Life teaches us to build on old foundations while being responsive to
newer influences. Most of us however, appear insensitive to the timeless
embrace of the past inasmuch as a prospective handshake with the future when it
comes to safeguarding our cultural heritage. The misplacement of the original
character of our ancient monuments indeed, makes for sad commentary. Many
reasons could be attributed to this : human vandalism, rapid urbanization, use
of improper materials, unauthorized excavations by ambi-sinister hands to illegal constructions in and around the
premises.
The Archaeological Survey of India [ASI] has done a commendable job in
preserving the awesome variety of India’s archaeological riches, which has
helped prevent several monuments from being defaced by the ravages of time. Yet,
despite the efforts, there is always a shortfall in terms of manpower and
resources and therefore, the need is for a more robust participation of private
business houses as also, NGOs, conservators, tourism authorities, even eminent
historians and archaeologists for the results to be more prominent and visible.
I had once spoken to the ASI about the participation of private groups
and donors in the maintenance of monuments and the process works out something
like this. It involves contributions of the donor to be sent to the National
Culture Fund (NCF), managed by an executive committee and a council chaired by
the Union Minister of Culture and under which, several such projects can be
sponsored. This form of cultural funding is to increase the participation of
private entities in the decision-making process.
The NCF is accountable to each donor in respect of the funds donated and
facilitates all necessary clearances to them for the project that they choose
to support. The donor has the right to appoint agencies to carry out the
project work subject to pre-defined conditions laid down by the ASI which also specifies
the activities permissible within the sites. There also is a project
implementation committee to monitor the execution part while a project advisory
committee looks after the overall functioning of the project.
Repair or restoration of course, is the first priority but it has to be
conducted within a well-formulated set of archaeological principles, one of
primary importance being the retention of the authenticity of the monument. In
some cases the settlement of the foundation too has to be examined. However,
only in extreme cases should steps be taken to restructure the monument, in
part or in entirety. The participants, besides contributing to the actual
maintenance, can also help in environmental development around the sites,
up-gradation of existing museums in the vicinity and commissioning of new ones,
proper illumination of the structure and distribution of relevant literature.
They can also be a part of organized concerts, lectures, community festivals, permitted
as per ASI regulations.
India has been known for its architectural heritage over several
centuries. The purpose is to keep it relevant to the society, thus prudence
dictates that we play the role of guardians and not oppressors. Supporting the ASI’s
efforts assumes greater significance as all of us are stakeholders from a
humanitarian perspective and need to forge a new relationship between the
people and their heritage with a collective sense of ownership. Individually,
let us create at least a ripple of consciousness even if not a mighty upsurge
towards the preservation of a monument(al) legacy, lest it ends up languishing
in the reflected glory of the past.
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