Sunday, March 6, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
BANGLADESH ARCHAEOLOGY & ITS WORKS
BANGLADESH ARCHAEOLOGY & ITS WORKS
A nation is known by the standard of respect and care it takes to protect and maintain its Cultural wealth of which it is an heir. Increased awareness of the people of more advanced countries are now safeguarding certain "Historical Zones"in the urban as well as rural areas by introducing special provisions in their law as rural areas by introducing special provisions in their law which are under private ownership threatened by destruction or whole renovation.
The protection and preservation of an historical monument is not an end in itself unless it is attractively presented and integrated in the social and cultural life of the people surrounding it. These monuments are not isolated objects of curiosity preserved at the tax-prayer's cost. While preserving these treasured heirloom of the nation and using them, care must be taken to ensure that the use for which an Historical building was originally designed is consistent with the monument. Pathetic violation of this internationally accepted principle is however,glaring in Bangladesh.
The bulk of the protected Monuments of Bangladesh are of religious character, still in use, such as Mosque,Tomb,Temple,Stupas and the like.Precisely for many of such reasons many of our important historical buildings of the country had to be 'Deprotected' and helplessly witness their spoliation. Conservation services in Developing countries are faced with manifold problems. Limited financial resources are one of the other or important obstacle to creating the needed administrative structure, establishing and running a variety of Museums, protecting historical sites, carrying out archaeological Excavations and starting restoration work on endangered monuments.However, adequate financial resources do not provide all these answers. These are usually a real source of anxiety for the Government of Bangladesh and other heritage conscious persons and organization.
In spite of the great handicap under which the Government of Bangladesh [Particularly Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh] had been working it has carried out commendable conservation of some important historical/Architectural monuments of the country.
Bangladesh archaeology believes that, History is defined as a Biography of a nation. Scientific approach to national history necessitates the exploration of Archaeological sources.
Bangladesh Government and the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh is fully concerned with the standardized method of Protection, and Conservation and as such cannot refrain itself from the task of rebuilding history of Bangladesh.And the past cannot be rebuild on the debries of the future
A nation is known by the standard of respect and care it takes to protect and maintain its Cultural wealth of which it is an heir. Increased awareness of the people of more advanced countries are now safeguarding certain "Historical Zones"in the urban as well as rural areas by introducing special provisions in their law as rural areas by introducing special provisions in their law which are under private ownership threatened by destruction or whole renovation.
The protection and preservation of an historical monument is not an end in itself unless it is attractively presented and integrated in the social and cultural life of the people surrounding it. These monuments are not isolated objects of curiosity preserved at the tax-prayer's cost. While preserving these treasured heirloom of the nation and using them, care must be taken to ensure that the use for which an Historical building was originally designed is consistent with the monument. Pathetic violation of this internationally accepted principle is however,glaring in Bangladesh.
The bulk of the protected Monuments of Bangladesh are of religious character, still in use, such as Mosque,Tomb,Temple,Stupas and the like.Precisely for many of such reasons many of our important historical buildings of the country had to be 'Deprotected' and helplessly witness their spoliation. Conservation services in Developing countries are faced with manifold problems. Limited financial resources are one of the other or important obstacle to creating the needed administrative structure, establishing and running a variety of Museums, protecting historical sites, carrying out archaeological Excavations and starting restoration work on endangered monuments.However, adequate financial resources do not provide all these answers. These are usually a real source of anxiety for the Government of Bangladesh and other heritage conscious persons and organization.
In spite of the great handicap under which the Government of Bangladesh [Particularly Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh] had been working it has carried out commendable conservation of some important historical/Architectural monuments of the country.
Bangladesh archaeology believes that, History is defined as a Biography of a nation. Scientific approach to national history necessitates the exploration of Archaeological sources.
Bangladesh Government and the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh is fully concerned with the standardized method of Protection, and Conservation and as such cannot refrain itself from the task of rebuilding history of Bangladesh.And the past cannot be rebuild on the debries of the future
Friday, March 4, 2011
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MOUND AND MOUMENTS UNDER WORLD HERITAGE LIST
The protection and preservation of an historical monument is not an end in itself unless it is attractively presented and integrated in the social and cultural life of the people surrounding it. These monuments are not isolated objects of curiosity preserved at the tax-prayer's cost. While preserving these treasured heirloom of the nation and using them,care must be taken to ensure that the use for which an Historical building was originally designed is consistent with the monument. Pathetic violation of this internationally accepted principle is however, glaring in this part of the world. The bulk of the protected Monuments in Asia particularly that of Bangladesh are of religious character, still in use, such as Mosque,Tomb,Temple,Stupas and the like. Precisely for many of such reasons many of our important historical buildings of the country had to be 'Deprotected' and helplessly witness their spoliation. Conservation services in Developing countries are faced with manifold problems. Limited financial resources are one of the other or important obstacle to creating the needed administrative structure, establishing and running a variety of Museums, protecting historical sites, carrying out archaeological Excavations and starting restoration work on endangered monuments.However,adequate financial resources do not provide all these answers. These are usually a real source of anxiety for the Government of Bangladesh and that of south east Asia and other heritage conscious persons and organization of the world.
THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF BANGLADESH
Bangladesh has been the cradle of civilization, a center of cultural diffusion, since the dawn of history of mankind. It was the meeting ground of various peoples in different states of civilization, the most primitive as well as the most advanced. The cultural history of Bangladesh is one of the greatest and glorious heritages which every Bangladeshi is legitimately proud of. Each phase of the history of Bangladesh has its distinct characteristics and every race of people who came and settled here, left its individual racial, religions or cultural impacts in the form of temples, stupas, monasteries and mosques along with their associated objects.
Time the great effacer, has already obliterated many of our historical mile posts: the
changing course of the rivers have washed away many cities, and capitals. The inexorable
monsoons have caused the molding and decay of much archival material; floods, tidal-bores, epidemics & famines have ravaged vast communities along with the despoliation of the arts and artifact that sustained the life of such communities. The silent process of erosion continues. Add to these the political upheavals, riots, global wars and the war of
independence all to which have brought destruction, mass migration and over all dislocation in its trail. We are not sufficiently aware of what is being lost nor of the harm it is doing to us.
What is intangible Cultural Heritage?
Anyway, in order to have a clear idea about the Intangible Cultural Heritage for inclusion
in the World Heritage list let me define it once again in the context of Bangladesh in the
following way:
a) A property which exhibits an important interchange of human Values on developments in
art or technology.
b) A unique or exceptional testimony to a Culture of Civilization.
c) An outstanding example which illustrates a significant stage in human history
d) A property which is closely associated with matters of outstanding.
Importance of Safeguarding
In the light of this above mentioned definition, I can say that in Bangladesh the cultural
antiquities landmarks of antiquity range from the 3rd century B.C. to the 19th A.D. At the
time of Independence the total number of monuments and sites protected in the then East
Pakistan under the Ancient Monument Preservation Act was only 80, whereas, the number has now increased to 416. The Department of Archaeology in Bangladesh the only government agency responsible for preservation and conservation of cultural property in the country has not only protected these monuments, but has also taken the responsibility to conserve them through specialized methods so that these are preserved in their original features for the posterity.
The protection and preservation of an historical monument is not an end in itself unless it
is attractively presented and integrated in the social and cultural life of the people
surrounding it. In spite of the great handicap under which the South East Asia [Particularly Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh] had been working it has carried out commendable conservation of some important historical/Architectural monuments of the country.
Bangladesh archaeology believes that, History is defined as a Biography of a nation.
Scientific approach to national history necessitates the exploration of Archaeological
sources. Bangladesh archaeology believes that, History is defined as a Biography of a nation.
Scientific approach to national history necessitates the exploration of Archaeological sources.
In order to Protect and Preserving the Intangible Cultural Heritage, in which Bangladesh can really feel proud are very much aware in this particular field.
The Tribal people of Bangladesh have their own cultural tradition which is quite different
from the modern society. But with the modernization of the society they are changing their life very quickly. So far about 19 various Tribal peoples have been identified in Bangladesh.
They have their own culture, Languages and Religions. In order to preserve these Tribal
Tradition Bangladesh government has so far established many Tribal Museums in the country.
Among which Largest is ETHNLOGICAL MUSEUM in the port City Of CHITTAGONG .One in the hilly
region of Rangamati, Birisiri [Mymensingh] etc.Fortunately I was In Charge for Several years of the CHITTAGONG ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM. In this Museum almost all the Tribal objects of the Hilly Peoples of Bangladesh has been Represented by Various Dioramas. Objects of their daily uses and pictures.And I think this is the high time to preserve their own cultural Heritage by way of Proper documentation.
Some pictures of these tribes are enclosed herewith
From whom and should it be safeguarded
During the seasonal aggressive monsoons, the forest wealth of this region grows astonishingly. The rank vegetation galvanizes into surprising vitality and once an ancient monument falls into neglect and needs repair, it is thickly mantled by vegetation. Other scrub buries the monuments quickly under its foliage but their destruction is comparatively less. As a result of these disastrous actions large number of unprotected monuments has unfortunately disappeared completely. Continuous vigilance is essential to protect ancient structures from the menace of visitation and to keep them neat and tidy. These are provided under the annual repair programme and by engaging attendants for individual or a group of monuments.
The effect of excessive rain and vegetation growth is particularly noteworthy on the pre-Muslim monuments. Almost without exception, these buildings were constructed with bricks laid in mud mortar - a highly impermanent building material which is last resistant to heavy rains. As soon as the outer plaster coating, which normally was mud-paddled with a proportion of cow dung an husk, is washed away, the edifice quickly crumbles to pieces and eventually the vegetation takes charge. It is indeed a great problem to preserve these pre-Muslim monuments in their original character. Several experiments in monuments like Paharpur, which is included in the World Heritage list Mainamati, Govinda Bhita, Gokul Medh etc. have carried out but none appears thoroughly satisfactory.
Who should take initiatives:
The problems in the field of conservation faced by the Department of Archaeology in Bangladesh are manifold. The constant fluctuations of the courses of the vast river system of the country, the monsoon onslaught and its after-maths, vegetation menance, communication and transport and its after-maths, vegetation menance, communication and transport difficulties and limited fund are but a few among the lot. However, despite of all these problems and difficulties, the Department of Archaeology has to its credit on impressive record in this field.
Furthermore architectural conservation is viewed as a tool of socio-economic revitalization and community uplift. This has necessitated a multidisciplinary approach towards conservation. Now a days this draw the skill of archaeologists, ethnographers, sociologists, historians, architects landscape architects engineer and town planners.
The national policy of architectural conservation is yet to be formulated in Bangladesh. This imposes serious difficulties in execution and implementation of architectural conservation projects. Some of these difficulties lie in the fact that in many cases in the original urban fabric immediate surroundings to historical structures and monuments have been either destroyed, lost their original use and character or have been hidden by relatively new structures. As a result there remains a possibility of structures of greater conservation value being left over unintentionally. Another unfortunate aspect is that some of these old buildings are constant victims of various destructive processes.
Principle causes of threat to this heritage
However we can diagnosis the causes of destruction of the Cultural Heritage in the country as follows
Ascertained danger
• Cultural relics are being destroyed by different development activities, removal of each from the hill slopes and extraction of bricks.
• Demographic influx and expansion of homesteads.
• Quarries of art-objects, such as ornamental bricks and terracotta plaques, are either being damaged or removed by the trespassers as the monuments are open on all sides.
• Weathering offset and expanding growth of the vegetations are making several crevices slowly at several points of the structures.
Potential danger
• Germination of moss, lichen etc. coupled with the slow process caused by the effect of salinity gradually creating changes in original colour as well as crumbling into dust.
• Bricks are losing their texture and bonding materials of the walls are failing their temper because of rain water storage and rain wash specially during the monsoon. Even the foundations are becoming weak.
But what is needed above every thing else is public awareness of the necessity of preservation of such materials. Introducing the more important relics, monuments and historical buildings to the people at large through the mass-media-the radio, the television, news-papers and periodicals would be a good idea.
Moreover, construction of some important old buildings in recent times show that some of theses buildings could still be restored and put to public view as to tourist attractions. Let the people look upon these as their treasure and proud possessions. Properly restored and renovated theses can become "treasure" to the Department of archaeology in a more literal sense too, as sources of income.
To emphasize the importance of Educational and public awareness on the conservation and restoration of old monuments scholars observe that a nation’s glory cannot be built on the self-destroyed debris of the past.
Cultural Diversity
The diversity of cultures and heritage in our world is an irreplaceable source of spiritual and intellectual richness for all humankind. The protection and enhancement of cultural and heritage diversity in our world should be actively promoted as an essential aspect of human development.
Cultural heritage diversity exists in time and space, and demands respect for other cultures and all aspects of their belief systems. In cases where cultural values appear to be in conflict, respect for cultural diversity demands acknowledgement of the legitimacy of the cultural values of all parties.
All cultures and societies are rooted in the particular forms and means of tangible and intangible expression which constitute their heritage and these should be respected.
Recommendations :
It is important to underline a fundamental principle of UNESCO, to the effect that the cultural heritage of each is the cultural heritage of all.
i) Responsibility for cultural heritage and the management of it belongs, in the first place, to the cultural community that has generated it and subsequently to what which cares for it.
ii) Adherence to the international charters and conventions developed for conservation of cultural heritage also obliges consideration of the principles and responsibilities flowing from them.
iii) Balancing their own requirements with those of other cultural communities is, for each community, highly desirable, provided achieving this balance does not undermine their fundamental cultural values.
iv) Depending on the nature of the cultural heritage, its cultural context, and its evolution through time, authenticity judgment may be linked to the worth of a great variety of sources of information.
v) Aspects of the sources may include form and design, materials and substance, use and function, traditions and techniques, location and setting, and spirit and other internal and external factors. The use of these sources permits elaboration of the specific artistic, historic, social, and scientific dimensions of the cultural heritage being examined.
Conclusion
The diversity of cultures and heritage in our world is an irreplaceable source of spiritual and intellectual richness for all humankind. The protection and enhancement of cultural and heritage diversity in our world should be actively promoted as an essential aspect of human development.
Cultural heritage diversity exists in time and space, and demands respect for other cultures and all aspects of their belief systems. In cases where cultural values appear to be in conflict, respect for cultural diversity demands acknowledgement of the legitimacy of the cultural values
of all parties.
All cultures and societies are rooted in the particular forms and means of tangible
and intangible expression which constitute their heritage and these should be
respected However, I strongly believe that all judgments about values attributed to Cultural properties as well as the credibility of related information sources may differ from Culture to Culture and even within the same culture. It is thus not possible to base judgment of Values and authencity with fixed criteria. On the contrary, the respect due to all cultures requires that heritage properties must consider and judged within the Cultural Contest to which they belong.
Time the great effacer, has already obliterated many of our historical mile posts: the
changing course of the rivers have washed away many cities, and capitals. The inexorable
monsoons have caused the molding and decay of much archival material; floods, tidal-bores, epidemics & famines have ravaged vast communities along with the despoliation of the arts and artifact that sustained the life of such communities. The silent process of erosion continues. Add to these the political upheavals, riots, global wars and the war of
independence all to which have brought destruction, mass migration and over all dislocation in its trail. We are not sufficiently aware of what is being lost nor of the harm it is doing to us.
What is intangible Cultural Heritage?
Anyway, in order to have a clear idea about the Intangible Cultural Heritage for inclusion
in the World Heritage list let me define it once again in the context of Bangladesh in the
following way:
a) A property which exhibits an important interchange of human Values on developments in
art or technology.
b) A unique or exceptional testimony to a Culture of Civilization.
c) An outstanding example which illustrates a significant stage in human history
d) A property which is closely associated with matters of outstanding.
Importance of Safeguarding
In the light of this above mentioned definition, I can say that in Bangladesh the cultural
antiquities landmarks of antiquity range from the 3rd century B.C. to the 19th A.D. At the
time of Independence the total number of monuments and sites protected in the then East
Pakistan under the Ancient Monument Preservation Act was only 80, whereas, the number has now increased to 416. The Department of Archaeology in Bangladesh the only government agency responsible for preservation and conservation of cultural property in the country has not only protected these monuments, but has also taken the responsibility to conserve them through specialized methods so that these are preserved in their original features for the posterity.
The protection and preservation of an historical monument is not an end in itself unless it
is attractively presented and integrated in the social and cultural life of the people
surrounding it. In spite of the great handicap under which the South East Asia [Particularly Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh] had been working it has carried out commendable conservation of some important historical/Architectural monuments of the country.
Bangladesh archaeology believes that, History is defined as a Biography of a nation.
Scientific approach to national history necessitates the exploration of Archaeological
sources. Bangladesh archaeology believes that, History is defined as a Biography of a nation.
Scientific approach to national history necessitates the exploration of Archaeological sources.
In order to Protect and Preserving the Intangible Cultural Heritage, in which Bangladesh can really feel proud are very much aware in this particular field.
The Tribal people of Bangladesh have their own cultural tradition which is quite different
from the modern society. But with the modernization of the society they are changing their life very quickly. So far about 19 various Tribal peoples have been identified in Bangladesh.
They have their own culture, Languages and Religions. In order to preserve these Tribal
Tradition Bangladesh government has so far established many Tribal Museums in the country.
Among which Largest is ETHNLOGICAL MUSEUM in the port City Of CHITTAGONG .One in the hilly
region of Rangamati, Birisiri [Mymensingh] etc.Fortunately I was In Charge for Several years of the CHITTAGONG ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM. In this Museum almost all the Tribal objects of the Hilly Peoples of Bangladesh has been Represented by Various Dioramas. Objects of their daily uses and pictures.And I think this is the high time to preserve their own cultural Heritage by way of Proper documentation.
Some pictures of these tribes are enclosed herewith
From whom and should it be safeguarded
During the seasonal aggressive monsoons, the forest wealth of this region grows astonishingly. The rank vegetation galvanizes into surprising vitality and once an ancient monument falls into neglect and needs repair, it is thickly mantled by vegetation. Other scrub buries the monuments quickly under its foliage but their destruction is comparatively less. As a result of these disastrous actions large number of unprotected monuments has unfortunately disappeared completely. Continuous vigilance is essential to protect ancient structures from the menace of visitation and to keep them neat and tidy. These are provided under the annual repair programme and by engaging attendants for individual or a group of monuments.
The effect of excessive rain and vegetation growth is particularly noteworthy on the pre-Muslim monuments. Almost without exception, these buildings were constructed with bricks laid in mud mortar - a highly impermanent building material which is last resistant to heavy rains. As soon as the outer plaster coating, which normally was mud-paddled with a proportion of cow dung an husk, is washed away, the edifice quickly crumbles to pieces and eventually the vegetation takes charge. It is indeed a great problem to preserve these pre-Muslim monuments in their original character. Several experiments in monuments like Paharpur, which is included in the World Heritage list Mainamati, Govinda Bhita, Gokul Medh etc. have carried out but none appears thoroughly satisfactory.
Who should take initiatives:
The problems in the field of conservation faced by the Department of Archaeology in Bangladesh are manifold. The constant fluctuations of the courses of the vast river system of the country, the monsoon onslaught and its after-maths, vegetation menance, communication and transport and its after-maths, vegetation menance, communication and transport difficulties and limited fund are but a few among the lot. However, despite of all these problems and difficulties, the Department of Archaeology has to its credit on impressive record in this field.
Furthermore architectural conservation is viewed as a tool of socio-economic revitalization and community uplift. This has necessitated a multidisciplinary approach towards conservation. Now a days this draw the skill of archaeologists, ethnographers, sociologists, historians, architects landscape architects engineer and town planners.
The national policy of architectural conservation is yet to be formulated in Bangladesh. This imposes serious difficulties in execution and implementation of architectural conservation projects. Some of these difficulties lie in the fact that in many cases in the original urban fabric immediate surroundings to historical structures and monuments have been either destroyed, lost their original use and character or have been hidden by relatively new structures. As a result there remains a possibility of structures of greater conservation value being left over unintentionally. Another unfortunate aspect is that some of these old buildings are constant victims of various destructive processes.
Principle causes of threat to this heritage
However we can diagnosis the causes of destruction of the Cultural Heritage in the country as follows
Ascertained danger
• Cultural relics are being destroyed by different development activities, removal of each from the hill slopes and extraction of bricks.
• Demographic influx and expansion of homesteads.
• Quarries of art-objects, such as ornamental bricks and terracotta plaques, are either being damaged or removed by the trespassers as the monuments are open on all sides.
• Weathering offset and expanding growth of the vegetations are making several crevices slowly at several points of the structures.
Potential danger
• Germination of moss, lichen etc. coupled with the slow process caused by the effect of salinity gradually creating changes in original colour as well as crumbling into dust.
• Bricks are losing their texture and bonding materials of the walls are failing their temper because of rain water storage and rain wash specially during the monsoon. Even the foundations are becoming weak.
But what is needed above every thing else is public awareness of the necessity of preservation of such materials. Introducing the more important relics, monuments and historical buildings to the people at large through the mass-media-the radio, the television, news-papers and periodicals would be a good idea.
Moreover, construction of some important old buildings in recent times show that some of theses buildings could still be restored and put to public view as to tourist attractions. Let the people look upon these as their treasure and proud possessions. Properly restored and renovated theses can become "treasure" to the Department of archaeology in a more literal sense too, as sources of income.
To emphasize the importance of Educational and public awareness on the conservation and restoration of old monuments scholars observe that a nation’s glory cannot be built on the self-destroyed debris of the past.
Cultural Diversity
The diversity of cultures and heritage in our world is an irreplaceable source of spiritual and intellectual richness for all humankind. The protection and enhancement of cultural and heritage diversity in our world should be actively promoted as an essential aspect of human development.
Cultural heritage diversity exists in time and space, and demands respect for other cultures and all aspects of their belief systems. In cases where cultural values appear to be in conflict, respect for cultural diversity demands acknowledgement of the legitimacy of the cultural values of all parties.
All cultures and societies are rooted in the particular forms and means of tangible and intangible expression which constitute their heritage and these should be respected.
Recommendations :
It is important to underline a fundamental principle of UNESCO, to the effect that the cultural heritage of each is the cultural heritage of all.
i) Responsibility for cultural heritage and the management of it belongs, in the first place, to the cultural community that has generated it and subsequently to what which cares for it.
ii) Adherence to the international charters and conventions developed for conservation of cultural heritage also obliges consideration of the principles and responsibilities flowing from them.
iii) Balancing their own requirements with those of other cultural communities is, for each community, highly desirable, provided achieving this balance does not undermine their fundamental cultural values.
iv) Depending on the nature of the cultural heritage, its cultural context, and its evolution through time, authenticity judgment may be linked to the worth of a great variety of sources of information.
v) Aspects of the sources may include form and design, materials and substance, use and function, traditions and techniques, location and setting, and spirit and other internal and external factors. The use of these sources permits elaboration of the specific artistic, historic, social, and scientific dimensions of the cultural heritage being examined.
Conclusion
The diversity of cultures and heritage in our world is an irreplaceable source of spiritual and intellectual richness for all humankind. The protection and enhancement of cultural and heritage diversity in our world should be actively promoted as an essential aspect of human development.
Cultural heritage diversity exists in time and space, and demands respect for other cultures and all aspects of their belief systems. In cases where cultural values appear to be in conflict, respect for cultural diversity demands acknowledgement of the legitimacy of the cultural values
of all parties.
All cultures and societies are rooted in the particular forms and means of tangible
and intangible expression which constitute their heritage and these should be
respected However, I strongly believe that all judgments about values attributed to Cultural properties as well as the credibility of related information sources may differ from Culture to Culture and even within the same culture. It is thus not possible to base judgment of Values and authencity with fixed criteria. On the contrary, the respect due to all cultures requires that heritage properties must consider and judged within the Cultural Contest to which they belong.
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