By The Hindu Bureau
Stating that a community-led approach is needed to protect ancient monuments, historian and archaeologist Pundikai Ganapayya Bhat said on July 5 that there may not be a single formula for protecting the monuments.
Delivering a special talk on 鈥楶rotection of monuments: Threats and challenges鈥 with special reference to Tulunadu, organised by the Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) here, Mr. Bhat said that the first step was education. 鈥淲e must begin by raising awareness and systematically documenting our heritage sites,鈥 he said.
With over three decades of experience in the study and preservation of Tulunadu鈥檚 cultural legacy, Mr. Bhat served as a lecturer in Ancient History and Archaeology at Sri Dhavala College, Moodbidri. In his address, Mr. Bhat offered a critical overview of the tangible heritage of Tulunadu and the threats posed by neglect, unscientific renovations and a general lack of awareness.
He said, 鈥淭hough many ancient monuments still exist in Tulunadu, most no longer retain their original form, having undergone numerous unscientific renovations over time. These have resulted in the loss of valuable historical evidence.鈥
Emphasising the urgency of preservation, Mr. Bhat noted, 鈥淭he destruction of heritage is often not deliberate but the result of ignorance. Without understanding the significance of these monuments, people damage them through unplanned renovation or development activity.鈥
The talk was followed by an engaging question-and-answer session, where participants discussed practical ways to involve the public in heritage preservation, including grassroots documentation and increased youth participation.
INTACH Mangaluru convenor Subhas Chandra Basu, co-convenor Nemiraj Shetty and others were present.