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The Endangered Inheritance: Conservation through Legislation

The present article is based on the field study which was done in one of the districts of capital city Delhi and the state of Haryana with a focus on the study of stone sculptures worshipped by the village communities. There have been several examples where sculptures and other architectural fragments were being deified by the local communities and are revered as tutelary deities. Most of these sculptures once adorned the temples and shrines of ancient or early medieval period. However, in a lot of villages where sculptures were reported earlier were found missing for several reasons. In fact, it was realised that most of the antiquities were later smuggled out of the country. This brought the attention to the harsh reality that there are hundreds and thousands of undiscovered and undocumented sculptures, which make them easy targets. There are many organisations, both state run and private, that have devoted themselves in the task of preserving them.2 Similarly, many historical sites and monuments have been ruined due to the negligence of both natives and the government authorities. Whether in ignorance or in a deliberate attempt, these sculptures are rapidly being targeted and depriving this area of its legacy. This attitude is steadily leading the historical heritage towards its extinction. Thus, how can the historical legacy be protected from the ravages? This brought the discussion to legal reforms, which have been introduced since the British times. This article will trace the journey of specific laws with regard to the conservation of the national heritage; more specifically, sculptures with an emphasis on the role of individuals in the introduction of the laws. It then discusses the legislations that were enacted by the Government of India since independence till the most recent times and, finally, about the relevance and awareness regarding the laws that ensure the conservation of national heritage from further pilferage.