Now artists can freely sketch historical monuments

The beauty of historical monuments has always intrigued artists who love to capture the architectural marvels on canvas.

To do so, artists had to seek permission for sketching of monuments. But not anymore, as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has changed its rules and allowed artists to sketch on location.

This happened after Chennai-based artist Ganpathy Subramaniam, who was asked to take permission before etching the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram on his sketch-pad, launched a campaign on Change.org asking ASI to ease its rules.

And his plea was heard as he received a letter from the ASI stating that people can sketch henceforth, provided they don’t use a camera stand, stool, chair, easel or any other appliance within the precincts of the monument.

An ASI official has stated to a leading daily that no official circular has been received so far, it will only take 10 to 20 days for the ASI to send one stating the change.

With Mumbai itself having about 5000 historical sites that come under the protection of ASI, from CST station to Worli village, the city’s artists will now benefit from the tweak in rules.