Saving Temple Art From Onslaughts of Time

THE HINDU
By S. Prasad

Endangered temple art at Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai being documented by French Institute of Pondicherry.

INDIA--- In an effort to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, the French Institute of Pondicherry (IFP) has embarked on a massive exercise of documentation of endangered temple art, murals and paintings in the State for posterity. A team of researchers from IFP have started the documentation programme in Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple; Kallalagar temple, Alagarkovil; Chenraya Perumal temple in Adiyamankottai; and Jain caves of Tirumalai in the first phase. The documentation of temple art is aimed at enriching the collection enabling historians and researchers to carry out their work. [link]