Owned by the Jewish Koder family, it was constructed in 1808. Sabatai Samuel Koder was the last in the family to own the place, and Vicky Raj, is the current owner.

In 2005, Vicky turned it into a boutique hotel with six plush suites, two on each floor. Each suite is differently designed, and four of them have balconies overlooking the Chinese fishing nets on the beach. The 800-sq.ft suites are luxurious, with wooden floors, antique furniture and huge modern bathrooms. In fact, the bathrooms are the only additions to the building.

Thankfully, Vicky has left the splendour of the Indo-European architecture untouched — teak floors, wide teak staircases, and huge open spaces on all three floors.

The photographs on the ground floor are a record of the building's history.

The vast living rooms on each floor are a pleasure to be in. This is where ambassadors and the royalty once congregated, for Samuel Koder was the honorary consul to the Netherlands, and he also began the Freemasons' organisation in Cochin. An interesting aspect of the building is a small wooden bridge with iron railings, on the first floor. It connected this building to the next, which was the office of the Koders, then. However, today, as the buildings have different owners, the bridge leads to the other building's wall. Under the bridge is Rose Street, and standing on the bridge watching the goings-on in the neighbourhood is an experience to cherish. In keeping with history, Jewish food is served at the multi-cuisine restaurant, Menorah. You also get Kerala food (fresh fish from the Chinese nets!) and Continental.

How to get there-It is 40 km from the Nedumbassery International airport, and 14 km from the Ernakulam railway station.

What to do-Visit historically significant places such as the Vasco da Gama Church, the Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and the Heritage Walkway.

Watch the Chinese nets in action. You can even help fishermen pull the nets up!

Shop for curios and knick-knacks on Jew Street.

Tariff-Season (October 1 to March 31, 2011) — Deluxe Suite: Rs. 14,950; Junior Suite: Rs. 11,960

Off season (April 1 to September 31) — Deluxe Suite: Rs. 5,750; Junior Suite: Rs. 5,000

Peak Season (December 20 to January 15) — Deluxe Suite: Rs. 17,940; Junior Suite: Rs. 14,976

Held on the lines of the cabinet meeting of the Nepalese government at the Mount Everest base camp last December to highlight the effects of global warming on the Himalayas, this hill state’s cabinet meeting was held to champion the cause for saving the Ganga from pollution. A six-point resolution was passed with focus on cleaning the holy river, which has religious and mythological significance for Indians. The resolution will be forwarded to the Centre with the demand of according world heritage status to the Ganga.

A Ganga Conservation Authority, which will be an autonomous body, will be formed. Its focus will be cleaning Ganga, maintaining its sanctity, flow and religious-mythological significance.

It was quite a different experience for the 13-member Council of Ministers to first take a bath in the Ganga and then sat on the ghat for the meeting, far from the well-furnished air-conditioned secretariat rooms.

A five-year limit has been set to monitor the cleaning of the Ganga from its origin in the Gangotri glacier till Haridwar under the project, “Ganga Nirmal Yojana”.

“We held this meeting on the Ganga ghat to give the message of our government’s seriousness over making the holy river pollution-free. Besides, with the Kumbh just concluding a day earlier, we though what better occasion would it be than to convey the message of Ganga cleaning and take substantial steps towards it by holding a meeting on the Ganga ghat,” said Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank while talking to The Tribune. He said the drive to stop discharge of effluents into the river would be stepped up.

Apart from cabinet’s decision on the Ganga, the formation of a separate Kumbh authority was also taken with the aim of making the Maha Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh preparations more structured and round-the-year exercise, lessening the pressure on the mela administration, which is normally formed a year before the commencement of these twin mega fairs every 12 and six years respectively. The decision also envisages bringing the Kanwar mela and other yearly festive baths held in Haridwar under the Kumbh authority so that all religious events in the Kumbh city get well organized and coordinated and pressure on the district administration is lessened.

“Money is not an issue. Big donors are coming forward to support the cause. But, we don't have enough skilled artisans who can perform the task,” says P.R. Shampath, Commissioner of HR&CE.

The State government has prepared a list of 50 temples where murals are in dire need of restoration and preservation. It has also constituted a high-level committee, headed by HR&CE Minister K.R. Periyakaruppan. On April 22, the committee discussed the ways and means of renovation of ancient temples without damaging the murals.

“It's not the question of repainting the murals. The task is renovation and preservation. An ordinary painter cannot do the job,” he said, explaining that there were two well-known organisations working in the field of protecting and conserving cultural heritage.

But the Regional Conservation Laboratory (RCL) in Mysore and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) had their hands full. It was RCL that restored murals at the Meenakshi Amman temple.

On whether the government could take the help of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Mr. Shampath said his department had already approached them. The ASI also has limited manpower. As a way out, the HR&CE Department is planning to come out with an announcement in newspapers inviting organisations and individuals who have hands-on experience in the preservation of murals. “We will select suitable organisations and persons in consultation with the RCL and INTACH,” the Commissioner said.

Some of the temples that would benefit are Thiyagarajaswamy Temple, Tiruvarur, Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai, Devarajaswami Temple in Kancheepuram, Veerattaneswarar Temple, Tiruvathigai, Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Athmanathaswamy Temple at Avudaiyarkoil, Ramaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam, Srivilliputhur Temple, Kuttralanathaswamy Temple, Kuttralam, Naarumpoonathaswamy Temple, Thirupudaimaruthur and Thanumalayanswamy Temple, Suchindram.
 

2 May 2010, Hindu

With over 3,600 monuments in the country, including 174 just in Delhi, the process is expected to take up to three years time. The monuments will be categorized as historical, archaeological and architectural value and other such values considered relevant. According to senior officials, the recently notified Bill will also allow for specifying more than 100m around a monument as prohibited and more than 200m as regulated. ‘‘Right now, we are busy with matters related to the end of the financial year. Once that is over, we are expecting to start the survey soon. It will be a very timeconsuming task as we will also have to map each and every existing construction within 300m of monuments,’’ said an official. The expected expenses for the survey and detailed site plan of every monument is expected to be up to Rs 300 crore, and will be borne by the Consolidated Fund of India. ASI will also have to identify all constructions made in prohibited areas (100m) of protected monuments made after June, 1992, when the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act was enforced. A report of the same will also be submitted to the Central government.

ASI officials said that heritage bylaws would be prepared for each and every protected monument with the consultation of a body like INTACH, which has been involved with heritage conservation and upkeep for years. ‘‘These bylaws will contain information relating to heritage control such as elevations, facades, drainage system, roads and service infrastructure. After the bylaws are laid before the Parliament, they will also be made available to the public,’’ said officials. Preparation of heritage bylaws, however, is expected to take years.

However, until the heritage bylaws are notified, no permission for repair or renovation or construction or reconstruction will be considered, except in cases approved by the proposed National Monuments Authority. This has left several agencies in the capital a worried lot. With the new Bill virtualy banning construction work around a minimum of 100m across 173 heritage buildings, agencies are worried it would come in the way of essential projects and development work. An official from NR pointed out they might not get permission, even if there is a derailment near Hazrat Nizmuddin railway station. The site comes within 100m of Nila Gumbad monument and 300m of Humayun’s Tomb.

‘‘Now we will have to go through a long process of applying for permission for even minor repairs,’’ complained an official.
 

2 May 2010, Times City, Times of India

The sharpened wooden pegs, ranging from 15 cm to 20 cm in length, were found at a depth of four metres, said P.J. Cherian, head of the Pattanam excavations that are conducted by the Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR).

“This was a surprise find as the excavation has almost reached the natural layer that is where no human interventions are identifiable.”

To determine the age of the pegs, the samples will be sent to science laboratories, including to that of Oxford University, for radiocarbon dating.

On Friday, Kerala Forest Research Institute scientists examined the wood samples and botanical sediments.

He said two excavation trenches produced evidence of formation of peat, a spongy layer of botanical remains deposited over a long period time. The peat formation could date back to about 25 centuries, he said.

Dig attracts attention
The excavations in Pattanam, located at Vadakkekara panchayat in Ernakulam district, have attracted historians, and archaeologists, and research institutions are collaborating with the KCHR in its digs.
 

2 May 2010, Hindu

India has 60 per cent of its tigers living in wild forests. Officially there are 1,411 tigers living in wild in India, experts though believe the number to be as few as 1000. In the neighbouring China, tigers are bred in captivity and India has a reason to believe that this has increased the demand for wild tiger parts since their body parts are preferred to that of farm-bred big cats. In fact India wants China to “disband” such farms since it will always be far more profitable to poach a tiger in the wild than to raise it on a farm.

However, in its report on conservation and protection of tigers in reserves the committee notes that unlike China, the US, France and Russia, where tigers are bred in captivity, there is no such captive breeding of tigers in the country. In the light of fast dwindling numbers of big cats in the country, it wants the NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) to explore the possibility.

“Notwithstanding the differences in the characteristics of the tigers that are bred in captivity and that are born in the wild, the committee is of the considered view that in light of the fast dwindling tiger population in reserves, the NTCA may explore launching a National Tiger Breeding Programme and introduce these in designated habitats,” the committee headed by BJP leader Gopinath Munde has recommended.

While underscoring the need to protect tigers in the wild, members had asked the MoEF whether tigers could be bred in captivity and reintroduced in the wild. In response, the MoEF secretary said there was a qualitative difference between a tiger in the wild and the entire character of the tiger.

The problem is a captive tiger is not able to predate because he is taught by the mother and that can happen only in the wild. “Tigers bred in captivity cannot be reintroduced in the wild for the want of the innate predatory/stalking habits in such animals, leading to their elimination on account of man-tiger conflicts,” the ministry felt. So, will tiger farming increase tiger population in the wild - the answer as according to the WWF is a big “No”. WWF says: “Captive breeding of tiger or tiger farming does not help to increase tiger population in the wild. If this was true then those countries indulging in tiger farming would boast a healthy population of tigers in the wild and this hasn’t happened so far.”
 

3 May 2010, Tribune

The decision was taken at a high level-meeting held recently where the state government unfolded plans to develop the spot near Purushottampur, officials said.

While Tara Tarini Development Board (TTDB) has renovated the old hill-top temple, several other peripheral development works, including the approach roads, round-the-clock water supply, community toilets and a 'pantha nivas' were constructed by various departments of the government.
Situated on the banks of river Rushikulya, about 30 km from here, the place is visited by thousands of people every year, particularly on all Tuesdays of the Hindu month of Chaitra.

State tourism department is likely to spend around Rs 71 lakh in the first phase, while the state Rural Development and Law Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh has promised steps for construction of guard-walls to protect the shrine, general secretary of TTDB Pramod Kumar Panda said.

The law minister has also promised to restore over 200 acres of the temple, which was now in the possession of locals, he added. Since the infrastructure facilities are now being developed, tourists from far off places of the state as well as outsiders visited the state every day, district tourist officer S K Patnaik said.

The old temple is now replaced with a new one and the twin idols are ready to be installed at the shrine. Around Rs 2.10 crore was spent for the construction of the new temple, Panda said.

Besides, about Rs 6 crore was spent for peripheral development, while a ropeway was constructed by a private company.
 

3 May 2010, Tribune

Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is finally getting its riverbed greening and redevelopment project off the ground. Sources in DDA say tenders are out and work is expected to start within a few months, starting with the stretch from ISBT to ITO on the western bank.

Said a senior DDA official, ‘‘The concept plan is ready and work tenders have already been floated. We will start work on the first stretch as soon as the tenders are through.’’ The concept plan, which was approved by the LG recently, will see development of both banks of the river, comprising 48km of land from Palla to Jaitpur in the south. According to DDA officials, the work is a priority as LG, Tejinder Khanna, is keen on the project. ‘‘We have been asked to ensure that development starts off immediately as the LG wants the project to be completed in five years,’’ said the official. The funding is coming from DDA. Sources in the land agency added that the plan would have taken off earlier but PWD was constructing the connecting road behind Nigambodh Ghat for the Commonwealth Games, which delayed DDA’s plans.

The first stretch is to be from ISBT to ITO, where Kudesia Ghat — which earlier had encroachments — has been cleared. This stretch will see not only greening activity, with DDA planning to set up a flower garden and a nursery, but there will also be a parking spot and a playground. The ghats will be upgraded and wetlands like lakes will be created along the bank as a counterpoint to the riverfront walk. Major greening activity will also be taken up behind the old Railway bridge till the ITO. The next stretch will be from ITO to Okhla, added the official.

DDA’s concept plan for the riverbed divides the stretch into three zones — core, buffer and transitional. While the core zone will have the biodiversity parks which would be accessible to the public only for educational purposes, the buffer zone will be seen as a ‘‘lower’’ biodiversity rich layer where interaction between the people and nature would be less controlled than in the core zone.

It is however, the transitional zone which would be of most interest to the general public. This zone will have the recreational options in the form of playgrounds, nursery and theme parks, say DDA sources. Connecting all three zones will be a riverfront ‘‘walk’’ that will be along the lines of a riverside promenade. Said the senior official, ‘‘The walk will have seating as well as a driveway and kiosks. It will be like a promenade, much like the one beside the Thames in London.’’ The land agency also plans to develop pockets where organic farming on a limited scale would be allowed to be taken up, especially on the eastern bank.

Yamuna Riverfront Development

	DDA plans to develop green zones on both riverbanks with the area divided into a core, transitional and buffer zones
	Core zone will have two biodiversity parks with pockets of undisturbed land open to the public only in an educational capacity
	Transitional zone will have recreational facilities with playgrounds, theme parks and open spaces available
	Buffer zone will fall between core and transitional zones
	A riverfront walk, complete with kiosks, green stretches and seating for public will run through the three zones
	Development is to start on ISBT-ITO stretch on the western bank within a month. Ghats will be upgraded, greenery will be developed along with a parking spot and wetland-like lakes will be built. Deadline for the entire project is five years

3 May 2010, Times City, Times of India

In a letter written by the ASI, the body has assured the High Court that all measures will be taken to bring the ancient monument, which also finds mention in the ASI’s list, out of its current state.

The matter had reached the High Court when the judges had taken suo motu cognizance of the pitiable state of the Sheesh Mahal complex, an example of fine Moghul architecture.

The High Court had, in 2005, expressed anguish over the poor maintenance of the complex. It had taken into account the fact that the area that was formerly a garden had been replaced by a simple park and was now being used by the local population primarily for recreational activities. Remnants of colourful floral paintings and a fountain tank were also not being preserved properly, it had noted.
The matter was converted into a PIL and the ASI was called upon to explain.

During the hearing, the ASI counsel claimed the land on which the monument was situated and the adjoining land was not completely under their control, which was needed to maintain the monument. The land belonged to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Public Works Department (PWD).

Five years after the petition was filed, the DDA informed a Division Bench of acting Chief Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Mukta Gupta last week that the Sheesh Mahal complex at Shalimar Bagh and the land adjacent to it had been handed over to the ASI after completing all formalities.

The ASI’s security officer confirmed the development and promised the court that the monuments would be taken better care of in the future. The officer also submitted in the court a letter written by senior ASI officials pledging before the court that the monument would be sufficiently preserved and protected.

“The ASI security officer assures us that the monument and its surrounding area will be maintained properly by the ASI and that they will abide by the letter, which is taken on record. Under these circumstances, no further orders are required,” the court noted while disposing of the petition.

Sheesh Mahal was built by emperor Shahjahan in 1653. He had previously constructed a similar garden known as Shalimar Gardens in Lahore. The garden, once known as “Aizzabad-Bagh”, was also the site of Aurangzeb’s coronation in 1658.

Shahjahan used Sheesh Mahal as a halting place on his trips to Kashmir, Punjab or Lahore. The garden was laid out in typical Mughal style, with a very good water supply and drainage system. The palace was decorated with colorful floral paintings, some of which can be found even today on the outer walls of the room adjacent to the fountain tank.
 

3 May 2010, Indian Express

Besides the Red Fort, the ASI has guesthouses at Purana Quila, Safdarjung’s Tomb and even in Fatehpur Sikri — to name a few.

The accommodations are meant for the officials of the ASI, Ministry of Culture and special guests. Mostly located in heritage buildings — these quarters have undergone a makeover, with fancy tilework, granite flooring, wooden interiors and air-conditioners.

The development comes at a time when a strict vigil is being planned on renovation and construction at historic sites. An amendment in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act 2010 calls for the constitution of a watchdog body — the National Monuments Authority — for this purpose. The amendment states: “No permission including carrying out any public work or project essential to the public or other constructions, shall be granted in any prohibited area on or after the date on which the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Bill 2010 receives the assent of the President.”

When the Army was made to march out of the Red Fort in December 2003, political circles discussed the relocation of ASI officials as well, but nothing came of it.

The guesthouses at the Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri are colonial buildings which were eventually converted. Those in Purana Quila and Safdarjung’s Tomb came up after Independence just to accommodate officials.

Though senior ASI officials are entitled to government housing, the Delhi Circle superintending archaeologist and conservation assistant have been living at the Red Fort for over a year. The DG, who joined office in the last week of December, has lived there since then. Around four to five families of ASI officials live in the Red Fort, said sources in the ASI.

As for the offices in the heritage monuments (see box), conservationists say officials of heritage bodies across the world do have such offices, but these are temporary arrangements. And even then, certain specifications are strictly followed.

AGK Menon, the Town Planner and Convenor, Delhi Chapter, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), said: “Syria’s Alleppo Fort, where excavation is underway by a German team, has the team leader living in it. But this is a temporary arrangement.”

Gurmeet Rai, conservationist and Director, Cultural Resource Conservation Initiative, said: “The spirit of the monument and its historic value should never be compromised when changes are made to it. Monuments should be put to adaptive reuse, officials should not abuse it.”

Even the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for the Red Fort passed by the UNESCO says while the colonial structures can be used by officials, the Mughal buildings should be left untouched.

But the Naubat Khana, which houses the site manager’s office, has been redone with wooden furnishing, electricity connections with air-conditioner fittings and tilework in the toilet.

Next to the Hamam is a room which houses a huge transformer and Rai said this could pose a huge threat to the building in case of oil leakage or a short-circuit.

ASI defensive
The ASI officials maintain that around 300 structures in the Red Fort will be demolished over the next month. But those that have offices or guesthouses are heritage buildings, so there is no question of doing away with them. The officials claim that offices within the heritage precincts help them operate better. “We begin inspection during morning walks every day. It is essential to have offices within the monuments as this helps in overseeing their maintenance,” said a senior ASI official.

ASI Offices at Monuments
Call it a lack of space elsewhere or an operational requirement — as the ASI officials claim — the body operates from a significant number of offices within heritage precincts.

Red Fort: In addition to the guesthouse, has the offices of the Institute of Archaeology, CA’s office and the site manager’s office.

Purana Quila: Offices of excavation branch, horticulture branch, Central Antiquity Collection’s office and the conservation assistant’s office.
 

4 May 2010, Indian Express

Listing physiological and physical stress factors affecting the green sprawl in the area, the study reveals that trees are in direct conflict with pedestrians and vehicles for ‘breathing’ space. Underground utilities such as pipes and cables also intrude into the space of trees, impacting their overall health.

The study cites the example of India Gate lawns where a heavy flow of tourists, frequent public functions and use of tents on a regular basis has resulted in excessive soil compaction and thus stress. Of the 2558 trees surveyed around the Central Vista, 793 were found to be healthy while 770 were diseased. At least 566 suffered from physical injury, 322 were deformed and 107 were either dead or decayed, the survey states.

Though the study asserts that the cause of stress observed in the trees could be due to age as most trees were planted between 1912 and 1930, it goes on to add that various man-made and natural factors also trigger stress. Injuries caused to the base of the tree due to construction of roads, concretization of areas around trees and waterlogging lead to trauma and even kill the roots.

Nailing, debarking, writing names on trees, fixing electric wires and cables and excessive exposure to incandescent lights at night are also adding to the stress of these old trees, the study points. Pollution too seems to be playing big role in the aging of these trees. Plants were found to be exhibiting symptoms resulting from pollution on foliage such as hardening of main veins of the leaves. Irrigation water supplied from polluted Yamuna is also a cause for concern. ‘‘It’s not fit for irrigation. The water quality needs to be tested before it’s used for irrigation,’’ the study states.

Under the entire study, 6288 trees were surveyed over more than 40 stretches, including Akbar Road, Ashok Road, Shahjahan Road, Janpath, Shanti Path, Bara Khamba Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Tilak Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Talkatora Road, Sansad Marg, Raisina Road and Pandara Road among others.

Of 6288 trees surveyed, 5507 were found to be healthy, 436 fell in the dead or decayed category, 221 were diseased, 86 deformed, 145 suffered from physical injury and 196 have been recommended for removal.

The study identified amaltas, bakain, banyan, gulmohar, imli, jacaranda, jamun, mulberry, neem, and peepul as the main species planted on these roads. The study brackets most of these trees under the category of old — above 50 years of age.

“Most of them are standing since the time of Imperial Delhi’s establishment. However, age seems to be catching up with these trees. The New Delhi Municipal Council, which constituted the study, plans to maintain or replace the deformed and decaying trees by planting new seedlings of various species but due to heavy biotic and abiotic factors most of the tree are showing symptoms of physical and physiological stress, disease and decay,” the study states.

The study lists a series of recommendations to improve the health of the plants. Interplanting of saplings in the gaps between the old trees — to be replaced — has been suggested to preserve the aesthetic appeal of the stretch and minimise the impact of largescale tree removal. The other suggestion stresses phased removal. The study also recommends criteria for categorising trees that need to be removed taking into account the urgency levels.

Taking Stock Of City’s Green Lungs
As part of the study, around 6,288 trees were surveyed on more than 40 stretches in Lutyens’ Delhi and other parts of central Delhi

The study found that amaltas, bakain, banyan, gulmohar, imli, jacaranda, jamun, mulberry, neem and peepul dominate city roads

Most trees showed symptoms of physical and physiological stress, disease and decay

Of 6,288 trees, 5,507 were healthy, 436 fell in the dead or decayed category, 221 were diseased, 86 deformed, 145 had physical injury and 196 needed to to be removed

Trees of Central Vista
There are around 1378 trees on Rajpath & C-Hexagon lawns, Jamun being the dominant species.

Most trees date back to the period when Lutyens’ Delhi was taking shape. Some are nearly 100 years old. Age seems to be catching up with these trees now. Most show symptoms of physical and physiological stress, disease and decay

Of the 2558 trees surveyed, 793 were healthy, 770 fell in diseased category, 566 suffered from physical injury, 322 were deformed and 107 were dead or decayed
 

4 May 2010, Times City, Times of India

In March, two-and-a-half months after the ASI had taken over the land — referred to as Bharatiyam Complex — to develop it prior to the Commonwealth Games, the High Court had ordered a stay on any further activity.

The stay order came after the Delhi State Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG), who earlier owned the land, moved the court against the Land and Development Office and others for demolishing its structures in the premises.

The Bench has now given the ASI liberty for “maintaining” the premises in accordance with the court’s earlier directives and law.

A senior ASI official said: “Yes, the court’s directive to lift the complete stay on any further activity has come as a major relief. We are however awaiting the final outcome of the case so that we are able to restore the Mughal complex and integrate it with the Humayun’s Tomb world heritage site by the Commonwealth Games.”

On January 7, the Ministry of Urban Development had handed over the plot to the ASI, ending a 12-year battle between the heritage body and the BSG. The transfer was meant to facilitate the conservation of the two Centrally-protected monuments on the premises and their integration with the Humayun’s Tomb.

The plot was de-sealed for the ASI to take over but before work could begin, the BSG reclaimed its office and filed a petition with the High Court.

The Bharatiyam Complex houses the Kunzru Stadium, Camp Office, VIP Room, Sports Complex, Bajpai Memorial Hall and the two Centrally-protected 17th Century monuments — Bada Batashewala Mahal and Chhota Batashewala Mahal.

After the event, however, the BSG rented out the modules to several organisations and institutes, including the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage. In 2001, the Parkland Club entered into a collaboration with the BSG to build a club on over 1.5 acres of land and operate it on a commercial basis. Over the last few years, the modules have been home to at least seven families of the BSG employees. A Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee had, however, sealed it for misuse of property a few years ago.
 

4 May 2010, Indian Express

A 25-acre plot near Pari Chowk in Greater Noida was acquired by the ASI in 1996-97 to develop an international campus for the Institute of Archaeology and the Central Antiquity Collection at a cost of Rs 39.5 crore. However, with work yet to start on the project, the Greater Noida authorities wrote to the ASI for repossession of land. At this , the then ASI Director General K N Shrivastav raised a boundary wall to show that work has started. An expression of interest was issued to select an architect and consultant around a year ago, but no name has been finalised yet.

In 2002-03, the ASI was allotted the ‘D Block’ of a proposed Central government office complex in INA. It was planned that the Delhi Circle office, Building Survey Department, Science Branch and some other offices would be shifted there. The project was estimated at Rs 29 crore, but not a brick has been put in place since.

The Delhi Circle office, earlier accommodated at the Red Fort, was shifted out last year to Safdarjung’s Tomb. The Horticultural Branch, Science Branch and other such offices have all been accommodated at the Old Fort. ASI officials said the offices run from an old school building constructed soon after Independence for refugees from Pakistan who were living inside the Old Fort.

On the other hand, top officials at the ASI headquarters are waiting for a more spacious office at 24 Tilak Marg — the erstwhile Belgian Embassy was taken over by the ASI in 1985 and converted into a campus for the Institute of Archaeology. Since the institute shifted to Red Fort, the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities has been operating from the address. For over five years, the ASI has been thinking of shifting its headquarters from 1 Janpath. Sources said the file is with the Delhi Urban Art Commission for approval over the last six months.

The ASI has pushed its own offices inside monuments at a time when its new conservation rules stipulate that “no permission, including carrying out any public work or project essential to the public or other constructions, shall be granted in any prohibited area...”

Living in history
The Institute of Archaeology, which was accommodated for a few years at 24 Tilak Marg and then at the ASI’s 1 Janpath headquarters, has shifted to a Raj era building within the Red Fort.

The Central Antiquity collection operates out of the Old Fort.

ASI’s Delhi Circle office, earlier accommodated within the Red Fort, was shifted out early last year to Safdarjung’s Tomb.

The Horticultural Branch, Science Branch and other such offices have all been accommodated at the Old Fort.
 

5 May 2010, Indian Express

The discovery is significant because this is the first time that the Indus script has been found engraved on a natural stone in the Indus Valley. The Indus script has so far been found on seals made of steatite, terracotta tablets, ceramics and so on. Dholavira also enjoys the distinction of yielding a spectacularly large Indus script with 10 big signs on wood. This inscription was three-metre long.

Both the discoveries were made by a team led by R.S. Bisht, who retired as Joint Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India in 2004. While the stone inscription was discovered in 1999, the script with 10 large signs was found in 1991.

“The inscription on stone is unique because it is the first of its kind [in the Indus civilisation area]. It is the first inscription on a stone slab. But only part of it was found,” said Dr. Bisht, who led 14 field excavation seasons at Dholavira from 1989 to 2001. “It was a natural limy sandstone cut into shape and then engraved with an inscription,” he said.

The signs are seven cm tall and 6-10 cm wide.

The script has three large Indus signs, running from right to left, and there appears to be a fourth sign too. Dr. Bisht said: “The inscription must have run longer, but the stone was broken into pieces. The stone was used as ordinary building material for making an underground chamber in the bailey area of the citadel during stage five of the seven stages documenting the rise and fall of the Indus civilisation at Dholavira. It was placed in such a manner that it was facing us when we found it.”

He was sure that there must be more stone pieces with the Indus script there. He surmised that the stone with the script must have been used as a lintel of the doorway of the underground chamber so that people could notice it. The inscription could have stood for the name of the house, its owner or an incantation. “It is a closed book,” he said. (The Indus script has not been deciphered yet).

Michel Danino, independent researcher in the Harappan civilisation, called it “an unprecedented discovery because there is no stone inscription in the Indus civilisation.” Stone was a rare material on the Indus plains. “This is the first time we have come across a stone inscription, but it has not attracted the attention it deserves,” Mr. Danino said.

Dholavira in Kachch district is a major Indus site. It attracted wide attention in the 1990s for yielding what Dr. Bisht calls “a spectacularly large inscription made of 10 unusually big Indus signs” which were inlaid on a wooden board which had, however, decayed. The signs were made of thoroughly baked gypsum. It must have been sported right above the north gate of the castle, and “it must have been visible from afar with its white brilliance,” Dr. Bisht said.

Highly literate society
He argued that it was a highly literate Harappan society that must have existed at Dholavira because seals, tablets, pottery, bangles and even copper tools with Indus signs were found everywhere in the citadel, the middle town, the lower town and the annexe of the site.

Besides, the same seals, beads, pottery and ornaments were found everywhere as if the entire population had wealth. “It appears to have been an egalitarian society. On the basis of material culture, you cannot draw a distinction among the city's inhabitants,” he said.
 

6 May 2010, Hindu

The newly discovered species, located in the Eravikulam National Park, is restricted to less than three sq. km on the summit of Anamudi and deserves immediate conservation priority, scientists said in the latest edition of Current Science.

“Despite intensive searches in a suitable habitat close to the type locality, we were unable to locate this species in any other place,” said the team — comprising S.D. Biju of Delhi University and Franky Bossuyt of the Free University of Brussels — which has assigned the frog the name Raorchestes resplendens.

The other members of the team include Yogesh Shouche of the National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, Alain Dubois of the France-based Reptiles et Amphibians, and S. Dutta from North Orissa University.

“One of the most striking features of the frog is the presence of numerous macroglands, which is absent in all species of Philautus, Pseudophilatus and Raorchestes presently known and thus are derived characters,” the scientists said.

The first part of the generic name of this relative of the shrub frogs honours Professor C.R. Narayan Rao (1882-1960) for his contributions to the study of amphibians. Professor Rao taught zoology at Central College here.

The latter part of the name Raorchestes is based on the first-ever generic name coined for frogs — Orchestes.

The scientists found that the female buried eggs under the moss-covered forest floor, deep inside the base of bamboo clumps. Later, they observed the eggs hatching from what looked like glass bubbles in their lab.

The observations have also suggested that the female may mate with multiple males or breed more than once in a single season. “The short limbs have resulted in a more pronounced crawling behaviour in this species compared to its congeners,” the researchers added.

Dr. Bossuyt and Professor Biju previously discovered a purple frog with a bulbous body and pointy snout in the peaks of the Western Ghats. They analysed the amphibian's DNA and demonstrated that its closest living relatives were the so-called ‘Sooglossids frogs' of the Seychelles.

The species, dubbed Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis, diverged from the Sooglossids about 130 million years ago, prior to the break-up of India and the Seychelles around 65 million years ago.
 

6 May 2010, Hindu

This was stated in the counter affidavit filed by the ASI on the writ petition filed by G. Raghava Reddy. It may be recalled that the Bench comprising Justice B. Prakash Rao and Justice Reddy Kantha Rao admitted the writ petition, stayed all further activities pertaining to gold plating project and has been hearing arguments for the last three days. The ASI has said covering the walls with copper plates coated with gold may encourage formation of moss and lichen and produce acids which will cause irreparable damage. There may be no possibility of cleaning the surface. The long-term effect of all this will be assessed by Director (science), Dehra Dun.

“Non-secular activity”

Mr. P. Sri Raghu Ram, counsel for petitioner, wondered why the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) did not consult the Dharmic Parishad constituted under the provisions of the Endowments Act. He asserted that this was a non-secular activity and the TTD could not go ahead with the project unless the religious denomination accepted it. There must be wider consultation and consensus.
 

6 May 2010, Hindu

The theme of this year's championship was ‘World cinema' and the artists were required to give their vision of famous movies from famous directors with famous actors in their sand creations.

Mr. Pattnaik's ‘Raj Kapoor, The Icon of Indo-Russian Friendship' sculpture was highly acclaimed by visitors, who voted him for the top prize.

Artists from Iceland won the ‘Jury Choice' and ‘Sculptor Choice' prizes in the championship.

Artists from 11 countries, including India, the United States, Russia, UK, Italy and the Czech Republic, took part in the championship, which was held in Moscow for the second time.

Last year, Mr. Pattnaik won the Special Prize instituted by Moscow's Kolomenskoye State Heritage Museum for his sand replica of the Taj Mahal. He earlier won the Berlin world championship for his sand sculpture on spreading awareness about global warming.

Mr. Pattnaik sends messages to the public through his sculptures by creating awareness campaigns. He also runs a sand art school at the Puri Beach in Orissa.
 

7 May 2010, Hindu

The police received information that some persons were trying to dispose of an antique idol and were going to strike a deal with a prospective client at Kotla Mubarakpur on Sunday. Acting on the tip-off, a team led by Inspector V.N. Jha laid a trap and arrested two persons after the idol was purportedly found in their possession.

The accused were identified as Pradeep (27) and Bhuwan Chand Joshi (54), both residents of Haryana.

The Archaeological Survey of India experts studied the idol and confirmed that it was an antique piece made of ashtadhatu. The 19-inch idol weighing over 15.5 kg is about 600 years old. While it is valued at Rs.5 crore in the antique market, the police suspect that the idol could fetch double the price from international buyers.

The police have arrested the accused under various provisions of the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act. A car used by them was also impounded.

During interrogation, Pradeep purportedly disclosed that the idol had been lying in his house for the past several years and no one in his family knew that it was an antique piece.

Recently Bhuwan Chand visited Pradeep's residence and told him that the idol could be an antique piece and fetch a huge sum. Lured by the prospect, Pradeep agreed to dispose it of. Both of them had been looking for a client for the past fortnight. The police suspect the involvement of a gang based in Rajasthan.

Describing it as a rare idol, ASI Superintending Archaeologist K.K. Muhammed on Monday said he had seen such a synchronic form of Shiva and Vishnu for the first time.

The idol has a proper crown unlike the jata-makuta in Shivayat forms, an aspect of Vishnu idol. One hand of the idol holds a miniature form of trident and the other, which is perhaps broken, apparently held a poison plate, traits of a Shiva idol. While one hand is in Abhaya Mudra, the other is in Varada Mudra.

“There are idols of Harihara (combined deity form of both Vishnu and Shiva), but this particular idol is different,” said Mr. Muhammed, adding, “The idol will have to be presented before an expert panel for further study.”
 

11 May 2010, Hindu

Municipal Corporation of Delhi said they have begun the process of phasing tongas out. Some reports said tongas would not be allowed to ply from Tuesday but officials clarified that they would not enforce the ban till the tonga-wallas are rehabilitated as per plan.

Despite the old world charm associated with it, government and citizens alike believe that time had come to remove tongas from Delhi roads, already crowded with motor vehicles and presence of slow-moving tongas only added to the chaos.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi had decided last year to phase out the horse carts as it had become a liability rather than an attraction.

Close to 250 of them were still plying and tourists hired them to take a trip into the city’s historical past when kings and their courtiers rode on them.

The MCD has given tonga-wallas tehbazari licence which means they would now sell wares on Delhi streets. Those with more than one tonga licence have been promised financial assistance to buy a CNG-run auto.

All tonga-wallas are not happy as many of them were used to running tongas and liked it as well.

“I am almost 60 and the only thing I have done in my life is to run tongas. Now they want me to shout with hundreds of other street vendors to sell my wares. I don’t think I can do it,” Mohammad Hanif of Chandni Chowk said.

MCD officials say any new idea does face teething problems, but it will be a smooth changeover. They opine it was high time tongas were removed from Delhi roads and nobody should complain about it.
 

11 May 2010, The Tribune

Founding a city
His story is one of unscrupulous opportunism. While he was employed as the Mughal army commander of Mangalgarh in Bhopal, the army fell into disarray following Aurangzeb’s demise. Seizing the opportunity, the Afghans usurped Mangalgarh and Berasia.

The Gond Queen approached him for help. Her kingdom had been seized by her husband’s assasins and she wanted revenge. Dost Mohammad restored her kingdom by defeating her adversaries. For this, he received a princely sum and a village from the grateful queen. After her death, he usurped her kingdom back and established his capital at Jagdishpur. With Dost Mohammad came the Islamic influence on the culture and architecture of the place. Naming it Islam Nagar, he built a fort and palaces before moving his capital to Bhopal.

Inside Islam Nagar
Driving through a deserted road, we reached the outer gates of the once prosperous city. I set my eyes on the Chaman Mahal (Garden Palace). The Chaman Mahal is a picture of cool serenity in a charbagh. Amidst luxuriant gardens and fountains stands the red sandstone structure, with lovely columns and arches adorned with floral motifs. The spacious baradari and the unpretentious niches reminded me of Mughal palaces. A Sheesh Mahal near the doorway complemented the hammam. I also witnessed the double-storeyed Rani Mahal, which was built for the queens.

Although Dost Mohammad gave new dimensions to the palaces of the Gonds, a couple of old structures remain in their old form. On the verge of dilapidation, the Gond Palace stands at one side eclipsed by the beauty of the newer palaces.

With the hope that heritage is resurrected, I headed back with the ruins of history at the back of my mind.
 

12 May 2010, Hindustan Times

The yellow but crisp pages erroneously comprise more ‘songs’ than the contents list mentions, points out Uniyal, for this was printed in an age where the pagination could not be changed at the last minute. The first edition copy, published by Kartik Press in 20, Cornwallis Street, Calcutta in 1910 and priced at Re 1, found its way to Uniyal’s study around eight years ago from a publisher in Kolkata.

At a time when literary circles and the Bengali community are observing the Nobel Laureate’s 150th birth anniversary, Uniyal, 70, pays perhaps the best homage in what could arguably be the largest private collection of Tagore’s memorabilia. “The Geetanjali in Bangla barely sold then. In fact, the English translation did better and sales picked up after Tagore was awarded the Nobel,” says Uniyal.

The collector’s library, which houses well over 10,000 books collected over 50 years from across the globe, also flaunts the first edition copy of Geetanjali in English, printed in 1912 for the Indian Society by the Chiswick Press in London. “This is one of the 750 copies printed. Only 250 went for sale, the others were for Indian Society members,” explains Uniyal.

He also owns the Golden Book of Tagore, printed in 1931 as tribute to the poet on his 70 th birthday, copies of Harriet Monroe’s early 20 th century journal ‘Poetry’ that first published songs from the Geetanjali in 1913, an autographed copy of ‘Geetanjali and Fruit Gathering’ printed by Macmillan in 1919 and yet another autographed picture of the poet bought from a dealer in Wiltshire, all carefully preserved.

The collection is complete with handwritten notes by the Nobel Laureate. One of them, addressed to his ‘boys of Shantiniketan’, that came from the renowned British manuscript dealer John Wilson has Tagore writing in flowing cursive letters on an yellowed scrap of paper. “I dedicate this book to my boys of Shantiniketan who have freed the fantasies of youth that was hidden in the heart of this old poet and to Divendranath who is the guide of those boys in their festivals and treasurer of my songs,” it says. The other had come as ‘in gratia’ with the first edition copy of the Golden Book of Tagore printed in 1931.

Uniyal is keen to contribute for an exhibition of Tagore memorabilia as part of the anniversary celebrations.
 

12 May 2010, Indian Express

Himalayan River Runners (HRR India) is kicking off the Tons Summer Camp this Saturday and offers a week-long family experience that includes hikes, white water rafting, bird watching, trout fishing, rappelling, abseiling. “We’ve designed a package for the whole family that helps them bond,” says Ganeve Rajkotia, HRR India. The camps are at an altitude of 4500 feet and away from the usual Ganga river camps. The treks include the challenging Buran Pass, the Ruinsara and to the Kedar Kantha peak. HRR offers food and tented accommodation at the camp at an approximate cost of Rs 20,000.

Snow Leopard Adventures has introduced the Dandachali trail in the Garhwal Himalayas for teens. “This unexplored place is a few kilometers away from Ranichauri in Uttarakhand and offers a phenomenal view of the Himalayas,” says Parth Joshi, Snow Leopard Adventures. Wildrift Adventures has a more intensive camp known as the Shaama Himalayan Village Camp. “We’ve started it this month and trekkers are taken to the last inhabited village of the Himalayas,” says Samir Kher, Wildrift Adventures. One can either choose to go on a full-fledged glacier trek in the Himalayas or do a series of smaller treks, mountain biking or kayaking near the village. “The treks are flexible and have been designed in partnership with several neighbouring villages, offering routes that are off the beaten track,” says Kher. The week-long camp is priced at Rs 10,750 for teens (all inclusive) and Rs 13,750 for adults.

But if you have your heart set on Zanskar, then it must be done. Aqua Terra Adventures, has organised an “Epic Journey” to the land of white copper. “Our Ladakh and Zanskar trips are our most popular multi-day adventures, where you can witness the Grand Canyon of Asia and journey down the incredible gorge of the Zanskar. This year, we have two departures,” says Vaibhav Kala, Aqua Terra Adventures. The expedition has been recommended by the National Geographic Traveler. The dates this year are August 7-18 and August 21-September 1 and the 12-day expedition costs Rs 59,000 per person. HRR India offers a Zanskar expedition too, with Srinagar being their starting point and continuing into Ladakh. Their dates are August 7-19 and is priced at approximately Rs 70,000.
 

13 May 2010, Indian Express

Though the Planning Commission has sanctioned money for a major water project in the area, it continues to be held up due to litigations in the High Court. The final stage of completion of yet another water project is also stalled with its files pending at the NBWL.

Soaring temperature in the peak of summer may cost the delay heavily, experts feel, especially when there is a major decline of bird population and its heronry the only of its kind in the country sports a deserted look. This 29 sq km park and the sole erstwhile home of Siberian cranes in the country is located at the confluence of the rivers Gambhir and Bangana (now dried up).

According to director Anup KR, the sanctuary is home to 366 avian species, including 41 species raptor birds that may be seen in barely 30 sq km area which is unique. It is an ideal blend of woodland and wetland considered optimal for nesting as well as breeding of certain rare species of birds. “However, the total requirement of water in the park (which comprises the sanctuary and the Keoladeo National Park) is 550 million cubic feet, but last year we had no water”, he informs.

In the wake of severe crisis and the looming threat of losing the unique site, the Planning Commission had released Rs 56.22 crore for the construction of Govardhan drain to get water from the flood control drains across the UP- Rajasthan border. But the construction work has not moved up following litigations in the High Court, between potential bidders and the State irrigation department. “We hope to complete the project in seven to eight months once the court case is settled”, informs Anup.

Further, the Rajasthan Government’s plans to bring water from River Chambal to the park through a 100km canal system could have brought the much-needed succour to the parched wetland. “The work at the cost of over Rs 100 crore is pending only in the last stretch of 500 to 600 metres, pending completion of formalities at the NBWL,” says Anup.

The crisis in the park cropped up following the completion of Penchana Dam in 2003, built on River Gambhir, Sources pointed out that the completion of the dam has brought a halt to water being released. Anup however informed that during good monsoons, the excess of water does get released.

“But as a world heritage site and Ramsar site, the Government has an obligation to protect the park,” argued the sources. Instead of getting water from the Chambal, water from the Panchana dam should be released to the park, for its survival.

Meanwhile, the only available source of water for the sanctuary is the Chiksana canal, which provides about 50 to 60 million cubic feet of water during monsoons, which is used to charge up the heronry.

Water pumps are now pumping out the park’s own groundwater for damage control. The pumps are pressed into service between 5 hours to 16 hours a day, to fill up 2 sq km area. “This water is used by the existing wildlife as Chetal, Nilgai, Sambar, Wild boar, Hynah, Feral cattle etc.
 

14 May 2010, Pioneer

During a brief hearing on a plea filed by Association of Cellular Operators, Justice Kailash Gambhir orally asked the MCD officials present in the court to stop the sealing drive against illegal mobile towers which was launched on Wednesday. The court also issued notice to the MCD, asking it to explain the reasons behind bringing in the new policy regarding the installation of cellphone towers.

Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued the new guidelines brought in by MCD were arbitrary. He pointed out that the licence fee has been hiked from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh by the civic agency without assigning any ground. The lawyer claimed before court that the MCD has made it mandatory in the new policy that the operators would have to get a no-objection certificate from not just the members of the building where the tower has to be set up, but also from the neighbours. Wondering how such a guideline can be imposed, the petitioners termed the new policy ‘‘arbitrary’’.

On its part, the civic agency claimed before the court that the law provided it with enough powers to penalize illegal towers and it was the competent authority in this regard.

The MCD had started the sealing of what it termed ‘‘illegal mobile phone towers’’ from May 12 after the deadline for operators to apply for regularization expired last week. MCD officials reportedly decided to seal at least 60 towers within a week, five each in all the city’s 12 municipal zones.

MCD officials had earlier said out of 5,364 towers in the city, only 2,412 have requisite permission and the remaining 2,952 were illegal. The civic body had sealed 300 illegal towers and given several deadlines to the tower operators to apply for regularization in keeping with new guidelines unveiled by it.
 

14 May 2010, Times City, Times of India

In their defence, MCD officials said many illegal towers came up before the civic body started issuing licences for installation of cellphone towers in 2000. They said the civic body handed out licences to establish, maintain and operate cellphone networks in 1995. But MCD’s standing committee started looking at installation of towers only from October 2000.

‘‘Under the policy formulated in 2000, cellular operators were supposed to pay Rs 1 lakh per tower. Also, towers could be installed only on non-residential buildings and multi-storeyed group housing buildings after a qualified architect/structural engineer had approved the installation,’’ said an MCD official.

With concerns being raised by RWAs over health hazards caused by electromagnetic radiation, the MCD asked cellular operators to seek permission from RWAs in February 2008. Many cellular operators had problems with this condition as they were not getting requisite permission from RWAs. In 2009, Delhi had 5,364 cellphone towers of which 2,952 were installed without permission.

The MCD decided to start taking action against the illegal towers but cellular operators sought chief minister’s intervention was sought. A new policy was formulated and presented on February 9, under which installation charge was increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
 

14 May 2010, Times City, Times of India

Last time around when the MCD began sealing such towers, the mobile operators had taken to equivocation — power failure, back-up failure etc — to explain why services were getting disrupted all over Delhi. Finally, it emerged how MCD had suddenly woken up to the presence of so many illegal towers and decided to seal them with missionary zeal. How these towers had come up in the first place was a minor detail for the civic agency in its tug-of-war with the operators.

And the latter just shrugged off the inconvenience caused to their customers just as they are doing now, warning of darker days ahead even as connectivity gets affected in parts of the Capital. On Thursday, many people — particularly in south and central Delhi — complained of calls not getting routed, getting disconnected for no apparent reason and even the reception not being very clear. Whatever be the issue involved — and the matter is before the high court now — and whatever be its outcome, consumers can’t suffer in silence. Look at the power discoms and you will know how accountability has to be enforced by the consumer.

Three hundred cell towers have been sealed so far by the civic body, including 24 in the latest round, before the court issued interim stay against the drive. However, in parts of Delhi, many numbers remained non-reachable through the day while some people had to deal with wrong connections. ‘‘Since morning, I have been receiving random calls,’’ said Pranbihanga Borpuzari, a media professional, who works in the CP area. The customer care centres of the operators failed to help. ‘‘After not being able to reach some numbers, I called up customer care. They said there was no problem,’’ said Shreya Upadhyay, a JNU student.

Why should the city be held to ransom because of the dispute between the MCD and the operators? Legal experts say consumers can sue the service providers for ‘‘faulty services’’. While the normal course to claim damages is to approach the consumer forum, lawyers say a civil suit can also be filed against the service providers for they have ‘‘tortious liability’’.

‘‘A suit for recovery of damages can be filed in a civil court on the ground that the service provider did not give you proper service for which you have been paying. As it is a contract between a consumer and the service provider, it is its contractual liability to ensure that proper services are provided,’’ said R K Saini, a lawyer in Delhi high court.

In fact, the MCD, which started the sealing drive also can be made a party for ‘‘contributory negligence’’. The civic body is supposed to keep a check on illegal structures in the capital. ‘‘It is MCD which let it happen and did not bother to check till recently. In a way, they are liable for contributory negligence,’’ Saini added.

For Delhi high court judge Justice J D Kapoor, who has also presided over Delhi Consumer Commission, if a consumer is not getting the promised service, he can sue the service provider. ‘‘It’s not for the consumer to be bothered about the feud between a mobile phone operator and MCD.’’
 

14 May 2010, Times City, Times of India

Last time around when the MCD began sealing such towers, the mobile operators had taken to equivocation — power failure, back-up failure etc — to explain why services were getting disrupted all over Delhi. Finally, it emerged how MCD had suddenly woken up to the presence of so many illegal towers and decided to seal them with missionary zeal. How these towers had come up in the first place was a minor detail for the civic agency in its tug-of-war with the operators.

And the latter just shrugged off the inconvenience caused to their customers just as they are doing now, warning of darker days ahead even as connectivity gets affected in parts of the Capital. On Thursday, many people — particularly in south and central Delhi — complained of calls not getting routed, getting disconnected for no apparent reason and even the reception not being very clear. Whatever be the issue involved — and the matter is before the high court now — and whatever be its outcome, consumers can’t suffer in silence. Look at the power discoms and you will know how accountability has to be enforced by the consumer.

Three hundred cell towers have been sealed so far by the civic body, including 24 in the latest round, before the court issued interim stay against the drive. However, in parts of Delhi, many numbers remained non-reachable through the day while some people had to deal with wrong connections. ‘‘Since morning, I have been receiving random calls,’’ said Pranbihanga Borpuzari, a media professional, who works in the CP area. The customer care centres of the operators failed to help. ‘‘After not being able to reach some numbers, I called up customer care. They said there was no problem,’’ said Shreya Upadhyay, a JNU student.

Why should the city be held to ransom because of the dispute between the MCD and the operators? Legal experts say consumers can sue the service providers for ‘‘faulty services’’. While the normal course to claim damages is to approach the consumer forum, lawyers say a civil suit can also be filed against the service providers for they have ‘‘tortious liability’’.

‘‘A suit for recovery of damages can be filed in a civil court on the ground that the service provider did not give you proper service for which you have been paying. As it is a contract between a consumer and the service provider, it is its contractual liability to ensure that proper services are provided,’’ said R K Saini, a lawyer in Delhi high court.

In fact, the MCD, which started the sealing drive also can be made a party for ‘‘contributory negligence’’. The civic body is supposed to keep a check on illegal structures in the capital. ‘‘It is MCD which let it happen and did not bother to check till recently. In a way, they are liable for contributory negligence,’’ Saini added.

For Delhi high court judge Justice J D Kapoor, who has also presided over Delhi Consumer Commission, if a consumer is not getting the promised service, he can sue the service provider. ‘‘It’s not for the consumer to be bothered about the feud between a mobile phone operator and MCD.’’
 

14 May 2010, Times City, Times of India

Over the last 53 years of its existence as Delhi’s largest land-owning agency, the DDA has accumulated truckloads of records. A common sight, in the large halls that house regular DDA employees, is rows full of moth-bitten files gathering dust across all corners.

While officials insist there is a perfect order to the chaos, tales of official documents that have been declared ‘lost’ over the years are common. In many RTI responses, the DDA could not provide information because “certain documents cannot be traced”.

With plans underway to digitalise all its records, the DDA is now in the process of building a large records library complex at Ghazipur.

“The conceptual work of the complex is being guided by a qualified archivist from the National Archives of India. Nearly 120 ex-servicemen have also been hired by the DDA on contract basis to help with the project,” a senior DDA official said.

Those working on the project will scrutinise records in every department and prepare a coherent list of the same. Once the listing is through, the records will be shifted to Ghazipur.

As per estimates provided by DDA, the authority is in possession of approximately 8 lakh files at present, and funds have been made available for the laborious task of organising these files with some semblance of order. “They will be listed according to file numbers and property numbers and stored in a manner that will make retrieval easier,” the official added.

According to officials, the L-G said corruption at various levels will be greatly curbed with an efficient record-keeping system.

“Many people have complained about how retrieving a document from the DDA, for instance in the case of mutation of properties, is a near impossible task. Cases have been cited, and acted upon, where certain officials were extorting bribes in exchange of documents. Once this system is in place, it will root out such malpractices,” the official added.
 

15 May 2010, Indian Express

This coffee-table book by architect and photographer Yashwant Pitkar takes the reader up, close and personal to what is often overlooked by the untrained eye.

The accompanying text by Mustansir Dalvi, Pitkar's colleague at Mumbai's J.J. School of Architecture, also makes the details of the works come alive.

The buildings included in this book date back to the days of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals. Though the book covers many well-known and some lesser-known monuments of the time, the reader will be surprised to find pictures of elements -- some as small as six inches that they would have probably never seen before. Itmad-ud-daulah's resting place in Agra, for one, showcases craftsmanship so intricate that Pitkar rightly calls it the “jewel box“.

Because Islam does not allow idol worship, geometrical designs, floral and vegetal details, and calligraphy were used with tremendous effect by craftsmen to celebrate god's creation.

The water bodies that signify rivers of paradise are a recurring motif in Islamic architecture, and appear in Pitkar's pictures. He also captures the auspicious symbols of Indian culture-the kalash, the kalpalata and temple bells -- in these Islamic structures, reflecting India's syncretic cultural richness.

The book lends a fresh visual perspective to a well-known history. Stone: An Appreciation of Ornament on Islamic Architecture in India Photographs by Yashwant Pitkar, Text by Mustansir Dalvi SUPER BOOK HOUSE RS 3,000 PP 254
 

15 May 2010, Hindustan Times

Unlike the greats like Lutyens, Herbert Baker, Le Corbusier and others, Joseph Allen Stein decided to adopt India and designed some of the finest buildings during his close to half-century stay in India. He created landmarks buildings like the India International Centre (IIC), the American International School, the Unicef building, the India Habitat Centre (IHC), the Ford Foundation, UNESCO, WWF, Peace Memorial, Triveni Kala Sangam and a host of other buildings in various parts of the capital.

Considering his outstanding body of work in Lodhi Road area alone, it can safely be renamed as Stein Road. In fact, a small stretch, in and around Lodi Garden, contains seven major buildings that were designed by Stein. Rajeev Shukla, a journalist-turnedpolitician, candidly admits that before moving to his present home in Lodhi Estate a couple of years ago, he did not know much about the genius of Stein. He strongly feels that the concerned authorities must see to it that some road in Lodhi Road area is named after him so that people should know about him.

Stein was a master of building materials and in almost all his buildings left the construction materials exposed, says J K Jain, who worked with him for many years, adding that there is a lot to learn from what Stein has left behind. "He went into the minutest details. He never imposed his ideas on his juniors and other colleagues. He was a pioneer of architecture who amalgamated Indian urbanization with landscapes and natural forms."

Even before his demise in 2001, he used to inspect IIC and Triveni Kala Sangam for faults.

Stein believed in using building materials in their original form. He never covered stone with plaster. When stones were not available for the India Habitat Centre, he went to the kilns to order Lakhori bricks and Mughal bricks. Stein integrated landscapes into his structures for IIC — he took inspiration from the Lodhi Gardens next door and gave the building an inner and an outer courtyard. Stein was a contemporary architect who was interested in local culture, conditions and climate.

Stein arrived in India in1952 to head the architecture and planning department at the Bengal Engineering College in Kolkata. He made his presence felt in a big way after he designed Triveni Kala Sangam arts complex and the IIC.

Noted artist, Ram Rahman, says in one of his essays on Stein, "He and my father, Habib Rahman [equally noted architect], became friends during their Calcutta days. Both of them moved to Delhi in the 1950s. Here, Stein set up his private practice and my father joined the central public works department. Here, both would spend every weekend exploring every ruin and village. This was a living discovery of the great Sultanate architecture of Delhi, in the days when all the sites were still near little villages surrounded by blazing yellow and mustard fields in winter. Both developed a fascination for the traditions of Delhi building and its effect on Stein could not be clearer than in the India International Centre (IIC)."

The surfaces and materials Stein used for IIC were local stone, cast concrete jalis, blue and green ceramic tiles as highlights — an updating of the Sultanate architecture of Delhi — which Stein had learned to love and admire through his weekly exploration.

"I feel that Stein was among the first architects in India to introduce jalis in buildings in a big way. He used jalis in IIC and Triveni. And take the example of roof of the auditorium of IIC. It is absolutely unique. It is composed of pre-cast-shaped elements. Y-shaped pieces carry the outer layer, provides space for the distribution of lighting and aircondition," says Sunil Jindal, CEO of SVP developers and a keen observer of architecture.

Stein was in full flow when he was designing IIC and Triveni. Here he was given complete freedom to practice his philosophy of integrating built-form with landscape as a total environmental concept.

India Habitat Centre was Stein's last and perhaps the best work. Every part of the building speaks a different language. One can enjoy different moods at different places. The environment in the courtyard gives a feel of freshness. Stein planned the building in such a manner as to have a clean look. And IHC stands out in energy efficiency.

The interesting blue sunshade provided between the two buildings in the court helps to maintain the environment and gives a cool effect. The trees also help to maintain the environment and give a natural effect. Trees are planted at every part of the court. Fountains make the environment cooler and give an effect of lightness. Stein planned the building in such a way as to ensure that a maximum part of the floor enjoys sunlight.

He also planned to give sunlight in basement through very interesting ways. Luckily this gigantic building has one hall in the name of that legend.
 

15 May 2010, Times Property, Times of India

Dr. Kennet, faculty of Durham University in the UK, who is currently collaborating in the Pattanam archaeological research by the Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR), said the chronology of the West Asian sherds indicates the commercial significance of Pattanam during the pre-and-post- Roman periods. His tentative projection is that overseas contacts might range from 3 {+r} {+d} century BC as indicated by ‘fish plates' of the Parthian period, through the Sasanian period to 9 {+t} {+h} century AD.

Pointing out that Pattanam seems to be re-writing the history of Indian Ocean trade, Dr. Kennet said Keralites should be proud of the creative contributions of their ancestors to the development of the world economy so many hundreds of years ago.

He praised the work being carried out by KCHR at the site as the most modern scientific methods and techniques were being used.

Explaining that the chronological inference of the West Asian sherds corroborates the stratigraphic distribution and therefore the site's cultural sequence, P.J. Cherian, Director of the Pattanam excavations, said 650 sherds of glazed table wares and over 850 sherds of torpedo jars from Iraq and western Iran region (ancient Mesopotamia) have come out of the Pattanam trenches along with the Mediterranean pottery sherds. Dr. Kennet recalled that the vessels probably contained sesame oil, date syrup and other products specific to the region.

Stating that the scientific analysis of the organic residues on the ceramics can give more interesting insights into the extensive Indian Ocean trading network, Dr. Cherian said these residues allow experts to obtain information on the original content of the materials, their function and use.

More information could be gained on the diet and customs of the people who used them, he said.
 

16 May 2010, Hindu

Authorities claim that even the restoration work on the Humayun’s Tomb is speeding up and should be complete before the Commonwealth Games.
As per the memorandum of understanding (MoU), the urban renewal project of the area is being jointly looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), MCD and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

Humayun’s Tomb
Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) is hopeful that the renovation work at the tomb will be complete before the Commonwealth Games.

“Restoration of the stone paving on the lower plinth required the manual lifting of 12,000 square meters of stone blocks. Currently, the work for retiling the tomb’s first floor is being undertaken. We have already completed most of the work on the dome,” said one of the architects at the tomb.

Sunder Nursery
The 70-acre Sunder Nursery stands on the Mughal-era Grand Trunk Road.

A detailed plan has been chalked out for developing it into a world-class nursery-cum-park.

The primary aim is to restore all the 11 monuments that are inside the nursery. These include the reconstruction of the 16th century Sundarwala Mahal’s portions and the restoration of the unprotected 18th century Mughal-era garden pavilion.

“A large part of the Sundarwala Mahal has been reconstructed. It took a lot of time and precision, but the work will soon be wrapped up. Renovation is ongoing at the Sundarwala Burj, Lakkarwala Burj and a couple of other monuments,” said Ratish Nanda, project head, AKTC.

Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti
The plan included conservation of monuments and rehabilitation of open spaces in the basti. “Towards the eastern edge of the basti, Chaunstah Khamba and the tomb of Mirza Ghalib are being restored. One of the MCD primary schools has been refurbished. Even the MCD polyclinic in the basti has been upgraded. A pathology laboratory has been set up,” said an MCD spokesperson.

“To improve sanitation, public toilets have already been set up in the area. The renovation of the basti will include upgradation of streets, parks and even houses of the residents in the basti,” the spokesperson added.
 

16 May 2010, Hinduu

The ministry has constituted a heavyweight Round Table for “protection and preservation of indigenous traditional knowledge and endangered languages”.

The committee packed with expert linguists and academics will also review the nature and extent of threat to the oral traditions and identify causes and remedial measures taken so far. That apart, ways to incorporate these languages in school curriculum will be mulled over when the committee meets later this month.

“The move comes in the light of the fact that the latest UNESCO Atlas of Languages estimates that as many as 196 Indian languages are endangered. India, in fact, topped the list of nations with endangered languages. That apart, many other sections have expressed concern about the loss of linguistic wealth over the last few years. The Round Table has been constituted to address these issues and strategies on how the languages can be preserved and how they can be made part of the mainstream education system,” said a source.

Of the 122 scheduled and non-scheduled languages in the country, there are many which have a script but many others which are purely of the oral tradition and without any written script at all.

“Audio-visual methods are very much the answer to this problem. The oral languages to be preserved will have to be adapted to any other script that comes close or at least that can preserve the sense of the language. Incorporating oral traditions in schools is a definite way to keep them alive. Using the mother tongue as a medium of instruction at least for primary schooling is one way to keep diverse languages alive. Usage of audio-visual methods and language primers using different scripts will help catch undulations and intonations of languages,” the source added.

The 20-member Round Table entrusted with finding a way to resolve this arduous task includes Prakrit scholar Prof Prem Suman Jain; Prof Anvita Abbi, chairperson, Centre for Linguistics, JNU; Dr Ganesh Devy, founder of Bhasha Research and Publications Centre for Conservation of Adivasi Languages; Prof Udayakumar Chakraborty, a specialist in endangered languages at Jadhavpur University; and Dr Kamalini Sengupta from INTACH.
 

17 May 2010, Indian Express

While the civic body had accepted last month that the Rs 1,200-crore plan will miss its initial Commonwealth Games deadline, it has now begun the preliminary work. MCD has also started decongesting neighbouring areas like Subhash Marg and the road leading from Jama Masjid to Parade Ground.

An MCD official said: ‘‘This plan was cleared by the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure Planning and Engineering Centre in December last year.’’ MCD will remove all encroachments in the area to implement its decongestion plan.

The orignal redevelopment plan was conceived four years ago and had been awaiting approval from various civic and heritage bodies. The proposal to redevelop was cleared by the MCD standing committee in September 2009. The plan was to redevelop and beautify the area around the historic mosque. Among other things, MCD had proposed to build a 60-foot-deep four-storeyed world heritage centre with shops, an auditorium, art galleries, studios, a library and a three-tier parking space for at least 4,500 cars.

In May, 2009, MCD got the Delhi Urban Art Commission’s nod. But its original plan of building an underground parking space and a heritage mall was scrapped by the DUAC and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
 

19 May 2010, Times of India

The project, which proposes to considerably reduce pollution levels in the Yamuna by intercepting the city’s sewage and dumping only treated waste into the river, will be implemented by Engineers India Limited over the next two years.

Sources told Newsline that the process of land acquisition and other approvals from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department and the Delhi Development Authority have been done. The bidding process for the project would begin as soon as the DJB gets a green signal from the state government, which also funds a major portion of the project, apart from the Rs 500 crore under JNNURM, sources said.

Delhi, on an average, extracts 240 million gallons per day (MGD) from the Yamuna for its fresh water needs, and releases 950 MGD of untreated sewage. According to the DJB, the Interceptor Sewer project is an integrated approach towards zero sewage flows in the drains and ultimately the river. The laying of interceptor sewers includes tapping the minor drains carrying sewage into three of the major drains — Najafgarh, Supplementary and Shahdara — and conveying the same to the nearest treatment plant to ensure that only treated sewage is discharged.

“The levels of biological oxygen demand (BoD) in the river stand at 40 mg/l at present. The project would reduce the BoD levels by at least 25 per cent,” a senior DJB official said.

The project, which aims to lay 60 km sewers parallel to these three drains to tap about 135 minor drains, has a twin purpose. The DJB has a target horizon period of 2036, when the interceptor sewer will function as additional trunk sewers, to take flows of the existing sewer network, as they would have far exceeded their present capacities by then. “The project lays foundation sewers for the yet unsewered areas, including the 1,639 unauthorised colonies, 1,080 slums and JJ clusters and 190 rural villages in outer Delhi,” an official said.

The project would also have a positive effect on the quantity and quality of groundwater, and Delhi would no longer release dirty water into its tail-end cities like Gurgaon and Agra, an official said.
 

20 May 2010, Indian Express

“We continue to burn the chaurs (Chaur is typically a plain area atop a hill) regularly, gradually turning the terrain more suitable for chital and for viewing of wildlife, including elephants. I regret having to say this, but I do believe that we have managed the chaurs of Corbett for tourists, for elephants and for the chital,” said M.K. Ranjitsingh, chairperson of Wildlife Trust of India, in a note presented at the last meeting of Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife.

“The net result is that the prolific and once ubiquitous hog deer, which cannot adapt to closed forest habitats, is now on the verge of extinction.” Corbett officials say they don’t have any confirmed figure on the hog deer population.

Hog deer numbers have declined in north India, but they have survived the human onslaught in the Kaziranga National Park in Assam, which has huge grasslands — a must for the animal to survive.
Corbett turned a disaster zone for hog deer after the Ramganga Dam was constructed, a few years ago. “The flooding of grasslands meant permanent loss of their habitat and they were pushed into the upper chaurs, which are now devoid of their natural grasslands,” Ranjitsingh said.

Ranjitsingh has asked the environment ministry to start a grassland revival plan for the Park. Environment minister Jairam Ramesh has directed ministry officials to work out a plan to save the hog deers.
 

21 May 2010, Hindustan Times

The copper plates — 45-cm long and 20-cm broad — were strung around a two-foot diameter copper ring and forged with the Chola emblem.

An earlier discovery of copper plates was made in Villupuram, says an official of Hindu Regious and Charitable Endowments. The emblem with two fishes fringed by a seated tiger to its left and a bow and arrow to its right and an umbrella indicated that the plates belonged to the Cholas.

The bronze icons include Ganapathy, Appar, Manikavasagar, Thirugnyanasambandhar, Rishabandagar with Amman, Sandikeshwarar, Chandrashekarar with Ammam, Karaikal Ammaiyar with a cymbal, Somaskandar (Lord Shiva with his consort and son), and Valli. The find points to the Chola period of 11th or 12th century AD, says Bala Padhmanaban, special Revenue Inspector, HR&CE. According to him, the Skandha Maalai (the garland over the shoulder of Lord Shiva) pointed to the middle Chola period. Further, the Perumal temple at half a km vicinity of Kailasanathar temple was built in the 11th century and is inscribed to be the contemporary of this temple.

Along with these were worship artefacts such as a guindy, thiruchanam and asaradevar. The rationale for the presence of a Nataraja icon amid the above pantheon was strengthened further with the pieces of broken Thiruvasi (found behind Nataraja idols) being part of the find.

Tamil inscriptions
The copper plates found here are inscribed in Grindam script. Epigraphical study was still under way to trace out Tamil inscriptions in this copper plate ring. According to Mr.Padhmanaban, the earlier discovery of copper plates usually carried grindam inscriptions in the beginning and the end, eulogising the endowing king. They would later carry Tamil inscriptions.

“The area must have been a sathurvedhimangalam (place where learned brahmans were settled by the king) and consequently huge endownments had to be made to support the temple upon which the brahmans depended,” says Mr.Padmanaban. The practice of settling brahmans started with the Pallava period and it continued with the Cholas.

The temple falls under the Parimalaranganathar Devasthanam of the HR&CE and the find came through during excavation works for the construction of the ‘muga mandapam' carried out as part of the temple restoration works. According to archaeologists, the find of 85 copper plates attached to one ring with a two feet diameter is a treasured discovery, both for the temple and archaeology.
 

21 May 2010, Hindu

With the flyover near completion, PWD has started digging out earth — used to fill up the water body — from a section of the lake. Officials are hoping that within a month after the project is completed in June they would be able to hand over the lake to DDA, which will develop it into a biodiversity zone.

‘‘In the past few weeks, we have dug out about 36,000 cubic metres of earth from under the stretch of flyover that has been completed. The more we dig, the more groundwater comes to the surface. Before work started, we had taken measurements to know the exact depth of the water body. We will dig out mud accordingly,’’ said a senior official.

The flyover work had bifurcated the lake into two parts — one which is currently covered with water plants and the other, which was levelled with earth to facilitate the construction.

According to sources, about 45,000 cubic metres of earth had been dumped into the water body before work started. In addition to that, constant movement of heavy trucks and dumping of malba in the area had choked the lake. The issue was then taken up by NGOs and locals. The L-G intervened and asked the PWD to ensure that the lake was restored to its original state after completion of the project.

The earth being dug out is sent to a nearby farmhouse where the level of land has to be raised. Jyoti Sharma, director, NGO FORCE, who has been pursuing the Neela Hauz restoration matter since work started on the flyover in 2008, said: ‘‘When I visited the site recently, I saw big craters where there had been a solid road till some days back, In those craters, I saw water slowly and hesitantly reclaiming its rightful place. Little by little, section by section, they have started taking out the earth that had filled up the lake. Trucks are lined up during the day and they continuously transport the earth to a nearby site.’’

The work on the flyover started in May 2008 and was scheduled to be completed by September 2009. But due to technical issues, work has been stalled and will now be completed by June.

After that, all the malba in and around the water body will be cleaned up and the area developed into a bio-diverse park along with Sanjay Van that is right next to it.
 

21 May 2010, Times of India

Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda are long gone, but the legacy of their ideas and works continue to evoke strong passions as the country prepares to celebrate their 150th birth anniversaries.

In the case of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, it is 12 of his paintings that are at the eye of the most recent storm. London auctioneer Sotheby's plans to put them up for sale next month, setting off a barrage of demands, led by West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, to bring the art work back home to India.

When Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and West Bengal MP Sitaram Yechury brought up the issue at the first meeting of the National Committee for Commemoration of 150th birth anniversary of ‘Gurudev' Rabindranath held on Wednesday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that it could be difficult, even as he promised that the government would look into the issue.

Sources at the meeting say that Dr. Singh pointed out that even in the case of Mahatma Gandhi's memorabilia, the government had faced legal issues in trying to retrieve them when they went under the hammer in the U.S. last year.

Despite a massive diplomatic and legal effort, it was finally left to billionaire businessman Vijay Mallya to bid for the articles, including Gandhiji's distinctive round glasses.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni and Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal then asked Mr. Yechury why he did not bid for Tagore's paintings himself and bring them back to India. According to sources, Mr. Yechury shot back, asking if they felt that Tagore was only the heritage of Bengal, and not of India.

In fact, the Prime Minister also brought up the issue in his speech, noting that “the first set of proposals that have been received by the Committee have come mainly from West Bengal,” and added his suggestion “that we encourage proposals from different corners of the country.”

If it was regionalism that sparked debate in the Tagore committee, it was secularism that was the flashpoint at the Vivekananda committee meeting, held later in the day.

When Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi spoke of him as a great Hindu icon and suggested that the anniversary be used to promote yoga, Mr. Yechury quoted the Swami's own words, saying that he pitied those who believed that their glory lay in the destruction of other religions, and that assimilation and not destruction was to be promoted.

According to sources, Mr. Yechury pointed out that the Swami is also a youth icon, and suggested that the celebrations locate him in the present and not in the past. “It must be remembered that his vision was for a strong and modern India which is secular and democratic,” he said.
 

21 May 2010, Hindu

The tomb of Paik (Mukerba Paik), Dara Shikhon Library, Turkman Gate, Sarai of Azim Ganj inside Delhi Zoo and five other monuments in the city figure in the preliminary notification of the State Department of Archaeology (SDA) on Friday.

The SDA officials are hoping that the notification would help strengthen the maintenance of the monuments.

Though historians are unable to tell us anything about who this Paik was, the tomb with an odd height and circumference is a memorial to the messenger and a harbinger of goodwill to the denizens here.

An official from the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) said, “The plaster peeled off at several places due to neglect. It was apparently applied recently using modern techniques including cement. What we are planning is to re-do the entire thing with lime mortar.”

The existence of this monument with Lakhori brick masonry was threatened when the Public Works Department (PWD) came up with the proposal for the huge grade separator within metres of the Lodi era tomb of Archaeological Value A.

Said Director of the Department of Archaeology Keshav Chandra, “We plan to bring out notification for almost 90-odd monuments before the Commonwealth Games.”
 

22 May 2010, Hindustan Times

For a long time, historians had no idea where the legendary sword of Velu Thampi had disappeared. Last year it was found in an obscure corner in the National Museum in Delhi.

Velu Thampi, a stern administrator, had led his forces against the then British President Macaulay in 1808. He had also issued the famous “Kundara proclamation” a year later calling upon the people to revolt against British rule.

However, the much superior British forces defeated his Nair troops in 1809 and Velu Thampi escaped to Mannadi near Thiruvananthapuram, where he hid in a Devi temple. When British troops surrounded the temple, Velu Thampi asked his brother to cut his throat to avoid being captured by the enemies. But the British wreaked vengeance by hanging his body on a tree for days.

The cultural affairs minister, Mr M.A. Baby, had earlier requested the Centre to hand over the sword to the state on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Kundara proclamation.

“I was informed by the Prime Minister’s office that we are getting the sword for a year,” he told mediapersons in Kollam. “We will decide where to exhibit it in consultation with the chief minister. We can’t keep it for ever since it is considered a national asset.” The construction of the Kundara proclamation memorial and the Velu Thampi Museum have been completed recently.
 

22 May 2010, Asian Age

Over the years, however, as the human habitats expanded exponentially in the countryside, the sightings of peacocks have suddenly become a rarity in most villages. While no peacock census has been held in India to assess their numbers, a scientific survey by the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, has confirmed that visibility of the bird has sharply declined throughout India.

The survey findings resulted by culling information collected from panchayats, birdwatchers, NGOs and state governments. Haryana is one of the peacock-rich states in the country along with Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.

"Every morning and in the evening, droves of peacocks could be seen around our houses during our childhood. It was a soothing sight. Nowadays, we feel lucky to chance upon the bird in our vicinity," says Dheeraj Sharma belonging to Banipur village in the southern Haryana district of Rewari.

A protected bird under the schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, India's national bird is facing tough odds in survival stakes in Haryana's hinterland. Not surprisingly, man is a key imponderable in this battle of life and death for the beautiful bird.

Not too long ago, 150 peacock deaths were reported from Sharma's neighbouring villages in Rewari and the adjoining Narnaul districts- most of them due to electrocution. It is a pattern being noticed in several peacock deaths in Haryana where the birds fall victim because of non-insulation of high tension wires.

"The government has been promising to insulate electric wires in villages. But nothing has been done despite a large number of peacock deaths," says Naresh Kadyan, president of the Haryana chapter of People for Animals (PFA).

There are umpteen cases where packs of peacocks have been electrocuted. Other reasons for the dwindling peacock population are deaths attributed to consumption of pesticides thrown in fields by the farmers and poaching for feathers and meat.

Thankfully, redemption for the beleaguered bird seems round the corner after a spurt in peacock deaths across the state in recent years alerted the state's Forest and Wildlife Department.

For the first time, a conservation and breeding centre for the peafowl (Pavo Cristatus) is being set up in Haryana. Located at Jhabuwa in Rewari district and spread over an area of 60 acres, the aim of the centre would be breeding and soft release of peacocks in natural and undisturbed habitat.

"The breeding centre is being set up to address the problem of declining population of peacocks. One of the reasons for increasing mortality rate of the bird is growing interference in their biotic atmosphere. The centre will overcome that by providing a natural habitat for them to grow," says the state forest minister Capt Ajay Yadav. Three aviaries have been planned to be set up which would be kept free from all disturbances. One-year-old chicks carrying chips in their legs would be introduced at the Centre and their movement and behaviour would be constantly monitored through CCTV cameras.

Shiv Singh Rawat, in charge of the breeding centre said, "Mortality of peacocks is high compared to their fertility rate. It is a unique project to promote captive breeding of peacocks." Rawat attributed decreased sighting of peacocks to the shrinking of their natural habitats like ponds and trees.

While Rawat blames electrocution as the main reason for peacock deaths, he does not agree that poaching is a big issue.

However, Kadyan says that peacocks are being killed for their feather and meat by poachers.

The peacock is one bird where the male of the species is more 'deadly' than the female. That makes it more vulnerable too in the stakes for survival as the bird falls prey to poachers' greed to trade its feathers. Kadyan points out to a major flaw in the Wildlife Act that allows trading in peacock feathers as illegal. Under the aegis of International Organisation for Protection of Animals (OIPA), Kadyan has initiated a signature campaign by international community seeking amendment in the Act to ban trading in peacock feathers through a petition to President, Pratibha Patil. Thankfully, the Ministry of Environment and Forest has last week announced to amend the Wildlife Act to ban sale and trade in peacock feathers.

"So far, the Act allows trade in peacock feathers which attracts poaching. It is a welcome step by the Ministry to ban trade in peacock feathers.It is a major victory for our campaign," says Kadyan. Another problem is lack of conviction in poaching cases that are brought to courts. Haryana has set up environment courts at Faridabad and Kurukshetra. Kadyan says he has filed about 20 cases relating to peacock poaching but none has resulted in conviction.
 

23 May 2010, Deccan Herald

When The Tribune team visited the Safadarjung Tomb, it found cement being mixed in the mortar and prepared in a concrete mixer machine.

Contractors, architects and conservation experts say that as per the standard practice and ethics of conservation, the material used for doing up any monument should be nearly same to what was used in its construction for the first time.

However, chief engineer of ASI, Delhi circle, K.K. Muhammad expressed ignorance in the matter. He said, “I am unaware of the use of cement in the conservation process. Also, if the mortar is being mixed in a concrete mixer, it is not right. The mixture must be made inside a ‘chakka’. I will look into the matter.”

The ASI has assured of taking action against any discrepancy, if at all.

Besides, many conservationists have claimed that cement has been used in the beautification of some areas in the Tughlaqabad Fort, Siri Fort and many other historical places.

An architect working with a heritage body, on condition of anonymity, said that most of the time there was leniency in the process of the preparation of mortar and mixing cement “kills its quality”. He added, “The older methods that were utilised had a specific purpose and hence, should not be changed.”

He added, “Earlier, historians relied on lime’s strength. If cement is mixed with lime, the monuments are bound to develop cracks within a month as lime and cement do not mix well. The fact is not realised in short period, but it only degrades the monument’s quality.”

A history faculty member from Indraprastha University said, “If the same material is not available, the most similar combination should be chosen to prepare the mortar. This helps in keeping the indigenous property of the monument alive. If changes are made, it will only erode the monument’s historical value.”

“These historical monuments have been standing tall for hundreds of years. The quality of mortar used should be taken into account. If the rules are violated, it brings unnecessary burden on the monument which would need work again after some years,” said another conservation architect in the Capital.
 

23 May 2010, Tribune

Now with a new underpass coming up in the area, as part of the airport development plan, an almost intact parapet on one end of the wall stands hidden behind the makeshift office cabin of Valecha Engineering, the company involved in the development work.

The construction of the underpass has led to mounds of soil dwarfing the wall and the adjacent land that once belonged to the Mughal era sarai and mosque have been encroached upon for parking private vehicles and cabs.

The structures are unprotected. With a recent audit by the Intelligence Bureau listing Mehram Nagar as a security threat to the airport and recommending its relocation, it may not be long before the monuments that Mehram Khan, a powerful eunuch in Jahangir’s court, built, disappear completely.

Ajitpal Rana, a local resident who was allotted land here in 1965, recalled a wall that was longer and higher than the present one. “Encroachment and widening of roads over the years led to its disappearance,” he said.

Search for the lost wall took us to Mahipalpur village. Some guidance from local residents and we were walking the narrow lane uphill to Mahipalpur Mahal that stands overlooking a 14th Century bund used for water recharging and storage. With a dried up water body underneath, the bund certainly looked like a wall, but it wasn’t an extension of the Mehram Nagar wall. The Mahal, a hunting lodge built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq, with arches and pillars overlooking a verandah, had undergone some “renovation” work in 2004 — courtesy a local councilor.

A Kendriya Samaj Kalyan-sponsored crèche functions out of the monument, with its in-charge, Rajbala, saying that some 20-odd local children stay here till about 3 pm.

Local residents, on their part, would rather talk about water crisis than misuse of heritage structures. Climbing down the bund, we noticed a water tank getting stuck at the entry point of the lane. Perhaps the Tughlaq king foresaw water shortage.
 

23 May 2010, Indian Express

“The museum is currently housed in Naubat Khana which is very congested. Under comprehensive conservation management plan, we have decided to shift it to B-2 colonial building, which is ready to house the museum,” an ASI official said.
The B-2 building was built by the British Army as a residential building. The is fit to be reused. Naubat Khana will be later used to exhibit other collection or will be used as an office.

The official added that the ASI has speeded up the conservation of the colonial building as large number of visitors are expected during the Commonwealth Games 2010.
This museum was set up as a tribute to the soldiers who had participated in the World War in India or abroad on behalf of the British Army. Naubat Khana or Naqqar Khana (musical house) of the Red Fort was chosen to accommodate the museum in its first and second floors. The museum is approachable from the north and south of the building facing east.

The introductory gallery comprises diorama showing the battle of Panipat with the armies of Babur and Ibrahim Lodi standing opposite each other. The other displayed objects are arrows, swords, khukris, revolvers, machine guns, shells etc. Variety of daggers with ivory and inscribed hilt, chest armour, small weapons like gupti, battle axes are also exhibited in the gallery. Helmets, armours, different types of swords, daggers etc. are displayed in Gallery No 2 and 3. Bomb fuses, shells, models of pistols, bullets, gun powder flasks on display gives vivid picture of arms and ammunition used during the World War I.

The last two galleries show the impact of European industrialisation over the weapons and communication since radars, telephone, telegraph, signal lamps, guns with periscope, trench periscope etc. were introduced during the war. Various types of badges, ribbons, uniform of Turkish and New Zealand Army officers, and flags are also put on display. Model of Army transport cart and railway goods trackexhibited in the museum attract the attention of the visitors.
 

23 May 2010, Asian Age

I recall that on seeing the Taj for the first time, I realised that it looked the same as it did in the pictures I had seen of it over the years. So when I finally got to see it, I kind of felt a sense of déjà vu, which took the gloss away from my visit. I had known what to expect. In fact, I think I got more enjoyment from seeing the watered down version of the Taj — Bibi ka Maqbara, in Aurangabad. As I had not seen photos of it before, I lacked any feeling of over familiarity when I saw it in person. It was a totally new experience and quite a surprise to find a poor imitation of the Taj Mahal. Similarly, prior to visiting Ellora, I had not seen an image of the Kailasa Temple. So when I did actually see it, I was awestruck in a way that I may have been if I had never seen the Taj before.

Astounding architecture
The Kailasa temple, it is safe to say, is one of the most astonishing ‘buildings’ in the history of architecture. This shrine was not constructed but carved and sculpted from the volcanic hillside. The mass in the centre is a freestanding, two-story Hindu temple of dazzling complexity. The temple, dedicated to Shiva, stands on an elevated plinth to attain greater presence in tight surroundings. The complex consists of a Nandi shrine, open porch, main hall and inner sanctum. Variously scaled panels, friezes, and sculpture highlight the many walls and surfaces.

An estimated 2,00,000 tons of rock was excavated, reputedly using one inch chisels. Carved to represent Mt Kailasa — the home of Shiva in the Himalayas, is the largest monolithic structure in the world, carved top-down from a single rock, and contains the largest cantilevered rock ceiling in the world.

The temple covers twice the area of the Parthenon in Athens and is 1.5 times as high. About 7,000 labourers took 150 years to complete the site. Virtually every surface is embellished with symbols and figures from the puranas. These facts are pretty staggering, so, quite fittingly, I was pretty staggered when I first set eyes on it.

I always try to imagine what people used to feel on first encountering the various wonders of the world prior to the advent of mass media. Well, delve into the literature and we we don’t have to imagine. In 1663, Francois Bernier, a Frenchman from Angers, spent ten years in India and was very enthusiastic in his description of the Taj, saying that it is artistically wrought with its own beauty and possesses unimaginable delicacy and taste.

The present day traveller may or may not be spellbound by the great sites of the world, but he or she more or less knows what to expect. A huge array of brochures, postcards, websites and TV programmes provide wide exposure to them. So, on arriving at these places, I suspect the déjà vu feeling can kick in and provide an experience that is not all it could be.

It has already been lived by the visitor, albeit in a second hand manner, through the pages of a brochure, the images of the TV screen or the screen of a computer. So, when the person actually arrives, the sensation of being there is strong, but is somewhat diluted. It’s new, but perhaps not brand-new. It’s different, but somehow familiar. It’s good, but maybe not as good as it could have been.

Thankfully, this is not always the case as, just now and then, we may be lucky enough to stumble on a true wonder and be overwhelmed in the process, regardless of whether or not the site has been photographed to death and has appeared in the pages of endless, glossy brochures or elsewhere. Many people I meet say that the Taj has this effect on them, despite them having experienced it a 100 times before through the various mass media. In my case, it was at Ellora that overwhelmed.

I now regularly see the Kailasa temple through photographs, but even then the site still strikes at a raw nerve. If I ever get the chance to revisit in person, I am sure the experience would still cut deep. I guess that some sites never get blunted through the symptomatic over-exposure of the modern age. The Kailasa temple is the best that I’ve seen.
 

23 May 2010, Deccan Herald

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit was the chief guest, while Union Tourism Minister Kumari Shelja presided over the function. Those present also included former Cabinet Secretary and IHF chairman Zafar Saifullah and Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Salman Khurshid, who presented India Harmony Foundation award to Siddharth Varadarajan of The Hindu for his exemplary contribution in the field of journalism and to eminent scholar of Sanskrit Arabic and Persian languages Ghulam Dastagir from Maharashtra.

Ms. Dikshit who was simply in a mood to enjoy the delights of the cultural evening steered clear of any political speeches. “I would like to enjoy the evening rather than deliver the usual speech that we politicians end up giving, quite recklessly if I may add so. I am happy that, courtesy Zafar Saifullah, one evening has been dedicated to Old Delhi. This is something perhaps we should have done but have not, so we appreciate the initiative taken by Mr. Saifullah in this regard.”

Ms. Shelja said: “We are all very proud of Old Delhi's culture and now with the modern face of Delhi emerging rapidly and taking over we should not forget Old Delhi.”

Syeda Hameed of the Planning Commission presented a narration of Dagh Dehlvi poetry remembering the Old Delhi culture and Prof. Zakia enacted glimpses of the historical time period of Delhi in the 1900s while classical dancer Shovana Narayan performed on Ghalib's poetry as part of the evening.
 

24 May 2010, Hindu

The Moghul frescoes discovered in a monument in the Lodhi Gardens have created a lot of excitement, more so as the building is believed to have been used as a mosque. It was Humayun who first encouraged painting at his court. Dr Ishwari Prasad notes that when Humayun returned from his exile in Persia, he brought with him two famous painters, Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad who, besides illustrating the Amir Hamzah classic for him, also executed other works. Their arrival brought about renewed interest in frescoes, but Humayun's reign was cut short after his fatal fall, less than a year after his return. It was left to his son Akbar to encourage the use of frescoes in Moghul buildings.

The frescoes of Fatehpur Sikri were the work of European artists, assisted by Indian craftsmen. These frescoes were covered up during the reign of Aurangzeb who, in his Islamic zeal, looked down upon painting, sculpture and music as satanic. Many years ago one of the frescoes rediscovered in Fatehpur Sikri showed the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus. It is a mixture of Renaissance art and Indian concepts, for the Virgin, though dressed in blue, seems to be draped in a sari-like garment. This fresco was partly restored, but the others made at that time have disappeared.

Jahangir, a painter himself, had frescoes commissioned in buildings in Agra and Lahore. Some go so far as to claim that there were frescoes in the mausoleum of Mariam Zamani, his mother, near Sikandra. But these still await rediscovery. Shah Jahan was more fond of architecture than painting and sculpture, but he too couldn't resist the temptation of decorating the Dewan-e-Aam of the Red Fort with the work of Austin de Bordeaux. The marble panels by Bordeaux, a Florentine jeweller, show the legendary Greek musician Orpheus with his flute, with which he is said to have charmed his way to Hades to meet his dead beloved. These panels were damaged during the 1857 Uprising and taken away to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. They were later brought back after repairs and reinstalled in the fort by Lord Curzon. The panels also depict flowers and birds. This is in accordance with the Islamic practice of not depicting humans in painting or sculpture to avoid the injunction against idolatry.

The frescoes in the Sheesh Mahal at Shalimar Bagh, where Aurangzeb was crowned, were defaced by the puritanical emperor, though Shah Jahan and one of his wives, Bibi Akbarabadi, had no qualms in allowing their use for the beautification of the Mahal, or so it seems. It is quite possible that there were frescoes in other buildings adjoining Sheesh Mahal which still remain to be rediscovered. It was during the time of Mohammad Shah Rangila (1719-1748) that greater freedom was given to artists to decorate royal buildings. The easygoing emperor allowed the use of frescoes depicting humans and animals, but none survive.

Eye-opener
The discovery in Lodhi Gardens is an eye-opener for those who thought that prudishness was the hallmark of most Muslim rulers. Jahangir is said to have been so impressed by a painting of Omar Khayyam, with his beloved (wine) resting on his chest in a garden under the desert stars, that he had a big wine cup hewn out of stone (quite a feat) and installed in the Agra Fort. It used to be filled with wine when the emperor drank. The saqi descended into the giant cup to serve the emperor. Historians feel this is an exaggeration.

The frescoes of Lodhi Gardens are said to be about 200 years old, which should make them date to the reigns of Shah Jahan Alam and Akbar Shah II. However they could be older and may have been made some 300 years ago, when Mohammad Shah was on the throne. If more such frescoes (maybe in the Purana Quila too) are discovered, they would give a new insight into the achievements of the Great Moghuls.
 

24 May 2010, Hindu

The curtain has come down on the long-drawn legal battle between the Archaeological Survey of India and the Bharat Scouts and Guides for 13 acres of land in front of the world heritage monument, the Humayun's Tomb, with the ASI undertaking demolition to clear illegal encroachments from the area this past week.

The action followed an order passed by the Delhi High Court stating that the land in question belonged to the ASI and the illegal encroachment on it should be removed.

An ASI official said: “Armed with the High Court order, the ASI officials started demolition of more than 150 constructions made earlier. These encroachments included settlements made by employees of the Bharat Scouts and Guides among others.”

The High Court-appointed Court Commissioner also visited the site on May 14 to check the veracity of the statement made by the Bharat Scouts and Guides claiming the area in question as its own. The Supreme Court Monitoring Committee, which had earlier sealed the area, was also monitoring the progress of the case.

The ASI in partnership with the Agha Khan Trust proposes to develop a “Mughal Char Bagh” around the monument and make it an extension of Humayun's Tomb.
 

25 May 2010, Hindu

Nature and heritage trails, yoga corners and an ecologically-rich area that adds to the city’s groundwater levels — the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) Northern Ridge project promise to turn the soonto-be notified forest area into a nature lover’s paradise.

A senior DDA official said: ‘‘One of the four new biodiversity parks is coming up on the Northern Ridge. Since it is already ecologically rich, we want the area to be treated as a nature reserve, complete with trails and facilities for those who visit the park.’’ This line of thinking is in sharp contrast to that of the Delhi government’s forest department, which has been treating the Northern Ridge like a notified forest where outsiders are discouraged.

However, DDA is planning a more public profile for the biodiversity park. In fact, it is planning to conduct a social survey to ask locals what more they would like to see in the nature reserve.

An official said: ‘‘Thousands of locals go on their morning walks on the nature trail that we have set up in the Northern Ridge. We will ask these residents what they would like to in the reserve so that they are also part of the planning process.’’

The land agency has already identified spots where facilities like toilets made of bamboos will be set up. These structures will add to the eco-friendly landscaping that the DDA plans for the nature reserve.

Several indigenous trees and shrubs will be replanted in the forest area. ‘‘These plants have been identified based on the bio-heritage of the area. All are intrinsic to the locale and will help make the reserve ecologically diverse.’’

Spread over 87 hectares, of which six hectares are with the forest department of the Delhi government, the park will also encourage visitors to explore the heritage monuments inside the ridge. The DDA is in the process of implementing the heritage trail, which will connect seven structures located in the Northern Ridge over a semi-developed track. ‘‘We are not constructing concrete structures. So the trails will be temporary but clear tracks.’’

The land agency is also cleaning up the lakes in the area — Khooni lake and the neighbouring serpentine lake as well.

The DDA is also planning to redevelop the water harvesting mechanism in the forest. Till now, most of the monsoon water goes down the drains in Civil Lines and neighbouring areas as there is little scope for water harvesting.

DDA though has now identified some areas as catchment areas where water harvesting would be done. This would add to the existing water table as well, claimed DDA officials.

Northern Ridge

Plans
DDA’s biodiversity park will be a nature reserve with nature and heritage trails, lakes, yoga corners, space identified as water catchment areas, eco-friendly toilets made of bamboo, etc
DDA also plans to conduct a social survey to find out what people would want in this nature reserve

Facts
Size 87 hectares-6 hectares with forest department, Delhi government, rest with DDA

Area-North-Jubilee Hall, Masjid, Mall Road south-crossing of old GT road and Rani Jhansi Marg, Old Subzi Mandi East-Mall road, Rajpur Road West-Ice factory, Malkaganj, Dhobighat, University road
 

25 May 2010, Hindu

As the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) shifts its full attention to the 46 monuments selected for conservation and upkeep before the Commonwealth Games, protected structures that are not on the list are crying out for muchneeded attention.

Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar’s summer palace in Mehrauli — Zafar Mahal — serves as a favourite haunt for drug peddlers and vagabonds. Any time a rare visitor comes to the monument, he will find a group of people sitting inside the monument complex and taking drugs. A lone ASI guard will usually be found sleeping inside the mahal and the entry gate of the monument is usually blocked by vehicles which are parked right up to the gate.

Inside the palace, neglect and misuse can be seen in every quarter. The biggest threat to the monument is that the structure’s courtyard seems to have been taken over by adjacent private buildings, with their owners having built additional floors over the monument’s boundary wall. Conservationists say the original boundary wall was knocked down by private builders and a new one constructed several feet inside the monument to make space for the buildings around the monument. Graffiti, decaying plaster and broken rubble can also be seen all over the monument, the result of years of neglect.

Archaeological officers admit Zafar Mahal is one of the city’s protected but poorlymaintained monuments. ‘‘Most of the encroachments here came up in the 1980s. To take action against the encroachments by the neighbouring buildings, we will need to acquire the structures and then start the demolition process. That is a long procedure,’’ said an official. The ASI is proposing to start a museum dedicated to Bahadur Shah Zafar and freedom fighters here. ‘‘But the only way to keep vagabonds and anti-social elements out is to make the monument ticketed,’’ said officials.

The move will serve two big purposes, reasoned officials. First, more and more visitors will come to Zafar Mahal and it could be promoted as a tourist destination and second, the monument would be protected against anti-social elements. ‘‘Most of the displays we might put up inside Zafar Mahal are currently at Swatantrata Sanghralya museum at Red Fort. Since the monument is an integral part of Mughal history, it could be used as a tribute to the Mughal rulers,’’ said the official.

An intriguing fact about Zafar Mahal is that Bahadar Shah Zafar wished to be buried here. But in the aftermath of the revolt of 1857, he was exiled to Burma and died in Rangoon five years later where he lies buried. In fact, an empty grave can still be seen in the graveyard inside the mahal. Several members of the Mughal family like Shah Alam Bahadur Shah I (second son of Aurangzeb), and Shah Alam II (son of Alamgir) are buried here.

Several historians have sent proposals to the government asking Bahadur Shah Zafar’s grave be brought back from Rangoon. The mahal was originally built by Akbar II but it was his son Bahadur Shah Zafar who constructed the grand gate and added it to the palace in the mid 1800s.
 

25 May 2010, Times City, Times of India

It is said that these structures on Chikkabenkal hill near Gangavathi in Koppal district belong to the stone age.

These houses are said to have been constructed 3,000 years ago. But, no research that can throw more light on them, has been taken up so far.

At a time when there were no technological advances, the ability of the stone age man to shape these stones into nice, semicircular slabs and place them on top of each other is cause for amazement.

Because the roofs of these houses are shaped like plates, the local people call it morera thatte though the origin of the first word or its meaning is not known.

Today, these stone age structures are in danger of being plundered by treasure hunters and local cowherds. It is said that the place had over 600 such houses at one point. Today, though, the number has come down to a mere 60 to 70. Stone age men who might have lived in Agoli, Gaddi, Chikkabenkal villages must have built these structures to protect themselves from wildlife. Others say they are graves. But, according to Sharanabasappa Kolkar, a history lecturer from a local college, these structures definitely belong to the stone age.

The stone age man had no knowledge about metals. Treasure hunters, who are unaware of this, have tried to bring down these stone structures, and look for bounty.

But, there is still hope, for the Hyderabad-Karnataka Development Board Secretary Shalini Goel and the Gulbarga region’s Commissioner Rajneesh Goel have shown interest in these structures, and are chalking out a plan to save them.

These stone age structures should be maintained well. The region has the potential to draw tourists, if information about the structures is promoted well, according to Rajneesh Goel, on a recent visit to the region. Surely, it can feature on the tourist circuit, because Hampi is in close proximity.
 

25 May 2010, Deccan Herald

We travelled from Bangalore to Halebeedu, a journey of 216 kms, traversing the heart of Tumkur district and through the district headquarters of Hassan. Halebeedu, 31 kms away, located in the Hassan district is the 12th-century capital of the Hoysala dynasty, renowned for its exquisite Hoysaleswara temple.

Considered to be one of India’s architectural gems, the temple enshrines the twin Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara temples named after builder Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and his wife Queen Shantala. Built on a stellar plan, the Hoysaleswara temple is a masterpiece studded with exquisite carvings. There are pierced windows in fine jali, trellis work on the walls about a meter high each, flanked by sculptures of divinities. Halebeedu was sacked by the armies of Malik Kafur in the early fourteenth century, after which it fell into a state of disrepair and neglect.

This temple is now being proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as a result, no construction is permitted within 50 yards of the temple. A row of shanty stalls have come up lining the inside edge of the parking lot, located outside the stone walls of the temple. The main souvenirs sold in these stalls include a range of stone products such as Ganesas, Anjaneyas (Hanumans), Basavas, bulls, mantapas, pavilions as well as lamps of various shapes and sizes. These are sold by young women, who actively solicit business with tourists as they get in and off their vehicles.

While men make the products by hand, women colour and polish them with black soot paint, and engrave them with simple designs. Talented artisans from the Vishwakarma community, migrated from Salem, Tamil Nadu, about 150 years ago to neighbouring towns, in search of raw material and new markets. They settled down in the tourist centres of Halebeedu and Belur because they are the natural source markets for their handcrafted stone products. Products originally made and marketed at the shanty markets were dose kall chatties, dose griddles, appam kall chatties, griddles with hollowed cups, salt containers and other traditional household products.

Soapstone from Agare’s quarries
“Where do you get your raw material from?” I asked Muthukumar, the head of the artisan group. “Soft soapstone is mainly sourced from quarries in the village of Agare, 10 kms away. We have to go 20 ft deep and dig out two to three feet of the stone with hand tools. Quarrying operations are done on Mondays and Tuesdays,” he answered. Tractor loads are bought by the artisans collectively and transported to their homes and distributed among themselves. Wednesdays are rest days and the rest of the week is spent on handcrafting the souvenirs.

Travellers across the world return to their homes with souvenirs. The importance of quality souvenirs cannot be overestimated, as they directly represent the identity and image of a culture and serve as an evidence of history, heritage or geography. Craft souvenirs are a particular focus and discerning tourists value their authenticity. The importance of souvenirs to economies, cultures and visitors has been well researched. The sale of souvenirs in the USA alone accounts for $25 billion in sales annually. Approximately 15 lakh tourists visit Halebeedu and Belur annually. Of these about 10 per cent are foreigners who visit during September- February, according to Bhaskar, Tourism Officer, Karnataka Tourism. Tourist train Golden Chariot also has Halebeedu on its itinerary. The potential for development of souvenirs for tourists is enormous.

Diversifying products
Crafts Council of Karnataka pursued a dialogue with this group of artisans who were producing the stoneware souvenirs in Halebeedu on whether they would be interested in diversifying their products. The new products proposed would be mainly contemporary product ranges primarily based on the unique designs of the Hoysaleswara temple. This would appeal to foreign tourists as well as the emerging young and discerning domestic tourists and expand their current limited markets.

“Their positive and enthusiastic response to this suggestion resulted in the Crafts Council of Karnataka organising an integrated design development and technical skill upgradation training programme between February and June at Halebeedu, sponsored by the Government of Karnataka through the Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation,” said Mangala Narasimhan, CCK Project Coordinator.

National Institute of Design-trained expert designer Sibananad Bohl, who has expertise in stone work, together with master craftsperson Sashadev are conducting the training for 20 artisans. The brief given to the designers by CCK was to develop a range of contemporary ware that would be based on the unique designs of the Hoysaleswara temple that would appeal to tourists, both domestic and foreign.

“After ascertaining the skill level of artisans, quality of stone and tools required, we distributed tool kits to all participants and developed 20 new designs,” said Bhol. “In the beginning, the artisans did not even know how to measure. We gradually taught them the notions of scale, proportion and geometry. Stone slicing machines, special chisels and tools helped artisans learn more efficient methods of working with the stone, resulting in economic usage of raw material and in better and more aesthetic products being made,” he added.

The training began with what workers were familiar with and what was in demand. Therefore the first range of products was traditional - Buddha heads, Basavas, diyas etc. Later they started making small contemporary utilitarian objects like tealight holders, small trays, incense holders etc. Gradually they started producing larger stone boxes with designs of lattice or jali work echoing the beautiful lattice windows of the Hoysaleswara temple at Halebeedu.

Socio-economic needs
Apart from skill enhancement, socio-economic needs of craftspersons are a concern for CCK. With a view to contributing in this area, CCK has taken some initiatives. Artisan identity cards have been prepared and distributed to all 20 participants, said Vimala Rangachar, Chairperson of the Crafts Council of Karnataka.

The Office of the Commissioner - Handicrafts, Government of India, has in collaboration with an insurance firm organised a health insurance scheme, where artisans paying an annual premium of Rs 200 will be eligible for reimbursement of medical expenses of upto Rs 15,000 per annum for hospitalisation and other medical expenses for themselves and their family. “The Crafts Council is assisting these craftspersons by contributing Rs 200 each per annum towards the premium and making them eligible for the benefits,” the CCK chairperson said.

Apart from facilitating the training programme and allotment of artisan cards, Devaramane, Deputy Director - Handicrafts, Regional Design & Technical Development Centre announced ‘Janashree Bhima Yojana’ as part of which life insurance would be given free of charge to artisans with an amount of Rs 30,000 payable on death and an education allowance of Rs 1,200 per annum for two children studying in 9th, 10th and PU classes.

The path forward after the end of the training is an important one. Plans are afoot to form self-help groups in collaboration with artisans from neighbouring areas like Belur and others engaged in similar crafts. This will make them eligible for the benefits of larger co-operatives, artisan credit cards, raw material banks and joint promotional activities like production of literature, catalogues etc.

Offsite marketing at Cauvery emporia, CCK Crafts Shop, Kamalini and other crafts outlets can help provide additional marketing opportunities.
 

25 May 2010, Deccan Herald

Though Chalukyas ruled for six hundred years from the sixth century to the twelfth century, it was Pulikeshi II who was the most well-known of them all.

Chalukyas built many cave temples in Badami. The caves which have been carved out of the sandstone hill here all have a common feature. Each of them has a sanctum, a great court hall, an open verandah and a frontal chamber. Pillars, delicately carved, walls and ceilings are all decorated with sculptures.

There are steps leading up to the caves from the foot of the hill. The first of these caves has been designated as a Shaiva cave shrine. There are various types of sculptures of Shiva found here.

Nataraja with eighteen arms, Harihara, Ardhanareeshwara, Ganesha, Kartikeya seated on the peacock, Mahishasura Mardini and other gods and goddesses adorn these caves.

The second and third are designated as Vaishnava cave shrines. Here, there are images of Bhu-varaaha and Trivikrama. In the third cave, there is an image of Vishnu with eight shoulders, apart from an image of Vishnu seated on Ananta, with the seven hoods of the cobra god spread above.

The fourth cave has been designated as a Jain cave-shrine. Here the door frame is artistically carved.

In the sanctum, Vardhamana Mahaveera is seated on a lion throne leaning back against a cushion. On the left hand side of the verandah, there is the standing image of Paarsvanatha.

On the opposite wall, there is the standing image of Bahubali.

It is important to note that sandstone of this area has not been affected by any natural calamities and has withstood the ravages of time.
 

25 May 2010, Deccan Herald

The Mecca Masjid, situated near the BSNL office is one of the nationally protected heritage sites of the medieval period constructed by Sufi saint Mahabari Khandayat.

This is one of the very few mosques in the country, constructed especially for women to offer prayer. Because the monument was left unattended to for years, its wall had developed some cracks allowing rain water to seep inside the building. This had affected the structure. Now, with the ASI giving top priority for its conservation, this archaeological site is all set to get a new lease of life.

Mecca Masjid is a neat little mosque shut in between great high walls. Ornamental stucco work inside the building has enhanced this monument’s historic and artistic value. The towers adjacent to the structure, from which the call to prayer was given indicates that there was an old building which was partially cleared before constructing the Mecca Masjid on it. On the east side, there is the grave of the saint.

It is not clear why the great high walls that encompass this mosque were built. But it is certain that they were not intended for defence of any kind. Because, the four great arched openings in the south face have never been provided with doors.

The mosque was built exclusively for queens and the ladies of the royal family. The fact that the building is so well protected clearly supports this notion. Usually, mosques used by men have a mimhar or a pulpit, from which the religious address is made. But in the women’s mosque, there is no such provision because men were not allowed inside the mosque, even to make an address. Therefore, this mosque has no mimhar.

Historians observe that the style of the masonry, the surface decoration, the finish and the material used in Mecca Masjid are similar to the little pavilion in front of the Asar Mahal, situated some yards away from it and they conclude that both the monuments have been built by the same workmen.

The mosque is said to be built after the same design as the mosque at Mecca, hence its name. The ASI officials say that they have taken up conservation of several monuments in Bijapur this year. The conservation work includes clearing of shrubs grown on monuments, repairing of damaged portion of the building and construction of compounds around heritage buildings.
 

25 May 2010, Deccan Herald

The two-storey structure has 10 rooms in all and is characterised by a sandstone neo-Gothic archway. The semi-circular arched openings alternating with pointed arched niches on the first floor of the haveli also make it unique. Its beauty is, however, marred by endless violations in the form of encroachments and a tangle of overhead cables.

To begin with, the Corporation will clear all encroachments and clean up the area around the haveli. The original structure will then be restored before redeveloping it as per the new plan. The MCD has further assured that the redevelopment work will aim at conserving the heritage value of the haveli and that it will keep the original design of the structure intact.

“The spatial quality of the courtyard has been greatly compromised by incongruous additions and alterations. The original wood railings have been replaced with parapet walls, the central courtyard is lined with encroachments,” an MCD official said. “We will restore the balcony along the courtyard as per the original design after clearing up the area,” he added.

Corporation officials said the decision to convert the haveli into a café-cum-studio seemed apt because of its ideal location. “Paharganj is flocked by tourists and the haveli anyway attracts many viewers because of its magnificent design. We thus thought it would be most suitable to convert it into a café and handicraft exhibition zone,” the official added.

As per the redevelopment plan, MCD will use the front balcony as an extension of a common lounge into the street. The missing stone brackets will be restored along with the wood railings and columns. The MCD will also fabricate the missing panels as per the original design.

The haveli has been lying vacant since 2007 when a new building was constructed nearby and the school shifted there.

Restoration Plan
The redevelopment work will include the following:

	The stucco renders, pilasters to be restored to original design using lime plaster
	The neo-Gothic Entrance archway and the façade to be restored and highlighted
	First floor room with balconies to be used as common room for backpackers’ hostel
	Brick jack arch ceiling to be stabilised and restored
	The central courtyard to be restored and used as a spillout for the handicrafts exhibits

26 May 2010, Indian Express

Dr Ruchi Singh, who discovered the temple rather accidentally while she was working on archaeological sites in Palnadu region, says the temple belonging to the Chalukyan period was buried up to roof level. “The temple is locally known as Ankalamma Gudi or Poopalamma Gudi and lies in the Brahmanaidu cheruvu (lake). It is a Rekhanagara Prasada, representing the Badami Chalukyan architecture datable to the 7th century CE,” she said.

Macherla and Karempudi, the temple towns of Palnadu war fame, are popular centres in Guntur district for Sri Chenna Kesava temple and Veerulagudi respectively. There are a few temples associated with Palnadu war and they have not seen the light of the day. Recently, the Nayakuralu Nagamma temple at Jittagamalapadu, an 11th-12th century structure, was taken up for conservation.

Dr Singh is currently working on a project on “heritage and cultural tourism in Andhra Pradesh” supported by the South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur. She had gone to study Siddeshwara Swamy temple at Terala for her project.

Prof. E. Siva Nagi Reddy, sculptor in the department of archaeology and museums, says the counterparts of the temple are seen at Pitikayagulla in Prakasam district, Panyam in Kurnool district and the group of temples at Alampur in Mahabubnagar district.

Square on plan the temple has a garbhagriha over which a typical Nagara style Vimana Sikhara with Amalaka is built.

Until and unless the earth accumulated up to roof level of the temple is removed, the details of the walls, mukhamandapa and adhishtana are not known, she said.

Moreover, the sculptors used iron dowels in the joinery of the stones used for construction of the temple, and this is a typical western Chalukyan feature.
 

26 May 2010, Indian Express

Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora said this during a visit to the historical shrine of Hazrat Sayeed Mohammad Madni Sahib at Hawal here today. Renowned scholar and MLC MY Teing, filmmaker Rama Panday, Director Tourism, Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Shah and other senior officers and experts accompanied the minister.

Jora said the government was going to enact a law for the conservation and protection of all state monuments. He added that a few more monuments were in the process of being declared as state protected monuments.

The shrine of Hazrat Syed Mohammad Madni Sahib is a state protected monument and its historical and architectural glory has been restored to a large extent by the State Archaeological Department.

The mosque and Hamam on the shrine complex was built during the period of Sultan Zain-ul-Abdin in 1440 AD. It is believed that the shrine was one of the pre-Mughal structures carrying very distinct architectural features, including earthen roof, and the monument is also famous for its glazed tile work throughout the world.

Giving details of the conservation works of heritage places in the state, the minister said the restoration work on Hari Parbat, Chingus, Bhahu, Reasi Forts and Mubarak Mandi Palace, besides the Kathyar ancient temple and spring was going on in full swing.

Jora said, “Kashmir is also rich in heritage tourism and the government endeavours to promote it in the valley.” He added, “We have to educate our children about our rich culture and ethos through organised visits to the historical and religious places so that they remain fully aware about Kashmir’s decades’ old cultural values known all over the world.

Appreciating the role of filmmaker Rama Panday for making a documentary on the historical shrine of Hazrat Syed Mohammad Madni Sahib, the minister said this documentary would not only be beneficial for preserving our historical and religious place, but would also make aware people outside the state about this centuries’ old pilgrimage and historical monument.

A few more monuments are in the process of being declared state protected monuments — Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Tourism and Culture
 

27 May 2010, Tribune

The biological oxygen demand of the water to be discharged into Yamuna after treatment is a high 11-12 milligrams per litre, whereas, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), it has to be under 5 milligrams per litre to be “fit for bathing”.

Official records also show that Engineers India Limited, which is carrying out the project, will be intercepting only 108 of the 231 sub-drains that bring sewage into Yamuna.

This is apart from the 22 large drains, like Najafgarh, Shahadara and the supplementary drain.

According to the Delhi government, this ambitious project is the last solution left to clean the dead river after all else has failed.

As much as Rs 1,500 crore has already been spent over the years on some project or the other, attempting to clean the Yamuna.

“We do not have the technology in the Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to turn sewage into water fit for bathing,” admitted Santosh Vaidya, Additional CEO, Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

“But from being very dirty, we can say the Yamuna will be less dirty.”

In other words, as much as Rs 1,357 crore of public money is being spent to lay a few pipes and bring sewage into STPs.

“But as far as cleaning the Yamuna is concerned, that is not happening. Not with this project,” said Himanshu Thakkar, head of South Asian Network of Dams, Rivers and People.

The DJB claims the cost of total cleaning of the water is too steep.

“While now, the cost of treatment is around 1Rs .5 crore per million gallons per day, that for high-end sophisticated treatment of the sewage is about Rs 7 crore,” Vaidya says.

“To fund that, we need a policy decision,” Vaidya adds.

“They are misleading the public into believing that this huge project will clean the Yamuna,” said Vinod Jain of NGO Tapas, which has been fighting a legal battle with the authorities to clean up the Yamuna for years.

“But what they are actually doing is wasting thousands of crores to just lay a few pipes,” Jain added.

What is the project?
The idea is to tap all the sewage generated in Delhi and channel it into the existing 17 sewage treatment plants.

Cost: Rs 1357 crore

What is wrong?
The project underestimates the amount of sewage Delhi generates, thus upsetting the whole theory behind catching all the sewage before discharging it into Yamuna. It treats only 108 of the 231 subdrains that carry sewage parallel to the main drains. It will not treat the entire 3800 million litres per day of sewage Delhi generates.

What can be done with Rs 1357 crore?
 

	Rs 1357 crore is 4 times the cost of Chandraayan—India’s mission to moon.
	It is twice the cost of building a new terminal at the IGI Airport.
	It is 15 times the cost of setting up a terminal like New Delhi railway station.

27 May 2010, Hindu

Rajasthan-based artist Kanchan Bagari seeks to create awareness about an ancient temple lying in ruins through her ongoing solo painting exhibition at All-India Fine Arts and Crafts Society here.

“Kala Ki Pukar Part-I” is Kanchan's second show at AIFACS and this time round too the artist wants the administration to wake up and do something fast to preserve places of historical and religious importance that are in a dilapidated condition.

Reading a newspaper article some time ago Kanchan came to know about a long-forgotten Jagat Mandir about 500 km away from Udaipur. “As the temple was in an area inhabited by a tribal population, no one visited the temple that has statues similar in design to Khajuraho. Accompanied by my entire family, I visited the temple for five consecutive days. We used to go early morning and I would get ample time to study the statues made in marble,” she says.

Rajasthan is known the world over for its art manifested through its myriad monuments, sculptures and paintings. “But now it seems that the unparalleled and unique art and sculpture of our State has started losing its relevance and sacredness. Sculptures that are hundreds of years old are being stolen and are being allowed to decay. If our artistic heritage is destroyed by theft and carelessness, won't such a rich tradition become extinct?” bemoans the artist.

The exhibition also has two of her earlier works – a self-portrait and a painting of gods.

Born in Sujangarh, Kanchan was drawn towards art during her childhood. She graduated from Bikaner University.

She is now gearing up for another exhibition at Bangalore next month.

The current exhibition is on view till this Friday.
 

27 May 2010, Hindu

Delhi government’s Department of Archaeology had declared the structure, inside a DDA park behind Priya Complex, a protected monument few months ago. The Indian National Trust For Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) started the conservation work.

Keshav Chandra, Director of Department of Archaeology, said, “This is the first of the 18 monuments being readied after conservation ahead of the Commonwealth Games. We have already conducted trial runs for the illumination and plan to open it for public soon.”

Apart from cleaning of the monument and carrying out conservation work, what INTACH has done is to go ahead with “restoration” work wherever possible.

“If there is a very strong evidence, there is a reference to a certain work for say 70 per cent, then only you can go ahead with restoration,” said an INTACH official.

This is evident from the finished kangoras (decorative portions on the parapet wall or that surrounding the dome of a monument), the stuccos on arch around the mihrab (decorated wall on the western side, where people will usually face while offering prayers) or the insides of the dome.
A family using the monument as its living quarters for years together had left its scars all over the place.

The walls were painted with pink distemper and there were additions like electrical, water pipes and other fittings. The walls above 10 feet and the insides of the dome were covered with soot, hiding the beautiful calligraphy and stuccos.

“All this was discovered when complete cleaning was carried out,” the official said.

Similarly, the ribs of the dome showed evidence of blue tiles.

“We are exploring possibility to get original blue tiles … like getting it from Aga Khan Foundation,” said INTACH’s Delhi Chapter convenor Prof A G K Menon.

	The Lodhi area structure of Archaeological Value A, according to INTACH's listing, stands on a terrace about 15 feet high even as the dome rises from a 16-sided drum
	Maulvi Zafar Hasan’s book, considered as a bible of archaeology for Delhi monuments, describes: “The decorative guldastas mark the angles of the drum which is crowned by kangoras incised in plaster and was originally ornamented with blue tiles now mostly disappeared.”

28th May 2010, Hindustan Times

Recent studies by BirdLife International and Bombay Natural History Society have revealed that the list of threatened bird species in the country has risen from 149 in 2008 to 154 now.

Destruction of habitat is the prime reason for all these disappearing species. According to BirdLife studies in Asia, the condition of Great Slaty Woodpecker has deteriorated from “least concern'' to “vulnerable'', while that of Rufous-backed Bunting has deteriorated from “vulnerable'' to “endangered''.

Commenting on the decline in bird numbers, BNHS director Dr. Asad Rahmani said: “It is extremely alarming that almost 13 per cent of the world's birds are critically endangered or vulnerable. Great Slaty Woodpecker is an addition from India into the vulnerable category, primarily due to habitat loss. The fact that now 154 bird species from India are threatened as against 149 some time back is an indicator of further deterioration of the environment.''

Dr. Rahmani added that supposedly common species in India like Nilgiri Blue Robin and White-bellied Blue Robin have been included in the endangered category. Himalayan Quail and Pink-headed Duck are considered extinct in India since they have not been seen for nearly 100 years. But as there is still hope to rediscover these birds, they have been included in the critically endangered category.

BNHS and Indian Bird Conservation Network have been working on several critically endangered species including Bengal Florican, Jerdon's Courser, Sociable Lapwing, Forest Owlet and four species of vultures.

Dr. Rahmani, who has been working on the Great Indian Bustard for 30 years, noted that the Bustard is among the 16 endangered species in India and is very likely to become critically endangered soon, unless concrete steps are taken for the protection of its habitat.

In light of the alarming situation of several bird species in India, BNHS has strongly urged the Indian Government to start special programmes for the protection of birds and their habitats. BNHS has identified 466 important bird areas across India which are crucial bird habitats. At present 200 among them are not officially protected.

A release issued by the BNHS noted that all such areas should be protected and the local communities involved in such conservation measures in a manner that it becomes a win-win situation for all with a sustainable development model.
 

28th May 2010, Hindu

THE Latin word ‘tumba’ meaning tomb is a home or house for the dead. From the beginning, different religions and cultures have different practices concerning burials. "Some civilisations included the building of memorials to the dead in or next to such holy places as mosques or churches. Indeed, in the Christian faith, many kings were buried in churches and cathedrals."

A. S. Bhalla, who is currently visiting professor at the University of Nottingham, has chosen royal tombs of India for his research as he found them associated with religion, political power, love and passion.

The writer says that in primitive cultures, the dead were buried in private houses built around in actual round hut in which a body was placed along with such other objects as tools and personal belongings for use in the next life. Kings and queens were even provided with servants who were actually killed and buried along with them, to serve their master in the next life.

"Ancient Egyptians believed so strongly in afterlife that the earthly dwelling was regarded as the temporary house, and the tomb as the permanent abode. This explains why they built such lasting, enduring tombs for their royalty."

Similar royal tombs, in the shape of the grand mausoleum, were built by the Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Muslims. The writer shows that like the Egyptian pyramids, the other mausoleums and tombs also have contained offerings and treasures along with on dead bodies.

Although Islam did not allow any formal memorials of the dead through monuments, it is paradoxical that Central Asia, India and Pakistan are full of tombs and royal mausoleums.

The writer has devoted detailed description to each of the Islamic dynasties from the slaves to the Mughals who invaded India. Mughal architecture brought to India the beauty, sophistication, proportion, and magnificence. The earlier Sultanate and Lodi architecture lacked that elegance and refinement. Structures of the slaves and Lodis were crude and heavy lacking symmetry and the splendour that Mughal tombs marked. The author further describes the Muslim architecture that introduced many individual features such arch, dome, and minarets. "Indigenous Hindu architecture did not have any domes, which are considered a peculiar feature of Muslim architecture. Most Hindu temples have either flat roofs or shikharas (curvilinear roofs) on top of the garb griha (sanctum sanctorum), as in the temples of Khajuraho." In Islamic counties, minars are mostly a symbol of Islam. They are generally very high, lofty and cylindrical structures. Qutb Minar in Delhi and Chand Minar in Daulatabad are used as a symbol of victory in India.

The Mughals also introduced Persian architectural techniques to India, as Babar’s Timurid heritage, and Humayun’s long stay at the Safavid court. Muslim conquerors of India, who came from Western Asia such as Persia, Mongolia and Turkey during the Middle Ages imported skilled workers, engineers and craftsmen for the construction of such monuments as the Taj. Besides architecture, the Persian influence pervaded the arts, miniature painting and poetry.

The author points out that Babur and Humayun did not contribute much towards art and architecture since they were far more preoccupied with establishing the Mughal dynasty in India. Their contribution to art is negligible as compared to that of the later Mughal emperors.

Akbar was perhaps the greatest Mughal emperor, and historians lay in his religious tolerance and this was evident even in the architecture of his period. Akbar was tolerant of the Hindus, accepted Hindu wives, and abolished various taxes. He placed Hindus in senior positions in his court. Hindu artisans and craftsmen were also employed, which may partly explain the use of Hindu techniques, elements and decorations in the monuments built during his reign.

Informative tables containing the list of selected royal tombs, evolution of Indian architecture, and chronological lists of various dynasties add value to this book. The book is well illustrated with a number of photographs and illustrations, and it would be of interest to scholars and researchers.
 

30 May 2010, Tribune

Walking past Mirza Ghalib’s haveli in Gali Qasim Jan, in Ballimaran, one hits an arched gateway at the end of the street. The arch is very similar to the one outside the poet’s haveli. The only difference being that the thin lakhori bricks that are visible on the exterior of Ghalib’s house are here hidden behind a board declaring, Rabea Girls Public School. The gateway once served as the entrance to Mahal Sara, the house of the Nawabs of Loharu who were descendants of Qasim Jan. For the local residents, however, this is Ghalib’s sasural—the house of his wife, Umrao Begum.

Inside, a narrow alley leads to a smaller entrance where a security officer, appointed by the present owner of the building, sits guarding the once palatial complex. Step onto the courtyard and whatever remains of the building—lofty ceilings, carved pillars with petal motifs, arches—can only help you imagine the heyday of the grand structure. Perhaps it was in this courtyard, surrounded by jharokhas, that the marriage of 13-year-old Ghalib was solemnised with Umrao, daughter of Nawab Ilahi Baksh. The marriage on August 9, 1810 must have been an event when the entire locality assembled.

Qasim Jan, after whom the street is named, came here in the 18th Century from Bukhara and rose to prominence in the court of Shah Alam. His descendants established the princely state in the 19th Century. Today, there’s nothing royal about the upkeep of the house. There are no traces of any conservation done here. Instead, old arched doors and windows have been partially or wholly blocked with cement.

The courtyard serves as a playground for the primary section of Rabea School. The school was started in 1973 by Hamdard’s Hakeem Abdul Hamid, who is also credited with establishing the Ghalib Academy near the poet’s grave at Nizamuddin. Incidentally, Ghalib was buried at the family burial ground of the Loharu Nawabs.

According to residents, the school’s primary section functions out of portions of Mahal Sara. But Parmjeet Shergill, principal of the school, refutes the claim. “Our students use the courtyard of Umrao Begum’s house for recreational purposes. But the school functions out of Hamdard property,” she says, adding that the students of the senior secondary section regularly perform mock mushairas for those taking part in heritage walks on Ghalib.

The residents, on the other hand, inform in a hushed tone that there might be some litigation going on regarding Mahal Sara, but no one would like to come on record.

Ghalib’s house, a few yards away, has seen both conservation and misuse. His wife’s home, on the other hand, seems all but forgotten.
 

30 May 2010, Indian Express

The police said that after receiving a tip-off, a team was formed under captain Satbir of special staff and a decision was taken to send a decoy customer to the accused. ‘‘A meeting with the accused was fixed for Friday afternoon at DDU Marg, near the government school. Around 3:15pm, two persons came there and the deal was finalized. The two then called accomplices who were carrying the idol. As soon as the four others came in a Maruti Swift car, we arrested them and seized the idol,’’ said Jaspal Singh, DCP (central district).

‘‘During the interrogation, the six men disclosed they had taken this idol from two of their acquaintances, John and Arif. They were reportedly told that the idol was stolen from a Jain temple in Rajasthan,’’ said Singh.

Police said the accused were looking for buyers over the internet, and had made attempts to sell the idol to one of the museums in London. ‘‘A case has been registered against the six at the Kamla Market police station and the idol has been preserved,’’ said Singh.
 

30 May 2010, Times City, Times of India

Parliament recently amended the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act to give it more teeth and enable the ASI to effectively protect and develop the 4000 monuments it looks after. Conservationists have raised a cheer. But more is required to enforce the law.

Consider the Elephanta Caves. The Intach Mumbai chapter began to work there in 1997 after UNESCO threatened to delist it as a World Heritage site because it was so neglected. The ASI took immediate remedial steps and requested INTACH to draw up a conservationa and development plan. A seminar and workshop followed, even as Intach organized a spectacular fund raiser at Elephanta attended by the chief minister and Mumbai luminaries. This raised money for research and detailed documentation, which was commended by UNESCO and recommended as a prototype. INTACH worked with the ASI to significantly improve the core site and the government passed a resolution on implementing the plan for the island’s improvement. But despite the conservationists’ best efforts not much has progressed.

What went wrong? As always, vested interests realized the threat to benefits cornered by illegal means. They began a vigorous campaign against Intach. But the sarpanch was female. Installed by those vested interests in the hope she would be pliant, she valiantly stood up to them. While she was in office, Intach made some progress and wells were dug and many local improvements were carried out. It started a women’s selfhelp group with 63 ladies, which is still running. The local money lenders were furious. Intach’s all-woman Elephanta team was harassed and threatened and was forced to seek police support.

Some of this occurred because the ASI may be in charge of a site but has no jurisdiction over state and local governments and cannot remove illegal developments. The vested interests at Elephanta managed to get the lady sarpanch defeated.

Some progress was made. Perhaps the worst was averted. There were plans for a Disneyland entertainment park, which Intach managed to stop. There were suggestions for a hotel but Intach recommended village tourism instead, which would have had the women offering tea and snacks to visitors. Elephanta’s three villages are charming and the villagers mostly work in the tourism industry. The vested interests, which owned many of the restaurants on the island, prevented the village tourism idea from taking off.

Efforts continue to make Elephanta a model site. There is unregulated and illegal development along the access route. There are Coastal Regulation Zone violations but because Elephanta is small world, cocooned by the water, little is done to stop it.

So if Parliament is serious about ensuring that our heritage sites improve then a directive must go out to both state and local governments to extend full cooperation to the ASI and its collaborators.
 

30 May 2010, Times of India

Villagers have been demanding exclusion of all villages from the sanctuary. They say the Wildlife Protection Act has made their life miserable as it forbids any human interference in the area.
“We cannot take out even dry grass, leave alone availing the TD and forest produce from the jungle,” the villagers rued.

The wildlife-human conflict has built up in the sanctuary area. “We traditionally depend upon jungles for fuel wood, fodder and timber, but now none can touch it, though illicit cutting of trees or chopping of tree branches is rampant in the sanctuary area,” the villagers revealed.

On the other hand, the wildlife wing has been finding it difficult to impose the Wildlife Protection Act in the sanctuary areas around these villages, officials said.

Besides, thousands of pilgrims also frequent the sanctuary’s core area round the year, as the shrine of Shikari Devi is located in the middle of the sanctuary.

DFO Wildlife BS Rana said rationalisation exercise of the Shikari Devi would take out 110 villages in the area. “This exercise will reduce its area from 213 sq km to 23 sq km,” he added.

Even it is difficult to monitor the sanctuary from Kullu as they to have look after seven-eight sanctuaries in the area, claimed Rana.

The wildlife officials said a high-level team from the Centre had already inspected the sanctuary in December, 2008. “Though the final decision will be taken by the National Wildlife Board of India chaired by the Prime Minister, the state government has given its nod to take out all villagers from all sanctuary areas in the state, they added.
 

31 May 2010, Tribune

MANTRIS - Manas Tiger Reserve Information System -is basically GIS software that reveals information about the Manas Tiger Reserve at click of the mouse. MANTRIS is the first-of-its-kind information software that will be of immense help for park managers and other stakeholders. It is all set to revolutionise tiger conservation efforts. It can be the basic platform for habitat linkages within the Manas Tiger Reserve and other key habitats of the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex as well as the North Bank Landscape.

Royal Manas Park manager, Tenzing Wangchuk, who was present while Aaranyak dedicated MANTRIS for the Manas Tiger Reserve a couple of days back, said such GIS-based software could be of immense help for trans-boundary wildlife conservation efforts between Bhutan and Assam as animals’ movements were not bounded by geographical boundaries.

“MANTRIS contains detail information about the much celebrated Manas Tiger Reserve and will be of much help to forest officials, park mangers. It is designed for the entire Manas Tiger Reserve area that extends from the Sankosh river in the west to Dhansiri river in the east along the India-Bhutan border. The Manas Tiger Reserve comprises of 18 ranges covering a total area of over 2,800 sq km,” said Bibhuti P Lahkar of Aaranyak and team leader of the project.

MANTRIS contains detail information on almost all aspects of the picturesque tiger reserve, including administrative centres, forest boundary, land use pattern, drainage, forest villages, NGO locations, roads network, ride line, elephant points, golden langur points, digital elevation model (topographic model) of tiger reserve.

The whole project was financially supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund that focuses on conservation of bio-diversity hotspots. MANTRIS has been developed after two years of extensive fieldwork and research.
 

31 May 2010, Tribune