An international team of archaeologists has begun a three-year survey of the archaeological vestiges in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, in southern Nepal. According to The Himalayan Times, the team, which also includes experts from the Department of Archaeology and the Lumbini Development Trust, is working under the leadership of Robin Coningham, Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Archaeology at Durham University, U.K. According to UNESCO, Nepal, the panel will work to identify the locations of archaeological remains below the surface so that development of facilities for pilgrims does not damage valuable archaeological resources. According to the U.N. body, the archaeological endeavour is part of a larger project — Strengthening the Conservation and Management of Lumbini, the Birthplace of Lord Buddha — launched in 2010 to address the issues and challenges facing the World Heritage Site. The project focusses on five components — evaluation and interpretation of the Lumbini's archaeological signature, conservation of the Ashoka Pillar, the Marker Stone and the Nativity Sculpture, review of the state of the sacred garden with respect to the Kenzo Tange's master plan, establishment of an integrated management process to preserve Lumbini's universal value in the long run, and improvement of knowledge and skills of local experts.
(Culled and posted by B.Amrith,President of PSBB Heritage Club from the pages of THE HINDU dated 13/1/2011)
