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Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CM inaugurates excavation in Lakkundi
Gadag: With the inauguration of the excavation of the historical site Kote Veerabhadreshwara Temple in Lakkundi by the chief minister, Siddaramaiah , on Tuesday, hopes of getting crucial clues have multiplied among history enthusiasts of the state and nation as well. Meanwhile, the Lakkundi Heritage Area Development Authority is preparing for an open museum on the lines of Warangal in Telangana. CM Siddaramaiah said that the govt is committed to establishing an open museum in Lakkundi. "This village, Lakkundi, was the capital of the Chalukyas, who constructed temples and a fort here. Remnants of these structures have provided historical information. We provided the required funds to unearth historical structures and artefacts, and that is why conservation became possible here," he claimed. He attributed law minister HK Patil's interest as the reason for launching an excavation in Lakkundi. He thanked the residents of Lakkundi who transferred their land and houses, where relics were found, to the govt. It should be noted that Lakkundi is one of the 844 sites notified for protection. Govt departments like tourism, archaeology, museums, and heritage organised a special campaign between Nov 22 to 24 last year to collect relics from the doorsteps of villagers. The campaign collected over 1,500 relics, and they will be displayed in an open museum of 4 acres. The govt announced funds for the museum in the current year's budget. A team of experts already visited Warangal and opined that a museum better than the one in Warangal can be established here. According to Patil, who is also in charge of Gadag district, Lakkundi villagers are very cooperative with the excavation. "Experts have said that if 27 families leave their houses, five temples can be traced. Most of the house owners agreed to give up their properties, and we will provide alternative accommodation to them," he shared. Meanwhile, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) conducted a study and submitted a nomination to get a world heritage tag for Lakkundi. The govt is mulling submitting a request to the International Council on Monuments and Sites to add Lakkundi to the world heritage temporary list. Gadag residentse believe that Lakkundi could become a bigger world heritage site than Hampi if it is excavated and developed properly. The previous excavation was in 2004-05 in Lakkundi, and various important relics were found then.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
A spiritual experience
The historic Dargah Shah Khamosh in Nampally, Hyderabad, transformed into a vibrant confluence of devotion, music, and timeless architecture as it hosted its annual Urs fair. Dedicated to Hazrat Shah Khamosh, also known as Syed Moinuddin Hussaini, the spiritual successor of Baba Farid, the three-day event marked a rich tradition that dates back to around 1871, when the revered Sufi saint was laid to rest here. The presence of the sacred 'Bahishti Darwaza' — the Gate of Paradise brought from the tomb of Baba Farid in Pakpattan, Pakistan — adds to the spiritual magnitude of the site. Renowned Qawwals including the iconic Warsi Brothers and Ateeq Hussain Bandanawazi enthralled the audience with soul-stirring renditions. What made the event truly memorable was the respectful silence maintained by attendees, who listened in rapt attention amidst an awe-inspiring setting adorned with European chandeliers and classic Grandfather clocks. The Dargah's unique blend of Islamic and Gothic architecture, which earned it the INTACH heritage award in 2007, served as a majestic backdrop to the performances. 'This is not just about music; it's about unity, peace, and the divine,' shared Syed Akbar Nizamuddin Hussaini of the Dargah. 'Music brings together people from across any religion, caste, or creed. It's a moment to have a spiritual connection with the Almighty and bring in peace for the mind and soul.' The Urs fair continues to be a testament to the inclusive and mystical traditions of Sufism — where faith transcends boundaries and melody becomes a medium of spiritual elevation.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Govt must step up efforts to protect our heritage: INTACH
When INTACH did an inventory of heritage buildings in Bengaluru in 1985, there were around 823 iconic structures. "By 2015, that number dwindled to 354. It could be much less now," says Aravind Chandramohan, co-convener of the Bengaluru Chapter of The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). Aravind notes that Bengalureans, over the past 10 years or so, have become more aware of heritage structures in the city — a fact that can be validated by the growing success of guided inner city tours and heritage walks. "It is high time the govt stepped up its efforts to conserve remaining structures in the city," he says. A chunk of the structures that have disappeared over the years are residences. "There are around 100 govt buildings in Bengaluru that are heritage structures. Apart from the routine painting and cleaning, nothing concrete is done to restore them." INTACH has been at the forefront of restoring and conserving heritage structures in the city for several years now. Its key restoration works include Fort High School, Nimhans and Vani Vilas PU College. The team is now carrying out restoration work in the main building of the Bangalore Club and Beaulieu, a building on Palace Road housing the office of the Chief Post Master General. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Apart from conserving and restoring heritage, INTACH conducts heritage walks and exhibitions to create awareness among the public. "Anything from the past can be considered as a heritage and we all should step up efforts to protect our legacy," says Aravind. Many of the heritage structures in the city are built with brick and lime mortar and not cement. "For many people in Bengaluru or southern Karnataka, Mysuru is the only city that has a legacy of heritage. But, Bengaluru has its own share of heritage structures," reminds Aravind. INTACH focuses mainly on structures that are not part of the Archaeological Survey of India. "We rope in contractors who are specialists in restoration. We have architects to guide them." Any restoration work would usually take a couple of months and if the structure is still functional, then carrying out the work without affecting the day-to-day working of the institution operating out of the building is a great challenge. "For example, if it's a school, it just cannot be shut down for a long period," he says. While INTACH has worked with the govt on a couple of occasions, most of their projects are funded by the public. Arvind says there are generally two ways to restore heritage structures — either adaptively reuse existing heritage buildings or restore them to their original purpose. The way forward is adaptively reusing heritage structures as it is commercially viable, but it should be done sensitively, he says.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Modepu'selected for Lalithakala Akademi book award
Mangaluru: 'Modepu: Contributions of Late Artists to Modern Art – An Introduction,' a publication by Art Kanara Trust , was selected for the Karnataka Lalithakala Academy Book Award for the year 2022–2023. The book captures the rich and nuanced history of coastal Karnataka's visual art movement, with a special focus on the contributions of artists and pioneers of the past, whose legacies often remained overlooked. It meticulously documents the lives and works of 34 artists, including Pavanje Gopalakrishnaiah, NG Pavanje, Shivarama Karanth, KK Hebbar, LK Shevgoor, BG Mohammad, LP Anchan, PP Karanth, GS Shenoy, Ramadas Adyanthaya and Mohan Sona. The book was the culmination of a major curatorial initiative jointly organised in Nov 2022 by Art Kanara Trust and the INTACH, Mangaluru chapter, in collaboration with the NG Pavanje Chair for Visual Arts of Mangalore University. The initiative featured exhibitions of artworks and archival material of all 34 artistes, held at the Kodialguthu Center for Art & Culture in Mangaluru and Drishti Art Gallery in Udupi, with the support of Artists' Forum. A 243-page volume was subsequently published in Feb 2023. The book's text was authored by artist Janardhan Havanje , with an insightful foreword by acclaimed art critic HA Anil Kumar, who emphasised the significance of documenting regional art histories as meaningful alternatives to dominant mainstream narratives. The research, structure, design, and editing for Modepu were led by noted art historian Nemiraj Shetty and artist Rajendra Kedige, both trustees of Art Kanara Trust, who served as co-editors. Harish Kodialbail and Reshma S Shetty played a key role in organising the exhibitions and coordinating the publication. Subhash Chandra Basu, INTACH convener and president of Art Kanara Trust, provided guidance and valuable feedback throughout the publication process. The publication was supported by Shenoy Art Foundation, Bengaluru. The Karnataka Lalithakala Akademi Award will be officially conferred during a felicitation ceremony scheduled to be held on Friday at Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bengaluru.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Civic body delays in framing heritage property rules stall listing of historic Kolkata buildings
1 2 3 Kolkata: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is unable to give heritage tags to buildings it has identified as heritage, such as former chief minister Siddhartha Shankar Ray's house on Beltala Road and 19th-century Bengali poet and dramatist Michael Madhusudan Dutt's house in Kidderpore. This is because it has not yet been able to frame rules that will govern heritage properties . KMC sources said the civic heritage committee met multiple times but was unable to finalise the draft proposal on the heritage rules. The deadline set by the Calcutta High Court to frame the guidelines and get them approved by the state govt has already expired. "We have held meetings on the issue, but the preparation of draft rules is still pending," a member of the KMC heritage conservation committee said. Unless the rules are passed and notified, the civic body is unable to list new properties as heritage or even demarcate areas as heritage precincts. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage ( INTACH ), which promotes the conservation of heritage, moved Calcutta High Court along with citizens' group Calcutta Architectural Legacies (CAL) to question the basis of KMC's arbitrary delisting of properties that were earlier given the heritage tag. INTACH has written to the KMC commissioner, heritage conservation committee, and principal secretary of the state law department, inquiring about the status of the rules that were to be framed within eight weeks of the HC order issued on Jan 9 this year. Justice Debangsu Basak, while acknowledging the unfettered rights of the Heritage Conservation Committee in considering applications pertaining to the enlistment of buildings as heritage properties, also called for the framing of rules regarding the procedure of the committee. Sources said a set of rules was framed two decades ago when Debasis Som was the municipal commissioner. This was, thereafter, forwarded to the state urban development department for approval, but nothing happened since. The order was issued after INTACH and CAL filed a public interest litigation over the downgrading and delisting of heritage buildings by KMC without assigning reasons and without following a statutory mechanism. The PIL also sought a direction to put in place a proper, transparent, and time-bound procedure for enlisting buildings as heritage after receiving such requests from owners or the public. "The eight weeks granted by the HC have lapsed. We request you to apprise us of the outcome of the approval and forward us a copy of the rules framed and enacted on the procedure of the Heritage Conservation Committee. This will enable us to initiate appropriate steps towards enlisting other historically, culturally, and architecturally sound buildings as 'heritage buildings' and protect the majesty of India's capital of culture," the letter stated. Kolkata: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is unable to give heritage tags to buildings it has identified as heritage, such as former chief minister Siddhartha Shankar Ray's house on Beltala Road and 19th-century Bengali poet and dramatist Michael Madhusudan Dutt's house in Kidderpore. This is because it has not yet been able to frame rules that will govern heritage properties. KMC sources said the civic heritage committee met multiple times but was unable to finalise the draft proposal on the heritage rules. The deadline set by the Calcutta High Court to frame the guidelines and get them approved by the state govt has already expired. "We have held meetings on the issue, but the preparation of draft rules is still pending," a member of the KMC heritage conservation committee said. Unless the rules are passed and notified, the civic body is unable to list new properties as heritage or even demarcate areas as heritage precincts. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), which promotes the conservation of heritage, moved Calcutta High Court along with citizens' group Calcutta Architectural Legacies (CAL) to question the basis of KMC's arbitrary delisting of properties that were earlier given the heritage tag. INTACH has written to the KMC commissioner, heritage conservation committee, and principal secretary of the state law department, inquiring about the status of the rules that were to be framed within eight weeks of the HC order issued on Jan 9 this year. Justice Debangsu Basak, while acknowledging the unfettered rights of the Heritage Conservation Committee in considering applications pertaining to the enlistment of buildings as heritage properties, also called for the framing of rules regarding the procedure of the committee. Sources said a set of rules was framed two decades ago when Debasis Som was the municipal commissioner. This was, thereafter, forwarded to the state urban development department for approval, but nothing happened since. The order was issued after INTACH and CAL filed a public interest litigation over the downgrading and delisting of heritage buildings by KMC without assigning reasons and without following a statutory mechanism. The PIL also sought a direction to put in place a proper, transparent, and time-bound procedure for enlisting buildings as heritage after receiving such requests from owners or the public. "The eight weeks granted by the HC have lapsed. We request you to apprise us of the outcome of the approval and forward us a copy of the rules framed and enacted on the procedure of the Heritage Conservation Committee. This will enable us to initiate appropriate steps towards enlisting other historically, culturally, and architecturally sound buildings as 'heritage buildings' and protect the majesty of India's capital of culture," the letter stated.
