NMA Chairman Tarun Vijay praises Indian Army efforts to protect Kashmir -Heritage
19 Dec2021-Srinagar – Kashmir’s Hindu- Buddhist sites have over centuries fallen prey to non-secular forces and later desecrated by Jihadi extremists during the decades of Pakistan sponsored terrorism.
Preservation and restoration of these sites took a beating and when undertaken, introduced a communal tinge to the ethos they propagated.
Kashmir has a large number of ancient temples, Buddhist stupas and chaityas the ruins of which even today hark back at their glorious past. Regrettably, none of these sites, in the last seventy four years of independence has been recommended for designation as a Unesco World Heritage site.
Universities and cultural research centres today give little impetus to rekindling scholarly interest in pre-Islamic history, or assist in excavations of such sites. None have thought it fit to establish an archeology department and for most, history is limited to just after the advent of Mughal era.
There are numerous 6th to 8th Century origin ancient Hindu and Buddhist temple and cultural heritage sites in Kashmir, being preserved by state and central units of the ASI . Vijay, Chairman of the National Monuments Authority praised both as their officers and conservationists worked hard in challenging times and did their best. They need a Shabash from the centre, Vijay said and assured a certificate of appreciation for them. Specially in the Modi govt, the serious attention paid for heritage protection by LT Gov Shri Manoj Sinha has brought a new awakening . For example Harwan Buddhist site, a globally recognised national monument, which is being proposed by Vijay to be incl;used in the Unesco world Heritage list, had not access road, and it is being considered now after seven decades, Vijay also thoinks that a international Buddhist Conference can be held at this 3rd CE ancient and mesmerizingly beautiful site. Similarly Martand temple can be given a new look with rebuilding its stone blocks as per ASI norms under its guidance .
But as always, the Army has of its own stepped in and NMA would be giving the GOC Chinar Corps a special Plaque of Honour for their extraordinary work in protecting archeological sites with a finesse of a professional conservationist.
The Pandrethan temple (9th CE), now called ‘Pani Mandir’ ,a wonder of Kashmir; is the best preserved Shiva temple of Sarvatobhadra style located in Badami Bagh, Srinagar. Built in the middle of a water tank, with remarkable sculptures of various deities on the ceiling and walls; the two tiered pyramidal sanctum sanctorum is stunningly beautiful reflecting the mastery of ancient Hindu artisans. It has four entrances with usual pedimented trefoil designs. Situated in the foothills of Zabarwan range, and on Jhelum River banks, it had massive Shiva lingam in its vicinity, with magnificent sculptures of Shiva Trimurti , Varah, Padmapani Avalikiteshwara and Shiva Lingas.
The Chinar Corps has with reverence and passion preserved the famous Pandrethan Temple (8th CE) in Badami Bagh. Today, the temple blesses the nation’s warriors and all those who visit it.
Pandrethan site near Shiva temple was excavated by the British era ASI in 1913 yielding several Buddhist sculptures and rubbles of a Chaitya assignable to the 8th CE . These have been described in detail by several eminent archeologists like Ram Chandra Kak, S.L. Shali and Debala Mitra. Some of the finds are showcased at Shri Pratap Singh Museum (SPS) Srinagar.
Mr Tarun Vijay, Chairman National Monuments Authority visited the Pandrethan temple and ‘Dharohar’ archeological site and was briefed by Army Officers responsible for the upkeep of the site and temple. It was amazing to see the passion and depth of research done by the officers in the restoration of this site. With painstaking detail, the lost figurines have been reconstructed and replicas created and installed in two radials. The site is an isle of peace and serenity, secure as it is, in Army premises. My compliments to Maj Gen Anupam Bhagi and Col Nirav Singh Dabhi and his team for an excellent Research and Restoration effort.
It is necessary that Nation takes pride in its heritage, and enables the ASI to excavate such ancient sites and restore them to their glory in Kashmir. We cannot forget our ancient culture and heritage that binds not only India but the entire subcontinent and the Far East.
