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

---

[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

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – 12-03-2023 – Maritime contacts between south India and SEA, temple structure, – etc (8)

Recent Advances in South Indian Archaeology – The 2^nd International Symposium in memory of Iravatham Mahadevan – 12-03-2023 – Maritime contacts between south India and SEA, temple structure, –  etc (8)

12-03-2023 – Sunday- Third-day session: First, the archaeology officers of the department presented papers about the excavation works carried on at different places for the year 2021-2022 with photographs, as announced by the organizer, Rajan.. These details have been reported in the media regularly and much publicity has already been given by the CM, Ministers, MPs etc.  Now, the following presented their papers:

1. Asaithambi – Excavation at Mayiladuparai, Krishnagiri dist, 2021-2022.
2. S. Paranthaman – Perumbalai excavation, Dharmapuri dist, 2021-2022.
3. Nandagopal, Gangaikonda Chalapuram,, Udaiyarpalayam, Ariyalur, 2021-2022.
4. Vasanthakumar – Tulukkarpatti, Radhapuram Taluk, Tirunelveli, 2021-2022.

After the presentation, Rajan also briefed about the excavations and informed that the officers were presenting their papers for the first time. About “Tulukkarpatti,” there was some discussion – how the place got the name, were thee any Islamic activities there and so on. Actually, V. Selvakumar started asking such questions.

Veena Mushrif Tripathy and Mhachami Ovung presented a paper on “Human skeletal studies on partial collection from Kondagai site, Tamilnadu: its future scope.”

Berenice Bellina presented her paper on “Early maritime exchange between South India and South East Asia – Mid 1^st Millennium BCE – 1^st Millennium CE”: During the period under study, India witnessed the emergence of several mature states: the Mauryas, Kushanas and the Guptas in North India, and the Satavahanas in the Deccan. South India also contained some powerful chiefdoms such as the Cheras, Cholasand the Pandyas, some of which emerged as urbanized kingdoms such as that of thePallavas, who ruled modern-day Tamil Nadu during the third/fourth to the ninth centuries CE. Despite the political plurality, what mattered for trade was the codification of crafts under guilds, which acted as banks and places for investment and the monetarization of parts of the economy, as shown by the wide range of coins issued by cities in different areas. Trade based on profit is well described in the Arthasastra, and an elaborate bureaucracy developed, especially in the Mauryan state. There was a considerable development of both overland and maritime trade routes, although with many regional variations in the organization of trade. The period also saw the rise of specialized trading communities (vanijas and setthis) in the middle Ganga Valley, dealing in salt, textiles, metals and pottery.

She was comparing the artefacts…

The newly spreading cults of Buddhism and Jainism accepted the accumulation and reinvestment of wealth; a concept quite alien to the culture of the earlier Vedic period in which reciprocal exchange of the “prestige goods” type had been the normal method of distributing exotic and luxury items. Long-distance trade between the agricultural hinterland of the middle Ganga Valley, ports such as Gange and Tamralipti in the Delta,and those at the mouth of the Narmada Valley on the west coast such as Broach (Barygazain the Periplus), developed rapidly at this time. The gem fields and gold-rich deposits of South India were quickly integrated into these trading systems.

analysis of industries, products….

With a lack of written records, we cannot analyse in the same detail as India, the structure of exchange within Southeast Asia for the thousand years from the fifth century BCE onwards. Good archaeological documentation is still scarce and we depend over-much on models based on analogies from more recent historical and ethnographic situations. For instance, Bronson, Wheatley, Wolters, Miksic and Wisseman Christie have all proposed evolutionary or structural models for Southeast Asian exchange systems.6 Although useful, these are generalized and abstract and, for the most part, lack firm support from empirical data from the past. However, we know that late prehistoric settlements of the second and early first millennia BCE in Mainland Southeast Asia regularly occur in small stream valleys which feed the major river systems.

locally produced goods with Indian technology……………………….

These, perhaps quite isolated, villages were linked by far-reaching exchange networks which saw marine shell ornaments being taken over 1,000 km from the coast, and copper and tin ingots and artefacts entering communities far removed from the ore sources. Marble, marine shell, serpentine and other rare stone material, ceramics and doubtless many perishable items exchanged hands along the river systems. As Higham makes clear, the middle of the first millennium BCE in southeast Asia was a period of profound economic, social and political change. The Iron Age in Southeast Asia was marked by increases in wealth and social complexity leading to powerful territorial polities. Large or valuable objects, such as Dong Son bronze drums and nephrite ornaments from Vietnam, arrived by sea to enter long-established exchange routes along the rivers. Thus, it is evident that intra and inter-regional exchange routes were well-developed before they were linked to the more developed South Asian trading systems. Wisseman Christie has argued for the emergence of three clusters of producer-trading states in Peninsular Malaysia during late centuries BCBC.7 But throughout most of Southeast Asia at this time, the highest level of political organization was what might be called chiefly society, or at best some nascent states in which and barter and gift-giving were likely to have been the principal modes of exchange, since there is no evidence for coinage. In central Vietnam, the Sa-Huynh Culture probably represented a culturally-related series of chiefdoms which were closely involved in overseas trade, as shown by the theSa-Huynh, or Sa-Huynh influenced, artefacts and urn burials widely distributed in the Philippines, northern Indonesia and parts of Thailand.

imports, exports common…

The technological study presented here concludes that the adaptation of what was perceived in foreign cultures as a carrier of modernity and sophistication resulted in the creation of a ‘trans-regional ’élite whose identity was based on common reinterpreted foreign cultural values and practices. This study has also identified some of the social groups involved as well as characterising the exchanges. In particular, it identified the circulation of Indian productions made to order, as well as the direct involvement of some Indian craft castes (the Brahmans). Both raise the question of the Indian response to South-east Asian demands. They imply that the South-east Asian agencies were far from passive in the process since they werein position to orientate the exchange by their specific orders.

trade guilds worked together……

The transfer of Indian politico-religious features as well as of manufacturing techniques imply periods of close and lasting interaction between India and South-east Asia. It is likely that the South-east Asian élite not only wanted to possess the status markers but also the means to produce them, such as the craftsmen who could transfer their knowledge or the Brahmans who could provide legitimising rituals. The identification of the possible presence of Indian craftsmen in South-east Asia, as I propose for the early port site of Khao Sam Kaeo, could provide clues on the modes of transfers and on the nature of interactions. Now it remains to define the stages of these interactions, a goal to which the study of the site of Khao Sam Kaeo could provide answers. This study of the earliest evidence for exchange between India and South-east Asia also anticipates an affect on the economy, urbanisation and state formation – matters which remain to be investigated.

With ceramic, glass, metallic artefacts found, she was pointing out that there were contacts between the trading people of the Coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal and that of the SEA countries. The artefacts were locally manufactured perhaps with the expertise received from the Indians, as they exhibited clear Indian influence. Even required raw materials could have been imported from India that included Ceylon / Sri Lanka in those days. An alliance among / between the ports of Bay of Bengal could have also been existing, as the traders were moving periodically from the Indian coasts and travelling across the ocean to reach SEA countries and China also. The trade guilds that existed clearly point to such fact.

Ramakrishna Pisipathy – Recent Archaeological investigations in Lower Palar river: Palar is a river of southern India. It rises in the Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapuradistrict of Karnataka state and flows 222 km southeastward through Tamil Nadu before reaching its confluence into the Bay of Bengal at Vayalur about 100 km south of Chennai. Of the seven tributaries, the chief tributary is the CheyyarRiver and the Vegavati. Kanchipuram, one of the ancient cities is located on thebanks of the Palar and Vegavti river.Kanchipuram (13.40’N & 76.25’E 12.98°N 79.71°E,) is one of the important centers and hub for many satellite centers with urban features in the south by the time of early centuries of the present era. Like all ancient cities in India,Kanchipuram is also situated on the banks of river, Vegavati, a split channel ofthe Palar river which is connected to the Bay of Bengal (east coast). It has anelevation of 83.2 m (273 ft) above sea level and the flat land with slopes towards the south and east. All suitable geographical setup of the region has been utilized by the human beings from the very beginning. Recent studies are further strengthening the potentiality of the region in not only as an early lithic centre but also a hub of continues human activities in the region, even till now.

V. Selvakumar – Architecture of Southern India and roof-tiles of Historical period: he described various roof-tiles used in different periods starting with prehistoric period. Of course for such period, there was no evidence. Fr Neolithic and other periods were also, roof might have been there, but not tiles. With the existing medieval structures, he was trying to interpret that older structures too had such tiled-roof. Here also his interpretation that “Katrali” to have a roof was a privilege and so on.

Santhalingam (on-line), Madurai. Recent epigraphical evidences in Pandyanadu: He was interpreting with different inscriptions.

Shanti Pappu – Excavations at Sendrayanpalayam (SEN), Tamilnadu: New perspective on the Lower Paleolithic: They have been doing the work for the last 25 years with facilities of laboratory and studies. They have been carrying out prehistoric excavations, research, teaching and educating with training also. They have been excavating at different pprehistoric sites by locating using scientific methodology. The “Site” itself becomes crucial in archaeology, to definite and realize specifically.  Sendrayanplayam is about a two-hour-drive from Chennai in southern India. The Sendrayanpalayam site is fairly well-preserved and represents a slightly different environment relative to Attirampakkam. Studying more such places could help show when and how humans came to live and adapt in south India.

Kumar Akhilesh, Mohamed Sahrumi, Prchi Joshi and Shanti Pappu – Excavations at Senarayanpalayam (SEN), Tamilnadu: New perspective on the Lower Paleolithic:..The group presented the above details in different perspective…and most of these details are available in the internet.

Ansumali Mukhopadhyay – Indus script signs for gold, gold measuring unit, and treasury: Taxed commodities and tax collecting entities encoded in Indus inscriptions: Taking some symbols, she tried to interpret .Ansumali Mukhopadhyay  has alredy published the same and similar papers and they are available in the internet for downloading. S. Kalyanaraman and others have also been working on the same lies for more than 40-50 years and their published papers and books are also available.

Satyamurthy taking the example of Veppattur temple, he explained how an old temple existed…..

The depilated super structure on an elevated place….

T. Satyamurthy: Architectural tradition of Tamilnadu: Distinctions and recent trends: Temple structures could not have come into existence suddenly. There must have been many processes of evolution for such structure to come into existence. Based on the inscription of Mahendr varman (610-630 CE), “This brickless, timberless, metalless and mortarless mansion of Laksita was caused to be made by king Vicitracitta for Brahma, Isvara and Visnu”, it is believed that temple architecture came into existence in Tamilagam only during 7^th cent.CE. So here, except metal, other materials are perishable and hence during the course of times, they were disappearing and temples rebuilt. There are many references in Sangam literature about the existence of structures. With the Veppattur depilated temple taking scnned pictures, three-layered paintings, size of the bricks used etc., he proved that the Sanpam period temple was in existence and it was abandoned due to some reason and now, it has been renovated and restored.

he compared the super structure, bricks etc.,

how it existed through, Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara………..is shown with evidences…..

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

16-03-2023.

The “National Seminar on Cataloguing, editing and Publication of Ancient Indian Manuscripts on Science and Technology” held on March 25th 28th 2019 at Bangalore [4]

The “National Seminar on Cataloguing, editing and Publication of Ancient   Indian Manuscripts on Science and Technology” held on March  25^th  28^th 2019 at Bangalore [4]

The fourth session -4.15 to 5.45 pm:   Prof. Lakshmithathachar chaired this session with the following paper presentation:

Sl. No	Name of the Presenter	Topic
1	Sri Anand Visvanathan, Research Associate, Centre for Ancient History, Jain University, Bangalore.	A Critical study of Parasara Tantra based on Manuscripts
2	Dr Y. S. Gayathri, Prof Sanskrit, Ramaiah College of Arts and Science, Bangalore.	Number System in Ancient India based on Ancient manuscripts.
3	Dr. Bama Srinivasan Post Doc Researcher Chennai	Applications of Meemamsa Theories to Information Technology – Based on Meemamsa Manuscripts

Anand evidently made his presentation on an already published book by R. N. Iyengar. He was telling that no manuscript is available, but to fill up the gap between   te Vedanga Jyotisha and Siddhantic works, he wanted this “work attributed to Parasara!” When I asked why he did not mention about “Surya Siddhanta,” he replied that it belonged to later period i.e, after 500 CE of Siddhantic period.  I pointed out that just because, the gap should be filled up, one cannot bring any work in between and date it accordingly. Because of manipulaton f one or few verses, one cannot disparage the work and its antiquity. As a Sanskrit scholar, he cannot take two stands on the Sanskrit manuscripts and dating of them, claiming one belonged to Vedic period and one to medieval period. Later Prof Thathachariyar also cautioned the paper presenter.

Parasara Tantra and the controversy around it: I also pointed out about the “Parasara manuscripts” and the business going on around in 2006-2007 period and the discussion recorded could be noted in the internet[1]. Many persons tried to buy the manuscripts available in the name of “Parasara,” as pointed out by Vedaprakash[2] on 06-09-2007, “Suddenly a lot of interest has been generated in ” Prasara Samhita / Smruti / tantra ” and there have been enquiries in the Oriental manuscripts libraries, archives and other libraries. During July-August alone, the enquiries about this particular manuscript have been tremendous. My friend at one of such Manuscript libraries informs particularly the enquiries from foreign and through Indian contacts has been specifically about it, because it reportedly contains details about  astronomy, Silpa-sastra and medicine (three-in-one). A sculptor has been hectic about acquiring it at any cost,” incidentally, he mentioned the name of R. N. Iyengar, “So in the name of Parasara, we have all sorts of Siddhantas, Samhitas and Smritis and ” Nadi sastra ” works also. There is a work ” Gnana upadesham 22 ” attributed to Parasara available (Fourth part of Gnana sasthirat-tirattu) [R. N. Iyengar can go to Tamarai Nulagam who have published some works and Vriddhacalam for Nasdi-works and see such manuscripts of Parasara]. Even westerners have started conducting courses in ” Nadi sastra ” !”.

Vedic numbers in Vedas by S. S. N. Murthy – given for illustrative purposes

Y. S. Gayathri pointed out how the numbers were mentioned in different Sanskrit manuscripts. However, she relied upon the printed book, but, did not refer to any manuscript. Anyway, as the books have been published based on the manuscripts, they can be accepted. One asked whether “zero” was mentioned in Vedas. She replied negative. I pointed out that it was mentioned in the Chanda Sutra of Pingala.

Bama Srinivasan has already published several papers on the same topic and connected issues[3]. Mimamsa, one of the school of Indian hermeneutics, deals with the interpretation of Vedic sentences, which are in the form of injunctions[4]. It categorizes Vedic statements into five groups[5]. These are:

1. Injunctive statements (Vidhi), which urge one to perform action.
2. Hymns, which are recited at the sacrifice (mantra).
3. Titles of the sacrifice (Nam adheya), which give an account of names of various sacrifices and ritual activities, categorizing paraphernalia etc.
4. Prohibitions ( edha), which prohibit a person from performing an action.
5. Corroborative statements (Arthavada), which encourage the performance of injunctive statements (Vidhi) or discourages the performance of prohibited actions (Nisedha).

She described an automatic approach for generating a sequence of tasks in the task analysis process of special instruction, offering a viable methodology to make the lives of individuals with behavioral difficulties easier by splicing and sequencing activities into simpler and complete set of tasks.

28-03-2019 – the second day technical session – 9.30 to 11.00 AM: The first session was chaired by M. D. Srinivas and the following presented their papers:

Sl. No	Name of the Presenter	Topic
1	Dr. Neeraj Sharma Prof. of Sanskrit, MLS University, Udaipur	Manuscripts on Agriculture in Sanskrit – A critical survey
2	Dr. R. Shankar Post Doctoral fellow NIAS, Bangalore	Applying the principles of Steganography and Pattern Poetry in editing faulty manuscript readings: A case study
3	Dr. Shyamsundar Sr. Professor of Anatomy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru	New, low-cost, high-effect technique of “Plastination” for preservation of palm-leaf manuscripts.

Neeraj Sharma presented his paper, “Manuscripts on Agriculture in Sanskrit – A critical survey” in Hindi. He delved upon Sanskrit Krshi Shastra [संस्कृत कृषि शास्त्र] and explained. He has also written a book in Hindi on the subject. After presentation, he was asked as to whether the methods mentioned in the Sanskrit works were used in agriculture and any results were applied, he responded with few examples.

R. Shankar presented his paper, “Applying the principles of Steganography and Pattern Poetry in editing faulty manuscript readings: A case study” as to how the hidden verse in another verse can be found out with the method. Taking certain letters from one verse, another verse can be written and read. He also pointed out how verses can be written in the form of “Chakrabhanda.” I pointed out that such methods are also available in the Tamil literature, specifically, in Tamil Siddha works. If the chairman could permit, I could show some pictures, but, he declined.

Dr. Shyamsundar / Shama Sundar, in his presentation on “New, low-cost, high-effect technique of “Plastination” for preservation of palm-leaf manuscripts,” showed that how manuscripts could be plasticized i.e, covered with resin with a combination of hardener and accelerator. Such plasticizer can either be prepared by ourselves or purchased directly. For example, shoe polish can be used directly as plasticizer to impregnate manuscripts for safely and longevity.  It can last for 30 years and again, it has to plasticized. This would be cost effective, as it comes to Re.1 for one palm leaf. For valuable documents, lamination can be done.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

30-03-2019

[1] https://www.indiadivine.org/content/topic/1418402-fwd-parasara-samhita-parasara-tantra-parasara-smriti/

[2] https://vedaprakash.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/25-siddhantic-works/

[3] Srinivasan, B., Parthasarathi, R., Prasad, B., Lingras, P., & Nevatia, R. (2011). Mimamsa Inspired Representation of Actions (MIRA). In IICAI (pp. 498-517).

[4] Srinivasan, Bama, and Ranjani Parthasarathi. “A Formalism for Action Representation Inspired by Mīmāṁsā.” Journal of Intelligent Systems 21.1 (2012): 45-77.

[5] Srinivasan, B., & Parthasarathi, R. (2013). An intelligent task analysis approach for special education based on MIRA. Journal of Applied Logic, 11(1), 137-145.

National Seminar on Salvage Archaeology and Heritage Management in India held at Meenakshi College, Chennai on November 29th and 30th 2016 [Second day proceedings]

National Seminar on Salvage Archaeology and Heritage Management in India held at Meenakshi College, Chennai on November 29^th and 30^th 2016 [Second day proceedings]

30-11-2016 – the second day proceedings of NSSAHMI-16: First, R. Mani, Conservation Assistant, ASI (Retd) explained how a mantap at Madhavaram was relocated, after dismantling the structure part by part with the cost of Rs. 25 lakhs.  As the people of the areas wanted the mantap to be renovated, the work was carried on. It has been on the way to Tirupati and was constructed for the pilgrims to stay. There was a tank also behind, but, it disappeared. The tanks were constructed near by the Mantap-rest houses or behind for the purposes of pilgrims to carry out morning and daily routines during their stay and proceed. During interaction, the following facts were known:

1. There is no documentation as to how many such mantaps / rest houses for pilgrims constructed are available between two particular pilgrimage centres.
2. The distance between such mantaps could be about 5 kms.
3. Now, many mantaps right in front of temples at srirangam, Tirivannamalai, Kanchipuram and other important religious centres have been illegally occupied by the persons with vested interests and political clout, using them as go-down, workshop, hotel, shop, even as part of house.
4. Though, ASI gives complaints about and against such illegal occupations and encroachments to Police, Revenue officials, no proper action, action is taken.
5. This emboldens Act and Rules violators and make them disrespect the ASI authorities and belittle the Acts and Rules related Archaeological Monuments etc.

Salvage archaeology – P. Venkatesan, Director, Ministry of Tourism: With his experience, he had elaborately dealt with the subject matter. Differentiating between tangible and intangible heritage, he explained the nuances of heritage relating to inheritance, legacy, obtained from forefathers, religious practices, customs, celebrations and so on. After World War – II, as many cities were destroyed and monuments made crumbling conditions, the westerners thought of “Salvage archaeology”.  Urbanization with its building activities etc., has affected the monuments adversely. We should respect the Mother earth “Vasunthara bahuratnaha” [Mother Earth contains many diamonds] as it contains many archaeological treasures. So, whenever, excavations are conducted, they should inform and consult archaeologists, so that such hidden valuable materials are not destroyed. Now, Amaravati has been proposed as the new capital of Andhrapradesh after bifurcation of AP, but, this area has been potential for many hidden archaeological monuments and therefore, they cannot be allowed to be destroyed. Therefore, the CM has constituted a committee with experts of archaeology to investigate about the archaeological potential and protect the monuments. He gave many examples of salvage archaeology applied in the case of Nagarjunakonda, Srisailam, Kudali Sangameswarar, Kurudi Goa [rock-cut temple transplanted], Alampur, etc. “God’s property should not be touched”, he emphasized with proverb and saying.

Heritage City – Kanchipuram – S.  Ramakrishna Pisipaty: With slideshow, he has shown exhaustive archaeological evidences to prove that Kanchipuram city and surroundings were continuously engaged with human activities from neolithic, Mesolithic, megalithic, early historic, and medieval periods. A massive 24-m-long turtle-shaped tomb was excavated from the banks of a lake at Vadamangalm village in Kancheepuram district about 80 km from here. While no human skeletons have been discovered yet, initial findings indicate that the people who had inhabited the ancient megalithic site knew mathematics, astronomy and astrology. Explaining “Panchakanchi”, he pointed out how Jaina, Buddha, Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma belief-systems were existing. With his findings on the Vegavati river, he tried to correlate the archaeological evidences with that of Puranic narratives.

Law and rules for Heritage Conservation – S. Vasanthi, Deputy Superintendent archaeologist (Retd), Tamilnadu State Archaeology: She listed out many Acts and Rules, including the following[1]:

Ancient Monuments Preservation Act 1904

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains [mentioned as AHMASR] Act 1951

AMASR Act 1958

AMASR Rules 1959

AMASR (Amendment and Validation) Act 2010

National Monument Authority Rules, 2011

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Framing of Heritage Bye laws and Other Functions of Competent Authority) Rules, 2011

Competent Authority Notification

Information on construction activity regulations

1958 and 2010 Acts – Reference

As per the statutory provision, “Ancient Monument” means any structure, erection or monument, or any tumulus or place of interment, or any cave, rock-sculpture, inscription or monolith which is of historical, archaeological or artistic interest and which has been in existence for not less than 100 years and includes— (i) remains of an ancient monument, (ii) site of an ancient monument, (iii) such portion of land adjoining the site of an ancient monument as may be required for fencing or covering in or otherwise preserving such monument, and (iv) the means of access to, and convenient inspection of, an ancient monument; and “Any person who moves any antiquity in contravention of a notification issued under sub-section (1) of section 25 shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees[2]; and the court conviction a person of any such contravention may by order direct such person to restore the antiquity to the place from which it was moved”.

Conservation and preservation of the Monuments in Coastal Areas – J. Soundararajan, Assistant Professor, University of Madras: He too mentioned about Abu Simbel to Nagarjunakonda and then delved upon, temples at Dwaraka, Goa etc. As the monuments on the coasts are easily subjected to soil erosion by sea, change in sea / ocean levels periodically, Tsunami like natural disasters, he explained such instances and the preservation and conservation methods undertaken. There are different natural and manmade factors which are generally considered responsible for different conservation problems and cause damage to the building materials of a monument. Geological and mineralogical defects which develop during the genesis of rocks may be responsible for different conservation problems and consequent damage to the monuments. This is due to inherent weakness of the building materials. There are certain biological factors such as Growth of Moss, Lichen, Algae, Fungi and higher plants on a monument. They not only impart a ugly look to the monument but also cause physical & chemical damaged to the building material. Bat’s and bird’s droppings/excreta cause damage particularly to fine stone works and paintings. Deposit of Bat’s excreta on stone structures in Ajanta Caves caused chemical damages to the structures. Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and other chemically active pollutant species along with dust results in disfiguring of the monument. Similarly variation in climatic conditions, moisture and intense solar radiation are also responsible for the decay of specific building materials. Conservation problems are different for different geographical areas. The monuments of coastal areas face the problem of salt efflorescence. Crystallization of soluble salts in the matrix of stone, plaster, mortar etc. is a major cause of damage to the monument. This disrupts the pore structures of the stone and slowly damages the core of the building material which is difficult to be repaired.

Technical-paper presentation – teacher participation: The “teacher participation”, i.e, those who are teaching in colleges presented their papers. My paper came under this category. I presented my paper, “Salvaging, redeeming and Saving Archaeology and Managing Heritage in the Indian Context”. As only 10-15 minutes were given, I restricted to PowerPoint presentation. I specifically pointed out as to how the archaeological reports of ASI were manipulated by the colonial rulers in the cases of Alois Anton Fuhrer[3], John Marshall[4], George Buhler[5], Vincent Smith[6], R. D. Banerhee[7] based on the official documents. Then, I cited and explained the case of Prof Dr Vincent John Adams Flynn who was arrested, jailed and then deported to his country Australia, for smuggling out many antiquities including valuable coins[8]. From colonial period to the present day, the Indian archaeology and historiography have been subjected to professional bias, ideology and politicization, obviously acting againt Indan Acts, Rules and interests. The issue of Ramajanmabhumi and the WAC-III fights need not be mentioned here, as that have already exposed the position of the archaeologists and historians.  Even after independence, the fields of archaeology, historiography, numismatics, epigraphy and other connected fields have been with constant interference of the politicians. Of course, the archaeologists and historians have also become “politicians” as the Ayodhya case exposed, when they deposed before the court as witnesses. With all responsibilities, they had misrepresented and misled the court and hence they have been reprimanded and censured heavily, as has been recorded in the judgment. From outside, they could carry out propaganda through media with vested interests, but, the legal facts remain facts only. Unless, they are liberated from such factors, they cannot render any service to the society and people.

Valedictory function and distribution of prizes: The paper reading session conducted on 29^th November was indeed a competition held for the Ph.D research  scholars and those awaiting for the Viva Voce, with the condition that “Only the papers to be presented by the research scholars will be considered for best paper award” and the amount fixed was as follows: I prize Rs.15,000 /-, II prize Rs.10,000 /- and III prize Rs. 5,000 /-.  Dr G. Maheswari, Superintendent Archaeologist, ASI was the chief guest for the valedictory function. The prizes were distributed to the winning scholars and certificates to the teachers-participants. The seminar closed with national anthem.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

01-12-2016

[1] All Acts and Rules can be downloaded from here: http://asichennai.gov.in/monuments_acts_rules.html; Some important judgemenets have also been given.

Judgement dt.16th January, 2012 of Hon’ble Supreme Court pertaining to construction activity in the prohibited area of national monuments/sites.

Judgement dt.23rd February, 2011of Hon’ble Madras High Court Madurai Bench pertaining to quarry operation near the national monument at Keezhavalavu, Taluk Melur, District Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Judgement dt.25th January, 2011 of Hon’ble Madras High Court pertaining to construction activity in the prohibited area of national monument at Gangaikondacholapuram, District Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu.

[2] This, she was mentioning as Rs.10/- based on old Act.

[3] A. A. Führer , Antiquities of Buddha Sakyamuni’s Birth-Place in the Nepalese Tarai, Imperial Archaeological Survey Report XXVI (ASI of Northern India Vol. VI), 1898.

[4] Sir John Marshall, An Indian Tiryns and Mycenae: A Forgotten Age Revealed, The Illustrated London News (tabloid in four pages), Vol.165, September 20, 1924.

[5] Charles Allen, The Buddha and Dr Fuhere – An Archaeological Scandal, Has Publishing, London, 2008, see chapter – The Drowning, Lake Constance, 8-9 April 1898, pp.173-200.

[6] Vincent Smith went to Lucknow in September 1898 ‘by order of Government, to enquire into Dr. Führer’s proceedings, and convict him of systematic falsification of his correspondence with several Governments’. In the course of his meeting Smith challenged Führer about his claims to have found an inscribed pre-Ashokan casket: ‘I charged Dr. Führer to his face with that forgery, and he did not attempt to deny it’. Dr. Führer appears to have resigned immediately after the visit. Smith’s account is to be found in ‘Exploration of the Birthplace of Buddha in the Nepal Tarai’, Govt. North-Western Provinces and Oude, PWD Proceedings for August 1899, File No. 49 Misc., 1899, Note 60. ‘Note on the exploration of Kapilavastu, by V. A. Smith, Esq., ICS, dated 3rd January 1898 [sic: 1899]’.

[7] Banerji, Rakhal Das. Mohenjodaro: A Forgotten Report. Prithivi Prakashan, 1984.

[8] Delhi High Court – Mr. V.J.A. Flynn And Mr. Shyam … vs Union Of India (Uoi) And Ors. on 26 November, 2002; Equivalent citations: 2003 (66) DRJ 381, 2003 (86) ECC 129, 2003 (159) ELT 92 Del; Author: S Aggarwal; Bench: D Jain, S Aggarwal. https://indiankanoon.org/doc/924272/

 

The Proceedings of the national seminar on “Restructuring of Social Sciences courses in the present context” held at Udupi on December 15th and 16th, 2014.

The Proceedings of the national seminar on “Restructuring of Social Sciences courses in the present context” held at Udupi on December 15^th and 16^th, 2014.

……, Radhakrishna Acharya, Tantri, Madhavi, Durgalaxmi, …..

Sri Poornaprajna Evening College organised a national seminar on “Restructuring of Social Sciences courses in the present context” on December 15 (Monday) and 16 (Tuesday), 2014.  Addressing presspersons on 10-12-2014 (Wednesday) earlier, Madhavi Bhandary, Principal of the College, said that the objective of the seminar, sponsored by the University Grants Commission, was to discuss ways and means of attracting students to courses in the Arts stream. Generally, barring some, most students got into the Arts stream because they could not get into either Science or Commerce streams. “It has become the last choice of the students,” she said. Even if students wanted to join the Social Science courses, their parents oppose it. The aim of the seminar was to discuss thoroughly the need for restructuring the Social Science courses so as to make it more attractive to the students. “The seminar will also strive to make the students understand the importance of Social Science courses,” she said[1].

Durgalaxmi briefing about the seminar

The objective and Sub-themes of the Seminar: The objective of the seminar was to improve the quality of different disciplines coming under social science courses and to attract the intelligent students for the arts stream. Further, the new innovations for the improvement of the social science subjects were also taken into consideration. The brochure explained the theme, sub-themes and objectives of the seminar. The sub-themes included:

• Restructuring of Historical Curriculum to the present political & social needs.
• Development perspective – need for restructuring Economics as a discipline.
• Sociology for creation of an ideal society.
• Political ethics for Better governance.

The anxiety that the arts subjects are losing importance, there are no takers for such subjects in colleges and many colleges have already stopped conducting the courses were fully appreciated by the organizers, as incorporated in the brochure.

Balakrishna Hedge presenting a paper

The first day of the Seminar – December.16, 2014: The seminar was inaugurated by Prof Radhakrishna Acharya and during his inaugural speech, he emphasized the importance of inculcating moral values in India in changing times, particularly during the current period. P. Sripati Tantri, scholar and former Principal of Madhav Pai Memorial College, delivered the keynote address at the inauguration covering the theme of the seminar. He said[2], “Students are forced to follow a particular syllabus, they don’t have the liberty to choose their options in India, the art students were given study materials which will not help them to have a better career”. “The number of students enrolling in arts section is the least, it is high time to introduce a reformed updated version of social science”, he said such seminars may attract many students to the Arts stream. UGC is trying hard to bring reforms in the structure. “Arts should not be the last choice of the students”, he added. “Even if students wanted to join the Social Science courses for some reason, their parents oppose it”.

Paper presentation.1

Arts versus sciences, the existing dilemma: DHNS Sociology Scholar Prof Sripathi Tantri said immediate measures ought to be taken to improve the quality of the study curriculum, which demands innovation according to the needs of changing society. Delivering the keynote address at the UGC sponsored national seminar on the topic ‘Restructuring of Social Science Courses in the Present Context’ organized by Poorna Prajna College (PPC), he ridiculed that universities these days are evaluating the knowledge capacity and personality of the individual based on the caste[3]. He said, instead the universities should seriously deliberate on restructuring the existing curriculum, frequently to improve the quality of education. It is especially required for the subjects of social sciences. He added that the survival of the social science solely depends on the innovative steps taken to improve the text materials. He added the social science should be coupled with science subjects while teaching in Arts course. He said the arts related subjects are losing its prominence in the universities. The number of students opting for art subjects is decreasing and the students are not coming forward to take arts course. The Colleges are dropping the art courses and the teachers who teach art subjects. He opined that an engineering student should also have the knowledge of social sciences. Emphasising on the education pattern in the western countries, especially in the US, he said that US educational institutions give utmost prominence for the restructuring of the curriculum at every phase of the course.

Paper presentation.2

US and Indian style of education: He said since the inception of three universities in 1857, most of the universities stick to similar curriculum that existed since the time of the inception, he lamented. In India, the art student will be ignorant over the science subjects, while the student in US will have ample opportunities to learn additional subjects besides the subjects of his or her choice. There is a need to incorporate the US style of education that facilitates the students to learn the skills of many subjects simultaneously, he said. Stating that curriculum focusing the present day needs is the need of the hour, Prof Tantri opined that education quality should be improved keeping in mind the contemporary society and the livelihood needs. He opined that the contributions of Indians in the field of sociology is nil, instead the sociology in India is immensely influenced by the personalities who adorned the positions with money and muscle power. He urged the education boards in the Universities, to concentrate seriously on the need to upgrade the quality of the education, instead of involving in the unwanted controversies. Students should demand for the quality text materials, he said and added that the law issues should be studied in depth.

Durgalaxmi presents a memento to Balakrishna Hegde

Social science books in India have not been updated for the last 30 years: Speaking after inaugurating the seminar, PPC Evening College former principal Prof Radhakrishna Acharya said the books in social science are as old as three decades. There is massive difference in the educational pattern in the western countries and in India. Indians are hesitating to incorporate the novel innovative ideas in the teaching substance, unlike western countries. However, the hindrance to accept the changes would result in the end of art courses in colleges. This may add up to the additional woes, owing to the shortage of knowledge on social sciences, he said[4].

Delegates taking lunch on 16-12-2014

Paper reading session: Then paper reading session started[5]. The first technical session was chaired by John Bosco Lourdusamy, Associate Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras, Chennai, who spoke on “Restructuring of curriculum of History to the present political and social needs”. The second technical session was chaired by P. L. Dharma, Professor, Department of Political Science, Mangalore University, Mangaluru, and spoke on “Political ethics for better governance.” The last third session was chaired by Dr Balakrishna Hegde, Associate Professor, Kamala Nehru Womens College, Shivamoga and Dr Sanmathi Kumar and Mrs. Ashwini presented papers.

Paper presentation.3.Satish Kumar Shetty-Durgalaxmi-

The second day of the Seminar – December.16, 2014: During the fourth session of the second day, K.V.M. Varamaballi, Director of School of Management, Manipal University, delivered a lecture on “Development perspective – Need for restructuring Economics as a discipline”. Dr Shivshankar Bhat of Surathkal presented a paper. The fifth session was headed by Duggappa Kajekar, Assistant Professor, PG Department of Sociology, Tenkanidiyur Government First Grade College who delivered a lecture on “Sociology for the creation of an ideal society”. After lunch, the sixth technical session started with paper presentation headed by M. Dattatreya Rao, HOD and Associate Professor, Sacred Heart College, Mdanthyar, Karnataka. Papers were presented by Mrs. Snehalata, Mrs. Sujatha Kumari, Mrs Radhika Pai and De Silva. During the last session, K. V. Ramakrishna Rao and Gururaj Prabhu presented papers. The session was headed by Dr Satish Kumar Shetty, Besant Evening College, Mangalore. There was a lively discussion about the presentation of the papers. Mementos were given to the paper presenters with certificates of appreciation.

Radhika Pai presenting a paper -Women empowerment

Observations made on the papers presented: The speeches / paper presented by the resource persons delved upon the Restructuring of Social Sciences courses in the present context. They had dealt with the issues and problems giving suggestions for the restructuring and reorientation of the subjects catering to the needs of the students. The women paper presenters had been so obsessed with the reports of the media that they used such details without any field study or going to the sources. They generalized the issues making sweeping remarks about many problems of the Indian society.

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao clarifying on Ms.Pai paper

Instead of critically analyzing the social aberrations based on the external and internal factors, drearily presentation made with generalizations. Legality of the issues connected with women, SCs and others were discussed based on the details compiled from the newspapers. Egalitarian and utopian views were expressed for solving the issues without caring for the reality of the situation.

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao commenting on the paper of Desilva

One paper was presented on the Iron pillar of Qutub complex at New Delhi.

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao presenting his paper

Valedictory function: The valedictory function was held in the PIM auditorium. K.M. Lokesh, Head of the Department of History, Mangalore University, Mangaluru, was the chief guest at the valedictory function. Dr Vijaya Ballal, Dharmadarshi, Sri Janardhan Mahakali Temple, Ambalpady was the guest of honour. Sri Pradeep Kumar Secretary, SPEC Managing Committee presided over the function. In general, all expressed their concern over the current situation of social processes, interactions and happenings going on in India under the LPG regime and stressed for the restructuring of the syllabi in such a way that the Social sciences were job-oriented.

Valedictory function – prayer

Dr Vijaya Ballal made an inspiring speech about the moral values.

Dr Vijaya Ballal speaking

K. M. Lokesh speaking.

K. M. Lokesh speaking

A section of the audience during the valedictory function

Section of audience – valedictory function – 16-12-2014

Ramakrishna Udupa thanking all during the valedictory function.

Ramakrishna Udupa thanking all – Valedictory

[1] http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/seminar-on-restructuring-social-science-courses-in-udupi-from-dec-15/article6679414.ece

[2] http://www.newskarnataka.com/udupi/Seminar-on-importance-of-Social-Science-subjects-held/

[3] http://m.newshunt.com/india/english-newspapers/deccan-herald/district/take-steps-to-restructure-existing-curriculum-says-scholar_34556870/c-in-l-english-n-deccan-ncat-District

[4] http://m.newshunt.com/india/english-newspapers/deccan-herald/district/take-steps-to-restructure-existing-curriculum-says-scholar_34556870/997/c-in-l-english-n-deccan-ncat-District

[5] Ganesh Prabhu, Seminar on ‘Restructuring Social Science courses’ in Udupi from Dec 15, The Hindu, UDUPI, December 10, 2014; Updated: December 10, 2014 16:20 IST