In the United States, property and artefacts that are 100 years old, are viewed with great curiosity. They are preserved with utmost care and labelled and displayed so that future generations can get an insight into what once was. Entire departments are set up to promote these sights: picture postcards are printed, and magnets, keychains, and other memorablia sold.
If only India would catch on.
I recently took a trip to India's western state of Gujarat. This beautiful state is known for its lively people, delicious food and vibrant fabrics. It is also home to ancient temples and historical sites.
I picked up a DK guide on Gujarat, hired a car and driver, and charted my own route. I had limited time at hand, and with Ahmedabad as my base, I set out to see the surrounding area. Roads in Ahmedabad are wonderful, smooth, and wide. Potholes have yet not invaded their surface and distances can be comfortably covered in a well-oiled and tuned vehicle.
We stepped out at Lothal. Our driver turned us around and pointed across the road to a dry patch of land. That was Lothal, where an intelligent people had once lived and flourished. The site had no fence around it, no sentinel standing guard, and nobody collecting an entry fee. We wandered about the site for a while, trying to make sense of the remains when a young man sauntered towards us. He was the local guide.
Our guide took charge immediately, and meticulously recreated through descriptions and explanation, the social structure and daily life of the inhabitants of Lothal. We forgave him his impunctuality in lieu of the information he imparted. Without it Lothal would seem mere dust and ruins to us.
To the right, a few hundred feet away stood a small building. This is the official government museum that houses artefacts and objects recovered from the site. They include remains of utensils, jewelry, and other items of daily use. The museum merits a visit. We were relieved to see that the museum had an entrance fee and security. There were also guards stationed at different points inside the museum, ensuring that nobody touched the display. We exited, secure in the knowledge that India's historical treasures were safe.
As we headed to our car, we saw a group of schoolchildren standing huddled to one side of the entrance to the museum. We later learned from our driver that they were awaiting punishment. They had vandalized some of the ruins at Lothal.
I rest my case with a heavy heart.
If only India would catch on.
I recently took a trip to India's western state of Gujarat. This beautiful state is known for its lively people, delicious food and vibrant fabrics. It is also home to ancient temples and historical sites.
I picked up a DK guide on Gujarat, hired a car and driver, and charted my own route. I had limited time at hand, and with Ahmedabad as my base, I set out to see the surrounding area. Roads in Ahmedabad are wonderful, smooth, and wide. Potholes have yet not invaded their surface and distances can be comfortably covered in a well-oiled and tuned vehicle.
We stepped out at Lothal. Our driver turned us around and pointed across the road to a dry patch of land. That was Lothal, where an intelligent people had once lived and flourished. The site had no fence around it, no sentinel standing guard, and nobody collecting an entry fee. We wandered about the site for a while, trying to make sense of the remains when a young man sauntered towards us. He was the local guide.
Our guide took charge immediately, and meticulously recreated through descriptions and explanation, the social structure and daily life of the inhabitants of Lothal. We forgave him his impunctuality in lieu of the information he imparted. Without it Lothal would seem mere dust and ruins to us.
To the right, a few hundred feet away stood a small building. This is the official government museum that houses artefacts and objects recovered from the site. They include remains of utensils, jewelry, and other items of daily use. The museum merits a visit. We were relieved to see that the museum had an entrance fee and security. There were also guards stationed at different points inside the museum, ensuring that nobody touched the display. We exited, secure in the knowledge that India's historical treasures were safe.
As we headed to our car, we saw a group of schoolchildren standing huddled to one side of the entrance to the museum. We later learned from our driver that they were awaiting punishment. They had vandalized some of the ruins at Lothal.
I rest my case with a heavy heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment