Heritage Preservation

In the era of social media, pigeon post may have become a thing of the past across the world, but the Odisha Police Pigeon Service continues to keep this unique practice alive!

Award-winning architect and India CEO of Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Ratish Nanda, takes us through why heritage conservation can help local communities and further socio-economic development.

Without any kind of formal support and funds, he has uncovered more than 102 rock painting sites, coins spanning various dynasties, ancient dice, stone tools and weapons, shards of black and red pottery, utensils made out of terracotta and ostrich eggshells estimated to be 40,000 - 60,000 years old - all of which serve as evidence of a lesser known civilisation.

Years of road construction and maintenance work had buried these milestones deep in the ground. So much so, that their indications were not clear to a wandering eye.

The BMC has taken up the initiative on a public-private partnership, following approvals from the heritage committee, and have already started restoring two milestones at Cumbala Hills in South Mumbai.

The architects behind the fantastic pursuit are Onaiza Drabu and Prachi Jha, who send out letters to all the people who are looking for something interesting and meaningful to read through Daak.

Hampi is known for beautiful ruins, and gigantic boulders.

For generations, the residents of Meghalaya's Kongthong village have communicated with each other using a unique form of whistled identity instead of names!

Far from the India's popular tourist circuits, Tripura is home to one of the most spectacular heritage sites in South Asia — the giant bas-relief sculptures of Unakoti.

A must-visit spot for history buffs, this spot is rich in stories.