Culture at cross-roads? – the International conference held at the University of Madras on March 14th and 15th 2024 (2)

Culture at cross-roads? – the International conference held at the University of Madras on March 14^th and 15^th 2024 (2)

14-03-2024 afternoon session[1]: The afternoon’s session (3 pm to 5:30 pm) commenced with a special lecture by Dr. Ananta Kumar Giri, who talked about what lies beyond cross cultures.  It was followed by the 1^st technical session from, where Assistant Professors of Post Graduate and Research Department of Historical Studies of Government Arts College for Men, Dr. M. Palani and Dr. J. Sadayamuthu preceded as the Chair and Co-chair respectively.  There were six presentations in this session. All the presenters focused on how various ideas, disciplines, concepts and issues overlap with cultures.  

Simultaneously, competition and cultural exhibitions were held where participants took part in Poster making, Crafts and Culinary exhibitions on the theme “Cultural diversity”. The judges for the competition were Ms. Arokiya Anbazhagi, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Women’s Christian College and Dr. Sasikala, Head of the Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Madras. The first day of the International Conference concluded with a talk by the chairperson Dr. M Palani.

15-03-2024 – the second day of proceedings:  The second day was held on 15^th March 2024. It started with the 2^nd technical session from 9:15 – 10:30 am with 8 presenters who presented a large variety of disciplines that interact with culture from street art to food, from uniform civil code to globalization.  This session was chaired by Dr. M.P. Damodaran – Head of the Department of Anthropology.  

It was followed by the 3rd technical session from 10:45am – 1pm chaired by Dr. Pareshwar Sahoo – Assistant professor in the Department of History at Utkal University and co-chaired by Dr. T Kausalyakumari– Head of the department of History – Ethiraj College. There were 7 presenters who focused on the topics such as women’s participation in politics, menstrual hygiene, archaeology, culture in early Madras and cultural identity vs intellectual property rights.

The student-paper presenters, generally had dealt with the topics taken for the purpose.

The paper presenter delved upon the topic of “theatre hall” and went on to list out all such auditoriums, halls, theatres, lecture halls etc., making sweeping remarks, before the establishment of such halls by the British, there was no culture (perhaps theatre culture) in Madras!

Audience- students

The paper presented on “menstrual hygienic”: The topic dealt with “menstrual hygienic” has been limited, but, making conclusions universal. Already many has researched in this topic[2]. It has been a favourite topic for many[3]. In Tamilnadu itself, there have been many studies covering Salem[4]. She conducted a survey with an English questionnaire, where, the subjects do not know English. This type of research has to be careful, as with the few samples, it cannot decide the fate of an entire state or country. Just by surveying the conditions of 100 persons, one cannot conclude the conditions of 100 crores population. She was stressing as if such “taboo” has been peculiar in India, without mentioning such taboo prevalent in other countries, perhaps, throughout the world. The Google Scholar shows thousands of books and papers on the topic[5] and therefore, it is better the paper presenter avoid bias and interpret the data restricting to her chosen area.

oppo_0

Students audience- backside

Intellectual property rights of the indigenous people: The Indian tribes, traditional knowledge etc., have been also a favourite topic[6]. The indigenous and tribals have many skills in science and technology, but they pass on them to their progeny from generation to generation[7]. They are not registering their cultural heritage and hence, others are copying and using it. Actually, in India, the Vanavasis (forest-dwelling people) were never disturbed and they continued to live with their facilities.  Even today, few islands of Andaman & Nicobar are not disturbed, as the indigenous tribes living there for millions of years never want to mix with others. Food, medicine and other requirements are provided periodically, some persons come and take them away, but, none are allowed to enter their islands.

Dr Pareswar Sahoo heading the session

Audience…….

Culture at crossroads – how it affects the Acts and Rules applicable to Indian women in 21st century: K. V. Ramakrishna Rao  – Culture at crossroads – how it affects the Acts and Rules applicable to Indian women in the 21st century. After discussing about many case laws, he concluded as follows: As it has been mentioned as “crossroads,” what the roads crossing each other has to be mentioned specifically, as it cannot be hypothetical. When people or peoples meet at the “crossroads,” i.e, the place of intersection of two or more roads, the action, interaction and counteraction among them have to be studied.  Thus, the judiciary, judicial judgments and Acts applicable to civil society have to be secularized completely.

• Utopian concepts of egalitarianism in all spheres of Indians can be achieved only by true and complete secularization of Indian society leading to Social Justice.
• Therefore, religion should definitely be treated as personal concept instead of putting it on national agenda.
• As the ideals of Social Justice can be materialized by actual commitment, keeping reality in mind, all efforts should be taken to have uniform civil and criminal laws in the Indian context.
• If the secularization process is completed in true spirit, then there will not be any objection to such uniform civil code. For this broad-minded, educated and liberal scholars of secular but religious personalities should be consulted without any discrimination on any factor. As the UCC Bill introduced in 2019 has been still pending even in 2024, Indians may have to wait and see.
• In such process, not only the Indian Constitution, but also all Acts and rules can be secularized to the satisfaction of all sections of Indian society.
• But, unless all Indians follow them strictly, the ideals may not be implemented.
• Therefore, the people should not only be taught about their rights, but also others should sincerely help them to get their rights with responsibility.
• Thus, it is believed that Indians would achieve Social Justice through secular principles.

Archaeology, Processural archaeology and Cultural archaeology – are they at loggerheads or crossroads?: J. Soundaraajan and K. V. Ramakrishna Rao discussed about Archaeology, Processural archaeology and Cultural archaeology in the context of culture. After discussing the issues, he concluded as follows:

• As historical and archaeological chronologies have been different, they have to be correlated, corroborated and corresponded for the purpose.
• How the prehistoric (archaeological) dates and historic (written) evidences could be brought together at a meeting point has to be considered.
• Whether historical and archaeological cultures could be fit into such chronology or not- should be decided with the eras, dates and chronograms appearing in the inscriptions.
• Now archaeo-astronomical evidences and datings are not accepted by the field-archaeologists, but, they are used by others in the multi-disciplinary approach, even in the megalithic sites.
• The study of cultural change in the countries like India, is very difficult. As the vast country with the largest coastal areas had been interacting with many other cultures, the cross-cultural, cultural influence and related processes would vary during every 50-100 years, yet, the culture exhibited show some commonness.
• The 2500 years old sculptural evidences prove orderliness of the Indian art and architecture.
• The 3500-2500 years old literature and other non-material culture also show such uniqueness with less variance.
• All such consistencies are noted even in 21^st century proves that processural archaeology also works in India. 
• Thus, coming to the question – Archaeology, Processural archaeology and Cultural archaeology – are they at loggerheads or crossroads? – answer can be given – Yes.

The following papers were also presented:

Ganesan – Lambadis

Venkatesan – Tirukkural

Ramesh – Rock art of Tamilnadu

Vibin – Temples in Kanyakumari

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

Note: I was expecting inputs from our friends and waiting. As I could not get it, I posted this second part with the available material.

19-03-2024

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[1]  Based on the report received from the one of the convenors Dr Vamana Praphu Kumari.

[2] Sinha, Rabindra Nath, and Bobby Paul. “Menstrual hygiene management in India: The concerns.” Indian journal of public health 62.2 (2018): 71-74.

[3] Kamath, R., et al. “A study on knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among rural and urban adolescent girls in Udupi Taluk, Manipal, India.” Global journal of medicine and public health 2.4 (2013): 1-9.

[4] Balamurugan, S. Sangeetha, S. Shilpa, and Sheethal Shaji. “A community based study on menstrual hygiene among reproductive age group women in a rural area, Tamil Nadu.” Journal of Basic and Clinical Reproductive Sciences 3.2 (2014): 83-87.

[5] Van Eijk, A. M., Sivakami, M., Thakkar, M. B., Bauman, A., Laserson, K. F., Coates, S., & Phillips-Howard, P. A. (2016). Menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ open, 6(3), e010290.

[6] Munzer, Stephen R., and Kal Raustiala. “The uneasy case for intellectual property rights in traditional knowledge.” Cardozo Arts & Ent. LJ 27 (2009): 37.

[7] Bengwayan, Michael A. Intellectual and cultural property rights of indigenous and tribal peoples in Asia. London: Minority Rights Group International, 2003.

The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) – workshop at Chennai from October 31st to November 2nd 2023 (3)

The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities  (NMMA) – workshop at Chennai from October 31^st to November 2^nd 2023 (3)

The third day proceedings of the NMMA Workshop for the Southern Region: The following speakers delved upon their respective topics and specialized areas. Though, the topic has been documentation of the objects, the speakers mostly discussed about their findings with their valuable experience with important points.

• Prof. Deivanayagam, Tamil University , Thanjavur
• Shri Nishant Zodape and Shri Yash Gupta, on utilisation of open-source software for creating databases,
• Dr. Muthu Shankar, Head of GIS Applications, French Institute, Pondicherry ,
• Dr Arun Raj.T on strategies for stopping illicit trafficking of antiquities” and ultimately
• Dr Charuta Kulkarni, IIT, Madras talking about INQUA Database on Global South

Prof. Deivanayagam, Tamil University, Thanjavur: speaking on identification of Chola Bronzes. He explained with photographs pointing out the nuances of the bronzes. To understand his speech, one should know other subjects also, as because of his versatile experience, he explained many details about the icons and sculptures.

Cholas’ bronzes: Chola bronzes were typically of deities, royalty and the politically powerful people of the day-all in a distinctive Chola style, classically representative of the human form, and perfectly proportioned. The sculptures are recognizable by the way the bodies are posed. They are always graceful, elegant and sensuous, particularly if a sculpture is that of a couple, such as Siva and Parvati. The bronzes also depict the “mudras” or gestures derived from classical dance. Chola master sculptors created their works with the cire perdue, or lost wax process, which is still in use today.

There are two methods of casting metal images-solid and hollow casting. The required image is fashioned by the stapathi in bees wax. Then the wax model is given several coats of fine clay. The clay mould is then carefully dried under the sun. After a few days the clay mould is ready for casting. When the wax model is prepared and is ready for the preparation of the clay mould, arrangements for the preparation of the alloy are made. The five metals to be used in the alloy and they are -copper, silver, gold, brass and lead popularly known as panchaloha. In actual practice by chemical testing we have found the percentages of the metals as follows:

How manufactured – alloying technique[1]: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Normally bronze is a composite alloy of metals-copper, tin, lead, silver and gold in varying proportions. However analysis of South Indian bronzes reveals that they invariably consist of copper, tin, lead, zinc and iron. Trace elements such as arsenic, antimony, Bismuth etc., have been detected. Above l% is considered as a major element and below 0.1% is considered a trace element, e.g. Copper: 79%: Tin 5%, Lead: 13% Zinc 1%; Iron 1%; Trace elements arc arsenic, antimony, nickel and silver and no gold is Present. Manipulating the alloying elements, different shades of metal were produced. This shows tin has been used. Therefore, the alloy is predominantly of copper, tin and lead. The presence of gold and silver is rare or trace. The clay mould with the wax model inside it is baked skillfully over all the wax. When the alloy is ready, it is poured through the orifice into the empty mould in a thin, even and continuous stream. The molten metals allowed for cooling. Then the mould is broken open and the solid metal image is obtained. The image is given finishing touches by the sthapati. This part, the opening of the eyes of the image is what imparts the exquisite expressions on the faces. This is done under some sort of spiritual inspiration. Sometimes, Stapathis are known to take even weeks to open the eves. The science of Image making is dealt with in the ancient Indian science of Silpasastra (Sculpture Science).

Hollow casting- In this case, the object is moulded in clay and the core is coated with wax, which in turn is covered with a coating of clay. After draining the wax by heating, the mould is used for casting. This method is usually associated with North India.

Patina and patination: A Patina is a thin layer of corrosion, usually brown or green, that appears on copper or copper alloys as a result of natural or artificial oxidation. Patina is a thin layer that variously forms on the surface of copper, brass, bronze and similar metals and metal alloys (tarnish produced by oxidation or other chemical processes).On metal, patina is a coating of various chemical compounds such as oxides, carbonates, sulfides, or sulfates formed on the surface during exposure to atmospheric elements (oxygen, rain, acid rain, carbon dioxide, sulfur-bearing compounds. The green patina that forms naturally on copper and bronze, sometimes called verdigris, usually consists of varying mixtures of copper chlorides, sulfides, sulfates and carbonates, depending upon environmental conditions such as sulfur-containing acid rain.

Nishant Zodape and Yash Gupta: They explained “on utilization of open-source software for creating databases”. With “access” how the excel can be used for filling up data and create a document.

 Muthu Shankar: He explained about the “South Indian Historical Atlas” with many facilities, but, it is not available to the public. The primary data for the project comprise historical and geographical information collected from a large corpus of south Indian inscriptions besides archaeological data collected from a series of field surveys supplemented with the data taken from archaeological reports of ASI and other institutions.   Workshop/review meetings were held every six months are to evaluate the progress of the work. The atlas was developed as web-browser software allowing different basic GIS display and database querying functionalities necessary for a user-friendly usage of the Atlas. It uses W3C (WWW Consortium) compliant Graphics /Open GIS so that the system can be accessed through the internet. The atlas has a conceptual resilience on how to curate data, compile information from it, and disseminate it through new digital tools available then, even when illustrative examples in the application of data science mehods in historical research was scarce. This resulted in the curation and archival of historical data sets that encourage data-driven inquiries into the past, while integrating data, computational science methods into historical research.

T. Arun Raj, director NMMA, Noida: Talked on “strategies for stopping illicit trafficking of antiquities.” Perhaps, next to Pramod Joglekar, he directly discussed the issue with examples. He pointed out how Alexander Cunningham used to travel on a donkey visiting archaeological and ancient places for collecting details. The ASI at present listed 3697 monuments as protected. He pointed out how the Delhi Iron pillar was brought to the present place and Rajendra Cholas brought sculptures as “war trophy” to Thanjavur. Alexander Rae and others carried on excavations even before the formation of ASI and collected many objects. He left some at Egmore Museum and others were taken to London. Even now, the ASI is struggling to deal and store the smuggled artefacts returned back to India. In Trichy, the sculptures have been lying there for more than 20 years, which were recovered. Though HR & CE recorded more than 36,000 temples and quantified 9,000 bronzes many others appear to be not accounted. However, for the export of antiquities, thousands of applications are filed with the ASI, Chennai and they are pending. Nealy more than 20,000 applications have been pending, because, there are no expert persons to identify the objects mentioned in the applications as “less than 100 years” or not. Thus, the crucial problem comes here. Once the certificate is given, the antique object would go out of India legally. He pointed out that unlike Sri Lanka, India does not have “Heritage Police,” and hence, the illegal export / smuggling out of the antiquities have been going on. He also pointed out as how a lesson has been included in the CBSE syllabus to adopt a monument nearby school, so that awareness is created not only among the school children, but also the public living surrounding the monument.

Dr Charuta Kulkarni, IIT, Madras: Talking about INQUA Database on Global South[2], she explained related issues. Stemming from the PAGES-INQUA supported early-career researcher workshop on “Past Socio–Environmental Systems (PASES)” (pastglobalchanges.org/calendar/26972) in 2020, the INQUA-funded project “The whole is not the sum of the parts: building a synthesis database of past human–environmental systems in the Global South (pSESYNTH)” has initiated research collaborations among paleoscientists from, and/or working on, the Global South and other underrepresented regions of the world (e.g. Australia, Southeast Europe). Pursuing the Integrated, Coordinated, Open, and Networked (ICON) approach (Koren et al. 2022), the overarching goal of pSESYNTH is to establish, articulate and strengthen regional, interdisciplinary teams for studying past socio–environmental systems of the Global South, and to build the first multi-disciplinary paleo database representing its regions.

pSESYNTH primarily focuses on the Holocene (the last 11.7 kyr) because: (i) there is greater spatial availability and better chronological controls of the datasets compared to the Pleistocene, and (ii) the Holocene is characterized by a progressive degree of anthropogenic influence over landscapes, offering ways to explore the evolution of diverse socio–environmental systems. Under the pSESYNTH framework, linking proxies of environmental change with climatic signals and societal processes (e.g. subsistence strategies, growth rates, migrations) will provide baselines to pose and test multiple hypotheses for explaining the trajectories of socio–environmental systems. Specifically, pSESYNTH activities are being developed around three main objectives.

To explore drivers of past environmental change combining a diverse set of proxy information, organized into three themes: paleoecology (e.g. pollen, charcoal, diatoms), paleoclimatology (e.g. biomarkers, stable isotopes, varves, numerical simulations), and archaeology (e.g. radiocarbon dates, phytoliths, archaeobotanical remains, material culture).

2) To quantitatively analyze the links among paleoecology, paleoclimatology and archaeology, with an emphasis on research questions that can be generic across the Global South (e.g. are there connections, or commonalities, between colonial legacies and the evolution of socio–environmental systems in the Global South?) or specific to each subregion (e.g. at what spatial and temporal scales were human–environmental systems coupled or uncoupled to climatic fluctuations?).

3) To share the outputs and products of the project in the form of a database that meets the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) principles (Wilkinson et al. 2016). pSESYNTH participants will capitalize on existing single- and multi-themed databases (e.g. Neotoma, NOAA, PANGAEA, p3k14c, ArchaeoGlobe) in complementing their data contributions in the novel Global South database. Together, the FAIR–ICON principles will underpin the database organization and will ensure geographic coverage, comparability, and accessibility for time-series data synthesis, which is crucial for mainstreaming paleoscience research from the Global South.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

04-11-2023

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[1] T. S. Sridhar (ed.), The Cholas Bronzes – 1000^th anniversary of Thanjavur Big Temple celebrations Sept 25^th to Oct.4^th 2010, The Tamilnadu State Archaeology Department, Chennai, 2011, pp.12-13.

[2] Charuta Kulkarni and others, pSESYNTH project: Community mobilization for a multi-disciplinary paleo database of the Global South, https://pastglobalchanges.org/publications/pages-magazines/pages-magazine/137240

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

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

NMMA workshop first day programme 31-10-2023

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

Lighting lamp to inaugurate the workshop….

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

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

Lighting lamp..

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

NMMA workshop= audience view RHS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

03-11-2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why history curriculum has been losing importance, history departments closing down and history becoming useless in American and European Universities (1)

Why history curriculum has been losing importance, history departments closing down and history becoming useless in American and European Universities (1)

What to be taught and what not to be taught – how and why such a situation arises?: History, that too, recent history or the just 100 to 200 years past has becoming a conflicting issue among many world democracies in recent times. As the living persons of 70-80-90 and more years old know the recent past, the present generation of any category cannot suppress the facts of the recent past. Moreover, such happenings, incidents and occurrences have also been well recorded in the daily newspapers, papers and official records. Therefore, the history of just past cannot be changed, erased or brought under negationism on any account. As political parties align, realign and change alliances during the 50-100-150 years, their origins, original sins and after-sins cannot be forgotten. However, the moment one political party or leader comes to power, the party or he tries to change history and thus, the educational curriculum and syllabus are tampered. Of course, as the American and European countries continue to dominate global affairs, they too are interested in the subject of history. What to be taught and what not to be taught – are decided by the dominant global groups and they give pressure directly or indirectly. As the ideologies control historians, history teachersand history writers, they faithfully work, as per the directors and instructors of their masters.

2019 – How US started dealing with the history subject in the Universities: The closing down of the history department in the Europe and USA coutries has become a noticeable feature. The US media reported in 2019 itself that the U.S. colleges and universities were abandoning the study of American history and, at some institutions, the study of history altogether[1]. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni evaluates the general education programs of more than 1,100 colleges and universities every year[2]. The 2018–19 report found that only 17 percent of them required any kind of foundational course in American history or government. In other words, 83% of them did not require history. As of 2016, only four out of the top 25 national universities (as ranked by U.S. News and World Report) required a course in U.S. history in their history majors. Thus, it could be understood that how USA assess about the importance of history, its continuance in the academics and unility value in daily affairs.

2020 – The British Universities started closing down the departments of history, languages etc: The University of Sunderland has closed its history faculty after just 14 students wanted to study the subject this year 2020[3]. The same condition was found in the politics, languages and other departments[4]. In short, as the subjects of science and technology are attracted more in many aspects, these abstract subjects are losing their importance[5]. Moeover, as the strength of students joining these departments dwindling down and reaching less than 10, the authorities note that they had to spend more to keep the departments live[6]. As for as the university’s accounts department is concerned these departments are not profit making centres[7]. Many times, the authorities advised these departments to maintain austere methods in controlling the expenses incurred on any account[8].

Is history learned only by the elite?: Some of Britain’s biggest names in the education field of history are warning that the subject could be at risk of becoming a degree for the elite, after two modern universities announced plans to close down their history courses. Aston University in Birmingham and London South Bank University informed staff that they would be cutting history degrees. Aston is consulting on plans to close its entire department of history, languages and translation, and London South Bank has said its degree courses in history and human geography will not recruit from this autumn. Experts warn that with the government pushing universities to focus on perceived “high value” Stem and vocational courses leading to higher salaries, more history and other humanities courses could face closure. And with universities able to expand their numbers unrestricted, Russell Group institutions at the elite end of the sector are taking more students, while some modern universities are struggling to recruit.

The utility value of history is analyzed: The Guardian discussed this issue with verbose getting opinion from many[9]. A spokesperson for LSBU said that out of its 7,000 new students for the current academic year “fewer than 40 enrolled in the courses that are closing”. At Aston, the university is involved in a consultation with affected staff and the University and College Union[10]. Prof Kate Williams, a popular historical author and presenter on TV history programmes including the BBC’s Restoration Home and Time Watch: Young Victoria, said: “I’ve heard people say, ‘Well, history is protected at the top Russell Group universities’. But that is a really dangerous route to go down. Are we saying that if people don’t get 3As, they don’t deserve to do history?”

History in the job-market: Williams, who is a professor of public engagement with history at the University of Reading, fears that working-class students who don’t want to leave home to go to university, or can’t afford to, may find themselves unable to study the subject. “It should be a degree that is open to all, and that means it must be available to those who want to study locally. Otherwise we might as well be going back to the Victorian period when this sort of university education was only for elite men.” Williams said she was angry that the government is “pushing a vision that only Stem subjects [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] matter and degrees are only worthwhile if you immediately move to a job paying a very high salary”. “History is so important,” she said. “It explores and tells us who we are. We should be doing more of it as a country, not less.”

History is required to understand World History: Michael Wood, a professor of public history at the University of Manchester, who has been presenting popular history TV programmes since the 1970s, agreed: “You can’t understand the world without history. For universities not to offer that possibility to people, and not to offer it to ordinary folks, the sort of general audience I have been in contact with, is terrible.” Richard J Evans, a former regius professor of history at the University of Cambridge and the author of bestselling books on the Hitler era, said: “History is an absolutely core subject, along with English and modern languages, which are also under threat in some of the modern universities.” Evans argued that Conservative MPs have attempted to portray history as just “a collection of facts about the British past which you instil into young people to make them patriotic”. He said a history degree should be about equipping students from all backgrounds with the critical skills needed to navigate modern life. “In the present day, where we are overwhelmed by floods of misinformation and conspiracy theories, it is more important than ever to have the skills to look critically at the evidence and to distinguish fact from fiction,” he said.

If history degree does not get a job, it worries the history students and degree-holders: Amal Al-Azzani, a third-year history student at Aston University, who grew up in a single-parent family in Birmingham and was the first generation to go to university, said: “We are all so confused and shocked. I feel like the skills I am learning in this degree, I could take anywhere. It’s about putting together information and backing up an argument with evidence. The idea that history isn’t an employable degree is just bizarre.” Historians want the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, to end his frequent threats about pushing out so-called “low value” courses, and to publicly back humanities subjects. Research by the British Academy has shown that of the 10 fastest-growing sectors in the UK economy, eight employ more graduates from the arts, humanities and social sciences than other disciplines, with these graduates working in areas including financial services, education, social work, the media and creative industries.

History subject is required: Emma Griffin, the president of the Royal Historical Society and professor of modern British history at the University of East Anglia, was anxious that her degree, which she said was very accessible and produced “rounded” graduates, must not become the preserve of the middle classes. “For reasons of cost, many students need to study at their local university. Understanding our own past shouldn’t be a luxury pursuit for the privileged few, and we think that everyone should have a history option.” Griffin warned that more history closures are already on the horizon. “There are more in discussion, and there are academics at other universities who feel their positions are threatened.” She said the removal of the cap on student numbers, allowing elite universities to expand, made the demise of smaller history departments in less prominent universities “inevitable”. “These aren’t blips or unfortunate mishaps, it is the government’s policy working as it was designed to,” she said.

History degree is cheap to get: Unlike subjects with expensive kit or laboratories, expanding a subject like history is a relatively cheap way for a successful university to increase its income from £9,250 a year fees. But Griffin said that cramming more students in has negative effects on the degree. “A history department cannot suddenly absorb lots more students without an impact on quality. Universities won’t employ new permanent teaching staff for a trend that might prove temporary, so inevitably you just get a casualised workforce managing the extra teaching workload, as well as a lot of stress and overwork amongst the existing staff.” Prof Catherine Fletcher, an expert on Renaissance and early modern European history at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “History colleagues at more than one Russell Group university have told me of the stress they are under with soaring numbers of personal tutees and lecture theatres packed to the rafters.” She added: “This gives more choice to some students, but leaves others from less privileged backgrounds with no options at all.” The University and College Union is fighting the closures at Aston and LSBU, as well as other proposed humanities job cuts at universities including Chester, Leicester and Hull.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

17-09-2023

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[1] The Federalist, While Americans Gobble Up History Books, Colleges Shut Down History Departments, BY: Jonathan Pidlunzy, JUNE 19, 2019

[2] https://thefederalist.com/2019/06/19/americans-gobble-history-books-colleges-shut-history-departments/

[3] Chronicle.Live, University of Sunderland closes history, politics and language departments, ByWill Metcalfe, 07:37, 23 JAN 2020UPDATED08:07, 24 JAN 2020.

[4] https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/university-sunderland-closes-history-department-17616249

[5]  Times.higher.education, History departments face ‘unprecedented turbulence’ in UK sector, Patrick Jack, June 13, 2023

[6] https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/history-departments-face-unprecedented-turbulence-uk-sector

[7] UCU, UCU to fight closure of history & language courses at Aston University, 16 April 2021

[8] https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/11509/UCU-to-fight-closure-of-history–language-courses-at-Aston-University

[9]  The Guardian, Studying history should not be only for the elite, say academics, Anna Fazackerley,,Sat 1 May 2021 08.30 BST.

[10] https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/may/01/studying-history-should-not-be-only-for-the-elite-say-academics

Indian antiques in the London Museum – to be returned to India or not? Is it ASI’s folly or colonial bungling?

Indian antiques in the London Museum – to be returned to India or not? Is it ASI’s folly or colonial bungling?

The CAG, ASI, DAP and the Parliament: During the decade, there have been many attempts made for the return of Indian antique objects and in fact, they have been returned with official, friendly and diplomatic efforts. Therefore, such narratives and discourses increased and the claims have gone to the extent of asking the “Kohinoor” back. Meanwhile, there have been the Audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General every year about the functioning of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and related divisions. Definitely, the findings and objections of the auditors have been interesting, and informative and they amount to some sort of research paper. Their methodology and procedure followed at every level could be noted to be appreciated. How they raise the objections from the field level to the Parliament can be noted carefully. Definitely, the auditors have read the related Acts and Rules, history, archaeology and related subjects and that is why they could raise such informative objections.

700 pieces of the Aural Stein Collection not returned to India:  About 700 pieces belonging to the Aural Stein Collection of Central Asian antiquities owned by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) were lent to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London about 100 years ago[1].  The artefacts are still lying with the borrower in the United Kingdom and the ASI has not made a single effort to get hold of the noted assortment dating between 200 BCE and 1200 CE despite the issue being flagged by the CAG in its two previous audit reports in 2013 and 2022[2]. Non-action of the ASI has apparently upset the Committee of Parliamentarians[3]. Taking note of the position of the national watchdog of national monuments, the 31-member parliamentary standing committee on transport, tourism and culture has recently asked the ASI to establish contact with the London Museum and set off the process of repatriating the collection[4].

How tones and tones of Indian antiquities could have gone out of India?: Any Indian would be surprised and astonished also to find out how the tones and tones of Indian monuments, sculptures, parts of temples and even temples in CKD conditions could have been smuggled out of India and displayed there at thousands of museums t the EU, USA and other countries. Perhaps such items could have been more that are displayed in the Indian museum. How it could have happened, definitely, the European Company directors, officers, traders and others have taken such items out of India, whenever, they left India for vacation, function or official sojourn. Perhaps, before the introduction of the acts and rules, there was no legislative control over their movement in India. Anyway, ships loaded with such articles went out of India. Even for exhibition, borrowal, lending and other exigencies, Indian artefacts were given away, but not received back. The “committees” formed and all have been the politicians and they would have had a trip of visiting London on this account, but, slowly forgotten and silently suppressed.

CAG pointed out in audit several times: Auriel Stein, a British-Hungarian archaeologist, collected a large number of artefacts — Chinese, Tibetan and Tangut manuscripts, paintings, Buddhist sculptures, textile fragments, and ceramic objects during his archaeological expeditions to Central Asia at the beginning of the 20^th century. A part of Stein’s collection consisting of nearly 600 textile fragments and over 70 ceramic and Buddhist objects were loaned to the museum by the Indian Government through ASI between 1923 and 1933. The Committee in its recent report titled “Heritage Theft – the illegal trade in Indian antiquities and the challenges of retrieving and safeguarding our tangible cultural heritage—has also expressed dissatisfaction over the response of the Culture ministry.

The routine action of the Committee: The ministry stated that ‘there was no record or document in the National Museum regarding the loan of the 700 objects of the Aural Stein collection to the museum’ since it was taken away before Independence. The ministry additionally submitted the Temporary Export Permit (TEP) rule didn’t for the same reason. “The Committee is well aware that since the objects of the collection were taken out of the country prior to independence, the TEP did not apply to them…as per records these antiquities were still ‘owned by the ASI’ and were on loan but there was no evidence of any efforts of ASI to retrieve them…It is noted that the ASI has not even taken the basic steps to try and ascertain the background in which these objects were loaned to the museum and make efforts for their retrieval,” read the report. TEP authorises the Central Government of any authority or agency authorised by the Government to temporarily export any antiquity or art treasure for a certain period.

CAG objections and settlements: The Committee highlighted in its report that the website of the Museum in London acknowledges that the antiquities are ‘on loan from the Government of India’. The Panel has further recommended that the ministry and ASI make efforts to find out other cultural objects loaned to foreign museums or collections before the independence or 1972 and initiate action for their retrieval. After all, the “committee” comprises politicians and they do such rituals to “make efforts,” and ASI would submit a report of such “efforts made,” by writing letters, sending reminders and if possible, a visit to the “London museum” with government expenses. But the condition and position would not change. The CAG may convert into DAP and they would be discussed in the parliament.  Mostly, these are discussed and settled within the respective ministries.

In 2019, a British barrister pointed out that the London Museum has the world’s largest receiver of stolen property: The British Museum has been likened to a criminal operation by one of Britain’s most famed barristers, who called the London institution the “world’s largest receiver of stolen property”. Geoffrey Robertson QC, a human rights barrister and author, criticised the landmark for showcasing objects taken from “subjugated peoples” by “conquerors or colonial masters”. Robertson made the blistering comments in his new book, Who Owns History? Elgin’s Loot and the Case for Returning Plundered Treasure, which was released today[5]. “The trustees of the British Museum have become the world’s largest receivers of stolen property, and the great majority of their loot is not even on public display,” he wrote, according to The Guardian[6].

In 2010 Britain rejected the Indian claim and demand of returning antiquities: Britain has rejected Archeological Survey of India’s demand for the return of artifacts that were carted away from India, mostly illegally, during British colonial rule[7]. The British foreign office said domestic laws prevented museums from removing items from their collection[8].‘‘The British Museum Act 1963 prevents our national museums from removing items from their collections, with the exception of human remains and objects lost during the Nazi era, and government has no plans to change the law,’’ a spokesperson of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office said. The spokesperson said people felt strongly about the restitution debate and that museum trustees take decisions relating to the items vested in their care and politicians don’t interfere. ‘‘It’s a long-established principle in the UK, supported by successive governments.”

Reality, fact and narratives: Like the British writer, nowadays, in India also, several writers have come up with books, by compiling all data gathered from the government documents and newspapers, but, in reality, nothing happens. India has been a huge country with 130-140 crores population with varied interests. Though, most of them have been Indian conscious, some 1, 2, 3 or 4% people of groups have been manipulating the processes of many happenings. Days by day, morality comes down and people think that they could get what they want through power, money, politics and such other factors. Thus, disciplined, controlled and faithful continue to follow their path, do their duties and continue their lives. With them only, Indian lives forever. Of course, there have been undisciplined, uncontrolled and unfaithful groups, they create problems and carry out their activities with their negative powers,  destructive forces and harmful tendencies. Thus, India carries on her journey to the future.

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

13-08-2023.

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[1] Indian Express, About 700 ASI antiquities lent to London museum a century ago yet to return, Published: 07th August 2023 09:08 AM  |   Last Updated: 07th August 2023 03:42 PM.

[2] https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/aug/07/about-700-asi-antiquities-lent-to-london-museum-a-century-ago-yet-to-return-2602787.html – :~:text=New%20Indian%20Express-,About%20700%20ASI%20antiquities%20lent%20to%20London%20museum%20a%20century,hold%20of%20the%20noted%20assortment.

[3] MSN, About 700 ASI antiquities lent to London museum a century ago yet to return, Published: 07th August 2023 09:08 AM  |   Last Updated: 07th August 2023 03:42 PM.

[4] https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/about-700-asi-antiquities-lent-to-london-museum-a-century-ago-yet-to-return/ar-AA1eSM5k

[5] The National, British Museum is the world’s largest receiver of stolen property,’ claims top barrister, Nov 05, 2019

[6] https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts/british-museum-is-the-world-s-largest-receiver-of-stolen-property-claims-top-barrister-1.933622

[7] Times of India, ‘Britain rejects ASI demand for artifacts, Ashis Ray / TNN / Jun 4, 2010, 02:12 IST.

[8] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/britain-rejects-asi-demand-for-artifacts/articleshow/6008374.cms

Dholavira in Gujarat on UNESCO World Heritage list

Dholavira in Gujarat on UNESCO World Heritage list

Dholavaira, how excavated, reported and got recognition: India had submitted the nomination dossier for ‘Dholavira: A Harappan City to the World Heritage Centre’ in January, 2020[1]. The site was on the UNESCO’s tentative list since 2014[2]. It is one of the very few well-preserved urban settlements in south Asia dating from the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE. Spread over 22 hectare, the Harappan-era metropolis is the fifth largest archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilisation, dating back to around 3000 BC and is believed to have been occupied till 1500 BC. It draws its name from present-day village Dholavira. Locally known as Kotda Timba, the expansive site was discovered in the 1960s by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi, who served as director general of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) between 1987 and 1990. The site was excavated under the supervision of ASI archaeologist Ravindra Singh Bisht in the 1990s. Talking to The Indian Express, Bisht: “This is recognition of my work. I am surely very happy. It is also a great thing as Dholavira is the first Harappan site from India to be inscribed on the world heritage sites list of UNESCO. I am doubly happy because I worked on Rani Ki Vav in Patan which has also been declared as world heritage site of UNESCO.” The 77-year-old retired as joint director general of ASI in 2004.

More details in the archaeological point of view, as given by ASI[3]: Dholavira in Gujarat, which got the tag of a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, is a Harappan-era city sprawled over 100 hectares on Khadir, one of the islands in the Rann of Kutch. One of the five largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation, Dholavira is located about 250 km from Bhuj. It has two seasonal streams, Mansar and Manhar, and journey to the site takes one through the wildlife-rich desert plains of Rann of Kutch. The property comprises two parts, a walled city and a cemetery to its west, a government release said, adding that Dholavira flourished for nearly 1,500 years. According to an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) note on Dholavira[4], excavations at the site have revealed seven cultural stages documenting the rise and fall of the Indus Civilisation. The city, it said, is also remarkable for its planning and architecture. Among the marvels in Dholavira are the remains of two open air stadiums and a water harvesting system. “The salient components of the full-grown cityscape consisted of a bipartite ‘citadel’, a ‘middle town’ and a ‘lower town’, two ‘stadia’, an ‘annexe’, a series of reservoirs all set within an enormous fortification running on all four sides,” said the ASI note. The ASI note says that initial stages of the civilisation show the inhabitants’ preference for colourful clay for plastering buildings, but this came to an “abrupt end…as if under a royal decree or by a resolute public consensus”.The excavations point to a general decline in the city’s maintenance before a temporary desertion. The ASI note says that when the city is populated again, ceramic traditions make an appearance and “classical planning was largely given a go-by”.”Bricks were no longer in use. While many of the pottery forms and decorative motifs were still in vogue, new ceramics in the form of white painted black-and-red and white painted grey wares along with a coarse ware bearing incised or appliqué or both kinds of designs and also some Bara related pottery made their appearance,” it said.

Dholavira in Gujarat on UNESCO World Heritage list:The Harappan city of Dholavira, in present-day Gujarat, was on 27-07-2021, Tuesday named the 40^th Indian site on UNESCO’s World Heritage list[5]. UNESCO’s announcement came just days after another site, Ramappa Temple in Telangana, was admitted to the list on 25-07-2021, Sunday. “The ancient city of Dholavira is one of the most remarkable and well-preserved urban settlements in South Asia dating from the 3^rd to mid-2^nd millennium BCE (Before Common Era). Discovered in 1968, the site is set apart by its unique characteristics, such as its water management system, multi-layered defensive mechanisms, extensive use of stone in construction and special burial structures,” UNESCO said[6].  A range of artefacts of copper, shell, stone, jewellery, terracotta and ivory had been found at the site. “The two newly inscribed World Heritage Sites offer great insight into the knowledge and ways of life of earlier societies, customs, and communities,” UNESCO said. Located in the Kutch district, Dholavira is the larger of the two most remarkable excavations of the Indus Valley Civilisation dating back to about 4,500 years ago. The site had been on UNESCO’s tentative list since 2014 and India had submitted its dossier in January 2020, a Culture Ministry statement said. A World Heritage Site is a location with an “outstanding universal value”, which signifies cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity[7]. Gujarat has a total of four World Heritage Sites now. The other three are Champaner near Pavagadh, Rani ki Vav in Patan and Ahmedabad[8].

Delighted, says PM[9]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a series of tweets that he was delighted by the development[10]. “Dholavira was an important urban centre and is one of our most important linkages with our past. It is a must visit, especially for those interested in history, culture and archaeology. I first visited Dholavira during my student days and was mesmerised by the place. As CM of Gujarat, I had the opportunity to work on aspects relating to heritage conservation and restoration in Dholavira. Our team also worked to create tourism-friendly infrastructure there,” Mr. Modi said.

India has 40 world heritage properties overall, which includes 32 cultural, seven natural and one mixed property: Union Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy said the inclusion of Dholavira was another feather in India’s cap, putting it in the league of countries with 40 or more World Heritage sites[11]. Ten of these sites had been added since 2014, when the Modi government first came to power, he said. “With this successful nomination, India has 40 world heritage properties overall, which includes 32 cultural, seven natural and one mixed property,” the Culture Ministry said. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said via a tweet[12]: “It is a matter of immense pride that the @UNESCO has conferred the World Heritage tag to Dholavira, a Harappan city in Kutch. This shows the firm commitment of our Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji towards promoting Indian culture and heritage.”

Here’s the list of 40 World Heritage Sites in India[13]: , India has 40 world heritage properties overall, which includes 32 cultural, seven natural and one mixed propertyand they are as follows[14]:

1. Dholavira, Gujarat 2. Ramappa Temple, Telangana 3. Taj Mahal, Agra 4. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 5. Hampi, Karnataka 6. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra 7. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra 8. Bodh Gaya, Bihar 9. Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha 10. Red Fort Complex, Delhi 11. Buddhist monuments at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh 12. Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu 13. Kaziranga Wild Life Sanctuary, Assam 14. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 15. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal 16. Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi 17. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 18. Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh 19. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Karnataka 20. Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra

21. Mountain Railways of India 22. Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University), Bihar 23. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), Maharashtra 24. Qutub Minar and its Monuments, New Delhi 25. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat 26. Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh 27. Hill Forts of Rajasthan 28. Churches and Convents of Goa 29. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh 30. Manas Wild Life Sanctuary, Assam 31. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh 32. Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat 33. Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan 34. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, Uttarakhand 35. Western Ghats 36. Kanchenjunga National Park, Sikkim 37. Capitol Complex, Chandigarh 38. The Historic City of Ahmedabad 39. The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai 40. The Pink City – Jaipur

Indians, as a whole, should know and feel about their antiquity and unity of the Indians living in this vas geographical area touching the boundaries of other ancient civilizations 5000 YBP. Some 3000-2000 years back most of those civilizations disappeared, but the Indian civilization has been living with all the inherent continued factors of culture, tradition, and heritage.

© K.V. Ramakrishna Rao

28-07-2021

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[1] Indian Express, Harappan city of Dholavira listed among UNESCO World Heritage sites, Express News Service | Ahmedabad, New Delhi |July 27, 2021 4:08:58 pm.

[2] https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/harappan-era-city-dholavira-inscribed-on-unesco-world-heritage-list-7424926/

[3] NDTV, Harappan City Dholavira Gets World Heritage Tag, What You Need To Know, Edited by Saikat Kumar BoseUpdated: July 27, 2021 10:39 pm IST.

[4] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/harappan-city-dholavira-gets-world-heritage-tag-what-you-need-to-know-2496379

[5] The Hindu, Dholavira in Gujarat on UNESCO World Heritage list, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTNEW DELHI/AHMEDABAD, JULY 27, 2021 16:34 IST; UPDATED: JULY 28, 2021 01:09 IST

[6] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/harappan-era-city-dholavira-inscribed-on-unesco-world-heritage-list/article35559688.ece

[7] India Today, Harappan-era city of Dholavira gets Unesco’s World Heritage Site tag,  India Today Web Desk , New Delhi, July 27, 2021; UPDATED: July 27, 2021 16:10 IST

[8] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/harrappan-dholavira-unesco-world-heritage-site-tag-1833254-2021-07-27

[9] Deccan Herald, Harappan-era Gujarat city Dholavira inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List, Satish Jha, DHNS, Ahmedabad,  JUL 27 2021, 17:44 IST; UPDATED: JUL 27 2021, 21:43 IST

[10] https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/harappan-era-gujarat-city-dholavira-inscribed-on-unesco-world-heritage-list-1013461.html

[11] Economic Times, Harappan-era city Dholavira inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List, PTI, Last Updated: Jul 27, 2021, 03:59 PM IST.

[12] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/harappan-era-city-dholavira-inscribed-on-unesco-world-heritage-list/articleshow/84789331.cms

[13] Hindustan times, Unesco World Heritage tag: Here’s list of all 40 Indian sites after Dholavira addition, By hindustantimes.com | Edited by Kunal Gaurav, Hindustan Times, New Delhi, UPDATED ON JUL 27, 2021 06:30 PM IST

[14] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/unesco-world-heritage-list-here-are-all-40-indian-sites-after-dholavira-addition-101627389792414.html