Ashoka's 2,281-year-old edict in Bihar still under shared custody after 108 years
Yet, even today, the agency acknowledges that it is only a partial custodian, compelled to share authority.The inscription, dating back to 257 BCE in Ashoka's 13th regnal year, consists of eight lines in archaic Brahmi script, though a portion is damaged.The ASI described it as a priceless record of India's ancient past, noting that it "probably contains a date referring to the death of Buddha; but no convincing interpretation of it has yet been found."Religious appropriation of the site, however, predates official protection. The Bihar and Orissa District Gazetteer, Shahabad (1924) recorded that local Muslims revered the cave as "Chiragdan" or the "Lamp of Saint Chandan Pir", after the dargah on the hilltop.The ASI reiterated in its RTI reply that "the hill where the inscription is found appears to have been appropriated later on by the Mohammedans".In November 2022, after decades of negotiations, the Mazar Committee formally handed over one key of the locked cave to the ASI's Sasaram Sub-Circle.But the arrangement of dual control continues. The 2025 RTI response confirmed: "The keys of the entry gate of CPM 'Ashokan inscription at Chandan Sahid hill' are in the possession of two institutions, one with the ASI, and another with Mr. G.M. Ansari of the Sher Shah Suri Trust, Sasaram."Speaking to India Today, GM Ansari of the Mazar Committee said, "Whenever tourists come, we cooperate and open the gate. But this is also the shrine of Chandan Pir Baba, since the time of Bakhtiyar Khilji. That is why the hill is known as Chandan Pir Hill."He added that while the Committee facilitates entry, "since the time of Bakhtiyar Khilji, the shrine of Rehmatullah Aaleh Chandan Pir Baba has stood here," tying the site to centuries of religious significance.Ansari also claimed that day-to-day upkeep largely falls to the Mazar Committee and local administration, alleging that ASI staff "do nothing" on the ground.advertisement"Earlier, only we had the key. Later, after pressure, one key was given to the ASI. Now, tourists can see the site through either of us," he said, adding that records show ASI guards were appointed as far back as 1960 but "rarely seen" until after 2015.Rohtas District Tourism Officer Vinay Pratap, however, maintained that responsibility lies with the ASI: "The protection and management of Ashoka's inscription rests with ASI. Two staff are posted here to show the monument to visitors and coordinate with researchers."Preservation also remains in limbo. In 2023, the ASI's Patna Circle and Science Branch found lime plaster damage and planned conservation.But in its 2025 reply, the Circle admitted: "Damage assessment records are not available with this Circle. The same are maintained separately by the Science Branch."The ASI insists the site is open to the public, but entry depends on the dual-key arrangement, requiring cooperation from both sides. Visitors, researchers, and pilgrims alike remain reliant on whether the ASI or the Mazar Committee unlocks the gate.- Ends
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India Today
6 hours ago
- India Today
Ashoka's 2,281-year-old edict in Bihar still under shared custody after 108 years
More than a century after Emperor Ashoka's Minor Rock Edict on Chandan Sahid Hill in Bihar's Rohtas district was declared a protected monument, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) still does not have full possession of the replies accessed by India Today in March 2023 and August 2025 reveal that, despite being declared protected on December 1, 1917, the 2,281-year-old inscription remains under shared custody between the ASI and local Muslim ASI confirmed in its RTI response: "Ashoka's inscription on the Chandan Sahid Hill, District Rohtas, was declared a protected monumentvide notification no. 1814 E, dated 01.12.1917." Yet, even today, the agency acknowledges that it is only a partial custodian, compelled to share inscription, dating back to 257 BCE in Ashoka's 13th regnal year, consists of eight lines in archaic Brahmi script, though a portion is ASI described it as a priceless record of India's ancient past, noting that it "probably contains a date referring to the death of Buddha; but no convincing interpretation of it has yet been found."Religious appropriation of the site, however, predates official protection. The Bihar and Orissa District Gazetteer, Shahabad (1924) recorded that local Muslims revered the cave as "Chiragdan" or the "Lamp of Saint Chandan Pir", after the dargah on the ASI reiterated in its RTI reply that "the hill where the inscription is found appears to have been appropriated later on by the Mohammedans".In November 2022, after decades of negotiations, the Mazar Committee formally handed over one key of the locked cave to the ASI's Sasaram the arrangement of dual control continues. The 2025 RTI response confirmed: "The keys of the entry gate of CPM 'Ashokan inscription at Chandan Sahid hill' are in the possession of two institutions, one with the ASI, and another with Mr. G.M. Ansari of the Sher Shah Suri Trust, Sasaram."Speaking to India Today, GM Ansari of the Mazar Committee said, "Whenever tourists come, we cooperate and open the gate. But this is also the shrine of Chandan Pir Baba, since the time of Bakhtiyar Khilji. That is why the hill is known as Chandan Pir Hill."He added that while the Committee facilitates entry, "since the time of Bakhtiyar Khilji, the shrine of Rehmatullah Aaleh Chandan Pir Baba has stood here," tying the site to centuries of religious also claimed that day-to-day upkeep largely falls to the Mazar Committee and local administration, alleging that ASI staff "do nothing" on the only we had the key. Later, after pressure, one key was given to the ASI. Now, tourists can see the site through either of us," he said, adding that records show ASI guards were appointed as far back as 1960 but "rarely seen" until after District Tourism Officer Vinay Pratap, however, maintained that responsibility lies with the ASI: "The protection and management of Ashoka's inscription rests with ASI. Two staff are posted here to show the monument to visitors and coordinate with researchers."Preservation also remains in limbo. In 2023, the ASI's Patna Circle and Science Branch found lime plaster damage and planned in its 2025 reply, the Circle admitted: "Damage assessment records are not available with this Circle. The same are maintained separately by the Science Branch."The ASI insists the site is open to the public, but entry depends on the dual-key arrangement, requiring cooperation from both sides. Visitors, researchers, and pilgrims alike remain reliant on whether the ASI or the Mazar Committee unlocks the gate.- Ends
NDTV
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Heroes Of Kishtwar: How Local Volunteers Responded To Cloudburst Tragedy
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India.com
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From Haunted Palaces To Cursed Treasures: The Myths That Still Haunt Hyderabad
Hyderabad, famously known as the City of Pearls, is a magnificent place endowed with culture, art, and history. The beautiful streets, delicious biryani, and stunning buildings are part of local stories and myths which have been preserved for centuries. These myths coined over time tell a mixture of tales, and Hyderabad's beliefs and creeds. Prepare for a storytelling journey which reveals the most incredible myths and stories from the magic city: Hyderabad. Legend: A Case Study of Syncretic Culture The story of the founding of Hyderabad cannot start without the tale of Bhagmati, a local famous dancer as well as a courtesan during the time of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, who was the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The story goes that the young prince adored Bhagmati who was a Hindu dancer, and their love story was beyond religion and society. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah constructed the city of Hyderabad in 1591 to express his gratitude towards her and named it Bhagyanagar after her. Later the city was changed to Hyderabad, which means the city of Ali, the son in law of Prophet Muhammad so to incorporate the Islam culture. While the love story of Bhagmati and Muhammad Quli is romantic, it epitomizes the osmosis culture of Hyderabad where Hindu and Muslim cultures live together seamlessly. The mythology of Bhagmati still stands as a proof of the city's assimilative character. Curse of the Kohinoor Diamond One of the most well-known pieces of jewelry, the Kohinoor diamond, has a unique yet intricate past attached to Hyderabad. The diamond is integrated into the British Crown Jewels, however its roots stem from the Golconda mines close to Hyderabad. Local folklore recounts how the Kohinoor diamond was uncovered during the 13th century, however it is said to carry a curse. The legend states anyone that claimed the diamond would have the strength to reign the world, yet would suffer greatly. The diamond changed ownership during numerous rulers, like the Kakatiya Dynasty, the Mughals, and later the Nizam of Hyderabad, until the British claimed it. It is widely believed that the curse of the Kohinoor is what bought chaos to its owners, manifesting in wars, betrayal, and tragedies. Now the diamond's connection to Hyderabad only deepens the mystique of the city as a place full of legends. Haunting Of Golconda Fort Located in Hyderabad, Golconda Fort is one of the city's most beautiful structures. But, like many places in India, it is also a center of paranormal activity. Locals claim the spirits of Qutb Shahi dynasty guards still haunt the fort, and many claim to have heard whispers, seen figures, and felt cold spots in unexplained places. One of the most captivating spooky stories in Golconda Fort relates to a princess locked in a tower. Her spirit is said to still roam the fort in search of her lost lover. Other tales tell of hidden riches that can only be found by believing soldiers guarding the remains of their bodies under braves. Real or not, these stories cement Golconda as a must-see for both fans of history and paranormal enthusiasts. Myth Of The Moula Ali Hill Moula Ali Hill is located on the sunrise of Hyderabad any many people visit for its folklores and religious beliefs. This hill features the Moula Ali Dargah which is a shrine of Hazrat Ali, son in law of Prophet Muhammed. In his legend, a haggard shepherd once had an unusual dry night where in the morn commits to build a shrine in the hill because he was guided by the spirit of Hazrat ali during his sleep. The Shepherd woke up to a rock which had the impression of the hand of Hazrat Ali which is now in the dargah. In association with Moula Ali Hill, there exists another myth, one that involves a mystical lamp that lights perpetually. Many believe it was Ali that lit this alamp and could never be quenched. Pilgrims over three hundred in a number trek the five hundred steps to the Maghfirah to pray and witness the magical lamp that fulfills the prayers of those who call with pure hearts. Legend Behind the Paigah Tombs The magnificent and lesser-known Paigah Tombs, located near Hyderabad, were once the resting place of the Paigah nobles who served the Nizams. These splendidly carved tombs are sculpted according to the craftsman's unique style. One story suggests the existence of a hidden underground passage that, through the Golconda Fort, connects to the tombs. It is said that the passage was used by the Paigah nobles for escape during perilous situations. The Paigah Tombs also have a tale of a tomb that is buried within the structure and is said to be cursed. Tales from the locals say that those brave enough to open the tomb will suffer terrible misfortunes. Whether these stories are true or false, they certainly add a mysterious edge to the thrilling history of the Paigah Tombs. Conclusion The traditional folklore and tales of Hyderabad go hand in hand with the majestic culture of the city. All these stories 'Bhagmati' and Golconda Fort shapeshift into something more romantic and eerie at the same time, captivating the essence of Hyderabad's heritage. Every street and monument of this grand city is centuries old, therefore, let us not forget how every single stone has a story behind it, waiting endlessly for a eager heart to feel it's history. These make Hyderabad breathtaking because it is not just a city. It is a fascinating history of myths, legends and stories.
