Trouble in paradise

Sir — As the world heats up, affairs are cooling down between albatrosses, some of the world’s most monogamous creatures. Researchers say global warming is driving up divorce rates among albatrosses. The birds lend themselves to anthropomorphism because they live for 50-60 years, have an awkward teen phase and usually mate for life. Now, they share another rite of passage with humans: under stress from the climate crisis, working longer hours to eat, and faced with the logistical difficulties of a travelling partner, they are struggling to maintain relationships.

Sohini Saha,
Calcutta

Former glory

Sir — There are historical monuments scattered all over the country and more often than not these are in a sad state of disrepair. It was good to read that the Sabz Burj, an overlooked, Mughal-era monument, which stands at the busy junction of Mathura Road and Lodhi Road in Delhi, has been restored by the Aga Khan Foundation. The monument even served as a police station for a long time. This is not the only historical monument used by the State either. The Asad Burj inside the Red Fort, for instance, was vacated by the Indian army only less than two decades ago and the Nizam Palace in Calcutta still houses government offices. As is the wont with government-owned buildings, these places are reduced to pale shadows of their former selves as history gets buried under bureaucratic files.

Such disregard for our architectural heritage flies in the face of our concern about treasures that were looted by the colonial masters and now decorate museums all over the world. If India cannot protect the heritage that lines its streets, does it have the right to claim objects which are carefully preserved by experts in museums abroad? A look at India’s museums will provide the answer.

A.K. Sen,
Calcutta

Sir — It was heartening to see the striking images of the Neela Gumbad restored beautifully by the Aga Khan Foundation and the Archaeological Survey of India in the newspapers. Both the Neela Gumbad and the neighbouring Humayun’s tomb bear testimony to the wonders of a good restoration work. The intricate blue and gold filigree work on the delicate tile patterns on the dome of the former are things to behold.

When one compares this to the poorly restored terracotta temples that dot Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand. Not only are iron, cement and chemical colours are being used instead of traditional materials for the restoration work, but such restoration invariably leads to the erasure of the carvings on the sides of the temples. This is shameful.

Rashmi Upadhyaya,
New Delhi

Sir — Conservators across India should learn from the excellent restoration work done by the Aga Khan Foundation. Then there may be some hope of preserving India’s tangible heritage.

Rima Roy,
Calcutta

Origin story

Sir — Yesterday was Constitution Day. Our Constitution has been illustrated by Nandalal Bose and his students. About these sketches, the president of the Constituent Assembly, Rajendra Prasad, had said: “One sketch tells thousand words”. But now these 22 artworks have all but vanished. Why are these not reprinted in every copy of the Constitution?

Tarun Patidar,
Ujjain

Sir — It is unfortunate that Constitution Day witnessed the government clashing with the Opposition. It would have been better if the occasion had been used to reflect on what the Constitution expects of the elected government and the Opposition in India.

Balwant Pathare,
Nagpur

Sir — Why does the prime minister turn official occasions into platforms to make political speeches extolling his party? It is the height of irony that this happened on Constitution Day from the hallowed halls of Parliament.

Arun Singh,
Bhopal