“Heritage is our legacy from past, what we live with today and what we pass on to the future generations. Our cultural and natural heritages are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration” (Para from UNESCO about World heritage)I was so inspired by the above words that I though to visit some world heritage monuments in India. Lets see what is our tradition our customs. Let’s visit the monument which depicts our culture let learn about the culture which we are going to pass to our future generations.
Being in New Delhi, the first monuments which I find near to my house is Qutub Minar – one of the identities of Delhi. The monument was listed in UNESCO list as world heritage monuments in year 1993. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/233
I was full of enthusiasm to see the monuments which depicts our culture and legacy which we are passing to our future generations.
I bought the entry ticket from ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) booking office, the ticket money which will be used to protect the monuments. At the entry of the gate I saw a plaque of UNESCO and with our National Emblem ( the four Lions ), the details on the plaque inspired me more which is as follows :
“QUTUB GROUP OF Monuments has been inscribed on the world heritage list of the convention concerning the protection of the WORLD CULTURE and Natural Heritage inscription on this list confirms the exceptional UNIVERSAL VALUE of a CULTURAL or Natural Sites which deserves protection for the benefit of all HUMANITY” ----- The photographs taken by me of this plaque ( attached )
So I was ready to see a monument which depicts our culture and the monuments which deserve protection for the benefit of all humanity, including me, if the Indian government & you think I am human too.
When I move forward towards the monument which was visible to me even out of the premise of Qutub Minar, the tall tower, I was more eager to know about it and there was a plaque of stone in English & Hindi both which was ready to satisfy my curiosity.
I was reading the inscription of that plaque and ………… I don’t know what to say, whether I was feeling angry or ashamed or a feeling as if someone slapped me on my face.
The inscription of the plaque was haunting me,
Is this our Culture ? Is this what deserves protection ? Is this monument is for benefit for all humanity ? Is this the legacy which we want to pass to our future generation ?
The plaque read as follows :
“Known as QUWWATUL ISLAM ( Might of Islam ) Masjid, it is the earliest extant of Mosque in India. Its consist of a rectangular courtyard, 43.2 M by 32.9 M. Enclosed by cloisters which were erected by Qutbuddin Aibak with the carved columns and other architectural member of TWENTY SEVEN HINDU & JAIN TEMPLES……………………( Photograph taken by me of both plaque in Hindi & English )
This is the culture which we want to protect, the culture of destroying others.
This is what we want to pass to our future generation, disrespect others faiths & beliefs.
This monument deserves protection so that at least those who have some shame in their eyes should feel ashamed.
I felt the same helplessness which in year 1191 AD at that point of time the Indians would have felt.
Hindi version can be read on the following link : http://www.loktantrdarpan.co.cc/2012/02/blog-post_12.html
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