Experts examine damaged Jain temple
Public outrage mounts against ASI; heavy machinery alleged to cause damage
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2014-10-18 04:59 GMT
Wayanad: A group of top officials from the Archaeological Survey of India visited the Jain temple at Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad district on Friday where local people had prevented the repair works underway at the site on Thursday.
They had alleged that heavy machinery, including earth removers, were used in the repair causing damage to the centuries-old heritage site which is under the ASI protection.
The temple, built in 13th century by Vijayanagara empire, is one of the most important of the Jain ruins in the state. The monument testifies to a period of strong Jain presence in the region. It served as a Hindu shrine, an important centre for commercial activity and eventually as a battery (ammunition store) for Tipu Sultan’s armies.
When tension mounted at the site, Sulthan Bathery tahsildar N.K. Abraham who visited the spot asked the contractor to stop the work. Meanwhile, several writers, activists and Jain community organisations have criticised the ASI for the careless repair work without considering the importance of the heritage.
ASI superintending archaeologist T. Sreelakshmi from Thrissur and conservation assistant K.J. Luka from Kannur centre who visited the spot dismissed the allegations as baseless. The officials also discussed with the revenue officials the resumption of the repair.
Mr Luka told Deccan Chronicle that the repair was started on September 18 for rectifying the leakage on the roof of the building.
“The total amount sanctioned by the ASI for dismantling the stuff is Rs 1,20,000 and Rs 4.5 lakh has been allotted for relaying the lime concrete.”
Mr Luca also said that the protest of a section of local people, who allege that crores of rupees has been involved in the repair, was aimed at settling scores with the ASI which has been issuing notices to the local people restricting construction within 300 metres of the site as insisted on by central law.
“We will continue with the repair and ensure police protection if needed”, he added.