Muhammad Aadil
Bhiwadi 9 october 2017
VIRASAT BACHAO ABHIYAN
Indiais known for its rich cultural and heritage, with its elaborate superfluities and wonderful architecture, Indian monuments represent one of the most outstanding facets of the multi-faceted Indian culture. The monuments of India are also considered to be the guardian pillars of India’s cultural heritage. Besides the cultural and heritage, these monuments also reflects the multiculturalism in India. Combination of Hindu, Muslim, Christains and Buddhism culture and traditions are being represented by these monuments in India. This cultural history epitomised in heritage monuments stems from a historic past of ancient civilisation. The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri in Agra, the Konark Sun Temple, Khajuraho Temples, Mahabalipuram Monuments, Thanjavur, Hampi Monuments as well as the Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta Caves are some of the monuments declared as World Heritage Monuments.
Presently, There are 32 World Heritage Sites in India that are recognised by the United Nations. The Archaeological Survey of India designates national monuments. One difference in this designation is the responsibility in maintaining each monument. The central government maintains national monuments, while the state government maintains state monuments.
These monuments that showcase historical and cultural supremacy of India, are presently vulnerable or neglected by people and responsible authorities. Specially those monuments that carries an Islamic heritage or an Islamic art contribution to India. The growing concern amidst community is reflecting on the designed systematic exclusion of Islamic heritage through negligence the of a ruined structure of India’s medieval past. People have started believing in the notion that this is because of the strategic decision by some communal influential people sitting at the government. There are two basic challenge India’s medieval heritage is facing in the contemporary period, one side the hindutva forces are trying to demolish Islamic heritage in India through systematic negligence or denial of dying structure. While another side, the government is inviting private sector to involve in heritage maintenance.
The involvement of private sector brings a danger on India’s heritage to sustain its real image and essence. In the name of beautification and revenue earning, a private company is free to play with historical structure. This also changes the value and importance of monuments. Golconda fort in Hyderabad is a live example of this private interference in a historical monument. A number socially sensitive citizen has complained that the Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA) is violating the rules and changing contours of the fort.The National Culture Fund (NCF), a trust under the Ministry of Culture had already brought an advertisement in this regards.
According to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (No.24 of 1958), if someone destroys, removes, injures, alters, defaces, imperils or misuses a protected monument, s/he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three months, or with a fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both. But besides these laws, there are many magnificent monuments now showing signs of chronic neglect, and are slowly crumbling under the onslaught of time, weather and vandals. Straggly wild plants stick out from niches in walls like bizarre architectural adornments. Some monuments have been encroached upon by people and other structures. Despite the encroachment is prohibited, under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act 2010, it is prohibited for 100 metres from the monument on all sides and the regulated zone is a further 200 metres beyond this. Violations are punishable by a fine of Rs 1 lakh and a two-year jail term.
Keeping above situation in mind, a campaign ‘Virasat Bachao Abhiyan’ is being launched, aiming to raise awareness and protecting the rich cultural heritage which is a part of the glorious history of the country. The campaign plan to reach out millions of Indians to educate them on the importance of heritage, and will mobilize people start a National level peoples’ movement for promoting, protecting and preserving the living symbol of India’s glorious past.
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Virasat Bachao Abhiyan
Mob. +91-9411269101, Email:virasatbachaoabhiyan@gmail.com
Editor are independent journalist.