Aurangabad Circle - Archaeological Survey of India

A Report on Inaugural function of
150 th Anniversary Celebrations of the Archaeological Survey of India
(Aurangabad Circle, Mumbai Circle, Science Branch, Aurangabad & Ajanta, and
Horticulture Branch, Aurangabad)
The Aurangabad Circle, Mumbai Circle, Science Branch, Aurangabad &
Ajanta and Horticulture Branch, Aurangabad organized jointly inaugural function of
150 th Anniversary Celebrations of Archaeological Survey of India at Ellora Caves on
22 nd March 2012 for the state of Maharashtra. The Cave No. 16 (Kailash) was also
illuminated on this occasion.

A photo exhibition entitled “Glimpses of Maharashtra and the Activities of ASI”
was arranged near the Ellora Caves as a part of the celebrations. As indicated in title
of exhibition photographs pertaining to various protected Prehistoric sites, Megalithic
sites, rock-cut caves- Bhaja, Kondane, Karle, Kanheri, Nasik, Pitalkhora, etc.,
temples of Vakataka, Western Chalukya, Yadava, Rashtrakuta and Maratha periods,
Mosques and Tombs of Islamic period, forts and colonial period structures in the
state of Maharashtra under jurisdiction of Aurangabad and Mumbai Circles were
displayed. In addition to that activities of ASI has been highlighted by displaying
selected lithographs of Ellora Caves drawn in1803 and prints from glass negatives of
Ajanta Caves and present day photographs of the same caves etc. The process of
chemical conservation works by Science Branches at Aurangabad and Ajanta and
landscaping activities of Horticulture Branch were also displayed.
The function started at 7.00 PM on 22.03.2012 by inauguration the photo
exhibition by His Excellency Shri. K. Sankaranarayan, the Governor of Maharashtra,
Shri Balasaheb Thorat, Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharastra and Shri
Chandrakant Khaire, Member of Parliament, Aurangabad were graced the occasion.

The exhibition was well received by the Honorable Governor, especially
lithograph section on Ellora Caves. Sh. V.R. Mangiraj, Sh. Chandrapandyan both Dy.
SAC from Science Brach and Dr. Tejas Garge, AA, Aurangabad Circle escorted the
honorable guests around the exhibition.

His Excellency, the Governor and other dignitaries were given traditional
welcome by applying tilak and aarati. The NCC cadets of Gurukul, Ellora gave guard
of honor near dais. The inaugural function started with singing of National Anthem
and followed by lightening of the lamp.
Dr. D. Dayalan, Director, ASI delivered welcome address and also explained
the mandate of the department. Hon’ble Shri Prashant Bamb, MLA from the same
area expressed his happiness of such function being organized in his constituency.

Hon’ble Shri Chandrakant Khaire, MP, Aurangabad congratulated ASI for
excellent work of conservation and preservation carried out under JBIC project.
Further he added that he is going to request for the continuation JBIC project in the
Parliament.
Shri. Balasaheb Thorat, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue expressed his
happiness about the way monuments are preserved/conserved by ASI and
congratulated ASI for organizing grand function in the premises of the Kailash Leni.

A booklet on Activities of Archaeological Survey of India was released by His
Excellency, the Governor of Maharashtra on this occasion. The booklet gives
information about the brief history of Aurangabd circle and the various branches at
Aurangabad and the structural and chemical conservation works carried out by
Aurangabad Circle, Science Brach, Aurangabad and Ajanta and Horticulture Branch,
Aurangabad.
His Excellency the Governor also felicitated ten retired officials of ASI for their
outstanding service rendered to the department. They were honored by presenting
medals and certificates.

His Excellency Shri K. Sankaranarayanan, the Governor of Maharashtra
congratulated Archaeological Survey of India for excellent service to the nation and
its commitment to the preservation and conservation of the monuments of national
importance. He emphasized the need of close co-operation between ASI, State
Administration, Universities and NGO’s working in the same area in preserving the
cultural heritage for posterity.
Sh. M.S. Chauhan, SA, Mumbai Circle delivered vote of thanks. The
programme concluded by singing the National Anthem.

The function was attended by more than two thousand citizens including local
school children, in service and retired officials, other officials of State Administration
and department of tourism. Special arrangements for refreshment of students were
made by the department.
At the end a cultural show comprising Ganeshvandana, Bharatnatyam and
traditional folk dance was presented which was greatly appreciated by the
dignitaries, officials and public.

A huge LED panel was also displayed near the venue by MIC India,
Hyderabad at free of cost. The live telecast of the programme was shown through
the LED panel to the public. Before function started, school children and students
were also shown documentaries of Ellora and Ajanta Caves produced by this office.
A presentation on activities of ASI was also continuously shown to public.
In continuation the Archaeological Survey of India, Aurangabad circle is
planning to carry out organize academic seminars, workshops, photo-exhibitions,
heritage walks and programmes targeting students and masses for creating
awareness about our rich cultural heritage.

Friday 17 February 2012
A report of two day workshop on
Conservation Approach to Mughal Gardens:
with special reference to Bibi-ka-Maqbara
The ASI, Aurangabad Circle and INTACH, Aurangabad Chapter jointly organized
a two day workshop under events for celebrations of 150 years anniversary of ASI at the
Bibi ka Maqbara, Aurangabad. In the Inaugural Session Dr. D. Dayalan Superintendent
Archaeologist, ASI Aurangabad Circle delivered welcome address along with brief
remarks by Sh. Mukund Bhogale, Convener, INTACH Aurangabad.
The concept of the workshop was introduced by Mr. Geert Robberechts,
Convener, INTACH Belgium. Dr. Jagdish Patil, Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism
Development Corporation Ltd and other dignitaries inaugurated the workshop by lighting
the lamp. Dr. Jagadish Patil delivered inaugural address.

The main event of the second session after tea break was keynote lecture:“The
Archaeological Park as a Tool for the Conservation of a Mughal Garden” by Dr. Nalini
Thakur (SPA, New Delhi). She emphasized on inclusion of larger area while dealing with
heritage properties with gardens and effective measures to be taken by the government
along with participation of the local communities. The second presentation was by Shri
Ratish Nanda (Aga Khan Foundation, New Delhi) on “The Restoration of the Humayun’s
Tomb: the Garden”. In his absence his paper was presented by Mr. Geert Robberechts,
Convener, INTACH Belgium. The session resumed for lunch hosted by Archaeological
Survey of India.
The session after lunch started with presentation of Shri Saleem Beg (INTACH
J&K Chapter) on “Safeguarding the Mughal Gardens of Kashmir”. A paper on “The
Mughal Gardens of Kashmir, - The Pleasures of Paradise” to be presented by Dr. Jan
Haenraets (Atelier Anonymous, Vancouver, Canada) was also presented by Mr. Geert
Robberechts. Dr. D. Dayalan (ASI, Aurangabad) presented on “Gardens and Water
Management Systems of the Mughals”. The main emphasis of the presentation was on
Mughal monuments of Agra, Burhanpur and Aurangabad, their gardens and water
management system.

After tea break Shri Sharvey Dongde (BNCA, Pune) presented a paper on
“Riddles of Bani Begum Bagh”. This monument protected by state archaeology remains
good example of a Late Mughal Tomb Garden in the Deccan.
The last part of the first day of the workshop was discussion session, chaired by
Mr. Geert Robberechts (INTACH Belgium) and the main topic of the discussion was on
“Restoration Issues for Mughal Garden”.
Saturday 18 February 2012
The first presentation in the morning session was presented by Sh.AMV
Subramanyam, Deputy Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Aurangabad Circle on “Bibi-
ka-Maqbara: A Classic Mughal Monument of Deccan” supplemented by the commentary/
remarks of Dr. D. Dyalan. The second paper was presented by Sh. Manager Sing,
Superintending Archaeological Chemist, Chemistry Branch, Aurangabad on
“Environmental Impact on Lime works of Bibi-ka-Maqbara”. Dr. Vijay Paranjape
presented the last paper of the workshop on “Water Systems and Waterworks in the
Gardens of the Bibi ka Maqbara”. A presentation “Horticulture Works Executed by
Garden Brach at Bibi-ka-Maqbara Aurangabad” was presented by Dr. D. Dayalan, SA,
ASI, Aurangabad Circle on behalf of officials of the garden branch who could not attend
workshop due to field visit.

This session was followed by a field visit of the delegates and participants to Bibi-
ka- Maqbara, various issues related to structural and garden conservation were
discussed in the field.
The field visit was followed by a Concluding Session with remarks by Dr. D.
Dayalan, SA, ASI, Aurangabad Circle, Shri Mukund Bhogale, INTACH, Aurangabad
Chapter and Mr. Geert Robberechts, Convener, INTACH Belgium. Thus, Aurangabad
Circle managed a successful organization of two days workshop on “Conservation
Approach to Mughal Gardens: with special reference to Bibi-ka-Maqbara” under series
of events planned for 150 years anniversary celebrations of Archaeological Survey of
India.