Experts' meet to preserve Kumhrar on Dec 29
Abhay Singh
[ 26 Dec, 2006 0353hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

PATNA: When it comes to recalling the living signs of Patna's
glorious past, the archaeological remains of the Mauryan period
discovered, excavated, preserved and maintained at Kumhrar here by
the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) come to the mind.

Freed from the thoughts and fears of vandalism and likely untoward
incidents caused by the anti-social elements creeping in and around
the Kumhrar archaeological site, one wows, "Pataliputra! Our ancient
Pataliputra! Bihar's lost glory! The national heritage!"

As at present, both the Patna circle of the ASI and a slew of
historians dealing in ancient history and archaeology, along with
archaeologists of proven skill, are slated to hold a meet on
December 29 at Kumhrar to deliberate on their pressing concern over
the ways and means of preserving, maintaining and handing over this
local historical beauty and national heritage to the posterity.

According to the Patna circle of ASI, the thrust of the
deliberations would be to come to meaningful conclusion regarding
the "planned conservation" of the archaeological site at Kumhrar.
The aim, of course, is to create awareness and local historical
consciousness among the local people so that the site remains
protected so that future generations re-live the experience of
Patna's glorious past.

By corollary, the role of the Patna circle of the ASI becomes a
matter of paramount importance. Those participating in the December
29 meet at Kumhrar would discuss, explain and define such a role for
the Patna circle of the ASI.
The superintendent of the Patna circle of the ASI, Phanikant Mishra,
who himself is an expert on archaeology, would be leading the pack
of other experts and scholars of both archaeology and ancient Indian
history.

They are — Sitaram Roy, Ajit Prasad, A K Singh, M M Singh, Jaideo
Mishra, Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Imtiaz Ahmed. Among others who
would also be deliberating on the theme are officials from Patna
Municipal Corporation (PMC), central ground water resource
department and central public works department (CPWD).

Incidentally, they have a glorious background of the past scholars
to boot for their immense contributions that gave special identity
to the Kumhrar archaeological site on the national panorama.
Supported financially by the House of Tatas, D B Spooner supervised
the first excavation work between 1912 and 1915, which yielded 72
pillars of polished sedimentary rock. Subsequently, K P Jayswal did
the excavation work between 1951 and 1955 and discovered eight more
such pillars. Taken together, they were deemed to be a part of what
was called the "assembly hall of 80 pillars".

The experts interpreted it differently, which only added to the
mystery of the magnificent glory of the Mauryan period. The
excavations also yielded other items of beauty and wonder,
including "Arogya Vihar" headed by Dhanvantri. One interpretation
said that the 80-pillared hall was used to hold the third Buddhist
Council. If the December 29 meet yields meaningful recommendations,
the experts would have only added to strengthening the pride in
local Bihari identity.