The serendipitous discovery of a submerged city off the coast of Gujarat is astounding and rekindles our interest in the antiquity of the civilisation it represents ("The Lost Civilisation", February 11). However, its dating done by the radio-carbon method raises some queries which need to be answered before we indulge in euphoria. For instance, the provenance of the fossilised log of wood has to be established. It is pertinent to recall that submerged forests belonging to the Holocene period have been found off the coast of Mumbai. The piece of wood might have been transported from there by the strong tidal movement of the sea. The next point of doubt obviously pertains to the difference in the estimates of age.

A.C. Ramiengar, director (retd), Geological Survey of India, Tumkur

Letters Betrayal of Faith When Tavleen Singh says that Islam is contemptuous towards women and wine, one wonders if she has ever read the Koran ("Nurturing the Demon", February 11). Islam is the only religion that makes inheritance by a woman a religious obligation and guarantees her security in the form of meher at the time of marriage. As for alcohol, it is true that it is banned in Islam and for good reason too: apart from the health hazards of drinking, an inebriated person has no control over his emotions or actions. Singh would do well to relinquish her role as Islam basher. Sahil Kazi, on e-mail Tavleen Singh has honestly penned the goings on in madarsas. It is a matter of grave concern that fundamentalist forces brainwash Muslims in the name of religion and Allah. What is worse is that the majority of Muslims do not dare speak against such forces occupying high seats of religion and consequently, power. Amit Partap, Solan

It is a matter of profound gratification and pride for the people of India that archaeological excavations have brought to light the existence of a 9,500-year-old submerged city. An elaborate examination of the artefacts collected from the site will enable our historians-including those from the "secularist" camp-to firm up their views regarding the antiquity and achievements of this hitherto unknown period of India's past.

Santosh Kapoor, Noida

The discovery of the world's oldest city is sensational for the irony it represents: a civilisation that was once the crucible of inventions is now struggling to find a foothold in the world.

Prabir Mazumdar, Noida

Capital Gains

Your ranking of S.M. Krishna as the best chief minister of the country is amusing and gives the impression that you have been led by his sartorial sense and sophistication more than anything else ("Performers' Progress", February 11). Bangalore alone does not make Karnataka. Unfortunately, a mere 15 km from the capital one can't even get kerosene and sugar in ration shops. Your criteria for the survey have an urban bias and are far removed from reality.

M. Mustafa, Bangalore

It may be small but Goa nevertheless is a state and had you included it in the survey of the nation's best chief ministers, Manohar Parrikar would have definitely given the others a run for their money. Parrikar, possibly the only iit-ian in the country's history to hold the post, is sincere, honest and dedicated to the cause of the state. Is there any other parameter that we need look into?

Pankaj Jaju, Goa

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