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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Ahom-Era guerilla warfare training site in Charaideo encroached
1 2 3 4 5 6 Dibrugarh: A historically significant Ahom-era guerrilla warfare training site at Bhojo in the Sonari area of Charaideo district is facing rampant encroachment, raising concerns among archaeologists and local activists. The site, spread over 129 bighas, was once a strategic training ground for Ahom warriors and is dotted with unique earthen mounds and trenches. Despite being declared a protected archaeological site in 2006, lack of fencing and official oversight has led to large-scale encroachment, with portions of the land now being used for vegetable farming. The Ahom kingdom, established by Chaolung Sukapha in 1228, ruled Assam for nearly six centuries until 1826. The Bhojo site served as a crucial training centre for guerrilla warfare tactics, helping the Ahoms resist Mughal invasions. The site features countless man-made earthen mounds, each standing 1.10 to 1.20 metres high and spaced 90-100 cm apart, and trenches used for military drills. Discovered in 2006, the site is among 157 protected monuments under the Directorate of Archaeology, Assam. However, despite its protected status, the site has fallen prey to systematic encroachment over recent months. Locals have illegally occupied vast portions of the historical site, transforming the ancient training grounds into vegetable gardens surrounded by bamboo fencing. Most alarmingly, several of the centuries-old earthen mounds have been deliberately cut down and flattened to create level ground suitable for crop cultivation, permanently destroying irreplaceable archaeological evidence. The gravity of the situation prompted the Tai Ahom Yuba Praishad (TAYPA) to conduct an urgent site inspection on Sunday. Led by president Diganta Tamuly, the delegation expressed serious concerns about the ongoing destruction of the invaluable heritage site. "This is not just simple land encroachment — it's the erasure of history. The Ahoms defended Assam against foreign invasions using these very tactics. To see such a site being destroyed by encroachers is unacceptable. If the govt doesn't act now, this historic site will be lost forever," Tamuly said. He blamed the Directorate of Archaeology for negligence, saying despite the site's protected status, no boundary wall or fencing was erected to prevent encroachment. "For 19 years, this site has been unprotected. Encroachers have taken full advantage. We demand the immediate arrest of those responsible and urgent measures to secure the area. It is disheartening to witness such blatant disregard for our history and heritage," Tamuly added. TAYPA has urged Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to intervene and ensure the site's preservation.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
IIT Bhilai partners with Chhattisgarh govt to enhance cultural heritage & tourism research
Vivek Acharya(R), Director of the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives, and Museums, and Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, and Prof Rajiv Prakash, Director, IIT Bhilai RAIPUR: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Chhattisgarh government to incubate socially relevant research for the holistic development of the state. The MoUs were signed with the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums, Government of Chhattisgarh, and the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board. The signing ceremony took place in the auditorium of the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum in Raipur, on the first day of a three-day national seminar titled The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities, organised by the Government of Chhattisgarh. The MoU with the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums outlines the documentation of protected and unprotected historical sites and monuments in Chhattisgarh. It also includes the creation of a knowledge repository in the form of a library and an XR museum highlighting Chhattisgarh's history and heritage at IIT Bhilai . Additionally, it proposes the establishment of a faculty chair in heritage studies at IIT Bhilai to attract top global talent. The MoU with the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board aims to support research on enhancing Chhattisgarh's tourism potential in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes the development of destination management plans for tourist sites in Chhattisgarh and conducting impact assessments to understand the effects of tourism on local communities, ecosystems, and cultural heritage . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo The MoUs were signed by Vivek Acharya, IFS, Director of the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums and Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, and Prof Santosh Biswas, Dean of R&D at IIT Bhilai, in the presence of Prof Rajiv Prakash, Director of IIT Bhilai. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Prakash said that IIT Bhilai is proud to strengthen its ties with the Chhattisgarh government in pursuit of the shared vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He shared that an interdisciplinary research centre – the Centre for Culture, Language and Traditions – has been set up at IIT Bhilai to promote research in cultural heritage, tribal knowledge, and indigenous livelihoods. The Centre aims to advance the institute's mandate of action-oriented research for the benefit of the people of Chhattisgarh. Acharya affirmed that the Chhattisgarh government is pleased to have IIT Bhilai as a committed stakeholder in the state's development, highlighting the synergies between history, culture and technology. He noted that Chhattisgarh is home to many unique tribes with distinct artistic practices, traditions and heritage, offering significant opportunities for a premier institute like IIT Bhilai to carry out pioneering research for the state's progress.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Time of India
Heritage conservation projects launched
Indore: To preserve the rich cultural heritage and attract a higher influx of tourists, the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums, Madhya Pradesh, launched conservation and restoration projects across various heritage sites. The selected locations include the historic Hamma Hamir ki Kothi and Barood Khana in Orchha, Garh Kundar Fort in Niwari, Loh Garh Fort, and the fort at Sabalgarh in Morena. The Directorate commenced work at several identified sites, with expectations for additional projects to kick off in the coming Shekhar Shukla, principal secretary of Tourism and Culture, Madhya Pradesh, said "We are committed to preserving these and many more invaluable heritage sites for future generations. These are are a part of our cultural rejuvenation initiatives aimed at "Vitasta se Vikas tak" and also position Madhya Pradesh as a prime destination for history and culture buffs. We believe that with proper care and conservation, these sites will become major tourist attractions while fostering a deeper appreciation for our rich and diverse cultural legacy."In Indore, an agency was tasked with the interior renovation of Lalbagh, which includes repairs to furniture, tapestry, upholstery, and painting. This project, assigned in November 2023, is set to be completed in three years, with an estimated budget of approximately Rs 6 crore. The conservation process across sites involves a variety of techniques such as structural pointing, roof and wall restoration, and the enhancement of main entrances. An official comment from the directorate states, "We are committed to preserving these invaluable heritage sites for future generations. These initiatives not only honour our rich history but also position Madhya Pradesh as a prime destination for heritage tourism. We believe that with proper conservation, these sites will attract numerous tourists while fostering a deeper appreciation for our cultural legacy." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
