Antique mafia stripping Raj cities of heritage

Ancient heritage sold off as handicrafts abroad

Published on 7 July 2011

Author(s): Times of India/Vimal Bhatia

Type:  News

An active network of antique mafia is slowly robbing many ancient cities of Rajasthan off its beautiful sculpture, artistic items and ancient "jharokas". Sources said in the name of handicrafts, these ancient heritage items are purchased for peanuts and sold abroad.

With no control over the network or a government policy against it in place, little is being done as the state's rich artistic heritage is slowly eroded. "In the name of handicrafts business dubious emporiums have mushroomed in many cities. This is proving detrimental for antique items. Under the cover of these emporiums, a large number of mafia operatives are active.

In a planned manner they buy beautiful sculptures, artistic jharokas and other precious items for peanuts and sell them at hefty sums to buyers in foreign countries," says Nandkishore Sharma of the Maru Sanskritik Kendra. The mafias have even entered the Sonar Kellah and are stripping it of its beauty. A few years ago four grand doors with gold work went missing and are yet to be traced

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