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HERITAGE: TEMPLE EXCAVATION
Gross Negligence
The
temple appears to have been constructed in two stages. The lower part
of the temple, according to Joshi, was apparently constructed in the 11th
century. The date of construction cannot be taken as definitive, however,
as inscriptions in Prakrit language found at the bottom of many idols
say they were carved on the orders of King Jayasinh Umat and his consorts
Shia and Sundari in Vikram Samvat 1240 of the Hindu calendar, which corresponds
to the period between 1200 A.D. and 1300 A.D.
The excavation has brought into focus the role-or
the absence-of the GSAD and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
While the GSAD conducted a preliminary excavation in 1984-85, even collecting
some artefacts, it suddenly stopped a few days later. In 1993-94, the
leaders of the Digambar and Shwetambar Jain sects got together and started
independent excavation with the permission of the district collector (DC).
Despite this, and ignoring the advice of the DC, the GSAD refused to step
in. The decision was taken by a former director, who has since retired,
against the suggestion of other department officials.
The DC had to stay the excavation after a dispute
between the two Jain sects both of which laid claim to some idols. Late
last year, the village elders led by sarpanch Prahladbhai Patel and Ashok
Nayak, who works in a village school, approached the DC. Nirbhaysagar
then effected a rapprochement between the warring sects with the help
of Patel. Recently, the DC issued a fresh order, allowing the sarpanch,
village elders and leaders of the Jain sects to start the excavation again.
In less than 15 days of digging, the temple was discovered.
However, since the excavation is being carried
out by inexperienced people, there is the risk of damage. Says Brahmbhat:
"This is an important discovery because rarely has a medieval temple
with its broad features intact been found in this region. The GSAD or
the ASI should immediately step in." There have been other instances
of GSAD and ASI apathy where priceless idols in north Gujarat are being
used by people as household items.
Says Y.S. Rawat, who has recently taken over
as the GSAD director: "I don't know why the department didn't step
in earlier. It's an important discovery and the excavation needs to be
carried out scientifically now. We are planning to step in." The
sooner that happens the better.
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