Cuttack: Anil Dey, Chairman of the Kalinga Heritage Preservation Trust (KHPT), passed away at a private hospital in Cuttack at around 6:30 am on Monday following a heart attack. He was 96.

Dey had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for some time due to illness and was reportedly recovering. However, he suffered a heart attack on Monday morning and succumbed to it.

A distinguished engineer, researcher and author, Dey devoted more than six decades to the study, documentation and structural analysis of Odisha's ancient temples. His work combined engineering principles with archaeological research, enabling him to examine historical monuments from a scientific and technical perspective.

Rather than relying solely on traditional accounts and legends, Dey focused on understanding the engineering techniques, mathematical proportions and construction methods used by ancient temple builders. His research sought to explain the structural ingenuity behind Odisha's architectural heritage.

Dey was widely known for his extensive research on the Konark Sun Temple. His studies critically examined existing theories on the temple's construction, different phases of development and eventual decline. He also proposed alternative structural interpretations supported by scientific analysis.

Apart from his research, Dey played an active role in heritage conservation. As Chairman of the Kalinga Heritage Preservation Trust, he worked to promote the preservation of Odisha's architectural legacy and advocated for the continuation of traditional Kalinga temple architecture and spiritual craftsmanship.

Before dedicating himself to heritage research, Dey had a distinguished career in government service. He was Odisha's first Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) and later retired as Joint Commissioner, Transport.