Role of History and Archaeology in promoting Tourism in India

Role of History and Archaeology in promoting Tourism in India

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

ICHR sponsored national seminar: The department of Ancient history and archaeology and Indian council of Historical research organized a two-day national seminar on “Role of History and Archaeology in promoting Tourism in India” at the N. D. S. Hall[1] (G33), Centenary building of University of Madras on October 28^th and 29^th, 2013. A photo exhibition on “Indian tourism monuments and South Indian epigraphy” was also arranged in the same hall launched by ASI, Southern Circle, Temple Survey Project and Epigraphy Branch, Fort St George, Chennai.  As many as 300 photographs of Indian historical monuments, sent in by 26 circle offices of the Archaeological Survey of India, were on vivid display on the occasion[2].

Visitors to the photo exhibition – photo courtesy – The Hindu

The seminar brought together archaeological experts and eminent personalities working in the area of tourism for preparation of a tourism atlas as a guiding tool for tourists in the country[3]. The Central government institution, Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR) supported the varsity by providing the funding around Rs 1 lakh, which was utilized for providing food and lodging to the participants who came from all over India to present papers on the topic.

Invitation – photo courtesy – Vijayakumar

As many as 80 academicians presented papers on the occasion. The entries were selected from a pool of 160. The bottom-line of the event was that tourism was not just meant for enjoyment, but an educative process[4].

Entrance to the Department of Ancient History and archaeology, Madras University

Inauguration of the Seminar: On October 28^th, the first day of the seminar, the delegates and others were invited by Dr J Soundararajan, coordinator of the seminar. The Seminar Abstract was released by Prof Dr R. Thandavan[5], Vice Chancellor of the University.

Release of Abstract – photo courtesy Dinamalar

The VC had been so humane in his address remembering and recalling his association with the persons and places that is also a part of tourism. Dr T. S. Sridar IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary to Govt. of India inaugurated the photo exhibition and gave the presidential address. Pointing out the thousands of years old archaeological sites and other monuments, he stressed that by visiting those places, the factors related to culture, architecture, tradition could be understood and appreciated. The awareness about the protection of ancient monuments had been increasing throughout the world. None could estimate the value of the monuments, temples and other sculptures on India in terms of money. Therefore, awareness could be created by conducting this type of seminars. Government had also enacted many acts to preserve and protect the monuments. There should be coordination among different organizations dealing with the issues for the betterment of tourism. When such cooperation was achieved then, there would be more facilities created to the tourists and the number of tourists would also be increased[6].

Prof / Dr Rajukalidos, Dr R. Thandavan, Dr T. S. Sridar, Dr P. D. Balaji, Dr M. Seran

Keynote address by Dr Rajukalidos: The keynote address was given by Dr Rajukalidos, former Dean of Arts & Dept of Sculpture and Art History, Tamil University, Tanjore. Unlike others in Conferences and seminar, he told that as his full paper had been printed in the Abstract booklet, he would like to delve upon other facts, instead of repeating what he had already written in it[7]. He argued that sensitivity about the heritage of monuments should be inculcated among all, so that the artistic tradition could be preserved and developed. The difference between pilgrimage and tourism type of picnic was also pointed out by him.

lighting of Kutthuvilakku of course with a candle

Facilitations and technical session (28-10-2013): The facilitations of Prof / Dr / Thiru P. Venkatesan, Deputy Director (Retd), ASI, South Zone, Bangalore; P. D. Balaji Head I/C of the department of Ancient history and archaeology, Madras University; and others followed and concluded with vote of thanks by M . Seran, Technical officer of the department. After this, the technical sessions started with the presentation of papers by various researchers of different disciplines. Except few papers that were in Tamil, all others were presented in English touching upon various aspects of usage of History and Archaeology for the furtherance of Tourism.

Abstract of National seminar: The “Abstrat” volume contains 80 papers listed of 90 pages. The introduction by Dr J Soundararajan has been informative providing the list of the preceding HODs and archaeological sites excavated by the department. It also contains a brief about ICHR, the theme of the seminar and the sub-themes, and full papers of Dr J Soundararajan and Dr Rajukalidas (keynote address).

K . Karuppaiah presents paper – R K K Rajarajan on the dais

Technical session (29-10-2013): The paper presentation session continued on October 29^th also. A group of students from Sindhi College of Arts and Science, Chennai – 79, attended with the presentation of papers also. Afternoon, the valedictory function was held in which Dr Koteswara Prasad, Registrar I/C, Dr R. Kannan IAS, Principal secretary to TN govt and other officers of ASI and University attended. Dr R. Kannan through PPT showed how the Museum has been renovated and remodeled according to the international standards.

a section of the audience

Brief about paper presentation and discussion: The papers delved upon the famous tourist places (temples, forts, palaces), archaeological sites (Poondi, Chittor, Mahabalipuram), protected monuments (Tanjore, Mahabalipuram), and economic aspects of tourisms. Few papers contrasted tourism and pilgrimage. One paper presenter pointed out that more than 80 types of tourisms had been identified in the LPG regime. Incidentally several papers were about Vellore and Vellore Fort in particular and Thanjavur. Some papers were in general deviating from the theme of the conference.  Some papers were also presented in Tamil. The interaction among the paper presenters, discussants, researchers and others had been lively bring out new ideas, data and information proving the multi-disciplinary scope of the subject matter. In fact, different professionals from engineering, medicine, anthropology, and other fields attended the seminar. One electronic engineer explained s to how the scientific tools and models could be used for the promotion of tourism. Dr J. Soundararajan as a Coordinator of the seminar was contacting personally with every paper presenter and making it successful and useful to the participants. Excellent arrangements were made for the outstation delegates to stay and food for all who attended the seminar on both days. The college and school students came to listen to the papers and as well as see the photo exhibition. Definitely, now general public have developed more interest in tourism.

a section of the audience

1838 – a section of the audience

engineer presenting paper

1857 – engineer presenting paper

a section of the audience

1858 – a section of the audience

a section of the audience

1859 – a section of the audience

a section of the audience

1871 – a section of the audience

1872 – a section of the audience

1873 – Rajarajan, Damodaran, Gowthaman

1874 – Viramani, Rajarajan, Damodaran, Gowthaman

1875 –

1876 – a section of the audience

1877 – a section of the audience

Second day of the Seminar

1878 – S Rajavelu presents paper

1882 – a section of the audience

1884 – Dr S. Vasanthi, Commissioner State Archaeology dept., presenting paper

1886 – Valedictory session

1888 – Dr R. Kannan IAS, Principal secretary to Govt, TN.,  presentation on the museum renovation

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[1] N. D. S – N. D. Sundaravadivelu, one of the former VCs of Madras University.

[2] ‘Tourism is more educative than fun’ By Express News Service – CHENNAI; Published: 29th October 2013 08:28 AM; Last Updated: 29th October 2013 08:29 AM

[3] http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/encouraging-tourism-the-archaeology-way/article5282656.ece

[4] http://newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Tourism-is-more-educative-than-fun/2013/10/29/article1860836.ece

[5] Earlier HOD of Political Science and Anna Studies, University of Madras.

[6] http://www.dinamalar.com/news_detail.asp?id=837804

[7] Rajukalidos, History, Archaeology and Tourism, Abstract of National seminar, pp.18-28.

National Seminar on Water management in Andhrapradesh through Ages

National Seminar on Water management in Andhrapradesh through Ages

The theme of the seminar[1]: Since the beginning of the human history, water has one of the precious needs of mankind. Water is considered to be the liquid gold. Irrigation system began in South India during the megalithic times. During the Satavahana period, teo lakes namely the lake of Five Nymphs and Panasaras are associated with Madakarni or Satakarni. During the Ikshvaku period, Bhinav Vasudeva is said to have dug two tanks for irrigation. Durimg the Pallava ruler Danti Varman and Vijaya Danti Varman executed small scale irrigation projects. During the Chola period, Rajendra I constructed a lake at Mekhala Champalli, of Chitoor district. Rajendra II caused the excavation of two reservoirs, Narayana Putteri and Veera Narasinghadeva Putteri of Puttur of Chitoor District.

During the Medieval period, the Kalatiya rulers paid attention to the storage of water for agriculture. Before, Kakatiyas, the tanks were small and the irrigation facilities were inadequate and the area of cultivation was very limited. Prataparudra constructed a big tank at Patala. Kakatiya samantas also constructed different tanks, canals and small kuntas. The Vijayanagara rulers and their nobles constructed many tanks and the canals and created sluices. In many parts of South India, the irrigation works of the Kakatiya and Vijayanagara rulers are still surviving their purposes. The Qutbshahi rulers constructed Durh Tank, Hussain Dagar Tank and Maasaab Tank to meet the water needs of the people living in Golconda Fort. During the Nizam rule an irrigation department was established and the Water Management was entrusted to a Chief engineer.

Sub-themes of the seminar: The following sub-themes were suggested for paper presentation by the scholars:

1. Water management in Andhraparadesh during Ancient, Medieval and Modern periods.
2. Water resource management and sustainable development.
3. Water use – waste water irrigation.
4. Wild-lie and forest resources.
5. Future of water resources.
6. Neeradi system (teraditional water management) vis a vis Jalasanghas.
7. Role of state – water ownership and governance.

The History and Tourism Management Department of Kakatiya University is organising a two-day national seminar on ‘Water Management in A.P. through the Ages’ on February 25 and 26, 2013. Though the invitation mentioned that Former MP B. Vinod Kumar would inaugurate the seminar as chief guest on Monday in the Seminar Hall of Humanities Building[2], as could not make out, Prof. M. Panduranga Rao of INTACH was invited to inaugurate the seminar.

25-02-2013 (Monday) – the first day of seminar: Speakers at a seminar on water management favoured revival of the ancient tanks spread across the State[3]. Delivering keynote address at the inaugural of seminar organised by the Department of History, Kakatiya Univesrity, Prof. I. Lakshmi of Osmania University said that the ancient tanks built by the Kakatiya, Vijayanagara, Qutb Shahi and other kings were still operational. The Britishers contemplated to revive the same but could not do so. “If the ancient tanks are restored to their past glory, there will be enough water for irrigation and drinking needs,” she opined. She almost covered from the ancient period to modern period.

Prof. M. Panduranga Rao of INTACH said that they identified nearly 500 tanks which were like a chain built and developed by the Kakatiya rulers in Warangal district. They would, if revived, store water three times the capacity of the SRSP. “The State government should focus on reviving this chain of tanks to make Telangana a rice bowl. These small projects help irrigate large extent of land besides meeting drinking water requirements of the people,” he pointed out.

Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. K. Sitarama Rao said that over the decades the projects of Telangana region did not attract the attention of the rulers irrespective of political parties. The projects did not get enough funds and the irrigation did not witness the development that was expected. “Water is a basic need of the humanity and it should get a top priority irrespective of the region. But, Telangana is still being discriminated in this respect too,” he opined.

The Engineer Sri Shyam Prasad Reddy delved upon the technical aspects of construction of dams, tanks etc., and explained the significance odf reviving old tanks and lakes so that they could provide water for irrigation and as well as used as drinking water.

History department head Prof. T. Dayakar Rao and senior faculty members Md Ayub Ali, S. Srinath, A. Badru Naik and others were present. ‘Old tanks built by the Kakatiya, Vijayanagara, Qutb Shahi and other kings are still operational’.

 26-02-2013 (Tuesday) – the first day of seminar: The second day proceedings both morning and afternoon session was chaired by Dr A. R. R. Ramachandra Reddy with the 10 paper presentation. The session was active with the participants asking questions, getting clarifications and appreciating for new points brought out and interpretations made.

 

720- Inagural session – Dr Srinath introduces speakers

Dr Vijaya Babu, Chairman Board of Studies, KU

Prof. I. Lakshmi of Osmania University (partly hidden)

Prof. T. Dayakar Rao , Seminar Director, History department head

Prof. K. Sitarama Rao, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences

Er Shyam Prasad Reddy, Executive Engineer (Retd), Irrigation department, Govt. Of AP.

Prof. M. Panduranga Rao of INTACH

721 – same as above – another view

Prof. M. Panduranga Rao of INTACH

Er Shyam Prasad Reddy, Executive Engineer (Retd), Irrigation department, Govt. of AP.

Prof. T. Dayakar Rao , Seminar Director, History department head

Prof. K. Sitarama Rao, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences

Prof. I. Lakshmi of Osmania University (partly hidden)

Dr Vijaya Babu, Chairman Board of Studies, KU

722 – Audience view of participating researchers, scholars, professors and students (LHS).

723 – Audience view of participating researchers, scholars, professors and students (LHS).

Dr Ayub Ali etc.

724 – Dr Bhadru Naik heading the second technical session on 25-02-2012 (Monday)

726 – Dr A. R. R. Ramachandra Reddy heading first tecnical session on 26-02-2013 (Tuesday)

725 –

727 – Dr Bobbili commenting on a paper – Dr Srinath, Dr Dayakar Rao and others in the first row

728 – Audience view of participating researchers, scholars, professors and students (LHS).

729 – Dr A. R. R. Ramachandra Reddy heading second tecnical session on 26-02-2013 (Tuesday)

730 – Valedictory function – Vice Chancellor facilitated

731 – Valedictory function – Prod Y. Yadagiri Rao

Prof B. Venkata Rathnam, VC

Prof N. Ramaswamy

Dr T. Dayakar Rao

Dr Vijaya Babu

732 – Dr Dayakar Rao reporting about the proceedings of the two-day seminar.

Totally 30 papers, covering different aspects of water resources and management, were presented by the researchers, scholars and experts.

The following resolutions were passed:

1. The importance of “the history studies” was stressed and the AP government requested to consider it.
2. Request was made to fill up the vacant posts and create new posts for the different disciplines of historical studies like tourism and management etc.

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

27-02-2013

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[1] Based on Invitation and the seminar introduction given by the Seminar director, Dr T. Dayaka Rao.

[2] http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/seminar-on-water-management-in-ap/article4448703.ece

[3] http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/revive-ancient-tanks-to-meet-water-needs/article4453811.ece