Ancient Temples and Mosques under Archeological Survey of India

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Culture
29-March, 2017 14:38 IST
Illegal Construction/Encroachment in the Vicinity of Heritage Sites

The encroachments in the protected monuments and protected areas are removed as per the provisions contained in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and Rules, 1959 framed thereunder. Superintending Archaeologists are also authorised to issue show cause notices under the provisions of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 and Rules 1959 followed by a direction to the District Collector/Magistrate by Central Government to remove such encroachment under section 19 (2) of the Act and Rule 38 (2). In order to contain the encroachments and removing them, the Superintending Archaeologist in charge of the Circles have been vested with the powers of an Estate Officer to issue eviction notices/orders to the encroachers under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. Further, assistance in such cases is also sought from the respective State Government/police and where there are no fruitful results actions are initiated against the encroachers by filing cases in the court of law. Accordingly actions are taken on notice of illegal construction/ encroachment.

In addition to the regular watch and ward staff, private security personnel, State police guards and CISF have also been deployed for the safety and security of selected monuments.

There is no such proposal for using drones, to check construction, building or industrial activity in the vicinity of heritage sites and forts.

As per the statutory provisions the Archaeological Survey of India is bound to approach the District Magistrate/Collector for removal of encroachments from protected monuments/area and unathorised constructions in the prohibited and regulated areas. In few cases, Archaeological Survey of India approaches even the Courts for legal action against the persons who have encroached upon the protected monument/area or have indulged in construction activities in prohibited and regulated areas in violation of the AMASR Act, 1958 or Rules, 1959

This information was given by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Culture
31-March, 2017 18:44 IST
MOU For a Project on “Conservation, Development & Maintenance of Purana Qila” Signed Among ASI, NCF AND NBCC

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), National Culture Fund (NCF) and NBCC (India) Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here for the ‘Conservation, development & maintenance of Purana Qila project’ at Purana Qila, New Delhi under NBCC’s CSR initiative. In the presence of Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism, the agreement was signed by Mr. Rakesh Singh Lal, Additional Director General(ASI), Mr. K.L.Dhingra, CEO, NCF and Mr. Rajendra Wanchoo, CGM, NBCC (India) Limited. Shri N. K. Sinha, Secretary, M/o Culture was present on the occasion.


The main aim of this MoU is the conservation, restoration, development of monument precinct, upkeep of monument and museum, development to ensure better presentation and conservation of the monument and development of various tourists related amenities and highlight the history, heritage value of the monument and it’s surrounding along with its context.

Under this agreement, NBCC (India) Limited agrees to support to the project of “Conservation, Development & Maintenance of Purana Qila” and will provide funds of up to Rs. 14.35 Crore for the next 5 years in stages starting from FY-2016-17.

The execution of the project shall be undertaken in 3 phases mentioned as under -

PHASE-I : Conservation, Restoration and Horticulture & Development Works

PHASE-II : Upgradation and extension of museum and Parking

PHASE-III : Excavation and Display

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[Hindustani78]

Bengal’s Renaissance-period libraries banking on competitive exam books for survival
Apr 02, 2017 01:04 IST


Konnagar Public Library was established on April 01, 1858 at Konnagar, Hoogly Distin West Bengal. Now , layers of dust have covered bound volumes of Bengal’s important 19th and 20th-century books and periodicals on the first floor room that is hardly opened. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

Serampore Public Library & Mutual Improvement Association was established on 1871 at Serampore, Hoogly Dist. West Bengal. This library with other district library are facing acute shortage (more than 60% post vacant) of librarians. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

Ironically, books on competitive exams are keeping alive the trickle of readers to these once-grand repositories of knowledge. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

The scene is no different in Konnagar and Mahesh Public library, both about 150 years old and trying to keep their head above water by attracting students aspiring to crack competitive exams for jobs. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

The scene is no different in Konnagar and Mahesh Public library, both about 150 years old and trying to keep their head above water by attracting students aspiring to crack competitive exams for jobs. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

These are the very institutions that acted as repositories of knowledge and nurtured the Bengal renaissance that is regarded to have flourished between Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) and Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941). (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

The books and the public library movement were integral to Bengal Renaissance. It picked up pace in the 1850s in the immediate aftermath of the enactment of the Public Library Act, 1851, in the UK, and a series of public libraries and free reading rooms came up in the first decade itself. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

According to government records, there are more than 3,000 vacancies among the 5,520 sanctioned posts for about 2,000 functional public libraries. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

Among the libraries founded in Bengal in the 1850s are Rishi Rajnayaran Basu Smriti Pathagar in Midnapore (1851), founded byRajnayaran Basu, a prominent face of the Renaissance, and Uttarpara Jaykrishna Public Library (1859), founded by Jaykrishna Mukherjee, another celebrated personality. Other libraries include Hooghly Public Library (1854), Krishnanagar Public Library (1856) and Konnagar Public Library (1858). (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

The Midnapore library has two staff members instead of four and at least five thousand books from its collections, including rare and old ones, have been damaged due to lack of maintenance. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

Konnagar Public Library and the one in Krishnagar are in similar state. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)

 

[utraash]

So when will our govt is going to construct and rehabilitate this site?

Where is this ?

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Culture
05-April, 2017 17:19 IST
Conditions of Various Museums in India



There are a number of museums, namely National Museum (New Delhi), 3 wings of National Gallery of Modern Art (Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai), Indian Museum (Kolkata), Victoria Memorial Hall (Kolkata), Salarjung Museum (Hyderabad), 23 Science Centre under National Council of Science Museum (Kolkata) and Allahabad Museum (Allahabad), which are directly under the administrative control of the Ministry of Culture. Besides, there are forty four site museums under the control of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). These museums have a large collection of artefacts, paintings, sculptures, coins etc. Upgradation and modernization of these museums are taken up by the Government on a continuous basis to maintain them in good condition.


The Government has taken up a 14 point museum reforms agenda for implementation on a continuing basis to bring about qualitative changes in museums in India keeping pace with the international developments in the field.


Details of the amount sanctioned to various museums during the last three financial years and the current financial year, amount spent and surrendered is at given below:-

Name of Organizat-ion
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17

Amount Sanctio-ned
Expendi-ture
Surren-der

Amount Sanctio-ned
Expendi-ture
Surren-der

Amount Sanctio-ned
Expendi-ture
Surren-der

Amount Sanctio-ned
Expendi-ture
Surren-der

Allahabad Museum
551.58
429.26
122.32
714
560
154
875
570
305
1020.425
549.9
470.53



Indian Museum
1301.82
1517
Nil
2274.33
2045.93
Nil
2124.26
1699.76
Nil
990.48
1509.14
Nil

National Museum
2116.8
2062.88
53.92
3028
2908.89
119.11
3525.75
3036.6
489.15
3019
2553.66
463.34

NGMA
1789.6
1645.31
Nil
2235
1928.36
198.73
2633.05
1794.97
584.67
1735
1500.85
287.85

NCSM
6589
903
Nil
7945
10065
Nil
805
10831
Nil
9382
10093
Nil

SJM
2252
2252
Nil
2449.5
2449.5
Nil
2400
2223.72
176.28
2670
2310
Nil

VMH
1041.98
1041.98
Nil
3408.78
3408.78
Nil
4784.18
4758.73
25.45
918.5
1332.03
Nil




This information was given by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.


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[Hindustani78]

It was housed in a rented structure for the last 35 years
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...eum-to-get-a-new-building/article17856535.ece


The Hassan district museum of the State Archaeology Department, which has been housed in a rented building for 35 years, is set to get a new building in three months. The department has taken up construction of a three-storeyed building in the district library campus at a cost of ₹1 crore.

Hassan district is known for Hoysala structures and many from around the world visit the place for study purpose. However, with no proper structure to house the museum, the archaeological structures have been displayed in a rented building belonging to Hassan City Municipal Council on Maharaja Park premises. In the 2016-17 financial year, the department decided to have a separate building for the museum. “With an understanding with the Department of Libraries, a site measuring 124x60 sq ft was transferred to our department to construct the building,” said S. Kavyashree, curator of the Hassan museum.

The museum has 153 sculptures, 90 paintings, 105 coins, 10 manuscripts, 63 wood carvings, and 26 arms. “The ground floor will exhibit the sculptures, the first floor the art gallery and coins and artefacts will be displayed on the second floor,” Ms. Kavyashree said.

The museum is facing shortage of staff to handle the operations.

Except for the curator, all other posts have been vacant for the past few months. The maintenance of sculptures and their security are being handled by workers hired through outsourcing agencies. At present five persons, including two persons who guard the museum in the night, have been hired through an outsourcing agency.


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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...le-palace-to-be-renovated/article17856991.ece

The palace attached to the Muriamangalam Sree Narasimhaswami Temple near Mamala

Tourism Department has sanctioned ₹62 lakh for the work
The State government has stepped in to undertake renovation work on the Muriamangalam Sree Narasimhaswami Temple palace, near Mamala.

The temple is believed to have been built between the 11th and 14th centuries and the palace attached to it, a two-storey building, is in a dilapidated state. Conservationists have been demanding its renovation considering its age and importance in the history of the locality and its people.

The Department of Tourism has sanctioned ₹62 lakh for the works and the renovation works will be undertaken by the Ernakulam unit of the Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra.


Kerala architecture

According to the Nirmithi Kendra report, the two-storey building has been constructed in the Kerala style of architecture and has 12 rooms. It has 10 special twin pillars as well as a large underground granary, pathayappura, indicating that the temple had large land holdings. The temple palace was used by native kings and higher-ups in the social hierarchy.

The report said the temple palace needed extensive renovation work as it had withstood heavy rains. Since the temple trust did not have enough fund to renovate the building, it had sought the support of the government.

The building has tiled roof, laterite walls and wooden floor on the first level. The renovation work will also involve dismantling and relaying of the roof. The repair work is expected to take about 18 months under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology.

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[Hindustani78]

Devotees visiting Beeralingeshwar Temple in Talur village after it was opened for prayers post the renovation.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...enovated-in-talur-village/article17933591.ece

The temples, spread across 1.25 acres of land, date back to the pre-Vijayanagar period
Three ancient temples – Kalgudi Eshwara Temple, Beeralingeshwar Temple and Hanuman Temple – in Talur village in Sandur taluk of Ballari district, were rejuvenated by the JSW Foundation under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

The temples, spread across 1.25 acres of land, date back to the pre-Vijayanagar period.

Before taking up the work as per the request of the villagers, the foundation roped in the Dharmothanna Trust of Dr. Virendra Hegadde, of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, a pioneer in temple restoration activities. This was done keeping in mind the challenge of maintaining the archaeological fabric of the temples. The architecture of the temples, built in the Kalyan Chalukya style, had been worn out by time and natural forces such as rain and heat. In order to maintain the originality of the structure, the stones and material used in the restoration were the same as the ones in the original structure.

The renovation work was completed in a span of one year at the cost of ₹85 lakh. A check dam across Naarihalla, a major rivulet passing adjacently to the temple, was also restored. A large number of trees were planted and pavements were built around the main temple complex.

Many villagers had gathered to witness the religious festivities held to mark the inauguration of the temples.

 

[Hindustani78]

Pune April 14, 2017 20:41 IST
Updated: April 14, 2017 20:41 IST
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...of-rare-books-manuscripts/article18025679.ece

Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute was set-up in 1917 and remains a fixture of the city’s historic-cultural fabric.

Precious manuscripts in Sanksrit and its derivatives, Pali and the Prakrits, are soon to be preserved for posterity with the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) launching an e-library and commencing on a major digitization process of its treasure trove in Indology.

Unperturbed by the tumult of Pune’s dramatically changing landscape, the institute, named after legendary Indologist Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar, was set-up in 1917 and remains a fixture of the city’s historic-cultural fabric and a veritable researchers’ paradise.

Its venerated walls house one of South Asia’s largest and most invaluable agglomeration of rare manuscripts.

“The move to digitise rare books had begun in earnest since September last year. The institute has formed a three-member committee to examine the institute’s repository of 1.35 lakh books and 28,000 manuscripts,” said Dr. Shreenand Bapat, registrar and curator-in-charge, BORI.

While a Zeutschel high-resolution German scanner has been specially procured by the institute at the cost of Rs. 15 lakh, the restoration promises to be a painstaking and laborious process and promises to stretch on for the better part of five years.

The scanning process, according to Dr. Bapat, poses particular challenges owing to the age of the manuscripts, some of which are more than a millennium old.

“A team of four researchers are working on this project comprising of Prof. Shrikant Bahulkar, Dr. Maitreyee Deshpande and their two assistants. Each day, around 4,000 pages of the manuscripts which have to be digitised and pass it on to an IT company in Mumbai specializing in digitization,” he informed, adding that almost 12 lakh images of pages have to be digitized.

At present, around 12,000 manuscripts and books – the rarest of the rare – have been scanned.


The Government of Bombay State had first begun a pan-Indian manuscript collection project in the mid-1860s under which eminent scholars like R.G. Bhandarkar and German Indologists Johann Georg Buhler and Lorenz Franz Kielhorn among others collected several thousand manuscripts.

This treasure trove, which is to be digitized, was first deposited at Mumbai’s Elphinstone College, from whence it was moved to Pune’s Deccan College for better preservation facilities.

There were permanently housed in 1918 in BORI with Lord Willingdon [Major Freeman-Thomas], the then Governor of the Bombay Presidency and the first president of institute, authorizing for the valuable government collection to be transferred there.

Among the notable publications that have emerged from this grand collection is a critical 19-volume edition of The Mahabharata, collated with copious critical material, out of nearly 1260 old manuscripts.

Apart from the ageing process, the manuscripts have also fallen prey to petty political bickering, most notoriously in 2004, when the institute was shaken by the vandalism committed by the pro-Maratha Sambhaji Brigade, protesting against American scholar’s James Laine’s book on King Shivaji. Several manuscripts were destroyed while Dr. Bahulkar was manhandled by Brigade activists for allegedly explaining the meaning of Sanskrit references to Prof. Laine.

The move to build a metadata has always been mired in financial stress, and while baby steps were taken since 2011, the digitization process gained momentum only recently after the Centre approved of a revised budget outlay for the same.

In 2003, the National Mission for Manuscripts (NAMAMI) had selected BORI as one of the 32 manuscripts’ resource and conservation centres across the country.

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Potsherds found at Mukkullu village in Krishna district.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...-peek-into-its-hoary-past/article17974793.ece

April 13, 2017 07:52 IST
Updated: April 13, 2017 08:37 IST

Epigraphist excited over discovery of potsherds, polished ware
MUKKOLLU (KRISHNA): Black and red ware, northern black polished ware potsherds discovered in a trench dug recently point to the glorious past of Mukkollu village near Machilipatnam.

As many as four black and red ware potsherds and six northern black polished ware were found in the trench dug on a mound abutting the Janardhanaswami temple. “The potsherds are arguably hard evidence of Mukkolu village’s existence in the 2nd BC period,” epigraphist B. Ramesh Chandra told The Hindu. Mr. Ramesh Chandra, accompanied by locals, including K. Subrahmanyam, dug the three-foot-deep-trench in March, expecting Buddhist remains. However, to the team’s surprise, a brick measuring of 16 x 11 x 3 inches was also found in the village.

Megalithic burial sites

Black and red ware potsherds were earlier found in several Buddhist sites in Andhra Pradesh such as Kalingapatnam, Dantapuri, Guntupalli, Ghantasala, and Amaravati. “The black and red ware is normally found in megalithic burial sites,” opined Mr. Ramesh Chandra.


“Northern black polished ware was introduced during the Mauryan period. It was found during excavations at the Dantapuri site in Srikakulam district,” said Mr. Ramesh Chandra.

Earlier, locals found many Buddhist remains in the village and many Buddhist and Jain sculptures could be found on the Visweswara temple here.

“Excavation at Mukkollu will help unearth many Buddhist remains, given various sources of evidences found in the village in recent years,” said Mr. Ramesh Chandra. Further excavations are being planned to explore the village’s history.

 

[Hindustani78]

The temple was constructed by Vishnuvardhana of Hoysala dynasty and is a monument recognised by the ASI.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...f-hoysala-style-turns-900/article18082325.ece

The Channakeshava temple in Belur — a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture — turned 900 this year. While the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is yet to come up with plans to make it a memorable occasion, the Muzrai Department and Hassan district administration have planned a series of programmes.

A nine-day event, construction of a memorial and setting up of a school for sculpture are in the offing. Religious programmes to mark the 900th anniversary of the idol installation were held on Sunday, attracting hundreds of people.

Recognised by ASI

The temple, constructed by Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty, is a monument recognised by the ASI. It attracts thousands of tourists from different parts of the country and abroad. Considered to be the first temple of Hoysala style, it was built between 1106 and 1117, according to Srivatsa Vati, a historian and an expert in Hoysala architecture.

• The temple was built between 1106 and 1117.
• It was commissioned by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana.
• The temple is regarded a marvel of architecture in typical Hoysala style.
• It commemorates the king’s victory in 1104.
• Belur, along with Halebid, is proposed as a UNESCO heritage site.
• Belur is 40 kilometres from Hassan city.

“Soon after winning a war in 1104, Vishnuvardhana took up the construction of the temple, and according to an inscription, the temple was ready by March 1117,” he said.

It was Mr. Vati, who wrote to various departments, including the ASI, reminding them about the temple’s 900th anniversary and stressed need to commemorate the occasion. The Muzrai Department and Hassan district administration responded positively. “The temple management committee held a meeting and invited me to make suggestions. Several programmes are being discussed,” he said. However, he is disappointed because there has been no response from the ASI to his letter.

A. Manju, Minister of State for Sericulture and Animal Husbandry, who is also in charge of Hassan, held a meeting to discuss the programmes. As per the suggestions, religious programmes were held on Sunday, under the leadership of priests of the temple. Mr. Vati has suggested a nine-day event, including seminars, a sculpture workshop, competitions for college students, and a State-level Bharatanatyam competition, to mark the occasion.

Ravish Belur, a member of the temple management committee, told The Hindu, “There are suggestions to hold a nine-day event. Mr. Manju is willing to set up an institute to teach the art of sculpture in Belur to mark the occasion. The committee wants to build a structure to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the monument. The programmes will be finalised after a meeting with the district administration.”

Around 3,000 inhabitants, who live inside 853 year old fort, fear that the seepage of sewerage water might turn out to be a disaster resulting in damage to lives and properties. Photos clicked by Tabeenah Anjum

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/606964/12th-century-jaisalmer-fort-might.html


Twelfth century Jaisalmer Fort, the only living fort in the world and a Unesco world heritage site monument is in a dilapidated state. The fort is losing its glory mainly due to the leakage of water and might also lose UNESCO World Heritage tag.

Around 3,000 inhabitants, who live inside 853 year old fort, fear that the seepage of sewerage water might turn out to be a disaster resulting in damage to lives and properties. The sewerage line which is affecting maximum houses in the fort due to which the walls of the fort are becoming hollow has become a worry for its residents. Subhash Paliwal, a 53 year old resident said, "We are facing the seepage problem from last so many issues. The drainage system is not proper here. New sewerage line was laid but water is leakage is still taking place. There is continuous leakage in many houses due to which walls of the fort now quite hollow."

The Earlier Collapse:

What has increased the worry of residents is the incident that took place in August 2016 where a huge portion of the wall of the fort caved in. Three residential structures on the ramparts of the fort also suffered damage in the wall collapse. The reason was said to be the water leakage post rainy season making the foundation of the fort loose. The fort is being restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) but from last one month no work has been taken place. "They should restore the work as soon as possible and also make other part of the fort strong", Paliwal added.

After the collapse took place, International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) visited the site and sent their report to UNESCO.

A special committee of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) led by ASI superintendent P S Raman in his investigation has mentioned that wall collapsed due to weakening of structure due to seepage in the hill. Jaisalmer Fort may soon slip in the danger list and apprehensions are made that UNESCO might disown it. Shikha Jain, director, DRONAH and coordinator of ICOMOS India said, "After the wall collapse incident UNESCO is monitoring it closely. We have sent two reports and this this world heritage site may soon slip into the danger list."


Tourists Disappointed:

Even the tourists who revisit the fort after reading 'Sonar Quilla', a 1971 mystery novel by Bengali writer and filmmaker Satyajit Ray, face an utter disappointed after seeing the majestic fort in a bad shape. Suzi Nichole, 43 year old tourist from Sweden shared with DH, "I am a filmmaker and write poetry, before coming here i googled about the fort and found excerpts of famous book 'Sonar Quilla' in English. But when reached here i could see the decline of this fort. The lanes smell badly and the colour of the stone that should be 'Golden' has become dull."

 

[maximuswarrior]

25% mosques in a country with 12% muslims

First you tried to ban cow slaughter. After that you tried to ban Azan. Now trying to ban mosques. Way to go India.

 

[Hindustani78]

First you tried to ban cow slaughter. After that you tried to ban Azan. Now trying to ban mosques. Way to go India.

Here its more about increasing the livestock. well today is a mourning day for all the patriot Indians as today is martydom of one of the greatest warrior of Indian nation. Tatya Tope of 1857 war and those warriors of Marathas and Awadhis fought together against invaders.

 

[haviZsultan]

Here its more about increasing the livestock. well today is a mourning day for all the patriot Indians as today is martydom of one of the greatest warrior of Indian nation. Tatya Tope of 1857 war and those warriors of Marathas and Awadhis fought together against invaders.

Awadh was an independent kingdom then? Will you give us independence now like we were in the past so that hindu muslim tensions subside and we work against common enemies (western arrogance and nose poking). Awadhis had special rights during the rule of Awadhite Muslim kings. There is a vast segment of population that eagerly wants to join Pakistan or seeks independence that has been oppressed by India. Conditions today are far different from what they were during anti british revolts and wars. The west has been replaced by India as an oppressor. One gone and replaced by another.

 

[Hindustani78]

A sculpture of Mahavira found near Kaveripakkam. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...a-idol-found-near-vellore/article18344460.ece
It was found while removing seema karuvelam trees
A stone sculpture of Mahavira dating back to the 10th century was found on an agricultural land at Thuraiperumbakkam near Kaveripakkam on Saturday.

Officials said that the sculpture was found on the land when an earthmover was removing “seemai karuvelam” trees. Revenue officials were informed and the sculpture was taken to the taluk office at Nemili.

K. Saravanan, curator of Government Museum, Vellore, was informed. Based on the photographs of the sculpture, he said it was the sculpture of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. “Usually, such sculptures belong to the Chola period that is the 10th century. This is at least 1,000 years old. I am told that this sculpture is about three-foot high,” he said.

As per the Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878, the officials of the Department of Museum would take a look at the sculpture and take steps to bring it to the Government Museum, Vellore.

“Already, the Vellore museum has sculptures of nine Jain Tirthankaras that were found in various parts of Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts. If this latest sculpture is brought to the museum, it will be the 10th one,” he said.

 

[Hindustani78]

Cabinet
17-May, 2017 16:20 IST
Cabinet approves Amendment of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the introduction of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the Parliament.

To make way for certain constructions limited strictly to public works and projects essential to public within the prohibited area, the following amendments have been approved:

i) Insertion of a new definition of “public works” in section 2 of the Act.

ii) Amendment to section 20A of the Act so as to allow any Department or Office of the Central Government to carry out public works in the prohibited area after obtaining permission from the Central Government.

iii) Insertion of a new clause (ea) to section 20-I of the principal Act

Background:

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Remains Act, 1958 (as amended in the year 2010) prohibits grant of any permission for new construction within the prohibited area of a centrally protected monument/ site.

Prohibition of new construction within prohibited area is adversely impacting various public works and developmental projects of the Central Government.

The amendment will pave way for certain constructions limited strictly to public works and projects essential to public within the prohibited area and benefit the public at large.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-found-in-malavalli-taluk/article18476303.ece

A total of 435 ancient coins were found during excavation works under way for the construction of a house in Banasamudra of Malavalli taluk in the district on Wednesday.

Lakshmamma, a farmer who is constructing the house, found an earthen-pot filled with the coins while digging up the foundation.

Ms. Lakshmamma and the construction workers broke open the pot and found the coins, that are believe to be at least a few centuries old, sources at the Halagur police station have said. According to the sources, Ms. Lakshmamma later handed over the pot to the Halagur police.

The police collected the coins and informed the officials of the Revenue Department. They also instructed Ms. Lakshmamma to stop the construction work.

Experts from the Archaeological Survey of India will conduct a comprehensive study to ascertain the oldness and exact period, value, and other details of the coins, Revenue Department sources said. “We are investigating the case,” K.T. Mathew Thomas, Dy.SP, Malavalli sub-division, told The Hindu.