Mysuru: Destruction of monuments is a “monumental cruelty” that must be resisted irrespective of religion or ownership, said Srinath Ratnakumar during a special lecture आयोजित on World Heritage Day at the Shwetha Varahaswamy Temple premises on Saturday.
The programme was organised by the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, drawing attention to the growing challenges in preserving historical structures amid rapid development and changing landscapes.
Shared responsibility in protecting heritage
Ratnakumar stressed that the responsibility of safeguarding heritage monuments lies collectively with governments, institutions and the public. He pointed out that destruction of heritage structures, whether intentional or incidental, is unacceptable.
“Heritage must be protected even during times of conflict. It is not the responsibility of one side alone,” he said, adding that acts of destruction for mere satisfaction cannot be justified.
He also cautioned that threats to monuments are not limited to natural disasters or wars, but increasingly arise from internal pressures such as urbanisation and infrastructure expansion.
Development projects pose hidden risks
Highlighting the impact of development activities, Ratnakumar noted that large-scale projects, especially road construction, often pose significant risks to heritage structures.
He emphasised the need for practical solutions such as realigning infrastructure projects or adopting protective measures to prevent damage. According to him, balancing development and conservation is essential to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of cultural heritage.
Concerns over deteriorating temples
Referring to prominent temples, Ratnakumar observed that several continue to function as “living temples” with ongoing rituals but are structurally deteriorating.
He cited examples such as Melukote Temple and Nanjangud Temple, noting that while religious practices continue, the physical condition of these structures requires urgent attention.
“We need practical solutions to address this,” he said, advocating for restoration and reconstruction efforts where necessary. He also referred to large-scale redevelopment projects in north India, such as the Kashi corridor, as examples of revitalisation initiatives.
Role of technology in conservation
Emphasising the importance of technology, Ratnakumar highlighted the capabilities of Bhuvan, a geoportal developed by Indian Space Research Organisation. The platform provides high-resolution satellite imagery dating back to 2002, allowing users to analyse changes in landscapes over time.
He suggested that students and researchers could use such tools to study transformations at heritage sites, including Chamundi Hills, and assess the impact of human activity and natural factors.
Ratnakumar also mentioned the Kasturi portal, which currently hosts digital data on 20 monuments and is expected to expand further, improving access to heritage-related information.
Need to document lesser-known heritage
Another key concern raised during the lecture was the lack of documentation for smaller villages with rich historical backgrounds. Ratnakumar pointed out that while major cities are well documented, many rural heritage sites remain unexplored.
He urged students and researchers to take up projects to document the history and cultural significance of such areas, thereby contributing to preservation efforts.
Experts call for awareness and action
Historian Kengeri Chakrapani also addressed the gathering, delivering a lecture on temples of Karnataka and their historical importance.
The event was attended by officials including A Devaraju and C N Manjula, along with scholars and students.
Conclusion
The lecture underscored the urgent need for a balanced approach that integrates development with heritage conservation. With increasing pressures on historical structures, experts emphasised that collective responsibility, technological tools and proactive documentation will be key to preserving India’s rich cultural legacy for future generations.