Pleach Lens
The Chola dynasty, one of South India’s longest-ruling empires, offers valuable lessons in governance, culture, and innovation. Their advanced bureaucratic system emphasized local self-governance through village councils, which ensured efficient administration. The dynasty’s maritime strength and extensive trade networks across Southeast Asia fostered cultural and economic exchanges, reflecting the importance of global connections.
Before & After
The custodians of the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, including UNESCO, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), state authorities, and heritage conservation groups, are working together to preserve this iconic monument.
Threats for Preservation
Conservation Efforts
Then
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple benefits from international recognition and support, emphasizing its significance and the need for meticulous preservation. UNESCO provides guidance on global best practices for conservation, while ASI leads on-ground efforts such as cleaning, restoration, and stabilization of the intricate chloritic schist stone carvings, which are prone to erosion and weathering.
GOLDEN RULES
OF HERITAGE ETIQUETTE
Respect the rules
Carry Your Trash
to the Bin
Look, Don’t Touch
Don’t block others
Don’t deface history
Admire in silence
The Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur has faced significant challenges over the centuries, including extensive damage during various invasions, particularly during the decline of the Chola Empire.
Following the fall of the Chola capital, the temple was neglected, leading to further deterioration due to lack of maintenance
Following the fall of the Chola capital, the temple was neglected, leading to further deterioration due to lack of maintenance
Now
Acts of vandalism, including graffiti and defacement of sculptures, pose a modern threat to the temple. These actions irreversibly damage the temple’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Vandalism and Graffiti
The increasing number of tourists visiting the site often leads to wear and tear of the stone surfaces, with some visitors inadvertently or deliberately causing damage. Lack of proper crowd management exacerbates this issue.
Tourist Pressure
Above all...
the Clock's ticking
Today, as with our lives, ‘Climate change’ is rewriting the fate of our heritage as well. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather now threaten the timeless sculptures and intricate carvings that have endured for so long, at a pace quicker than earlier.
Protecting our environment is about preserving ecosystems which in turn helps in human sustenance along with the legacy created by us for generations to come.
Protecting our environment is about preserving ecosystems which in turn helps in human sustenance along with the legacy created by us for generations to come.
Let us Cherish & Preserve our Heritage!
Don’t deface me, don’t
write graffiti on me; I am
your heritage
write graffiti on me; I am
your heritage
