The Indian National Trust for
Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has repaired a sandstone sculpture of Lord
Vishnu in Bandhavgarh National Park. The sculpture from the Kalchuri period
with significant archaeological importance is popularly known as Shesh Shaiyya.

For years, the sculpture was
covered in moss and algae. This is INTACH’s first conservation and restoration
project in Madhya Pradesh, according to Madhan Mohan Upadyay, the
organization’s state governor.

The project began last year
after receiving approval from the administration. The 1,000-year-old
sculpture, which is 40 feet long and is located in the Tala Zone, a well-known
tiger reserve, was closed to visitors for approximately two months.

When INTACH chairman Major
General Lalit Gupta (retd) visited the park three months ago, it was agreed
that this one-of-a-kind sculpture would be preserved and maintained by the
trust. According to Upadhyay, an expert team of conservators and professionals
was sent to conduct an investigation into the circumstances in which this stone
was carved.

The scientists also looked at
the nature of the algae and fungus that had accumulated on the surface over
time. Aside from that, a modest floral vegetative development around it was
observed as well.

Because of the sculpture’s
archaeological value, the steam cleaning process was used to remove algae
and moss. According to Upadhyay, the moss that had been covering the area has
now been totally removed.

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Aside from the Vishnu temple,
an idol of Bramha and a Shivalinga, were also reconstructed.

During the conservation
process, the crew discovered an inscription from the Kalchuri period. Experts
have been tasked with deciphering it.

After conservation, tourist spots in the Tala zone are again open to tourists, said Basvaraj
S. Annigeri, field officer of Bandhavgarh National Park. 

The sculpture’s life has been
extended thanks to the cleaning and restoration.