The indigenous technical knowledge of the fishers is facing grave challenges inthis warming world. Though it has been observed that communities respondto such large-scale changes to the climate and their lived world throughcollaborative responses that leads to adaptation, fishers on the MalabarCoast are struggling to make sense of these rapid and uncertain changes.Fish distributions, timing and abundance of fish catches have also changed.Climate change and warming oceans are severely limiting the number of daysthe fishers can go out into the sea. The distances the fishers have to travelfor a catch have increased, leading to a rise in the number of accidents atthe sea, as they venture into unknown waters. In the recent years, fishershave found it difficult to predict fish availability and climatic events due tounforeseen changes in the nature of seasons and the sea. Ocean current,windpatterns and other climate parameters have changed beyond the limitsof their traditional knowledge and they are struggling to make sense of thenew normal. The study witnessed significant changes to the life world andthe traditional knowledge on the seas of the fishing communities along thecentral Malabar Coast, who engage in fishing activity in the rapidly warmingwestern Indian Ocean.

Keywords: hereditary knowledge,Lakshadweep Sea,Malabar Coast,climate change

Sacred groves in Kerala are small portions of land left behind by ancestorsupon clearance of forest land for agricultural purpose. Each sacred grove hasa very unique myth and belief system associated to it. Due to various socialreforms, most of the sacred groves are either on the verge of extinction or arealready extinct. The significance of sacred groves is not confined to religiousvalue in Kerala, but has been closely interlinked to the social lives of peopleand also carries an ecological value. It represents a part of the WesternGhats, a region known for its rich biodiversity, as well as diverse array ofindigenous plant species. This study intends to conduct a comprehensivesocio-economic evaluation of all the attributes associated with a sacredgrove. The study has been confined to the temple sacred groves in KannurDistrict of Kerala. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment has been usedto understand the ecosystem services and Total Economic Framework toevaluate the economic value of the sacred grove.Further, Q-methodologyhas been used to ascertain the perspective of the stakeholders concerningconservation initiatives related to sacred groves.

Keywords: sacred grove, Kannur,biodiversity, value assessment

Biodeterioration of cultural heritage, including physical and chemicaldeterioration, caused by various groups of organisms remains a constantchallenge worldwide, including India. Despite there being some importantstudies on this aspect in India, not many studies have been carried out forDelhi. Hence, this study comes as first of its kind wherein the deteriorationimpacts of various groups such as flowering plants, bryophytes and lichenson two selected heritage structures of Delhi are enumerated. The higher growth of these organisms and more prevalent deterioration impacts arevisible in MehrauliArchaeological Park as compared to Hasthsal Minar. Thechief attributes for this are changes in land use pattern of the study region,which in turn impacts the microclimatic conditions. With drastic changes in climatic conditions and weather fluctuations, these deterioration impacts arebound to become more disastrous in coming times, if urgent conservationstrategies are not implemented for safeguarding theheritage structures.

Keywords:Delhi, architecture,biodeterioration, heritage,conservation

The notion of heritage contributes to the continuity of cultural identities,which is important for the transmission of expertise, skills and knowledgebetween generations. Damage to a cultural heritage site can mean losingirreplaceable cultural, social and economic assets, impacting local, national,and global communities. Kodagu is a district in Karnataka that demonstratesa fragile link between the built heritage and the ecology that Kodagupossesses. In recent years, Kodagu has seen immense climatic catastrophes,leading to widespread flooding and landslides.The study has been conducted on the basis of data collected from site throughmapping and analytical observations, along with insights of scholars andpractitioners to understand the technical aspects of changes in landforms.This has helped in understanding the essence of this ecosystem includingsacred groves, coffee plantations and built heritage associated with suchspaces. Man-made changes and climatic threats are ever-increasing and weare almost on the verge of experiencing severe irreversible changes. Beforethe loss becomes irreparable and beyond chances to measure, it is extremelycrucial to prevent and take precautionarymeasures to safeguard the culturalidentity of Kodagu.

Keywords: Kodagu, climate change, built heritage, landslides

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was commissioned to undertake cultural documentation project on River Ganga from Gaumukh to Ganga Sagar by the Jal Shakti Ministry, Government of India, under the Namami Gange Programme of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) scheme, where INTACH was involved as a knowledge partner in a cultural mapping endeavour. Three divisions of INTACH, namely, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Division, Architectural Heritage Division and Natural Heritage Division have worked on the documentation of intangible, architectural and natural assets along the Ganga waterfront. The project’s objective was to undertake research, survey, listing and audiovisual documentation of the diverse cultural assets along the Ganga River within a five-kilometre radius from its source at Gangotri to its dispersal point at Ganga Sagar. Covering a distance of 2,525 kilometres across five states, the Ganga holds significant cultural and sacred importance. This cultural documentation of the Ganga aimed to capture the essence of life, living traditions, communities along the river and livelihood opportunities. It sought to uncover cultural assets, establish the river’s connection with the cultural identity of cities along its banks and document the current status of living traditions and intangible heritage along its course, highlighting its special place in our collective consciousness.

Pondicherry was the glorious capital of the French in colonial India. Boulevard town, the historic urban area of Pondicherry, was a planned settlement to accommodate the French and different Indian communities such as weavers, craftspersons, farmers, merchants, etc. Today, however, Pondicherry is a sought-after coastal weekend destination flooded with tourists, resulting in developmental pressure, and indirectly inducing gentrification in the boulevard town area. Against this backdrop, the paper discusses evolution, gentrification, and other issues of conserving the boulevard town, through the lens of its residents, tourists, and heritage building owners. Finally, the paper concludes with three goals and strategies to conserve and manage the historic area sustainably.

Keywords: historic urban environments, commercialisation, mass tourism, gentrification, stakeholders’ perception, sustainable strategies

Chamba, an old hill principality of Himachal Pradesh, remains an enigma. Tucked away amidst isolated high hill ranges, it remained an independent sovereignty till as late as 1947. It was ruled by a single family for over a thousand years. Its isolation was guarded by its geographical positioning which protected it from invasions and yet, as a State, it imbibed and developed progressive influences and still retained its own social and cultural identity. The old state evolved and was aligned with various cultural and political developments in and around the region of North India from 500 AD to 1947. Architecture and art, especially carving and painting, developed a singular and important aesthetic which drew the local artisans to create temple structures of immense beauty. The craftsmanship evolved into its own school and the temples thus created across the Ravi River, and which dotted the old State of Chamba from the highest reaches to the plains of the valley, house exquisite craftsmanship. Built structures from 550 AD to as late as the 10th century all lie in the high density seismic zone. The technique of digitised documentation, detailing with photography and creating turntables, modern methodologies for conservation of these wooden and stone architectural wonders has been successfully applied.

Keywords: Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, millennium town, very high damage risk seismic zone, wooden and stone temples, frescos and carvings, digitisation

Nakkashi scroll paintings were made for religious purposes as they were used for narrating the tales or legends of local deities as well as Brahmanical gods. The subject of every scroll depended on the patron deity of the audience which came from different castes. After the Nakkashi artists painted the relevant theme, the storytellers carried it from one village to the other. The painted scroll formed the visual background for performance-based storytelling.

It is believed that the artists from Vijayanagara may have been the precursors of the Nakkashi style of painting. Many of the earlier scrolls bear a very close resemblance to the Vijayanagara and Nayaka style of murals and paintings (Sivaramamurthy 1985) Presently the Nakkashi artists make smaller versions of scrolls so as to be able to market them widely. This contemporary version is popularly known as Cheriyal painting, as the only surviving traditional artists still engaged in this practice belong to the Cheriyal town of Telangana.

This research involves documentation of the traditional material and method of preparation used over time. An understanding of materials is crucial for conserving an artwork. Therefore, this is a step towards helping preserve scroll paintings from the Telangana region. This study is a preliminary in nature owing to limited time, resources and access to the scrolls.

Keywords: Nakkashi scroll paintings, traditional art of Telangana, conservation of scrolls, Cheriyal paintings

Intangible cultural heritage, including traditional crafts practices, is part of a living heritage and is transmitted from generation to generation, and is constantly recreated by communities in response to their environment (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO] 2004). The state of Rajasthan in the north-western part of India is home to many such crafts that have evolved with time and through generations. Maniharon Ka Rasta in Jaipur, home to the lac craft is recognised by its colourful imagery and is frequented both by tourists and locals. The craft is practised by craftsmen through a network of relationships steeped in social and cultural meanings in the context of an active engagement with the constituents of their surroundings. It has a considerable footprint and has been part of the economy since the inception of the city. Lac craft, like all other crafts, has undergone significant changes. This paper is based on the research undertaken to investigate the history of traditional lac craft practice, its change over time, and an understanding of its future sustainability within the context of Jaipur’s historic urban areas. The research also traces the spread of this craft practice to other areas in Jaipur. Historical documents, physical mapping, individual interviews and on-site observations have been part of the methodology used here.

Keywords: lac craft, bangle making, Jaipur, intangible heritage

The fusion of the simple Tamil courtyard house articulated with imported building materials and European influences is collectively admired in Chettinad architecture. The utilisation of diverse materials such as teak wood from Burma and Ceylon, Italian marble, Japanese ceramic tiles, Belgium glass etc. is considered routine in Chettinad residences. The community’s contact with overseas cultures manifested largely in the surface finishes and ornamentation of their buildings. The planning, however, always had strict references to the traditional typology customised for the Chettiars. Nonetheless, the exteriors reflected the architecture and culture prevalent at that point in time. Although the organisation of the housing is very similar and the two dominant styles of Chettinad architecture are well-known and documented. Firstly, the Tamil vernacular expression of Chettiar houses – regarded as the oldest typology – is derived from a modest Tamil house whose facades are generally simple and where the scale is modest with no significant change from the archetypal Tamil house. Secondly, the Art Deco expression of Chettiar houses built in the 1900s was widely favoured by the community and generally were two or three-storied houses exhibiting flat roofs. In between these two expressions briefed above is a very interesting typology that is coined as the Dravidian dwelling typology again depicting the prevalent dominant architectural style, very closely related to religious institutions or the temple. This paper attempts to examine a style that denotes the built-form characteristics of a Dravidian temple, reimagining and applying root features on domestic dwellings. The premise is that the typology was devised, designed and crafted by the sthapatis (architects) or shilpis (masons) of the region.

Keywords: sthapati, shilpi, Dravidian dwelling, Chettinad architecture

The quest to experience intangible heritage that resonates with place and identity is the basis of a toponymic study of Chennai city. Cities embroiled in unbridled urbanisation are seeking to re-establish roots, collective memory and events enshrined in bygone times amidst the profiling of built heritage. The trajectory from the known and celebrated to the exploration of the lesser-known is the crux to unlocking the rationale behind the naming of places in the city. The paper attempts to document historical layers that place names unfold, revealing untold secrets behind place identities. The methodology outlines a review via a literature compendium, wide ranging documentation and a framework for the classification of place names. Toponymic identities are expressive annotations that mark the spirit of a place and a strong insignia of its existence. An innovative approach is in delineating the intangible heritage moorings of Chennai city by synthesising its structure and meaning, conceiving spatial connotations and connecting existing networks. The directives from the research culminate in a matrix endorsing the potency of place names which foster and sustain a trail of identity. The signature of place names decoded in the study outlines a framework for further research in the area of intangible heritage.

Keywords: intangible heritage, toponymy, place identity, matrix

The research aims to develop a framework of assessment for evaluating the impact of holistic urban conservation projects/programmes on urban livelihoods in India. The research was divided in two parts, the first part centred on the development of a multidimensional framework to assess the economic, social, cultural and environmental impact of the urban conservation programmes in India based on extensive critical review of the existing secondary literature on the subjects of urban conservation and livelihood and outlining the concurrence between the two. The second part of the research was conducted through extensive primary studies using tools such as focused group discussions, semi-structured and structured interviews, street surveys and secondary review of project reports, reviews and policy documents. The findings of the primary research, stakeholder consultations with a range of people involved at various stages of both the projects, extensive literature review including of programme documents, policies and methodologies, the following recommendations are drawn which could strengthen the implementation of community centric urban conservation schemes focusing on livelihoods.

Keywords: urban conservation, sustainable development, participatory approaches, livelihoods, community, Amritsar, Nizamuddin Basti, assessment framework

When a significant region undergoes a conflict, the aesthetic, authenticity andintegrity of its built heritage is compromised, effectively, impacting the way peopleidentify with it. In such times, the approach to its recovery has a huge role to playin how people would identify with it in the future.

This paper aims to look at the conflict situation in Kashmir. The situation, itsimpact on people and the built environment. Further looking at the changingdefinition and dynamic of conflict and its varied degrees and ways of impact. Thecentral role of heritage and its manipulation and targeting to enhance the impactof conflict gives an added dimension to the dynamic of conflict.The knowledge and association of people with their built and cultural heritageplays a vital role on the future of cultural importance and wellbeing of heritage ofthe region under impact. More often, the cultural heritage is revived and is takenunder consideration on a priority over the built, given the craft can be resumedand spread more effectively and can work as a medium to earn a living and regainlivelihood.However, in such a situation, attaining ‘normalcy’ is of prime importancewhich can be achieved through making the surroundings, not only importantlandmarks but residential areas, bazaars and communal spaces restored to theiroriginal fabric and state. This can be achieved through the same principle used torevive and promote cultural heritage by engaging skilled labour and training thecommunities related, to revive their urban fabric.This can be seen through the restoration and its impact at Murad Khani, aresidential neighbourhood in Afghanistan which was buried under heaps of debrisand garbage after the civil war, but its restoration and engaging public in theprocess, helped the area and people recover together and come out of the darkphase.

However, the approach and public involvement varies in each case and isaffected by the diversity and internal barriers of the communities, the feasibility,availability of experts and the efforts put in this direction. All these factorsdetermine the success of this method, the future and wellbeing of heritage andthe associated communities. This is analyzed in the case of Kashmir with lessonsfrom Murad Khani and recommendations to create a basic knowledge andawareness about safeguarding heritage at areas prone to conflict.

Keywords: Heritage under conflict, Kashmir

The idea of well-being is rarely explored when seen through the perspective of continuum of traditional knowledge systems. Knowledge creation, knowledge retention and knowledge transfer are some of the methods to evaluate the components of significant cultural ecosystems. These anthropological methods also give directions to uncover very delicate yet very strong connections between one’s ‘beingwell/happy’ and the authentic dependency on the larger continued and perceived cultural ecosystem.

Complex historic regions of Bhutan showcase exemplary practices of associating their tangible and intangible inheritance (cultural & natural) with well-being, creating unique interpretations of the idea. Through an intensive primary study that is supported by philosophical underpinnings, in this paper, we explore cultural and spatial processes involved in the continuation of traditional knowledge systems; the manner and degree of exploitation of nature; the dependency and independency between culture and nature; and the sophisticated yet blurred line differences between the tangibles and intangibles. This inquiry into Bhutan, establishes how such extensive components of heritage, as evidenced in their urban centres, are directly linked with the continuing cultural practices, livelihood practices that, in turn, establishes the notion of being contended. We explore some of the settlements from the western region of Bhutan, using anthropological theories to evaluate the inclusivity, safety, resilience and sustainable practices in Western Bhutanese Settlements.

Keywords: Inclusivity, safety, resilience, sustainable practices, Western Bhutanese Settlements

Studies have found that there is a close relationship between the ‘wellbeing ofpeople’ and the ‘provision of green spaces’ as these spaces provide opportunitiesfor health, recreation and social interaction in urban areas. This paper presents acase of theTaljai hills in Pune which is a large urban green space and a favouriteeveryday destination for health-related activities. The data for ‘everyday use ofthe place and user’s association with the place’ was collected using variousqualitative techniques and analyzed using the framework of ‘social participation’and ‘place attachment.’ It is argued that everyday users of the hill derive ‘healthand wellbeing benefits’ through social participation which in turn encouragesthem to care for the hills. The findings suggest that understanding the relationshipbetween everyday use, wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviour is crucial toconserve these green spaces for future generations.

Keywords: Urban Greens, hills of Pune, place attachment, wellbeing, cultural landscape, pro-environmental behaviour

This paper aims at discovering the process of creation of cultural communities asan indigenous process that needs to focus on the well-being of those people involvedif they are to promote sustainable lifestyles integrated within common local,cultural and social practices. These communities give identity to a particular placein turn determining cultural beliefs, history, context and authenticity.Well-being has multiple parameters such as social, personal, economic, cultural,environmental, psychological, spiritual and physical. Mental and physical healthcan be guaranteed when surrounded by a high quality built and social environmentthat enables a person to thrive and survive.

Linking well-being with heritage in its intangible form needs to be preservedand directed towards sustainable development when viewed as a resource for thepeople and as an inclusive living approach. In constantly changing times wheredevelopment is heading towards technological advancements that lack humaninteraction, there is a need to conserve communities and heritage that give asense of belonging to people and promote social cohesion. Healthy societies canbe nurtured through this approach acting as modes of mitigation for environmentaland social degradation. Community living when threatened by external factorsneeds to build resilience in the contemporary world where changeis a dominantprocess.

Our findings on community well-being and sustainable development arecentred around the Kenduli village of West Bengal determined by Baul fakirs – agroup of mystics whose legacy dates back over thousands of years, and a prominentfestival (JoydevKenduli Mela) hosted every year along the banks of the river ofthe village. Its Baul community has the proud distinction of being included in thelist of

Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO(Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, 2008).Understanding the Baul community as a living heritage whose transformationin the contemporary world is causing a shift from its original form to an imminentdilution of the true essence of the village as a whole. Based on live documentationin the village, commercialisation of the Baul culture is observed along with adilapidation in the physical and social infrastructure of the village resulting in amanner of “cultural lag”.This intangible form of cultural heritage is the identity of the village thatneeds to be sustained in its true form offering the inmates improved conditions ofbuilt environment and quality of life when measured in terms of health, wellbeingand happiness culminating in integrated development.Preservation of this heritage village with a systematic planning approach willuplift the quality of life and help revive a dying cultural heritage.

Keywords: Indigenous process, healthy societies, inclusive living approach, culturallag

The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with its 17Sustainable Development Goals, one of which is to protect and promote theworld’s cultural and natural heritage, target to make cities inclusive, safe, resilientand sustainable by the next 10 years. International scientists through their research,expressed that traditional cultures were more sustainable and healthier for people,whereas the modem lifestyle is unsustainable and health issues are increasingwith each passing day. This simply means that we have pursued ‘progressivemode’ of development, ignoring the past without questioning its relevance today.The traditional built-forms within society are the direct response to ourphysical, socio-economic and cultural needs rooted in our natural heritage. Thecultural heritage represents a record of our historical attempts expressing theprocess of development of the society. Based on the awareness of the largerecosystem, the Vaastu Shastra was devised to maintain harmony within our builtenvironment,which also created rhythmic design modules to complement theuse of the spaces and the buildings. The design process identified nature,traditional wisdom and craft to integrate appropriate balance of humans withinthe space, manifesting the functional comforts. The nature of space affected theoccupier in a positive and harmonious manner, vital for developing the designthrough sensitive use of natural materials and incorporating social spaces forcelebrations. These built-spaces evolved out of the natural elements i.e. thelandforms, climate, food, minerals, flora and fauna within different climatic zonesand prima available materials like mud, brick, stone, wood, bamboo, lime, etc.Various compositions of these natural materials proved to be long-lasting,sustainable and created a healthy environment. Cost of these materials wererecyclable and biodegradable as well. They were also explored and exploited fortheir crafting potentials resulting in creative outcomes. Traditional craftsmanshipis perhaps the most tangible expression of our cultural heritage.However, industrial revolution and globalization around the nineteenthcentury devitalized the traditional craft industries implying planned obsolescencestrategy in every possible area to gain profitable margins. machineries soon replacedthe hand-made products made by skilled craftsmen leaving them unemployed,resulting in their migration to urban areas in search of job opportunities. Thiscreated imbalance within the settlements leading to urbanization. The holisticgrowth of human development has started degrading as we underestimate thetangible and intangible aspects of our cultural and natural heritage, leading to climate change and major health issues. Such environmental pressures due toartificial materials are impacting our traditional craftsmanship also by reducingthe availability of natural resources. The materials are being gradually transformedinto other forms that are more industrial friendly e.g. cement, concrete blocks,veneer, etc., resulting in minimizing the life-cycle of the buildings while generatingenvironmental issues, high radioactivity, toxicity leading to unfriendly andunhealthy construction environments. This paper will discuss the holistic reappraisalof our sustainable development policies, our design strategies and ‘greenrating’ systems that should focus on the importance to reassess the methodologicalapproach towards a built-environment for our healthy future.

This paper results from the author’s experience as a Museum Consultant, workingtowards utilizing museums for people’s well-being. The author builds a case forinclusion as the primary goal for all museums in order to contribute towards wellbeing.By inclusion, the author is not only appealing for physical access but socioeconomic,cultural, intellectual and emotional barriers that exclude or alienate asignificant percentage of the public. The author argues that footfall cannot beaccepted as enrichment, and that museums must go out of their way to reach outin order to be relevant to diverse communities. Whether it is modes ofcommunication or the nature of programmes and engagement-building tools,museums need to, more deliberately, become people-centric in order to contributeto the well-being of the communities they aim to serve.

In the words of Robert F. Kennedy, “The gross national product of a countrymeasures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile”. UrbanHeritage is a social, cultural and economic asset. It is now an understood fact thatconservation of built and unbuilt heritage is merely not about the preservation ofmaterial things but more about sharing and safeguarding its future. It can be seenas an instrument of well-being. A quote from the National Archives in Washington,D.C. says “The Heritage of the past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of thefuture in consideration with its well-being”. The Constitution of India too describesit as a fundamental duty of every citizen to value and preserve the rich heritage ofour composite culture. The iconic heritage structures provide us with referencesin the local built landscape, that help us as individuals residing in that city relateto our rich past.

The natural and cultural wealth is what is significant to the contribution ofthe city and its dweller’s wealth and wellbeing. Historic areas display advancedtownscape qualities that have evolved over a long period of time. The quality oflife in and around these precincts exemplify ecologically sustainable urban modelsand offer a great scope for learning from them to reorient contemporary approachesto urban planning. But, sadly the identity and character of these historicallyimportant and beautiful towns has been irrevocably altered, which in turn affectsthe overall well-being of the people. Organisations such as the ASI have beensuccessful in protecting and conserving only a fraction of these monuments. Onesuch example that has been taken up in this paper is that of Humayun’s Tomband its precinct and its impact on the community around it.

Located in East Nizamuddin, New Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb is a complex ofbuildings of Mughal architecture. It is a World Heritage Site and the starting pointof Mughal architecture in India. This building style is a delightful amalgamationof Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural influences. The great mausoleumbuilt in the remembrance of Emperor Humayun, the second Mughal ruler toascend the throne, stands as a magnificent tribute to the style of Mughal royalmausoleums. It is the first of the grand dynastic garden-tombs ever executed.The conservation of the tomb complex and the area around has made itmuch livelier and safer for visitors. One of the richest heritage precincts of NewDelhi, Humayun’s Tomb, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts more visitors,as now it has become a picnic spot, day trip spot, back-drop for photo shoots, andalmost all other leisure activities. The delicate balance between being a heritagebuilding and its green spaces makes it more welcoming and endearing, it hasbecome not only a landmark for many but lends to the beauty of the ConcreteJungle of Metropolitan Delhi.This paper aims to understand how green spaces and areas aroundcomplement Humayun’s Tomb and how it has become one of the most visitedplaces in Delhi across years.

There has been a growing recognition within the field of heritage where community and their well-being needs to be kept at utmost priority. Now, professionals have begun to understand that conservation is not only about preservation of structure or an area but also safeguarding the community and ensuring betterment of the local’s well-being, who are at the base for protecting their heritage and important keepers of their ancestral knowledge. The relationship between heritage and local’s well-being can be defined as a connection where a community builds its own neighbourhood, imbibing their local beliefs, influencing the local architecture of that region which in turn becomes their way of living. It is here where one can coin the concept of ‘people adapting to places, places adapting to people’. This paper will explore how people are adapt to the places they are living and due to; positive or negative changes, it affects their livelihood, well-being. This paper will use the ‘Pols - the real identity of Ahmedabad’ as a case study, to understand the interdependence of a community’s livelihood, its influence and the built heritage that shapes their wellbeing.

The pols of Ahmedabad are known for its neighbourhood planning are longitudinal residential units, each with courtyards arranged along a narrow street and intricate wooden carving on facades. They have harboured life and culture, giving way towards the urban lifestyle and can be termed as ‘virtual community fortresses’. Most of the people living in these Pol are cottage industry workers which can be found sitting on thecharpaai (cot) in their courtyards, stitching, binding books, sewing etc. The pol people are also caring animal lovers. Their houses are designed not only as per their well-being but also as per cattle’s wellbeing. Their multi-storey houses are designed in steps, so as to provide a greater shelter area for the cattle to rest on during the rains or the scorching heat. The Chabutro, can be seen in every courtyard to compensate for the loss of trees that happened in the building of the pols are beautifully designed in a multitude of colours. Along with this the nonchalant Gujrati chatter of the community and the confusing names of these pols and the stories behind them adds to the charm to this place and the livelihood of the locals. Most of the Ahmedabad Pol is perhaps the most developed and the most integrated. The culture is upheld in prestige, and this is the reason why a lot many people refuse to move to the new city with better infrastructure.

The concept and architectural evolution of these Pols, along with the complexities that have developed over a period of time will be looked in this paper. The complications that have been created with the need of basic infrastructural development, because which the livelihood patterns and wellbeing of these communities have been comprised will be looked at. It will also discuss issues related to city’s post nomination as UNESCO World Heritage City, where the city needs to not only needs to maintain its historic character along with its Outstanding Universal Values but also meet growing need of development and the wellbeing of the local communities.

Intangible cultural heritage encompasses the inherited intangible attributes of agroup that aremaintained in the present and bequeathed to future generations.Food was officially recognised as world heritage after the 2003 UNESCO conferencein Paris to sanction the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible CulturalHeritage and in 2010, food made its first appearance on the UNESCO WorldHeritage list. The intangible cultural landscape of India is connected with food inimportant ways. Food heritage encompasses aspects such as foodways - cultural,social, and economic practices relating to the production and consumption offood; cuisines; eating habits; cooking techniques, dining rituals and culinary codes.India is emerging as a destination for culinary tourists, in response to the culinaryshows, influencers and Instagram. This way it positively impacts the economyof tourism by becoming exhibits of themselves. But food heritage can revive localcommunities not onlyeconomically, but also contribute to the social and culturalwell-being.

Culinary heritage can potentially create a sense of belonging by creatingcommon experiences and a unique consciousness for a group. India’s culinaryheritage includes skills, knowledge, rituals, traditions of farming, pastoralism,fishing etc. that emerged from shared resources and influences on a communityfrom a particular ecozone. Consequently, the culinary heritage has had an impacton architecture,natural and built landscape, arts etc. Food practices and sharedconsumption of food bring people together by creating a sense of community,belonging and parity. Moreover, foodways play an important role as socialacceptance.While recent food studies have studied practices and habits of specificcommunities, how food’s relationship with the past and present can contributepositively to a community’s well-being through social networks has not beeninvestigated hitherto. A detailed exploration of foodways requires cooperationand coming together of expertise of sociologists, anthropologists, historians,litterateurs and oral historians. This paper highlights the lacuna in dispersal ofawareness of culinary heritage through educational and public institutes. At thesame, it also offers examples of successful initiatives in this direction, for instance,the ‘Historical Gastronomica’, 2020 exhibition that combined archaeological researchand characteristics of museum artefacts to create a multi-sensory experience toappreciate food-production techniques, food habits and architecture of the Induspeople. Similar exhibitions with links to the past can potentially bring about selfawareness,social interaction and creativity. The paper also shows best practisesof local food industries and corporates that finance ethnographic museums toshow traditional food-producing objects and techniques and its impact onparticipatory communities.

Dialogues around historic geographies have shifted from the monumental and isolated to a human-centric vision of inclusive micro cultural resources and a regional but direct outreach. In these, collectives like small historic cities are continuously facing pressures of urbanizing development and are losing their traditional role and populations. Zoom out, and pan-nation, cities and communities of a similar nature fall short in justifiable growth while following globalized thought patterns and trying to be sustainably inclusive yet resilient to tangible transformational changes. Various routes of large-scale top-down explorations including those around making urbanized cities smart enough to respect historic resources to benefit the greater good are flailing. In the specifics of heritage conservation, organizational or governmental approaches have looked into the increasingly popular activity of coming together to explore local historical assets periodically for different purposes. The onus here has always lied on a collective, organizing for a part. Often the community who has first claim on this cultural identity, faces external pressure from larger umbrella organisations. For cities like Vadodara, maintaining a closer and continuous relationship with physical sites and historic fabrics has been difficult in the last decade. The silver comes through individuals and communities who, for a long time, have been part of Vadodara’s changing geo-political and cultural landscape, and are slowly opening up to articulate more inclusive narratives, and highlight their sense of pride in being part of the collective. With each individual able to engage in society in their capacity, be it reusing industrial or famed historical spaces, to opening up private residences for travelers, Vadodara has reverted to encourage a local conversation to celebrate the interaction with its micro culture. From bringing a positive impact on lifestyles, going ‘local’ has started slowly catching up with different strata of the city, allowing for wellbeing becoming a self-imposed mandate.

Heritage, more so Living Heritage as we understand today is an approach that has become exceedingly inclusive, encompassing and intertwining informal attributes with formal ones. It embodies relationships between the tangible and intangible aspects of our heritage, made up of several cultural units. In cities, the everyday street experience expresses itself in multiple forms. Multi-functional and embedded with

stories, streetscapes form a vital link between the user and the conceptualisation of urban space. These relationships are appropriated through space at different times of the day portraying these multiple facets of our everyday interface with these cultural units. In the context of Mumbai, a city which is built upon trading centres built along streets or in large open grounds, markets create hubs of commerce located strategically. These have sustained over centuries and today form the identity of several neighbourhoods within the city and its expanse. A closer look into some of these areas is what governs the scope for this paper, which evaluates the health of a neighbourhood based on its street experience. The safety, informality, economics and social functioning of a neighbourhood are aspects which directly influence the well-being of its people. Considering the case of a suburban neighbourhood of Vile Parle, the vegetable market around Monghibai road is a small unit of a vibrant everyday life that has not only survived time but has hugely contributed in people’s wellbeing over generations.

The market retains its presence since more than 3 generations in the neighborhood. It hosts a majority of vegetable sellers with an informal shopping experience which together form the heart of this suburb. The market becomes a melting pot of people of different cultural backgrounds, varied economic sections and different age groups coming together on a single platform. Its presence has been a witness of evolution of generations of people and their changing lifestyles. With people, the market itself has also evolved making sure that it remains the integral part of everyday life till date.

On one hand, street hawking has a long historical presence in the city of Mumbai, these provide essential services to majority and ‘direct employment to over 3 lakhs population’. On the other hand, hawkers are ‘a symbol of a metropolitan space gone out of control’. Even in Vile Parle, a marginal act of formalization of the market under consideration, happened in 1962 when Nehru instructed on providing vendor licences. Despite the informal self-regularisation since then, their systems of operation which assure their contribution to the experience of the city needs recognition. An integral aspect of cultural immersion and experience of the city, apart from being a vital element of everyday life, Street-markets are truly representative of a collective cultural ecosystem. Through their knowledge systems, their interrelationships with the environment and users are explored in this paper to determine their role in the city and its public life.

The Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh is known as “devbhumi”, the land of the gods, where a variety of gods are believed to reside in several forms including deities, demi-gods, nagas (snakes), asuras (demons) and rishis (saints). In this paper, we explore the concept of debta – a term mostly used to refer to all such divine entities and their manifestation in the physical landscape. To do so, we focus on a detailed study of the village of Goshal which is representative of most rural settlements in the valley. Following the conceptual approach of sacred geography, extensive fieldwork was carried out to map natural and man-made elements in the landscape that are associated with mythological legends of different debtas and how they are incorporated into present day religious practices. It is found that this juxtaposition gives rise to a religious-cultural landscape which is constantly recycled by interactions between the belief in debta, the landscape elements, and the institutions that are bestowed upon with the divine responsibilities for its upkeep. We argue that such an unpacking of these processes leads to a better understanding of heritage in rural areas of the Kullu valley.

Keywords: debta, sacred geography, cultural landscape, mapping, Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh

The Konkan region is a rich historic milieu along the coast of the state of Maharashtra, representing a range of architectural heritage such as forts, caves, trade routes and temples. This region has witnessed multitudes of historical events through time, the archaeological remains as well as the development of art and architecture in the Konkan coast, is evidence of the same. The study of the vernacular temples in Sindhudurg district aims at a documentation of the architecture of the Konkan region, which is in tandem with its geography, local material, planning, and which bears a unique testimony to traditional design systems. The study pertains to temples as a distinct typology, indigenous to the Konkan region and a systematic record of the architectural characteristics of the temples, and the symbolism embodied in them. A detailed documentation of a few culturally important, with respect to sacred geography, aesthetically and architecturally significant temples, was carried out along with a study of the site and surroundings. At present, the morphological transformations within the temples are influenced by contemporaneous culture and political ideologies of the patrons and community. This study has documented a range of alterations leading to a conservation plan and manual, to maintain the integrity and authenticity of temple architecture. The study can be further expanded and utilised as a base for research in other districts of the Konkan regions, such as Rathagiri and Raigad and a broader strategy devised to recognize this vernacular heritage.

Keywords: Vernacular architecture, temples, Konkan, traditional knowledge, cultural landscapes

Historically, heritage has remained a strategic asset for creating cities that are more inclusive, creative and sustainable. This study focuses on establishing the importance of heritage in today’s context, where most countries are facing rapid urbanisation, with technology playing an increasing role in this transformation. Given the global consensus for sustainable development, this study highlights the importance of heritage in Sustainable Development Agendas (SDAs). Following a brief discussion on the Sustainable Development Agenda and Goals, recent concepts of Smart cities and the role of ICT, shortcomings of present approaches debated with the help of various literature, this study proposes an innovative methodology to use Smart city interventions as a tool to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Thereby, overcoming the limitations of Smart city applications and sustainable development approaches while integrating the positives of both. This study addresses three main objectives related to 1) relevance and commitment of SDGs in a local context, and 2) application of Smart city as a tool or approach to achieve SDGs in general 3) how heritage and conservation sectors can be integrated into this proposed framework. This study also demonstrates, with the help of a model framework, where and how Smart city interventions and tools are best employed, and the local government role and how integration with other sectors can be managed. The model for this study is based on Ahmedabad in India and Oxford in the UK, but is replicable to other

Key Words: Heritage, Smart City, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development Goals

Araaish, meaning decoration in Persian, is a fine lime plaster with a marble like finish. However, traces of its origin are yet to be explored. The finish, as a technique, was often used as a base for paintings which adorned many palaces of the Rajputs and Bundelas. Mughals were the biggest patrons of Araaish and it was extensively used during Akbar’s reign. Traditionally the crafts were practiced in karkhanas (Royal factories) or through guilds. Master craftsmen taught their apprentices secret recipes of making particular finishes. Most of the time, these recipes and techniques were not documented and knowledge was shared orally. Archived information in the form of descriptions in travelogues, memoirs and paintings was explored to historically anchor and understand prevalent traditional practices, employed for making the finish. One of the earliest examples of Araaish is found on the columns of the Shahi Hamam (Royal bath house) belonging to Akbar’s period at Agra fort. The finish is made in three layers where each layer has a specific purpose and the process of making - which adds to the plaster’s special characteristics, needs to be explored. Lastly, scientific investigations to understand physical and chemical properties (S.E.M. – Semi-electron microscope) of samples of historic and modern day Araaish were carried out. The determination of the composition of a historic plaster is relevant during restoration works on historic buildings, as it helps define the composition of the finish for a deeper scientific understanding and informed practice of conservation.

Key Words: Araaish, Lime plaster, archival investigations, techniques, scientificInvestigations

It is interesting to note that copper objects were found in the early Harappan civilization, but we find an alarming increase in copper objects in the mature level; the reason for this is yet unknown. The peculiarity of Harappan metal technology is that metal vessels or utilitarian vessels are found in large numbers, whereas war utensils are hardly found, with the exception of one or two. It is clear that metal objects were not simply utilitarian or symbolic but that they played a variety of roles in the economy, technology, socio-ritual/ornamental aspects of the Harappan era. A piece of metal in itself does not indicate its status. It is the context in which the metal is used that is important to understand its role in a specific society. As far as Rakhigarhi and Kuntasi are concerned, not much work has been done. As a result of which any hypothesis regarding metal processing cannot be drawn simply on the ground of lack of data. Therefore, a detailed study is required and I would like to take this up for the above reason. Moreover, there is very little known about the technical, social and political aspects of the Harappan Civilization, therefore a detailed study is required for that.

Key Words: Harappan, Technology, Metal Craft

A decade of studying small villages and dwellings of western Gujarat (Saurashtra), brings to light the significant amount of change that village dwellings have gone through, over time. The change in dwelling formation has led to change in formation clusters of dwellings, leading to a dilution of “Village – Ness”. But, from authors narrating folklore of the place namely ZhaverchandMenghani, Kalapi, NanalalDalpatram Kavi, Dula BhayaKag etc. and recent works of Dhruv Bhatt, one understands the strong cultural traits which still exist. This poses a larger question of “village – ness”, which is seemingly disappearing from the village people or village dwellings. Or some aspects change and some remain unchanged. This research revolves around questions of changed and unchanged socio-cultural reflections on village dwellings. It contributes towards indicating a direction and awareness towards archiving our village dwellings as living cultural landscapes.

Key Words: Village Dwellings, Living cultural landscape, Saurashtra Region of Gujarat, Factors affecting change and unchanged aspects, Spaces of Dwellings

Megalithic monuments, which are sepulchral or memorial structures from prehistoric phases of human societies, are known to occur worldwide. Peninsular India has an especially dense distribution of megaliths, a cultural practice that is likely to have originated here in the Neolithic period, and persisted till as recently as the first few centuries of the Common Era. These megaliths range in structure from simple menhirs, to carefully crafted dolmens with elaborate surrounding structures. Since the 1800s, there have been sporadic reports of local residents near megalithic sites attributing the construction of these structures to a race of “little people”, with the terms “Mμori” or “Pμandava” most commonly given to this race. In this paper, we attempt to map the geographical spread of this “little people” legend across south India, as well as speculate on the possible origins and spread of this legend in the region.

Key Words: Megalith, dwarf, myth, Mμori, Pμandava

Through this work, the author has tried to connect Bidar and Basavakalyan (originally Kalyan), instead of the usual triangle of Bidar, Bijapur and Gulberga, even though some mention is made of these historic cities. The link with Kalyan, capital city of Western Chalukyan rulers, is much older compared to the Bahmani triangle of historic cities, hence an attempt has been made to revive it through this work, which will create a path for more students and scholars and encourage them to work in the historic cities of India. School children have helped in creating colourful drawings.

Key Words: Bidar, Basavakalyan, Kalyani, Fort, Karez, Qanat, Laterite, Chalukyan, Bahmani, Barid Shahi, Canons, Madrassa

The socio-cultural attributes of historic towns and cities have evolved with time. The cities reflect cultural exchanges, influences as well as change and continuity with changing rulers and dynasties. Thus, historic cities are layered and are great examples of the passing on of tradition. “The historic urban landscape is the urban area understood as the result of a historic layering of cultural and natural values, extending beyond the notion of a historic centre or ensemble to include the broader urban context and its geographical settings”1. This approach emphasises both the tangible and intangible aspects which governed these historic towns and cities. One can learn a great deal from historic cities for future planning and urban development. These settlements are reflections of culture in which they are embedded. They are organic in pattern, reflecting sensitivity towards physical attributes such as climate, context, material, and technology. These societies had a shared belief system and way of life so their settlements wereharmonious to their lives. The integrity and harmony in the built environment can be observed at the dwelling level, neighbourhood level, and cluster level. Cities are at their best when they are lived in by those for whom they were built. In present times need and lifestyles have changed. Migration, changes in lifestyle, changes in land use pattern, space requirements as well as the definition of the man and nature relationship has altered. The perception of shared value systems has been replaced with aspirations of individual identity. Moreover, in this era of modernisation, new materials and technologies are replacing indigenous knowledge systems which earlier governed the historic settlements. The result is an uncontrolled and irreversible change in the built environment. Significant values associated with these settlements are threatened. There is an urgent need to have a system to measure, guide, and regulate unsympathetic modifications and alterations to these historic settlements that have the potential to be conserved for future generations.

Key Words: Nature, Culture, Built Living Environment, Traditional Settlement, Settlement Pattern, Integrity

Attempts to map the historic development of this folk practice. It is irrevocably tied up with the celebration of Navratri a Hindu festival in deification of the mother goddess and has evolved over the past centuries into a socio-cultural phenomenon encompassing communities beyond Gujarat and finding in Bollywood cinema as well. The paper sketches the genesis evolution of the folk-dance form.

Key Words: dance, festival, global identity, urbanization, Women, oral tradition

The Saraswati River is the cradle of the ancient Indian Vedic civilization. The inherent intangible nature of the Rig Veda has relegated this massive paleo-river system into the realm of mythology. Recent scientific advancements in terms of satellite images, isotope studies and dating techniques of Quaternary sediments have fascinated geo-scientists to unravel the intangible which is so very complexly intertwined with the awesome long lost ancient natural heritage of India. Study of satellite imagery, trench sediments, sedimentary structures, textural and dense mineral geo-scientific investigations in the Himalayan foothill region and the Satluj-Ghaggar-Yamuna inter-fluvial plains in Jind, Kurukshetra, Yamuna Nagar and Panchkula districts point towards the presence of a turbulent, wide channelled, trans-Himalayan river which geo-spatially fits in well with the description of the elusive Saraswati River, so very often mentioned in the ancient Indian scriptures.

Key Words: Saraswati River, Rig Veda, Sedimentology, INTACH, Dense mineral, Haryana

Handloom of India is a significant term, conjuring up a craft that covers tradition and culture far beyond the frontiers of this great country. It includes within its fold well-known artistic varieties such as the brocades of Banaras and Kanchipuram, Baluchari, Jamdani, Paithani, Himroo, Mashru, Patola, Thanchoi, etc. using the handloom. As a craft, handloom has not only produced the finest muslins and the coarsest carpets, but also has helped in sustaining the lives of millions of artisans across generations. Many of our textile traditions are named after the place of production and techniques. There is a scarcity of literature to categorically explain the technique and processes of Indian handloom and hand woven textiles. The essay discusses select popular textile ‘traditions’ to understand the various types of ‘Weaves’ that are used in the Indian context.

This paper provides an insight into some of the key aspects of the research carried out as part of INTACH scholarship on Survey and Characterisation of Lakhori, further developed by the authors. It provides a historical overview on origin, use and methods of manufacture, properties visually as well as by scientific testing of Lakhori during the Mughal period in India.

Key Words: Brick, Lakhori, Delhi, Haryana, testing

Globally, urban areas are considered as engines of productivity and growth of a country. However, present day cities are faced with challenges of transformation and management with respect to globalization, competitiveness, sustainability, climate change, liveability and inclusiveness. These transformations will have a direct bearing on the strategies that need to be adopted to combat the challenges. Visakhapatnam city in Andhra Pradesh is fastest growing city in Asia that consists of a good number of British Colonial heritage constructed during AD 1801-1947. The Governments of India and Andhra Pradesh have proposed to transform this city into a ‘Smart City’. Unfortunately, the recent Hudhud cyclone has greatly impacted the city and its built heritage on the 12th October 2014. In this context, it is proposed to examine major British Colonial heritage in Visakhapatnam with respect to any cyclone effect and prepare risk management plans to uphold the historic urban fabric to retain the special identity, aesthetics, educational value, recreational benefits and socio-cultural significance of the city for the advantage of the generations to come.

Key Words: Built Heritages, Cyclone, Hudhud, Risk Management Plan

Traditional lime mortars in India are of a mysterious nature and have been a source of great discussion among historians and conservation architects. When one gets down to the conservation of buildings, there is no ‘scientific’ proportions and/or guidelines for why, how, and when they are to be made making the job very difficult. There was an urgent need to understand old mortars and their proportioning to be able to produce an ‘authentic’ and ‘compatible’ mortar for conservation. After acid dissolution test we reached a hypothesis that the traditional mortars in India which we know as ‘lime mortars’ may have been ‘clay mortars’ and the materials being sourced today are not the same as those that were used to make these. About 25% of these samples were sent for further XRD testing. The tests confirmed that traditional Indian mortars were made up of basically air (non-hydraulic) lime, sand, and clay or brick powder. Secondary sources suggest that traditional buildings in India and in other parts of the world, used mud mortars to start with. Lime was added to the local clay, as were many other organic additives, to stabilize and improve the quality of the mortar and its workability. This tradition of making clay mortars continued up to the 19th century and even later.

Key Words: Traditional mortars, clay mortars, lime mortars, mud mortars, XRD, acid dissolution test

Historic precincts that should showcase plant palette of a particular period or region are today plagued by homogenization in softscape. This is probably because planting for historic precincts has not received adequate attention from the purview of authenticity, aesthetics and availability of appropriate plant material. For projects where replanting exercise has been taken up, there is at times a lack of clarity on appropriate methodology of on-site execution. Conservation efforts for innumerable heritage projects being undertaken make it imperative to address planting for historic precincts with greater urgency. Decision-making regarding planting at historic precincts should be informed by thorough background research and documentation related to plant palette, planting layout and its contribution to the overall ambience. An understanding of how planting was undertaken historically requires a critical analysis of the concept of authenticity and progression of the aesthetic character of the softscape. Discussions around planting are gaining momentum, primarily through individual and a few institutional efforts, which focus on availability of indigenous species and sustenance of biodiversity. It is crucial for the process of research to concentrate on the cultural aspect of the softscape to reiterate the relevance of the vegetal component in the overall historic significance and ambience of the historic precinct.

Key Words: Planting, Historic, Precinct, Authenticity

Discussion on rail based Metro is often limited to the fields of transportation, urban planning and civil engineering. Rarely does one hear of voices from the heritage conservation perspective. The experience of Pune Metro shows that a capital-intensive, large-scale infrastructure project such as the Metro most likely brings irreversible transformation of urban landscapes. It should, therefore, be adequately explored from the perspective of its social and environmental desirability. The present study comments on the impact of Metro on heritage and extends to critically studying the existing framework that safeguards, protects and preserves heritage from the disruptive forces of urbanization.

Key Words: Historic urban landscape, Pune Metro Development Plan, Heritage conservation, MRTP Act

Structural analysis of historic constructions involves many challenges due to their complex geometries and unknown core materials. Masonry structures carry their action primarily in compression but their vulnerability to earthquakes and tensile forces has been proven time and again. The present research describes the structural analysis of an early 14th century grand domed masonry gateway – The Alai Darwaza, using two methods: the finite element method for the entire structure and the compressive thrust line method for the dome. It is a typical Indo- Islamic structure with a distinct structural system involving the interaction of arches, vaults and domes. The work provides a methodology for several other arcuated and domed masonry structures in and around Delhi (Seismic zone 4) with the aim of protection from earthquake loads in future.

Key Words: arches and domes, masonry, earthquakes, finite element, thrust line

The evolution of archaeological legislation in India is a drawn - out process. The first major law was the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904. Interestingly, this Act inspired the Antiquities Act, the first archaeological law in the US, passed in 1906. Both these Acts had, as their model, Britain's Ancient Monuments Protection Act of 1882. In 1958, India passed The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. This Act was an extension of the Act of 1904. The next important archaeological law in India is The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act of 2010. Apart from these national laws, many states in India have their own archaeological laws.

INTACH, in consultation with many other citizens' groups, has been fighting for the enactment of laws, at the state and local levels, for the preservation of heritage properties that are not protected by the above laws. As regards the framing and implementation of such laws, there are wide disparities in different states. Combining theoretical insights with empirical data, the paper critically analyzes, from the historical and legal perspectives, the evolution of archaeological legislation in India, comparing the same with similar legislation in other countries like the US, UK and France. The paper concludes with certain practical suggestions. The research for this paper was partly done in US, as a Fulbright Scholar.

Keywords: Archaeology, Conservation, Government, History, Law, Legislation

Heritage is regarded as a Universal Cultural Resource and researchers have established the benefits of visits to heritage sites by all. However, social inclusion in traditional sites remains a key challenge for heritage policy makers, managers and conservationists. For instance, the needs of people with visual impairments are not taken into consideration in heritage conservation and management and they are excluded from experiencing heritage as it is generally assumed that they are incapable of comprehending the built environment that makes up a cultural heritage site. Such a viewpoint has led to attitudinal barriers which isolate visually impaired people from the world of sighted people. To address this problem, an in-depth study was conducted to examine how visually impaired visitors comprehend heritage sites using non-visual stimuli. The study involved a group of 15 visually impaired participants and this paper reports the findings of the study that examined a national heritage site of Pataleshwar Caves, located in Pune, India.

Comprised of the following, the study required:

1. Participants to undertake a heritage tour, specially designed for people with visual impairment
2. Videotaping, photographing, documentation and taking field notes to offer research information
3. Using a tactile model of the heritage site to convey volumetric and navigational information
4. Informing participants about the existing conditions of the site
5. Discussing with participants, singly and in small groups about their interaction with the environment
6. Requiring participants to draw cognitive maps of the journey through the site

The study illustrates that visually impaired people could comprehend heritage sites and the experience of cultural heritage through non-visual visually impaired people to register the historical and environmental senses. The multi-sensorial qualities that make up a heritage site help the characteristic of the site. The study concludes with the need to conduct further research to offer important insights into heritage management strategies to achieve social inclusion in heritage sites.

Keywords: People with vision impairment, Heritage tour, Multisensory perception, Cognitive mapping, Heritage management

In the context of the economic restructuring of the city from a landscape of production to a landscape of consumption, there has been a general shift in the theory and practice of conservation. This paper will look at discourses centered around heritage conservation in Mumbai with the particular intent of examining how these play out in a post-industrial city attempting to demystify some of the rhetoric adopted by conservationists. It will try to show how conservation discourses and practices to align with the interests of dominant groups in the city, often insensitive to the interests of marginalized groups. In this process, landscapes of the city such as its industrial cores, places of workers' housing, inner cities, gaothans and koliwadas which once were landscapes of manufacturing, commerce and productivity are relegated to the margins. As histories are constructed around imagined communities, landscapes are commodified, transforming traditional neighbourhoods into consumable artefacts and aestheticised enclaves. The paper argues for the need for alternative frameworks which are inclusive and accommodative of the needs and interests of local communities and address issues related to socio-cultural continuity in historic landscapes.

Key words: Communities, Mumbai, Socio-Cultural Continuity, Livelihoods, Productive Landscapes, Post - Industrial City, Heritage

Annually, natural disasters cause loss of life, damage to property and environment as well as concomitant damage to cultural heritage property. In the wake of disaster occurrence, containment and response efforts put cultural resources at risk due to ignorance from conservation experts, policy makers particularly in developing countries like India as compared to many countries across the globe. Theoretical and conceptual premises indicate that seismic retrofit leading to preservation of historic structures requires the satisfaction of the requirements of aesthetics, architecture, engineering and technology. Protection of cultural heritage from natural hazards and disasters remains a neglected issue which has not been adequately accommodated in legislation or in national laws, by-laws and other documents worldwide by and large with a few exceptions. The present prevention and emergency measures are focused on saving human lives which result in total failure to protect cultural heritage assets as observed in the Bhuj earthquake of 2001 in India. The existing database regarding cultural heritage in the country is fragmented and incomplete, and does not contain authentic data that is essential for natural hazard risk assessment processes and risk management approaches. Research establishes that conventional strengthening methods, especially those involving invisible intervention, will continue to play an important part in the seismic protection of historic structures. However, the development of innovative technology for wider application is felt for heritage buildings in India. Using the interpretive approach this paper discusses the technical issues pertaining to the seismic retrofit of historic buildings, and explores various practices which are in current use in India for conservation of historic buildings. Based on past experiences it evaluates the feasibility of traditional as well as innovative technologies considering the character of Indian heritage built stock. The present paper endeavours to put forth the key challenges and achievements in heritage conservation with reference to the seismic environment in India. Considering the vulnerability of heritage buildings from seismic activity it is aimed to explore the measures required to render them strong enough to sustain damages on earthquake occurrence for posterity.

Keywords: Earthquake, Seismic, Base-isolation, Post tensioning, Risk, Mitigation

In a world where sustainability is becoming a guiding principle. there is great need for engineers with expertise in the areas of heritage conservation and green building design or vice-versa. It is hence a crucial step to bridge these two different concepts-Sustainability and Architectural Conservation. It is quintessential to realize that conservation is not a single stream of thought that can be applied to a building but a multi- faceted approach that needs to be adopted. Destruction of the country's historic resources has impacted the environment by creating more debris in landfills and using high levels of energy by destroying sound buildings and levelling trees and hillsides. The effects of the automobile and the promotion of sprawling development on green space and historic sites are well known. This paper examines the important dimension of sustainability, helping us quantify the value of a building in terms of energy and hence money saved rather than subjective values like historic. cultural and emotional, acceptable to both making the concept of conservation more palatable and clients and developers. Taking a holistic approach towards preservation entails considering facts life-spans of structures, and design (the flexibility that it offers for adaptive reuse), This paper delves into embodied energy. Embodied energy is the total non-renewable energy that goes into the manufacture of a material and plays in the choice of building materials. It is an important factor to consider when assessing the life cycle of a building and it relates directly to the sustainability of the built environment.

Keywords: Architectural Conservation, Sustainability, Embodied Energy

In 2012, the Japanese Government hosted in Kyoto the global celebration of the 40th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention. As a parallel activity to these celebrations and prior to the festivities in Kyoto, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Bunka-cho convened in Himeji a panel of international experts to reflect on the effects of the Nara Document on Authenticity on the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, and more generally on the field of heritage conservation throughout the world. The discussions began with the presentation of five papers meant to illustrate the evolving character of heritage and its protection.

The titles of the papers, which were later published in the Journal on Heritage and Society (Vol.60, No.2, November 2013) were:

• - Authenticity, Value and Community Involvement in Heritage
• - Management under the World Heritage and Intangible Heritage Conventions
• - Conservation Philosophy and its Development: Changing Understandings of Authenticity and Significance
• - Values and Heritage Conservation
• - Economic Discourse and Heritage Conservation: Towards an
• - Ethnography of Administrations
• - Community Participation and the Tangible and Intangible Values of Urban Heritage

Stimulated by the content of these papers, the discussion flowed towards the relationship between values and authenticity, leading eventually to questions about what and whose values; the new uses of heritage including its role in sustainable development; the credibility and hierarchy of sources as it relates to valid stakeholder communities; the implications of the temporality of shifting values; and the convergence of cultural heritage into a single inextricable unit of natural and cultural, moveable and immoveable and tangible and intangible heritagemanifestations.

That first meeting resulted in the Himeji Recommendations, a text that recognizes that the implications of the Nara Document went far beyond the procedural framework of the World Heritage Convention. Our understanding of how the theoretical foundations and professionalpractices of the entire heritage field had been expanded by the Nara Document in ways that probably were Himeji Recommendations articulated not foreseen at the time of its adoption.

The Recommendations summarized these issues under the following five headings, and it was presented to the assembly in Kyoto and then circulated worldwide.

• - Values and authenticity
• - Defining authenticity and integrity
• - Credibility of sources
• - Involving communities
• - Heritage and sustainable development

The breadth and depth of the discussions that took place in Himeji demonstrated to all meeting participants need to continue with these reflections, a decision that materialized in two subsequent meetings with an expanded roster of discussants that met at the Kyushu University in Fukuoka in 2013 and early 2014. The discussions at the two Fukuoka meetings were informed by the responses to an international survey that queried the heritage community about the most significant impacts of the Nara Document. The outcome of those meetings has been a new document that expands on the Himeji Recommendations and is entitled Nara + 20, the document that was adopted in Nara on October 24, 2014, and presented to the internationalcommunity as a part of the 18th ICOMOS General Assembly on November 10, 2014. In this two-year process it has been identified what is to be the still unfulfilled possibilities that the Nara Document opened up, along with more recommendations on further work yet to be done in order to integrate them into Current heritage theory and praxis.

All important notions, which were already articulated in the Nara Document, were considered in the radical changed context that has occurred over the past two decades, such as the growth of public participation in the political arena as a product of increased global democratization; the advent of new technologies; the rapidly evolving global demographics resulting from unprecedented internal as well as international migrations; the global interconnectedness made possible by Skype, e-mails, mobilephones, the social media, and the universal access to knowledge, ideas and events through the Internet. It is important to underline that Nara + 20 is directed at all levels of the international community involve in the protection of heritage; it has not been conceived as a commentary or as suggestions on implementation of the World Heritage Convention. It is also important to understand that Nara being set forth as a new doctrinal document, but as a call for further discussion, research and develop certain new and often controversial concepts and approaches to heritage conservation. Some of the ideas contained in Nara+20 emerged elsewhere, and others were identified during participants' discussions and that could be legitimized. Many of them started to emerge in the Nara Document, yet 20 years later, they are still not fully understood nor integrated into standard practice.

1. ‘Many Voices, One Vision: The Early Years of the World Heritage Convention by Christina Cameron and Mechtild’

Review by Shikha Jain

2. ‘Cultural Heritage and Tourism by Dallen J. Timothy’

Review by M. Saleem Beg

3. ‘Preservation and Archiving: Challenges and Solutions by Joyce McIntosh (Ed.)’

Review by Dr. Vandana Sinha

4. ‘Architectural Conservation by John H. Stubbs’

Review by AGK Menon