Archaeology is breaking out of the scholarly shadows. The ASI is building a fresh image, archaeologists now have a public voice, and audiences are finally tuning in.
The ASI claims Theh Polar village could be the site of a settlement destroyed in the battle between Pandavas and Kauravas. Villagers fled Pakistan during Partition and settled here.
In 2023, then Manoharlal Khattar-led state government announced the development of Agroha on the lines of Rakhigarhi. Haryana government and ASI are both investing in the project.
The ASI has received requests over the years to keep the monuments open for longer hours after dark, but the lack of security guards has been the biggest hindrance.
Burhanpur district magistrate says awaiting official report of SDM and will approach ASI. But fields lining Asirgarh Fort have been site of amateur excavations for decades now.
The real problem lies in the widespread urge to take pride in the conquests of ancient rulers. Pasmanda Muslims must acknowledge that they have no connection to invaders of the past.
Without formal training or funding, they have braved rugged terrain, deciphered ancient scripts and uncovered hidden treasures — from the Sundarban to the Aravallis.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park is Qutub Minar’s forgotten cousin. It’s dogged by a tug-of-war between multiple agencies, patchy preservation, and few visitors.
The Mahabalipuram Shore Temple boasts the tag of being ‘India’s first green archaeological site’. Now, other heritage sites in Tamil Nadu may follow suit.
Despite multiple agencies being involved, the US could maintain a clear chain of command. This is something India should consider too, as it defines the theatre command structures.
The latest comment comes as New Delhi and Washington have yet to sign a trade agreement. India’s purchase of Russian oil has reduced, but Moscow remains top source for crude.
Venezuela also boasts of a diverse portfolio of unmanned aerial vehicles capable of carrying out surveillance, reconnaissance and being employed for kinetic purposes as well.
Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.
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