The recent controversy over declaring Sthalasayana Perumal temple in Mahabalipuram a protected monument is an outcome of consistent neglect of heritage structures here
In 1975, the Tamil Nadu government officially renamed Mahabalipuram as Mamallapuram and that was the farthest anyone ever went to restore its historic importance. Despite attracting thousands of visitors everyday and preparing countless plans, Mamallapuram remains one of the most mismanaged World Heritage sites in this country.
The recent controversy about declaring Sthalasayana Perumal temple as a protected monument, which is not the first such attempt directed at the structure, is an outcome of consistent neglect.
It was 50 years ago when the first comprehensive development guidelines were framed to restore the archaeological importance and environmental significance of Mamallapuram. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in 1972, after studying this historic town, proposed that the State develop this ancient town as a monument area.
To achieve this, it suggested that the town be divided into two zones. The zone comprising 32 monuments and its buffer zone was to be delineated as a historic area. The other zone was the proposed new town to the west of the existing settlement.
The UNDP reasoned that if a new town was created and people slowly moved to this well-planned area, pressure on the monument zone would be reduced. To help achieve this objective, proposals such as building an outer ring road to divert traffic from the historic area and strictly regulating commercial activity within the monument zone, were also proposed.
Following the UNDP recommendation, in 1974, the State announced a grand plan to build an airstrip, ply a hovercraft service from Chennai, and create a new town in Mamallapuram. The existing bus stand near Sthalasayana Perumal Temple in the centre of the monument area was to be shifted and nearby shops rehabilitated.
It was during this time the ASI suggested strict regulation around the Sthalasayana Perumal temple since it was closer to the famous Arjuna Penance sculpture and the other cave temples. K.V. Soundara Rajan, the then superintending archaeologist, ASI (Southern Circle), announced that the aim was to create the “Mahabalipuram of the Pallava days.”
The commercial establishments around the temple and other interest groups opposed the UNDP and ASI proposals. The government and ASI did not pursue what they promised. For six years not much progress was made.
In 1980, the Government of India tried to revive the plans. Construction of the ring road and building a new bus stand outside the monument zone were the top priority. A shopping plaza near the new bus stand was recommended to rehabilitate shops removed from the monument area and a 75-feet-wide vista connecting the Sthalasayana Perumal Temple and the shore temple — an ancient axial pathway — was to be restored. This move, too, hit a dead end.
Meanwhile in 1984, the UNESCO declared the Mamallapuram monuments a World Heritage Site. Even this special status did not improve its condition. Construction and commercialisation within the monument area increased alarmingly. In 1985, INTACH, a not-for-profit organisation chaired by Rajiv Gandhi, tried to impress upon authorities the need to protect the heritage areas. Fresh proposals were drawn in 1989.
But nothing changed. The bus stand continues to exist where it was in the 1970s and vehicles still ply perilously close to the sculptures. The ASI cannot absolve itself. It failed to effectively implement the 300-metre regulated zone, sanctioned by an Act, around monuments to control development.
Had this 1992 legal provision been intelligently used, most parts of Mamallapuram would have been better regulated. In 2010, the ASI amended its legislation to implement regulation zones better. Even this has not taken off.
Instead of implementing the existing conservation plans and regulations, ASI has tangled itself into a new controversy by trying to declare the Sthalasayana temple as a monument. This is bound to further delay the chances of seeing Mamallapuram as a well-developed historic and tourist centre.
We are destroying our rich past. I hope the politicians and the TN government will have the courage and sense of pride in themselves to protect our rich history. The politicians seem to plunder rather than build or preserve for the future generation. Hope the NGO's and ordinary citizens take it upon themselves to educate business near these historic sites so as to protect and preserve them.
what a sad story Tamils soon will forget their past thanks to the dravidian politiccs, at this rate a time will come when cholas and pallavas will even be projected as anti tamils.
Most of the Indians have no knowledge about there own past. It is really sad. One thing is clear that we all have to protect our history, heritage & culture. India has to decide if they want to protect our own history or glorify the invaders & barbarians who have killed & looted India.
Hope the CM has seen this and will do something
"The commercial establishments around the temple and other interest groups opposed the UNDP and ASI proposals." This sums up the problems faced by historical places like temples and also places like Nilgiris. They want to make quick buck ... killing the golden goose. Govt should go ahead and do whatever is good for long term
@Chitti, ASI (Archaeological Society of India) is under the central government under the Ministry of Culture. Actually, many temples are being renovated in Tamil Nadu now by the state government - you may see articles written in the Hindu. The Tamil Nadu could take over from the ASI which would be ideal, but it is unlikely that the centre will allow that.
IF ASI want to declare temple protected then ASI should acquire or purchase the all the area upto 300 meter of the temple and compensation according to market value should paid to owners.
Please note that the correct name for the location is 'Mamallapuram'. It has nothing to do with 'Mahabali'.
Seriously its just a Lliving example of the incapability and corruption level of the rotten indian system. Jai hind!
What Chitti saying in above comment is correct
These great and ancient temples should be protected and preserved at any cost. Mamallapuram should be planned in such a way that it was in the great Pallava period. No modern structures but simple houses and pollution free atmosphere. Will Govt. come forward ...? Tamil Nadu is the major tourist attraction in India. TN Govt. should work in innovative ways to attract tourists.
Study the temples in Kerala State . They maintain the ancient splendor and rituals to a great extent possible. People's attitude also helps. There is no blind support just because it,s coming from political leaders.Caste and religious influence are coming down though slowly. Let a white paper be presented on this subject.
Thanks to the Hindu for publishing this article, First of all, Govt should declare that this place should be called as Mamallapuram and not as Mahabalipuram. I feel Govt.of Tamil nadu shuold be excluded from these kind of Heritage Sites, Once the place is declared as Heritage then the local govt should be excluded from governing that place, Why I am saying this is it is very obvious that local govt always possess very cynical minded in these kind of issues for the sake of just 1000 or 2000 votes they will go ahead with local selfish people who try to exploit these kind of structures.
One should imagine the rich taste and cultural ethics that our Pallava Kings had possessed, it's the dream of Mahendravarm I and his son Narashiman to construct a city like this, It's not possible to even dream now.
Immediately Tamil Nadu Govt should come forward to put an end to all the mismanagment or else they should not be allowed inside this place.
Frankly, take all TamilNadu temples as central property and protect it. Dravidan parties are not known for protecting them and all the cultures of Tamilnadu will disappear soon. People from all over India and many karnataka chief minsters come her to worship and they all feel tamilnadu has the best cultural valus for Shiva temples. We will soon destroy the whole thing if center cannot intervene now.
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