Latest news with #Vijayanagar
News18
21-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
History As Leftist Propaganda: How Distorians Still Dictate Bharat's Past
Last Updated: Bharat, even after more than seven decades of its Independence, is still in search of a history that's truly its own. The recent storm over changes in NCERT's history textbooks has reignited an old and unresolved debate: Who owns Bharat's history, and who has the right to narrate it? Critics—largely from the academic and media establishment—have slammed the revisions as politically motivated, accusing the government of 'saffronisation" and ideological distortion. But this outrage, however loud, sidesteps a deeper truth: For decades after Independence, Bharat's historiography—particularly what entered school curricula—was crafted not by a plurality of scholarly voices, but by a small coterie of Marxist and Nehruvian intellectuals who captured the country's academic institutions and think tanks through political patronage and interference. Such was the stranglehold of Leftist historians such as Romila Thapar, Bipan Chandra, Irfan Habib, and RS Sharma that there was no space for historiography other than the one rooted in economic determinism—a worldview that was dismissive of Bharat's civilisational achievements and ethos. This intellectual monopoly romanticised Islamic invaders, ignored indigenous resistance, and downplayed Bharat's ancient (Sanatana) accomplishments. Babur was, thus, portrayed as a curious naturalist and a doting father (Nehru called him a 'renaissance prince"), Akbar as a liberal genius, and Aurangzeb as a misunderstood ruler. In contrast, Hindu figures like Krishnadeva Raya, Maharana Pratap, and Shivaji were relegated to the margins. Even native empires of repute such as Vijayanagar, Ahom, and Karkota were reduced to footnotes. The guiding ideology seemed to be: De-sacralise Bharatiya civilisation and sanctify its conquerors. The latest controversy surrounding the NCERT textbook of Class VIII centres largely around Akbar, long celebrated as a liberal visionary. His policies of religious tolerance and Rajput alliances have always dominated textbook narratives. So, when the revised syllabus now includes unsavoury details such as the 1568 massacre at Chittorgarh—where over 30,000 civilians were killed after the fort had already fallen—it's seen as an assault on his legacy. There is no denying Akbar was an able ruler, far ahead of many contemporaries, especially in the Islamic world. But glorification should not come at the cost of truth. The Chittorgarh massacre was not a battlefield tragedy—it was an act of vengeance after a successful siege. To hide such acts is distortion; to justify them by citing plunders by Hindu rulers is lazy scholarship. A massacre is not just a plunder, and inventing false equivalences to cover up omissions is intellectual dishonesty. No historical figure—however revered—should be above scrutiny. If Akbar has been over-glorified, the Mughal dynasty as a whole has often been portrayed as the pinnacle of Bharatiya civilisation. This historical approach needs recalibration. Yes, the Mughals built a vast empire, set up uniform law and order machinery across the subcontinent, and promoted art and architecture. But they were also foreigners, as 17th-century French traveller François Bernier observed, who needed large standing armies even in peacetime to suppress dissent. Babur's own memoir, Baburnama, revels in violence against 'infidels", as it mentions how he would, after a battlefield, build 'a tower of infidels' skulls". Jahangir, the lover-boy Salim of Mughal-e-Azam, ordered the killing of Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh guru, in the very first year of his reign. Shah Jahan, romanticised for building the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, Mumtaj Mahal, oversaw the construction of this 'monument of love" while famines ravaged the countryside. Such was the destitution at that time, as Abdul Hamid Lahori writes in his biography of Shah Jahan, that 'dog's flesh was sold for goat's flesh and the pounded bones of the dead were mixed with flour and sold". As for Aurangzeb, he institutionalised bigotry by reviving jizya, banning Hindu festivals, and demolishing temples. These accounts aren't fringe—they come from the Mughals' own court chronicles. To question this kind of lopsided narrative is not communalism—it's historiographical integrity. Slow and Cautious Reforms Despite media alarmism, the NCERT revisions are neither sweeping nor comprehensive. They are excruciatingly slow and excessively cautious, to the extent of appearing apologetic. The textbooks continue to uphold a worldview where invaders are humanised, native resistance is sidelined, and Bharatiya civilisational achievements are ignored, if not totally dismissed. Rather than boldly rewriting history with balance and authenticity, NCERT often appears hesitant—fearful of pushback from entrenched guardians of the academia, of being branded communal and Islamophobic, and of challenging globally palatable 'secular', Leftist narratives. The outrage against textbook revisions is less about defending historical objectivity and more about resisting a long-overdue correction. For decades, history writing in the country has been filtered through a narrow ideological prism—one that celebrated foreign invasions, concealed Islamic brutality, and undermined Sanatana ingenuity and fightback. Bharat, even after more than seven decades of its Independence, is still in search of a history that's truly its own. A history where Akbar is studied not as a saint, not as a villain, but as a ruler with his strengths and weaknesses intact. A history where the Mughal empire is examined for both its splendour and its savagery. And more importantly, a history that is truly Bharatiya in nature, after being rescued from the vice-like grip of Leftist historians, who in reality are distorians… err, eminent distorians. The time has come to challenge these distorians—and expose their hollow intellectual halo. Only then will their iron grip be slackened. And Bharat's history will be salvaged for good. PS: The Leftist intellectuals hijacked the history of Bharat in the 1960s by proposing to write from the 'people's perspective". Romila Thapar, in fact, went a step ahead when she, in 1962, promised to come up with a new way of history writing that would let the readers know 'what the elephant keeper of the emperor Ashoka thought of his edicts" or what the lives and thoughts of the masons who built the Taj Mahal were. More than six decades later, Thapar's grand promise remains unfulfilled. The Left-dominated history of Bharat is today stuck in a soulless, ideologically obsessed terrain where neither the story of the king nor the 'lives and thoughts' of the masses are told effectively. The writer is the author of the book, 'Eminent Distorians: Twists and Truths in Bharat's History', published early this year by BluOne Ink publications. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. About the Author Utpal Kumar Utpal Kumar is Opinion Editor, News18 and Firstpost. He can be reached at He tweets @utpal_kumar1 tags : Indian history NCERT books view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 21, 2025, 15:39 IST News opinion Opinion | History As Leftist Propaganda: How Distorians Still Dictate Bharat's Past Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
21-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
NCERT's tame revision and distorians' loud outrage: Why Bharat is still in search of its true history
The time has come to challenge Leftist distorians and expose their hollow intellectual halo. Only then will Bharat's history be salvaged read more The Mughal dynasty as a whole has often been portrayed as the pinnacle of Bharatiya civilisation. Image: Wikimedia Commons The recent storm over changes in NCERT's history textbooks has reignited an old and unresolved debate: Who owns Bharat's history, and who has the right to narrate it? Critics—largely from the academic and media establishment—have slammed the revisions as politically motivated, accusing the government of 'saffronisation' and ideological distortion. But this outrage, however loud, sidesteps a deeper truth: For decades after Independence, Bharat's historiography—particularly what entered school curricula—was crafted not by a plurality of scholarly voices, but by a small coterie of Marxist and Nehruvian intellectuals who captured the country's academic institutions and think tanks through political patronage and interference. Such was the stranglehold of Leftist historians such as Romila Thapar, Bipan Chandra, Irfan Habib, and R S Sharma that there was no space for historiography other than the one rooted in economic determinism—a worldview that was dismissive of Bharat's civilisational achievements and ethos. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This intellectual monopoly romanticised Islamic invaders, ignored indigenous resistance, and downplayed Bharat's ancient (Sanatana) accomplishments. Babur was, thus, portrayed as a curious naturalist and a doting father (Nehru called him a 'renaissance prince'), Akbar as a liberal genius, and Aurangzeb as a misunderstood ruler. In contrast, Hindu figures like Krishnadeva Raya, Maharana Pratap, and Shivaji were relegated to the margins. Even native empires of repute such as Vijayanagar, Ahom, and Karkota were reduced to footnotes. The guiding ideology seemed to be: De-sacralise Bharatiya civilisation and sanctify its conquerors. The NCERT Controversy The latest controversy surrounding the NCERT textbook of Class VIII centres largely around Akbar, long celebrated as a liberal visionary. His policies of religious tolerance and Rajput alliances have always dominated textbook narratives. So, when the revised syllabus now includes unsavoury details such as the 1568 massacre at Chittorgarh—where over 30,000 civilians were killed after the fort had already fallen—it's seen as an assault on his legacy. There is no denying Akbar was an able ruler, far ahead of many contemporaries, especially in the Islamic world. But glorification should not come at the cost of truth. The Chittorgarh massacre was not a battlefield tragedy—it was an act of vengeance after a successful siege. To hide such acts is distortion; to justify them by citing plunders by Hindu rulers is lazy scholarship. A massacre is not just a plunder, and inventing false equivalences to cover up omissions is intellectual dishonesty. No historical figure—however revered—should be above scrutiny. If Akbar has been over-glorified, the Mughal dynasty as a whole has often been portrayed as the pinnacle of Bharatiya civilisation. This historical approach needs recalibration. Yes, the Mughals built a vast empire, set up uniform law and order machinery across the subcontinent, and promoted art and architecture. But they were also foreigners, as 17th-century French traveller François Bernier observed, who needed large standing armies even in peacetime to suppress dissent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Babur's own memoir, Baburnama, revels in violence against 'infidels', as it mentions how he would, after a battlefield, build 'a tower of infidels' skulls'. Jahangir, the lover-boy Salim of Mughal-e-Azam, ordered the killing of Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh guru, in the very first year of his reign. Shah Jahan, romanticised for building the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, Mumtaj Mahal, oversaw the construction of this 'monument of love' while famines ravaged the countryside. Such was the destitution at that time, as Abdul Hamid Lahori writes in his biography of Shah Jahan, that 'dog's flesh was sold for goat's flesh and the pounded bones of the dead were mixed with flour and sold'. As for Aurangzeb, he institutionalised bigotry by reviving jizya, banning Hindu festivals, and demolishing temples. These accounts aren't fringe—they come from the Mughals' own court chronicles. To question this kind of lopsided narrative is not communalism—it's historiographical integrity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Slow and Cautious Reforms Despite media alarmism, the NCERT revisions are neither sweeping nor comprehensive. They are excruciatingly slow and excessively cautious, to the extent of appearing apologetic. The textbooks continue to uphold a worldview where invaders are humanised, native resistance is sidelined, and Bharatiya civilisational achievements are ignored, if not totally dismissed. Rather than boldly rewriting history with balance and authenticity, NCERT often appears hesitant—fearful of pushback from entrenched guardians of the academia, of being branded communal and Islamophobic, and of challenging globally palatable 'secular', Leftist narratives. The outrage against textbook revisions is less about defending historical objectivity and more about resisting a long-overdue correction. For decades, history writing in the country has been filtered through a narrow ideological prism—one that celebrated foreign invasions, concealed Islamic brutality, and undermined Sanatana ingenuity and fightback. Bharat, even after more than seven decades of its Independence, is still in search of a history that's truly its own. A history where Akbar is studied not as a saint, not as a villain, but as a ruler with his strengths and weaknesses intact. A history where the Mughal empire is examined for both its splendour and its savagery. And more importantly, a history that is truly Bharatiya in nature, after being rescued from the vice-like grip of Leftist historians, who in reality are distorians… err, eminent distorians. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The time has come to challenge these distorians—and expose their hollow intellectual halo. Only then will their iron grip be slackened. And Bharat's history will be salvaged for good. P.S.: The Leftist intellectuals hijacked the history of Bharat in the 1960s by proposing to write from the 'people's perspective'. Romila Thapar, in fact, went a step ahead when she, in 1962, promised to come up with a new way of history writing that would let the readers know 'what the elephant keeper of the emperor Ashoka thought of his edicts' or what the lives and thoughts of the masons who built the Taj Mahal were. More than six decades later, Thapar's grand promise remains unfulfilled. The Left-dominated history of Bharat is today stuck in a soulless, ideologically obsessed terrain where neither the story of the king nor the 'lives and thoughts' of the masses are told effectively. The writer is the author of the book, 'Eminent Distorians: Twists and Truths in Bharat's History', published early this year by BluOne Ink publications. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
26-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Rains dilute historical sheen of Zarme wood carvings
Keri: Wood carvings burnish the beauty and accentuate the antiquity of Sateri Kelbai temple at Zarme, but these masterpieces face the danger of degradation in the rains. Wooden pillars and panels that offer a glimpse of the socio-cultural heritage of Zarme continue to lie exposed to the elements as renovation and beautification works of the Sateri Kelbai temple are under way. After TOI published a story on the plight of the carvings, on May 26, 2024, health minister Vishwajit Rane asked conservationist Gurudas Kamat to prepare an estimate for a project to protect these treasures. After visiting the site where the artefacts had been dumped, Kamat prepared the estimate. However, the proposal for conservation could not materialise and the risk to these assets stays high. T Murugeshi, an archaeologist who visited Zarme, identified these carvings as a bequest from the Vijayanagar period and urged authorities to take immediate measures to conserve them. Girish Nadkarni, a heritage lover from Sacorda, said, 'These wooden panels and pillars are lying in the open, enduring the effects of humidity, rain, and sunlight.' The department of archaeology must act promptly to redeem the situation, he said. Zarme residents said they are ready to help conserve the icons and sought a museum in the village.
India.com
11-06-2025
- India.com
From Hills To Temples Weekend Getaways Near Tiruvannamalai You Can't Miss
Located in the foot of Eastern Ghats, Tiruvannamalai is not only a spiritual haven but also serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful sites in South India. For those who wish to escape the rat race and become one with nature's wonder, here are some thrilling weekend getaways near Tiruvannamalai that promise relaxation, fun and rejuvenation. 1. Yelagiri Hills Located around 160 kilometers from Tiruvannamalai, Yelagiri Hills is an amazing hill station filled with green valleys, orchards and trekking routes. It's a favorite place for people who love adventure since it offers cold weather climates and beautiful views. Visitors can trek to places like Swamimalai Hill, Jalagamparai Waterfalls and Punganoor Lake while enjoying cool mountain air and serene surroundings. Rock climbing, boating or paragliding are some of the activities that can be carried out at Yelagiri which makes it a great combination of rest and excitement. Just about 100 kilometers away from Tiruvannamalai you will find Pondicherry (Puducherry), known for its French colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage and tranquil beaches. A weekend in Pondicherry provides visitors with an opportunity to walk down narrow streets in the French Quarter; visit Auroville which is an experimental township aimed at bringing together various ethnic groups; have a good time on beaches such as Promenade Beach or Paradise beach among others. This blend of Indian-French culture combined with delicious foodstuff has given it the reputation of being an enchanting gateway. Fort For history enthusiasts as well as thrill seekers Gingee fort offers an interesting destination just thirty kilometers away from Tiruvannamalai. It is famous for its architectural beauty and historic importance as a military fortress. Tourists can go through all three forts on top of the hills such as Rajagiri, Krishnagiri and Chandrayandurg providing panoramic views of the countryside around them. The walls of the fort, granaries, temples and water tanks create an insight into its past making it an interesting place for a day Hills Vellore situated just 85 kilometers away from Tiruvannamalai is a city steeped in history and cultural heritage. The major attraction here is Vellore Fort which is made up of granite stones built during the 16th century with huge ramparts surrounding underground tunnels and moat. In this fort complex tourists can find Jalakanteshwara Temple which has intricate carvings along with Vijayanagar style architecture well designed by architects etc . Apart from that VIT University, Christian Medical College are some institutions based in Vellore that give it a modern tinge within an ancient structure. Do not miss out on local attractions when you are exploring getaways near Tiruvannamalai for your weekend. Annamalaiyar Temple in Tiruvannamalai is one of the biggest temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees and tourists from all parts of the country come here to see it. Apart from that one can go on a trek up Arunachala Hill which is believed to be an embodiment of Lord Shiva and capture panoramic views over the city and its surrounding plains. Conclusion Those weekend getaways in Tiruvannamalai's vicinity include peaceful hill stations, historical forts and spiritual retreats. These destinations have something for everyone no matter whether you are an adventure seeker, someone who needs to relax or just want to know more about the culture of the area. Your next weekend will be spent in learning more about Southern India's landscape and heritage which are both beautiful and diverse while being at a short distance from Tiruvannamalai; so organize your trip now.
New Indian Express
28-04-2025
- New Indian Express
Proud of heritage? Protect it
BENGALURU: While the state and Central governments are working to identify and protect heritage sites in Karnataka, the responsibility of the people, especially locals, is much bigger. Experts echo the lack of sense of ownership, respect and pride among people and government officials alike. Recently, after a video went viral showing a meat stall at the tomb of Krishnadevaraya, the legendary ruler of the Vijayanagar dynasty, in Anegundi, the Department of Archaeology Museum and Heritage (DAMH) filed a complaint against the accused. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) says the site is a state-protected monument. Then, how was this allowed to happen? Madhusudhan KR, researcher and member of the Karnataka Itihasa Academy, says, 'The incident came to light after videos taken by tourists went viral. A similar incident was reported from Doddaballapur taluk in Bengaluru Rural, where a 5th century Ganga dynasty stone inscription went missing, during construction of a temple's compound wall. This cannot continue. State and national heritage should be protected.' A bigger concern is of sites being disrespected, destroyed, defaced and damaged. 'It all started with the cinema industry, which romanticized the etching of messages in stone. Now people have immortalized it. Some go to heritage sites with cameras, some others with chisels and paint. Couples started writing messages, drawing graffiti and symbols. Just imagine, you are visiting a tombstone or a hero stone or fort, and you are greeted with a painted love note. Not just governments, even locals should come forward and take stern action to control the menace to bring such people to book. In some places, people spit on fort walls, urinate or throw food items. This is seen in areas outside fort walls and spaces surrounding them,' said an ASI official, seeking anonymity. Although government departments blame manpower and funds shortage for their inability to protect the sites, experts suggest the adoption of alternatives. 'Citizens should be involved and made watchdogs. They should be made aware of the sites and their importance, made partners in protection and offered incentives for protecting them. ASI and DAMH officials should also work with panchayats. In a district, if 30 per cent of sites are protected, 20 per cent are on the verge of being lost and 50 per cent have already been lost. With this being the state of affairs, a lot more needs to be done,' says Madhusudhan. Experts say the government should now shift its focus from the already popular heritage sites of Hampi, Belur, Halebidu, Pattadakal, Aihole and Badami to lesser known destinations. But so far, it's only been lip service. Dr Jayasimha P, senior research fellow, Mythic Society, says the Brahmagiri region near Chitradurga is much richer and needs urgent attention. The region gains importance as around 100 years ago, Dr MH Krishna from Mysore Archaeology, under the then kings, had said Brahmagiri holds the key to questions of human evolution. Government departments are carrying out excavation work and have found artifacts older than the Paleolithic period. Already, many important artifacts have been lost over time, and people know very little about this place. Similarly, there is a 1,100-year-old stone inscription in the Panchalingeshwara Temple in Begur temple, near Electronics City, which is named 'Bengalura'. Another expert working with ASI says, requesting anonymity, that while the Central government and other states are finding artifacts and heritage structures to display the glory of King Ashoka's Mauryan Empire, Karnataka is doing nothing. 'There are stone inscriptions of King Ashoka in Koppal, Maski, Brahmagiri and near Chitradurga. These show that his empire touched Karnataka and he had trade relations here. They need to be protected now, before it is too late, the expert says, adding that not just sites, even murals and ecological heritage need protection. 'In Lal Bagh (Bengaluru), the mango trees planted by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan are well-protected. But the same ecology in Srirangapatna is ignored. Similar is the case with the Nallur Tamarind Grove, which is a biodiversity site now. Over time, the number of trees has reduced. There are also many heritage banyan trees on village roads, which are becoming highways now. Many heritage doors, walls and windows of heritage properties, like in Lakkundi, are being lost to urbanization,' the expert points out. DAMH officials admit that many stone inscriptions, especially hero stones, have been lost to urbanization. 'People destroy the stones by using granite for foundation or in residential/commercial construction. Many such stones are being found on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Tumkuru, Ramanagara, Kolar and surrounding areas, but are being lost because of lack of knowledge about them,' the official adds. Experts say the way ahead to protect heritage sites is for the government to get aggressive and involve people. They cite Tamil Nadu's example of not just using archaeology to build narratives, but also as assets. This year, there are 22 excavations taking place in Tamil Nadu, but only two in Karnataka. 'Excavations in Tamil Nadu are being done in the open for people to see and ask questions. There is a guide stationed at the site to explain the works and the site. There is a people connection established there. A similar method is also adopted in Vadnagar in Gujarat, where guides tell stories during the excavations. An emotional link with people is established, which is lacking here. In Karnataka, where DAMH has started excavation works in Firozabad, near Kalaburgi – South India's first hammam (communal bath space) and water system – the people connect is missing,' an expert says. Meera Iyer, convener, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), says a lack of awareness and appreciation among people is the reason for heritage sites being in a poor condition. It is seen that wherever people realize the importance of sites and appreciate them, they are protected. The government should also be more careful in protecting them and encourage people to come forward to do so. The government should also be more judicious in utilizing funds and resources. People should also take an interest in finding out what's around them and its importance. GROUND ZERO SITUATION UDUPI Story of neglect Prof T Murugeshi, retired Associate Professor, Ancient History and Archaeology, MSRS College, Shirva, Udupi district, says Karnataka's coastal region has many sites. But the ASI and DAHM have totally neglected coastal Karnataka with respect to documentation, survey, protection and conservation. Only a handful of sites in this region are protected. No Members of Parliament, MLAs or district authorities are concerned about the rich cultural heritage of this region. Important rock art sites like Buddhanajeddu, Gavali and Avalakki Pare in Udupi district, Karur, Sonda in Uttara Kannada district and Pandavarakallu near Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada, speak of the unknown prehistory of coastal Karnataka but the authorities are totally blind, Murugeshi says. BELAGAVI A fort in ruins The situation in Belagavi is no different. Experts and locals point out that one of the most famous and historic forts – Kittur Fort – is in ruins. The state government has made plans to revive it and organise Kittur Utsav as an annual affair. They say the government should also give importance to lesser-known sites, including the Bhootanath Temple Complex at Killa Torgal, and ancient Ratta temples in Hooli, Degaon and Gokak, which now lie neglected. GADAG People unaware of importance While Gadag is known for the famous Lakkundi temple, history expert AD Kattimani from Gadag says many historic monuments need to be saved as people in rural areas still don't know their importance. The local administration should come forward to create awareness. Even as excavations have started in Lakkundi and surrounding areas, there are no State or Central government officials on the ground to disseminate information on the same, say experts, adding that it is important, especially when local residents are coming forward and handing over inscriptions and monuments found inside their houses and which they worshipped. Experts say some places inside Gadag town need more vigilance as last December, some miscreants defaced a side wall of Jodu Kalasa in Sudi village. People continue to misuse historic monuments. KALABURAGI Tombs damaged Although there are over 200 historical monuments, only some are protected by ASI and DAMH sites. Many sites are encroached or neglected due to different reasons, including the Bahamani Fort and Haft Gumbaz. Efforts of the district administration to evict families living in Kalaburagi Fort have not yielded results. Miscreants have damaged some tombs situated in Haft Gumbaz premises in search of hidden treasures. There is also lack of proper security at the 16 sites protected by DAMH. Activist Lakshmikanth says many monuments are dilapidated and unrepaired over years. Some monuments have become a place for illegal activities. Historian Shambhuling Vani urges the government to take steps to protect the monuments and make them attractive tourist spots by providing necessary facilities. HASSAN No protection for 50 sites While 45 monuments (24 by DAMH and 21 by ASI) belonging to the Hoysala dynasty are protected, over 50 lie neglected. Experts say the government is showing no signs of protecting the others, including Jain Basadis, inscriptions unearthed in Belur and Channarayapatna, highlighting the works of Chandragupta Mourya and the Chola dynasty. Historian Narasimha Murthy says the need of the hour is to conserve every monument without discrimination. The state and ASI should come up with special programmes to protect monuments for future generations. VIJAYAPURA Home to 81 monuments According to the ASI, Vijayapura city alone has 81 protected monuments, the second highest in India after Delhi. Yet, despite having so many ancient and historically significant monuments, only a few are protected by ASI. While some monuments, such as Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Roza, Bara Kaman, Upari Burj and Malik-ek-Maidan, are well maintained by ASI, many others remain neglected, including the fort wall surrounding the city. It has been damaged at many places and even illegally occupied by people to build homes. An ASI official questions the lack of funds for upkeep and maintenance to protect and promote several monuments. 'We can issue notices to residents, but we cannot remove them from ASI property as it is tricky. We don't get the required support from local authorities to remove encroachments,' says the ASI official. State protected sites 800 Unprotected sites identified by state government 25,000 ASI protected sites in Karnataka: 506 (129 in Bengaluru Circle, 282 in Dharwad Circle, 95 in Hampi Circle) (Inputs from:Prakash Samaga/ Udupi; Tushar A Majukar/ Belagavi; Raghu Koppar/ Gadag; Ramakrishna Badsheshi / Kalaburagi; BR Udaya Kumar / Hassan; Firoz Rozindar / Vijayapura)
