ASI, AR celebrate World Heritage Day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 18 2022:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) celebrated World Heritage Day in the state with a function held at Vishnu Temple in Bishnupur on Monday morning.
As part of the event, a rally, drawing competition and Swacchta activities were carried out at the temple premises.
The Vishnu Temple in Bishnupur district is the only ASI-protected monument in the state and it comes under the aegis of the Aizawl Circle of ASI as well as the state of Manipur.
The temple is one of the oldest known brick temples in Manipur, built during the reign of King Kiyamba (1457-1508 CE) of Manipur.
It is believed that the then ruler of sovereign Manipur constructed the temple after receiving a Vishnu emblem from neighbouring Shan King (Upper Burma).
Under the supervision of ASI Aizawl Circle superintending archaeologist Sh Ramakrishna Reddy, ASI recently completed conservation, development and providing of amenities at the temple.
The work, which took six months to complete, includes construction of boundary walls, solar lighting and laying of garden among others.
The ASI is marking the World Heritage Day by organising events across the country at its monuments.
Free entry has also been arranged at all ASI-protected sites and monuments.
Meanwhile, 44 Assam Rifles of 22 Sector IGAR (East) kick started a two-day long exhibition of exotic plants found in Tamenglong district on Monday as a part of the World Heritage Day celebration.
According to PRO (Defence), the exhibition aims to highlight how heritage can be a source of knowledge to fight the impact of climate change.
Every year on April 18, World Heritage Day is celebrated with the aim to spread awareness about the dying cultures and natural heritage around the globe.
This year's theme for World Heritage Day is "Heritage and Climate", the PRO said in a release, adding that 44 AR commandant opened the exhibition at its battalion Headquarters.
Various plant species collected from different parts of the district are on display for public viewing.