Any information about this news?? Is the REACH foundation aware of this. I am surprised at the silence of our members (that includes me, until now) on this issue. The builder of this Temple brought us all together, isn't it?
Chandra Sir, Hope you are aware of this.
And what is happening here. First Kanchipuram, now Thanjavur and what next?
Hi vijay i may be sounding off the note but before we panic we should take into mind some points. we do have some members who are ASI officers - working and retired. we have found them most sincere and knowledgable.
the big temple is in perfect condition today partly due to the efforts of the ASI. to term them as not competent to decide on the changes is I think preposterous.
to people who are worried about important edicts and kalvettus being lost please be assured that all of it has been studied and tabulated. the structural strength of the building is more important now. whether we accept it or not ASI is the most qualified body in india to do this.why dont we let it to the experts and not beleive some one time visitor writing in a website.
PRESERVING HERITAGE: The adhishtana moulding or Kumudam that was removed. It will be fixed after the IIT submits its report.
CHENNAI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is waiting for a scientific report to restore an important stone fixture at the Brihadishwara temple in Thanjavur, a world heritage monument, where the restoration work is almost over.
According to Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Chennai Circle, Sathyabama Badrinath, the strengthening work of the foundation structure at the northern cloister of the mandapam area, an essential feature of the restoration exercise, was over.
Asked, whether the ASI was replacing the ancient stone slabs and ceiling structures with new ones, the ASI official said that only those, which had lost the load bearing capacity, were being replaced.
"We always try to restore only the original and using of new slabs is very rare." On apprehensions raised by some local residents that the ancient stone fixture at the northeastern part of the main shrine the adhistana moulding, also known as Kumudam was broken during the conservation work, Sathyabama said it was not true.
"The moulding was old and dilapidated and it was removed," she said.
The ASI has sought a scientific report from the Indian Institute of Technology and the moulding would be fixed only after getting the report.
Responding to a question, the top ASI official said the Maratha paintings of the 16th and 17th centuries were being preserved.
Asked about the precautions being taken by the ASI in view of the damage caused to some inscriptions before, she claimed that nothing was damaged by the workers. "Our officials are watchful and have sensitised the workers about the importance of the work they do."
Really shocking. Your report must be sent to Sathyabhama Badrinath, Superintendent Archeologist; if the work is given to an unapproved contractor, the head of ASI must step in and make amends; he is answerable.
I will ask my colleague in Chennai Bureau to do this story. I understand this story has been carried in either CNN/IBN or TIMES NOW. Kudavayil Sir informed me about this shocking incident 3 months ago and I tried to convey it to ASI.
Dear Sb Sir, Thanks for your explanations. Sorry I read it late. Atleast our consistent cry and messages on writing should make the authorities not do any such damages to ANY monument in future :(