While the district is home to a number of Jain inscriptions and sculptures in various hillocks, the historically significant spots are not maintained well.
Among the 14 Jain monuments in Tirupparankundram, Vickramangalam, Varichiyur, Tiruvadavur, Mettupatti and Yanaimalai, Jain beds at Keezhaiyur in particular present a sorry sight. Historians say the site, off Melur-Tirupattur highway, houses one of the oldest Jain caves in the district. There are nine sculptures in the cave, including those of 24th Thirthankara Mahavira and inscriptions in Tamil Brahmi script.
During a walk up the hillock to the cave, one can notice garbage littered all along. Liquor bottles, empty plastic cups, matchboxes and water sachets are strewn around on the floor of the cave in front of the sculptures and inscriptions. The walls of the cave have also been vandalised as people visiting the cave have etched messages with paint, chalk and sharp tools.
“On a recent visit to the heritage site, we found the place lying in a state of complete neglect. The local people said the lone watchman appointed by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to monitor the site was helpless against antisocial elements who frequent the place,” says Sharmila C. Ganesan, co-convenor of Tamil Nadu Chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and president of Friends of Heritage Sites collective.
“Since there are multiple access points to the site, it is not feasible to fence the whole place. Police patrolling and protection can however be improved at the main road near the site to deter entry of antisocial elements,” she added.
Sites at Karadipatti and Kongarpuliyankulam have also fallen to neglect, Ms. Sharmila adds.
K.P. Bharati, Tourism Programme leader, Dhan Foundation, says many students and tourists remained unaware of the existence of such Jain monuments of historical importance. “Periodical visits organised for them and increase in patronage would contribute towards better awareness and maintenance,” he says.
Citing the example of Kazhugumalai, where the villagers have formed a tourism development committee to protect heritage value of the place, Mr. Bharati says the model could be followed at Keezhaiyur to protect the monument.
