India possesses a wealth of ancient sites and archaeological treasures. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been a strong advocate for "cultural nationalism," emphasizing the dual themes of "Vikas and Virasat." His efforts are directed towards the conservation and preservation of India's historical archaeological sites. Over the years, funding for monument preservation through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has surged by 70%. In the fiscal year 2020-21, the budget allocation was ₹260.90 crores, with an expenditure of ₹260.83 crores. By 2023-24, both the allocation and spending had increased to ₹443.53 crores. Reflecting on India's history, the Scindia Maharajas significantly contributed to the discovery and preservation of numerous archaeological sites. In 1913, Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia made a notable impact on Indian archaeology by establishing a dedicated department to explore and safeguard invaluable relics of ancient art, architecture, and culture within his state. This new department was led by Mr. M. B. Garde, who had received his archaeological training under Sir John Marshall, one of India's most esteemed Directors-General of Archaeology.

The Scindia State had over 1200 individual ancient monuments that were documented and the State encompassed several significant ancient locations, including Ujjayini (near present-day Ujjain), Vidisha (Besnagar, close to modern Bhilsa), Kantipuri (now known as Kotwal), Padmavati (currently Pawaya), Tumbavana (modern Tumain), and Dasapura (today's Mandsaur). Ujjain is where Shri Krishna is said to have studied at the Sandipini Gurukul and the Mahakaaleshwara Jyotirlinga was rebuilt during the rule of Ranoji Scindia. This city served as the initial capital for the Scindias and, prior to their reign, was also the capital of the western regions during the Mauryan and Gupta Empires. Vidisha is often referenced in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain texts. It was the provincial capital under Agnimitra, a Sunga prince celebrated by the renowned Sanskrit poet Kalidasa in his play “Malvikagnimitra.” The area is characterized by mounds and remnants of ancient settlements. Padmavati is cited in the Vishnu Purana, and Bhavabhuti provides a detailed depiction of the city in his acclaimed play “Malti Madhav,” which is set there. The site is believed to have been home to a prominent university that drew students from distant regions. Artefacts such as coins, brick foundations, and other remnants dating back to the early centuries of the Christian era were uncovered, thanks to the work of the Scindia State Archaeological Department. Tumbavana is referenced in Buddhist texts as a stop along the ancient route from Sravasti to Pratishthana and is also noted in some votive inscriptions found on the railing of the Great Stupa at Sanchi. Archaeological findings here included a Gupta inscription that mentions the site's ancient name, rock-cut cells, and remnants of structures and sculptures from the Gupta and medieval periods. Devagiri, mentioned in Kalidasa's “Meghaduta,” was identified with Deva Dungari, a small hill located in the Ujjain district.

Recently, the Gupta Temples located in various northern Indian states have been included in India's tentative list by UNESCO's World Heritage Centre. Historically, the archaeology department of the Scindia State played a crucial role in establishing the beginning of the Gupta era. Thanks to the initiatives of Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia, Yashodharman’s Pillars were discovered partially buried in a field near the abandoned village of Sondni, southeast of Mandsaur in modern day Madhya Pradesh. This discovery was significant as it contributed to determining the start of the Gupta period. The fragments of these two large monoliths were carefully assembled and placed on a masonry platform. Excavations in the surrounding area uncovered the original foundations of the pillars. The pillars feature Sanskrit inscriptions that celebrate King Yasodharman, who thrived in the mid-6th century A.D. and successfully drove the Huns out of Central India. Additionally, it was under Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia's direction that the Bagh Buddhist caves in present-day Madhya Pradesh were conserved. When the Scindia State Archaeological Department intervened, the caves were already in a state of significant disrepair, with only four out of many being deemed salvageable. They were cleared of the extensive debris that had accumulated over centuries. Old, deteriorated rock pillars were replaced with new masonry pillars constructed to match the original design, supporting large sections of the overhanging ceilings. Repairs were made to gaps in the walls, and the remaining wall paintings were safeguarded with wooden shutters to prevent further deterioration. The conservation efforts for these caves was carried out for several years, supported by generous funding approved by the Scindia Durbar for this purpose. Old, decayed rock pillars were replaced with new masonry pillars built to the original design, thus propping large portions of overhanging ceilings. Gaps in the walls were repaired and the surviving wall paintings were protected with wooden shutters against further damage.

Other important conservation works which had been carried out by the archaeological department of the Scindia State, included the temples at Suhania and Padhavli (Morena district), the Gujri Mahal in Gwalior Fort, the tombs of Muhammed Ghaus and Tansen at Gwalior, the 10th century temples and Hindu monastery in the Gadhi at Surwaya near Shivpuri, another Hindu monastery at Ranod, locally known as Kokhai, and the old tank connected with it; the Kacheri Mahal, Makatadhvaj Tal and the Roman Catholic chapel on Narwar Fort, an inscribed monolith (Jait Khamba) and the Armenian tombs at Narwar; the Koshak Mahal, the Kati Ghati (rock cut gateway) and other monuments in and near Chanderi and the ruined Jain temples at Budhi Chanderi (Guna district); the great Gadarmal temple, the Solah Khambi hall, the Dasavatara and Jain temples at Badoh: the Udayesvar temple built by the Paramar Raja Udayaditya at Udaypur (perhaps the best old temple in the State) and other minor monuments at Udaypur ; the well-known Heliodoros pillar at Besnagar ; the Brahmanical and Jain caves excavated in Udaygiri Hill (near Bhilsa); the astronomical observatory of Raja Jai Singh and the Chaubis Khamba at Ujjain; and the huge monolithic sculpture of Shiva and a pillar of a torana gateway in Mandsaur fort.

The archaeology department of the Scindia State significantly contributed to the promotion of the study of archaeology in India. An Archaeological Museum was established within the Gujri Mahal at Gwalior Fort, quickly becoming a prominent institution that drew numerous visitors. It received commendations from many guests, particularly representatives of the Empire Museums Association, who noted in their 1936 report (London Museums Association) that it was among the few well-maintained museums in India. The Scindia State Archaeological Department also produced illustrated reports, monographs, and guidebooks highlighting archaeological sites, along with picture postcards. Legislation was enacted to protect ancient monuments within the State. Access roads were built to facilitate easier visits to key monuments, and rest houses were constructed in select locations for visitor convenience. Caretakers were assigned to significant sites to oversee the preservation of monuments and guide visitors. Informational notices were placed near major monuments, providing brief histories and architectural details while cautioning the public against vandalism. Additionally, signboards were installed along roads and at railway stations to draw travellers’ attention to nearby archaeological sites. Images of these monuments were displayed in railway carriages, waiting areas, and dak bungalows. By emphasising on both “Virasat and Vikas” under the able leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister Modi the phenomenal work of conservation and preservation of archaeological sites in India, undertaken by several visionary Maharajas of the days of yore is being taken forward.

References:

1. Archaeology in Gwalior, by M. B. Garde, Alijah Durbar Press Gwalior, 1934.
2. Archaeological Reports of Gwalior State, Alijah Durbar Press Gwalior.
3. Jayaji Pratap Newspapers.
4. Gwalior Today by Michael H. Brown, Bombay, The Times of India Press, 1940.

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