Still a long way to go for the ASI

CHENNAI: When you pass by a ruined monument, you may perhaps wonder why the Archaeological Survey, the premier institution in India tasked with protecting valuable relics, is sleeping over it.Former Superintending Archaeologist of ASI, and founder of REACH Foundation, (a restoration and conservation NGO) T Satyamurthi agrees that the ASI could do much more than it has been doing all these years since its inception. “What the ASI protects could not be more than three per cent of the antiquitarian remains in India,” he says. Stating that State archaeology may be protecting around three–four per cent of the rest of the heritage structures, he says an overwhelming majority of precious monuments were left to the mercy of the public, who do not understand the importance of ancient edifices.Pointing out that most of our ancient monuments were in the form of temples, Satyamurthi rued that the HR and CE department, the State government and the common man viewed temples only as religious centres. “Temples are repositories of our ancient wisdom in marvelous construction techniques. They have got huge heritage value. Only when people understand this, can we be assured of their safety. Any initiative without people’s participation will face obstacles.”Referring to 1,300-year-old Pallava monuments in Mamallapuram and the 1000-year-old Thanjavur Brihadishwara Temple, he wonders if anyone has the technology to build such structures that could last for a millennium. “Is it not important to protect structures that treasure the secrets of ancient wisdom?” he asks adding the ASI could play a huge role in this area. The common man, especially people in rural centres, which house lots of temples, should be sensitised on their importance, he adds. “The ASI should consider sensitisation programmes for people in areas that have monuments. The government should increase the employee strength of the ASI to shoulder the burden.”