Patna, Sept. 2: Historians and archaeological experts are raising concerns over the conservation of heritage, including cultural and natural heritage in the country. People should also be aware of their duties with regard to preservation of heritage.
Such issues were raised during a meet organised today by Natural and Cultural Heritage Development Society (NATCULT) in the state capital on the theme of “Wither India heritage”. NATCULT is a non-government organisation based in Bihar, which has set up NATCULT clubs in rural areas of the state for conservation of natural and cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, K.M. Srimali, a professor of history department, University of Delhi, spoke of definitional parameters of heritage and related topics. “The scope of the word heritage has increased in the recent past as earlier, it was only confined to monuments but recently it has been extended to cultural heritage as well such as Rigveda and several flora and fauna. However, we should also observe how heritages are universally accepted. For instance, certain sections of the society in our country express reservations when talking about Marx. However, Gandhian thoughts are openly welcomed in the United States. Also, the rate at which Archaeological Society of India is de-protecting the sites is also an area of concern. The ignorance of heritage in our country is such that ancient history and archaeology are not being taught in Marathwada University since many years. It is an irony that the university is located in Aurangabad district in Maharashtra, the place where Ajanta and Ellora caves are located,” said Srimali.
Srimali also spoke about the role of citizens in conservation of heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, director of KP Jayaswal Research Institute, Patna, said: “There have been consistent works in the field of archaeology but still there is need of creating data bank with regard to information on excavation sites and other work being done in the field of archaeology and ancient history in Bihar,” said Chaudhary.
