A team of heritage experts from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) inspected dilapidated Lansdowne Building, located opposite KSRTC Bus Stand, yesterday. The inspection has renewed hopes for a pragmatic resolution to the prolonged legal and conservation dispute surrounding the 133-year-old structure, which has long hung in the balance due to divided expert opinion on whether to restore or rebuild it. The visit was conducted in accordance with the recent Supreme Court (SC) directive, issued while hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP). The Apex Court has sought comprehensive reports from both INTACH and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) after directing inspections of both the Lansdowne Building and Devaraja Market. The INTACH team, led by retired Professor Raghunath and comprising experts Manish, Siddarth, Jeevita and Amrita, thoroughly examined the first and second floors, foundation, beams, pillars, ceilings, doors and windows of the now-defunct structure. The team assessed the structural integrity, identifying portions weakened by age and water seepage. To support their analysis, the team recorded photographic and video documentation and collected sand samples from areas originally constructed using lime and mortar. During the inspection, officials from the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) — Deputy Commissioner K.J. Sindhu and Assistant Executive Engineer A.N. Madhusudhan — provided technical and historical data regarding the building’s construction, maintenance history, number of shops and details of previous collapses.

The expert team made detailed observations about structurally sound and weak portions, weighing the feasibility of restoration and discussing engineering methods appropriate for heritage conservation. They also examined whether reconstructed portions — particularly damaged shops on the first floor — could visually and architecturally match the original design. The flaking remnants of lime-and-mortar sections were collected for further analysis. Refusing to comment on the specifics of the inspection, Prof. Raghunath told reporters, “We have conducted the inspection as per the Supreme Court’s directions and will submit a detailed report to the Court.” The team concluded its Mysuru visit with the Lansdowne Building inspection and indicated plans to inspect the Devaraja Market building on Sayyaji Rao Road on another day. Meanwhile, ASI experts are also expected to carry out their inspection soon, though the schedule is yet to be confirmed.

Legal battle so far In December 2024, the Supreme Court issued an interim order following a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by heritage advocate and author G. Sathyanarayana (popularly known as Gouri Sathya) and Raja Chandra, the son-in-law of late Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar. The SLP was filed against the Karnataka High Court’s judgement dated Aug. 8, 2023, in Writ Petition No. 15215/2020 (PIL). The petition sought to restrain authorities from demolishing or reconstructing the Devaraja Market and Lansdowne Building, citing their classification as heritage structures under Section 2(1ea) of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961, and their inclusion in the Master Plan – 2031 for the Mysuru-Nanjangud Local Planning Area (Revision – II). A Bench, comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ashanuddin Amanullah, ordered a halt to any demolition or reconstruction work and directed that notices be served to INTACH and ASI. The matter was re-listed for hearing on Jan. 8, 2025.

Tender spurs fresh move
The State Government had recently floated a tender worth Rs. 35.95 crore for reconstructing the Lansdowne Building. In response, some individuals moved the Supreme Court challenging the Karnataka High Court’s ruling, prompting the apex court to seek expert opinions from INTACH and ASI. The Supreme Court will take a final decision — whether to raze or restore the structure — based on these expert reports, aiming to ensure a balanced approach to conservation and development of Mysuru’s built heritage.

https://starofmysore.com/to-restore-or-raze-intach-surveys-lansdowne-building/, June 2, 2025

The Ferozepur Fort, built during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, is significant in the history of the freedom struggle, has now become the focus of attention. Efforts are underway to secure the fort’s reopening. For years, the fort’s gates remained closed, their grandeur hidden behind overgrown vegetation and the passage of time. The fort, surrounded by high walls and thick foliage, was once a strategic military location.

Local citizens believe that if the fort is opened to the public, it will not only become a tourist attraction but also an educational resource. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Ferozepur Chapter, under the leadership of Dr. Anirudh Gupta, Convenor, Ferozepur Chapter, has been working tirelessly to revive this symbol of the city’s heritage. Dr. Gupta, who has long championed the cause of historical preservation in Ferozepur, emphasised the fort’s importance in the annals of Indian history. He said, “The Ferozepur Fort is not just a relic of the past; it is a reminder of our collective struggle for independence and resilience. We aim to ensure that this fort stands proudly as an educational and cultural landmark for future generations.” Dr. Gupta’s efforts, supported by INTACH and local heritage enthusiasts, have included cleaning the fort’s pathways, removing encroachments, and carefully documenting its architectural features.

These initiatives have paved the way for the fort’s eventual opening to the public, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and its role in the 1857 uprising. While the fort is not yet open for regular visitors, officials are optimistic that these continuing conservation efforts will soon allow residents and tourists to explore the fort’s magnificent gateways and learn about its storied past. The restoration plans also envision guided tours and educational programs to help visitors understand the fort’s historical significance. Residents have expressed excitement at the prospect of seeing this monument restored to its former glory. Residents of Ferozepur are hopeful that with the efforts of Dr. Anirudh Gupta as Convener, INTACH, this fort will soon become a place of learning and pride for the community.

https://www.babushahi.com/view-news.php?id=205049&headline=Ferozepur-Fort%E2%80%99s-historic-gates-likely-to-open-for-public-with-efforts-by-INTACH, June 2, 2025

In a significant step to conserve Punjab’s fading intangible cultural legacy, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has launched a new initiative focussing on the preservation of Gurmat Sangeet, the original form of Sikh devotional music. The INTACH Punjab Chapter, under the leadership of its state convener Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (Retd) and the Kapurthala Chapter led by Advocate Kanwal Jit Singh Ahluwalia, recently organised the first in a series of events titled “Conserving Intangible Heritage – Gurbani Sangeet and its Journey.” The programme featured an enlightening presentation and a live performance by Bhai Baldeep Singh, a 13th-generation exponent and renowned scholar of Gurmat Sangeet. Gurmat Sangeet, the traditional musical system established by the Sikh Gurus, is based on a strict raga framework and performed using rare string instruments like the rabab, taus and saranda.

It stands apart from modern kirtan styles, which have increasingly moved away from the original discipline. Recognising the risk of this heritage being lost, INTACH has stepped in to raise awareness and inspire revival efforts. Bhai Baldeep Singh, who has spent decades documenting oral histories, notations and manuscripts linked to Sikh sacred music, shared rare insights into the spiritual and historical roots of Gurbani Sangeet. He also demonstrated the intricacies of traditional raag-based renditions, while emphasising the urgency of preserving these oral traditions for future generations. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (Retd), INTACH Punjab Convener, recalled his student days in Amritsar when he would listen to original Gurbani renditions at Harmandir Sahib several times a week. He underlined the importance of preserving this spiritual art form, saying, “Our identity stems from Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the sacred ‘Sur’ that was passed on orally.

We must ensure this continues in its true form.” He also referenced Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s month-long stay in Amritsar in 1873, where the profound impact of kirtan at the Golden Temple inspired him deeply. Tagore later translated Sikh scriptures and was deeply moved by Guru Nanak’s aarti “Gagan Mein Thaal Rav Chand Deepak,” which envisions the cosmos itself as an offering to the divine. Advocate Kanwal Jit Singh Ahluwalia emphasised INTACH’s broader mission, noting that the organisation’s work goes beyond restoring monuments — it also aims to safeguard oral, musical and linguistic traditions that form the essence of regional identities. He called on spiritual institutions and the younger generation to engage actively in such efforts. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh said this event marked the beginning of a series planned by INTACH to spotlight Punjab’s rich spiritual music heritage and ensure its continuity through documentation, awareness and mentorship.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/heritage-body-calls-to-preserve-gurmat-sangeet-legacy/, June 3, 2025

On World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the importance of the Aravalli Green Wall project. But what are the other key initiatives India has in place to combat ecological degradation? On the occasion of World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted a sapling at the Bhagwan Mahavir Vanasthali Park in Delhi, strengthening the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and underlining the importance of the Aravalli Green Wall project – a large-scale land restoration project to combat the degradation of the country’s longest mountain range. The 700-km Aravalli mountain range acts as a natural barrier against the incursion of sand and dust from the Thar desert. But it has suffered extensive degradation due to deforestation, mining, urbanisation, agriculture practices and development.

Notably, the degradation of the Aravallis is not an isolated phenomenon, rather a broader part of extensive ecological damage largely driven by human-induced factors such as deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change. Earth is experiencing biodiversity loss at an alarming rate. Studies have estimated that species are now going extinct at rates 10 to 100 times higher than the natural rate. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over one-third of the world’s tree species are now threatened with extinction. Around 40 per cent of the world’s population is already adversely affected by land degradation, while up to $577 billion in annual crop production is at risk due to the loss of pollinators. A recent report by IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) warns that continued biodiversity decline will directly undermine the progress of Sustainable Development Goals related to Poverty, Hunger, Health, Water, etc. The degradation of rivers, forests, wetlands, and coastal zones is not only accelerating ecological collapse but also widening social and economic inequities, particularly in the global south, including India.

Amidst this, a shift towards ecological restoration – one that actively revives degraded land and diminishing biodiversity – is the need of the hour to support well-being and climate resilience. This imperative is especially relevant for India, where the combined pressures of rapid development and climate change are accelerating the degradation of forests, wetlands, rivers, and other fragile ecosystems.

Ecological restoration in India
Currently, about 30 per cent of the land in India is degraded, and 25 per cent is undergoing desertification. Although the National Forest Policy mandates a minimum of 33 per cent forest cover, the country’s current forest cover stands at only 24.62 per cent. Considering these problems, India has steadily recognised the significance of environmental conservation and restoration. The Aravalli Green Wall project is a case in point. In addition, it enacted laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, and the Biological Diversity Act 2002 to protect its diminishing forest cover and biodiversity. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, aims to prevent and control water pollution and restore the wholesomeness of water. In 1990-1991, the National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) was launched, which aimed to restore the ecological balance in degraded rainfed regions by promoting green cover. Other programmes like the National Afforestation Programme (2000) and the National Mission for a Green India (2014) were launched to protect and restore the diminishing forest cover of India. In 2016, the Compensatory Afforestation Act (CAMPA) was enacted to ensure that forestland diverted for non-forest purposes is compensated through afforestation and ecological regeneration. To restore the degraded land and promote sustainable land management practices, the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification, 2022, was launched, which aims to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 through forestry interventions.

Furthermore, flagship programmes like Namami Gange, Yamuna Action Plan, and National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) were put into effect to protect and revive aquatic and wetland ecosystems. Additionally, the polluter pays principle under Indian Environmental Jurisprudence mandates ecological restoration by the defaulting entity in case of industrial degradation. In this context, the European Union’s Nature Restoration Law merits attention, which is a key part of its biodiversity strategy and broader European Green Deal.

European Union’s Nature Restoration Law The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law, which entered into force on June 17, 2024, aims to reverse biodiversity loss and build resilient ecosystems. It seeks to contribute to the broader goals related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, land degradation neutrality and enhancing food security. To achieve these objectives, the regulation sets out qualitative and quantitative targets to restore terrestrial, coastal, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. It covers forests, wetlands, grasslands, rivers, and lakes for improving and restoring biodiverse habitats. The regulation also aims to reverse biodiversity loss by halting the decline of pollinators like bees and butterflies by 2030. It seeks to enhance biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems through measures such as boosting grassland butterfly populations and increasing high-diversity landscape features. To increase the green cover, member states are expected to plant at least three billion additional trees by 2030 and to ensure no net loss of green urban space by 2030. On the implementation front, the regulation requires the Member States to submit National Restoration Plans by September 1, 2026. It will cover the period up to 2050, with intermediate deadlines, and will be monitored by the European Commission, which will report progress to the European Parliament. Global efforts for ecosystem revival In addition to this regional initiative, considerable efforts at the global level are also being invested towards the cause.

Over the past few decades, various international initiatives have been taken to address environmental degradation, particularly biodiversity loss. One of the earliest global efforts was the establishment of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1948, which has played a pivotal role in the conservation and restoration of nature. Since 1964, the IUCN has been maintaining the Red List of Threatened Species as a key tool for monitoring ecosystem health and identifying restoration priorities. Global emphasis on restoration inclination is also evident in key international agreements like the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Global efforts for ecosystem revival
In addition to this regional initiative, considerable efforts at the global level are also being invested towards the cause. Over the past few decades, various international initiatives have been taken to address environmental degradation, particularly biodiversity loss. One of the earliest global efforts was the establishment of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1948, which has played a pivotal role in the conservation and restoration of nature. Since 1964, the IUCN has been maintaining the Red List of Threatened Species as a key tool for monitoring ecosystem health and identifying restoration priorities. Global emphasis on restoration inclination is also evident in key international agreements like the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Lastly, while ecological restoration offers undeniable socio-economic benefits, it may not be reduced to a utilitarian exercise that serves just human needs but needs to be guided by the recognition of nature’s intrinsic value and the principle of biocentrism, which places all forms of life at the centre of moral concerns.

Post Read Questions
Examine the status and challenges of land degradation and desertification in India.
How do national policies address these issues? How does the European Union’s Nature Restoration Law serve as a model for global ecosystem restoration efforts?
What lessons can India draw from it? Given that India’s forest cover stands below the mandated 33%, how can restoration strategies be integrated into national development plans without compromising ecological integrity?

Why is ecological restoration emerging as a global imperative in the face of accelerating environmental degradation? Illustrate with examples. What is the concept of ‘rights of nature’ and how does it challenge traditional anthropocentric environmentalism?

On World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the importance of the Aravalli Green Wall project. But what are the other key initiatives India has in place to combat ecological degradation? On the occasion of World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted a sapling at the Bhagwan Mahavir Vanasthali Park in Delhi, strengthening the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and underlining the importance of the Aravalli Green Wall project – a large-scale land restoration project to combat the degradation of the country’s longest mountain range. The 700-km Aravalli mountain range acts as a natural barrier against the incursion of sand and dust from the Thar desert. But it has suffered extensive degradation due to deforestation, mining, urbanisation, agriculture practices and development. Notably, the degradation of the Aravallis is not an isolated phenomenon, rather a broader part of extensive ecological damage largely driven by human-induced factors such as deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change. Earth is experiencing biodiversity loss at an alarming rate.

Studies have estimated that species are now going extinct at rates 10 to 100 times higher than the natural rate. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over one-third of the world’s tree species are now threatened with extinction. Around 40 per cent of the world’s population is already adversely affected by land degradation, while up to $577 billion in annual crop production is at risk due to the loss of pollinators. A recent report by IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) warns that continued biodiversity decline will directly undermine the progress of Sustainable Development Goals related to Poverty, Hunger, Health, Water, etc. The degradation of rivers, forests, wetlands, and coastal zones is not only accelerating ecological collapse but also widening social and economic inequities, particularly in the global south, including India. Amidst this, a shift towards ecological restoration – one that actively revives degraded land and diminishing biodiversity – is the need of the hour to support well-being and climate resilience. This imperative is especially relevant for India, where the combined pressures of rapid development and climate change are accelerating the degradation of forests, wetlands, rivers, and other fragile ecosystems.

Ecological restoration in India

Currently, about 30 per cent of the land in India is degraded, and 25 per cent is undergoing desertification. Although the National Forest Policy mandates a minimum of 33 per cent forest cover, the country’s current forest cover stands at only 24.62 per cent. Considering these problems, India has steadily recognised the significance of environmental conservation and restoration. The Aravalli Green Wall project is a case in point. In addition, it enacted laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, and the Biological Diversity Act 2002 to protect its diminishing forest cover and biodiversity. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, aims to prevent and control water pollution and restore the wholesomeness of water. In 1990-1991, the National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) was launched, which aimed to restore the ecological balance in degraded rainfed regions by promoting green cover.

Other programmes like the National Afforestation Programme (2000) and the National Mission for a Green India (2014) were launched to protect and restore the diminishing forest cover of India. In 2016, the Compensatory Afforestation Act (CAMPA) was enacted to ensure that forestland diverted for non-forest purposes is compensated through afforestation and ecological regeneration. To restore the degraded land and promote sustainable land management practices, the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification, 2022, was launched, which aims to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 through forestry interventions. Furthermore, flagship programmes like Namami Gange, Yamuna Action Plan, and National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) were put into effect to protect and revive aquatic and wetland ecosystems. Additionally, the polluter pays principle under Indian Environmental Jurisprudence mandates ecological restoration by the defaulting entity in case of industrial degradation. In this context, the European Union’s Nature Restoration Law merits attention, which is a key part of its biodiversity strategy and broader European Green Deal.

European Union’s Nature Restoration Law The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law, which entered into force on June 17, 2024, aims to reverse biodiversity loss and build resilient ecosystems. It seeks to contribute to the broader goals related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, land degradation neutrality and enhancing food security. To achieve these objectives, the regulation sets out qualitative and quantitative targets to restore terrestrial, coastal, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. It covers forests, wetlands, grasslands, rivers, and lakes for improving and restoring biodiverse habitats. The regulation also aims to reverse biodiversity loss by halting the decline of pollinators like bees and butterflies by 2030. It seeks to enhance biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems through measures such as boosting grassland butterfly populations and increasing high-diversity landscape features. To increase the green cover, member states are expected to plant at least three billion additional trees by 2030 and to ensure no net loss of green urban space by 2030. On the implementation front, the regulation requires the Member States to submit National Restoration Plans by September 1, 2026.

It will cover the period up to 2050, with intermediate deadlines, and will be monitored by the European Commission, which will report progress to the European Parliament. Global efforts for ecosystem revival In addition to this regional initiative, considerable efforts at the global level are also being invested towards the cause. Over the past few decades, various international initiatives have been taken to address environmental degradation, particularly biodiversity loss. One of the earliest global efforts was the establishment of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1948, which has played a pivotal role in the conservation and restoration of nature. Since 1964, the IUCN has been maintaining the Red List of Threatened Species as a key tool for monitoring ecosystem health and identifying restoration priorities. Global emphasis on restoration inclination is also evident in key international agreements like the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Global efforts for ecosystem revival
In addition to this regional initiative, considerable efforts at the global level are also being invested towards the cause. Over the past few decades, various international initiatives have been taken to address environmental degradation, particularly biodiversity loss. One of the earliest global efforts was the establishment of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1948, which has played a pivotal role in the conservation and restoration of nature. Since 1964, the IUCN has been maintaining the Red List of Threatened Species as a key tool for monitoring ecosystem health and identifying restoration priorities. Global emphasis on restoration inclination is also evident in key international agreements like the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Lastly, while ecological restoration offers undeniable socio-economic benefits, it may not be reduced to a utilitarian exercise that serves just human needs but needs to be guided by the recognition of nature’s intrinsic value and the principle of biocentrism, which places all forms of life at the centre of moral concerns.

Post Read Questions Examine the status and challenges of land degradation and desertification in India. How do national policies address these issues? How does the European Union’s Nature Restoration Law serve as a model for global ecosystem restoration efforts? What lessons can India draw from it? Given that India’s forest cover stands below the mandated 33%, how can restoration strategies be integrated into national development plans without compromising ecological integrity? Why is ecological restoration emerging as a global imperative in the face of accelerating environmental degradation? Illustrate with examples. What is the concept of ‘rights of nature’ and how does it challenge traditional anthropocentric environmentalism?

https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/environment-day-how-india-pushes-for-ecological-restoration-10048210/, June 4, 2025

These early communities inhabited a mangrove-dominated landscape and relied on shell species (both bivalves like oysters and gastropods), naturally adapted to such environments, as a significant food source. Ahmedabad: A recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) is reported to have found evidence suggesting that even before Harappan or Indus Valley Civilisation, "the vast expanses of the Kutch region in Gujarat were home to thriving prehistoric hunter-gatherer communities."

The study conducted by researchers at IITGN, in collaboration with experts from IIT Kanpur, Inter University Accelerator Centre, Delhi, and Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Ahmedabad, is said to have found archaeological evidence that pushes back the human presence in this region by at least five thousand years before the arrival of the Harappans. These early communities inhabited a mangrove-dominated landscape and relied on shell species (both bivalves like oysters and gastropods), naturally adapted to such environments, as a significant food source. “While British surveyors had previously noted shell accumulations in the area, these were not recognised as shell-midden sites, the heaps of discarded shells from human consumption,” professor VN Prabhakar, an Associate Professor at the Archaeological Science Centre in the department of Earth Sciences at IITGN, said, as per the institute Prabhakar, who is the lead investigator of the study, said, “Our study is the first to identify these sites, confirm their cultural significance, and establish a chronological context.” To determine the age of these archaeological sites, the researchers used Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS), a method used for measuring the radioactive isotope values of Carbon-14 (C-14) from the shell remains, which is absorbed by all living organisms.

The institute explained that after death, C-14 begins to decay and is reduced by half every 5,730 years. Measuring the remaining amount in the shell samples allows scientists to estimate the time of the organism's death. As atmospheric C-14 levels have varied over time, the results were calibrated using tree-ring data. It said that trees form one ring per year, and these tree-ring sequences can be matched and extended back over thousands of years, allowing scientists to construct an accurate reference timeline of atmospheric C-14 “The shell samples collected from Khadir and nearby islands were analysed at PRL Ahmedabad, with support from professor Ravi Bhushan and J S Ray, and at IUAC, Delhi, with help from Dr Pankaj Kumar,” mentioned Professor Prabhakar. Khadir is known as the site of Harappan city of Dholavira. The results confirmed that the midden sites date back to a period significantly earlier than the Harappan era, providing rare evidence of human settlement in this region from a much earlier time. According to the researchers, the findings also show similarities with coastal archaeological sites in the Las Bela and Makran regions of Pakistan and the Oman Peninsula, suggesting that early coastal communities across this broader region may have developed comparable strategies for food collection and survival. In addition to the shell scatters and deposits, the team discovered a variety of stone tools used for cutting, scraping, and splitting.

Used cores from which tools were manufactured were also found. “The presence of these tools and associated raw materials suggests that the communities engaged in the prolific manufacture of implements for daily tasks,” said Shikha Rai, a postdoctoral researcher at IITGN and co-author of the study. The findings offer new insights into the region’s cultural evolution. They challenge the commonly held view that urbanism in Kutch developed primarily under the influence of the Sindh region. “Instead of abrupt external influence, what we see here is a gradual, locally rooted process of adaptation and cultural development,” said professor Prabhakar. “This accumulated knowledge of local geology, water resources, and navigation may have later helped the Harappans plan their settlements more effectively and engage in long-distance trade,” he said. The findings from this study were presented at the 17th Annual Workshop on South Asian Archaeology (Hartwick College and University of Chicago), the Seminar Series on the Archaeology of the Indo-Iranian Borderlands (Sorbonne University, Paris), and the 50th Annual Conference of the Indian Society for Prehistoric and Quaternary Studies (ISPQS), Raipur, all in 2025. The research team included professor Vikrant Jain of the Earth Sciences Department, IITGN, professors Javed Malik and Debajyoti Paul from IITK, Pankaj Kumar of IUAC, Delhi and Mahendrasinh Gadhavi from LD College, Ahmedabad.

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/gujarat/archaeological-evidence-reveals-human-habitation-in-kutch-predated-harappans-by-5000-years-study-3572252, June 5, 2025

A team of archaeologists, in collaboration with the District Museum, Haflong, has retraced its steps to Daojali Hading — an ancient Neolithic site in Assam's Dima Hasao district — and unearthed a fresh cache of artefacts. The rediscovery of the site, which was first excavated in the 1960s, has led to a breakthrough: the discovery of iron elements for the first time, potentially marking it as the earliest known site with evidence of iron use in the northeast. The reconnaissance survey, which took place during March and April, happened around 5-6km away from the commercial town of Langting along the NH 27 route. It unearthed artefacts that included a double shouldered Celt — a chiselled stone tool — chord marked potteries, pastels-mortars, a polished stone arrowhead, and more which dated around 2,700 years old.



"The range of domestic and utilitarian artefacts confirms the importance of this region, as it is an important archaeological site of the state, which indicates signs of early human population, likely by the Austroasiatic speaking communities, who were among the early settlers, based on archaeological and linguistic data. These discoveries collectively offer valuable insights into the region's prehistoric lithic and emerging metallurgical traditions," said Shring Dao Langthasa, one of the archaeologists, who had led the survey. Among the assemblage, an iron slag and other ferruginous (containing iron ore) materials, were found for the first time. "Until now, the earliest scientifically dated evidence of iron usage in the region came from Meghalaya, estimated to be around 2,300 years old. However, items currently undergoing testing in Dima Hasao district may predate this. If the dates are confirmed, it could mean that the first traces of iron usage in India were discovered in Dima Hasao....," he said. It is one of the eight Neolithic sites identified in the region — Daojali Hading and Sarutaru from Assam, while the others sites are from Meghalaya, two from Manipur, one from Arunachal, and one from Nagaland.

"Early findings revealed that the site had ties to other eastern and southeast Asia, likely through ancient trade networks. The discovery of jadeite stones, also found in China and uniquely discovered from Daojali Hading supports the theory," Shring Dao Langthasa said The team involved Shring Dao Langthasa and Bhubanjoy Langthasa of the department of archaeology in collaboration with Bidisha Bordoloi, District Museum officer, along with professors Sukanya Sharma and Marco Mitri.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/rediscovery-of-assams-daojali-hading-site-unveils-iron-elements-2700-yr-old artefacts/articleshowprint/121540311.cms, June 6, 2025

The Amritsar chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), under the aegis of INTACH Punjab, has launched a programme aimed at schools to integrate heritage education in classroom teaching. INTACH, as part of its year-round activities, conducts workshops specifically designed for teachers, often incorporating interactive sessions and heritage walks to local sites. Now, INTACH Punjab has initiated this campaign, beginning from Amritsar and Tarn Taran. It recently organised a heritage tour of 50 school teachers from Amritsar, who were taken on an educative walk in and around the walled city, offering participants a deep dive into the city’s rich cultural and historical tapestry.

The objective was to equip teachers with the knowledge and resources to effectively integrate heritage education into their teaching methodologies. The teachers were given an insightful tour of Partition Museum, Town Hall, havelis and heritage structures inside the walled city, besides areas surrounding the Golden Temple. Convener of INTACH Amritsar, Gagandeep Singh Virk, led the group while several stakeholders, including local tour guide Gurvinder Johal and historian Surinder Kochchar, too have been engaged in expanding the programme. Gagandeep Singh Virk explained that the primary objective of the walk was to familiarise school teachers with Amritsar’s cultural heritage, enabling them to impart this knowledge to their students. “Preserving our rich heritage requires creating awareness among the masses and students are the most effective medium for this.

INTACH has been playing a proactive role in engaging schools and teachers in promoting heritage education and suggest ways to integrate heritage awareness into various subjects through the establishment of heritage clubs in schools.” INTACH’s Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) division plays a key role in developing and implementing programmes that promote heritage awareness in schools. These programmes often involve activities like heritage quiz, cultural performances and visits to historical locations. In Amritsar, the team from Springdale School this year, had won the INTACH heritage quiz, which is held at regional and national level.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/ground-report-intach-aims-for-heritage-education-in-schools/, June 9, 2025

In a compelling dialogue on sustainable design and heritage conservation, the INTACH Kashmir Chapter, in collaboration with the Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, held a seminar titled “Enduring Appeal of Traditional Architecture: Lessons for Modern Construction” today at the Amar Singh Club. Bringing together leading voices in architecture, conservation and urban planning, the seminar examined how Kashmir’s time-tested building traditions can inform modern construction in ways that are ecologically responsible and culturally grounded.

The event opened with welcome remarks by Saleem Beg, Convener of INTACH J&K Chapter, who stressed the need to draw from traditional architectural practices to shape a development model that does not compromise identity or environmental integrity. Delivering the keynote address, Qazi Qamar, Head of the School of Architecture at IUST, presented on “Vernacular Traditions of Kashmiri Architecture: Lessons for Contemporary Practice.” He emphasized the efficiency, climate responsiveness, and spatial intelligence of traditional designs, urging for their integration into architectural education and practice. Iftikhar Hakim, former Chief Town Planner, spoke on the theme of urban planning in historic cities. He called for a rethinking of policies to ensure urban growth respects cultural continuity and heritage landscapes. Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister and the seminar’s chief guest, underscored the government’s commitment to protecting Kashmir’s architectural legacy. He emphasized that community participation must be central to conservation efforts.

Technical session spotlights innovation and conservation The technical session showcased a rich array of perspectives from architects and conservationists: Saima Iqbal, Conservation Architect at INTACH Kashmir, explored alternatives to traditional materials and repair methods, highlighting the enduring relevance of lime-based construction. Mehran Qureshi, Assistant Professor at IUST, analyzed the symbolism and spatial design of traditional Kashmiri homes in his presentation, “Architectonics of a Kashmiri House.” Umar Farooq, Assistant Professor at IUST, reflected on cultural continuity in his talk titled “Echoes from the Past: The Lasting Lessons of Tradition.” Zoya Khan, Architect, presented case studies on adaptive reuse of historic buildings, including the Jamal Mir Heritage House and Khwaja Manzil Haveli, arguing for conservation as a means of urban revitalization.

Asma Nisar Bhat, Architect, offered insights into her reinterpretation of Kashmiri aesthetics in modern design through her presentation “Carved Echoes.” Hakim Sameer Hamdani, Author and Conservationist, concluded with a poignant reflection on “Home, House & Heritage,” stressing the emotional and civilizational value embedded in domestic architecture. Also present was Ahsan Pardesi, MLA of Lal Chowk, who spoke about the richness of Kashmiri vernacular architecture. The seminar concluded with a lively Q&A session, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue, and a vote of thanks by Nasir Hamid Khan, Secretary of the Amar Singh Club.

https://ziraattimes.com/2025/06/architecture-with-identity-experts-at-intach-seminar-advocate-preserving-kashmirs-traditional-designs/, June 10, 2025

A team of heritage experts from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) visited Devaraja Market on Sayyaji Rao Road in the city on Thursday. Two weeks ago, on May 30, the INTACH experts visited the Lansdowne Building, another heritage structure located near the Market. The five-member expert team, headed by retired Prof. Raghunath, inspected every nook and corner of the heritage structure and assessed the stability of the building, which was constructed between 1886 and 1891, during the princely rule.

The visit was conducted in accordance with the recent Supreme Court (SC) directive, issued while hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP). The Apex Court has sought comprehensive reports from both INTACH and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) after directing inspections of both the Lansdowne Building and Devaraja Market. The team landed at the Market at about 9 am and inspected some of the stalls and collected the opinion of tenants there about the current status of the building.

They made a keen observation of the seepage of rainwater and the stormwater drain facility to facilitate the flow of water. The INTACH team was assisted by Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Junior Engineer Dhanush and Bill Collector Basavaraj. To support their analysis, the team recorded photographic and video documentation and collected sand samples from areas originally constructed using lime and mortar. S. Mahadev, President of Devaraja Market Tenants Association, told Star of Mysore, “Devaraja Market is one of the significant contributions of the Maharajas of Mysore, which has provided a livelihood for thousands of vendors. The market structure stands strong still, but the inspections are still going on. We have been cooperating with the inspection, with due respect to the Court order."

https://starofmysore.com/following-sc-directive-intach-experts-visit-devaraja-market/, June 11, 2025

To mark the occasion of World Music Day, the INTACH Mangaluru Chapter and Art Kanara Trust, in association with Chiranthana Charitable Trust, hosted a mesmerising Hindustani vocal concert titled “Celebrate Monsoon in Mangaluru on World Music Day” on the evening of Saturday, June 21, at Kodial Guthu Centre for Art & Culture, Ballal Bagh. The concert was the seventh edition in the Baithak@Kodialguthu series, a platform dedicated to celebrating Karnataka’s rich musical heritage. The Baithak featured a performance by acclaimed Hindustani vocalist Vibha Srinivas Nayak. She was accompanied by Rajesh Bhagavath on tabla, Kumari Medha Bhat on harmonium, and Anvesha Nayak on tanpura. The evening began with a welcome address by Subhas Basu, Convener of INTACH Mangaluru Chapter, who said, “With the onset of monsoon, we felt there could be no better way to celebrate the rains than with a Hindustani Baithak.

We are pleased to present this concert by Vibha Nayak.” Sharvani Bhat, a member of INTACH Mangaluru Chapter, introduced the artists, who were later felicitated. Vibha opened the recital with Raag Megh Malhar, evoking the spirit of the monsoons, followed by a blend of Raag Jaijaivanti and Miyan Malhar, and concluded with a soulful Thumri in Raag Desh. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Bharavi Deraje, Managing Trustee of Chiranthana Charitable Trust. He expressed appreciation for Vibha and her accompanying artists for their captivating performance and thanked the INTACH and Art Kanara teams for continuing to promote regional talent through such initiatives.
For more details, contact: 8762368048 / 9480014812

https://www.mangalorean.com/intach-mangaluru-marks-world-music-day-with-soulful-hindustani-vocal-baithak-by-vibha-srinivas-nayak/, June 12, 2025

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) raised serious concerns about aircrafts, taking off from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), flying dangerously close to Lingaraj Temple, potentially threatening its structural integrity. In letters addressed to the BPIA director and the Archaeological Survey of India's Bhubaneswar circle, INTACH's Bhubaneswar chapter urged the authorities to take corrective action to protect the ancient structure from potential damage. But BPIA director Prasanna Pradhan said the concern raised by INTACH is beyond its jurisdiction and does not come under the airport's purview. The convener of INTACH's Bhubaneswar chapter, Anil Dhir, who is also a former trainee pilot, submitted detailed findings from a two-month study of flight patterns over the Old Town area.

According to the study, aircrafts taking off from the main runway (14/32) make immediate right turns after becoming airborne, bringing them within concerning proximity to the 180ft-tall temple. The ascending aircrafts were estimated to be flying at merely 1,000-1,200ft while making these turns, with some planes turning even before retracting their landing gear.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/intach-concerned-as-planes-fly-close-to-temple/articleshowprint/121959960.cms, June 13, 2025

Organises a heritage walk offering school teachers a deep dive into city’s rich cultural & historical tapestry. Around 50 school teachers from Amritsar walked the withered, narrow lanes of history inside walled city as they learnt in detail about the centuries-old heritage imprints. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Amritsar Chapter, under the aegis of INTACH Punjab organised a heritage walk, offering participants, read school teachers, a deep dive into the city’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. Held free of cost, the event aimed at engaging educators in a push to integrating heritage education in schools, underscoring the community’s commitment to preserving Amritsar’s heritage. The walk commenced at the Partition Museum, Town Hall, a century-old building, where INTACH Amritsar Convener Gagandeep Singh Virk led the group in pledging to safeguard the city’s invaluable heritage. Emphasising collaboration, he encouraged all participants to work together as partners in this noble cause. The heritage tour was guided by Gurvinder Johal, who showcased the architectural and cultural gems of Amritsar’s historic areas, captivating attendees with stories of the city’s past.

“The walled city has several structures, buildings, havelis that open as a portal to the past, but need community protection from urbanisation and decay. Heritage walks must be carried out frequently, engaging community members into safeguarding these remnants of our past,” said Johal. Surinder Kochhar, author and historian, addressed the tour, his insights enriched the experience, offering participants a profound understanding of Amritsar’s historical significance.

Speaking about the initiative, Gagandeep Singh Virk explained that the primary objective of the walk was to familiarize school teachers with Amritsar’s cultural heritage, enabling them to impart this knowledge to their students. “Preserving our rich heritage requires creating awareness among the masses, and students are the most effective medium for this,” he said. “The walk aimed to inspire educators to integrate Amritsar’s history into their teaching, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility among the younger generation,” he added. By blending education, history, and gastronomy, the walk was not only a journey through history but also a celebration of Amritsar’s culinary legacy. Participants were treated to a delightful breakfast of pooris at Mata Sri Longan Wali Temple, refreshing glass of Lassi, ending the feast with fresh, deep fried and candied, jalebis.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/intach-engaging-educators-in-a-push-to-integrate-heritage-education-in-schools/, June 16, 2025

Yoga, which is recognised by the UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, unfolded at heritage sites in a blend of the living tradition of spiritual growth and wellness, with the architectural legacy of India, on Saturday. The International Day of Yoga was held at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Keshava temple at Somanathapur in Mysuru district, Hoysaleshwara temple complex at Halebid in Hassan district, and at the Dariya Daulat Bagh, the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, in Srirangapatna, Mandya district. An official from the Archaeological Survey of India said that yoga day celebrations used to be conducted at various heritage sites in the past as well. But this year, it was conducted on a larger scale as it was the 11the edition of the International Day of Yoga. In Somanathapur, the yoga day unfolded against the backdrop of 13th-century Keshava temple, which was built during the Hoysala period, and is renowned for ornate sculptures and unique architectural style. The event was organised under the supervision of staff from Regional Institute of Education, Mysuru, representatives from Archaeological Survey of India, and there were about 750 participants in all.

The yoga day was also celebrated on the Halebid museum premises within the Hoysaleshwara temple complex. In Srirangapatna, the event was organised in the sprawling gardens of Dariya Daulat Bagh which is a protected monument under the ASI. MLA Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda, ASI official A. Sunil and others led the event, and there were nearly 350 participants, including students from Government PU College and St.Mary’s High School. Mr. Sunil said arrangements were made for viewing the Yoga Day celebrations led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Vishakapatnam, on giant LCD screens.

The yoga performance commenced soon after and followed the common yoga protocol issued by the Ministry of Ayush. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Yoga for One Earth One Health’. Apart from yoga in heritage sites, the event was organised across the region including in educational and government institutions. In Mandya, the district administration conducted the event at the PET cricket grounds. Deputy Commissioner Kumar said that India has become synonymous with yoga and described it as a slice or a symbol of the country’s culture. He underlined the importance of incorporating yoga into one’s lifestyle to reap its health benefits. Purushotamananda Swami of Adi Chunchanagiri Mutt Educational Trust said yoga should not be confined to one day in a year, but should be part of one’s lifestyle.

Trinetra Mahant Shivayogi of Chandravan Ashram said yoga day was an Indian festival celebrated across the world. The Yoga Day was also celebrated at various places in Chamarajanagar and Kodagu districts.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/yoga-day-marks-confluence-of-cultural-and-architectural-heritage/article69721077.ece, June 19, 2025

A team of researchers has unearthed a 5,300-year-old settlement at Lakhapar village near Lakhpat in Kutch district, dating back to the Early Harappan period. The site is believed to have existed when Dholavira, a Harappan acropolis now a Unesco World Heritage site, was in its formative stages, say experts. The discovery is important due to its proximity to Juna Khatiya village, where over 125 Early Harappan-era graves were discovered in 2023. The discovery is part of a cluster of Early Harappan sites in Lakhpat that also included Padta, discovered in 2024 by the same group. "The site was identified around 2022 with the help of Narayan Jajani, former Sarpanch of Lakhapar village, due to the presence of a mound.

After permission from the owner of the agricultural land, we carried out the excavation on both sides of the Gaduli-Lakhapar road in an area of around 3 hectares," said Dr Rajesh SV, project lead, along with Dr Abhayan GS, both assistant professors at the Department of Archaeology, University of Kerala.

The researchers said that in Gujarat, there are two major sites associated with Early Harappan burial practices – Juna Khatiya, discovered by the University of Kerala, and Dhaneti by the MS University of Baroda – both in Kutch district. "While an associated population is yet to be identified in the case of Dhaneti, in the case of Juna Khatiya, it has direct links with the Lakhapar settlement from the same era and similar artefacts.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/5300-year-old-early-harappan-settlement-found-near-lakhpat/articleshow/121786488.cms, June 20, 2025

To mark the occasion of World Music Day, the INTACH Mangaluru Chapter and Art Kanara Trust, in association with Chiranthana Charitable Trust, hosted a mesmerising Hindustani vocal concert titled “Celebrate Monsoon in Mangaluru on World Music Day” on the evening of Saturday, June 21, at Kodial Guthu Centre for Art & Culture, Ballal Bagh. The concert was the seventh edition in the Baithak@Kodialguthu series, a platform dedicated to celebrating Karnataka’s rich musical heritage. The Baithak featured a performance by acclaimed Hindustani vocalist Vibha Srinivas Nayak. She was accompanied by Rajesh Bhagavath on tabla, Kumari Medha Bhat on harmonium, and Anvesha Nayak on tanpura. The evening began with a welcome address by Subhas Basu, Convener of INTACH Mangaluru Chapter, who said, “With the onset of monsoon, we felt there could be no better way to celebrate the rains than with a Hindustani Baithak.

We are pleased to present this concert by Vibha Nayak.” Sharvani Bhat, a member of INTACH Mangaluru Chapter, introduced the artists, who were later felicitated. Vibha opened the recital with Raag Megh Malhar, evoking the spirit of the monsoons, followed by a blend of Raag Jaijaivanti and Miyan Malhar, and concluded with a soulful Thumri in Raag Desh. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Bharavi Deraje, Managing Trustee of Chiranthana Charitable Trust. He expressed appreciation for Vibha and her accompanying artists for their captivating performance and thanked the INTACH and Art Kanara teams for continuing to promote regional talent through such initiatives.

https://www.mangaloretoday.com/main/INTACH-Mangaluru-Marks-World-Music-Day-with-Soulful-Hindustani-Vocal-Baithak-by-Vibha-Srinivas-Nayak.html, June 23, 2025

St Aloysius Gonzaga School has proudly secured the third position in the prestigious Best Heritage Club Awards 2024–2025, organized by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage). This recognition is part of INTACH’s heritage education programme, which encourages students to actively engage in preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural legacy. This is the 3rd time the school has won this award. Jeevan Salian, art teacher along with teachers Neha Sanghvi and Sandhya Manoj were the in-charge teachers of the club.

https://www.daijiworld.com/index.php/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1284605, June 24, 2025

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Punjab Chapter and Guru Gobind Public School (GGPS), Nainowal Vaid, have announced plans to preserve the Dholbaha War Memorial in Hoshiarpur district. This initiative aims to highlight Punjab’s often overlooked military history and reconnect the youth with their cultural roots. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (Retd), INTACH Punjab State Convener, and Harjit Singh, Principal of GGPS Nainowal Vaid, recently visited Dholbaha, a village in the Shivalik hills known for its prehistoric sites.

While Dholbaha is famous for ancient artefacts, its significant contribution to modern military history, especially in World War I, remains underappreciated. During the visit, the team focused on the village’s cultural and military heritage, noting that Dholbaha sent an extraordinary 73 soldiers to fight in World War I. This is remarkable for such a small, remote village, especially compared to other Punjabi villages that contributed fewer soldiers. INTACH life member and military history enthusiast Harpreet Singh Bhatti highlighted that the village’s war memorial plaque still stands as a quiet testament to this contribution. Maj Gen Singh expressed concern that much of Punjab’s military history remains under-explored and poorly documented, with successive governments failing to preserve these stories. This neglect often leaves Punjab’s youth feeling disconnected and searching for opportunities elsewhere. Punjab was historically known as the “sword arm” of the British Empire in India. During World War I, over one million Indians served, with more than 300,000 from Punjab. Despite making up just eight percent of India’s population at the time, Punjab contributed roughly 40 percent of India’s total war effort.

In this context, Dholbaha’s contribution of 73 soldiers from a small, agrarian village is especially noteworthy. The region’s martial tradition dates back to ancient times, with service under empires like the Mauryans, Guptas, and later Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Sikh Empire. Military service was not only a matter of honour (izzat) but also a source of financial security, attracting young men from villages like Dholbaha, where agriculture offered limited economic opportunities. Maj Gen Singh noted that while villages in Majha, with high Sikh populations, typically provided more soldiers, Dholbaha’s contribution matches or exceeds many better-connected villages in Doaba and Malwa. However, official records of Dholbaha’s soldiers remain incomplete. According to recently digitised documents from the University of Greenwich and the UK Punjab Heritage Association (UKPHA), which transcribed over 300,000 Indian soldiers’ World War I records, only two soldiers from Dholbaha appear in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) listings: Sepoy Jagat Ram of the 67th Punjabis and Sepoy Jaisi Ram (also called Jodhi Ram) of the 37th Dogras.

Yet, the village war memorial lists eight soldiers killed in action, highlighting discrepancies in historical documentation and unequal recognition of Indian soldiers in British records. The University of Greenwich is currently working on a CWGC-funded research project to address these gaps, expected to uncover many untold stories of Indian soldiers. Maj Gen Singh has urged the government to establish a small museum at Dholbaha’s war memorial, displaying names, photographs, and personal stories of the 73 soldiers. This would preserve their memory and educate future generations about their martial heritage. INTACH Punjab is also considering creating a dedicated military history wing within the state chapter to identify, preserve, and promote Punjab’s global military contributions. This wing would collaborate with the CWGC and UKPHA to ensure accurate documentation and rightful recognition. “Through the preservation of the Dholbaha War Memorial, INTACH Punjab and GGPS Nainowal Vaid aim to honour the silent sacrifices of the village’s soldiers and inspire pride and belonging among Punjab’s youth,” Maj Gen Singh said.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/heritage-trust-local-school-unite-to-preserve-war-memorial/, June 25, 2025

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has dug up an ancient palaeochannel buried 23 metres under Bahaj village in Rajasthan’s Deeg district, leading a section of historians and archaeologists to link it to the mythical Saraswati river mentioned in the Rig Veda. The findings of the excavation, carried out between April 2024 and May this year, constitute evidence of settlements that thrived between 3500 and 1000 BC. Most of the discoveries date back to Kushan, Magadha and Sunga dynasties. Among the standout discoveries is the palaeochannel, the first such finding in Indian archaeological history. “This ancient river system nourished early human settlements and connects Bahaj to the larger Saraswati basin culture," said Vinay Gupta, superintending archaeologist of ASI Jaipur, in a presentation at Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

Gupta described the palaeochannel as an “unprecedented discovery confirming ancient water systems supported civilisation here”. Bahaj village is about 50km from Mathura. ASI has submitted a report to ministry of culture, which will decide how to preserve the site.Other findings include remnants of residential structures with earthen posts, trenches with stratified walls, furnaces and a variety of iron and copper artefacts. Microlithic tools or small stone implements suggest that the roots of this settlement date back to the pre-Holocene era. "The discovery of furnaces and metal objects indicates the inhabitants’ advanced knowledge of metallurgy,” Gupta said during an exhibition of antiquities in Deeg last month.The spiritual relics found by the excavation team include 15 yajna kundas (sacrificial pits), votive tanks dedicated to Shakti worship, and terracotta images of Shiva and Parvati, dating back to at least 1000 BC. Archaeologists also found four unbaked sealings, two inscribed with Brahmi letters.

These are considered the earliest datable evidence of the Brahmi script on the subcontinent. Yajna kundas from the Mahajanapada period were also discovered, most of them filled with sandy soil and miniature pots holding uninscribed copper coins. Experts say this could challenge existing timelines on the origins of Indian coinage.The excavation also points to Bahaj’s rich craft heritage such as bone tool industries, semi-precious beads and shell bangle production. “The Bahaj excavation has the potential to rewrite key chapters of India’s early history,” Gupta said.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/rajasthan-dig-reveals-3500-year-old-settlement-asi-traces-ancient-riverbed-findings-may-link-it-to-rig-veda-era-saraswati-river/articleshowprint/122032942.cms, June 26, 2025

An ancient submerged city discovered off India’s coast could rewrite the history of human civilization. An unexpected underwater find in the Gulf of Khambhat, India, has raised fresh questions about the origins of human civilization. In the early 2000s, oceanographers from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) conducted deep-sea explorations that revealed a submerged city, stretching across several square kilometers. These remarkable findings, which include artifacts, pottery, and human remains dating back over 9,000 years, suggest the existence of an ancient civilization long before the Harappan society, changing the course of how we understand early human history.

This discovery has captivated scientists and historians alike, and its significance was highlighted in a BBC article titled "The Lost City That Could Rewrite History” (BBC, 2002), which introduced the public to the groundbreaking research. But what is the true story behind this submerged city? Can it truly rewrite history?

The Discovery of the Submerged City
At the turn of the century, NIOT researchers began their exploration in the Gulf of Khambhat, an area located off India’s northwest coast. Using sonar technology, they detected structures lying as deep as 36 meters underwater. The city, spanning about 8 kilometers in length and 3 kilometers in width, was identified through precise imaging. The sonar images and subsequent dives confirmed the size and scope of the settlement. Archaeological artifacts were recovered, along with pottery and skeletal remains. These findings suggest a well-organized society thriving in this region at least 9,000 years ago, a discovery that challenges the traditional timeline of early civilizations. The unearthed objects revealed remarkable details about the past. Pottery items, some of which show advanced designs, indicate that the society had developed a form of art and craftsmanship. The skeletal remains suggested that the inhabitants of this submerged city had a complex social structure. Together, these artifacts paint a picture of a thriving civilization existing long before the rise of the Harappan civilization around 2600 BC.

Challenging Conventional Timelines of Ancient Civilizations
Badrinaryan Badrinaryan, who was the chief geologist for NIOT’s scientific team, commented on the groundbreaking discovery in an article for Archaeology Online. He argued that the findings could “rewrite history,” especially when considering the timeline of early civilizations in the Indian subcontinent. He wrote, “For decades archaeologists have argued about the origins of the mysterious ‘Harappan’ (Indus Valley) civilisation that flourished across what is now Pakistan and northwest India from about 3000 BC. Now, [our new findings] suggest that the Harappans were descended from an advanced mother culture that flourished at the end of the last Ice Age that was then submerged by rising sea levels before ‘history’ began.” Badrinaryan’s theory raises important questions about the current understanding of human history. He further explained that it had been long assumed that “a well-organized civilisation could not have existed prior to 5500 [before the present day].” The new discoveries contradict these established ideas, pointing instead to the possibility of a much older and more advanced civilization that may have been submerged due to rising sea levels at the end of the Ice Age. The finding provides an intriguing glimpse into a civilization lost to time, potentially pushing back the origins of human advancement far earlier than previously thought.

Theories About the Submersion of the City
How did an entire city come to be submerged beneath the waters of the Gulf of Khambhat? Several theories have been proposed to explain the city’s disappearance. The most widely accepted explanation is that rising sea levels, a consequence of the end of the last Ice Age, gradually engulfed the region. The rising waters would have flooded vast areas of land, swallowing whole settlements, including the one uncovered in the Gulf of Khambhat. This scenario aligns with similar findings in other parts of the world where ancient cities have been lost to the sea due to rising ocean levels. Another possible explanation connects the submerged city to the myth of Kumari Kandam, a legendary sunken landmass said to have once connected India to other parts of the world, including Australia and Madagascar. This myth, often referenced in ancient texts, has long been regarded as a fable. However, the discovery of the submerged city has led some researchers to re-examine these old stories, considering whether there could be any truth to the accounts of lost lands beneath the ocean. While speculative, this theory adds a layer of mystery and wonder to the historical investigation.

The Role of Sea Level Rise in Submerging Ancient Civilizations
The rising sea levels at the end of the last Ice Age are believed to have had a profound impact on the geography of ancient civilizations. As temperatures warmed, vast glaciers melted, causing the world’s oceans to rise dramatically. This process, which took place over thousands of years, would have submerged low-lying coastal areas, including those around the Gulf of Khambhat. Ancient settlements situated along these coasts would have been among the first to be affected by these environmental changes. In the case of the submerged city, the rising sea levels would have gradually swallowed up the settlement, eventually leaving it submerged under water. This theory is supported by the discovery of artifacts that date back to around 7,000 BC, which suggests that the city existed during a time when the climate and sea levels were very different from today. The existence of the submerged city, along with its well-preserved structures, points to the possibility that many ancient cities have been lost to the oceans over time, leaving behind only fragments of their once-thriving civilizations.

The Debate Over the Interpretation of Findings
While the discovery of the submerged city is fascinating, it has sparked debate among archaeologists and historians. Some scholars have questioned the interpretation of the sonar images, suggesting that they could be misrepresentations of the seafloor, rather than actual structures. Additionally, carbon dating of the artifacts has been a point of contention, as some researchers argue that errors in the dating process could skew the results. Despite these concerns, Badrinaryan remains firm in his belief that the discovery provides clear evidence of a submerged civilization. He emphasized that the find “clearly established the existence of an ancient civilisation that was submerged in the sea." His confidence in the findings points to the potential for a major reevaluation of the history of ancient civilizations in the Indian subcontinent.

https://indiandefencereview.com/underwater-city-india-lost-civilization/, June 27, 2025

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Visakhapatnam Chapter will organise the city-level INTACH National Heritage Quiz 2025 on August 1, based on the heritage and culture of India, and aims to increase awareness about the nation among schoolchildren. Students from Classes 7th to 10th are eligible to participate, according to a release here on Sunday. Firstly, there will be a written round for screening followed by an oral round for the top teams.

The winning team at this event will be eligible to participate in the State-level competition. All the State-level winners will be eligible to participate in the national-level competition which will be held in Delhi. The quiz will be conducted on August 1 at Alwardas Public School, MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam. Interested students can register their entries through the respective school principals before July 20. Details can be obtained from Renuka Rani Maganti (9848198701) and Sandhya Godey (9849117400).

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/intach-visakhapatnam-chapter-to-organise-quiz-for-students-on-august-1/article69752164.ece, June 30, 2025