Manipur News

The post Some ethics to ponder in Conservation of Monuments and Sites appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

Some ethics to ponder in Conservation of Monuments and Sites
By Kshetrimayum Kamaljit Singh
Conservation Research Scholar, National Museum Institute, Janpath

It is no doubt that Manipur is one of the most diverse and rich in cultural heritage. The intangible heritage like dance (Rasleela, Thoibi dance, etc.), music (Nata Sankirtan), folklores and literatures (puya wari, cheitharol kumbaba), sports (Polo, Yubi Lakpi) and tangible heritage as in beautiful sites (Loktak, Dzuko valley, etc.), monuments (Kangla fort, Langthabal fort, etc.) and also in craftsmanship’s of textiles, cane and bamboo objects, etc.

And it is the duty of people to take care of these cultural heritage because it:
– Conveys diverse messages and values that contribute to give a meaning to people’s life.
– Represents the identity of our social group.
– Is unique and irreplaceable.
– Is a source of economic development.
– Represents a vehicle for understanding the diversity of people and developing a policy for peace and mutual comprehension.

Like the restoration works of Kangla fort and the recent finds of geometrical shapes in Maklang and other sites recognized by ASI- Kanchipur (1991-92), Kangkhui (1968-69), and Sekta (1994-95), these are all our important heritage that should be protected not by government authorities only but also by the local populations.

Now according to Conservation-Restoration ethics, there are some important points that should be considered, which the general populations should also be aware of it, like when the questions arise-

Should old buildings look old?
Or
Should they be restored to a condition where they look as if they could have been put up yesterday?

In the IInd International Congress of Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments, Venice, 1964, as adopted by ICOMOS in 1965- “The concept of a historic monument embraces not only the single architectural work but also the urban or rural setting in which is found the evidence of a particular civilization, a significant development or a historic event. This applies not only to great works of art but also to more modest works of the past which have acquired cultural significance with the passing of time.” [Article 1]

Conservation – “The conservation of monuments is always facilitated by making use of them for some socially useful purpose. Such use is therefore desirable but it must not change the lay-out or decoration of the building. It is within these limits only that modifications demanded by a change of function should be envisaged and may be permitted.” [Article 5]

“The conservation of a monument implies preserving a setting which is not out of scale. Wherever the traditional setting exists, it must be kept. No new construction, demolition or modification which would alter the relations of mass and colour must be allowed.” [Article 6]

Restoration – “The process of restoration is a highly specialized operation. Its aim is to preserve and reveal the aesthetic and historic value of the monument and is based on respect for original material and authentic documents. It must stop at the point where conjecture begins, and in this case moreover any extra work which is indispensable must be distinct from the architectural composition and must bear a contemporary stamp. The restoration in any case must be preceded and followed by an archaeological and historical study of the monument.” [Article 9]

“Additions cannot be allowed except in so far as they do not detract from the interesting parts of the building, its traditional setting, the balance of its composition and its relation with its surroundings.” [Article 13]

So we should know the values and importance of our cultural heritage that has been passed down through ages, we should respect, protect and preserved them before it’s too late and we lost our historical identities. Public should also take part and collaborate with the government or local authorities discussing how to protect and preserved them for the future generations. As it is also our duty and not for the government authorities only, public should know that their role in protecting the heritage is as much important as any government bodies.

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The post Sana Konung Imbroglio – Is the Kangla adequately renovated and preserved? appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

SANA KONUNG IMBROGLIO
Is the Kangla adequately renovated and preserved?

By Seram Neken Singh

Had the King been consulted, the government decision would have been lauded by all. Only a cordial rendezvous between the democratically elected government and the titular king of Manipur will solve the Sana Konung imbroglio. Only when the chief minister of the state and the king of Manipur open-heartedly discuss the situation, the meaningful decision for the posterity of Manipur will be made.

Since the abolition of ‘Privy Purse’ in 1971, succeeding kings of Manipur might have faced lots of hardships to maintain their status as the customary head of the land. The Manipur kings after merger to Indian Union were not so influential in political spheres as those of Hyderabad. In the meantime, former kings allowed large portions of its land to be occupied by private parties as residential buildings. Subsequent governments of the state during the past forty years have not shown any interest in sustaining the status of the King and the Royal Palace. Now the state government has come out with the decision to take-over the Sana Konung and evict the places around it for renovating it. The argument of the government is that the royal palace has lost its traditional character with huge private occupations. In the backdrop of such a decision, what will be the fate of our customary institutions – Sana Konung and the King of Manipur ?

Sana Konung is the symbol of age-old civilization and unity among different communities of Manipur. Recent reaction of 227 Tangkhul village chiefs of Ukhrul against the cabinet decision for take-over of the Sana Konung is the reflection of age-old ties among various communities of Manipur. Barring communal differences, the people as a whole stand to protect its king as a symbolic head. Such move is laudable from all circles.

The people of the state always want its royal palace to be preserved and kept intact for thousands of years to come, as it is the symbol of Manipur history and tradition. Sana Konung is the living example of Manipur being an independent kingdom before it was merged to the Indian Union in 1949. Today Sana Konung has become an institution for preserving the tradition, culture and history of this land. The decision of the state cabinet to take-over the royal palace for developing it into a heritage site and tourist spot has sparked protests, as its rightful owner the King of Manipur was not consulted. As per an agreement of 2006, every decision on the Sana Konung should be taken with the consent of the King. The Merger Agreement also mentions that the private property of the King should be made distinct from the public property. However, the government has unfortunately not taken the consent of the titular king in taking its verdict.

The objective appears to be good, however the manner in which the decision was taken is wrong. Moreover, the plan for palace renewal needs to be chalked out taking into account the importance of the customary head of the land. The king has a big say in the renovation of the palace. Moreover, it is not certain that the mere take-over by state government will fulfill the aspirations of the people of Manipur. There are hundreds of instances where the state government could not successfully implement beautiful projects and programmes related to preserving heritage sites. Even the traditional structures in the Kangla have not been fully renovated till date. The people of the state naturally feel doubt whether the state government would successfully evict the areas where huge buildings have cropped up. What will be the status of the existing king of Manipur, whose residence so called ‘Chonga Bon’ would be taken over by state government ? People are again cynical that the role of the king as customary head of Manipur may shrink day by day with the infringement of state government on his property.

The abolition of “privy purse” as per 26th constitution amendment is a main cause for minimizing the importance of king and its institutions. To enable the king to perform and preserve the custom and tradition of Manipur, and also to maintain his family, the government must create a “royal purse” out of state fund. State budget allocation must be made for the maintenance of the King, his family and the palace.

Almost all countries in the world have its symbolic structure to reflect its history. For Manipur, ‘Kangla’ is the sacred place symbolizing the existence of an independent 2000 year-old civilization of Manipur. Historically, traditionally, culturally and aesthetically, ‘Kangla’ is the real place which deserves to be preserved for the posterity of Manipur. As compared to Kangla, present Sana Konung is a recent structure erected only during Churachand Maharaja. There are also other palaces in Bishnupur, Langthabal, Kanglatongbi, Maklang etc. which have great historical values. It is better for the government to complete the renovation and preservation of Kangla upto the mark, before taking over the Sana Konung for another venture.

The post Sana Konung Imbroglio – Is the Kangla adequately renovated and preserved? appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

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