Showcase the past, and profit
To disrespect the Taj Mahal is to diminish our own heritage
The publicity-seeking pronouncements of BJP MLA Sangeet Som must be seen for what they are – pandering to what he thinks is his constituency. But what is worrying is that this sort of folly is becoming the trend among a certain class of politician who try to prove their patriotic credentials by casting aspersions on the past. So we have people like Azam Khan questioning the legitimacy of Rashtrapati Bhavan and asking for the destruction of old structures and of course a myriad so-called nationalists attacking Mughal monuments.
The answer should have come in no uncertain terms from the tourism minister – these monuments are a magnet for Indian tourism and a huge revenue generator. It makes eminent sense to promote these as part of our inclusive heritage and market them to both national and foreign tourists. After all, much of Goa’s tourism is based on the fact that it was a Portuguese colony, Puducherry’s unique draw is its French heritage and Kerala’s lovely churches and magnificent synagogue draw people from all over the world. These were not indigenously created and we are justifiably proud of them. Other countries have appropriated artefacts from different places as for example the Elgin marbles which were taken to Britain from Greece and showcased as attractions. Similarly, vast treasures from India generate revenue for the British government as also do Egyptian artefacts. Istanbul’s Sofia Hagia was first a church, then a mosque, a church again and today a mosque.
The past is something to be embraced and displayed as part of our collective heritage. If one were to question the antecedents of each monument , we would be impoverishing our own culture which is not monolithic and exclusive. Clearly, those who consider ancient monuments a blot on our national credentials have little knowledge of history or its rich and subtle nuances. In which case, they should know when to leave well alone. The Taj is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, one which has moved poets like Tagore to great lyricism. No petty political personality should be allowed to detract from that.