“After the bare requisites of living and reproducing, man wants most to leave some record of himself, a proof, perhaps, that he has really existed. He leaves his proof on wood, on stone, or on the lives of other people. This deep desire exists in everyone, from the boy who scribbles on a wall to the Buddha who etches his image in the race mind. Life is so unreal. I think that we seriously doubt that we exist and go about trying to prove that we do.”
John Steinback, The Pastures of Heaven
Now this logic explains perfectly the defacing of historical monuments in India. Only in this case it is adults scribbling away to glory in the hope of leaving their mark for posterity.
Shahjahan had built the Taj Mahal but lesser mortals like us without the resources of the Emperor at our disposal can proclaim our love by scratching hearts with cupid's arrows passing right through in historical places.
Think of it…a few decades later when your descendants visit the same place they would be pleasantly surprised to see the names of their forefather etched into immortality.
And if your love does not make it to marriage and subsequent progeny atleast history will bear witness to the fact that You came, you saw, and you loved.
These sweet nothings of today might assume historical significance tomorrow.... seriously (no?). Didn't Ram and his siblings chisel out stone at Mahabalipuram and don't we flock to see that today ?
Archaeologists go to great lengths to find cave paintings and hieroglyphics of the ancient cave dwellers. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that some spoil sport cave dwellers did protest against this so-called defacement of natural beauty.It is just a matter of time I say. One age’s meat is another age’s poison.
And when the day comes the heart sign will gain immense importance. Archaeologists and sociologists will draw conclusions about our lifestyle and society from these markings. And if they can decode it correctly then we will be portrayed as a very loving people. So scribble on all ye tourists.
