50-foot snake fossil found in Gujarat mine – could be the longest one?

50-foot snake fossil found in Gujarat mine – could be the longest one?

India was a land of snake charmers!: The Westerners and others some sort of anti-Indian propagandists always used to dub that “India was a land of snake charmers,” i.e, the Indians were more interested in myths and unscientific activities. They also give the example of “Four blind men and elephant,” Indians dying at the wheels of Juggernaut and so on. Such disparaging, insulting and derogatory remarks are made, even by some sort of anti-Indian ideologists of all sorts.  They never discuss about the Surya Siddhanta, Aryabhatiya and such other astronomical and mathematical works and their relation to art and architecture. They do not relate Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita to the skeleton sculptures, where all bones and skull have been depicted exactly like, as if a medical student looking at a dissected cadaver at the laboratory. They could not understand the science and technology behind the woven and dyed cloths. Under such circumstances, really a fossil of 5 50-feet snake has been found and studied scientifically.  How the general public read and react – we have to wait and see.

50 feet snake fossil found in Gujarat mine: Another day in science, another massive, ancient snake discovery. Palaeontologists in India have unearthed fossilized vertebrae from a snake that slithered around the sub-continent about 47 million years ago and may have grown as long as nearly 50 feet[1]. The newly discovered, extinct species is named Vasuki inidicus, after the mythical serpent coiled around the neck of the Hindu god Shiva, and is described for the first time in a study published April 18 in the journal Scientific Reports[2].  “Vasuki is an important piece of an ancient puzzle. It contributes to our understanding of this extinct group, and also to our understanding of large, apex, top-of-the-foodchain snakes in general,” says John Jacisin III, a palaeontologist at the University of Texas at Austin who researches reptiles but was uninvolved in the new study. Beyond reptiles, the fossil find carries broader clues to India’s climate tens of millions of years ago[3]. “It’s also just a cool snake because it was so big,” he says, comparing its length to longer than that of a yellow school bus[4].

Found in 2005 and reported in 2024: Sunil Bajpai, co-author of the study and a vertebrate palaeontologist at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, first discovered the fossilized snake remains in 2005 at a coal mine in western India[5]. The mine is located in the Panandhro area of the Kutch district in western India’s state of Gujarat. Lignite is the lowest grade of coal. Over the course of a slow and careful excavation, 27 vertebrates–all likely to be from the same individual–were uncovered[6]. By analyzing the size ratios of various parts of the vertebrae and the fossils unique shapes and protrusions, Bajpai and his co-researcher established the remains were that of a new species in the extinct family of Madtsoiidae, which were primitive snakes similar to boas and pythons[7]. The fist-sized fossils are second only in girth and width to those of Tintanoboa, another giant snake estimated to have lived about 58 million years ago in what is now present-day Colombia[8]. Based on the age of the rock the newly described vertebrae were found in, the researchers date Vasuki to about 47 million years ago, just a few million years after the Indian tectonic plate began colliding with Eurasia.

Further study made: According to the new study, the timing supports the idea that Madtsoiids originated in India, and later moved to North Africa and southern Eurasia, where other, later fossil specimens have been found[9]. It’s a challenge to accurately deduce the total species body size from a single individual’s incomplete skeleton[10]. But using model equations incorporating data on current, living snakes and the known fossil record, Bajpai and his colleague, Debajit Datta–another vertebrate palaeontologist at the same institution, estimate that V. indicus was somewhere between about 36 and and 49.9 feet (10.9 and 15.2 meters) long. The only known snake of comparable size was Titanoboa, currently the record-holder for the largest snake to have ever lived. Titanoboa clocked in at an estimated 35 to 50 feet long, with the mean estimate of around 42 feet in length. The relative vertebrate sizes indicate that Titanoboa was a heavier, thicker-bodied snake than V. indicus, yet it’s impossible to know exactly which snake species would’ve won the measuring contest.

Which was the longest snake?: “Based on the data at hand Vasuki was only slightly smaller in length than Titanoboa,” Bajpai and Datta write in a joint email to PopSci. “However, we cannot entirely rule out the possibility of Vasuki being slightly larger than Titanoboa, because the fossil vertebrae in our collection may not have come from the largest individual of Vasuki. The same, however, can also be said for Titanoboa. Since neither of these snakes are known from complete skeletons, we cannot say with certainty whether one was longer or wider than the other.”Exact size estimates are liable to change as more fossils are found and more analysis is done. “Everything shrinks when the tape measure comes out,” says Alexandra Howard, a paleobiologist and herpetologist at Texas A&M University who was not involved in the new research. “It’s a running joke [in palaeontology], everyone always finds the biggest thing,” she adds–and with more discovery and scrutiny the biggest size estimates tend to scale down.

These fossils were well preserved: Nonetheless, Howard says the new discovery includes some very well-preserved fossils and is an interesting addition to our knowledge of ancient reptiles. “The past was full of giant snakes. That’s really cool,” she says. And, either way, second place in size isn’t so bad, especially when you’re separated from your closest competitor by about 10 million years. Vasuki was probably a slow-slithering ambush predator that constricted its prey like a python, according to Bajpai and Datta. Based on morphology and the location it was found in, the researchers believe the monstrous snake was either terrestrial or semi-aquatic–living in marsh or coastal swamp. It was found in rock that also contains fossils of rays, sharks, bony fish, turtles, crocodiles, and primitive whales, Bajpai and Datta note–though what it ate is unclear.

Climatic condition of the snake lived: Beyond its massive size, the new paleontological discovery is notable for what it can tell us about our planet 47-50 million years ago. “It’s an important discovery because it shows us another example of extreme gigantism in snakes… and because you can use snakes as a thermometer to reconstruct climates of the past,” says Jason Head, a vertebrate palaeontologist at the University of Cambridge in England who was one of the primary researchers involved in discovering Titanoboa. We know from geological and paleontological research that the time period, part of the Eocene Epoch, was warm, but Vasuki offers another data point indicating exactly what the climate may have been like where it was found. Snakes are ectotherms (commonly known as “cold-blooded”), so their body temperature and size is closely linked with the ambient temperature. The larger a snake is, the slower its metabolic rate, and so the warmer the climate must be for it to survive, Head explains. Estimates from modelling equations indicate that Vasuki’s habitat averaged around 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees Fahrenheit), which is slightly warmer than the average annual temperature in the same region today.

India could have the ancient fossils: The ancient climate data can aid in understanding the present and where we’re headed under current climate change, says Head. “Those are the hottest latitudes and the hottest intervals, that’s going to tell us a lot about what those places might be like in the future.” As palaeontologists continue to dig into the past, predictions of the future may become clearer. And also, massive, ancient snakes are liable to keep appearing. “We understand so little about the past diversity of life on Earth,” Head notes. “I think there are probably more giant snakes to come.” “Considering its large size, Vasuki was a slow-moving ambush predator that would subdue its prey through constriction like anacondas and pythons. This snake lived in a marshy swamp near the coast at a time when global temperatures were higher than today,” said Debajit Datta, a postdoctoral researcher in palaeontology at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR) and lead author of the study published in the journal Scientific Reports. Because of the incomplete nature of the Vasuki remains, the researchers gave an estimated length range of 36-49 feet (11-15 meters) and a rough estimate of a metric ton in weight.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

20-04-2024

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[1] Populr Science, Enormous snake in ancient India was longer than a school bus – ‘The past is full of giant snakes.‘, by Lauren Leffer, Published April 18, 2024 11:00 AM EDT. https://www.popsci.com/environment/giant-snake-india-fossil/

[2] https://www.popsci.com/environment/giant-snake-india-fossil/

[3] The Hindu, Fossils of massive prehistoric snake found in lignite mine in Gujarat, Jacob Koshy- NEW DELHI,  April 19, 2024 08:02 pm | Updated April 20, 2024 10:22 am IST.

[4] https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/fossils-of-massive-prehistoric-snake-found-in-lignite-mine-in-gujarat/article68083916.ece – :~:text=The%20vertebrae%20of%20Vasuki%20Indicus,period%20called%20the%20Middle%20Eocene.

[5] Civils.dily, Vasuki fossil found- 50 feet, April 19, 2024.

[6] https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/vasuki-indicus-50ft-snake-fossil-found-in-gujarat/

[7] NDTV, Move Over Titanoboa, Fossil Of “Largest Snake To Have Ever Existed” Found In Gujarat, Science Edited by Amit Chaturvedi, Updated: April 19, 2024 10:57 am IST.

[8] https://www.ndtv.com/science/move-over-titanoboa-fossil-of-largest-snake-to-have-ever-existed-found-in-gujarat-5474872

[9] DD News, Fossils Of Colossal Snake Vasuki Unearthed In India Mine, 19/04/24 | 3:26 pm | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | Kutch | Vasuki | Vasuki indicus

[10] https://ddnews.gov.in/en/fossils-of-colossal-snake-vasuki-unearthed-in-india-mine/

Science and technology versus Arts and humanities –should the higher qualified candidates fight for lower jobs?

Science and technology versus Arts and humanities –should the higher qualified candidates fight for lower jobs?

Subjects changing during the course of time: In the academics, the difference, discrimination and competition between Science and technology versus Arts and humanities have been proverbial, memorable and continuing with time.  Before and after independence arts-subjects were considered inferior to other subjects. Thus, some students used to choose B.A. (Hon) and or proceed to law to become advocates. Otherwise, the arts-graduates go for office and administrative work. Typewriting and shorthand became necessary, as the clerk job required such experience.  Thus, till 1980s, the type-writer institutes were busy with job-seekers to get one-hour time slot either in the morning or evening. Even today typewriting and Computer typing[1] are insisted or made mandatory for clerical work. After the introduction of the computers, they mechanical typewriters were virtually scrapped and dumped and sold as scrap only. Even the electrical and electronic typewriters faced the same fate[2]. Anyway, computers serve for typewriting and none gets any qualification for computer-typing exclusively.

Discrimination among the engineering graduates, diploma holders and ITI certificate holders: The same type of competition has been there among the engineering degree graduates, diploma holders and ITI certificate holders. There was a general impression till 1980s, only the students who could not do their studies well would go for diploma and ITI. However, many times in industries, the ITI certificate holders work better than diploma holders and the diploma holders than the degree holders, because of the more practical training in handling with tools and machines, they had than others. Of course, from 1990 onwards, the workshops attached to the engineering colleges started imparting all practical training to the engineering students and thus, they were also exposed all types of drilling, honing, cutting, profiling, polishing processes and other machinery. In fact, they are sent to leading manufacturing factories under internship to get such experience.  Yet, we find 50-60-70 years old workers with or without qualifications excelling others on the floor of many factories.   

Candidates with higher qualifications cannot apply for lower posts: Many times, when getting a job is necessary or difficult, the candidates with higher qualifications used to suppress their higher qualifications and appear in competitive examinations with S.S.L.C, P.U.C and matric qualifications, as with degree, they cannot apply for clerical / typist job. In fact, there would be “Warning / Caution” to the extent, that “Higher qualification holders need not apply.” However, as the unemployment problem was acute, the degree holders had to get some jobs and proceed further. In fact, some used to do part-time job in the evening one or twor hours and go home. Because, for poor and lower middle-class people, they had to earn money for running the family.  Now, the Supreme Court categorically pronounced in a judgment[3], “…a candidate with higher qualification cannot claim right to apply for posts with lower qualification, unless the relevant statutory recruitment rules permit the inference that higher qualification presupposes the acquisition of lower qualification”! However, there are contrary judgments also.

Peon with degree can continue to work as a peon: The Judgment – Chief Manager, Punjab National Bank & Anr. v. Anit Kumar Das [Civil Appeal No. 3602 of 2020], held that lower educational qualification can be a criterion for employment of a candidate, given that there is a rationale behind it[4]. The appellant Bank had invited applications for the post of Peon by publishing an advertisement in the local newspaper. The advertisement clearly mentioned the eligibility criteria for the candidate to have passed the 12th class or its equivalent and basic reading/writing knowledge of English. It also specifically provided that the candidate should not be a graduate. The respondent, upon submitting the applications got selected for employment, after which it came to the knowledge of the appellant that the respondent was in fact a graduate, and thus, his candidature was cancelled. Aggrieved, the respondent filed a writ petition before the High Court arguing that higher education cannot be a basis for denying employment, relying on Mohd. Usmain Gani v. District and Sessions Judge, Nagpur [Civil Appeal No. 1010 of 2000]. The HC allowed the petition and directed the Bank to allow the respondent to discharge his duties as a Peon.

Central and State government employees are governed by the Conduct Rules: The rationale is by acquiring higher qualifications later, he cannot claim any salary, promotion and other benefits. As for as the government employees, the conduct rules have been very specific and the joining employee has to give all the details required at the time of joining. Not only about his qualification, but also about his marital status, caste, religion and family details.  He should inform the department / employer to get permission to pursue the higher study by giving an undertaking letter with conditions. Therefore, he cannot change his stand or go to court etc., as he is bound by the conduct rules. Unless, the conduct rules infringe the provisions of the Constitution, he cannot go to court also. Even for going to court, he should get permission from the department / employer. With all the restrictions, he has every right to get his qualified status, provided, had in informed. As the government deals with crores of people all over the country in thousands of departments, it hs to control the employers with such Conduct Rules.

For employment purposes equating or differentiating the similar degrees: The Tamil Nadu government has recently issued a G.O / ordinance regarding the unique academic list, which has affected those who have completed the course in ancient history and archaeology at the University of Madras[5]. In February, 2024 an expert panel deliberated on which courses are non-equivalent as defined by the University Grants Commission, UGC. Based on the recommendations made by the committee, the Tamil Nadu government recently issued a G.O / ordinance. In it, a list of courses which are not equivalent to Botany and History Department courses has been published. That is to say, the MA degree in Ancient History and Archeology offered by Madras University is not equivalent to the MA History degree. Due to this, those who have completed MA in Ancient History and Archeology in Chennai University cannot apply for jobs related to history[6]. Thus, such degree holders feel that they have been deprived of applying for jobs with their qualifications.

The Students of Ancient History and Archaeology apprehended their opportunity: In this regard, the MA, Ancient History and Archeology degree holders of Madras University said[7]: “Now, the Teachers Selection Board has released a notification for the recruitment of History Professors. For this, a new order has been issued so that even those who have obtained MA, Ancient History and Archeology degree and passed the ‘NET’ examination in Madras University cannot apply. In Central and State archeology departments and in the history education department, those who have studied in Madras University have achieved the most. They have effectively done various excavations in Tamil Nadu and contributed to history. Similarly, coins, inscriptions, palm-leaf mss etc. have also been investigated and history has been written. The Tamil Nadu government has issued a wrong order so that archaeologists cannot apply for the jobs of the archeology department while the history department is eligible to apply for the jobs in the history department. As a result, it will not be possible to conduct courses on ancient history and archaeology in the history curriculum, and employment will be lost for hundreds of qualified and talented academics who have studied in Madras University and done research and written many history books. This will have a major impact on archaeology graduates and students. On the other hand, archaeology graduates from Tanjore Tamil University are not barred from working in the history department. It is a discriminatory G.O. Government should take steps to change this and continue the old practice.”

Technically and scientifically different subjects cannot be equated: A careful reading of the order and its contents are summarized as follows:

Degree subject / subjects combined	Not equivalent to
B.A English Language & Literature	B.A. English
B.Sc Microbiology	B.Sc Botany
B.Sc Environmental Biology	B.Sc Botany
M.Sc Microbiology	M.Sc Botany
M.Sc Environmental Biology	M.Sc Botany
M.Sc Environmental science	M.Sc Botany
M.Sc Biotechnology	M.Sc Botany
M.Sc Pharmaceutical Chemistry	M.Sc chemistry
M.Sc (Agriculture) Agronomy	M.Sc Agriculture (Extension)
M.Sc (Agriculture) Entomology	M.Sc Agriculture (Extension)
B.A. (History, Sociology, Philosophy)	B.A. History
B.A. (History, Sociology, Telugu Literature)	B.A. History
B.A Political History	B. A. History
M.A. Medieval History	M.. history
M.A. Political Science	M. A. History
M.A. Ancient History & Archaeology	M. A. History

Definitely, the subject, subject content and the syllabi of them have been different. Therefore, they cannot be compared or equated. Even a cursory look at the subjects shows how they are different. The subjects on the RHS appear to be specialized, specific and combo types meant for certain jobs, thus offered in different universities of India. In fact, they are higher standards than the normal M.A / M.Sc or B.A / B.Sc degrees. Hence, instead of barring certain subjects or disciplines, if the job does not require any expertise and is capable of managing the job with the degree held, then, the required qualification can be made in general as M.A / M.Sc or B.A / B.Sc degrees or it can simply be mentioned, “Any graduate can apply”. If specialization is required, then, naturally, no compromise can be made.

What students, candidates and others should ponder over: With all the above exigencies, one should take decision as follows:

1. Every candidate should be conscious about what he reads, in which subject, he can excel and try to proceed in that discipline.
2. Of course, nowadays, certain factors compel the candidates for going to different disciplines due to economic, forced and other factors and conditions.
3. As specialization of subjects started or each subject is masqueraded with different terminology, syllabus and so on, such subjects continue to increase and thrive.
4. In science and technology, the candidates could survive by updating, studying M.S and other studies to fulfill their job requirements.
5. Whereas, the students of arts and humanities have to acquire more and different diplomas to compete in the job market.
6. In any case, the employers (private sector) expect the candidates to join and start working immediately.
7. In the public / government jobs, immediately, the employees try to protest and take recourse to other methods.
8. In any case, they are governed by the conduct rules and the prevailing Supreme Court judgments.
9. Better aim for the suitable jobs with the qualifications one has, than aim for other ones attracting or forced on.
10. Whatever job, one gets, be loyal to the job and the employer, so it would award the sincere employee always.

©  K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

11-04-2024

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[1]  In government offices, mostly the computers are used as typewriters only, otherwise, the staff may be browsing. Some may use Excel for accounting and financial purposes.

[2]  Most of the factories manufacturing mechanical, electrical and electronic type writers [Halda, Remington etc.,] were closed down and disappeared from the market.

[3] Zahoor Ahmad Rather vs Sheikh Imtiyaz Ahmad on 5 December, 2018, AIRONLINE 2018 SC 872; https://indiankanoon.org/doc/85514936/

[4] Prime Legal, Employers cannot prescribe arbitrary qualifications for jobs: Supreme Court,

https://primelegal.in/2020/11/09/employers-cannot-prescribe-arbitrary-qualifications-for-jobs-supreme-court

[5] Higher Education (K1) Department – G.O. (Ms) No. 72 dated 15-03-2024.

[6] தினமலர், சென்னை பல்கலை தொல்லியல் பட்டம் பெற்றவர்களுக்கு சிக்கல், UPDATED : ஏப் 10, 2024 03:34 AM; ADDED : ஏப் 10, 2024 03:34 AM.

[7] https://www.dinamalar.com/news/tamil-nadu-news/-chennai-university-archeology-graduates-have-a-problem–/3596966

National seminar on “Minor Deities in Indian Art,” held at the C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar Institute of Indological Research, Chennai on March 28th and 29th 2024 (1).

National seminar on “Minor Deities in Indian Art,” held at the C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar Institute of Indological Research, Chennai on March 28^th and 29^th 2024 (1).

C. P. Ramswami Aiyar Institute of Indological Research: C. P. Ramswami Aiyar Institute of Indological Research (CPRIIR) have been regularly conducting conferences and seminars on the important topics connected with Indology[1]. They also bring out a journal, “The Journal of Indian History and Culture” regularly[2]. Some of the journals can be downloaded from here[3]. They have also brought out many books during the course of time. It is also affiliated to the University of Madras for doing PhD. Now, they organized a seminar focused on “Minor Deities in Indian Art,” on March 28^th and 29^th 2024 at their premises, Eladams Road, Chennai. Their circular gave the details of the seminar, theme etc as follows.

Seminar on the “minor deities”: Indian art and culture have been profoundly influenced by a multitude of deities, each with its own unique attributes, symbolism, and significance. While major deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi have received extensive attention in both art and scholarship, there exists a rich tradition of minor deities that play vital roles in Indian religious and artistic traditions. These minor deities, often associated with specific regions, communities and narratives, have their own captivating stories and iconographic representations. In the ancient world, the veneration of natural powers was embodied by deities, both male and female, held prominence. The examination of archaic sources and archaeological remains has unveiled compelling evidence of reverence for nature manifesting through trees and animals and the symbolic significance of sacred symbols. Minor deities encompass a wide spectrum of beings, including local deities, demi-gods, guardian spirits and divine attendants. They represent the plurality and syncretism of Indian religious traditions, with each region and community often having its own set of minor deities.

“Minor deities” – related issues: Minor deities in Indian art are characterized by unique iconographic features and symbolism. Their depiction in sculpture, painting and other artistic forms reveal intricate details of specific attributes and narratives. These symbols and attributes serve as a visual language that conveys the deity’s role, personality and significance. Some examples of minor deities include the Ashtadikpalakas, Navagrahas, 12 Adityas as well as lesser-known forms of the main gods, such as Shastha, forms of Devi and the avataras of Vishnu, demi-gods in Buddhism and Jainism. This seminar aims to delve into the less-explored world of minor deities in Indian art, providing a platform for researchers to share insights into their iconography, mythology and regional significance.The seminar will encompass a wide range of themes related to minor deities in Indian art, including, but not limited to –

1. Iconography and Symbolism of Minor Deities
2. Regional Variations in Depictions
3. Minor Deities in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism
4. Minor Deities in Folk and Tribal Art
5. Rituals and Worship of Lesser-Known Deities
6. Literary Sources on Minor Deities

The proceedings of the seminar would be published to serve as a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts interested in the study of minor deities in Indian Art. Additionally, it would foster collaborations among scholars and institutions for future research endeavours in this field.

About the papers: The CPRIIR invited scholars and academics to submit their abstracts of research papers on or before February 25, 2024 emphasizing that the abstracts should be in English and within 500 words in Times New Roman font, 12 point.  It should include the title of the paper, name of the author, institutional affiliation, e-mail address and five keywords.  A short bio-data of the author (s), not exceeding half a typed page, should be sent along with the abstract.  The acceptance of the abstracts would be notified by February 28, 2024. The abstracts should be sent to cpriirconference@gmail.com on or before the closing date. Any other information may be obtained from the same mail address. Outstation participants are advised to make their own arrangements for accommodation. Participants should register themselves on or before March 15, 2024, as they were limiting the number of participants.

28-03-2024 inaugural session – Nandita speaking……….

28-03-2024 inaugural session – Nandita speaking……….another view

28-03-2024 inaugural session – Nandita speaking……….yet another view

28-03-2024 – First day proceedings: On March 28^th, the seminar was inaugurated by Prof Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari, Chairman, Indian Art History Congress, Professor Emeritus, Banaras Hindu University. With the introduction by Dr Nandita Krishna Director of the Institute and the traditional lighting of “Kuttuvilakku,” the seminar was started. Dr Nandita Krishna explained the theme of the seminar with examples of “minor deities.” Her booklet “Groves and Gods of Tamilnadu” was also circulated. In his hey-note address, Prof Tiwari talked about, “Minor deities and pacifying goddess of diseases – Shitala in Indian tradition and art” and his paper was circulated. Then, the invited speakers presented their papers.

28-03-2024 inaugural session – audience LHS from the podium..

28-03-2024 inaugural session – audience RHS from the podium..

op 28-03-2024 inaugural session – audience LHS from the podium..middle and backside

Sitaladevi – Prof Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari: Prof Tiwari explained about the Sital devi and compared it with Mariamma of South India. The “Saat Sahelis”, or “Seven Sisters or Friends,” generally depicted that included Sïtalå devi. They were ˜Sïtalå, Masånï, Basanti, Mahå Mål, Polamde, Lamkanijå, and Agwanï. Elsewhere, they are ˜Sïtalå, Phulmatï, Camariyå, Durgå Kålï, Mahå Kålï, Bhadrå Kålï and Kålikå Bhavånï. The tradition of the group of seven, with minor variations in names, was thus widespread. There is one Temple at Modhera in Gujarat. Sitala is also depicted with a twelve-armed nude figure is riding on an ass. The few surviving hands have varadåkamudrå, trisula, àamaru, pitcher, and a winnowing fan in the uppermost pair of hands. The sculptors delighted in the classical shape of the dagger, with its efficient double curvature for greater lethal effect, and gutters to drain off blood. But on the other hand, the winnowing fans and brooms, never the stock-in-trade of art, have rustic forms. The literary and inscriptional evidences point to 7th and 13th centuries CE. He concluded that the iconographic features of the goddess were standardized in the 11th century and that images mostly occur with te textual prescriptions in respect of her ass mount and the distinguishing attributes, winnowing basket, sweeping broom, and water-vessel. Though, the majority goddesses Parvti, Lakshmi, Saraswati and others are there, Sitaladevi also became popular.

For illustrative purposes, these photos are added here for understanding the topic, but, not that of the author and they are available in the public domain.

Chitra Madhavan’s Satyaki[4]: Dr. Chitra Madhavan Historian and Writer, Chennai presented he paper on “Satyaki – A lesser known deity.” The Parthasarathi Svami temple in Thiruvallikeni is one of the 108 Divya Desams, praised in the Tamil verses (Pasuram) of the Azhvars or Vaishnava saints. Pey Azhvar, Thirumazhisai Azhvar and Thirumangai Azhvar have sung about the deities enshrined inside the temple complex. It is the processional image (utsava-murti), known as Parthasarathi, from whom the temple takes its name.This east-facing deity is thus called as he is Krishna the charioteer (Sarathy) of Partha (Arjuna). The marks on his face are believed to be caused by arrows shot by the Kauravas having pierced this weaponless charioteer in the Kurukshetra war. The main image on the east side, seen with a white moustache, is worshipped as Venkatakrishnan. This two-armed deity holds the conch (Sankha) but the discus (Chakra) is not seen which is rather rare in a Vishnu image. This is because Krishna did not use weapons in this war. Inside this sanctum are five more deities namely goddess Rukmini, Krishna’s consort; Sankarshana (Balarama), Pradyumna (Krishna’s son), Aniruddha (Krishna’s grandson) and Satyaki (also called Yuyudhana, a warrior and Krishna’s friend)[5]. Yoga Narasimha, facing west, is also a main deity with a flag-post (dvajastambha) in front, just like Venkatakrishnan[6].

Satyaki in the Literature: Yuyudhana (युयुधान), better known as Satyaki (सात्यकि), was a powerful Yadava chieftain of Narayani Sena, belonging to the Vrishni clan to which Krishna also belonged. According to the Puranas, he was the grandson of Shini of the Vrishni clan, and son of Satyaka, after whom he was named. A valiant warrior, Satyaki was devoted to Krishna and was a student of Arjuna. Satyaki strongly and passionately favors the cause of the Pandavas over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War. Prior to the war, Satyaki accompanied Krishna to the Kuru capital, with Krishna as the Pandavas’ emissary of peace. He is a witness to Duryodhana’s attempt to arrest Krishna and Krishna’s Vishwaroopa form, though he is not mentioned as one of the few persons not blinded by the apparition. After talks break down, Satyaki leads the Sivi and Vrishni army to the Pandava’s camp. While Satyaki, along with others like Chekitana and Syenajita joins the Pandavas, Krishna promises his army to Duryodhana. Hence, Yadavas sworn directly to Dwarka like Kritvarma fight for the Kauravas, meaning Satyaki has to fight his kinsmen in the war. He provides 1 Akshauhini army to the Pandavas. During the war, Satyaki is the commander of one akshauhini of the Pandava army. According to Bhishma, he is capable of fighting 12 Atirathis alone. After the Kurukshetra war, Gandhari curses Krishna that his clan will be destroyed 36 years later in a fratricidal massacre. Accordingly, the Dwaraka clans fought with each other and killed themselves.

There is a sculpture suggesting how Satyaki protected the Pandavas, when Aswathama wanted to kill the Pandavas by sleeping at the camp of the enemies…

R.K.K. Rajarajan’s “Rare Forms of Gaṇapati”[7]: Next, Dr. R.K.K. Rajarajan  Assistant Professor in Fine Arts, Gandhigram Rural University delved upon, “Rare Forms of Gaṇapati – With Reference to Notes in Tamil ‘Bhakti’ Literature.” Mainly, he relied upon the Tamils of Tamilnadu of even recent day manipulations and tried to show how Ganapati had attracted the Tamilnadu sculptors to accommodate different form in the gopurams, side-wall depictions and wooden chariots / rathas. Treating the origin of “Pillaiyar” (whose child), he brought it under two streams  northern Sanskritic and Southern Tamil. He relies upon Asko Parpola for pointing out that the name Pillaiyar finds its root in the Central Dravidian languages of the Proto-Dravidian family. With later day and recent sculptures, he links Ganapati with Vyasa, Parasurama[8], Vygapada etc., obviously with chronological itch. Moreover, these stories were spun just 100-200 years back and have been lesser than mythologies. In newly constructed temples, the modern sculptures go on add such sculptures, just for present popularity or as per the wishes of some devotees. The illustrative sculptures taken have to be given their dates to compare such depictions are available in the Sanskrit or Tamil literature. When Upanishad mentions about the roots of Ganapati, then, antiquity has to be decided accordingly.

Technical Paper reading session: After lunch, the paper reading session started with the paper reading proceedings. The first technical session was headed by Prof. Choodamani Nandagopal, Art historian, UNESCO Fellow and Tagore National Fellow, Bengaluru. For presentation of papers, 15 minutes time was given. The following papers were presented:

1. Dr. J. Soundararajan  & Mr. K. V. Ramakrishna Rao  – “The precept, concept and evolution of “Minor Deities” in India”
2. Mrs. R. Ramya[9] – “Devmogra – Goddess of worship for Satpuda Tribal people”
3. Dr. Amrita Chakraborty – “Dikpālas: Eastern Indian Variations”
4. Dr. Ramadevi Sekhar[10]  – “Guardian of the Skies: Garuda’s Multifaceted Presence in Texts and Practices”

The Technical Session – II was held at the Main Hall in Parallel chaired by Dr. Chitra Madhavan, Historian and Writer, Chennai and the following papers were presented:

1. Mr. K. Sridharan[11]  – “Annapurani and Annamurti in Art and Temple Rituals”
2. Dr. Parthiban Rajukalidoss[12]  – “Lord of five houses in the hamlet of ten scarlet ixora: syncretism of a folk deity and its temple in Ceṭṭiyapattu, Uṭaṉkuṭi”
3. Dr. S.P. Prem Singh Muthubalan – “Mythology of Isakki Amman Worship in Southern Tamilnadu”
4. Dr. P.C. Muralidharan  – “Worship of deities Garuḍa and Sudarśana as enunciated in Śeṣasamhitā”

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

30-03-2024.

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[1]  About the Institute- https://cprfoundation.org/CPRIIR pamphlet-2023.pdf

[2]  About the Journal – https://cprfoundation.org/CPRIIR.html

[3] Journal of Indian History and Culture (JIHC)

• Listed in UGC – CARE (ISSN: 0975-7805) –https://cprfoundation.org/modify_new2022.png ; https://journalcpriir.com/previous-issues/

[4] Abstracts, sl.no.1; p.7.

[5] Indian Express, A Vishnu temple, unique in more ways than one, Chithra Madhavan,Updated on: 08 Feb 2017, 11:15 am.

[6] https://www.newindianexpress.com/chennai/2017/Feb/07/a-vishnu-temple-unique-in-more-ways-than-one-1568080.html

[7]  Abstracts, sl.no.6; pp.14-15

[8]  Reportedly Brahmanda Purana, it is evident that this myth resembles, Dhakshayini / Parvati story and thence, created later period, may be during medieval peiod,

[9] Abstracts, sl.no. 24; p.41

[10] Abstracts, sl.no. 23; p.39

[11] Abstracts, sl.no. 28; p.45.

[12] Abstracts, sl.no. 20; p.36.

culture at cross-roads? – the International conference held at the University of Madras on March 14th and 15th 2024 (3)

culture at cross-roads? – the International conference held at the University of Madras on March 14^th and 15^th 2024 (3)

Simultaneous session held on 15-03-2024: Simultaneously, a parallel technical session was held online at 10:30am which was chaired by Prof. Mallika Begum – assistant professor at SIET. There were four presenters in total, concentrating on the topics –

1. Healthcare among Adiyan and Mavidan Community[1],
2. Challenges faced by Tribes post covid,
3. Exploring collecting honey practices among the Alu Kurumbas[2] and
4. Cultural influences on Childhood Obesity[3].

As usual, for a regular listener, reader and researcher of these topics could easily remember, recognize and locate the sources (books, papers etc) of the last 50 or even 100 years. A simple Google search also shows many secondary sources with the same or similar titles. About the tribes, the Europeans have taken undue importance and studied with bias. Many times, they have tried to compare these Indian tribes with that of “the last tribes,” proceed and conclude accordingly. Therefore, the paper-presenters should see al tleast, they are mentioning them in their reference or acknowledging otherwise. It is impossible to mention and acknowledge all the sources and references, but, since the plagiarism check is done, such softwares always point to “copying”!    

Rangoli Competition held concurrently: Concurrent to both the sessions, the Rangoli Competition was held with the participation of seven teams from various colleges judged by Prof. Brinda – Ambedkar Law College. It was followed by Saritha Bowmick’s [4] Endowment Lectureship where Dr. B. Bindu– Former Professor and Head of the Department of Anthropology, Kannur University was invited as the speaker. She discerned her thoughts on the anthropological research post Covid-19 and on the vulnerables where the former experienced the rise of the digital era and the latter experienced the influence by the anthropologists on restudying social flexibility, intimacy and sexuality.

Valedictory function: The second day of the conference came to an end with the Valedictory session. The Welcome address was given by Dr. Prabhu Kumari Vanama – the co-convener and organizing Secretary of the Conference. It was followed by a report on the Two Day – International Conference by Aishwariya Wincy- 1st year MA Anthropology student, the University of Madras. Presidential address was given by Dr. M.P. Damodaran, Head of the Department of Anthropology and Convener of the conference.

• The session moved on to the Chief Guest Address by Prof. CMK Reddy – President of the TN Medical Practitioners Association and the Chairman of the Linguistic Minorities Forum of Tamil Nadu.
• Following which Dr. G.J. Sudhakar who is a Professor Emeritus from CPR Institute of Indological Research was awarded with the Life Time Achievement Award and later, discoursed his words of wisdom with the audience.
• Prof. Pareshwar Sahoo – Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Utkal University was called to distribute the certificates to all the presenters, winners and participants.
• The Valedictory Address was given by Prof. K.S. Sarwani – Director at IQAC, TN Ambedkar Law University.  

The Valedictory session was concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Ms. M. Rajam – Guest Lecturer, Department of Anthropology, University of Madras followed by a photo session.

How the papers were presented?: The papers delved upon the selective nature about the theme, area, survey, number of subjects etc., and thus have been with limitations. Though, the researcher acknowledges such “limitations,” they come to conclusions, making them universal, that is not accepted. Moreover, at that time, they bring many popular myths into their narratives to suit their conclusions. As every individual varies, no two individuals could be compared and equated. Though individual differences are accepted, they are identified as couple, family, group, society, nation, country and so on. Where, the coming together individuals have to bury their differences and co-operate to work for a common cause for the same entities of couple, family, group, society, nation, country and so on. That is how, they have been functioning since time immemorial or from Paleolithic to modern periods.

Research has to be updated even at crossroads: As the students, researchers and other young scholars have decided to present papers doing PhD, completing PhD and working as lecturer, Assistant Professor etc., they have to prepare papers to suit the topic and theme of the conference and they are ready or prepared to answer the questions asked. In such academic proceedings and processes, there cannot be any concession, compromise and adjustment. As in the modern times, many facilities are available at the University level, the students have to update their knowledge by reading the recent books and research papers on the subject. They have conducted field studies and get new details and they cannot rehash or manipulate the previous or already published data and information.

Topic may have to be explicit and straight: Had the topic “culture at cross-roads?” been “culture at cross-roads? In India,” specifically, then, the paper presenters and speakers would have come to their topic straight away, after all, here, Indians have to deal with their issues in the changing times. Much time need not be spent by the speakers and paper presenters to explain it again and again without reaching any consensus. As pointed out, it has been a Western concept dealing with the meeting of different people groups, in Europe where, the migration of people was taking place at different periods. As they were believing in race, racism, racialism, segregation, exclusion and other principles, they had been at crossroads to place them at a particular place. About silk-road, maritime-route, trade routes etc., the scholars are well aware of..

Scientific, unscientific, unscientific, pseudo-scientific and so on: There is a difference between scientific and humanities subjects, where research is carried on. The experiments carried on in science and technology have been universal, producing the same results and being accepted universally. The experiments conducted by the arts, humanities and other non-science and technology subjects have been selective, choosy and discriminating covering a small portion, area, issues or few issues of a community or society, at a particular place and time and so on. Though, they too nowadays, they claim that they follow “scientific methodology” etc., they cannot reproduce the same result every time. In fact, in history, history writing, and historiography, the concerned experts openly accept that they do not require any objectivity in their writings.

Note: I waited for many days, requesting the organizers to send the details, photos etc., to complete the blogging. As I have not received as on 24-03-2024, I post the concluding part with the available materials today, i.e, 24-03-2024.

I thank Dr Prabhu Kumari Vanama for sending photos today – 24-03-2-24 and they are also included.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

20-03-2024

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[1] The Mavilan are a Scheduled Tribe of the Indian state Kerala. They inhabit the hill country of the Kannur and Kasaragod districts. They speak Tulu as their primary language and also have knowledge of Malayalam.

Rohisha, I. K., Tessy Treesa Jose, and Jyothi Chakrabarty. “Prevalence of anemia among tribal women.” Journal of family medicine and primary care 8.1 (2019): 145-147.

[2] Sathyanarayanan, C. R., and Nirmal Chandra. “The lost landscapes and livelihood: a case study of the Alu Kurumba of Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.” J Anthropol Survey India 62.2 (2013): 821-50.

Jayaprakash, Prabhakar. “Uunending cultural and economic colonization: the case of Alu Kurumba Adivasi women” Perspectives in Social Work 30 (2015): 1.

[3] Kumanyika, Shiriki K. “Environmental influences on childhood obesity: ethnic and cultural influences in context.” Physiology & behavior 94.1 (2008): 61-70.

Chatham, Rebecca E., and Sandra J. Mixer. “Cultural influences on childhood obesity in ethnic minorities: a qualitative systematic review.” Journal of Transcultural Nursing 31.1 (2020): 87-99.

[4] Sharit Bhowmik 1948-2016; https://www.ces.uc.pt/emancipa/cv/gen/sharit.html

Culture at cross-roads? – the International conference held at the University of Madras on March 14th and 15th 2024 (1)

Culture at cross-roads? – the International conference held at the University of Madras on March 14^th and 15^th 2024 (1)

Banner kept at the entrace of the F-50 Hall of the University of Madras

 The International Conference on “Culture at cross-roads?”: The International Conference on “Culture at cross-roads?” was held on March 14th and 15th 2024 at the University of Madras, F-50 hall jointly organized by the Anthropology department and Vanama Arts Trust, T. Nagar. Dr M. P. Damodaran and Dr Prabhu Kumari Vamana convened the conference accordingly. Last year, 2023, the Two Day International Academic (Blended Mode Summit on “Culture, Heritage and Nation Building” was held at the University of Madras on February 1st and 2nd 2023 at the Hall of Management Studies, University of Madras[1]. I have posted the proceedings in detail and they can be accessed and read from here[2]. It is happy to note that they have been active and organizing conferences every year, encouraging young students, researchers and others. As they have been delving into culture mainly, they gave a concept note on the topic and it is as follows.

The anthropology department hosted the conference….

“Culture at crossroads?” – concept note: Culture is regarded as the spectacle of human life, the prettiness of humanity! Culture made us unique beings of the world. It is a complex whole, including knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom and any capabilities. It is acquired and transmitted from generation to generation over time and space. Culture is our expression, verbal, non-verbal, and visual composition of human history and ways of life itself. The charm of culture and heritage shines in and on art, architecture, dance, music, folklore, integrity of the people and what not. The food, textiles, antique costumes, jewellery exhibits a phenomenal difference of assimilation, acculturation and diffusion due to enormous influence of modernity and globalization. Culture on CrossRoads is a multidimensional process that has created and is continuously creating unique traditions in transformation multifariously.

The culture at crossroads, how understood….

Views in a national and international perspective: The physical crossroads from time immemorial are reifying the human imagination to such an extent that subjects ranging from arts to science or sports to archery did ever remained as an exception. While migration processes conditioned by historical and anthropological events created a unique culture that is now on crossroads. Each twist and turn in the development of mankind has not only created a uni-fold unique environment in any and every sphere of escarpment, influencing the lifeways absolutely or else. This international conference is a channel to express where the indigenous ideas when mixed with heterogeneous ideologies of any or the same country, developed and is also incessantly creating an amalgamating, unifying, revivifying novel unique cultures, of course at times or vice versa! Hence, the Conference will offer a worthwhile exercise of exchange of knowledge and sharing of views in a national and international perspective through a multi-disciplinary as well as interdisciplinary viewpoint.

Bharatiya Samskruti – the Culture of Bharat – has been mentioned in a Telugu daily!

Cross-roads – what it connotes?: By and large, all dictionaries Oxford, Cambridge, Collins, Brittanica, Merriam-Webster etc., give the following connotation:

• As many roads meet at a point, the traveller is bewildered as to proceed further in a particular direction;
• a crucial point especially where a decision must be made
• a crisis situation or point in time when a critical decision must be made
• one has reached an important but uncertain stage to take a decision
• one has reached a very important stage in its development where it could go one way or another.

Thus, the Western connotation has been searching for, reaching at crossroads and thus find a resolution. However, in India, the travellers, drivers and caravans are happy to each chowk (चौक), kutroad (கூட்ரோட்) or crossroad, as they could meet fellow-travellers, eat food, take rest, spend time with others or even do business. Thus, the contrast can be found and appreciated.

Prof B. V. Sharma, Director, and Anthropological Survey of India: Generally the paper speakers and presenters first discussed about “culture at cross-roads?” according to their own understanding and then proceeded to their topic. Prof B. V. Sharma, Director, and Anthropological Survey of India also proceeded in the same way to deliver his inaugural address. He first discussed about “culture at cross-roads?”, taking in as a metaphor, pointing to a situation, where, decision-making process becomes difficult. That men are different from the animals, he explained how cultures change with time. The globalization also affects culture and creates “digital divide” among the people of the world. In the context of India, it is well-known that how unity and diversity held continue to preserve its culture. Each ethnic group has a cultural marker and transmission of culture takes place from generation to generation.  There have been certain practices that are still followed even today, as followed some 2500 years ago. This has been the uniqueness of India.

The HOD, the Dance-historian, the Registrar, the host……

Dr S. Elumalai, the Registrar of the University -presidential address: Dr S. Elumalai, the Registrar of the University delivered his presidential address differentiated between the clash of civilizations and clash of cultures. Agriculture, sericulture, aquaculture, horticulture, etc., he tried to interpret that culture shows the diversity, differences and variance. Yet, there have been common factors in Indian culture. The “Clash of Civilizations” is a thesis that people’s cultural and religious identities will be the primary source of conflict in the post–Cold War world. The American political scientist Samuel P. Huntington argued that future wars would be fought not between countries, but between cultures. It was proposed in a 1992 lecture at the American Enterprise Institute, which was then developed in a 1993 Foreign Affairs article titled “The Clash of Civilizations?”, in response to his former student Francis Fukuyama’s 1992 book The End of History and the Last Man. Huntington later expanded his thesis in a 1996 book The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order. After “the Clash of civilizations,” though, “the clash of cultures” is also talked about[3], there have been differences of opinion. Under the context of globalization also, it is discussed.

Dr Swarnamalaya…..

the audience

Dr Swarnamalya, Dancer & Cultural Historian – special address: Dr Swarnamalya, Dancer & Cultural Historian delivered a special address. She used Tamil words to denote culture and it appears superficial. Though she tried to interpret “Panpadu,” (பண்பாடு) with different nuances, but, she had forgotten “Kalacharam” (கலாச்சாரம்). However, in India, cultural strands have been interwoven and connected to each other. She recollected her association with the university also, as she got PhD from here, and she was rehearsing practice for the inaugural function of Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam, for President of India etc.

the audience

Dr T. Chandralekha, former Dean, Dr MGR Educational Institute & University: Dr T. Chandralekha, former Dean, Dr MGR Educational Institute & University gave a special address online. In general, she talked about culture and other aspects. As it was online mode, it was not clear, what she was speaking about and the audience was at a crossroads. The students at the back were also talking to each other. Therefore, this type of “online” discourse can be avoided.  

the audience

On-line / hybrid mode and its effectiveness: Nowadays, the on-line mode is used, but, it has been monotonous and there is no connect between the speaker and the audience. The speaker goes on speaking or reading from the paper or from the screen of the computer and there would not be any “lively” interaction. Many times, the audience starts talking with each other, without listening to the speech of the invited guest.  because of the artificiality. Even, if a person presents a paper or talks at regular conference, the whole audience may not be interested in listening to. Also, some time is wasted from the beginning to end due to technical and other problems. During the Corona period, it was used and now sometimes continues with inherent limitations.

the audience

List of papers not given: As the list of papers was not given, it was very difficult to know who was the paper presenter and what was his paper. Each paper presenter, just came and presented the paper. There was much generalization without any specifics, where the audience could not get attracted. Too much repetitiveness, vague narrative and verbose also do not attract the audience.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

17-03-2024

the audience

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[1] K. V. Ramakrishna Rao, The Two Day International Academic (Blended Mode[1]) Summit on Culture, Heritage and Nation Building was held at the University of Madras on February 1st and 2nd 2023 at the hall of Management Studies (1), February 9, 2023.

The Conference on Culture, Heritage and Nation Building held at the University of Madras on February 1st and 2nd 2023 (1)

[2] K. V. Ramakrishna Rao, The Two Day International Academic (Blended Mode[1]) Summit on Culture, Heritage and Nation Building was held at the University of Madras on February 1st and 2nd 2023 at the hall of Management Studies (2), February 9, 2023.

The Conference on Culture, Heritage and Nation Building held at the University of Madras on February 1st and 2nd 2023 (2)

[3] Fagan, Brian M. Clash of cultures. Rowman Altamira, 1998.

Heritage Management – how it differs from Conservation, reconstruction, maintenance etc.,

Heritage Management – how it differs from Conservation, reconstruction, maintenance etc.,

Dr T. Satyamurthy delved into different issues connected with “Heritage management.”

elite audience

View of the audience…

More elite audience came….

January 2024 – first Monthly Meeting on Heritage Management: RSN, Memorial Library and Indology Research Institute was inaugurated on October 28th, 2023[1]. Dr Subramanian Swamy inaugurated and many other dignitaries were there at that time[2]. At that time, it was decided to hold every month, a special lecture to be organized and addressed by a historian, an archaeologist, a numismatist, and similar expert on Indology. Accordingly, on 28-01-2024 (Sunday) the first monthly lecture was delivered by Dr. T. Sathyamurthy on “Heritage Management”[3]. I was expecting him for the inaugural function, but he could not attend, because of his preoccupation. So it was a happy occasion that he delivered the fist lecture here gracing the juncture. He is an archaeologist with the Archeology Survey of India and Founder of the Reach Foundation, with 50 years of experience in excavation, reconstruction, etc. He explained with examples how to preserve, restore and transform ancient Indian buildings, temples and other structures without affecting the traditional factors and features.

The dilapidated condition of the Siva temple, Uttiramerur……

How modern technology was also used for restoration[4]: The short film also explained how a dilapidated Shiva temple in Uttramerur was gradually rebuilt with the stones and bricks available there itself. The walls, roof etc. and the relief sculptures were completely restored carefully with the available materials with careful restoration. For that, he also explained how the method of connecting granite stones, weight-bearing strength, and other details were technically tested in the IIT Chennai laboratory, and then the restoration, preservation and conservation works were successfully completed using that technology. Some important modern techniques were used to restore the heritage structure, thereby bridging modern techniques to save ancient marvels! After a year full of research and consultations, testing and recording the stitching of granite using Stainless steel rods and proving their strength while being used as a stitching material along with a binder material made of epoxy, stones which lie below and the foundation level have been successfully retained without being rooted away, thus saving crores of rupees and time in removing all the stones used to build the temple! I.I.T Civil Engineering department Prof. Mathews and his PG research student Ms. Anupadma, and the company which provided the drilling and filling materials M/s.HILTI deserve our thanks and appreciation for their co-operation and services.

How the stones were stitched: Cracks appearing at the bottom most part of the foundation, were ‘stitched’ using grooved Stainless rod thus the cracked granite stone is put back to a single repaired stone thus becoming integral using epoxy based grouting compound to bond the stainless steel rod with the granite core.

1. Drilling holes diagonally so that the hole passes through both halves of the broken granite…
2. 2) After which the holes are cleaned to remove all the powdered granite chips and slurry..
3.  Then comes the pumping in of the epoxy putty grouting material
4. And the insertion of the grooved Stainless steel rod,
5. filling the holes with the same ground granite powder..and
6. The crack is stitched

According to Dr Mathews, the technique itself is very simple and not very expensive. But he says that when dealing with ancient monuments, it is important that care is taken over the materials used[5]. “High-grade stainless steel rods with a high percentage of chromium were used so that they didn’t corrode for at least another five hundred years,” he says[6]. Both Dr Sathyamurthy and Dr Mathews say that in India there are many temples and monuments in danger of total collapse or partial collapse and that these are causes for concern[7]. Dr Mathews says that further research in the laboratory in stone stitching and other reversible interventions is needed. This could allow the technique to be used to conserve other monuments in future[8]. With the basement safely secured, the team started conserving the super-structure, including the huge dome using a newly created lime plaster based on the old formula[9]. The conservation team now says that a weight of around 30,000 tonnes can safely rest on the basement and the plinth of granite rocks[10].

Inscriptions buried were revealed after removing debris.

From the Pallavas to 2013: The temple was built during Pallava King Nandi Varman’s period and reconstructed during Chozha period with stone up to Adhistanam. Latter patronized by Chozha Kings Parataka Chozha_I, Rajaraja-I, Rajendra Chozha-I and Vijayanagara Kings, especially Krishnadevaraya. The inscriptions mainly record about donations made to this temple in terms of Land, Gold, Goats, Cow, etc for the regular poojas and functions. In one of the inscriptions it was mentioned that if anybody obstructs the normal functioning of the temple poojas and lighting of lamps received through gifts ( By way of gold, Land, cows ) to the temple, it will be equivalent to killing their father and mother and Killing a cow on the banks of river Ganga[11]. There is a measurement scale marked at the base of the temple in two lengths of each 11 feet with Vijayanagara Kings Royal emblem of Kattari and Sun. The Kumbhabhishekam was performed in 2013 after renovation by the  Reach Foundation.

Mullavar Shiva Linga – before and after restoration work.

Conservation, reconstruction, maintenance etc., are not building anything new: He concluded by describing that conservation, reconstruction, maintenance etc. is not a method of demolishing existing buildings and building new ones, rather, it is the work of keeping the existing construction, walls, sculptures, etc., unchanged, so that its longevity could also be increased. During the reconstruction of an ancient Shiva Temple at Uthiramerur villagers 565 gram gold was discovered under the steps of the sanctum sanctorum of the Temple[12]. The Government authorities reached the spot after being informed about this and claimed the rights on the gold[13]. The villagers however raised the objection[14]. The villagers stated that, ‘the gold found is the wealth of the Temple and it will be restored in the sanctum sanctorum itself after the reconstruction of the Temple.’[15] After the little scuffle between the villagers and the Government authorities, the Police were called[16]. The Police seized the gold under the Government treasury. The agonised villagers have started agitating to get back the gold[17].

Heritage talk ended with heritage: Attendees and students were also benefited by asking some questions and getting clarifications. For many questions, T. Satyamurthy directly answered with examples. The elite audience included S/Sri Vedantam, Vishwa Hindu Vidya Kendra; Shekhar Reddy, Tirumala-Tirupathi Devasthanam; Viswanathan, Registrar, Anna Technical University; R. Chellamuthu former IAS Officer, many dignitaries, professors and students. K.V. Ramakrishna Rao, Visiting Professor, Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Madras University highlighted the importance of Indology and “Traditional Management”. Dr. Ravichandran thanked the meeting and concluded. On behalf of Tirumala-Tirupathi Devasthanam, Lattu Prasadam was also given to everyone. Thus, “Heritage Management” was maintained, perhaps, in all aspects.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

28-01-2024

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[1] K.V.Ramakrishna Rao, Inauguration of RSN Memorial Library and Indological Research Institute at Chennai, Posted on October 29, 2023.

[2] https://kvramakrishnarao.wordpress.com/2023/10/29/inauguration-of-rsn-memorial-library-and-indological-research-institute-at-chennai/

[3]  November and December witnessed heavy rains, floods etc., and therefore, the lecture could not be conducted.

[4] Reach Foundation, Uttaramerur Kailasanadhr temple restoration, 2000.

https://conserveheritage.org/index.php/temple-revivals/uttaramerur-temple-restoration/uttaramerur-kailasanadhar-temple-restoration-update/

[5] DNA Web Team, ‘Granite stitching’ saves 1,250-year-old Indian temple from collapse, Updated: Mar 11, 2018, 03:50 AM IST

[6] https://www.dnaindia.com/technology/report-granite-stitching-saves-1250-year-old-indian-temple-from-collapse-1496290

[7] BBC, Ancient temple stitched back together, Published: 17 January 2011

[8] https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-12127154

[9] OneInda, ‘Granite stitching’ saves 1,250-yr-old Indian temple from collapse, By Ani | Published: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 12:20 [IST]

[10]  https://www.oneindia.com/2011/01/18/granitestitching-saves-1250-yr-old-indian-temple-fromco-aid0121.html

[11]  Generally, in most of the iscriptions, this phrase would be found indicting that the temples were under attacks by others and thus, indirectly, it was recorded in that manner.

[12] India Today, Gold found during temple renovation in Tamil Nadu, India Today Web Desk, New Delhi, Published On: Dec 14, 2020; UPDATED: Dec 14, 2020 06:02 IST, Published By: Snigdha Choudhury

[13] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gold-found-during-temple-renovation-in-tamil-nadu-1749252-2020-12-14

[14] Times of India, Villagers near Chennai find gold during temple renovation, TNN / Updated: Dec 14, 2020, 07:08 IST.

[15] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-500g-gold-cache-discovered-at-300-year-old-temple/articleshow/79712965.cms

[16] The Hindu, Tension in Uthiramerur as residents refuse to hand over gold to officials, December 14, 2020 03:13 am | Updated 03:13 am IST – CHENNAI.

[17] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tension-in-uthiramerur-as-residents-refuse-to-hand-over-gold-to-officials/article33322729.ece

Artificial Intelligence – can it be useful for archaeology, anthropology, history and related subjects?

Artificial Intelligence – can it be useful for archaeology, anthropology, history and related subjects?

What is artificial intelligence?: Simply, it is the “intelligence,” that is “artificial,” virtual and imaginary and thus, not real. When, “intelligence,” brainpower and acumen become artificial, man loses his mental power. Then, who is acquiring that “intelligence other than man? Machine, man-created machine only replaces. However, again, man only controls the computer giving inputs to create such AI. However, the man knows how even another man is controlled through “brain control, brainwashing” etc., either by inducement or threat. A master-slave example is applied for many exigencies with positive and negative connotations and applications. Accordingly, the application of AI is subjected to limitations.

Doing a job, again and again, mechanical and robotics: A robot is considered as human substitute that could do some specific work, as per the computer software program. In industries, wherever, repetitive processes were there, they were controlled to be carried on again and again by man-operated machine, switch, timer and later with computer. Gears and continuously rotating parts are replaced with software programs, where, many processes are repeated. Thus, profile cutting machines have already been used in electrical, electronic and mechanical industries. Slowly, more processes were brought under the computerized control. In the design and development processes of many industries, they are frequently used. In Textiles, garments and related industries, they become essential, as they do such jobs easily with software manipulation. For FMG, its role becomes far and wide. Now, the film, media and ad-companies exploit the maximum.

AI could bring more profits to Internet-dependent companies: Artificial intelligence leverages computers and machines to mimic the problem-solving and decision-making capabilities of the human mind[1]. However, it is not simply man-created robots imitating man, but, more than that in many cases.

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is the intelligence of machines or software, as opposed to the intelligence of humans or other animals. It is a field of study in computer science that develops and studies intelligent machines.
• AI technology is widely used throughout industry, government, and science. Some high-profile applications are: advanced web search engines (e.g., Google Search), recommendation systems (used by YouTube, Amazon, and Netflix), understanding human speech (such as Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa), self-driving cars (e.g., Waymo), generative and creative tools (ChatGPT and AI art), and superhuman play and analysis in strategy games (such as chess and Go).
• The companies involved in the Internet business directly or indirectly, are very much interested in this field, as the more time man spends on it, the more usage and the more income and profits to them (manufacturers and service providers).

What will happen to the buyers, users and consumers?: With the internet, many of students (from pre-KG to PhD) stopped reading books and just “google” and get prepared for exams. For project work etc., they just copy Wiki[2]. With the rise of mobiles, they virtually become slaves and affecting the human relations. More Internet usage, more men turning to cyber, cyber crimes have also started increasing. Of course, money has been the target, for that all ethics and morals are sacrificed. Thus, unimaginable crimes are committed affecting humanity. It is not that one community, nation, country or continent, but, the whole world gets affected.

India required “demythologization” and not more mythologization through AI: What is important in Indian/Bharat history today is not further mythologization, but the retrieval or recovery of science and technology from such myths. Such a method is called demythologization. At Somnathapuram, the linga was floating, and it was a scientific technique. Here, historically, there is no myth or falsehood. Though, even historians like Romila Thapar have mentioned it, they could not explain the scientific aspect, as they do not know it. Magnetic levitation refers to the floating of an object without the aid of any other object, but only by the magnetic force of like poles repelling each other. It is noteworthy that this technology has now extended to trains as well. German trains called Maglev (derived from magnetic levitation) fly like this. A magnetic levitation or floating train is a train that can float without the help of wheels through magnetic levitation technology. When it starts crawling, not all of its parts hit the ground. The speed of these trains going on the magnetic track can exceed 580 kilometres per hour. In the same way, the science and technology behind the Indian material culture can be explained.

The demythologization of Indian history is more important than AI-sponsored pictures: In ancient India, the process of rewriting the epics was started by various vested groups, before the various impacts caused by foreign invasions in Bharat. Jains-Buddhists in particular had rewritten them with many interpolations to show off their antiquity. In other words, they added a narrative of Tirtankaras and Buddhas made available in every yuga[3]. This is why there are so many slokas in Ramayana and Mahabharata increasing from one recension to another. Again the slokas were added when those who learned and realized the legends and tried to remove them, i.e. to change the matters which had already come into prevalent, known and recorded in the manuscripts. First, they tried to give a proper explanation so that such contradictions were understood and ignored. Rewriting, expurgation and editing processes were involved in such correcting processes. Such interchanges ranged from the Jain period to the medieval Muslim and 19^th century colonial periods.

Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence cannot create new myths by putting on a scientific mask and technical masquerade in methods like pseudo-science, and alchemy. Already now scientific researches like DNA and genetics have been diverted by ideological delusions[4], hybrids with their likes and dislikes. In graphics, models, pictures, films etc. have already been realistically captured and available in circulation. Although somewhat reflective of the real situation, more fictional characters were created. But artificial intelligence is turning real historical heroes into fictional characters. Gods, who are already worshipped as idols, as deities in sanctum sanctorum, are transformed by artificial intelligence into some sort of living human beings. Thus, even the remnants of reality that exist today will eventually disappear or be denied by the ignorant one day.

Commercialization of Science and Technology: Now many people are working to commercialize using the current technologies as how to make money in a short period of time by increasing internet usage. That is, especially in a country like India where there are 140 crore people, even if one crore or just one lakh people become buyers for a product, the manufacturer or seller will get considerable income and profit. So, keeping it in mind, they use their new and novel aggressive campaign tactics. For that, they need advertisement and publicity vigorously. They don’t even bother about quality, standards, efficiency, etc. in such unethical and unspiritual business. Therefore, even when education, textbooks, teachers who teach them; schools and universities come, the idea that anyone should read and study the sources becomes less important in terms of need, status and benefits. That’s why there are so many people who just study and get marks in some subject and qualified, go to work, earn and live comfortably. So in that case, no one seems to care if he says, “Go and read the sources and write with evidence.”

Caution about AI: There is concern about the increase in malpractice in the field of scientific research[5]. As shown by various institutions and studies, institutional, economic and cultural factors have encouraged an increase in cases of professional malpractice including fraud, corruption, plagiarism, conflicts of interest, financial doping, improper attribution, illicit appropriation of ideas, concepts and results, influence peddling, falsification of evidence, data manipulation, exaggeration of results, lack of protection of research subjects, misappropriation or misuse of resources, the commodification of knowledge, use of phantom sources, nepotistic or inbred citation, improper or fraudulent use of information. The researchers have also pointed out that, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a double-edged sword for scientific research. While, on one hand, the incredible potential of AI and the different techniques and technologies for using it make it a product coveted by all scientific research centres and organisations and science funding agencies. On the other, the highly negative impacts that its irresponsible and self-interested use is causing, or could cause, make it a controversial tool, attracting strong criticism from those involved in the different sectors of research…”

Limitations of usage to archaeology, anthropology and related subjects: About the usage of AI for archaeology, anthropology and allied subjects has been discussed and debated, because of the advantages and disadvantages involved[6]. The easy availability of Machine Language (ML) algorithms and lack of expertise on their proper use among the anthropological research community has led to foundational misapplications that have appeared throughout the literature. The resulting unreliable results not only undermine efforts to legitimately incorporate ML into anthropological research, but produce potentially faulty understandings about our human evolutionary and behavioural past[7].

1. Why don’t the AI experts try to analyze and decipher the Indus Valley pictograms, signs or fonts with their artificial intelligence?

2. There are many chronological puzzles in Indian history, why not solve them with their machine language and artificial intelligence?

3. Those who earn money by singing Ramayana and enjoying discourses, can solve the problem of such chronological issues faithfully?

4. Those who are disputing and fighting about Advaita-Dvaitam etc., can bring them under timelines acceptable to commonman?

5. By the application of AI for religious depiction, in an attempt to humanize the gods, they turn them into dehumanized cute cartoon characters only.

6. Therefore, they have to act as a tool to break counter-ideologies and not to be in a position to feed them.

7. What is important in Indian history today is not the mythologization of the existing, but, demythologization, scientifically.

8. But the science and technology contained in the Vedangas, Itihasas, Puranas etc.,  is to be restored and given to the people in an understandable way.

9. There is no need to create new historical problems without solving existing historical and archaeological issues and contradictions.

10. Artificial Intelligence should not become some sort of pseudo-science, alchemy, etc.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

17-01-2024

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[1] https://www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence

[2]  In fact, I have also referred to Wiki to understand the fundamentals, later to proceed to read other research papers in the context.

[3] Even in Ramayana period, Hains and Buddhists were found. The dates of Titankaras are traced back to Kaliyuga. In Buddhism, buddhas were there in every aeon.

[4]  In spite of “Out of Africa,” theory, Neanderthal exists and the so-called “Aryan-Dravidian” hypotheses and theories continue in India.

[5] González Esteban, Elsa, and Patrici Calvo. “Ethically governing artificial intelligence in the field of scientific research and innovation.” Heliyon 8 (2022) e08946, 2022.

[6] Tenzer, Martina, et al. “Debating AI in archaeology: applications, implications, and ethical considerations.”, 2023.

[7] Calder, Jeff, et al. “Use and misuse of machine learning in anthropology.” IEEE BITS the Information Theory Magazine 2.1 (2022): 102-115.

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

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

On the second day, Dr K. Amarnath Ramakrishna, Prof. P P Joglekar and Prof. Shanti Pappu discussed about very important issues of documentation of the temples, antiquities of different materials and lithic tools. The practical difficulties in maintaining them, classifying and documenting them also were discussed. The creation of database in each and every category and converting them for public utility has been an important task. India with vast areas and monuments situated at remote places that too, without any safety and security, it has been very difficult to maintain them. Unfortunately, the ASI does not have any protecting system for the remote monuments. In fact, tourists themselves have difficulties in reaching such remote places. These circumstances only help the art-thieves, icon-looters and sculptures lifters to carry on the work continuously.

K. Amarnath Ramakrishna: Architectural Survey Projects include the Temple Survey Projects (North and South) and Building Survey Project. The main functions are:

• Survey and documentation of temples of various periods and in different parts of the country, research based on the field survey, preparation of reports on the survey;
• Survey and documentation of all secular architecture and colonial buildings, research on the survey and preparation of reports;
• Interaction with various universities and research institutions.

He explained about the temples coming under the control of ASI and explained how they have documented them. However, they do not work with the HR & CE to quantify all temples in Tamilnadu.

The quantification of the temples in Tamilnadu: This is a list of temples in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu which is famed for Tamil architecture styled Hindu temples, culture and tradition and is commonly known as the Land of Temples. Tamil Nadu has more temples than any other states of India. Tamil Nadu is home to more than 46,000 Hindu temples and is aptly called “the land of temples” by the media. Many are at least 800 years old and are found scattered all over the state. The rulers of various dynasties constructed these temples over centuries. Vimanas (storeys) and Gopuram (towering gateways to the temple complex) best characterize the temples of Tamil Nadu. As per Tamil Nadu Hindu Endowments Board, there are 39,615 / 38,615 temples[1]. Most of the largest Hindu temples reside here. Studded with complex architecture, variety of sculptures, and rich inscriptions, the temples remain the very essence of the culture and heritage of Tamil land, with historical records dating back to at least 3,000 years.

Temple maintenance, conservation and preservation: Many regular and committed pilgrims, bloggers and writers have been pointing out as to how even the Chola period temples with inscriptions have been crumbling down, but, ASI or even TN State Department archaeology does not bother. However, some local serious devotees, Uzhavarappani[2] groups (Voluntary Temple Cleaning groups) and others have been doing wonderful work for the last more than 50 years.

P Pramod Joglekar: Explaining “New Archaeology,” he went on to point out how statistical methods are used in archaeology to understand facts. E explained the three stages in such development before 1960, 1960 to 1974 and 1974 thereafter. The quantitative approach could be specifically deal with the issues by subjecting the data in different forms. The qualitative method has been subjective and thus individual, biased, one-sided, skewed and differs much from the interpretations. The qualitative method, on the other hand, has been objective – specific, unbiased and independent. Quantitative information is measurable or countable data that can provide insight into research questions. Quantitative information is one of the most direct ways to understand limited, specific questions, such as how often people in a culture perform a certain action or how many times an art form or motif appears in a cultural artifact. Statistics created from quantitative data help researchers understand trends and changes over time. In cultural research, qualitative data allows anthropologists to understand culture based on more subjective analyses of language, behaviour, ritual, symbolism, and the interrelationships of people. Qualitative data has the potential for more in-depth responses via open-ended questions, which can be coded and categorized in order to better identify common themes.

Quantitative analysis with few examples: Qualitative analysis is less about frequency and the number of things and more about a researcher’s subjective insights and understandings. Anthropology and other fields in the social sciences frequently integrate both types of data by using mixed methods. Through the triangulation of data, anthropologists can use both objective and frequency data (for example, survey results) and subjective data (such as observations) to provide a more holistic understanding. Thus, with graphs, he explained the usage of bangles by women. Showing two different occasions, the usage of shell bangles rises and falls. Different interpretations are given as the wrist size of the women changes and thus the size of the shell bangles also change; instead of shell, some other material was used and thus the rise and fall; thus the interpretations also increase. But, at a particular place, the usage had to be definite and also the explanation. Similarly, in another graph with three peaks, the usage of animals was interpreted with the bones found. Thus, it is interpreted that the hunter-gatherers were using meat at here different periods and such usage rose and fell, obviously resorted to other type of food; thus, they might have resorted to agriculture; or they might have domesticated them for some other use and killed; and so on. Any way all such interpretations have been amazing, interesting and intriguing also.

Shanti Pappu: Different types of lithic tools were distributed to the participants and asked to study them carefully and opine the type and nature of them. Thus, each participant came out with his opinion exhibiting the practical difficulty in identifying, classifying and documenting the lithic tools. In fact, whether they can be called as “artefacts” to be classified under the Acts and Rules and antiquities. Yet, she has been discussing with the ASI officials and trying to classify. Luminescence dating at the stratified prehistoric site of Attirampakkam, India, has shown that processes signifying the end of the Acheulian culture and the emergence of a Middle Palaeolithic culture occurred at 385 ± 64 thousand years ago (ka), much earlier than conventionally presumed for South Asia. The Middle Palaeolithic continued at Attirampakkam until 172 ± 41 ka. Chronologies of Middle Palaeolithic technologies in regions distant from Africa and Europe are crucial for testing theories about the origins and early evolution of these cultures, and for understanding their association with modern humans or archaic hominins, their links with preceding Acheulian cultures and the spread of Levallois lithic technologies.

About the Paleolithic tools: The geographic location of India and its rich Middle Palaeolithic record are ideally suited to addressing these issues, but progress has been limited by the paucity of excavated sites and hominin fossils as well as by geochronological constraints. At Attirampakkam, the gradual disuse of bifaces, the predominance of small tools, the appearance of distinctive and diverse Levallois flake and point strategies, and the blade component all highlight a notable shift away from the preceding Acheulian large-flake technologies. These findings document a process of substantial behavioural change that occurred in India at 385 ± 64 ka and establish its contemporaneity with similar processes recorded in Africa and Europe. This suggests complex interactions between local developments and ongoing global transformations. Together, these observations call for a re-evaluation of models that restrict the origins of Indian Middle Palaeolithic culture to the incidence of modern human dispersals after approximately 125 ka.

Opinion of other scholars: Considerable numbers of artefacts can be documented with high accuracy and resolution when the methods described are used[3]. Virtual artefact collections can be documented completely, even if the artefacts are stored at different places, including objects that were considered as being unretouched pieces[4]. The virtual collection thus achieved can be distributed easily on storage media such as CD ROMs or even through the Internet. It can be examined by anybody and compared to any real or virtual artefacts of similar origin. All visualization products are results of automatic and objective procedures, thus avoiding the individual subjective interpretation which is inevitably part of hand-drawn figures.

The points observed: The NMMA form was given with antique objects to all and asked to fill up with their observations in their format.  Digital weighing machine, Vernier calipers, scale, magnifying glass etc., were also provided to analyze the object given. The session went on till lunch and thereafter. Then, “how to take photographs of the artefacts,” was also demonstrated and explained.

• No consensus about the form used for documentation of the artefacts, monuments and others to be recorded.
• How to classify the palaeolithic tools as “antique” under the Act or to be classified so!
• What are lithic tools and cores, difference, how are they identified, classified and documented?
• The Paleolithic site – not exactly the lithic tools collected as they were “taken since 1950 and none determine exactly,, from where they had taken.”
• Whether excavated, at wht level or simply they came there, rummaged the excavated sites and taken such lithic tools?
• The Paleolithic chronology does not tally with the sedimentary formation at the same place or nearby place.
• To get such lithic tools at one foot, 3 feet etc., from the present ground level and decide them accordingly…
• All lithic tools are not “artefacts” unless, some human work could be seen / noted / or at least identified on the surface of the object.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

04-11-2023

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[1] The HR & CE of the TN government figure – available from their website. The temples not coming under the HR & CE are also to be added with this figure.

[2] One of the Nayanmar, Thirunavukkarasar / Appar used to visit all temples and clean with his “Uzhavarappadai” (small spade) and thus,the expression symbolically denotes such tool and the voluntary service rendered by devotee in temples periodically.

[3] Boehler, W., Boehm, K., Heinz, G., Justus, A., Schwarz, C., & Siebold, M. (2003, September). Documentation of stone age artifacts. In Proceedings of the XIX th CIPA Symposium. ISPRS/CIPA (pp. 506-510).

[4] https://www.cipaheritagedocumentation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Boehler-e.a.-Documentation-of-Stone-Age-artifacts.pdf

Inauguration of RSN Memorial Library and Indological Research Institute at Chennai

Inauguration of RSN Memorial Library and Indological Research Institute at Chennai

How the Library was thought about: As explained in the earlier blog, Sri R.S.Narayanaswamy and I used to discuss about setting up library with the collection of rare and old books. With his demise, then, I discussed with Dr N. Ravichandran searching for space. One day he called me informing that the Vishva Hindu Vidya Kendra has constructed a new building and they were ready to provide space for the library, so that we could arrange our books there for the purpose. In fact, I was seriously thinking and even about to construct a metallic roofing shed on the third floor of my house to have the library and also use the space for monthly meetings, seminars etc. I fixed it in Google also. Then, I decided to move all my valuable collection there, as he suggested. So I went there discussed with Sri Vedantamji and Dr N. Ravichandran and decided to move books there.

How much the books suffered due to nature-made and man-made calamities: I started moving my books with steel racks in  July 2022 and went on till September 2022. At weekends and holidays, I went there and sorted them out subject-wise and arranged in the racks. As I knew each and every book, I could recognize and place them accordingly. Again, there were several books torn, wrappers missing, even books found in piecemeal.. for me, it was the third calamity, as I had faced earlier twice in 2015 floods and the Vardha cyclone in 2016 with the loss of one-third of books. In 2o15, my house was submerged in the floods and waters entered the house destroying almost all household things. The room that I constructed backside, above five feet from the road gave me shelter for my books and my books for six days, when there was no current. This is happening for the third time. Anyway, I sat there, going through such pages, wrappers and torn-books trying to match with each other. For example, the DED was in such a bad condition that took one day to put together with all the pages. Then, about the inauguration……it was getting postponed…….Then, in 2023, it was perhaps finalized. 

Memorial Library and Indology Research Institute: Dr Subramaniansamy inaugurated the RSN Memorial Library and Indology Research Institute at the second floor of Sri Vedanta Bhavan, Vishva Hindu Vidya Kendra, T. Nagar on 28th at 4:00 PM at Ramanujam Street, T. Nagar. He was the Former Indian Institute of Technology Professor of Mathematical Economics and Harvard University Economics School. Also, Dr. Sudha Seshayan, former Vice-Chancellor of Dr M.G.R., Medical University. Ms Chandralekha, ex-IAS, T.R. Ramesh, Advocate, Temple Worshipers Society President participated. Dr. Sathyamurthy, founder of REACH Foundation, was supposed to come, but did not.

The organizing team of the function: The coordination committee for the event included Vishva Hindu Vidya Kendra President Vedantam G, Madras University Department of Ancient History and Archeology Visiting faculty K.V. Ramakrishna Rao, Vishva Hindu Vidya Kendra General Secretary Girija Seshatri, Dr K. Venkatesan, Assistant Professor, Department of History, University of Chennai, Dr P. Ramesh, Lecturer, Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, UCAL, Fuel System Manufacturing Consultant Dr. Ravichandran were also present. Of course, there have been many who helped us at different levels. I cannot forget Sri Ramasubbu, who has been helping me.

What the spears spoke- as per the media:

• Dr Sudha Seshyyan explained the importance of Indology and Indological studies in the present day. She also explained as to how the textual references could be used for the Indological research.
• Ms Chandralekha IAS (retd.,) explained her own experience of reading history and Indology to pass the Civil Services and also explained how the ancient texts should be decoded with the scientific background.
• Dr. Ravichandran spoke about “RSN, the Memorial Library,” specifically “RS Narayanasamy”.
• K.V. Ramakrishna Rao, Visiting Professor, Department of Archaeology, highlighted the importance of “Institute of Research in Indology” and “Indology”.
• Finally, Dr Subramanian Swamy pointed out how the reading of law would be useful to everybody. Particularly, girls and women should read law to understand their position. He emphasized that all students should learn law so that they could realize their position, wherever they work.

The special feature of this library is that about 50-60 years of English-Tamil dailies and magazines have been cut out, sorted subject-wise and pasted on separate newspaper-sized papers, arranged according to pound usage.

What is Indology?: Indology has been the study of “India”[1], but not the 1947-India that is “Bharath.” It is the systematic study of India in all aspects of arts, sciences and technology from the prehistoric to modern periods. As the Indic culture, tradition, heritage and civilization were spread, registered and found recorded in many parts of the ancient world, it was understood accordingly by the Western or European experts during the 17^th to 20^th and perhaps in 21^st century also.

Indology connotation from Germany to Dutch to India now: The term Indology (in German, Indologie) is often associated with German scholarship, and is used more commonly in departmental titles in German and continental European universities than in the anglophone academy. In the Netherlands, the term Indologie was used to designate the study of Indian history and culture in preparation for colonial service in the Dutch East Indies. But, now Indians are not at all reading about “India” properly, because of regionalism, linguistic and other parochialism.

Indian, Asian, South Asian studies – how nomenclature changes: However, the focused study on India has been interpreted as nation-oriented, nationalist, nationalistic and so on[2] and thus, “Asia” concept introduced. Thus, now, it is also known as South Asian studies, that is the academic study of the history and cultures, languages, and literature of the Indian subcontinent, and as such is a subset of Asian studies. That Columbus could discover an “India” in the west proves the existence of “India” in the Americas. Many scholars have pointed out the connection between the Aztec-Maya-Inca civilizations with that of India and SEA. Even Rabindranath Tagore[3] has written about “Greater India” and promoting such society.

Classical Indology based on the Indic literature: Classical Indology majorly includes the linguistic studies of Sanskrit literature, Pāli and Tamil literature, as well as study of Dharmic religions (like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, etc.), thus, Indology has no boundaries, even in the “Asian” context. Just 100 yeas back, Indians and non-Indians were moving in all directions without any passports and visas. The India that included Tibet, Burma, Gandhara, Sind, and other areas were slowly separated by the Colonial rulers for administrative convenience.

Modern Indology has widened scope like Indian Ocean Studies: In the context of Maritime history, under water archaeology and marine engineering, Indian Ocean played a crucial role always. Every ship and boat that came to India had to sail through Indian Ocean to reach India. Now, Indians cannot imagine that the Ocean could be named after their country or nation. Thus, it is clear India was influencing others for many centuries in many aspects. Thus, Indology covers not only ancient, medieval, but also modern periods.

Indology may have to face other ideological studies: Indology has to face and embrace the following:

• Subaltern school, Local, Oral and Feminist histories [mostly misinterpreting Indic tradition, culture, heritage and civilization].
• Trends In Indian historiography: History From Below
• Indian judiciary, judgments and impact on society [living in relation, same sex marriage, breaking of joint family system etc].
• Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization [changes in the taxation system, goods and services affecting the traditional industries].
•  Genetic studies [DNA, R1a, biometrics etc.,] –aiding and abetting “Aryan-Davidian” dichotomy and race theories [pseudo-scientific]
• Peasant Movements to Urban naxals [targeting to divide Indian society]
•  Working-class Movements, Tribal Movements [targeting to divide Indian society]
• Histories of Caste, Tribes and Genders [misinterpretation of Varna, caste, Jati, Kula, gothra, ethnicity, denomination etc.]

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

29-10-2023

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[1] There were “India-intra-gangem” and “India-extra-gangem” of the Greeks and two Indias located by the European cartographers – one proper India and another away from India in the east i.e, Southeast Asia, also known as “Greater India”.

[2]  Even certain historians have been dubbed as “nationalist or nationalistic” historians, equating with “right,” as opposed to the “left.” Thus, Jadunath Sircar, K. A. Nalikanta Sastry etc., would come under this category. https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/44466/1/Unit-20.pdf

[3] Greater India was first published in 1921.The essays in the volume are authorized translation of papers read by the author in connection with the swadeshi movement in Bengal, circa 1905-1910. The contents include ‘Our Swadeshi Samaj’ (Swadeshi Samaj), ‘The Way to get it Done’ (Saphaltar sadupay), ‘The Nationalist Party’ (Sabhapatior Abhibhashan, Pabna Sammilani, in part) and ‘East and West in Greater India’ (Purva o Pachim).

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