensive to carry on excavation activities……”  

11.45 to 12.00 Noon – Dr. Mahalakshmi: She delved upon the topic, “Symbols and Symbolism – New Evidences and Dimensions From Buddhist Establishments In South India,” and gave examples from the temples etc. Then, she went on giving archaeological evidences of IVC, Dolavira etc., and how they were trading with different ancient civilizations. She was explaining how the Buddhist symbolism and incography developed when the early Buddhists were not supposedly to make any Buddhist images. After the creation of Hinayana and Mahayana, the Buddhist statues were started to be engraved and established at different places. She gave many examples from the sculptures about the Buddhist symbolism and how they could be identified.

12.00 to 12.12 Noon: Amarnath Ramakrishnan spoke in Tamil, “Geology and archaeology cannot be separated, as they can be considered as brothers….any mound would be treated accordingly. We claim that research is done scientifically and so on. As science and technology have advanced and attained status, historians and archaeologists also try to follow the scientific methods. If we deal scientifically, then only we can get dating of the objects accurately…Dr Shanti Pappu can be cited for such scientific research. Her Athirampakkam excavation only gives the most ancient date for us…..There are evidences for prehistoric men lived some 1.5 to 2 lakh years before present here. We cannot get accurate dating based on literary or epigraphical evidences. We rely upon c-14 for dating. We take out the prehistoric stone tools and do research, but, we do not date them….she has done dating based on geomorphological evidences..archaeology has to be multidisciplinary, otherwise our subjects would be at a stagnation level and cannot grow…….thus, archaeology has to be viewed scientifically…Because we viewed our excavations scientifically, they are discussed globally….”.

12.30 to 1.00 pm – Shanti Pappu: As usual, she elaborated their palaeolithic findings with slides. She mentioned about Bokinakere Ramakrishnaiya Subba Rao (1925–2020) who is considered to be the Indian father of prehistory, was an Indian-origin entomologist who worked at the Commonwealth Institute of Entomology. He was a specialist on biological control and described many species of parasitic wasps including Neodusmetia sangwani which is considered one of the most successful examples of classical biological control. Rao also served as a linesman and umpire at Wimbledon from 1969 to 1995. Archaeological nomenclature influences the classification of cultural phases, objects and related behavioural interpretations. The term ‘Madrasien’, synonymous with the Acheulian, was a key concept in early studies of Indian prehistory, encompassing notions of geographical/administrative boundaries, tool types, cultural identities and migrations. Madrasien was coined in 1931 by the Austrian prehistorian Oswald Menghin and established in South Asian prehistory by V.D. Krishnaswami. Here, the authors trace the evolution of the term, situating it within the wider discourses in Indian prehistory and examining its role in shaping ideas on South Asian Palaeolithic nomenclatures. The Madrasien was gradually replaced by the current medley of African, European and Southeast Asian terminologies.

Attirampakkam forms one of the classic sites in the history of Indian Palaeolithic archaeology. Discovered by the British geologist Robert BruceFoote in 1863 (Foote 1866), it was sporadically investigated for over a century (Krishnaswami 1938; I.A.R 1965-67). Significant conceptual developments in Indian prehistory and Quaternary studies had their origin in research at this site, which was also characterised as a type-site of the Acheulian handaxe-based ‘Madras Industries’. Situated in the Kortallayar river basin, Tamil Nadu, Attirampakkam (13° 13′ 50″ N and 79° 53′ 20″E; 37.75 m AMSL) is one of numerous Lower and Middle Palaeolithic sites in the region (Pappu 2002). At present, gullies and rain rills erode tools over an area of around 50,000m². Excavations have revealed a multicultural site with stratified Lower, Middle and Upper Palaeolithic deposits in well-preserved primary contexts. A significant discovery was that of Acheulian artefacts in a 4 m thick deposit of laminated clays (Layer 6; 2.96-6.90 m in test trench T3), which were previously assigned to a Lower Cretaceous formation, and which our studies now show to be Pleistocene in age. The presence of Acheulian artefacts in clay beds, indicative of a palaeo flood plain situation, represents a new ecological habitat to be identified in the IndianPalaeolithic. Acheulian artefacts, mainly handaxes, are of quartzites, which are not available locally. The paucity of debitage and cores indicate that early hominids brought largely finished tools to the site, possibly to exploit water, game and plant resources.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

20-08-2023

Inaugural session – full view

Inaugural audience view

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[1]  Full speech is available with the video of the Polimer Tv and one can listen there.

Students on the RHS

Students on LHS

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – 11-03-2023- Animal remains, ideology, orientalism etc (6)

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2^nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – 11-03-2023- Animal remains, ideology, orientalism etc (6)

Arti Deshpande talked about the animal remains…..

says these topics are not dealt with……………………

she started explaining the megalithic burials………………….

the principles involved………………..

all animal remains have been given to their laboratory………………………………….

they study them to identify the animals and listed…………………………

with the bones,bone pieces,cut marks on them…etc….interpretations are made……………………………

Arti Deshpande – animal remains of Tamilnadu: Prof Peddaiah had to make his presentation on-line, but, as there was some technical problem, it was delayed. It was postponed to after lunch session. Again, there was some delay, therefore, the paper reading session started with Arti Deshpande and the session was headed by Marxia Gandhi. Arti Deshpande was trying to delve upon the animal remains found at different sites. She claims that the Subject was new in Tamilnadu, it has not been studied by others so far. Archaeology of Tamilnadu, the human burials were studied under all types of megalithic monuments, but not much attention as given to the excavated animal remains. She claimed that Lack of information about what they were eating during ancient period and the archaeo-zoology domestication of animals, deals with such issues. Excavations have going on at different places and samples were sent to them for study ..work is going on and her observations are preliminary…only lab in south Asia, all international; protocols are followed…..Therefore, he was making this paper even visiting the sites, as she was telling. She was showing slides with photographs giving the statistical details of animals…She-goat found more than he-goat exploited as could be noted from the recovered bone pieces.

Observation: However, it has to be mentioned that the Sangam literature has been vivid with the different flesh, meat and animal products eaten by them and there have been published papers also. As long as the human activities have been going on, such remnants are bound to occur.

Prof Peddaiah- on-line – ideology, orientalism etc: There was a lot of delay before his starting speech…..his voice was not clear, his paper was not distributed to follow him. He used no slides. …it appears that he was talking against ideology etc.. Researchers in Asia, Africa and other parts of the world that experienced prolonged periods of colonial rule by European powers may adopt divergent intellectual positions regarding the nature and extent of the contribution made by the colonizing powers to the study of the historical past and cultural heritage of their respective colonies. Perceptions of this contribution will have to take into account a variety of factors such as the nature of the colonialism practised in a given region, the ultimate motives and interests the colonial rulers had in mind while initiating studies of the region’s past, the world-view of those who actually conducted the studies and, of course, the time-depth and character of the past available for study. Moreover, evaluations of the role played by Europeans, far from remaining static, will undergo periodic revisions resulting from changes experienced in academic perspectives in general, and even changes in the world order from time to time. ……..

The question of the social relevance of the study of the past is one which historians and archaeologists in India can no longer overlook. Public attitudes towards the study of the past, the role of the mass media and museums in bringing knowledge of the past to society at large, and the use of the study of the past for discussion and the display of power in professional institutions are other questions which, sooner or later, Indian archaeology will have to confront.  Did the study of India’s archaeological heritage exert any influence of its own? The answer is once again positive. The magnificent discoveries of the last century, involving scores of prehistoric and historic sites, won for the country a high degree of esteem and respect among European archaeologists—an attitude of mind which many parts of Asia and Africa clearly failed to evoke.

Observation: Whatever, he wanted to convey, he could have told openly without mincing words. Moreover, most of the audience was very indifferent and they were not listening to him also.

Alok Kumar Kanungo headed the next session and the following presented their papers:

she has been studying this for many years……………………………..

Sharada srinivasan on iron and steel of Tamilagam: The iron and steel artefacts uncovered from the sites Adichanallur, Tamilnadu, Kadebakele, Karnataka and other places in southern India span the early phases of occupation radiocarbon dated from 800 to 400 BCE. These site has been excavated by a collaborative team from the respective Departments of Archaeology. The site was occupied from at least the early 1st millennium BC until the early centuries CE. Radiocarbon dates from the Iron Age period span from c.800 to 400 BCE and it is thought that iron/steel artefacts from these levels may rank among the very early well-dated examples of higher carbon steels. Cementation, case hardening and forge hardening are several terms in use to describe essentially similar processes. Wrought iron produced by the bloomery process could be carburised by heating it in charcoal for a long time. Typically this lasted several days, resulting in the solid-state absorption or dissolution of carbon into the wrought iron. This process is very slow because it is a reaction in the solid state. Pieces or sheets of wrought iron were packed with charcoal or other organic materials into a closed refractory container and heated between 1050-1100ºC from five to seven days. This process could result in the incorporation of varying degrees of carbon between 0.6 and 2%. It would have resulted in a heterogeneous steel of intermediate composition. Such diffusion is less likely to have resulted in a homogenous steel of higher carbon content. The steel thus produced could have been evened out by hammering, annealing, and folding the steel many times over. There was always a significant decrease in the carbon content away from the exposed surfaces. The stringers from the slag remained in the final steel causing brittleness.

Cholas’ bronzes………………….

Decarburisation dilutes the carbon content of cast iron. This can involve the mixing of wrought iron with molten cast iron. In China, the heating of bundles of cast and wrought iron together followed by forging and heating led to complete diffusion and  homogenisation. This would result in the partial melting of cast iron. Some carbon would diffuse into wrought iron that was repeatedly forged and heated again. The finery process breaks cast iron into small lumps, followed by heating to high temperartures in an oxidising air blast. The iron melts and carbon burns out as carbon dioxide and the decarburised iron droplets sink to form a bloom below the hot zone.

technical details explained……

It is generally believed that the original crucible steel-making technique was developed primarily in India leading to wootz steel. The use of iron was well established in south Indian megalithic cultures by at least about 1100 BC at sites such as Hallur in Karnataka. The megalithic site of Kodumanal, ca 300 BC, in Tamil Nadu may have been a site for ferrous crucible processing. After the forging of swords at high temperatures, an important step in hardening blades lies in their being quenched. This step is important because it enables a martensitic transformation to take place in the steel, which contributes to improved toughness and strength. One of the methods that Indian blacksmiths seem to have used for quenching, is to plunge the red hot blade into the tree trunk of a banana or plantain tree, one of the most universal of Indian trees which is full of sap, which was followed by cooling it overnight.

traditional manufacture of bronze, brass, …….articles……………………

Tamil Nadu Process: Some of the earliest metallurgical finds to date are those found in Adichanallur, Tamil Nadu – now stored in the Government Museum, Chennai. For her research, Prof Srinivasan studied these artefacts quite closely. She studied these metallic artefacts under an electron microscope, only to find an intricate, perforated design that could only be achieved through the use of sophisticated metallurgical processes. This means those who made the alloy not only knew exactly what they were doing but had perfected the method through trial and error. Previously, alloys like these were thought to be made either by fusing cast iron and wrought iron or by adding carbon to wrought iron through various means. But it has been difficult to find clinching evidence to prove with certainty which technique made the ultrahigh-carbon steel of the Tamils all those centuries ago. she states that her research has indicated that this type of high carbonaceous steel could only be achieved by packing the iron blooms with carbonaceous materials like wood, and firing the furnace at high temperatures, not less than 1,400°C for a long time.

Her field study……..

Mel Siruvalur: An alloy of copper and tin, the bronze from the forges in Adichanallur was also rated very highly.Adichanallur’s beta bronze had a very high percentage of tin, some 23%. This composition increases the malleability of the alloy, which can then be worked on to a considerable degree at high temperatures, followed by rapidly cooling, improving the tensile strength and tonality of the bronze……… they could create alloys with such high proportions of tin was by heavy hot-forging. That is, the temperature of the crucible in which the alloy was made had to be very high and consistent…..Investigations on the crucible fragments of Mel Siruvalur have shown that these crucibles are made of ‘hypereutectoid’ or ultra-high carbon steel.

Smriti Haricharan – Archaeological landscape of Amur: The site Amoor / Amur near Siruthavur has been in news very often, as it is continuously vandalized by many people, regularly for various reasons. The archaeologists used to lament and the media used to carry even full page articles, but, such vandalism continues. Incidentally, the archaeological research also continues with the site coming out with more and moe papers being presented at the international conferences and even published in the form of books.

Siruthavur Siruthavoor lies in Kanchipuram district, situated along the northern coast of Tamilnadu, India and is adjacent to the Bay of Bengal. The area in which the Iron Age-Early Historic burials are located is bounded by the Siruthavoor lake (tank) towards the south and a hillock of around 31m asl towards the north, with a smaller hillock (below 15m asl) to the east. The geology of the area is represented by Archaean to Precambrian crystalline formations such as charnockite, granite gneiss and ultrabasic rocks, overlain by Mesozoic and Tertiary sedimentary rocks (Rajmohan & Elango 2005). Most of the megalithic burials at the site are built using charnockite, granite gneiss and lateritic rocks. Exploration, mapping and excavation were conducted at the site from 2007–2009. Although innumerable burials have been destroyed at this site by sand quarrying, over 500 burials remained during the survey. Of these, 166 were of the cairn circle type, 141 were dolmens, 157 were dolmens within a stone circle, 38 were cists and 57 were of cist-withcircle type. The urn burials were harder to map since most of them have no stone appendage visible on the surface. Eight burials were excavated. Burial 1 was a cairn circle type; burial form and fabric difficult. Most of the anthropogenic disturbance of the burials at Siruthavoor was in the area around burials 2 and 3. A large percentage of what remains of the burials in this area indicates that they were cist burials. The surface material collected is similar to the material excavated in burial 3 including iron objects, carnelian beads and pottery (Figure 8). Between burials 2 and 3 and burials 4, 5 and 6, large boulders are indicative of possible dolmen type burials, but the surface finds here are very sparse.

points out the dating methods…

how laboratory dates differ………………….

Morethekoi – on-line: When potteries were sent for TL dating, different dates are obtained. Therefore, samples from the same layer, were sent for C-14, they gave different dates. Thus, both methods do not tally. He was pointing out that the TL dates given for potteries do not tally with the dating of the objects found at the same stratigraphy who dates are found to be different as dated by C-14. In other words, the dating by these two do not tally with each other. Therefore, error analysis done to correct the error that is supposed to have occurred in dating the pottery.  

this or that…………………….source…………………

which it right or wrong?…..

error analysis to rectify differing dates for the same sample…………………………………

these are the dates………………………………………………………..rectifications…………………………..

.

Observation: When lot of things are talked about the scientific study of archaeology, multi-disciplinary approach, engineers started studying archaeological objects, etc., it is right time that the details of samples recovered from the excavated sites sent to the laboratories, results obtained etc., should be available to the public, as different claims are made in the media by the involved. Many times, such media reports are exaggerated and turning out to be manipulated also. Therefore, transparency should be maintained.

their team with foreign links……………………..

G. Kumaresan – on-line: He presented his paper on “Exploring the Genomics, proteomics and organic molecules of the excavations from Tamilnadu.” Says that they are having a laboratory to study the excavated materials from Keeladi, Sivalai, Konthagai etc. He was explaining about the team, advisors, consultants, the laboratory etc with slides.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

14-03-2023.

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – the second day proceedings – 11-03-2023- continued (4)

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2^nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – the second day proceedings – 11-03-2023- continued (4)

Srinivas V. Parigar

11-03-2023 – Srinivas V. Parigar presented a paper on “Looking for Early Tamil Nadu Artistic Elements in the Deccan”: Taking the 543-900 CE period taken for the study of research, he was emphasizing that the southern art was not so impressive that were coming from the north and trying to compare the sculptures of Chalukya and Pallavas mainly. Depending upon the inscriptions, he was pointing out that the Pallava grantha character partially damaged 543 CE, When Narasimha Varman invaded and conquered Vatapi, it was destroyed. With the sculptures of Vaikuntamurthy, Ananthamurthy Vishnu, as Narasimha image is found, on the top of the head, he tries to interpret that he (Narasimha Varman –I) might have added this sculpture on the head of the Vishnu. Of course, he accepts that there is no inscriptional evidence for such an interpretation.

With Vamana-Trivikrama images, he tries to differentiate that Narasimha would have changed the Chalukya style. That is the artists and sculptors of the period would have changed the features and styles of the deities carved and thus the variance was noted.

Then with the images of Mahisasura Mardini, he was explaining different features – Durga chasing Mahisasura – points out differences. He then compared it with Ellora sculptures also. As he already pointed out that such artistic representation of the deities was evolved in the north and spread to the suth. Generation to generation, the artists had been slowly changing the depiction of Mahisasuramardini. Then he interprets the hair style and other features are also changing.

The depiction of the style of Dvarapalalas were also changing (Ayudhapurushas)- the change  might also be due to sectarian philosophy. Though he took the period 543-900 CE, he was not specifically coming out what was there in change during the period.

He was explaining the features of dwarapalakas also.

He was trying to explain how they style of Goddesses were also changing…

So when asked about the dating of the Pallava script, he avoided saying that it was not the subject of his paper (though pointed out that inscription was damaged). When K. V. Ramakrishna Rao asked about the dating of the script with reference to the sculptures of the Chalukyas, Pallavas etc., the paper presenter avoided Then, J. Soundarajan asked about the dating of the sculptures in a different way. For that, he responded that he caught the point but telling he was concentrating only on the sculptural and artistic differences. When started asking, it was announced that time was over.

Tony Joseph – Population Genetics Ancient DNA and the peopling of India (on-line): Tony Joseph discusses the chain of reasoning behind the dating of the Out of Africa migration, based on genetic, climatic, and fossil data, and the possible routes taken out of Africa into Asia. It appears that the first modern humans (Homo sapiens) with whom we can establish genetic continuity, settled in India about 65,000 years ago. This does not mean that there were no members of any Homo species in India before that and, indeed, the Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh, famous for the rock art of their inhabitants, seem to have been occupied at various points in time from about 100,000 years ago. There are also Paleolithic tools from Attirampakkam in Tamil Nadu dating back to 1.5 million years ago. South Asia seems to have been highly populated for a very long time, but these older lineages who crafted the earliest tools or created the earliest rock art in the Indian subcontinent do not share genetic continuity with us, leading the Early Indians story to focus on the period from 65,000 years onwards.

It took about 5000 years before the establishment of agriculture in Mehrgarh leading to the development of the Harappan Civilization between 4600–3900 years ago (2600–1900 BCE). At its peak, the Harappan Civilization covered an area of about 1 million square kilometres (about one-third the size of India) and included cities located in presentday Pakistan, western India, and northeastern Afghanistan. Some of the important cities excavated include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, and Dholavira. The inhabitants were the descendants of the mixing between the people from the Zagros region and the First Indians. Tony Joseph provides a fascinating account of the artefacts (including bangles and toys, water buffalo seals, standardized weights and measures, and ‘lotas’ in toilets that every house seemed to have had!), customs, and city planning in the Harappan Civilization, and trade links with other civilizations. A sticky issue has been that of the language that was spoken in the Harappan Civilization since the script has not yet been deciphered. However, based on the genetic and archaeological findings of the connection between the Zagrosians and the Harappan Civilization, it is possible that the former brought a Mesopotamian language with them, possibly a Proto-Elamite language. Elamite is extinct now but is related to Brahui, which is spoken in parts of Balochistan and is also related to the Dravidian languages of India.

Arunraj, Yatish kumar and Muthukumar presented a paper on Adichanallur, Trichy ASI. Arunraj, Director started describing the various objects found at Adchanallur. He was also comparing the findings of Alexander Rae with that of present excavated examples. He was mainly addressing the students showing many photographs. The details from his catalogue book – The two important collections which form the subject of this catalogue were brought together as tbe result of excavations conducted by Mr. A. Rea, formerly Superintendent of the Archaeological Survey of India, Southern Circle, and are exhibited in an extension of the Prehistoric Gallery of the Madras Government Museum which was specially erected for their accommodation.By far the more extensive of the two finds is that from Adichanallur and other localities in the Tinnevelly or most southern district of the Madras Presidency. The Adichanallur site was first brought to notice in 1876, when it was visited by Dr. Jagor of Berlin, who secured a considerable number of articles for the Berlin Museum fur Volkerkunde. Further explorations were conducted in the winter of 1903-1904, by M. Louis Lapicque of Paris, which resulted in additional collections, and as a result of their examination M. Lapicque arrived at the conclusion that the remains belonged to a Proto-Dravidian race. A detailed investigation of the sites was conducted by Mr. Rea, at intervals from 1899 to J 905, when the present collection and a large number of duplicates were obtained. While admitting that the burialgrounds might be of great antiquity, Mr. Rea was on the whole disposed to think that they were of Pandyan origin and ight even have been in use after the commencement of the Christian era. The burial-ground at Adichanallur covers an area of one hundred and fourteen acres and is the most extensive yet discovered in South India. The funeral urns were deposited.

Alok Kumar Kanungo and Amit Arora presented a paper on “South Indian Iron: An antiquity and metallurgical study”: This paper mainly had dealt with the taken some selected sites and the iron samples and sent them for metallurgical analysis. As a pilot study (microscope, elemental composition, microstructure, carbon content and AMS dating) is carried out on selected Iron findings from the sites – Ambal, Gangaikondacholapuram, Keeladi, Mangadu, Poram, Vallam. Iron in south India goes back to c.2000 BCE, because of urbanization and cultural development. There were much evidence that Iron and steel were produced and so also articles out of them. Therefore, the people of these areas were knowing Iron alloying techniques to manufacture steel of all categories with high-temperature handling capabilities. . …Bloomery and blast iron methods were developed at different places. The Bloomery method has been the most ancient practice in steel making in India. The inclusion of slag in the microstructure as noted proves the bloomer method used. Hammering would get the required microstructure. This paper also comes under the “reverse engineering” category, as they have studied the ferrous metallic objects thoroughly with microanalysis.

The present study area is southern Tamil Nadu, the region south of River Kaveri (Figure 1 a). Humans have colonized this region from pre-historic times. The Tamil University, Thanjavur excavated the archaeological sites of Vallam, Nagapattinam and Ambal, and the Archaeological Survey of India excavated Therazhundur. These studies have resulted in establishing the cultural chronology and cultural contact of the ancient inhabitants. The study also shows that Tamil culture had spread to the neighbouring island country of Sri Lanka. This study deals with iron artefacts retrieved from two sites, viz. Ambal and Vallam. These two sites are close to the Bay of Bengal (west of 79°50′E); this strategic location played a major role in trade and cultural contact.

Ambal: The site of Ambal (10°56′53.58″N; 79°42′12.65″E) is located in Nagapattinam district (border of Tiruvarur) and was excavated under the directorship of Selvakumar32 in 2015–16. The site has been inhabited from Iron Age until the modern times, through early historic, early medieval and late medieval periods. Throughout these periods, it has yielded a good number of iron and copper implements. One of the early objects, viz. axe was found in the lowermost layer at the site, i.e. the Iron Age (Figure 1 b). Two crucibles used for possible copper working were also found in the early medieval period (Figure 1 c).

Vallam: The site of Vallam (10°42′50.4″N; 79°4′12.72″E) in Thanjavur district was excavated under the directorship of Subbarayalu.

Specimens and methods: The specimens such as axe (AM/1) and iron objects (AM/2, AM/3 and VM/1) were recovered from two habitation sites of Ambal and Vallam. Table 1 provides the sample details, associated dates and conditions of the samples. These samples were from three different periods, i.e. Iron Age, early medieval and medieval age. Figure 2 a–d shows the physical appearance of the samples before mounting for further analysis. The arrows in the figure indicate the cross-section where grinding and polishing were done before microscopy and mechanical testing. Sample AM/1 was a core part of the axe and cut from the corner of the sharp edge, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 2 a. Before mounting, these samples were analysed using an XRF spectrometer (PANalytical Epsilon1, UK) to determine the chemical composition. Then the samples were cold-mounted in epoxy resin and polished using SiC papers of 120, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1200 grit size. The cloth polishing was done using water suspension of 5 μm alumina powder. The mirror-finished polished samples were chemically etched with Nital (10 ml nitric acid mixed with 90 ml ethanol) at room temperature for 60 s. The etched samples were washed under running water and ethanol, and observed under the optical microscope (OLYMPUS BX51, Japan) to determine the microstructure. The samples were analysed under a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM; JEOL JSM7600F, Japan) in the backscattered electron mode at 10 kV voltage and 48.60 μA probe current before and after chemical etching to detect different phases. EDX attached with SEM was used at 15 mm working distance and 15 kV voltage to confirm the different phases. The microhardness of the polished samples was measured at 500 g load for 15 s using the Vickers microhardness indenter. The indenter was placed at the core of the samples to collect the numerous hardness values (at least 10), and the standard deviation was calculated.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

13-03-2023.