Myopic ASI

The State branch of Archaeological Survey of India is myopic in identifying rarest of archaeological ruins in Kashmir that should be brought under its scheme of preservation and renovation. The ruins of historical Martand Temple in South Kashmir also known as the Sun Temple built by King Lalitadittya in 7-8th century and destroyed by fanatical Sultan Sikandar in 14th century still reflect its grandeur and grace in the same way as the ruins of Greek temples of ancient times reflect. The carvings showing deities on the walls of the ruins eloquently speak of what wonder the temple had been in its origin. Though that originality cannot be restored but at least the ruins could be preserved for tourists if not for people whose history and culture it represents. We hear our leaders talking tall of our heritage and history. None has spoken about heritages like Martand Temple deserving to be taken care of by the ASI.