MODULE- III: HISTORICAL TOURISM PRODUCTS

Historical Tourism: Definition & Concept

The wealth of historic tourism resources are widespread almost in every part of
the country. These are associated with some historical, religious or a cultural event.
During the course of a very long history of India, different people and different religions
have left a mark in the concrete forms. They comprise statues, shrines, tombs,
minarets, forts, palaces, ancient monuments or recent buildings created by our people.
These are known for their architecture or the plans of cities now lying in ruins. Many
sites may not be having any visual appeal today. But these are still significant for some
historical or religious events or because of their association with the life history of a
great person. Above all, the performing arts (music, drama and dance), traditions and
customs, costumes, cuisine, languages, social habits, religious rites and festivals are
expression of culture.
Almost every part of India has ancient monuments or recent buildings of varied
architectural designs. It is famous for a variety of its performing arts and life styles of
people. This heritage provides for our cultural resources of tourism. The increasing
number of foreign and business tourist arrivals, revenue earnings and jobs for the local
people have also made tourism relevant, at local as well as national levels.
India is known for its rich cultural & historical attractions. One can see the
influence of various cultures in the form of dance, music, festivals, architecture,
traditional customs, food and languages. The richness in culture goes a long way in
projecting India as the ultimate cultural tourism destination. Cultural tourism India is the
predominant factor behind Indias dramatic rise in the tourism segment in recent years,
because from time immemorial, India has been considered the land of ancient history,
and culture. The most popular states in India for its historical-cultural tourism are
Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal. The various fairs and festivals
that tourists can visit in India for cultural tourism are the Puskar Mela, Desert Festival,
Pongal, Suraj Kund Mela, Kite Festival in Gujarat, The Rath Yatra at Jagannath Puri,
etc. and tourist also come to get knowledge of Indian dance and festivals like Kuchipudi,
Odissi, Kathakali, Garba, Fire Dance, Gair Ghoomer and many more. The historical
and cultural tourism resources of India can be archaeological sites , monuments, routes,
and museums, architecture (ruins, famous buildings, whole towns), art, sculpture, crafts,
galleries, festivals, events, music & dance (classical, folk, contemporary), e)drama
(theatre, films, dramatists), language & literature study, tours, events, religious festivals,
pilgrimages, and Cultural-historic events

Classification of Historical & Cultural Tourism Product

The evolved human capacity to classify and represent experiences with symbols,
and to act imaginatively & creatively thus the resulted outcomes are consumed for
Tourism by Tourists as Cultural resources. The distinct ways that people living in
different parts of the world classified and represented their experiences, and acted
creatively then resulted outcomes are consumed for Tourism by Tourists as Historical &
Cultural resources.
The major Tourism Historical & Cultural Product can be grouped as:
Religious, Culture, Traditions, Customs and Rituals: Religion, Culture, Traditions,
Customs and Rituals are Tourism Cultural Resources because these satisfy the Tourist
strong desire to know what he does not know about the visiting destinations Religions,
Culture, Traditions, Customs and Rituals. Moreover, these resources also form the
Tourism Sub-Cultural resources to encash into numbers of Tourism products.
Monuments, Historical Buildings, Art & Architecture: Monuments, Historical
Buildings, Art & Architecture are the reflectors of History, Art & Architecture, Culture and
Traditions of the destinations visited by the Tourists. For this reason these are the most
sought Cultural Resources by the Tourists.
Performing and Visual Arts: These Tourism Cultural Resources are also attractions
and pull factors for Tourists for number of reasons which will be discussed in coming
Units. These Cultural Tourism Resources includes Music, Drama, Dance, Cinema,
Theater and so on.
Handicraft, Artifacts and Handlooms: No Tourist can resist himself from attracting
towards these categories of Tourism Cultural Resources to make his visit memorable by
enjoying and purchasing the products of these resources.
Fairs, Festivals and Sports: Fairs and Festivals are the interpreter of culture, tradition,
custom and rituals of any destination besides providing knowledge and entertainment.
Same is true for Sports. For this reasons, these Tourism Cultural Resources have place
in the list of Itinerary of Tourists.
Pilgrimage and Religious Sites: This category of Tourism Cultural Resources are
mostly sought by Tourists of Religious Tourism.
Literature: This category of Tourism Cultural Resources are sought by Bibliophilic and
Bibliomaniac Tourists.
Medical Health, wellness and Marketing: This category of Tourism Cultural
Resources is natural as well as acquiring skill in the these fields. Therefore, these
categories of resources are vital Tourism Cultural Resources.
Conservatories: Conservatories are also known as living theater of the past and
plethora of knowledge, information and entertainment under one roof. Therefore, to
avail this category of Tourism Cultural Resources are Tourists one of the top priorities to
visit. Museums, Archives and Art Galleries form Conservatories.
Financial Institutions: No Tourist, specially Non-Domestic can afford to ignore these
resources because beside other financial matter they have to avail it for Foreign
exchange.
Accommodations, Cuisines and Gastronomy: Each and every Tourist has to
consume
these Tourism Cultural Resources because these are integral and inseparable
components
of Tourism. Hotels, Motels, Inns, Guest Houses, House Boats, Food & Catering and
related services such as Hospitality falls under this category of Tourism Cultural
Resources.
Transport and Communications: These Tourism Cultural Resources are the
backbone and lifeline of Tourism.
Meaning of Heritage Tourism
Heritage tourism in India has been always famous for its ancient cultural diversity
which attracts millions of tourists each year. Heritage tourism India has registered an
immense growth in the last few years, ever since additional initiatives were taken by the
government of India to boost Indias image as a destination for heritage tourism. Indias
glorious past and cultural diversity make a powerful blend which attracts millions of
tourists each year to visit India for its heritage tourist attractions. The government of
India and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture encourage heritage tourism in India by
offering several benefits to the Indian states that are particularly famous for attracting
tourists. 35 India's rich heritage is amply reflected in the various temples, palaces,
monuments and forts that can be found everywhere in the country. This has leads to the
increase heritage tourism in the country. The most popular heritage tourism destinations
in India are - Taj Mahal in Agra, Mandawa castle in Rajasthan, Mahabalipuram in Tamil
Nadu, Madurai in Tamil Nadu, Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, the Indian capital.

Types of Heritage Tourism Resources: Tangible and Intangible

The World Tourism Organization defines Heritage Tourism as an immersion in the

natural history, human heritage, arts, philosophy, and institutions of another region or
another country. It means visit to a place mainly to appreciate the history of a place, and
understand the heritage. Heritage can be classified in two parts
Tangible/Physical Heritage:
Including but not limited to built structures and surrounds; cultural landscapes;
historic sites, areas and precincts; ruins, archaeological and maritime sites; sites
associated with mining, industrial, scientific and agricultural heritage; sites of important
events and commemorations; collections that house or collectively promote objects of
heritage significance (eg National Trust attractions, museums, tours, trails and festivals)
and created landscapes (eg botanic and public gardens).
- Tangible/Immovable Resources: (Buildings/ monuments, Rivers, unique
occurrences in the Nature). For example, Taj Mahal, Great Barrier Reef
 - Tangible Movable Resources: (Objects in museums, documents in archives
etc.). For example, part of Ashok Pillar, and so on.
Intangible Heritage:
Including but not limited to oral traditions, languages, rituals and beliefs, social
practices, knowledge, human activities, multicultural interactions, events and festivals,
and stories and histories that shape the essence and character of country.
- Intangible Resources: Values, Customs, Ceremonies, life styles, and festivals,
arts, and cultural events. For example, festivals, fairs, Ganga Aarti and so on
Therefore, any tourism activity involving the above mentioned resources is part of
the heritage tourism.

TPOLOGIES OF HERITAGE & CULTURAL TOURISM PRODUCTS

Sr. N. TANGIBLE INTANGIBLE
1. Historical Buildings and Places Oral History and Traditions
2. Declared Heritage Resources (Sites Indigenous Knowledge Systems
& Objects)
3. Cultural Objects and Collections Rituals and Cultural Performances
4. Artifacts and Crafts Performances and Creative Arts
5. Fine Art Skills and Techniques
6. Cultural Landscapes (including Belief Systems
natural environment)
7. Archeological evidence Cultural Festivals
8. Geological evidence Popular Memory
9. Paleontological remains
10. Sacred and spiritual sites
 HERITAGE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS

(UNESCO, ASI, ICOMS, INTACH)

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) based in Paris. Its declared purpose
is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through
educational, scientific, and cultural reforms in order to increase universal respect for
justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedom proclaimed in
the United Nations Charter. It is the heir of the League of Nations' International
Committee on Intellectual Cooperation. UNESCO has 195 member states and nine
associate members. Most of its field offices are "cluster" offices covering three or more
countries; national and regional offices also exist.

UNESCO pursues its objectives through five major programs: education, natural
sciences, social/human sciences, culture and communication/information. Projects
sponsored by UNESCO include literacy, technical, and teacher-training programmes,
international science programmes, the promotion of independent media and freedom of
the press, regional and cultural history projects, the promotion of cultural diversity,
translations of world literature, international cooperation agreements to secure the
world cultural and natural heritage (World Heritage Sites) and to preserve human rights,
and attempts to bridge the worldwide digital divide. Other priorities of the organization
include attaining quality Education For All and lifelong learning, addressing emerging
social and ethical challenges, fostering cultural diversity, a culture of peace and building
inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication.
Activities of UNESCO
UNESCO implements its activities through the five programme areas: education,
natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and
information.
Education: UNESCO supports research in comparative education; and provide
expertise and fosters partnerships to strengthen national educational leadership and
the capacity of countries to offer quality education for all. This includes the
UNESCO Chairs, an international network of 644 UNESCO Chairs,
involving over 770 institutions in 126 countries.
Environmental Conservation Organisation
Convention against Discrimination in Education adopted in 1960
Organization of the International Conference on Adult Education
(CONFINTEA) in an interval of 12 years
Publication of the Education for All Global Monitoring Report
Publication of the Four Pillars of Learning seminal document
UNESCO ASPNet, an international network of 8,000 schools in 170
countries.
Designating projects and places of cultural and scientific significance,
such as:
Global Geoparks Network
Biosphere reserves, through the Programme on Man and the
Biosphere (MAB), since 1971
Endangered languages and linguistic diversity projects
Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity
Memory of the World International Register, since 1997
Water resources management, through the International Hydrological
Programme (IHP), since 1965
World Heritage Sites
World Digital Library
 Encouraging the "free flow of ideas by images and words" by:
Promoting freedom of expression, freedom of the press and freedom of
information legislation, through the International Programme for the
Development of Communication and the Communication and Information
Programme
Promoting universal access to Information and Communications
Technology, through the Information for All Programme
Promoting pluralism and cultural diversity in the media
Promoting events, such as:
International Decade for the Promotion of a Culture of Peace and Non-
Violence for the Children of the World: 20012010, proclaimed by the UN in
1998
World Press Freedom Day, 3 May each year, to promote freedom of
expression and freedom of the press as a basic human right and as crucial
components of any healthy, democratic and free society.
Criana Esperana in Brazil, in partnership with Rede Globo, to raise
funds for community-based projects that foster social integration and violence
prevention.
International Literacy Day
International Year for the Culture of Peace
Founding and funding projects, such as:
Migration Museums Initiative: Promoting the establishment of museums
for cultural dialogue with migrant populations. [45]
UNESCO-CEPES, the European Centre for Higher Education: established
in 1972 in Bucharest, Romania, as a de-centralized office to promote
international co-operation in higher education in Europe as well as Canada, USA
and Israel. Higher Education in Europe is its official journal.
Free Software Directory: since 1998 UNESCO and the Free Software
Foundation have jointly funded this project cataloguing free software.
FRESH Focussing Resources on Effective School Health.[46]
 OANA, Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies
International Council of Science
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors
ASOMPS, Asian Symposium on Medicinal Plants and Spices, a series of
scientific conferences held in Asia
Botany 2000, a programme supporting taxonomy,
and biological and cultural diversity of medicinal and ornamental plants, and their
protection against environmental pollution
The UNESCO Collection of Representative Works, translating works of
world literature both to and from multiple languages, from 1948 to 2005
GoUNESCO, an umbrella of initiatives to make heritage fun supported by
UNESCO, New Delhi Office[47]

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the
premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural
heritage of the nation. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and
remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. Besides it regulate all
archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments
and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It also regulates Antiquities and Art
Treasure Act, 1972.
For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and
remains of national importance the entire country is divided into 24 Circles. The
organization has a large work force of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphist
and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its Circles,
Museums, Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science
Branch, Horticulture Branch, Building Survey Project, Temple Survey Projects and
Underwater Archaeology Wing.
Formation of the ASI- Organization
 The Archaeological Survey of India is an attached office of the Ministry of
Culture. Under the provisions of the AMASR Act of 1958, the ASI administers more than
3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
These can include everything from temples, mosques, churches, tombs, and cemeteries
to palaces, forts, step-wells, and rock-cut caves. The Survey also maintains ancient
mounds and other similar sites which represent the remains of ancient habitation. The
ASI is headed by a Director General who is assisted by an Additional Director General,
two Joint Directors General, and 17 Directors. The ASI is divided into a total of 27
circles each headed by a Superintending Archaeologist. Each of the circles are further
divided into sub-circles.The circles of the ASI are:
1. Agra
2. Aurangabad
3. Bangalore
4. Bhopal
5. Bhubaneswar
6. Chandigarh
7. Chennai
8. Dehra Dun
9. Delhi
10. Dharwad
11. Goa
12. Guwahati
13. Hyderabad
14. Jaipur
15. Jodhpur
16. Kolkata
17. Lucknow
18. Mumbai
19. Nagpur
20. Patna
21. Raipur
 22. Ranchi
23. Sarnath
24. Shimla
25. Srinagar
26. Thrissur
27. Vadodara
The ASI also administers two "mini-circles" at Leh and Hampi.

Functions of ASI

Museums: India's first museum was established by the Asiatic Society in Calcutta in
1814. Much of its collection was passed on to the Indian Museum, which was
established in the city in 1866. The Archaeological Survey did not maintain its own
museums until the tenure of its third director-general, John Marshall. He initiated the
establishment of various site museums at Sarnath (1904), Agra (1906), Ajmer (1908),
Delhi Fort (1909), Bijapur (1912), Nalanda (1917) and Sanchi (1919). The ASI's
museums are customarily located right next to the sites that their inventories are
associated with "so that they may be studied amid their natural surroundings and not
lose focus by being transported". A dedicated Museums Branch was established in 1946
by Mortimer Wheeler, which now maintains a total of 44 museums spread across the
country.

Library: The ASI maintains a Central Archaeological Library in the National Archives
building in Janpath, New Delhi. Established in 1902, its collection numbers more than
100,000 books and journals. The library is also a repository of rare books, plates, and
original drawings. The Survey additionally maintains a library in each of its circles to
cater to local academics and researchers.
Publications: The day-to-day work of the survey was published in a series of periodical
bulletins and reports. The periodicals and archaeological series published by the ASI
are:

Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum : It consists of a series of seven volumes of

inscriptions discovered and deciphered by archaeologists of the survey. Founded in
1877 by Alexander Cunningham, a final revised volume was published by E.
Hultzsch in 1925.
Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy The first volume of the Annual Report on
Indian Epigraphy was brought out by the epigraphist E. Hultzsch in 1887. The
bulletin has not been published since 2005.
Epigraphia Indica: Epigraphia Indica was first published by the then Director
General, J. Burgess in 1888 as a supplementary to The Indian Antiquary. Since
then, a total of 43 volumes have been published. The last volume was published in
1979. An Arabic and Persian supplement to the Epigraphia Indica was also
published from 1907 to 1977.
South Indian Inscriptions The first volume was edited by E. Hultzsch and
published in 1890. A total of 27 volumes were published till 1990. The early volumes
are the main source of historical information on the Pallavas, Cholas and Chalukyas.
Annual Report of the Archaeological Survey of India: It was the primary
bulletin of the ASI. The first annual report was published by John Marshall in 1902-
03. The last volume was published in 1938-39. It was replaced by "Indian
Archaeology: A Review".
Ancient India: The first volume of Ancient India was published in 1946 and
edited by Sir Mortimer Wheeler as a bi-annual and converted to an annual in 1949.
The twenty second and last volume was published in 1966.
Indian Archaeology: A Review: Indian Archaeology: A Review is the primary
bulletin of the ASI and has been published since 1953-54. It replaced the Annual
Report of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Role of A.S.I.
The Archaeological Survey of India has safeguarded our rich history for 150 years. Sir
William Jones initiated the archeological and historical pursuits in India. Publication of
Asiatic Researches (1788) introduced a new area of interest on protection of the
historical remains and numerous monuments in India. James Princep, James
Fergusson, and Sir Alexander Cunningham played a crucial role in surveying the
monuments and documenting the explorations. In 1861, Sir Alexander Cunningham was
appointed as Archeological Surveyor and later in 1871 he was appointed as the Director
General. The surveys of Cunningham led to several discoveries such as monolithic
capitals and other remains of Asoka, specimens of architecture of Gupta and post-
Gupta period, great stupa of Bharhut, identification of ancient cities namely: Sankisa,
Sravasti and Kausambi. He also brought to prominence the Gupta temples at Tigawa,
Bilsar, Bhitargaon, Kuthra, Deogarh and Gupta inscriptions at Eran, Udayagiri and other
places. Treasure Trove Act 1878 vested all powers in Government to confiscation and
safety of treasures and antiquities found during chance digging. ASI is the premier
institution in India concentrating on archaeological researches, explorations,
excavations and protection and preservation of monuments and sites of national
importance. ASI functions under Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Its functions
include:
Archaeological researches
Explorations
Protection of the cultural heritage of the nation
Maintenance of ancient monuments and archeological sites
Regulate all archaeological activities

Definition of a monument: structure, erection or monument tumulus, cave, rock

sculpture, inscription, monolith, historical, or archaeological, interest has been in
existence not less than 100 years ( A.S.I.). There are approximately 3650 monuments
under A.S.I., which include temples, mosques, tombs, churches, cemeteries, forts,
palaces, step-wells, rock cut caves, and secular architecture that represent the remains
or mounts/sites of civilizations. Every state also has a Department of Archaeology,
under which monuments and sites, which are not falling in the list of ASI Protected
Monuments are taken care by the state government.
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is a professional

association that works for the conservation and protection of cultural heritage places
around the world. Now headquartered in Paris, ICOMOS was founded in 1965
in Warsaw as a result of the Venice Charter of 1964, and offers advice
to UNESCO on World Heritage Sites. The idea behind ICOMOS dates to the Athens
Conference on the restoration of historic buildings in 1931, organized by the
International Museums Office. The Athens Charter of 1931 introduced the concept of
international heritage. In 1964, the Second Congress of Architects and Specialists of
Historic Buildings, meeting in Venice, adopted 13 resolutions. The first created the
International Charter on the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites,
better known as Venice Charter; the second, put forward by UNESCO, created
ICOMOS to carry out this charter.

ICOMOS currently has over 9,500 individual members in 144 countries, 110
national committees and 28 international scientific committees. [1] With rare exceptions,
each member must be qualified in the field of conservation and a practicing landscape
architect, architect, archaeologist, anthropologist, town planner, engineer, administrator
of heritage, historian, art historian, paleontologist or archivist. ICOMOS is a partner in
the International Committee of the Blue Shield (ICBS), which works to protect the
world's cultural heritage threatened by wars and natural disasters.

ICOMOS Structure
ICOMOS is composed of its national committees (NCs), to which individuals and
institutions apply for membership. In addition to the national committees, ICOMOS has
a series of international scientific committees (ISCs), in which experts in a certain field
of activity within the context of heritage conservation exchange views and debate. The
organization is headed by a president, five vice-presidents, a secretary-general and a
treasurer all directly elected by the general assembly of the organization. 12 additional
members are also elected by the General Assembly into the Executive Committee and
five further members are co-opted into the executive board in order to represent regions
of the world or areas of expertise that were not part of the executive committee following
the elections. Ex officio members of the executive committee are the president of
the advisory committee and the previous presidents of ICOMOS, who attend in advisory
capacity. The executive committee is the executive body of ICOMOS. The advisory
committee is composed of the chairpersons of the national committees, the
chairpersons of the international scientific committees and the president of ICOMOS as
an ex officio member.[3] The advisory committee was given the task to advise and make
recommendations to the General Assembly and the Executive Committee on matters
which concern policy and programme priorities.
National committees: National committees are subsidiary organizations created in the
countries which are members of UNESCO. They bring together individual and
institutional members and offer them a framework for discussion and an exchange of
information. ICOMOS has national committees in 108 countries as of August 2015.
Each national committee adopts its own rules of procedure and elaborates its own
program according to the goals and aims of ICOMOS.
ICOMOS-UK - United Kingdom National Committee
ICOMOS Ireland - Ireland National Committee
USICOMOS - National Committee United States of America
Australia ICOMOS - National Committee Australia
International committees: Usually known as "international scientific committees"
(ISCs), these entities focus on specialized areas of heritage conservation and are made
up of members of the organization drawn from those specialist areas. The scientific
programmes of the organization are coordinated by the 'scientific council" made up of
the presidents of the ISCs. The following ISCs operate within ICOMOS:
Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage (ISCARSAH)
Archaeological Heritage Management (ICAHM)
 Cultural Landscapes ICOMOS-IFLA (ISCCL)
Cultural Routes (CIIC)
Cultural Tourism (ICTC)
Earthen Architectural Heritage (ISCEAH)
Economics of Conservation (ISEC)
Fortifications and Military Heritage (IcoFort)
Heritage Documentation (CIPA)
Historic Towns and Villages (CIVVIH)
Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites (ICIP)
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICICH)
Legal, Administrative and Financial Issues (ICLAFI)
Mural (Wall) Painting
International Polar Heritage Committee (IPHC)
Risk Preparedness (ICORP)
Rock Art (CAR)
Shared Built Heritage (ISCSBH)
Stained Glass (ISCV)
Stone (ISCS)
Theory and Philosophy of Conservation and Restoration
International Training Committee (CIF)
Underwater Cultural Heritage (ICUCH)
Vernacular Architecture (CIAV)
Wood (IWC)
20th-Century Heritage (ISC20C)

ICOMOS and the World Heritage Convention

In 1972, ICOMOS was named by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention as one of
the three formal advisory bodies to the World Heritage Committee, along with
the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the International Centre
for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM). As the
professional and scientific adviser to the committee on all aspects of the cultural
heritage, ICOMOS is responsible for the evaluation of all nominations of cultural
properties made to the World Heritage List with the criteria laid down by the World
Heritage Committee. In addition to the basic criterion of outstanding universal value,
ICOMOS evaluates nominations for aspects related to authenticity, management, and
conservation as specified in the World Heritage Convention. The evaluation of
nominations involves consultation between the wide-ranging expertise represented by
the organizations membership and its national and scientific committees. Members are
also sent on expert missions to carry out on-site evaluations of nominated properties.
This extensive consultation results in the preparation of detailed recommendations that
are submitted to the World Heritage Committee at its annual meetings.

ICOMOS is also involved, through its International Secretariat and its national
and scientific committees, in the preparation of reports on the state of conservation of
properties inscribed on the World Heritage List. It advises the UNESCO World Heritage
Centre on requests for technical assistance received from states that are party to (i.e.
have ratified) the World Heritage Convention. ICOMOS maintains a full archive of
nominations and reports at the documentation centre at its Paris headquarters.

Indian National Trust For Art and Cultural Heritage(INTACH)

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was founded in
1984 in New Delhi with the vision to spearhead heritage awareness and conservation in
India. Today INTACH is recognized as one of the worlds largest heritage organizations,
with over 190 Chapters across the Country. In the past 31 years INTACH has pioneered
the conservation and preservation of not just our natural and built heritage but intangible
 heritage as well. Headquartered in New Delhi, it operates through various divisions such
as Architectural Heritage, Natural Heritage, Material Heritage, Intangible Cultural
Heritage, Heritage Education and Communication Services (HECS), Crafts and
Community Cell, Chapters, INTACH Heritage Academy, Heritage Tourism, Listing Cell
and Library, Archives and Documentation Centre.

INTACHs mission to conserve heritage is based on the belief that living in

harmony with heritage enhances the quality of life, and it is the duty of every citizen of
India as laid down in the Constitution of India. The objectives spelt out in the
Memorandum of Association constitute INTACHs Mandate and Vision. Its stated
mission to date continues to be:

Sensitize the public about the pluralistic cultural legacy of India

Instill a sense of social responsibility towards preserving Indias common heritage
Protect and preserve Indias living, built, and natural heritage by undertaking
necessary actions and measures
Document unprotected buildings of archaeological, architectural, historic and
aesthetic significance, as well as the cultural resources, as this is the first step towards
formulating conservation plans
Develop heritage policies and regulations, and make legal interventions to
protect Indias heritage when necessary
Provide expertise in the field of conservation, restoration and preservation of
specific works of art; and encourage capacity-building by developing skills through
training programmes
Undertake emergency response measures during natural or man-made disasters
and support the local administration whenever heritage is threatened
Foster collaborations, Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and partnerships with
government and other national and international agencies
Generate sponsorships for conservation and educational projects
History of INTACH

The history of INTACH outlines the development made by it since its inception. A
brief overview of the various significant development and events that led to the making
and growth of INTACH over the years is outlined here:

1984 INTACH is established as a Registered Society

1985 Chapters across the country
1986 INTACH logo is finalized and registered
1989 Conservation Plan of Ekamra Kshetra
1991 Conservation Plan for Ujjain Heritage Zone
1992-3 The construction of the New Headquarters building initiated
2000 INTACH Environmental Award
2003 Chapters Guidelines
2007 INTACH gets UNESCO special consultative status
2008 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government of Delhi
2009 INTACH Pupul Jayakar Award and Memorial lecture
2011 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government of Jharkhand
2012 Convenors Orientation Programme
2013 Revised Chapters Guidelines
2014 INTACH UK Trust dissolved

INTACH Charter

Charter for the Conservation of Unprotected Architectural Heritage and Sites in India:

Drawing upon the experience of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural
Heritage
(INTACH) in conserving the unprotected architectural heritage and sites of India
within an institutional framework for two decades;

Respecting the invaluable contributions of the Archaeological Survey of India

(ASI) and State Departments of Archaeology (SDA) in preserving the finest
monuments of India;
 Valuing ASI's pioneering role in promoting scientific methods of practice and
establishing highest standards of professionalism in preserving monuments;

Acknowledging the importance and relevance of principles enunciated in the

various International Charters adopted by UNESCO, ICOMOS, et al;

Conscious, however, that a majority of architectural heritage properties and sites

in India still remains unidentified, unclassified, and unprotected, thereby subject
to attrition on account of neglect, vandalism and insensitive development;

Recognizing the unique resource of the living heritage of Master Builders /

Sthapatis / Sompuras / Raj Mistris who continue to build and care for buildings
following traditions of their ancestors;

Recognizing, too, the concept of jeernodharanam, the symbiotic relationship

binding the tangible and intangible architectural heritage of India as one of the
traditional philosophies underpinning conservation practice;

Noting the growing role of a trained cadre of conservation architects in India who
are re-defining the meaning and boundaries of contemporary conservation
practices;

Convinced that it is necessary to value and conserve the unprotected

architectural heritage and sites in India by formulating appropriate guidelines
sympathetic to the contexts in which they are found;

INTACH Code of Commitment: The ethical commitment that every INTACH Member
follows are:

Cherish and protect our common heritage

Care for the conservation of the local environment
 Spread concern and a sense of belonging amongst the local community
Respect our own culture and that of others
Encourage creative expression and inspire young minds to develop secular and
cultural values
Uphold INTACHs goal and its mission to conserve heritage

INTACH Structure

The affairs of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage are carried
out by the Governing council (GC) and the Executive committee (EC). The Chairman
and the members of the Governing Council are elected through postal ballot system by
the General Body at the time of its AGM from amongst the members having voting
rights. The Governing Council will not have less than 11 members and not more than 42
members. The tenure of each elected member including the Chairman is 3 years from
the date of election. The outgoing members shall be eligible for re-election. The
Governing Council shall elect a Vice Chairman from amongst the members of the
Governing Council. The tenure is 3 years or co-terminus with the term as a member of
Governing Council, whichever is earlier.

The Executive Committee shall consist of 9 members Chairman, Vice Chairman

Member Secretary and Six members elected by the Governing Council from amongst its
members provided that one of them should have expertise in legal matters and another
in financial affairs and they should be able to advise the Committee in such matters. The
tenure of the members of the EC shall be 3 years but shall be eligible for re-election,
maximum 3 times. Member Secretary (MS), INTACH as Ex-officio member with voting
rights. MS shall enjoy all powers, rights and privileges as any other member Governing
council (GC) and the Executive committee (EC). Member Secretary is appointed by the
GC on recommendations of the EC for a period of 03 years and eligible for re-
appointment. MS is responsible and accountable for proper management of the Trust
and shall function under the directions of the Executive Committee.