RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Culture Minister Amarjeet Bhagat on Friday said that the national seminar will provide a new direction to preserve cultural heritage

He was inaugurating a three-day National seminar organized at the auditorium of Mahant Ghasidas Museum, Raipur. The seminar focuses on the latest research in the fields of archaeology, archives, and museums, with particular emphasis on Central India.

He said t research scholars from Delhi, Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh have participated in the seminar. He added, “I hope that through this national seminar, meaningful discussions will take place on new studies, discoveries, documentation and technological experiments in the field of archaeology, archives, and museums”.

He further said Chhattisgarh is located in Central India, and holds a significant place in India due to its rich cultural and historical heritage. Throughout its history, the state was known by various names such as Dakshin Kosala, Dandakaranya, Ratanpur Raj, and Mahakosala, all of which contribute to its abundant past. The citizens of this area have established their unique way of life and customs.

The state government has previously conserved 58 historical structures in this vicinity. Recently, 4 additional monuments located in Maheshpur of Surguja district have been brought into the list. Thus, the total number of monuments safeguarded by the state government has now risen to 62.

The state government is conducting various tasks related to ancient artefacts, including surveying, identifying, photographing, compiling, conserving, displaying, excavating, and maintaining them. Additionally, the District Archaeological Association is working towards improving museums, creating sophisticated displays, replicating significant artefacts, organizing exhibitions, and hosting research seminars focusing on archaeology, archives, and museums, he said.

Bhagat said the department does an archaeological survey, excavation, publication and conservation of antiquities, collection, conservation, research work and dissemination of records and important documents in archives from time to time. He released the research summary book.