Mysuru: Many tourists and locals do have habits of writing on the walls of famous monuments. From writing names to drawing absurd designs, people simply do not understand the fact that they are marring the beauty of the place. However, Archaeology Museum and Heritage Department, Mysuru has decided to act stern on the hands that resort to spoiling these centres.
Gavisiddaiah, Deputy Director, Archaeology Museum and Heritage Department, Mysuru said that damaging protected monuments will be punishable and the crime may invite imprisonment for three months to two years and also penalty ranging between Rs 5000 to one lakh.
Addressing the book release programme, ‘The Glory of Hoysala Temples’ – an English translated version of Kannada book ‘Degula Kalavybhava’ by Belur D S Prakash and L Madhuranath at Maneyangala here on Sunday, Gavisiddaiah that historical monuments are not mere structures that have been standing for years, they symbolize culture and tradition that everyone needs to preserve it for the next generation. Defacing or damaging of historical monuments would only result in destroying culture and memories attached to them. According to article 51(B), it is the responsibility of every citizen to preserve historical monuments around them.
The book covers information about Hoysala dynasty, architecture, sculptural beauty of world famous Chennakeshava temple in Belur, Hosaleshwara and Shantaleshwara twin temples in Halebid, Trikutachala Keshava temple in Somanathapura and Basadis of serenity place of Shravanabelagola. The 192 page book consists of more than 100 attractive photos of above said places. The book published by Maprabha Prakashan, Mysuru, not only deals with the history of all the temples built during the era of King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire but also highlights the pathetic conditions in which the historical structures are maintained. The author also brings the attitude of some of the irresponsible tourists in preserving the monuments.
HP Janardhan, Deputy Director, Department of Tourism, Bhanumati, retired senior researcher, Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies, Manasa Gangotri were also present.
