In recent news, the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has refuted reports surrounding the placement of a time capsule, also known as Kaal Patra, at the Ram Temple construction site in Ayodhya. Originally, this time capsule was believed to contain the history of Ayodhya and Rama Janma Bhoomi Movement.
Understanding Time Capsules
A time capsule is essentially a container that can be any size or shape. It holds documents, photographs and artefacts that bear significance to the era it represents. Often buried underground, these capsules serve as historical resources for future generations. To prevent decay, time capsules are crafted using special engineering techniques such as steel or aluminium encasings, vacuum sealing and the use of acid-free paper. Time capsules typically have a predetermined reopening schedule after which they are buried again, often with new contributions from the people of the future.
The International Time Capsule Society (ITCS)
The USA-based International Time Capsule Society (ITCS), formed in 1990, although now defunct, continues to estimate the number of existing time capsules worldwide. According to its database, there are an estimated 10,000-15,000 time capsules across the globe.
Famous Global Time Capsules
Notable time capsules include the Samuel Adams and Paul Revere Time Capsule, dated 1795, and known to be the oldest in existence. The “Century Safe” is another prominent time capsule, first established at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876. The Crypt of Civilization in Georgia, built in 1940, aims to preserve all human knowledge and has been scheduled for unearthing in 8113 AD. The Voyager and Voyager II Spacecraft, created by NASA, are unique time capsules hovering on the edge of our solar system, intended for future generations to discover.
Indian Time Capsules
India too boasts of several time capsules. One was placed outside the Red Fort in 1972 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, only to be dug up by the subsequent government in 1977. This raised controversy as it glorified the Gandhi-Nehru family in Indian history. Others include one buried at IIT Kanpur Campus in 2010, another set up in the 19th century at The Alexandra Girls’ English Institution, Mumbai, and a recent one from 2019 at Jalandhar’s Lovely Public University.
Significance of Time Capsules
Time capsules act as vessels of communication with the individuals of the future. They are anticipated to aid future archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians in gaining insights into past civilizations.
Criticism
Despite their significance, time capsules face criticism for presenting skewed views of history. Often politically motivated, they glorify the people responsible for their creation. Consequently, they cannot be regarded as reliable sources of information. The information they contain needs to be cross-verified with additional sources. Also, many unearthed time capsules have been found filled with trivial items, offering little valuable insight into the era they represent.
