Preserving India’s Cultural Legacy: The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA)

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India, with its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, stands as a treasure trove of antiquities and ancient monuments. Recognizing the importance of preserving this invaluable heritage, the Indian government launched the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) as part of the 11th five-year plan in 2007. Originally designed for a five-year period, the mission was extended until 2017 and subsequently merged with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to continue its important work.

http://nmma.nic.in/nmma/indexAction.do;jsessionid=ADF015786C87EECBE714B49B9C150897

NMMA’s Core Objectives:

The primary goal of the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities was to create comprehensive national databases on Built Heritage and sites from secondary sources, as well as Antiquities from various museums and sources. These databases aimed to provide easy access to information about India’s cultural and historical treasures, catering to researchers, students, planners, and the general public interested in such knowledge.

Other key objectives of NMMA included documenting information uniformly about all antiquities, whether they were under the possession of federal or state governments, public or private museums, libraries, or universities. By creating a standardized format for this documentation, the mission sought to promote awareness about the significance of preserving antiquities and historic sites associated with invaluable historical records. It also aimed to provide facilities and accommodation to state departments, local bodies, communities, NGOs, universities, and museums engaged in safeguarding India’s cultural heritage.

Defining Antiquities:

The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act of 1972 is the legal framework that defines “antiquities” in India. According to this act, any object or work of art that has been in existence for at least 100 years falls under the category of antiquities. This includes coins, sculptures, paintings, epigraphs, detached articles, and other artifacts that offer insights into various aspects of science, art, literature, religion, customs, morals, or politics from bygone eras.

Manuscripts, records, or documents that hold scientific, historical, literary, or aesthetic value are also considered antiquities, but their age requirement is set at a minimum of 75 years.

Preservation Initiatives:

India has taken several measures to safeguard its heritage and cultural antiquities. The Union List, State List, and Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution include specific items that pertain to the country’s heritage. Legislation such as the Antiquities (Export Control) Act enacted in April 1947 and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act established in 1958 have played a pivotal role in safeguarding historical monuments and archaeological sites, shielding them from harm and misuse.

On an international scale, UNESCO crafted the 1970 Accord concerning the Prohibition and Deterrence of Unlawful Import, Export, and Transfer of Cultural Assets. This international agreement aims to prevent the illegal trade and transfer of cultural artifacts and heritage items. Additionally, the United Nations Security Council has passed resolutions calling for the protection of cultural heritage sites in conflict zones.

Bringing Back Antiquities:

Retrieving antiquities that have left India is a priority for the preservation of its cultural heritage. The retrieval process varies based on the period when the antiquities were taken out:

1. Antiquities taken out of India pre-independence.

2. Antiquities taken out since independence until March 1976.

3. Artifacts removed from the nation post-April 1976.

For pre-independence antiquities, retrieval requests are typically raised bilaterally or on international fora. On the other hand, antiquities in the second and third categories can be more easily retrieved by raising the issue bilaterally, providing proof of ownership, and utilizing the support of international conventions like the UNESCO agreement.

NMMA, in conjunction with the ASI and other governmental bodies, continues its dedicated efforts to safeguard and document India’s heritage, ensuring that future generations can revel in the richness of the nation’s cultural legacy. As antiquities return to their rightful place on Indian soil, the mission serves as a beacon of hope for the preservation of the country’s unique history and identity.

Source:

https://www.drishtiias.com/pdf/1689110461.pdf

https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/what-is-national-mission-on-monuments-and-antiquities-1552396712-1

https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/menace-of-missing-antiquities-in-india

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