Parliament Question: Conservation of Centrally Protected Monuments in Dakshina Kannada

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 217 ANSWERED ON 15.12.2025 CONSERVATION OF CENTRALLY PROTECTED MONUMENTS IN DAKSHINA KANNADA *217. SHRI CAPTAIN BRIJESH CHOWTA: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) the details of total number of centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) including their location, historical importance and the year in which each was declared a monument of national importance in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka; (b) the details of allocation and utilisation of funds for conservation, restoration and maintenance of these monuments from 2019–20 to 2025–26, year-wise; (c) the details of the major conservation and restoration projects undertaken during this period along with the physical progress achieved thereof; (d) the details of the total revenue collected, if any, through ticketed entry or other visitor- related receipts at these monuments along with the manner in which such revenues are utilized for site management and preservation; and (e) whether the ASI has conducted any structural integrity or climate-vulnerability assessments of coastal heritage structures in Dakshina Kannada and if so, the details thereof including key findings? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the table of the House.STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 217* FOR 15.12.2025 RAISED BY SHRI CAPTAIN BRIJESH CHOWTA: HON’BLE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT REGARDING CONSERVATION OF CENTRALLY PROTECTED MONUMENTS IN DAKSHINA KANNADA (a) There are 06 ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains declared as of national importance in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The location-wise details along with the year of declaration as of national importance is given at Annexure. (b) Details of allocation / utilisation of funds for their conservation, restoration and maintenance, during the years from 2019-20 to 2025-26 is given as under: Year allocation/expenditure (amount in lakhs) 2019-20 14.22 2020-21 10.18 2021-22 48.76 2022-23 16.90 2023-24 35.65 2024-25 21.57 2025-26 15.87 (Up to Nov. 2025) (c) Archaeological Survey of India takes up conservation and maintenance of protected monuments and areas as per the conservation requirement considering availability of funds and resources and following the National Conservation Policy. Further, upkeep and maintenance of the protected monuments and areas is an ongoing process. (d) No entry fee is charged at the protected monuments located in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. (e) No such specific assessments has been conducted, however, conservation issues caused by natural factors like humidity, rain, sun heat and other climatic factors are taken care of through regular conservation and preservation measures based on requirement and availability of resources, which is a regular phenomenon to ensure better maintenance of protected monuments and areas.ANNEXURE ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.*217 FOR 15.12.2025. DETAILS OF PROTECTED MONUMENTS UNDER THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA IN DISTRICT DAKSHINA KANNADA, LOCATION-WISE, HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE, ALONG WITH THE YEAR OF PROTECTION 1. STAMBHA IN FRONT OF THE KOTAKERI JAINABASTI, BAPPANAD, 1922:- The Manastambha was erected around 15 Century CE, having a square base and fluted shaft is built over a platform. The pillar is carved intricately with Jaina tirthankara reliefs in Kayotsarga posture. The adhishthana is treated with the conventional kumuda mouldings. 2. Sultan Batheri, Boloor, 1921: Sultan Battery, a watch tower, is said to have been built by Tipu Sultan to contain the entrance of battleships of the enemies into the Gurpur river. Though it is a simple watch tower, it looks like a miniature fortress with many musket holes for mounting guns all around. 3. Mangaladevi Temple, Mangaluru, 1921:- The origin of the temple of Mangaladevi is not definitely known. The Ballalas of Attavara are said to have constructed a temple and enshrined an image of Shakti which was inaugurated by Gorakhnatha, a disciple of Matsyendranatha sometime during the 10 Century CE The temple on plan has a sandhara garbhagriha, the outer walls of which are pierced by ardhamandapa which in turn opens into a pillared sabhamandapa in south. The temple complex is enclosed by a prakara. The garbhagriha has plain adhishthana mouldings and wall. 4. Jamalabad Fort, Nada and Laila, 1921:- The present fort was built on the ruins of an old fort by Tipu Sultan in 1794 and he named it after his mother Jamalbee. The fort was captured by the British in 1799 but was shortly taken over by Thimmanayaka. It was finally recaptured by the British in 1800. The fort is situated on the summit of a lofty granite hill. The flight of steps on the eastern side of the hill is the only approach to the citadel. These steps are cut out of solid rock. The walls, bastions and gateways are built with granite blocks. 5. Inner Courtyard of Chowtar's Palace, Mudabidri (Marpadi), 1922:-An inscription belonging to the reign of Kulasekhara-III, an Alupa ruler from Mudabidri, dated 1384 CE informs that the king was ruling from Bidire. The place was also the capital of Chautus, the local chiefs. The palace looks like a simple structure with plain exterior. The sculptures inside are of superior order. The four wooden pillars are beautifully carved and the wooden ceiling is highly ornate. Two panels namely the Navanari-Kunjara and Panchanari- Turaga are carved excellently. 6. Seventeen Jaina Tombs, Mudabidri (Prantya), 1922:-These are of Jaina priests, only two of them standing apart from the rest being those of wealthy Jaina merchants. These lofty stepped pyramidal erections consist of several storeys built of carefully cut laterite stones. Interestingly, these tombs also resemble the Chinese pagodas. These Jaina Tombs dates back to 17th Century CE. *****