National Seminar on “The Chola Art and Architecture in South India with special reference to Rājēndra I” held at the University of Madras on October 20th and 21st 2016.

National Seminar on “The Chola Art and Architecture in South India with special reference to Rājēndra I” held at the University of Madras on October 20^th and 21^st 2016.

20-10-2016-registration done for the seminar

The two day seminar “The Chola Art and Architecture in South India with special reference to Rājēndra I” to commemorate the 1000^th coronation year of Rajendra Chola – I was held at the auditorium, Centenary Buildings of the University of Madras. The seminar was sponsored by the ICHA and ASI and conducted under the auspices of the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology. It was inaugurated by Sri Thirumagan, Controller of Examinations on October 20^th 2016 instead of Dr. P. David Jawahar, Registrar, University of Madras could not attend the function. ICHR and ASI sponsored the seminar. Prof. Dr. Raju Kalidass, Former Prof. and Head, Dept. of Sculpture, Tamil University, Thanjavur gave a keynote address. Thirumagan released the volume containing the papers to be presented in the seminar and the first copy was received by Raju Kalidass.

20-10-2016-inauguration – Panneerselvam, Amarnatha Ramakrishnan, Srilaksmi, Tirumagan, Raju Kalidass, Sadasivam, Tirumurthy (L to R)

20-10-2016-inauguration-j-sundararajan-convenor-of the seminar -invites

20-10-2016-inauguration-audience-view-LHS-second-session- AVG can be seen

20-10-2016-inauguration-audience-view-RHS

20-10-2016 (Thusday) – the First day proceedings: Thirumurugan while speaking stressed for the importance of promoting the art and architecture. “India differs from other countries, only because of its unique culture. We have to create awareness about archaeological monuments and protect our historical evidences. During the Chola period, the architecture attained great heights.”

11.20 to 11.27 am: Mrs. T. Sreelakshmi pointed out the connection between the sculptures of Cholas with that of Kerala with three temples. As she was transferred to Chennai circle from Trissur, he told that he had to study more.

The proceeding volume containing papers was released

11.28 to11.49 am: K. Amarnath Ramakrishnan, Superintending Archaeologist and director of the current excavation told that the Bengaluru-based Excavation Branch VI of the ASI has taken up the excavation at Keezhadi village, 12 km south east of Madurai, in Sivaganga district to prove “city-type” civilization existed in Kizhadi coinciding with the Sangam period. “This is the ASI’s major excavation in Tamil Nadu after Adichanallur, nearly 293 Sangam Age towns along the course of River Vaigai ever, ” says.

20-10-2016-inauguration-audience-view-rhs-second-session

11.50 am to 12.29 pm: Raju Kalidass gave many details as to how to locate a place of significance for carrying out archaeological excavation. The names natham kishati etc., actually point to the fact that they were not only ancient, but also, contains antiques. He gave the following points about the Cholas: For the last several years, he was researching Nalayiya Divyaprabantham, but, he could not find a single word “chola” in it. But, the expressions like “Kochengannan”, are found and they denote Cholas only. Interestingly, while the Sangam literature mentions the names of the Cholas as Maran, Vazhuthi, Tiraiyan etc., the inscriptions record Adithyan, Kesari, Varman and so on. After Kalbhras, the Cholas must hace come to domination by replacing the Mutharaiyar. One may read “Kalingattupparani”, “Muvarula” etc., to research into the history of the Cholas.

20-10-2016-inauguration-avg-discussing-with-raju-kalidass

12.30 to 1.10 pm: R. Nagaswamy pointed out that Rajendra was unique in conquering countries by taking his fleet across the ocean. The Southeast Asian countries were taken aback by his excellence. He did not get pride, but bakti and hence decided to bring Gangous water in a different way by conquering the Kings on the banks of the river and made them to bring water to his capital. His learned all arts and sciences including Vedas, warfare and other techniques. He established Vedic colleges at Chozhamadevi and Puthur in memory of his mother. Karanthai copperplates give these details. At the time of dying, he called all people and ministers and requested to keep their sons in their laps and stand for good governance and breathed his last.

rajendra-chola-seminar-r-nagaswamy

Thirumoorthi, gave a vote of thanks and the inaugural function was over.

There was also an exhibition with excavated archaeological evidences, coins, specimens and charts depicting the arts and architectural features of the Cholas Empire.

kvr-at-chairing-a-session-21-10-2016 – Angelo Nzarabahi presenting paper

Rajendra Chola’s Oversea Expedition and the Historiography involved in interpreting the Tanjore inscriptions: The first technical session was started with paper presentation. K. Sridharan, Deputy S.A (Retd) and Mr. Gandhi, Museum Curator (Retd), conducted the first technical session. Only one paper was presented. K. V. Ramakrishna Rao presented his paper “Rajendra Chola’s Oversea Expedition and the Historiography involved in interpreting the Tanjore inscriptions.” He pointed out that during 1950s itself, too much emphasis of Indian influence of SEA countries given through the expressions like “Greater India”, “Hindu colonies”, “Hindu-Javanese monuments” had been questioned by the western scholars[1] cautioning the “nationalistic historiography” of Indian scholars. Even historians B. Ch. Chhabra[2], R. C. Majumdar[3], H. B. Sarkar[4], K. A., Nilakanta Sastri[5] were accused of for such Indian bias / India-centric approach exhibited in their history writing. The oversea expedition of Rajendra Chola affected many scholars and they got divided in interpreting and accepting the Tanjore inscriptions. George W. Spencer[6] straight away dubbed the Prasasti / Meikirti description of such alleged nautical narratives as simply poetic fantasy, as the Cholas could not have fought any naval battles at all. Thus his “tax-tribute-continuum” hypothesis has been carried out by others, who deny the overseas expedition of the Cholas. However, recent studies have again depended upon the proposition that the Cholas had, in fact, carried out such voyages. He objected on another ground that the Cholas could not have had enough troops and fleet to carry out such operations simultaneously within two or three years moving from Gangaikonda Cholapuram to Ganges to SEA and back and also to guard their Kingdom and as well as control the occupied areas of Ceylon. Pointing out that the Victory pillars erected at Pegu (Myanmar)[7], Mauritius, Kedah (Malaysia)[8] were found missing, he argued that some researchers in future might declare that even those “erection of pillars” are also myth!

After lunch, three sessions were held with paper presentation.

21-10-2016 (Friday) – the Second day proceedings: The second session was chaired by Dr. K. Karuppaiah. Deputy Superintending Epigraphist (Retd) and K. V. Ramakrishna Rao, IRS. There were seven papers presented:

No	Title of the paper	Paper presenter
1	Vestiges of Cholas in Sri Lanka
2	Brihadheswara Temple of Rajendra I at Ariyalur District – a study	K. Kamala
3	Contribution of Cholas to Education with reference to “Ennayiram”	Gayatri, ASI.
4	Cholas inscriptions	Veeraraghavan
5	Rajaraja Chola – I Memorial Mantap and its renovation.	Mani, ASI
6	Monetary System of Cholas	Guhan Babu
7	Supernova and Nataraja Icon	Srushti Sankara Narayanan

The last paper used up much of information from the article of Sharada Srinivasan[9]. Arudra/Ardra darisanam is a ten-day annual festival in December related to the moon being full in the lunar asterism of the naksatra ardra (the reddish star Betelguese or Alpha Orionis), associated with the wrathful aspect of Siva. The constellation of Orion and surrounding stars is bathed in the soft glow of the full moon when it is high in the sky at Chidambaram. A thousand years ago, devoid of the present smog and light flares, the stars must have been even brighter in the tropical night sky.

Another annual festival at Chidambaram, the Brahmotsavam of Ani Thirumanjanam, which is related to the lunar asterism of Uttara Nakshatra around June-July, seems to have begun in the mid-eleventh century from inscription. The Indian zodiac of 360 degrees is divided into 27 parts based on the moon’s sidereal period such that a nakshatra denotes the longitudinal position of the moon within 13 degrees 20 minutes. Thus, by using astronomical software, Dr. Raghavan could ascertain that in 1054 AD the moon would have been full in Uttara Nakshatra on 11 July[10]. This is uncannily close to the date that Chinese astronomers recorded the crab supernova explosion of 4 July! Although this is a preliminary finding, it could suggest a perceived metaphoric link between an observed cosmic phenomenon and notions of cosmic dance.

Indeed, a drawing from a Tamil manuscript sourced by Raja Deekshitar of Chidambaram shows how the Nataraja icon itself was probably traditionally visualized within the stars around Orion. In an exciting collaborative study with Dr. Raghavan, we took some photographs of Nataraja images dated from archaeometallurgical fingerprinting and plotted star charts for the constellation Orion of that corresponding era onto them. As reported in Orientations (Srinivasan, 2006), the star positions were found to a fair extent to correlate with iconometric design as noted in an image in the British Museum attributed from archaeometallurgical fingerprinting to the Pallava period (c. 800 CE). Moreover, the star chart for 1054 AD fitted well the iconometric design of a Nataraja image from Kankoduvanitham archaeometallurgically fingerprinted to the mid-eleventh century AD. Here, the hypothetical position of the crab supernova which exploded in 1054 AD lies near the top left of the head, close to the crescent moon. Chinese records suggest that the crab supernova came into view with a morning crescent moon near it and was visible for 23 days, being four times as bright as Venus. Even American Indians are believed to have made cave paintings of a supernova with a crescent moon. Could it be that the iconometric design of this icon had indeed taken into account the observation of the supernova explosion?

 

When Raju Kalidass expressed his view that it was better to learn many languages including Sanskrit, as it would help the researchers and therefore, it need not be objected to. For this some delegates protested and claimed that Sanskrit was used only to oppress Tamil and so on. The arguments took usual turn of “political overtones”.  Anyway, other delegates requested to calm down.

 

Name	Title of the paper
Angelo Nzarabahi	Chola vestiges in sri Lanka: Their contribution toward History building and tourism
M. Gandhi	Tiruvallam temple under Rajendra Chola’s time
S.Rajagopal, K. Vijayanarasimhan and B.Thaamarai	Rajendra Chola and his achievements in different fields
பெ. அர்த்தநாரீசுவரன்	முதலாம் ராஜேந்திரனின் மெய்கீர்த்தி
மா. சந்திரமூர்த்தி	முதலாம் ராஜேந்திர சோழனின் அங்கைகொண்ட சோழபுரத்து செப்புத்திருமேனிகள்.

The third session was conducted by Dr. K. Sadasivan, Former Prof and Head, Dept. of History, M.S University, Tirunelveli. Er. R. Mani, Retd, Conservation Asst, was Rapporteur. The next session was conducted by Dr. S. Rajavelu, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Underwater Archaeology, Tamil University, Thanjavur. Dr. K. Venkatesan, was Rapporteur. Most of the papers had been of repetitive nature, giving the details that are already available in hundreds of thousands of papers and books. Half of the papers had been in Tamil. The Valedictory session was held with a special by Dr. D. Dayalan, Director (Retd) ASI, New Delhi.

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

25-10-2016

[1] D. G. E. Hall (Ed.), Histories of South East Asia (Historical writings on the Peoples of Asia), Oxford University Press, London, 1961. The book has been a collection of papers presented in conferences held between 1956 and 1958. Incidentally, no paper of Indian scholar was included for either not presented or attended is not known.

[2] B. Ch. Chhabra, Expansion of Indo-Aryan Culture During Pallava Rule (as evidenced by inscriptions), Munshiram Manoharlal, New Delhi, 1965.

[3] R. C. Majumdar, The Overseas Expeditions of King Rajendra Chola, in Fecilitation volume presented to Prof Geoge Codes on the occasion of his sevrnty fifth birthday, 1961, pp.338-342.

[4] H. B. Sarkar, Trade and Commercial Activities of South India in the Malaysia-Indonesian World (upto A. D. 1511), Firma KLM private Limited, Calcutta, 1986, pp.109-111.

[5] K. A. Nilakanta Sastry, The Colas, University of Madras, Madras, 1984,

[6] George W. Spencer, The Politics of Expansion – The Chola Conquest of Sri Lanka and Sri Vijaya, New Era Publications, Madras, 1983

[7] Taw sein Ko, Burmese Sketches, British Burma Press, Rangoon, 1913, pp.103-104.

[8]Sullivan, Michael. Excavations in Kedah and Province Wellesley, 1957, Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 31.1 (181 (1958): 188-219.

[9] Sharada Srinivasan, Cosmic Dance, India International Centre Quarterly, Volume 34, Number 2, Autumn 2007 issue.

[10] Raghavan, Nirupama. Is Siva Iconography Inspired by the Stars?. Indian journal of history of Science, 41.3 (2006): 271.

National Seminar on “Historicity of Ramayana” held at Ongole, Andhrapradesh on November 8th and 9th 2014.

National Seminar on “Historicity of Ramayana” held at Ongole, Andhrapradesh on November 8^th and 9^th 2014.

Historicity of Ramayana – stage

The question of writing Indian history from “national perspective”: “The Hindu” reported that as part of efforts to write Indian history from “national perspective”, Bharatiya Itihas Sankalana Samiti (BISS) held a seminar on Ramayana here on November 8^th and 9^th 2014 at Ongole, Andhrapradesh[1]. BISS State unit secretary K. Lakshmana Rao said “Indian history had been distorted during the British rule”. Research papers were invited from scholars on various topics, including Ramayana’s historicity, by October 15 to BISS functionary there in Ongole P. Ramachadramurthy, whose contact no. was given – on 9640300507[2]. Writing history in the “national perspective” cannot be questioned, criticized or suspected, when “Indian history” written down and available in the print has been incomplete, unfinished and imperfect, as many important dates have not been fixed conclusively, but arrived at in a hurried way ignoring many material evidences and thus forced on Indians, during the last 100-150 years. Just because writing of Indian history the “national perspective” is anathema, others cannot think that what has been written has been not in the “national perspective”. In fact, such proposition becomes precarious in the academic circles[3], as some of them have already made such divide among themselves involving Rama, Ramayana and historicity[4]. The delegates were accommodated at the Swati Kalyanamantapam, Ongole and the entire proceedings of the seminar academic and as well as hospitality were held there comfortably.

Registration of the delegates at the Swati Kalyanamandapam

Theme of the National seminar and the subjects suggested: Topic Earlier, the organizers invited to present your research papers with an insight into the following topics in Ramayana:

 

Ramayana period The Sages and Rishis (Scientists) Administration Urban Culture & Social Life Public life Dharma (Duties) Special Women characters Lakes & Rivers Tribal Life Genealogical Histories & Kingdoms

Astrological & related sciences Path of Rama’s Journey Geographical science Science of Weapons Science of Industries Marital relations Military Strategies and Techniques Science of Mantra Sastra Rearing of children Influence of Ramayana on other countries

Organizers at the Seminar hall before inauguration on 08-11-2014

They also gave the following Instructions to submit Research Papers and Registration :

1. Research Paper should not exceed 5pages of A4 size one side pages in Font Size 12. Both the soft and hard copies have to be submitted on the first day of the seminar.
2. To register, send one page synopsis of your topic emphasizing your key points on or before October 15th to the email id: yogabalug@gmail.com. Participation is strictly based on registrations made in this format.
3. The entire paper cannot be read during the seminar. Please project only the highlights within the allotted 10 minutes duration.
4. A registration fee of Rs.200/- towards participation in the seminar is to be paid on the first day of the seminar.
5. Research Papers can be submitted in any of Telugu, Sanskrit, Hindi or English languages.

Getting ready to light lamp for inauguration

Inauguration of the seminar (08-11-2014): The seminar was inaugurated as per the schedule on 8^th morning, though the Chief Guest Hon. Sri Siddha Raghavaa Rao, Ministry of Roads and Buildings, A. P. did not turn up. As Sri P. Ramulu, the key-note address presenter was also not turned up, Sri M. M. Rao spoke. The organizing secretary of ABISY, Sri Balamukund Pandeya also did not come with his preoccupation.  The Sectional presidents Dr / Sri D. Ramanadha Sastry, Nelamraju Pardhasarthi, J. Janakirama Sharma, A. Hanumantha Rao, K. Srinivas, and B. V. Subba Rao were present. The lighting of lamp and other rituals went on and then the technical sessions started.

Lighting lamp

Ramayana is no myth, claim experts at seminar (as reported by “The Hindu”[5]): “Ramayana is no myth. It is very much an historical account of the great emperor Rama who shaped the character of Indian civilization for centuries and also the Indian diaspora elsewhere including southeast Asia.” This view was articulated by speakers at a seminar on the historicity of Ramayana organised by Bharatiya Itihas Sankalana Samiti (BISS) here on Saturday (08-11-2014). Speaking during the inaugural session, archaeologist[6] M.M. Rao said archaeological evidence was abundant both in India and southeast Asia, Egypt and Afghanistan to prove the historicity of the Lord Ram. Indian history should be rewritten from Indian perspective, he added. The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) should promote research in India and other countries including Southeast Asia to enlighten people on facts of history, BISS organising secretary D. Mohan Rao said. Over 100 research papers were presented at the seminar on various aspects including the lives of women during the Ramayana era, seminar organising committee president P. Ramachandramurthy said[7].

A section of the audience

The front and back cover of the Abstract volume issued to the delegates –

Abstract volume issued to the delegates – front cover

The papers and paper presenters: The paper presenters had been from the Universities of SCSVMC, Kanchipuram, Rastriya Sanskrit Vidhyapeet, Tirupati, Osamania, Sri Venkateswara, Krishnadevaraya, and the Institute for the Study of Ancient Indian Arts and Sciences, Chennai.  More than 85  / 100 papers were received, most of them were in Telugu and Sanskrit one in Hindi and few in English[8] as listed below.

	Title of the paper	Paper presenter
	Sanskrit papers
1	Srimad Valmiki Ramayana manusrutyavisheshstri patrani	Mahatnti Rajyalakshmi
2	Valmiki Ramayane – Suktisamiksha	Gowri sankara Shenai Devadas
3	Adhunikale Ramayanavaishisytyam – Ekamadhyayanam	Balakrishna
4	Bharatashya bhatrubakti: ekam anusilanam	Jayamanikya Shastri
5	Ramayane-stri-patra	Harikrishna Kondapalli
6	Srimadramayane srushyaha: (Bhrahmarsharshyaha).	Sujatha Raghavan
7	Abhinandhakruta ramacarita me nyayadharshana	Sridhar
8	Ramayane pramukh stripatranam parisilanam	Hiralal Dash
9	Ramayane dharmastatha naitikta	Thakur Rana
10	Ramayane pramukpatranam rastrabakti	Sudeshana Dash
11	Valmiki: bharatiya samkruti	Lanka Venkatasubramanyeswar Sharma
12	Purushata catushtayam – srimath valmiki ramayanam	Pawan Kumar
13	Ramayanashya Pandulipivishyakamekam sarvekshanam (A Manuscript survey on Ramayana)	G. Arjun Kashyap
14	Ramayane sainikavyavasta	Narendrakumar
15	Srimathramayane jyotisham	Harikeshasahu
16	Adharsharamarajyastapane – sitayashsasyogaha	Asavadi Sudhama Vamsi
17	Ramayana yatra	Shivanag Sandip
18	Ramarajyam	Shekar Reddy
19	Valmikiyaramayane jyotisham	Pradeep Sharma
20	Jyotishashastranusare ramavayavarnanam	Rojalin Sahu
21	Ramayanadhyastaya haridhasidhantavagishaviracitram vadakiyatapanatakasyam anushilanam	Sumanta pramanik
22	Srimathrramayane dharmapatipadhanam	Lakshmi Tulasi
23	Ramayane adhyanini samajikam adhyayanam	Charan
24	Srimatharamayane rushinam varnanam	Kasturi VVSAR Chandekhar
25	Vidhyaparinayananatakadhyashtaya	Shaik. Jamal Basha
26	Mimamsamatdhyataya (ritya) ramayane yaga	Venkat Narayana
27	Hanuman uttamo dhuta	Ravi Teja
28	Srimathramayane yagaha: tadhmarshyaca	Nageswar Rao
29	Srimathramayane sharanagatitatva	T. G. Ranga Ramanujacharlu
30	Srimathramayane ramalakshmanyo: adharshabhraturtatvam	Lakshminarayanan
31	Ramayane prashasanatatram	H. Arya
	Telugu papers
32	Ramayanamulo Stripatrala jautityam	SeshavaraLakshmi
33	Strinityachaitanyaspurti-Baktasabari	Nareshkumar Naik
34	Ramayanamulo vishista strilu (Sita)	Dasaratha Ramaraju
35	Sundarakandaloni hanumanthuni karyanirvahana dakshyata	Ramanujula Reddy
36	Sri Ramayanamulo nadhinadhamuli	Mrs and Mr Chiralavamsa Vamsi Krishna
37	Ramayanamulo Viswamitradu	Jagadesh
38	Ramayanumulo Ramuni Vanavasam	Sasikumari
39	Ramayanam Mallayudddham leka Bahuyuddham	Jayalakshmi
40	Ramayanumulo Rishulu	Venkateswarlu
41	Srimath Ramayanamu – Ramarajyam – Rajadharmam	Narasimha Acharya
42	Ramayanam – Dhanurvigyanam	Himachalam
43	Prabhuswamyamlo Prajasamyam	Ravishankar
44	Sri Ramayanam – Baktirasam	Ravi Kishore
45	Mahasadhvi Mandodhari	Sudharshan
46	Mahabalasali Vali	Dheena Dayal
47	Ramayanmulo Naitika Vilavulu	Mukkaranna and D. Nallanna
48	Ramayana kalamulo Vidhyavidhanam	Murali Mohan
49	Srimathramayanulo dharmika samastalapalanaku sampadhincina vishesharta	Sriramulu
50	Ramayanumulo vishesha stri patralu	Mallikarjuna
51	Ramayanumulo Jatayu patra	Ashok Kumar
52	Ramayanumulo Rishulu	Venkateswaraulu and D. Prurosottam
53	Ramayanamu – Dharmalu	V. Sai Babu
54	Ramayanamulo Maharishilu	Siva Prasada Reddy
55	Ramayanakalamulo Manavasambandalu	Ramakanta Sharma
56	Ramayanumulo Pakshilu	K. S. Pavan Kumar
57	Ramayanumulo Vishista Stripatralu	Ravindra Babu
58	Ramayanam – Strijivanam	Sampurna
59	Ramayanumulo Vyvahika jivanam	Siva Praveen
60	Ramayanumulo Manavata Dharmalu mariyu viluvalu	L. Narasimha Prasad, M. Ramachandra Murty
61	Ramayanumulo Stripatralu:  Auicityamu mariyu pradharnayata	R. lalita and M. Ramachandra Murthy
62	Ramayanamulo kutumpa vivasta	Gurujada
63	Ramayanumulo Rishilu	Mallikarjuna
64	Ramayanumulo Pillala pempakam	Sitaramamurthy
65	Ramayanamulo Ramuni Toliprayanam	Alamvali
66	Ramayanamulo Samajika Jivanam	Muthiyalappa
67	Badhradhri Ramudu Ayodhya Ramuda, vera?	S. G. Hanumath Prasad
68	Ramayana sandhesham	M. Tharakeswar
69	Ramnayanam – Ayodhyakandam – Acharya-bavavisleshana	Malakondaiah
70	Ramayana Samajam – Samajikata	Samiulla
71	Ramayanam – Matrutvam	Mrudula
72	Women in Ramayana – Selected characters	Sharanya
73	Rama – the perfect role model for Dalit liberation: A counter, native and efficacious theology.	K. Sathyapraksh Rao
74	Monkey God in the Ancient Cultures of the World	K. Chirta Rao
75	Social Status as depicted in Ramayana	Debajyoti Jena
76	Tribal characters in Ramayana	Srresamulu
77	Ramayanamulo Dharmalu	Venkateswarlu
78	Ramayanamulo Vishesha Strtpatralu	Bhardwaja
79	Ramayanamulo – Rishulu	Kameswari
80	The Historicity of Ramayana and its spread in the West	K. V. Ramakrishna Rao
81	Ramayana, Mahabharata and Gilgamesh	K. Vivekananda Rao

Abstract volume issued to the delegates – back cover

During the paper reading session, there was some discussion about the “Historicity of Ramayana”, but by and large, that aspect was not taken care of, as had been mentioned. The first day seminar was concluded with a Bharatanatyam performance by the young girls of Manimekala Natya Sanga of Ongole.

A section of the audience – another view

The nature of papers and paper presenters: The paper presenters in Sanskrit had been HOD, Professor, Assistant Professor, lecturer, Research Scholar in Sanskrit of various branches like sahitya, nyaya, vyakarna, mimansa and so on. They talked, discussed, debated and argued in Sanskrit (So none could say that Sanskrit is dead). So also, the paper presenters in Telugu had such positions. As the titles reveal, not only the topics, but also the subject matter dealt with by the paper presenters show that they were about the literary glib, scholarly discourse, bookish syntax, epical prosody, poetic fantasy, lyrical rhyming, prosaic flow and so on. Though, it was a national seminar, the brief of the paper presented was not given in a language understandable to others. In fact, the research scholars have to give their brief in English even for the academic purposes. They had been of repetitive, monotonous and customary. They never touched upon the seminar theme the “Historicity of Ramayana”. When I conversed with them, I understood that they were not aware of the books written by H. D. Sankalia[9] (noted archaeologist), B. B. Lal[10] (former Archaeologial Survey of India Director General), D. C. Sircar[11] (eminent epigraphist) and others, the WAC-3 proceedings (New Delhi, 1995)[12], excavations conducted at the traditional sites connected with Ramayana and connected issues. Most of them did not know about the existence of Jaina and Buddhist versions of Ramayana and their interpolations[13], modification and recast of Ramayana in different ways[14]. The paper presenters even did not mention about the papers and proceedings volumes brought out by the earlier conferences and seminars conducted at national and international levels. Though some of them lamented for the mythologization of the epic, they never brought out the methods for demythologization in historical perspective.

A section of the audience – yet another view

inauguration went on with rituals.

P. Ramachandramurthy managing the show

Technical session.

Dr Sujatha Raghavan of SCSVMV presenting a paper

The paper reading session went on with active participation of the delegates.

Audience view – technical session morning 08-11-2014

The delegates were attending the session with enthusiasm.

Audience – another view – technical session morning 08-11-2014

The Sanskrit and Telugu papers reading sessions went on simultaneously.

Sanskrit session – Sastry of SCSVMV presenting a paper

From Sri Chandrasekhara Saraswati Viswa Vidhyalaya, Enathur, Kanchipuram one group of Sanskrit scholars had come and presented papers.

Sanskrit session –

Sri Hanumantha Rao, Sanskrit Pundit was heading another session

Sri Hanumantha Rao, Sanskrit Pundit was heading another session

On 08-11-2014 evening, there was a “Bharata natyam” program performed by Manimekhalai Dance Academy.

Young girls performing Bharata natyam

Cultural programme – another view

Young girls performing Bharata natyam

A request to Sanskrit pundits, scholars and experts: The Sanskrit professionals of all fields should tackle the question of dating and chronology of Vedas, Itihasas and Puranas. They should bring out the correct interpretation of the Kruta, Treata, Dwapara and Kaliyuga periods and correlate and corroborate with the events mentioned in the scriptures. As the “Indian history writers” of the Europeans used the data given in the Sanskrit literature about the dynasties and kings ruled, and corresponded with that of inscriptions, they should be rechecked to verify the correctness. As many Kings and Kingdoms were rejected as myth by them in spite of their recordings in the literature and inscriptions, they should be reassesses and scrutinized thoroughly. When the Jains, Buddhists, Greeks, Moghuls[15] and Europeans started interpolating the scriptures and the purpose should be exposed categorically. The myths that Dasaratha had 60,000 wives, Rama ruled for 10,000 years, Rana had many wives[16] etc., should be demythologized and the facts brought out. Other aspects like the existence of Pushpaka Vimana, three-four tusked elephants, dinosaurs like strange animals and birds etc., also should be fixed within the dating framework of geology if not history. The pseudo-works can also be identified and categorized accordingly, so that any vested persons or groups tried to exploit, the fact would be recorded to check them.

A scholar from SCSVMV presenting a paper on 09-11-2014 morning

Fundamental concepts, precepts, hypotheses and theories could have been taken into consideration: Unfortunately, except 5 papers all delved upon the routine matters of Rama-bakti, popularity of Ramayana, characters, etc., without touching upon chronology, dating, archaeology or historicity. Though many delved upon the “female characters” of Ramayana, they did not discuss critically and decisively in the modern context and the social issues, the Indian society facing today. Many fundamental concepts, precepts, hypotheses and theories were taken into consideration –

1. that Bharat / India of Ramayana period was different from that of today in all aspects;
2. the geographical setting, location of the places, hills, rivers etc., were different (historical development of knowledge of geography, geology, astronomy, longitude-latitude to locate the places etc);
3. chronological correlation and corroboration of events consonance with the archaeological evidences;
4. sculptural depiction of Ramayana, characters and other related aspects in India and outside and their correlation and corroboration;
5. the dating of Vedas, Epics and Puranas connecting with Ramayana characters and events;
6. overcoming or refuting the hypotheses and theories that Valmiki copied from Homer, Gilgamesh etc., effectively with the expertise of Sanskrit;
7. the issues related to the origin and development of script, language and literature –
   1. script, language and literature used in the epical context,
   2. origin of philosophy (which is considered as the origin of all modern subjects) and its dating
   3. correlation and corroboration of literary evidences with the material evidences in historical perspective.
   4. the importance of recitation (or recording literature in memory),
   5. necessity of writing down an some material medium,
   6. the lag between such transitional periods, the nature and longevity of the memory and the material medium used,
   7. the continuity of preserving the “writing down” material, availability of them etc.,

Here, the dating of the present-available “written-down” material medium could not be the date of the historical processes went on in stages.

Second day morning session – audience

The second day session was also conducted first jointly and then, separately to cover all papers.

audience – another view

Sri Ramakanth Sarma, Tirupati presenting his paper.

Sri Ramakanth Sarma, Tirupati presenting his paper.

The paper reading session.

09-11-2014 paper reading session

Though, there was rain on the second day, some local delegates joined and presented papers.

09-11-2014 paper reading session

A large number of women-scholars participated and presented papers.

A large number of women-scholars participated and presented papers.

The VIPs on the stage during the valedictory function held after lunch.

Sri Ramanadha Sastry, Janakirama Sastry, Hanumantha Rao, Chidambaram Sastry on the stage during valedictory function

The second day proceedings and Valedictory function (09-11-2014): The technical session of paper reading continued on the second day (Sunday, 09-11-2014). Suddenly, the climate was changed in Ongole  and there was heavy downpour of rains. After paper reading session and lunch the valedictory function started. During the valedictory function, some important points were brought out by the scholars who presided over different sections of the proceedings.

1. Original Ramayana composed by Valmiki contained only 24,000 verses.

2. The Jains and Buddhists manipulated the epic Ramayana to throw slur on Rama, Sita, Agalya and other characters, as Ramayana was so popular with the mass even during those periods.

3. Rama and Sita were considered as “Anna sakti” i.e, “power of food”. Sita was born out of earth and during ploughing of land, she was discovered as baby. So also Rama in giving life to Agalya, so that the stone turning into life from the dry and parched land to fertile. The “payasam” producing Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Catrugana has been also involving such “power of food”[17].

4. The controversies like killing of Chambuka by Rama were one of them[18].

5. Most of the paper presenters did not stick to the theme of the seminar, “Historicity of Ramayana”.

6. Translations of Ramayana also played an havoc for misinterpretations in other languages[19].

The first four points were clarified by Sri Chidambaram Sastry, five by J. Janakirama Sharma.

audience during the valedictory function

The work of organizing and conducting of seminar or conference has been involving man and material. When much money, energy and others were spent on the conduct of seminars, it is not known why and how they are become emaciated on such repetitive issues that have been well-recorded already in many-many books. The papers received could have been scrutinized before and the presenters could have been advised to revise, reorient and redraft their papers in the thematic frame work of the seminar. Sri J. Janakirama Sharma pointed out this.

Sri Mohan Rao briefing the proceedings

All the persons – from philanthropists to volunteers who worked for the conduct of the seminar were honoured with mementos.

…………………………, …………….., Koti Lakshmana Rao, M. M. Rao

During the valedictory function, the scholars brought out some important points as mentioned above.

Janakirama Sastry, Ramanadha Sastry, Hanumantha Rao

Sri Mohan Rao was clarifying some points.

Sri Mohan Rao was clarifying some points.

The audience during the valedictory function

The audience during the valedictory function

Particularly, the food offered by Baba Ramdev group was produced by natural manure and healthy. Food packets were provided to the outstation delegates by them. By 5 pm evening, the seminar proceedings were over and the delegates started moving out to catch buses and trains, as the climate was rainy. They may be meeting again in another seminar or conference with their past memories.

the AP – BISS group

Rewriting of Indian history: P. Ramachandramurthy, president of the committee that organised a national seminar on ‘The Historicity of Ramayana’ said, “Much of Indian history has been distorted, and this needs to be corrected”[20]. Briefing reporters on Monday (10-11-2014), he said 120 papers were presented during the two-day seminar by scholars, and that they would be brought out in the form of a book later[21]. However, how it has to be rewritten has not been brought out. As already, historians have been divided on this issue also[22] as reflected in the IHC proceedings, RJB-BM and Ramasethu Court cases, and then, as happened in the case of CBEC books as to what constitutes “right” or “scientific” history[23] etc, a consensus may have to be arrived at immediately, as the objections raised by the historians who accused “saffronization” of text books was held void already. Enough has been pointed out as to how the accusing group of historians has also been indulged in the ideologization of historiography without any balance[24] and therefore, again, such outpour need not be brought to the public domain. As now youngsters, particularly who pursue and pursued and qualified in the subjects of science and technology, have been exposed to knowledge, they have capacity to think scientifically and understand what is right or wrong and they would not be worried about “right” or “left” as “centre” in India has never identified by itself or by others, as only “left” dominated[25]. In the Supreme Court judgment dated 12^th September, 2002, pronounced in the matter of “The National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2000”. the following issues were discussed and the Court decided that there was nothing in the issues[26]:

1. Regarding Sanskrit language.
2. Regarding Vedic astrology.
3. Regarding Vedic Mathematics.
4. Regarding Hindu festivals being treated as National Festivals.

Therefore, now historians need not confuse the issues of nationalism, Marxism, secularism, communalism etc., and come forward for updating the Indian history with the material evidences obtained during the last 60 years.

.

[1] http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/seminar-on-ramayana-from-tomorrow/article6572756.ece

[2] http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/seminar-on-ramayana/article6227448.ece

[3] The suspecting of writing history in the “national perspective”, may pose a counter question of anything “written down in anti-national perspective”. Sir Robert Eric Mortimer Wheeler, 5000 years history of Pakistan: An archaeological outline, London, 1950. He was in Pakistan during 1949 and 1950, as an archaeological adviser in Pakistan helping to establish the Archaeological department of Pakistan and National Museum of Pakistan at Karachi. As Pakistan paid him, he faithfully wrote such history for Pakistan!

[4] The WAC-3 proceedings, the Court cases and judgments of Ramajanmabhumi and Ramasethu give enough proofs and evidences to prove how the responsible Indian historians behaved differently and strictures passed by the courts for their wrong presentation of facts.

[5] The Hindu, Ramayana is no myth, claim experts at seminar, Ongole, November 9, 2014.

[6] M. M. Rao is not an archaeologist, but as “The Hindu” has mentioned, it has to be taken seriously as to whether it mentioned euphemistically or otherwise.

[7] http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/ramayana-is-no-myth-claim-experts-at-seminar/article6579469.ece

[8] This is based on the “Summary / abstract” book provided to the delegates with the kit.

[9] H. D. Sankalia, Ramayana Myth or Reality?, Peoples Publishing Company, New Delhi, 1973.

.……………, The Ramayana in Historical Perspective, MacMillan India Limited, New Delhi, 1982.

[10] B. B. Lal conducted excavations at traditional Ramayanic sites.

B.B. Lal, ‘Was Ayodhya Mythical City’, Puratattva, #X, 1978-79, pp. 45-49.

B.B. Lal ‘ Ayodhya of the Valmiki Ramayana: An Energising Debate on its Identification’, Puratattva, #XVI, 1985-86.

3. B. Lal, A Note on the Excavations at Ayodhya with reference to the Mandir Masjid issue, paper presented during the WAC-3.

B.B. Lal, Director General (Retd.) Archaeological Survey of India

[11] D. C. Sircar, Problems of Ramayana, A. P., Govt. Museum Series No.19, Hyderabad, 1979, p.28.

…………………, Select Inscriptions, Vol.I, 1965, pp.77-78.

For the name “Rama” in earlier records, he draws attention to –

Luders’ List of Inscriptions, Nos.125I, 979.

[12] Jack Golson, What went wrong with WAC 3 and an attempt to understand why, Australian Archaeology, Number 41, 1995, pp.48-54.

[13] During valedictory function, Sri Chidambaram Sastry pointed out this point.

[14] However, I found that ABVP and others opposed the inclusion of “Three Huindred Ramayanas” of A. K. Ramanujam in the curriculum. This essay was taken from – Many Ramayanas, edited by Paula Richman, 1991, University of California Press, USA, pp.22-49.

[15] Allahupanishad, Yasur Vedam etc., composed by the Mohammedans and Christians for various purposes. The interpolations made in Bhavishya Puranam about the prediction of Jesus, Mohammed etc., should be pointed out.

[16] B. R. Ambedkar, The Riddles of Hinduism, Bombay.

[17] The origin of Ramayana as an “agricultural myth” has been pointed by many scholars already. Interestingly, the Zend Avesta mentioning Rama Hvastara also substantiate the myth.

[18] It is not found in the Valmiki Ramayana. Uttara Ramayana and other versions of Ramayana contain many manipulations that are not in the original Valmiki Ramayana.

[19] This aspect  was pointed out earlier in April 2014 by Gottumukkala Venkata Satya Narasimha Sastry. Those who translated Valmiki Ramayana into different languages had interpreted the epic in their own way and it led to a series of controversies over the essence of Ramayana, according this scholar and president of ‘Aaswadana’ literary organization.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/translations-of-ramayana-led-to-controversies-says-scholar/article5892070.ece

[20] The Hindu, Time to rewrite history from Indian perspective, Ongole, November.11, 2014

[21] http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/time-to-rewrite-history-from-indian-perspective/article6585105.ece

[22] Makkan Lal, The NCERT Social Science Books – False propaganda, Political Agenda and the “Eminent Historians”, Aligarh, 2002.

[23] Makkan Lal, A Review of the Class VI Text book of History (Ancient) published by the Govt. of West Bengal, Aligarh, 2002.

[24] Meenakshi Jain, Flawed Narratives – History in the old NCERT textbooks – A Random survey of Satish Chandra’s Medieval History of India, Delhi historians Forum, New Delhi, 2003.

[25] Atul Rawat, Prof. Arjun Dev: “An Eminent Historian” or a Fraud?, Delhi historians Forum, New Delhi, 2002.

[26] Supreme Court judgment dated 12^th September, 2002, pronounced in the matter of “The National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2000”, NCERT, New Delhi, 2002.

The 8th conference on Marine Archaeology and Indian Ocean Countries, Goa 2013

The 8th conference on Marine Archaeology and Indian Ocean Countries, Goa 2013

About the Conference and organizers: The Society for Marine Archaeology, Goa organized the 8th National Conference on Maritime Archaeology (NCMA) in collaboration with National Institute of Oceanography and Archaeological Survey of India (Goa Circle) on July 1-2, 2013 in the memory of late Dr. S.R. Rao. The conference was supported by National Centre for Ocean and Antarctic Research, Goa, State Government of Goa and others. The National Conference on Maritime Archaeology (NCMA) is being held to bring into focus the latest findings by the researchers, academicians and amateur archaeologists[1]. A brief was given by the TOI[2].

Origin and the proceedings of the conferences[3]: The Society for Marine Archaeology was founded in 1988 as a brain child of Dr S. R. Rao consequent to the International Conference on Marine Archaeology was held in Goa in 1987. The Journal of Marine archaeology was started published from January 1980. Though, it was registered as a “society” in July 1989[4], subsequently, the registration lapsed for some reasons.  So far, the following conferences were held at different places. Though, originally it was planned that the conference should be held once in two years, it was not followed or feasible due to some reasons.

The NIO building where the conference was held

The inside view of the NIO entrance

For NIO building, the corner stone was laid by the then president of India Sri V. V. Giri on 07-04-1973

Conference	Dates / year when held	Where held	Theme of the conference
1	October 1987	Jarhnagar[5], Gujarat from 12 to 14 October, 1987
2	January 20 and 21, 1990	Hotel Rama, Bangalore	Recent advances in marine archaeology
3	April 10-12, 1992	Kartanak University, Dhawar	Role of universities and other research organizations i preserving underwater cultural heritage
4	September 20-21, 1994	Andhra University, Vishakapatnam	An integrated approach to marine archaeology.
5
6
7	October 6-7, 2005	Goa
8	July 1 and 2, 2013	Goa	In memory of Dr S. R. Rao, Harappan civilization and Indian Ocean

The conference was held in memory of  Dr. S.R. Rao and a brief about him: Marine Archaeology in India was pioneered by Dr. S.R. Rao –  Shikaripura Ranganatha Rao  (1920-2013), one of the well known archaeologists of Independent India[6], in 1981 and steered Centre for Marine Archaeology at NIO till 1994. He was also founder President of Society for Marine Archaeology and took up on himself to spread reaches of Marine Archaeology across the globe. Dr. Rao passed away on 3rd January, 2013 at his residence in Bangalore, Karnataka and India has lost a brilliant and dedicated archaeologist who dominated Indian archaeology for over a five decades. His best known contribution to the Indian archaeology is the excavations at Lothal which set the tone for major research on the Harappan Archaeology in India. The site gave astonishing evidences on external trade and commerce particularly with Mesopotamia and other Gulf nations. He extensively explored Gujarat and discovered as many as 40 sites of various phases of Harappan Civilization. Dr. Rao believed[7] that India has a 5000 years old history of overseas trade and commerce and in the process several shipwrecks should have occurred[8]. To unravel the mystery, the systematic research in Maritime Archaeology was essential. After his retirement from the Archaeological Survey of India in 1980, Dr. Rao seeded the idea of a Unit for Marine Archaeology studies at the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa in 1981. He obtained funds, built infrastructure and needed manpower for this unit. He also organized much needed training in diving for the archaeologists for underwater explorations and the legacy continues even today. He successfully led several Marine Archaeological expeditions to Dwarka[9], Bet Dwarka, Somnath, Lakshadweep and Poompuhar.

The theme of the Conference: The main theme of the conference was given in the 1^st and 2^nd circulars sent by the organizers[10]:

• Harappan Archaeology – recent excavations interpretations and Indus script.
• Underwater Archaeological Investigations in the Indian Ocean adjacent Countries and their contribution to science.

The Registration Fees was collected from the delegates as follows:

• Delegates:                             Rs. 500.00
• Local Delegates & students    Rs. 200.00
• Accompanying person            Rs. 1000.00

The Local Organising Committee consisted the following: The organizing committee consisted the officers of NIO and ASI of Goa region as follows:

• Dr. SWA Naqvi, Chairman, NIO.
• Dr. A. G. Untawale
• Shri K H Vora    (Organising Secretary)
• Dr. Rajiv Nigam[11], Chief Scientist, NIO.
• Dr. A C Anil[12], Chief Scientist, NIO.
• Dr. Pratima Kamat, Professor of History, Goa University,
• SA, Goa Circle,  ASI, Old Goa,
• Director of Archaeology and Museums, Panaji,
• Dr. Aniruddh Singh Gaur[13], Principal Technical Officer, NIO.
• Dr. Sila Tripati[14], Principal Technical Officer, NIO.
• Mr. Sundaresh[15], Convenor and Principal Technical Officer, NIO.

The circular[16] informed that NCMA would provide a platform for discussion on the problems, solutions and recommendations on critical aspects faced by researchers and scholars for futuristic approaches in the field of maritime archaeology of India. As NCMA is a national event, its importance among the archaeologists, historians, geologists and oceanographers can never be overemphasised.  About 30 scholars from various parts of India working on above themes participated and presented papers in the conference. “Abstract” notes containing papers were given to the delegates[17].

The 8th conference on Marine Archaeology and Indian Ocean Countries: It was inaugurated at the conference hall of NIO, Goa. First, Dr A. G. Untawale recalled about the contribution of Dr S. R. Rao and felt that he was not there in the conference. He informed that 1^st July was his birth day and hen had chosen the date as a tribute to him. He regretted that many archaeological sites have been without boards for visitors or tourists.

Dr SWA Naqvi, Director, NIO presided over the function and he inaugurated by lighting the lamp in the Seminar Hall of the NIO. The ceremony was carried on with another small lamp by the dignitaries and the lamp had enough wicks to accommodate all. He pointed out that India had a lengthy coast line and therefore had a great potential to offer for the marine archaeologists.  He also regretted that now the coastal areas were disturbed by different human activities like offshore drilling, SEZ etc.

Dr A. G. Untanwale briefed about the theme of the conference.

Dr Naqvi Director NIO in his inaugural speech pointed out the potential offered by the lengthy coast of India for the marine archaeologists.

Padma Shri Dr. R. S. Bisht[18] (Former Joint Director General, ASI) delivered Key note address on “Maritime Activities of Harappans”[19]. He explained the “meluha” link with the following:

1. Stone and pearls.
2. Wood and plants
3. Animals
4. Metal
5. Meluhan style objects.

The depiction of Harappan traders known as “meluha” was there on many Mesopotamian cylindrical seals.

He also pointed out the similarities in the figures depicted in the seals of the interacting civilizations.The pattern found has been striking pointing the trade relation.

Elite audience listening to R S Bisht on the maritime trade of Harappans.

Dr Dayalan of ASI informed that Sri Pravin Srivastava, IAS and Director General of ASI could not come there, as he had to rush to Uttarakhand. He mentioned about the limited underwater excavations carried on at Mahabalipuram, Arikkamedu, Kaveripumpattinam, Lakshadwip islands, Elephanta, Gujarat and other places. He pointed about the Tamil /South India trade connection with China during 4^th cent.CE and the Tamil Brahmi script appearing on potsherd recovered at Oman.Drs V K Vora, Naqvi, Dayalan and Untawale on the stage during inauguration.A. S. Gaur welcomed the delegates of the conference.A.S. Gaur welcoming – the other view.A sectional view of the participant delegates from all over India.Another view of the audience – the participant researchers.Same as above – another view or rather shot by another camera.Yet another view of the participant audience on the first day of the conference.General body meeting held on the evening of 01-07-2013.

Dr V. K. Vora read the message given by Dr Nalini Rao[20]  professor of Art History and Archaeology, Soka University, U.S of late Dr S. R. Rao on the occasion.

Technical session and paper presentation: There were three sessions for paper presentation on 1^st and 2^nd July 2013.

On the first day of the conference (01-07-2013, Monday), the following papers were presented:

1. The Harappan Cooking and Serving Vessels from Shikarpur and the Importance of Harappan Cuisines!  – P. Ajithprasad
2. Three Years Comprehensive Report of Excavation at Kotada Bhadli in Kachchh District, Gujarat  – Prabodh Shirvalkar and Y.S. Rawat
3. Recent Excavation at Rupnagar, Punjab  – V.N. Prabhakar
4. An Overview of the Harappans and their Mesopotamian Contacts  – V.N. Prabhakar
5. Further Excavations at Khirsara  – R.N. Kumaran

After lunch, the following papers were presented:

1. Environmental Impact on Cultural Landscape in Hinterland of a Harappan Metropolis – Tejas Garge
2. A possible modulation of rise and demise of civilizations along the west coast of India by the sea level changes – Rajiv Nigam
3. Extension of Harappan Culture in North – Western Maharashtra – Manoj Kumar Kurmi
4. Exposed Harappan Objects : Engaging the Audience – Sanjib Kumar Singh
5.  Dr.S.R.Rao-An Unforgettable Archaeologist of India  – Balakrishna Hegde
6. Maritime Trade of Goa from Times Immemorial – Fr. Cosme Jose Costa sfx.
7. Source of stones for Casa de Polvora, a gunpowder manufacturing site and cannon balls, a scientific analysis  – Abhijit Ambekar
8. The military fort in Mandovi estuary: its relation with the present river bank  – Antonio Mascarenhas, Sila Tripati, R. Mani Murali
9. At the Tide’s End: Some Ethno-archaeological Observations about the Goan Port of Ganjem – Pratima Kamat

 

Evening the Annual General Body Meetingof the Society for Marine Archaeology was held in the seminar hall.

On the second day of the conference (Tuesday 2nd July 2013), the following papers were presented:

1. Packaged food from the sea: Dietary Use of Marine Molluscs at coastal Harappan settlements in Gujarat India – Arati Deshpande-Mukherjee
2. Oceanic Elements among the Nagas – Alok Kumar Kanungo
3.  A Study of Chinese Porcelain found in the Indian Ocean – Aprajita Sharma
4. Ancient Ports on Kerala Coast – Recent Investigations  – M. Nambirajan
5. Some Early Historic Ports of Tamilakam: Revisited – N. Athiyaman
6. Offshore Technology & Marine Archaeology  – A.C. Kulkarni
7. Applications of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) in Archaeology – R. Mani Murali
8. Robot: application in Maritime Archaeology – Pramod Maurya
9. A Review of the Marine archaeological findings recovered from the sea waters of SEA and Chinese regions during 10th to 12th centuries  – K.V. Ramkrishna Rao
10.  Excavations at Dwarka: Critical Analysis of Archaeological Remains – Alok Tripathi
11. Shivaji’s Navy & his marine Forts – Shreekant S. Jadhav
12. Naval power of The Goa Kadambas and Its depiction on Memorial Stone Slabs – Ramesh Mulimani
13. 5. Early Historic Shipwreck Archaeology of the Indian Subcontinent region  – A.S. Gaur

 Dr S. Balakrishna Hegde presenting a paper on the contribution of Dr S. R. Rao.Fr. Cosme Jose Costa sfx.  of Pilar monastery presenting a paper.Dr Adhiyaman, Tanjore University presenting paper.Sri K. V. Ramakrishna Rao, Independent researcher from Chennai presenting a paper.

There were discussions, debates and exchange of ideas after the presentation of papers. There have been reservation, reluctance and ambivalence about the dating of the samples, correlation of data and interpretation of material objects recovered at different marine and land archaeological sites. Though all the marine and land archaeologists follow the same principles and methodology, it is intriguing to note that each questions the same of the others. However, the two days deliberations were closed with a customary Valedictory Function. Some views of the participants were welcome and discussion went on about the furthering of the activities of the society. The vote of thanks was given by Sundaresh.

K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

© 06-07-2013

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[1] http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_eventdisplay/task/view/tid/4/sid/24/eid/204

[2] Conference on maritime archaeology: The society for marine archaeology, Goa, is organizing its 8th national conference on maritime archaeology (NCMA) in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and Archaeological Survey of India (Goa circle) and supported by the national centre for ocean and Antarctic research on July 1 and 2 in memory of the late Dr S R Rao, a well-known archaeologist from India. Padma Shri Dr R S Bisht (former joint director general, ASI) will deliver the keynote address on ‘Maritime activities of Harappans’ at the inaugural session of the conference at 9.30am in the NIO seminar hall.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-29/goa/40271555_1_archaeology-nio-seminar

[3] I tried to get these details from the proceeding volumes (2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 7th) received on 2^nd July 2013, but unfortunately, the dates of the conferences themselves are not found in the volumes.

[4] Journal of Marine Archaeology, Vol.3, July, 1992, p.75.

[5] Annual Report 1987-88, p.65; http://www.nio.org/userfiles/file/annual_report/1987-88.pdf

[6] Shikaripura Ranganatha Rao completed his education from Mysore University. He worked in the Archaeological Department of Baroda State and subsequently served theArchaeological Survey of India in various capacities. Dr. Rao has led excavations of many important sites such as Rangpur, Amreli, Bhagatrav, Dwaraka, Hanur, Aihole,Kaveripattinam and others. One of his most important works were leading the research and excavations at Lothal, the earliest known port in history and the most important Indus-era site in India. Dr. Rao was the recipient of Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship and a doctorate of literature from Mysore University. Rao had supervised excavation of several historic sites across the country in the West and South. He was also associated with conservation of monuments such as Taj Mahal and forts. Despite officially retiring in 1980, Dr. Rao was requested to work for the ASI Director General in leading Indian archaeological projects. It was under the initiative of Dr Rao that the NIO opened a marine archaeology research centre in 1981, under the stewardship of then director Dr S. Zahoorul Quasim, which grew into a world recognised body. He was the founder of the Society of Marine Archaeology in India. Rao has been at the forefront of Indian archaeology for many decades – he was involved in extensive research into India’s ancient past, from the sites of the Indus Valley Civilization to excavations pertaining to the Kurukshetra War.

[7] I have just reproduced from their website. Interestingly, it is not the question of what Dr S. R. Rao believed or not, as the general public want to know what exactly the excavations carried on by him or others are useful to them or for historians to update and correct the Indian history.

[8] Interestingly or ironically Dr. R. S. Bisht (Former Joint Director General, ASI) delivered Key note address on “Maritime Activities of Harappans” showing the slides dating such events going back to such periods.

[9] His interview with the Hindu is available here – Wednesday, Nov 20, 2002, http://hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/11/20/stories/2002112000450200.htm

[10] For more details contact Shri Sundaresh (phone 0832-2450372;  email:sundares@nio.org).

[11] http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_researcherdisplay/task/show/tid/2/sid/69/rid/552

[12] http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_researcherdisplay/task/show/tid/2/sid/69/rid/995

[13] http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_researcherdisplay/task/show/tid/2/sid/69/rid/1006

[14] http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_researcherdisplay/task/show/tid/2/sid/69/rid/985

[15] http://www.nio.org/index/option/com_researcherdisplay/task/show/tid/2/sid/69/rid/986

[16] Two circulars were sent by the Society in the months of April and May 2013 giving these details.

[17] 27 pages containing 38 abstracts of the papers to be presented.

[18] In a recent article “The Harappan Hub” appearing in the Frontline, more details can be seen:

http://www.frontline.in/arts-and-culture/heritage/the-harappan-hub/article4840474.ece

[19] Abstracts, pp.1-2.

[20] S. Kamala Rao, wife of the former Director of the Archaeological Survey of India S.R. Rao, died at her residence here on Sunday (Wednesday, Oct 21, 2009). She was 86. The Carnatic vocalist is survived by her husband, daughters Shakuntala Rao, paediatrician in Chennai; and Nalini Rao, professor of Art History and Archaeology, Soka University, U.S.; and son S. Gopala Rao, Deputy General Manager, BEML, and daughter-in-law Meena Rao, writer.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102155260500.htm