Authors
Monika Joshi
Abstract
India has inherited enormous wealth of cultural heritage but in current scenario, cultural heritage are affected by ageing or weathering of materials, and natural and man-made disasters, which ultimately destroy the integrity of the Indian archaeological sites. Therefore, preservation of Indian legacy and tradition is an issue of significance, conservation is basically a process of looking after the archaeological sites to maintain its historical and cultural value by maintaining, preserving, restoration, and reconstruction. Conservation is always processed only after understanding the significance of the property. Here in this paper a study has been conducted to discuss the new method used for conservation of Indian cultural heritage for public awareness. Keywords: Cultural Heritage, Conservation, Archaeological Survey
Introduction
India is a land of diverse cultures and architectural heritage. India has always been a centre of cultural legacy and beautifully designed historical monuments like Qutub Minar, Delhi; Taj Mahal, Agra; Sanchi, Mathura; Tomb at Sikandara, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Nasik, Maharashtra; and many others. Ancient monument, defined under The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 is as follows:-
“Ancient Monument means any structure, erection or monument, or any tumulus or place of interment, or any cave, rock-sculpture, inscription or monolith which is of historical, archaeological or artistic interest and which has been in existence for not less than 100 years and includes-
• Remains of an ancient monument,
• Site of an ancient monument,
• Such portion of land adjoining the site of an ancient monument as may be required for fencing or covering in or otherwise preserving such monument, a
• The means of access to, and convenient inspection of, an ancient monument (https://www.youthkiawaaz.com; https://indiaculture.nic.in).
History
“Conservation of Heritage Building” book discussed about the history of conservation in India, which is as follows:
• In 3rd century BC, Emperor Ashoka passed an order to conserve wildlife.
• In 14th century AD, Firoz Shah Tughlaq gave command to safeguard prehistoric structures.
• During British Rule, the “Bengal Regulation (XIX)” was approved in 1810, and the “Madras Regulation (VII)” was approved in 1817.
• In 1863, Act XX was passed authorizing the government to “avert damage and preserve buildings noteworthy for their architectural value”.
• In 1861, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was recognized to recruit a lawful endowment for protecting historic constructions across the country.
• In 1904, “Ancient Monuments Preservation Act (VII)” was approved and stated operative conservation and right over the historical memorials.
• In 1905, 20 historical constructions in Delhi were ordered to be secured and conserved.
• Post-freedom from the British Rule, 151 structures and campuses were safeguarded by the central ASI in Delhi.
• In 1978, the State Department of Archaeology was established
• In 1984, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was established to generate an alertness for preservation of traditional heritage amongst the people (http://cpwd.gov.in).
Heritage sites have their own significance when it comes to study the series of various great civilizations therefore its very necessary to conserve it, but the most preliminary purposes of heritage preservation is to develop and bloom the historical atmosphere and its stability, thus backing to a desired place for living and linking individuals with the place and its rich ethos (Ashworth and Graham 2005; MaGuire, 1982).
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| APA Style | Joshi, M. (2019). A Study on Indian Heritage Conservation. Academic Journal of Archaeological Studies, 1(1), 14-17. |
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