Puja at Kashmir temple stokes controversy
- May 10, 2022
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
Puja at Kashmir temple stokes controversy
Subject: History
Section: Art and Culture
Context: ASI has raised concern regarding Pooja performed at 8th Century protected site of Martand Temple in south Kashmir’s Anantnag by J&K Lt.Gov
Concept:
The ASI does not allow religious events at protected monuments except the customary prayers that were being held prior to the ASI takeover. It was for the first time that a puja of this scale was held within 200 metres of the core protected site
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
- It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham– the first Director-General of ASI. Alexander Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.
- Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments etc.
How a monument is declared protected?
Where the Central Government is of opinion that any ancient monument is of national importance it issues a notification (preliminary) in the Official Gazette, of its intention to declare such ancient monument to be of national importance. A copy of every such notification shall be affixed in a conspicuous place near the monument. The notification gives two months’ notice. After the issue of the notification, any person, who may be, interested in any such ancient monument may, object to the declaration within two months. After considering the objections, received during this period, the Central Government may declare the ancient monument to be of national importance by publishing the notification (final) in the Official Gazette. A notification published under section 4 (3) makes the ancient monument to be of national importance for the purposes of this Act.
What does a protected monument means?
An ancient monument which is declared to be of national importance by or under this act is called protected monument. All ancient and historical monuments which have been declared by the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Declaration of National Importance) Act, 1951, or by section 126 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 to be of national importance shall also be deemed to be protected monuments for the purposes of this Act.
Can anybody contribute for the maintenance of protected monuments?
The Director-General may receive voluntary contributions towards the costs of maintaining a protected monument and may give orders as to the management and application of any funds so received by him. The contribution received under this section should be applied for the purpose for which it was contributed.
Is there any provision for the places of worship?
The protected monument maintained by the Central Government under this Act which is a place of worship or shrine shall not be used for any purpose inconsistent with its character. Where the Central Government has acquired a protected monument under section 13, or where the Director-General has purchased, or taken a lease or accepted a gift or bequest or assumed guardianship of a protected monument under section 5, and such monument or any part thereof is used for religious worship or observances by any community, the Collector shall make due provision for the protection of such monument or part thereof, from pollution or desecration. Any other action as may be necessary.
What if someone destroys, removes, injures, alters, defaces or imperils a protected monument?
Whoever destroys, removes, injures, alters, defaces or imperils a protected monument shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
What if someone misuses a protected monument?
Ans. Whoever misuses a protected monument shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to 5000 Rupees, or with both.
Is destroying a protected monument, a cognizable offence?
Destroying, removing, injuring, altering, defacing, imperilling or misusing a protected monument or removing from a protected monument any sculpture, carving, image, bas relief, inscription, or other like object shall be deemed to be a cognizable offence within the meaning of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.