Rock inscriptions fade into oblivion

Located at a distance of 127 km from the capital city of Uttarakhand, Hudoli village is facing a threat of losing its cultural heritage which lies in the rock inscriptions found in the vicinity, due to authorities' negligence. Rock inscriptions dating back some 1500 years to the Huna era found in the village lie in utter neglect.

Uttarkashi: Rock inscriptions dating back some 1500 years to the Huna era found in a remote village, nestled in the picturesque mountains of Uttarkhand's Uttarkashi district lie in utter neglect.

Located at a distance of 127 km from the capital city of Uttarakhand, Hudoli village is facing a threat of losing its cultural heritage which lies in the rock inscriptions due to authorities' negligence.

The village which got its name due to the settlement of Huna tribe in the area also retains century-old artefacts which reveals that an urban civilisation existed in the state during the Huna era.

The Hunas tribe invaded India during the 5th century and they were initially defeated by Emperor Skandagupta of the Gupta Empire. Eventually, the Hunas were driven out of India by the kings of the Gupta Empire Yasodharman and Narasimhagupta, during the early 6th century.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been entrusted with the work of conservation and preservation of cultural monuments in the country is not paying heed to the aforesaid matter, where the inscriptions are facing a threat of fading forever due to seepage on these rocks.

Residents of the village alleged that the despite continuous reminder to the department over the issue, the senior officials have not taken any action in the matter.

"I have been seeing these rock inscriptions for the past 30 years and now it has started to fade due to lack of maintenance and proper management. Even today, we find artefacts associated with the Huna era while ploughing the field," said Jagat Singh, a resident of the village.

"A team should be constituted to conduct a survey on these rock inscriptions and artefacts. A large number of artefacts of historical and archaeological importance are present in the village which will be uncovered once a survey is conducted in the area," Singh added.

The Government needs to direct the ASI to conduct research and excavation work so that people have knowledge of the historical sites which were crucial to the state's culture.