56 monuments in J&K being preserved by Archaeological Survey of India: Senior Archaeologist

‘Verinag, Pari Mahal proposed by Archaeological Survey of India for world Heritage’

The Archaeological Survey of India on Saturday said they are maintaining 56 monuments in Jammu & Kashmir to preserve for future generations while two historical sites in the region have been proposed for World Heritage status.

Talking exclusively to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Rahul Ramesh Bhosle, Superintending Archaeologist at the Archaeological Survey of India, said, “There are a total of 56 monuments in the state of J&K that are being preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. In Kashmir, there are 41 centrally protected monuments and 15 in the Jammu division, making a total of 56.”

“We are committed to maintaining and preserving them for future generations.” Bhosle said, adding that an exhibition was set up at Verinag to showcase the moments of J&K, where students, local residents, army personnel, and judges actively participated.

“Some sites that we have excavated were featured in a week-long exhibition at Verinag,” he said.

Explaining the preservation process, Bhosle stated, “To safeguard heritage sites, we first study the case and identify structural issues. We then restore them originally, using appropriate methods.”

Asked about the risk of heritages losing their original structure, he reassured, “Not a single structure in J&K has undergone changes in originality.”

Propelling the cultural heritage of J&K onto the global stage, the Archaeological Survey of India has proposed Verinag and Pari Mahal for World Heritage status.

“Verinag in Anantnag and Pari Mahal in Srinagar have been proposed by the Archaeological Survey of India for World Heritage status,” Bhosle added