Author Details

Scroll

Refine your search

Collections

Basic & Applied Science Collection

Co-Authors

Journals

Current Science

Year

Authors

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z All

Rajani, M. B.

On the Symmetry of the Central Dome of the Taj Mahal

Abstract Views :295 | PDF Views:81

Authors

Dilip R. Ahuja ¹, M. B. Rajani ¹

Affiliations
1 National Institute of Advanced Studies, IISc Campus, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Source

Current Science, Vol 110, No 6 (2016), Pagination: 996-999

Abstract

The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors annually. It is renowned for its perfection, symmetry and attention to detail; its beauty and magnificence appeal to almost all viewers. It does, however, possess some slight imperfections that escape most observers. Revisiting both, the appreciations and criticisms, this study analyses possible flaws in the symmetry of the external central dome and discusses the reasons for the flaws.

Keywords

Mughal Monuments, Symmetry in Architecture, Taj Mahal.

Full Text

References

Brown, P., Indian Architecture (Islamic period), D B Taraporevala Sons & Co. Bombay, 1942.

Koch, E., Taj Mahal: architecture, symbolism and urban significance. In Muqarnas, 2005, vol. 22, 128-149.

Keyserling Count, H., The Travel Diary of a Philosopher, Vol. 1, L. Holroyd Reece (Trans.) Harcourt, Brace & Company, New York, 1925.

Huxley, A., 1894-1963, Jesting Pilate: An Intellectual Holiday, George H. Doran Company, New York, 1926.

Chattopadya, S., Shesh Prashna, a novel, Dey’s Publishers, September 2008 (first published May 1931).

Begley, W. E., The myth of the Taj Mahal and a new theory of its symbolic meaning, Art Bull., 1979, 61, 7-37.

http://www.tajmahal.gov.in/exterior_decoration.html

Meneely, J. D., Smith, B. J., Curran, J. and Ruffell, A., Developing a ‘non-destructive scientific toolkit’ to monitor monuments and sites, Changing World, Changing Views of Heritage ICOMOS Scientific Symposium - Malta, 2009.

Sharma, R. K., Grover, A. C. and Gupta, H. O., Investigation of cracks developed in the veneering marble slabs of the Taj Mahal. In Conservation, Preservation and Restoration: Traditions, Trends and Techniques (eds Kamlakar, G. and Rao V. Pandit), Birla Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute, Hyderabad, 1995, vols 229-236.

www.taj.ind.in (accessed on 13 July 2015).

Saksena, B. P., History of Shahjahan of Dihli, Allahabad, Central Book Depot, Allahabad, 1958, pp. 261-263; quoted in Begley, 1979, p. 30.

Locating Iron Production Sites in Telangana, India Using Satellite Imagery

Abstract Views :239 | PDF Views:73

Authors

Smriti Haricharan ¹, Nagabhushana ², Sharada Srinivasan ³, M. B. Rajani ³, S. Ranganathan ³

Affiliations
1 Department of History, School of Humanities and Social Science, Block E, Lower Ground Floor, Shiv Nadar University, NH91, Tehsil Dadri, Gautam Buddha Nagar 201 314, IN
2 National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru 560 012, IN
3 Bangalore University, Ramachandra Road, Ambdekar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru 560 009, IN

Source

Current Science, Vol 111, No 9 (2016), Pagination: 1536-1543

Abstract

The use of satellite imagery is explored in mapping the distribution of archaeometallurgical sites for iron and steel production and as a tool for potential reconnaissance in northern districts of Telangana. Travellers' accounts from at least the seventeenth century suggest that this was an area where pre-industrial iron and steel production flourished, which is also testified by the vast amount of archaeometallurgical debris in the region. The geographical distribution of ferrous metal production sites within this landscape has been documented by integrating data from surface surveys on over 100 archaeometallurgical sites with satellite imagery. Despite the constraints that the surface sites could not be dated by archaeological excavation, this pilot study explores how satellite imagery and related experimental procedures may be used to complement surface archaeometallurgical surveys and reconnaissance efforts.

Keywords

GPS Survey, Iron, Satellite Imagery, Telangana, Wootz Steel.

Full Text

References

Lowe, T. L., Refractories in high carbon iron processing: a preliminary study of Deccani wootz making crucibles. In Ceramics and Civilization (ed. Kinger, W. D.), The American Ceramic Society, Pittsburgh, 1990, pp. 237–250.

Jaikishan, S., Iron and wootz steel industry in northern Telangana. Telangana Jagruthi, Hyderabad, 2009.

Juleff, G., Srinivasan, S. and Ranganathan, S., Pioneering Metallurgy: Telangana Field Survey Interim Report 2011, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, 2011.

Bronson, B., The making and selling of wootz-a crucible steel of India. Archaeomaterials, 1986, 1, 13–51.

Srinivasan, S., On higher carbon and crucible steels in southern India: further insights from Mel-siruvalur, megalithic Kodumanal and early historic Pattinam. Indian J. Hist. Sci.., 2007, 42(4), 673–695.

Srinivasan, S. and Ranganathan, S., India’s Legendary Wootz Steel: An Advanced Material of the Ancient World, NIAS, Bengaluru, 2004.

Srinivasan, S., Indian iron and steel, with special reference to southern India. In World of Iron (eds Humphris, J. and Rehren, T. H.), London, Archetype Press, 2013, pp. 83–90.

Singh, S. D., Iron in ancient India. J. Econ. Soc. Hist. Orient, 1962, 212–216.

Ray, A. and Chakrabarti, D. K., Studies in Ancient Indian technology and production. J. Econ. Soc. Hist. Orient, 1975, 18(2), 219–232.

Agarwal, D. P. and Kharakwal, J. S., Bronze and Iron Ages in South Asia, Aryan Books International, New Delhi, 2003.

Tripathi, V., The Age of Iron in South Asia: Legacy and Tradition, Aryan Books International, New Delhi, 2001.

Chakrabarti, D. K., The beginning of Iron in India. In A Source Book of Indian Archaeology Vol 2 (eds Allchin, F. R. and Chakrabarti, D. K.), Minishram Manoharlal, New Delhi, 1997, pp. 378–391.

Krishna Sastry, V. V., Megalithic cultures: the iron age. In Pre and Protohistoric Andhra Pradesh up to 500 BC (ed Murty, M. L. K.), Orient Longman, New Delhi, 2003, p. 107.

Subrahmanyam, B. R., Iron age in Andhra Pradesh, archaeology of Andhra Pradesh. In Archaeology of Andhra Pradesh (ed. Krishna Sastry, V. V.), Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, 1987.

Biswas, A. K., Minerals and Metals in Premodern India, D. K. Printworld, New Delhi, 2002.

Srinivasan, S., Sinopoli, C., Morrison, K., Gopal, R. and Ranganathan, S., South Indian Iron Age iron and high carbon steel: with reference to Kadebakele and comparative insights from Melsiruvalur, Metallurgy and Civilisation: Eurasia and Beyond. In Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on the Beginning of the use of Metals and Alloys (BUMA VI), Archetype Books, London, 2009, pp. 116–122.

Sasisekaran, B., Metallurgy and metal industry in ancient Tamilnadu – an archaeological study. Indian J. Hist. Sci., 2002, 37(1), 17–29.

Parrington, M., Remote sensing. Annu. Rev. Anthropol., 1983, 12, 105–124.

Pappu, S., Kumar, A., Ravindranath, S. and Raju, U., Applications of satellite remote sensing for research and heritage management in Indian prehistory. J. Archaeol. Sci., 2010, 37, 2316–2331.

Rajani, M. B., Patra, S. K. and Mamta, V., Space observation for generating 3D perspective views and its implication to the study of the archaeological site of Badami in India. J. Cult. Heritage, 2009, 10(1), 20–26.

Singh, V. and Singh, U. C., Mapping archaeological monuments. Indian J. Sci. Technol., 2014, 1, 27–28.

Rajani, M. B. and Kasturirangan, K., Satellite image and India’s past. In Proceedings of a Workshop organized under the aegis of International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Mangalore, 2011.

Custer, J. F., Eveleigh, T., Klemas, V. and Wells, I., Application of LANDSAT data and synoptic remote sensing to predictive models for prehistoric archaeological sites: an example from the Delaware coastal plain. Am. Antiq., 1986, 51, 572–588.

Oltean, I. A., Rajani, M. B. and Nalini, N. S., Archaeometallurgy in the Telangana region: a GIS approach in pioneering metallurgy: the origins of iron and steel making in the southern Indian subcontinent. In Pioneering Metallurgy: Telangana Field Survey Interim Report (eds Juleff, G., Srinivasan, S. and Ranganathan, S.), NIAS, Bengaluru, 2011, pp. 20–21.

Kantner, J., The archaeology of regions: from discrete analytical toolkit to ubiquitous spatial perspective. J. Archaeol. Res., 2008, 16(1), 37–81.

Greene, K. and Moore, T., Archaeology: An Introduction, Routledge, London, 2002, 5th edn.

Juleff, G. and Gilmour, B., Telangana field survey: aims, methods and outcomes. In Pioneering Metallurgy: Telangana Field Survey Interim Report (eds Juleff, G., Srinivasan, S. and Ranganathan, S.), NIAS, Bengaluru, 2011, pp. 7–11.

The Science behind Archaeological Signatures from Space

Abstract Views :245 | PDF Views:93

Authors

Ranganath Navalgund ¹, M. B. Rajani ²

Affiliations
1 Indian Space Research Organization Headquarters, Bengaluru 560 231, IN
2 National Institute of Advanced Studies, IISc Campus, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Source

Current Science, Vol 113, No 10 (2017), Pagination: 1859-1872

Abstract

Archaeology has traditionally focused on studying historic or prehistoric people and their cultures by analysis of their artefacts, inscriptions, monuments and other such material remains, especially those that have been documented from excavations. This focus is somewhat narrow, because it excludes many new methods that have emerged in the last few decades (described in detail by Prabhakar and Korisettar in this special section (page 1873)). One such novel method is to study large imprints on the landscape caused by human activity. These tell-tale features include soil marks, crop marks, drainage patterns, field boundaries and a host of man-made structures, whose study can provide additional cultural insights. In some cases, these features are difficult to detect by the naked eye at ground level, but are detectable by remote sensing techniques from aerial/space-based platforms in a non-destructive manner. For these reasons, it is now well recognized that examining archaeological landscapes using remote sensing can complement traditional investigations. An analysis of remote sensing data can play an important role in (1) understanding spatial relationships between cultural materials and activities, (2) formulating archaeological sampling schemes, (3) measuring distances and spatial distributions of structures and monuments, and (4) evolving schemes for their conservation.

Keywords

Archaeology, Image Interpretation, Remote Sensing, Signatures.

Full Text

References

Parcak, S., Satellite Remote Sensing for Archaeology. Routledge, 31 March 2009, 1st edn.

Wiseman, J. and El-Baz, F. (eds), Remote Sensing in Archaeology, Springer, New York, USA, 2007.

Lasaponara, R. and Masini, N. (eds). In Proceedings of the Workshop on Advances in Remote Sensing for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Management. Rome, 2008.

Ebert, J. I. and Lyons, T. R., Manual of Remote Sensing (ed. Colwell, R. N.), American Society of Photogrammetry, Virginia, USA, 1983, 2nd edn.

Deuel, L., Flights into Yesterday: The Story of Aerial Archaeology, Pelican, Middlesex, England, 1969.

http://database.eohandbook.com/.

Gupta, E., Das, S. and Rajani, M. B., Archaeological exploration in Srirangapatna and its environ through remote sensing analysis. J. Indian Soc. Remote Sensing, 2016; doi:10.1007/s12524-017-0659-9.

Rajani, M. B. and Settar, S., Application of multispectral remote sensing imagery in detection of ancient forts in South India. In Space, Time, Place Third International Conference on Remote Sensing in Archaeology (eds Campana, S., Forte, M. and Liuzza, C.), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India, 17–21 August 2009, pp. 123–127, BAR–S2118,2010; ISBN 978 1 4073 0659 9.

Ghose, B., Kar, A. and Hussain, Z., The lost courses of the Sarasvati River in the Great Indian Desert: new evidence from the Landsat imagery. Geographical J., 1979, 145(3), 446e451.

Pal, Y., Baldev, S., Sood, R. K. and Agarwal, D. P., Remote sensing of the ‘lost’ Saraswati river. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. (Earth Planet. Sci.), 1980, 89(3), 317e331.

Ramasamy, S. M., Bakliwal, P. C. and Verma, R. P., Remote sensing and river migration in Western India. Int. J. Remote Sensing, 1991, 12, 2597e2609.

Ben-Dor, E., Portugali, J., Kochavi, M., Shimoni, M. and Vinitzky, L., Airborne thermal video radiometry and excavation planning at Tel Leviah, Golan heights, Israel. J. Field Archaeol., 1999, 26(2), 117–127.

McCauley, J. F. et al., Palaeodrainages of the Eastern Sahara – the radar rivers revisited (SIR-A/B implications for a mid-Tertiary trans-African drainage system). IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sensing, 1986, GE-24(4), pp. 624–648.

McCauley, J. F. et al., Subsurface valley and geoarchaeology of Eastern Sahara revealed by Shuttle Radar. Science, 1982, 218, 1004–1019.

Rajani, M. B., Patra, S. K. and Verma, M., Space observation for generating 3D perspective views and its implication to the study of the archaeological site of Badami in India. J. Cult. Heritage, 10 (Suppl. 1), 2009, pp. e20–e26; doi:10.1016/j.culher.2009.08.003.

http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2013/06/hidden-city-angkor-wat (retrieved on 15 June 2017).

http://archive.archaeology.org/1007/etc/caracol.html (retrieved on 15 June 2017).

Prithviraj, M., Vijay, U. T. and Ajay Kumar, G. C., Geo-spatial data generation and terrestrial scanning for 3D Reconstruction. Int. J. Adv. Res. Comput. Commun. Eng., 2012, 1(9).

Holcomb, D. W. and Shingiray, I. L., Imaging radar in archaeological investigations: an image-processing perspective. Remote Sensing in Archaeology, Springer, New York, USA, 2007, pp. 11–45.

Rajani, M. B., Bhattacharya, S. and Rajawat, A. S., Synergistic application of optical and radar data for archaeological exploration in the Talakadu Region, Karnataka. J. Indian Soc. of Remote Sensing, 2011, pp. 519–527; doi:10.1007/s 12524-011-0102-6.

Kvammem, K. L., Integrating multiple geo-spatial datasets. Remote Sensing in Archaeology, Springer, New York, USA, 2007, pp. 329–374.

Devereux, B. J., Amable, G. S. and Crow, P., Visualisation of Li-DAR terrain models for archaeological feature detection. Antiquity, 82.316, 2008, pp. 470–479.

Navalgund, R. R., Remote Sensing: basics and applications. Resonance, 2001, 6, 51–60.

Navalgund, R. R., Remote Sensing 2: Sensors and Platforms. Resonance, 2002, 7, 37–46.

Joseph, G., Fundamentals of Remote Sensing, Universities Press, Hyderabad, 2003.

Siart, C., Eitel, B. and Panagiotopoulos, D., Investigation of past archaeological landscapes using remote sensing and GIS: a multi-method case study from Mount Ida, Crete. J. Archaeol. Sci., 2008, 35(11), 2918–2926.

De Laet, V., Paulissen, E. and Waelkens, M., Methods for the extraction of archaeological features from very high-resolution Ikonos-2 remote sensing imagery, Hisar (southwest Turkey). J. Archaeol. Sci., 2007, 34(5), 830–841.

Rajani, M. B. and Rajawat, A. S., Potential of satellite based sensors for studying distribution of archaeological sites along paleo channels: Harappan sites a case study. J. Archaeol. Sci., 2011, 38, 2010–2016.

Thakker, P. S., Locating potential archaeological sites in Gujarat using satellite data. NNRMS Bulletin, No. B-26, June 2001, p. 27.

Rajani, M. B. and Kasturirengan, K., Sea-level changes and its impact on coastal archaeological monuments: seven pagodas of Mahabalipuram, a case study. J. Indian Soc. Remote Sensing, 2012, doi:10.1007/s12524-012-0210-y.

Thakker, P. S., Locating potential archaeological sites in Gujarat using satellite data. NNRMS Bulletin, No. 26, Department of Space, Government of India, Bangalore, 2001.

Rajani, M. B., Bangalore from above and archaeological overview. Curr. Sci., 2007, 93(10), 1352–1353.

Rajani, M. B. and Kasturirangan, K., Multispectral remote sensing data analysis and application for detecting moats around medieval settlements in South India. J. Indian Society of Remote Sensing, doi:10.1007/s12524-013-0346-4.

Mohanty, R. K. and Smith, M. L., Excavations at Sisupalgarh, 2008. Man Environment, 2009, XXXIV(1), 47–56.

Takahashi, T. H., Yamaoka, T., Yoneda, F. and Uesugi, A., The ancient city of Sravasti: its significance on the urbanization of North India. Puratattva. Bull. Indian Archaeol. Soc., 1999-2000, 30, 74–92.

Rai, S. S., Application of integrated digital technologies in the study of settlement archaeology of Kausambi Region. In Space, Time, Place: Third International Conference on Remote Sensing in Archaeology (eds Campana, S., Forte, M. and Liuzza, C.), BAR International Series 2118, 2010, pp. 325–332.

http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Machilipatnam (accessed on 15 April 2017).

Rajani, M. B., Rajawat, A. S., Krishna Murthy, M. S., Kamini, J. and Rao, S., Demonstration of the synergy between multi-sensor satellite data, GIS and ground truth to explore the archaeological site in Talakadu region in South India. J. Geomatics, 2012, 6(1), 37–41.

Iyer, M., Nagendra, H. and Rajani, M. B., Using satellite imagery and historical maps to investigate the original contours of Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Curr. Sci., 2012, 102(3), 507–509.

Rajani, M. B., The expanse of archaeological remains at Nalanda: a study using remote sensing and GIS. Arch. Asian Art, 2016, 66(1), 1–23.

Bevan, B. W., Geophysical prospecting. Am. J. Archaeol., 1995, 99, 88–90.

Coningham, R. A. E., Schmidt, A. and Strickland, K. M. S., A pilot geophysical and auger core evaluation within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lumbini, Nepal. Ancient Nepal, 2011, 176, 9–24.

Applications of Geospatial Technology in the Management of Cultural Heritage Sites – Potentials and Challenges for the Indian Region

Abstract Views :189 | PDF Views:107

Authors

Krupa Rajangam ¹, M. B. Rajani ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Humanities, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru 560 012, IN

Source

Current Science, Vol 113, No 10 (2017), Pagination: 1948-1960

Abstract

Cultural heritage management can be defined as all the processes in understanding (through knowing and identifying), conserving and managing various expressions of cultural heritage. These expressions could be intangible like traditional skills, crafts, folklore, rituals, etc. or tangible like objects or places. Objects including artefacts, murals and sculptures are defined as movable cultural property, while structures, monuments, precincts, water bodies and canals are called sites and also termed as immovable cultural property. Emerging technologies and scientific developments are increasingly being used in the management of these different expressions of cultural heritage. For example, heritage object databases that link source, provenance and current location are proving useful in museum contexts, predictive technologies are being used to fill in partially missing sections of murals/ inscriptions or aid virtual reconstruction of object remains or even something as basic as mapping indigenous processional routes. However, the expression of cultural heritage as immovable cultural property or heritage sites appears to render itself most to analysis through various techniques available under the large umbrella of geospatial technology. This is because of the nature of such heritage – structures are necessarily built in particular geographical and cultural settings, presumably based on appropriate site selection in order to suitably locate them and their components, and the initially planned layout and subsequent additions would have a spatial spread – these factors combined with the locational permanence of the structures relative to movable property make built heritage well-disposed for geospatial analysis. This review article therefore explores the use and applicability of geospatial technology for the management of built cultural heritage, including its context and environment.

Keywords

Cultural Heritage Management, Geospatial Technology, Heritage Practice, Potentials and Challenges.

Full Text

References

Ur Jason, A., CORONA satellite photography and ancient road networks: a northern Mesopotamian case study. Antiquity, 2003, 77(295), 102–115.

Ur Jason, A., CORONA satellite imagery and ancient near Eastern landscapes. In Mapping Archaeological Landscapes from Space (eds Comer, D. C. and Harrower, M. J.), Springer, New York, 2013, pp. 21–31.

Jesse, C. and Jackson, C., The CORONA atlas project: orthorectification of CORONA satellite imagery and regional-scale archaeological exploration in the near East. In Mapping Archaeological Landscapes from Space (eds Comer, D. C. and Harrower, M. J.), Springer, 2013, pp. 33–43.

Gillespie, T. W., Smith, M. L., Barron, S., Kalra, K. and Rovzar, C., Predictive modelling for archaeological sites: Ashokan edicts from the Indian subcontinent. Curr. Sci., 2016, 110(10), 1916–1921.

www.digitalhampi.in

The International Council on Monuments and Sites, paraphrased from various international Charters and Conventions; www.icomos.org/charterse/charters.pdf

India INTACH Charter or Charter for the Conservation of Unprotected Architectural Heritage and Sites in India; www.intach.org/charter-about.php

UNESCO World Heritage Centre: operational guidelines for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, various editions; www.unesco.org/document/137843

Wiseman, J. R. and El-Baz, F. (eds), Remote Sensing in Archaeology, Springer, New York, USA, 2007.

Parcak, S. H., Satellite Remote Sensing for Archaeology, Routledge, London, 2009.

Lasaponara, R. and Masini, N. (eds), Satellite Remote Sensing: A New Tool for Archaeology, Springer Science + Business Media B.V., 2012.

Johnson, J. K. (ed.), Remote Sensing in Archaeology: An Explicitly North American Perspective, The University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, 2006.

Rajangam, K. and Modi, P., Heritage information management package (HIMP) – technology and experience driven approach towards efficiently managing India’s built heritage sites. In On-line proceedings – BH2013 (Built Heritage 2013: Monitoring Conservation Management), 2013; www.bh2013.polimi.it/sub_pub.htmand [www.himp.saythu.com]

Rajani, M. B., Bangalore from above: an archaeological review. Curr. Sci., 2007, 93(10), 1352–1353.

Rajani, M. B. and Settar, S., Application of multispectral remote sensing imagery in detection of ancient forts in South India. In Space, Time, Place – Third International Conference on Remote Sensing in Archaeology (eds Campana, S., Forte, M. and Liuzza, C.), 2010, pp. 123–127.

Rajani, M. B. and Rajawat, A. S., Potential of satellite based sensors for studying distribution of archaeological site along palaeochannels: Harappan sites a case study. J. Archaeol. Sci., 2011, 38(9), 2010–2016.

Rajani, M. B., Bhattacharya, S. and Rajawat, A. S., Synergistic application of optical and radar data for archaeological exploration in the Talakadu region, Karnataka. J. Indian Soc. Remote Sensing, 2011, 39(4), 519–527.

Rajani, M. B., Patra, S. K. and Mamta, V., Space observation for generating 3D perspective views and its implication to the study of the archaeological site of Badami in India. J. Cult. Heritage, 2009, 10(Suppl. 1), e20–e26.

Rajani, M. B. and Kasturirangan, K., Sea-level changes and its impact on coastal archaeological monuments: seven Pagodas of Mahabalipuram. J. Indian Soc. Remote Sensing, 2012, 41(2), 461–468.

Nalini, N. S. and Rajani, M. B., Stone fortress of Chitledroog: visualizing old landscape of Chitradurga by integrating spatial information from multiple sources. Curr. Sci., 2012, 103(4), 381–387.

Rajani, M. B., The expanse of archaeological remains at Nalanda: a study using remote sensing and GIS. Arch. Asian Art, 2016, 66, 1.

Asher, S., Nalanda: situating the monastery. Marg, 2015, 66(3), 69.

Rajani, M. B. and Das, S., Archaeological remains at Nalanda: a spatial comparison of 19th century observations and the protected World Heritage site. In Records, Recoveries, Remnants and InterAsian Interconnections: Decoding Cultural Heritage (ed. Sharma, A.), ISEAS, Singapore, 2018, in press.

Rajani, M. B., Rajawat, A. S., Krishna Murthy, M. S., Kamini, J. and Rao, S., Demonstration of the synergy between multi-sensor satellite data, GIS and ground truth to explore the archaeological site in Talakadu region in South India. J. Geomatics, 2012, 6(1), 37–41.

Iyer, M., Nagendra, H. and Rajani, M. B., Using satellite imagery and historical maps to investigate the original contours of Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Curr. Sci., 2012, 102(3), 507–509.

Australia ICOMOS charter or Burra Charter, 2013; www.australia.icomos.org/publications

PastScape: information on England’s archaeology and architecture; https://www.pastscape.org.uk/

CyArk; www.cyark.org

Arches Project; www.archesproject.org

ASI; http://asi.nic.in/asi_monuments.asp

UNESCO World Heritage; www.whc.unesco.org

http://bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in/governance/culture_monuments

Jadhav, R. N., Encroachment in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. J. Indian Soc. Remote Sensing, 1995, 23, 87–88.

The Need for a National Archaeological Database

Abstract Views :279 | PDF Views:115

Authors

Ekta Gupta ¹, Sonia Das ¹, Kuili Suganya Chittirai Balan ¹, Viraj Kumar ², M. B. Rajani ¹

Affiliations
1 National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru 560 012, IN
2 PES University, 100 Feet Ring Road, Banashankari Stage III, Bengaluru 560 085, IN

Source

Current Science, Vol 113, No 10 (2017), Pagination: 1961-1973

Abstract

India’s economic development is evident in its industrial growth, extensive transportation network, and rapidly expanding cities, towns and villages. While this growth has numerous positive aspects, it also has the potential to cause irrevocable damage (directly or indirectly) to rich archaeological heritage of the country. The present study makes three contributions. First, it examines several archaeological sites where economic developmental activities have caused significant damage. Second, it demonstrates how the risk of further damage can be minimized using geospatial solutions to protect and manage such sites. Third, it conceptualizes a framework for incorporating spatial and non-spatial knowledge of archaeological sites into a National Archaeological Database. We propose that this national archive should be made publicly accessible under the Digital India programme, where it can assist decision makers (development authorities, state departments, etc.) and help citizens plan for future economic growth while preserving the fragile remnants of our past.

Keywords

Archaeological Database, Economic Development, Geospatial Solutions, Protection of Heritage Sites.

Full Text

References

National Remote Sensing Centre; http://bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in/governance/culture_monuments (retrieved on 1 August 2017).

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010; http://asi.nic.in/minutes/Brief_note_on_the_salientfeature_of_AMASR_Act2010.pdf (retrieved on 5 September 2015).

Indian Space Research Organisation; http://www.isro.gov.in/isroto-map-and-provide-management-plans-heritage-sites-and-monuments-of-national-importance (retrieved on 5 September 2015).

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=134061 (retrieved on 16 April 2017).

Annual report of the Mysore Archaeological Department for the year 1930. The Government Press, Bangalore, 1934.

Rajani, M. B. and Kasturirangan, K., Multispectral remote sensing data analysis and application for detecting moats around medieval settlements in South India. J. Indian Soc. Remote Sensing, 2013, doi:10.1007/s12524-013-0346-4.

Digital India: unleashing prosperity; http://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/in/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/in-tmt-tele-tech-2015-noexp.pdf (retrieved on 13 June 2017).

Aston, M. and Rowley, T., Landscape Archaeology: An Introduction to Fieldwork Techniques on Post-Roman Landscapes, David & Charles, 1974, p. 14.

An, H., Protocols for Best Conservation Practice in Asia: Professional Guidelines for Assuring and Preserving the Authenticity of Heritage Sites in the Context of the Cultures of Asia. UNESCO Bangkok, 2009; ISBN: 978-92-9223-242-9 (electronic version).

Wandsnider, L, Regional scale processes and archaeological landscape units. In Unit Issues in Archaeology: Measuring Time, Space, and Material (eds Ramenofsky, A. F. and Steffen, A.), University of Utah Press, 1998, pp. 87–97.

Rossignol, J., Concepts, methods and theory building: a landscape approach. In Space, Time and Archaeological Landscapes (eds Rossignol, J. and Wandsnider, L.), Springer Science & Business Media, 2013, pp. 3–11.

Wheeler, M., My Archaeological Mission to India and Pakistan, Thames & Hudson Ltd, 1976.

Archaeological Survey of India, National Policy on Archaeological Exploration and Excavation; http://asi.nic.in/pdf_data/Final_Draft_Policy_Expl_Excv-09_14.pdf (retrieved on 15 September 2015).

Parcak, S. H., Satellite Remote Sensing for Archaeology, Routledge (Taylor and Francis group), 2009.

Thomas, L. S. and Daniel, E. I., Landscape archaeology: remotesensing investigation of the ancient Maya in the Peten rainforest of northern Guatemala. Ancient Mesoam., 2003, 14, 113–122; doi:10.1017/S0956536103141041.

Gupta, E., Das, S. and Rajani, M. B., Archaeological exploration in Srirangapatna and its environ through remote sensing analysis. J. Indian Soc. Remote Sensing, 2017; doi:10.1007/s12524-017-0659-9.

Arlen, F. C., Diane, Z. C. and John, F. W., Lasers in the jungle. Archaeol. Arch., 2010, 63(4); http://archive.archaeology.org/1007/etc/caracol.html (retrieved on 15 December 2016).

Lawrie, B., Beyond Angkor: how lasers revealed a lost city. BBC News Magazine, 2014; http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29245289 (retrieved on 15 December 2016).

Preston, D., Exclusive: lost city discovered in the Honduran rainforest. National Geographic, 2015, published online on 2 March 2015; http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/03/150302-honduras-lost-city-monkey-god-maya-ancient-archaeology/?utm_source= Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_content=link_fb20150302news-hondurasexclusive&utm_campaign=Content&sf7754268=1 (retrieved on 16 December 2015).

Rajani, M. B., Patra, S. and Verma, M., Space observation for generating 3D perspective views and its implication to the study of the archaeological site of Badami in India. J. Cult. Heritage, 2009, 10(Suppl. 1), e20–e26; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2009.08.003.

India – UNESCO World Heritage Centre; http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/in (retrieved on 22 April 2017).

Bossler, J. D., Jensen, J. R., McMaster, R. B. and Rizos, C., Manual of Geospatial Science and Technology, Taylor and Francis, London, 2004.

Gillespie, T. W., Monica, L., Barron, S., Karla, K. and Rovzar, C., Predictive modelling for archaeological sites: Ashokan edicts from the Indian subcontinent. Curr. Sci., 2016, 110(10), 1916–1921.

Transport Research Wing. Basic road statistics of India 2011–2012, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, 2013; http://in.tool-alfa.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=03johLzQkm4%3D&tabid=72&mid=486 (retrieved on 22 April 2017).

Chadchan, J. and Shankar, R., An analysis of urban growth trends in the post-economic reforms period in India. Int. J. Sustain. Built Environ., 2012, I(1), 36–49.

Vishnoi A., Heritage Act may be amended to make way for public projects. In Economic Times, 30 September 2016; http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/54593987.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst (retrieved on 4 January 2017).

UNESCO, Convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage; http://whc.unesco.org/en/convention-text/ (retrieved on 5 February 2017).

Cunningham, A., Archaeological Survey of India: Four reports made during the years 1862–63–64–65, Government Central Press, Simla, 1871, vol. 1, pp. 103–104; https://archive.org/details/report00cunngoog (retrieved on 12 November 2016).

Archaeological Survey of India, Sarnath; http://www.asisarnath-circle.org/EXCAVATION&EXPLORATION.htm (retrieved on 19 April 2017).

Archaeological Survey of India; http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_tktd_up_sarnath.asp (retrieved on 19 April 2017).

Rajani, M. B., The expanse of archaeological remains at Nalanda: a study using remote sensing and GIS. Arch. Asian Art, 2016, 66(1), 1–23.

Sherring, M. A., The Sacred City of the Hindus: An Account of Benares, Trübner and Co., London, 1868, p. 25.

Kamath, U. S. (ed.), Gazetteer of Bangalore Rural District, Government of Karnataka Publication, 1989, p. 795.

Rao, C. H. (ed.), Mysore Gazetteer, Volume 5, Government of Karnataka Publication, 1930, pp. 86–88.

Aruni, S. K., Architecture and Sculptural Art of Yelahanka Nadaprabhus (In Kannada), Bangalore University, 2007, pp. 42–44.

Koch, E., The Complete Taj Mahal, Thames and Hudson Ltd, London, 2012.

Map source, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California, Agra Cantonment, City and environs: season 1868–69, Call number 623665, Survey of India Map. http://hdl.huntington.org/cdm/printview/collection/p15150coll4/id/7094/type/singleitem (retrieved on 16 March 2016).

Koch, E., Taj Mahal: architecture, symbolism and urban significance. Muqarnas, 2005, 22, 128–149.

UNESCO & WHC, World Heritage List, Taj Mahal, description, http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252 (retrieved on 6 August 2015).

Rao, M. N. and Rao, H. V. N., Air pollution. Economics effects of air pollution. In Air Pollution, Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi, 1989, p. 77.

Sarkar, S. L., Bhadra, A. K. and Mandal, P. K., Investigation of mortar and stone deterioration in the Victoria memorial, Calcutta. Mater. Struct., 1994, 27(9), 548–556.

Belur Math endangered. In Down to Earth, 1994; http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/17602/belur-math-endangered/ (retrieved on 20 September 2015).

Rao, N. V., Rajashekhar, M. and Rao, G. C., Detrimental effect of air pollution, corrosion on building materials and historical structures. Am. J. Eng. Res., 2014, E-ISSN: 2320-0847 p-ISSN: 2320-0936, 359–364.

Korisetter, R., Venkatasunnaiah and Fuller, D. Q., Brahmagiri and beyond: the archaeology of the southern Neolithic. In Indian Archaeology in Retrospect, Vol. I: Prehistory – Archaeology of South Asia (eds Setter, S. and Korisetter, R. M.), Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi, 2001.

Boivin, N., Brumm, A., Lewis, H., Robinson, D. and Korisetter, R., Technological understanding: exploring prehistoric soundscapes in South India. J. R. Anthropol. Inst. (N.S.), 2007, 13, 267–294.

Menon, S. M., Ancient Stone Riddles: Megaliths of the Indian Subcontinent, Manipal University Press, Manipal, 2012.

Mukherji, S. A., Jantar Mantar lecture, September 2010; http://anishashekhar.blogspot.in/2010/10/jantar-mantar-lecture-september-2010.html (retrieved on 17 August 2015).

Masselos, J. and Gupta, N., Beato’s Dehli: 1857 and Beyond, Penguin, UK, 2011.

Annaswamy, T. V., Bengaluru to Bangalore: Urban History of Bangalore from Pre-Historic Period to the end of 18th Century, Vengadam Publications, Bangalore, 2003.

Reddy, Y. M., 3,000-year-old site in Bangalore is history. In Bangalore, DNA (Daily News and Analysis), 14 April 2012; http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report-3000-year-old-site-in-bangalore-is-history-1675707 (retrieved on 25 June 2017).

Srivatsa, S. S., Pre-historic sites lost to rapid urbanization. In The Hindu, Bengaluru, 3 May 2014; http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/prehistoric-sites-lost-to-rapid-urbanisation/ article5973534.ece (retrieved on 25 June 2017).

Joshi, B., US company to move Tipu Sultan’s 18th century armoury in single piece. In Economic Times, 29 May 2015; http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tipus-armoury-will-roll-across-to-new-location/articleshow/47579945.cms (retrieved on 17 October 2016).

Rao, M., Ramamurthy, V. S. and Raj, B., Standards, spatial framework and technologies for national GIS, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, 2015.

Schmid, F., Cai, C. and Frommberger, L., A new micro-mapping method for rapid VGI-ing of small geographic features. Proc. GISci., 7th International Conference, 2012.

Sylaiou, S., Basiouka, S., Patias, P. and Stylianidis, E., The volunteered geographic information in archaeology. ISPRS Ann. Photogrammetry Remote Sensing Spatial Inf. Sci., 2013, II-5/W1, 301–306.

Haklay, M., Basiouka, S., Antoniou, V. and Ather, A., How many volunteers does it take to map an area well? The validity of Linus’ law to volunteered geographic information. Cartogra. J., 2010, 47(4) 315–322.

Stathopoulou, E. K., Georgopoulos, A., Panagiotopoulos, G. and Kaliampakos, D., Crowdsourcing lost cultural heritage. ISPRS Ann. Photogrammetry Remote Sensing Spatial Inf. Sci., 2015, II-5/W3, 295–300.

Lin, A. Y., Huynh, A., Lanckriet, G. and Barrington, L., Crowdsourcing the unknown: the satellite search for Genghis Khan. PLoS ONE, 2014, 10(3); doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0121045.

Agosto, E., Ardissone, P. and Rinaudo, F., GIS and web-GIS, commercial and open source platforms: general rules for cultural heritage documentation. Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sensing Spatial Inf. Sci., 2007, XXXVI-5/C53, 625–630.

Myers, D., Dalgity, A., Avramides, I. and Wuthrich, D., Arches: an open source GIS for the inventory and management of immovable cultural heritage. In Progress in Cultural Heritage Preservation (eds Ioannides, M. et al.), EuroMed, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2012, vol. 7616.

He, J., Liu, J., Xu, S., Wu, C. and Zhang, J., A GIS-based cultural heritage study framework on continuous scales: a case study on 19th century military industrial heritage. Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sensing Spatial Inf. Sci., 2015, XL-5/W7; http://www.intarch-photogramm-remote-sens-spatial-inf-sci.net/XL-5-W7/215/2015/isprsarchives-XL-5-W7-215-2015.pdf (retrieved on 5 January 2017).

Premi, M. K., The missing girl child. Econ. Polit. Wkly, 2001, 36(21), 1875–1880.

Article 3, Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, November 2001.

Addendum:Applications of Geospatial Technology in the Management of Cultural Heritage Sites–Potentials and Challenges for the Indian Region

Exploring the forest and mapping its archaeology: Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve, India

Abstract Views :150 | PDF Views:90

Authors

Nayanjot Lahiri ¹, M. B. Rajani ², Debdutta Sanyal ³, Samayita Banerjee ³

Affiliations
1 The Centre for Interdisciplinary Archaeological Research, Ashoka University, Sonepat 131 029, India
2 School of Humanities, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru 560 012, India
3 Department of History, Ashoka University, Sonepat 131 029, India

Source

Current Science, Vol 123, No 6 (2022), Pagination: 772-780

Abstract

The archaeology of historical India has usually been perceived through the lens of cities and states, leaving forest tracts to a large extent unexamined. This article considers the historical signature in a segment of the Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India, in order to understand how histories of occupation in jungles and wilderness where no settle-ments presently exist can be studied. Our survey invol-ved a combination of ground-level investigations using GPS devices along with an analysis of satellite images to explore whether such images can be used for locating structures and sites. The earliest archaeological markers in Bandhavgarh are cave shelters of the 2nd century CE, which form the subject of this article.

Keywords

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, caves, forests, Indian archaeology, satellite imagery.

Full Text

References

Rajani, M. B., Patterns in Past Settlements: Geospatial Analysis of Imprints of Cultural Heritage on Landscapes, Springer, Singapore, 2021.

J.M., Notes from Rewah. Indian Forester, 1883, IX, 436–440.

Chakravarti, N. P., Brahmi inscriptions from Bandhogarh. Epigr. Indica, 1955–56, XXXI, 167–186.

Report 1938, 1600-year old inscriptions – relics found in the Rewa State. The Times of India, 13 October 1938.

Chakravarti, R., Merchants and other donors at ancient Bandho-garh. South Asian Stud., 1995, 11, 33–41.

Chakrabarti, D. K., The Archaeology of the Deccan Routes, Mun-shiram Manoharlal, New Delhi, 2005, pp. 80–82.

Chakravarti, N. P., Brahmi inscriptions from Bandhogarh. Epigr. Indica, 1955–56, XXXI, 177–181.

Tyabji, H. N., The birds of Bandhavgarh National Park. J. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc., 1994, 91, 51–57.

Baker, D. E. U., Baghelkhand, or the Tiger’s Lair, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2007, pp. 133–142.

Singh, A. K., Temples of the Kalachuri Period, Pratibha Prakashan, New Delhi, 2002, pp. 35–40.

Chauhan, M. S., Sharma, A., Phartiyal, B. and Kumar, K., Holocene vegetation and climatic variations in Central India: a study based on multiproxy evidences. J. Asian Earth Sci., 2013, 77, 45–58.

Choudhary, L. K., Fort of the Tiger – Bandhavgarh, Surabhi Books Associates, Bhopal, 2016, p. 60.

Sonakia, A., Madhya Pradesh Forest Department Management Plan for Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, 1. Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, 2002–03, p. 57.

Chakravarti, N. P., Brahmi inscriptions from Bandhogarh. Epigr. Indica, 1955–56, XXXI, 180–185.

Prakasam, U. M., Madhya Pradesh Forest Department Manage-ment Plan for Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, 1, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, 2015–16.

Chakrabarti, D. K., The Archaeology of the Deccan Routes, Mun-shiram Manoharlal, New Delhi, 2005, pp. 86, 151.

Shaw, J., A ‘reflexive’ multi-stage survey methodology for historical landscape research in central India: field-walking, local knowledge and satellite imagery as archaeological site prospection and map-ping tools in the Sanchi Survey Project. Curr. Sci., 2017, 113(10), 1918–1933.

Chakravarti, N. P., Brahmi inscriptions from Bandhogarh. Epigr. Indica, 1955–56, XXXI, 177–178.

Chakravarti, N. P., Brahmi inscriptions from Bandhogarh. Epigr. Indica, 1955–56, XXXI, 185.

Username
Password
Remember me