Conservation of ancient temples a collective responsibility, say experts

Speakers at a workshop titled ‘Indian heritage and role of Nandyal district’ here on Sunday underlined the need for collective effort to conserve ancient temples.

Renowned archaeologist and ‘Padma Shri’ awardee K.K. Muhammed, who restored 80 temples, including the famous Bateshwar temple in the dacoit-infested Chambal valley, said, “In spite of the extensive damage done to the cluster of temples during the earthquake that rattled the region in the 14^th century, there was not much damage from humans in the latter period, thanks to the presence of the dacoits,” and explained how a declared disadvantage could prove to be an advantage at times.