Mysuru, Sept. 27 (BCT)- “Ancient monuments are history textbooks in stone. Smuggling artworks is an act of betrayal and applying lime or oil to sculptures damages their original form. These are not gambling dens — they are cultural treasures of the nation,” resonated the slogans during the Heritage Walk held on Friday as part of Dasara.

Organised jointly by the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage and the Department of Tourism, the event emphasised that the preservation of temples, churches, mosques and heritage buildings — many dating back to the reign of kings — is not just the government’s responsibility but a shared civic duty.

The walk was inaugurated by Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif, who waved a green flag and underscored that safeguarding these historical structures is both the right and responsibility of every citizen.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shalva Pille Iyengar, Head of Ancient History and Archaeology at Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), said, “We often speak of our rights but fail to uphold them. Protecting our heritage and traditional architecture is our right — and with that right comes the duty to preserve.”

Dr. Iyengar highlighted the architectural significance of the Town Hall, a Neo-Classical structure built in 1884 during Dewan Rangacharlu’s tenure. Constructed without cement, the building stands as a testament to historical craftsmanship.

Rangacharlu, noted for exposing corruption under the British administration, was later appointed Dewan of Mysore. He also pointed out that most of Mysuru’s heritage buildings date back to the 1880s, making their preservation a collective responsibility.

The walk route covered prominent landmarks, including Doddagadiyara (Silver Jubilee Clock Tower), Chamaraja Wadiyar Circle, Mysore Palace, Krishna Raja Wadiyar Circle, Chikkagadiyara (Small Clock Tower), Devaraja Market Road, K.R. Hospital, Government Ayurveda College, Chamarajendra Technical Institute, Cauvery Emporium and Gandhi Square, before returning to the Town Hall.

Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage A. Devaraju, Deputy Director Dr. C.N. Manjula, Dr. N.S. Rangaraju, retired Professor of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Mysore and heritage advocates Tarakesh and Ambarish were present.