This is just atrocious.. What did they gain by demolishing the age old pillars and mandapams and disfiguring the rare murals? If they did not know how to preserve, they could have very well approached our REACH group, who are more than willing to provide assistance. And to mention about the HR&CE officer's audacity to categorically deny the existance of the mandapams and pillars, even while the ASI has produced photographs of them. Disgusting.
In spite of our followups, this could not be stopped due to the arrogance of the local E.O. Today the CM had ordered an enquiry and I am proceeding to the HR&CEwith relevant old paintings phots,thanks to Sriraman's database, and also am carrying the other such sites photos (mannarkovil, Kalakkad, etc.) where there are STILL SOME paitings left. These also will be handed over to the HR&CE today (Sat 8th Nov,2008).Let's prya that these heritage arts does not fallprey to the negligence of the department officials anymore. I request allmembers to reply to the editorial referring this article, in the best possible condemning manner so that tomorrow anyone who even thinks of such deed will think twice before touching the crow bar/ brush.