Sheer negligence and acts of vandalism by visitors are the major threat to mural paintings, historian M. G. S. Narayanan has said.
He was delivering the key-note address at a workshop on ‘Preserving of wall paintings' organised by the Archaeological Survey of India, Thrissur circle; Department of Archaeology and Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, Aranmula, here on Saturday.
“Many of the precious wall paintings in temples and churches in Kerala were destroyed in the last three decades. Renovation of temples, mostly involves modernisation of structures and providing a facelift to towers. Preservation of mural paintings seldom gets attention during the process,” he said.
Mr. Narayanan said that in Kerala, people were not aware of the need to protect mural paintings, the ancient art form that reflects the culture dating back to the hoary past.
“These paintings constitute an important part of our cultural heritage and preserving them properly is the duty of everybody,” he said.
M. Nambirajan, superintending archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Thrissur circle, said that the ASI would provide technical advice and help for the authorities concerned to preserve wall paintings.
Kerala had a unique painting tradition characterised by simplicity of theme and expression, the workshop observed.
The themes of these paintings were mainly based on epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha. They also reflected local religious traditions and cults.
The speakers noted that the cave paintings in Thirunandikkara, Kanyakumari district, were perfect examples of the murals done in typical Kerala style.
From the 19th century, socio-political developments also became subjects for the paintings. Murals in Mattancherry had Muslim rulers such as Tipu Sultan.
Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur; Mahadeva Temple, Peruvanam; Mahadeva Termple, Tiruvanjikulam; Mahadeva Temple, Chemmanthitta; Mahadeva Temple, Pallimanna; Sri Rama Temple, Triprayar and Mattacherry Palace are the monuments under Thrissur circle of the ASI that have wall paintings.
The workshop highlighted the need to scientifically document and preserve the remaining mural paintings in the State. S.V. Venkateshaiah, regional director (South), ASI, Bangalore, and Mohanan Pillai, director of the department of archaeology, also spoke. The workshop will conclude on Sunday.
Source: The Hindu