Ranchi, Nov. 21: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Ranchi Circle, is holding a photo exhibition to observe World Heritage Week coinciding with late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

A photo exhibition depicting Jharkhand’s archaeological sites like Benisagar (West Singhbhum), Shiva Temple (Lohardaga), Baradari and Jami mosque (Sahebganj) among others is being held at ASI, Ranchi Circle premises. It will conclude on Nov. 25.

Fifty photographs have been displayed in the exhibition. Other important exhibits include Teliagarhi Fort (Sahebganj), Kolhua Pahar (Chatra), Maluti temple (Dumka), Navaratangarh Fort Sisai (Gumla), Votive stupa, Ithkhori, Chatra and Shiva temple at Icchak and Jain figures and terracotta plaque.

The photo of scientific clearance at Benisagar (West Singhbum) also finds pride of place in the exhibition.

Apart from major conservation work carried out by ASI, Ranchi Circle, the exhibition also displays pictures of centrally protected monuments of national importance in the state. ASI, Ranchi Circle, officials pointed out that for the past six years, World Heritage Week was observed in remote areas of districts, including Maluti (Dumka), Benisagar and Hadaf (Sahebganj), to increase awareness about the existing historical sites of the state.

“For the first time the exhibition is being organised at ASI, Ranchi Circle, so that schoolchildren and city residents can catch a glimpse of the major archaeological and historical sites of Jharkhand, including those of national importance,” ASI officials pointed out. R.K. Sinha, the deputy superintendent archaeologists of ASI, Ranchi Circle, said that the main purpose of celebrating the week was to increase awareness among the common masses to save monuments that are destroyed when people scribble on them.

“We need to save these monuments that are a rich source of information for the common public,” Sinha pointed out.