Protectors of our artistic past

EVERY YEAR, ICOMOS (International Council of Monuments and Sites) a wing of UNESCO, observes April 18 as World Heritage Day. In 1972, UNESCO adopted a resolution with overwhelming enthusiasm creating thereby a `convention' covering the protection of the World Culture and natural Heritage.

India has been an active member of the forum since 1977 and a selected member of the World Heritage Committee. As a consequence of successive civilisations that have marked its long history, India, probably has more immovable artefacts than any other ocuntry in the world. It is a matter of pride that there are about 5,000 protected monuments all over the country and a number of Heritage monuments protected by respective State Governments.

Foreigners visit India not merely as tourists but as eager students of Indian Culture. Before the coming of Islam into India, bhakthi was associted with the singing of hymns in the common tongue, especially in Tamil Nadu and later spread all over the sub continent. Temples became larger and grander with spiralling towers. A fresh cultural influence emerged, and a new style of Indo-Islamic architecture developed as a result. The two important architectural forms which began to be widely used were the arch and the dome. Another structure which was frequently used was the tall slender minaret. Indo European architectural style developed along with the Indo-Islamic architectural style.

April 18 is observed as World Heritage Day to bring an awareness among the younger generation, about the need to safeguard and maintain ancient monuments.

The vital aspect relating to protection and conservation of historic areas, towns and cities is to identify, list and document historical monuments.

The local panchayats can be actively involved in protecting monuments.

S. VASANTHI

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