It is an irony that our ancient cultural heritage, which is preserved and cared for by the developed nations, is neglected by our own governments, said Mr. Budha Prasad.
Citing example of the ancient sculptures of Amaravathi in Guntur district, he said they were displayed in a special glass room with controlled humidity and air conditioning, in a gallery adjacent to the British Museum’s Joseph Hotung Gallery.
A stunning collection of 70 pieces portraying India’s famed Amaravathi sculptures are on display after decades of oblivion in the basement of the museum. Excavated by the British almost 140 years ago, the sculptures were shipped to the UK from Madras in 1859.
Depicting Buddhist themes ranging from a large stylised lotus to elephants and a five-headed snake, the sculptures were originally taken from a 2,000-year-old stupa at Amravathi. The slabs were excavated in 1845 by the British and over 120 slabs were later shipped to the UK.
