I read an article is last week Kungkumam weekly magazine that most of the kalvettus found in TamilNadu are still unread.
The article was an article by Pulavar.Rasu who is ex-head of Kalvettu Reading Dept,Tanjore Thamizh University. He has assured that we are 95 years trailing in reading the kalvettus.
Almost 1 lakh kalvettus are found in TamilNadu alone and among which not even 50% is read. Most pitiable to hear is, for many of the kalvettus whose first copy taken are lost it seems.
He has mentioned that the history may be totally upside down to whatever we read as history now. This is really scaring !!
Also, a book called "Thamizhar Varalaarum Panpaadum" but Ra.Pi.SethuPillai too says that more than 30,000 kalvettus are unread in TN.
I was stunned to read that article. Did any of you had a chance to read the same? How far is this info true ??
Whats is said in that article is absolutely true. In our frequent interactions with Dr. Kalaikkovan, we have heard him say that not even 20% of the inscriptions in TN have been copied. Many of the copied inscriptions are waiting to be published.
The pity however is, in the name of kumbabishekam, a lot of inscriptions are damaged. Eventhough the damage is not complete in some cases, these mahaanubhavaas will damage it to a level that makes reading the inscriptions an herculean task, thanks to the whitewashing and oilpanting they do these days. I remember seeing a paraanthaga inscription in Egowri amman temple near vallam. (Thanks to SB sir), covered with dark green oil paint.
People like Dr. Kalaikkovan, Dr. Kudavaayil Balasubramaniam have realised that no amount of cribbing and complaining would help in this regards. The only way to preserve them is not to wait for someone to do something abt. this, just get into the field and do your bit to preserve the all important history.
But is there a way, there can be a non profit organization formed, and we carry forward the work we need to be done.
Tamils have got different interest and are moving towards that. Fortunately we have interrest alike.
Can we discuss the feasilbility and get it done. I know, we have people from different parts of Tamil Nadu. If not a person from Chennai can visit Nellai for some facts, atleast a person from Madurai can. As it is more at proximity to him/her rather than the former one. Well! this way we may make this happen.
This is just my view and suggtestion, and there may be pro's and con's. But, worth discussing it. Hope so..:o)
Dear Ram On the same note we have also lost a lost of antiquity in the name of kumbabishekam and redecoration and restoration during MGR period...The victims were Srirangam,Madurai temples
Thanjavur and GKC escaped because they were ASI sites imagine Big temple in multiculoured oil paint....
One way of preserving the inscriptions is that more number of people have to start learning to read the inscriptions. So that, copying can be done in fast phase. And awareness has to be created among the people living around the temple.
Siru thuli peru vellam.
>> Thanjavur and GKC escaped because they were ASI sites imagine Big temple in multiculoured oil paint....
Now, GKC is in this status only. ASI renovated the temple recently. The original stone sculptures are there only upto 5th floor. Rest of the vimaanam is covered by cement and painted in pink color. When Dr.Kalaikkovan questioned the ASI people about this renovation work, they said they had to do it because of the pressure from local people and politicians that they urge to do the kudamuzhukku. One good thing in this renovation is, they have cleaned inside the vimaanam and they are going to illuminate like periya koyil. It was amazing to see the architecture from the inside. The vimaanam starts as square at the bottom, becomes octagonal at the middle and ends as circle at the top. The way of handling the transformation of geometrical shapes was excellent.
In this scenario, we should look at the positive(!) side.
1. We have lakhs of school / college students eager to learn cost-effective courses which would enhance their earning potential.
2. We have enough unexplored historical base.
3. We have an unexploited tourism industry which can generate crores of rupees and dollars.
4. Universities are ready to give affiliation to anybody who has even a rented place to start colleges / institutes to start courses, even when they have no enough lecturers.
Why dont we all join and start an institute where languages, history, and archealogical work etc. are taught.
Think of NIIT in 80s and now. Why not a HTI (Historical Tourism Institute) where learning and earning can go together with preservation of our ancient history. This would also give patriotic fervour to our younger generation who want to feel good about our country.
In Bharathiyar's words, let us unite and porkuvai, kasugal, vaychol, uzaippu tharuvom and give life to our rich history.
Nothing is impossible, All we need to start is a feasibility study and start doing it in a small scale initially and then we may grow.
May be people interrested in this can meet and discuss and then deceide on going about doing it or not.. There may also be financial, governmental and other influences and commitments to this.
========================== > Think of NIIT in 80s and now. Why not a HTI > (Historical Tourism Institute) where learning and > earning can go together with preservation of our > ancient history. This would also give patriotic > fervour to our younger generation who want to feel > good about our country. > =========================
VERY MUCH POSITIVE. READY TO EXPLORE. sps
Dear team-members,
When and how do we start?
1. May be we can start a NGO.
2. We can start asking the group members and like minded people for their preference in being which team: say,
Porkuvai team - where they have to invest (siru thuzhi - peru vellam)
Kasugal team - lend small amounts (nominal)
Vaychol team - people who are ready to lend time and effort in organising the whole thing - presence in Tamilnadu is essential
Uzaippu team - a blend of all above
We should start planning now if we want to take up this seriously.
I am living at Thane, Maharashtra. Any further details can be given if it is of any use to formalise the whole thing.
As I am in the midst of my office shifting and my daughter's X exam., I am not in a position right now to come to Tamilnadu. Otherwise, travelling to Thanjavur, Madurai from Mumbai is not a problem for me.
Please discuss in detail the concept of setting up a learning centre for historical tourism during your trip to PS places. Please let the non-participating members know the outcome of discussions to take the idea forward.