Chennai: Egmore govt museum premises have become the graveyard of Tamil Nadu’s glorious past, as scores of ancient sculptures, stone pillars and temple idols are lying in utter neglect and disgrace.Many of the 13th-century Chola-era period and 14th-century Vijayanagara-era sculptures are seen buried under dirt, dried leaves, overgrown weeds and plastic waste.When contacted, assistant director (Technical) N Sundararajan told TOI the sculptures came under the control of the Idol Wing and that the museum authorities could not interfere in the issue. However, idol ding officials told TOI that the sculptures had been handed over to the museum for safekeep and that their safety and upkeep were the museum’s responsibility.Had they been displayed in a dignified manner within the museum, these sculptures, carved pillars, flattened stones etched with snake motifs, temple sculptures featuring intricate depictions of tools, animals and ornaments would have attracted enthusiasts, experts and the public. Now, exposed to rain and shine, the granite sculptures are losing their sheen and the sharp edges due to non-maintenance. Workers and visitors walk over them, and some of them the chiselled granite for short naps.Apart from those heaped along with the construction rubble, TOI found at least 10 sculptures lying behind a building amid litter, cardboard boxes, pipes, rubber sheets and heaps of dried leaves.Experts say continuous exposure to heat and fluctuations in temperature can affect the texture of sandstones and that such artefacts should be kept under natural shade or creepers under proper preservation measures. Though the condition has persisted for years, yet museum authorities appear to have made little effort either to preserve the sculptures or create adequate space for them.Retired archaeologist Dr C Santhalingam of the department of Archaeology said space constraints remain a major challenge. “As long as proper records of the sculptures and idols are maintained, there will not be significant issues,” he said. However, he stressed that the preservation of heritage must remain the department’s foremost concern and should be ensured at all times.
