Deputy Commissioner V.P. Ikkeri has called upon village accountants and revenue inspectors serving in Gram Panchayats to maintain the land records related to archaeological sites and monuments in a proper manner.
He was speaking at an awareness programme for village accountants and revenue inspectors on history and archaeology, at the Shivappa Nayaka Palace premises, in the city on Wednesday.
Confusion over jurisdiction
Mr. Ikkeri said that, in Shivamogga district, there is confusion related to the jurisdiction of land belonging to the Revenue and Forest Departments. The temples and monuments constructed during the rule of Kadamba, Santara and Keladi kingdoms are spread over Revenue, Forest as well as private lands in the district. The accountants and inspectors should maintain the land records related to these archaeological sites in a proper manner in order to avoid encroachment and ensure their preservation for future generations, he said.
Balakrishna Hegde, district president of Bharatiya Itihasa Sankalana Samiti, presented detailed information on the process to be followed by government officials under Karnataka Treasure Trove Act, 1962, to take possession of ancient gold and silver coins and ornaments of historical importance found during digging the land.
He also spoke about the powers enjoyed by the government in controlling mining and other activities that cause pollution in the vicinity of the archaeological sites, under Ancient Monuments Preservation Act.
Archaeologist S.G. Samak presented a talk on deciphering inscriptions and the style of architecture that had developed in Malnad region during the rule of Kadamba, Santara and Keladi kingdoms.
The programme was organised by the Department of Archaeology and Museums and Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana.
