Stone-cold neglect: Centuries-old kal madams in a state of derelict

HERITAGE aficionados have urged authorities to conserve more than 100 "kal madams" (wayside inns)—stone structures built centuries ago by kings to be used as rest stops for travellers—across Kanniyakumari district, raising concerns that negligence, among other factors, has led to a slow deterioration of several such structures.

- M ABDUL RABI @Kanniyakumari

The oldest of all such kal madams in the district is located in Chunkankadai, estimated to have been constructed during 1535 AD, said Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Nagercoil Chapter convenor Anitha S Natarajan. Human interruptions over the years have led to some of the madams losing their structural elegance, she said, referring to the studies conducted by the non-profit organisation, adding that the greed of some individuals has completely wrecked many structures. Destruction due to negligence is another cause, with growth of the roots of nearby trees having destroyed some of the stone pillars, leaving the structure to disintegrate slowly, she added.