K. K. Muhammed
Muhammed K K | |
|---|---|
| Project Archaeological Director, Aga Khan Trust for Culture | |
| In office 2013–present | |
| Location | Hyderabad |
| Regional Director (North), Archaeological Survey of India | |
| In office 2012–2012 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Dr. D. N. Dimri |
| Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India | |
| Offices Held | Delhi (2008-2012), Bhopal (2004-2008), Chhattisgarh (2003-2004), Agra (2001-2003), Patna (1997-2001) |
| Dy. Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India | |
| Offices Held | Goa (1991-1997), Madras (1988-1990) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 July 1952 Calicut, Kerala |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Spouse | Rabiya Muhammad |
| Children | Jamshedh Muhammed, Shaheen Muhammed |
| Residence(s) | Calicut, Kerala |
| Alma mater | Aligarh Muslim University |
Karingamannu Kuzhiyil Muhammed (born 1 July 1952), better known as K. K. Muhammed, is a renowned Indian archaeologist. He was the Regional Director (North) of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and is currently serving as Project Archaeological Director in Aga Khan Trust for Culture. He is also known as the "Man of Monuments".
Early life and background
KK Muhammed was born in calicut, Kerala in a middle-class family to Beeran Kutty Haji and Mariyam. Muhammed is second amongst five siblings. After completing his schooling from Government Higher secondary School, Koduvally, he obtained his Master's Degree in History (1973–75) from Aligarh Muslim University, and his Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology (1976–77) from the school of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, India.
Career
After completing education from Aligarh Muslim University, Muhammed served as Technical Assistant and then as Assistant Archaeologist in the department of History at Aligarh Muslim University. Muhammed was later selected as Deputy Superintendent Archaeologist in Archaeological Survey of India. He was initially posted at Madras in 1988 and later transferred to Goa in 1991. In 1997, Muhammed was promoted as Superintendent Archaeologist and served in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi until 2012. Muhammed Retired as Regional Director (North) from Archaeological Survey of India.
Honors
International awards
- SAARC Environmental Award for Conservation of Bateshwar temples by Foundation of SAARC writers and Literatures, 2009-2010
- Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Society Award, 2010 for "Invaluable contribution and effort in resurrecting the ancient Buddhist heritage of Mahabharath."
- The Reach Foundation Award, 2010
National awards
- National Award for maintaining Sanchi Stupa as the Best Maintained & Tourist Friendly Monument by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. Of India 2006-2007
- National Award for maintaining Qutub Minar as the best Maintained & Tourist Friendly monument 2007-2008
- National Award for The First Barrier Free Monument(Qutub Minar) 2007-2008
- National Award for Maintaining Humayun's Tomb as the Best Maintained & Tourist Friendly monument 2008-2009
- Citizen Journalist Award - Be the Change given by Network18 (CNN IBN) 2009-2010 for running Slum School initiative
- National Award for maintaining Red Fort as the Best Maintained & Tourist Friendly monument 2009-2010
- 12th Annual Rajiv Gandhi Global Excellence Award, 2011
- The Chishti India Harmony Awards, 2014 by India Harmony Foundation
State awards
- Madhya Pradesh Government Award for Tourist Friendly Archaeologist 2009-2010.
Personal life
KK Muhammed married Rabiya a native of Calicut, Kerala, on 29 July 1983. They have two children, Jamshedh and Shaheen.
Major archaeological discoveries
- Excavated Ibadat Khana, the structure where Akbar the Great proclaimed the formation of Composite religion known as Din-e Ilahi (Nursery of Indian Secularism)
- Discovered the first Christian Chapel of North India built by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri
- Excavated the Buddhist Stupa of Kesaria built by Emperor Ashoka[1]
- Discovered and excavated Buddhist Stupa in Rajgir
- Excavated the Buddhist archaeological site in Kolhua, Vaishali
- Located and Excavated a number of rock cut caves, Umbrella Stones, Cists and Dolmens in Calicut and Malapuram districts of Kerala
Works
Working with Naxal group in Dantewada
KK Muhammed conserved the Barsoor and Samlur Temples in Dantewada District near Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. This area is known to be the seat of Naxal activities in the region. In 2003, KK Muhammed was able to convince Naxal activists and with their co-operation, conserved the Temples to its present day state.
Bateshwar Complex restoration
Bateshwar, Morena is a complex of 200 ancient Shiva & Vishnu temples situated 40 km away from Gwalior. These temples were built between 9th and 11th century during the Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty, 200 years before Khajuraho. The area was under the control of Nirbhay Singh Gujjar and Gadariya Dacoits. KK Muhammed successful in convincing the dacoits to let him restore these temples. He was able to restore 60 temples during his tenure in the region. After the dacoits were eliminated by the police, the area was encroached by the mining mafia.[2][3][4]
Facelift of Delhi's monuments during 2010 Commonwealth Games
KK Muhammed was appointed as the Superintending Archaeologist of Delhi Circle, Archaeological Survey of India in 2008. His primary task was to carry out a major facelift activity at 46 monuments for the Commonwealth Games of 2010.
Museum - Masterpieces of Indian Art
KK Muhammed conceived and executed the idea of building a Museum that contains the replicas of statues and stone carved sculptures across India. The museum, popularly known as the Replica Museum or the Children Museum is situated outside the Siri Fort Sports Complex, behind Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi.[5][6][7]
See also
References
- ^ "A Discourse By Ace Archaeologist Mr KK Muhammed". Blogspot.com.
- ^ "Man of Monuments". The Hindu.
- ^ "The Temple Guardian". The Hindu.
- ^ "Guest Lecture Series at Nalanda". Nalanda University Blog.
- ^ "Museum of Mirrors". The Indian Express.
- ^ "Replica Museum at Siri Fort". India Video.
- ^ "Replica Museum in Delhi crafted by Patna artists". The Times of India.
External links
- Digger of truth By A.J. Philio
- Koduvally By Shammas
- Dispute old,demolition on track: ASI By Dipankar Ghose
- Citizen Journalist
- Young Indians
- Old-fashioned facial cleans up Taj Mahal By - The Washington Times
- People's Archaeologist KK Muhammed - By Navhind Times
