intach

The Sultan Palace in Patna, a treasure from 1922, is on the brink of demolition after being labeled 'non-heritage.' Historians and activists have voiced their concerns, urging intervention from the Prime Minister's Office and local authorities. Despite an earlier cabinet decision to safeguard this architectural gem, new findings from a committee have reignited fears of destruction.

intach, Koraput chapter, plans to convert the dilapidated house of renowned Odia writer Gopinath Mohanty into an interpretation centre. Mohanty lived and wrote some of his celebrated novels, inspired by the region's tribal life, during his 1940s posting. The proposed centre will showcase his legacy and works.

A heritage walk in Patna, organized by intach, highlighted the city's rich architectural past. Retired professor Wasi Ahmad shared insights into the 400-year-old Patna College structure, emphasizing the need for conservation. Discussions also covered the importance of formally classifying heritage sites to ensure their preservation for future generations. The event drew artists, students, and residents.

The historic Saurath Sabha in Bihar, which has been a cornerstone of matrimonial matchmaking for over 700 years, is witnessing a decline in its significance amidst a rapidly modernizing society. Once revered as a bustling hub for families to prevent inbreeding through meticulous genealogy tracking via Panji records, this esteemed event struggles to attract younger generations.

intach's Mayurbhanj chapter has urged the Odisha government to establish a 'fossil park' near Baripada, highlighting the 'Baripada Fossil Beds' immense scientific and geo-heritage value. These 12-15 million-year-old marine fossils, including shark teeth and marine creature remains, offer crucial insights into prehistoric ecosystems and eastern India's palaeo-environmental evolution.

World Heritage Day

National PG College will now integrate digital content and video lectures into its regular teaching, with faculty directed to record and upload lectures to the institution's YouTube channel. The academic council also approved new programs, including BBA (Logistics) and BSc (Digital Electronics), alongside apprenticeship-embedded degrees to enhance employability and skill-based learning.

Hyderabad’s heritage sites are moving beyond static preservation into active cultural use, hosting everything from electronic music nights to high-fashion showcases. This evolving role is drawing newer audiences into historic spaces, while also prompting an ongoing conversation among experts about how to balance accessibility, programming, and the long-term responsibility of conservation.

The revered Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library in Patna is trapped in a quagmire of administrative inertia and staffing shortages, having been without a director since August 2023. This national treasure faces an uphill battle against neglect, with vital roles unfilled and whispers of bureaucratic indifference growing louder.

Bihar's rich cultural heritage is in jeopardy, with countless ancient idols and artifacts abandoned in police custody rather than being housed in secure governmental museums. Experts raise alarms about the breach of legal protections, placing these irreplaceable treasures at risk of theft and deterioration.

A stunning Ganesha idol dating back to the 8th-9th century Pala period has been discovered in Saharsa district, igniting enthusiasm among historians and conservationists alike. This captivating artifact, found close to the Baba Mateshwar Nath temple, reveals the profound archaeological value of the area and the necessity of establishing a dedicated museum to protect such treasures of ancient heritage.

In a fervent push for cultural restoration, historians and activists advocate for the return of Buddha's cherished alms bowl from Kabul to its rightful home in Vaishali, Bihar. This treasured artifact, originally bestowed by Buddha to the Lichchhavi dynasty, is a pivotal piece of history.

During Ramzan, Bhopal's Old City is adorned with lights and festive spirit. A conservation architect shares memories of the last Nawab, Hamidullah Khan, who served rare Kashmiri tea to guests after prayers. He also sent Ramzan delicacies to royalty and gifted firearms to his mother during her Roza Khushayi.

The 'North East Festival of Rice' in Dimapur showcased rice as a powerful symbol of culture, identity, and heritage. With Nagaland home to more than 200 native rice varieties now at risk of disappearing, speakers called for urgent conservation and the breeding of climate-resilient strains to help safeguard farmers’ livelihoods in a changing environment.

Smarika Praharaj and Precious Semwal of Navy Children School 104 Area, Visakhapatnam won the state-level intach heritage quiz 2022 conducted by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (intach), Guntur chapter.