'Remains of heritage sites under threat'

Patna: A recent study conducted by Nav Nalanda Mahavihara (NNM), a deemed university under Union ministry of culture, warned that archaeological traces of the remains of ancient sites in Bihar would vanish if steps are not taken to preserve them. The study, however, made it clear that it is not possible for the government alone to preserve each and every site in the villages and keep looters at bay.
According to the study, a large number of Buddhist artefacts have either been lost or stolen and some of them are adorning the museums and galleries abroad.
The study is part of NNM publication, 'A Journey through Bihar to Vihara' by JNU scholar Aparajita Goswami and NNM heritage consultant Deepak Anand. NNM is also doing a photographic documentation of sculptures of Bihar in museums all over the world.
"One of the revealing facts of the recent study is that stolen sculptures are being auctioned by various auction houses like Christe's, Sotheby's and Bonham's," Deepak Anand told TOI over phone.
"It is a painful truth that the damage done to the heritage of Bihar cannot be undone despite all measures. However, we can at the least become conscious of whatever is left and try to preserve them," Anand added.
Aparajita Goswami said local communities are still using the centuries-old traditional way of worshipping sculptures in the open. "This has led to disappearance of sculptures over years. Villagers narrate how they once had collection of hundreds of sculptures, but only few of those sculpture are left," Goswami said.
Scholars also feel that the single largest issue that threatens the heritage of Bihar is the enormous volume of undocumented historical and cultural artefacts scattered across the villages.
The sheer enormity of antiquities makes it difficult to ascertain which are the antiquities. "There is no comprehensive list, either official or unofficial, providing a village-wise inventory and photographic documentation of the artefacts," said an official.
The department of culture has also taken initiatives to publish a directory of heritage sites located in different parts of the state.