Protection of Cultural Heritage: The Preservation of National Heritage is a duty imposed by the Constitution of India under Article 51 (A), Fundamental Duties, – It states that- ‘It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.’

The Constitution also provides for the protection of monuments under Article 49, Directive Principles of State Policy, which states: “Protection of Monuments, Places, and Objects of National Importance.” – ‘Every monument, location, or object of aesthetic or historic interest, recognized by or under the law passed by Parliament to be of national importance, shall be protected by the State from spoliation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposition, or export, as the case may be.’

For the protection of art, architecture, and the cultural heritage of India, the Ministry of Culture has also made many schemes and initiatives, which are as follows:

  1. The Ministry of Culture has developed a scheme titled “Scheme for Safeguarding India’s Intangible Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions” with the goal of reinvigorating and revitalising various institutions, groups, individuals, identified non-MOC institutions, non-government organizations, researchers, and scholars to engage in activities/projects aimed at strengthening, protecting, preserving, and promoting India’s rich intangible cultural heritage. The Scheme covers Performing arts, Social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge, and practices concerning nature and the universe, traditional craftsmanship, etc.
  2. The ministry gives out various awards recognizing excellence in the field of art like awards by the Sahitya Academy and Sangeet Natak Akademy.
  3. A portal has been created by the Archeological Survey of India, which notifies “Must-see Moments and Archaeological Sites of India.’ This will highlight the magnificent and outstanding monuments in India.
  4. The National Virtual Library has been created to bring together all the information on India’s rich heritage.
  5. The conservation portal of the ASI: It is also a tracking portal that checks all the conservation and developmental works that are done in India. Satellite mapping of ASI monuments is also done by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
  6. The retrieval of stolen antiques from abroad: Example: The bronze Nataraja and the stone object of Ardhnarishwara from Australia have been retrieved, and some objects like the seated image of Buddha, Pratayangira, and the Buddha panel are in the process of return.
  7. PROJECT MAUSAM: This project is the result of a Ministry of Culture initiative. The Archeological Survey of India is the project’s nodal agency. The project’s goal is to investigate the diverse ‘universe’ of the Indian Ocean. It will combine archaeological and historical studies to document the Indian Ocean region’s vast diversity of culture, commerce, and religious connection.
  8. Swachh Smarak: Polythene Free Zones are declared in ASI Protected Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites. The government gave it Rs.350 crores, and major sites were designated as ‘Adarsh’ sites.
  9. The Sanskriti App: This is a smartphone app that allows you to observe Indian cultural activities such as music, dance, and theatre. Literature, film presentations, and other forms of entertainment.
  10. A Cultural Scheme Monitoring System (CSMS) was launched, and Cultural Mapping was also done. This was done for the benefit of mankind in order to conserve, promote, discover, and share India’s culture and legacy, as well as its ethos and ideals.
  11. Digitalization: A digital collection of pictures and videos have been created and is available for public viewing.
  12. Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav: They are held once a year to highlight India’s cultural heritage. In the nations where they were hosted, ‘Festivals of India’ featured India’s folk dances and classical dances, Indian food, and India’s renowned artists.

Way Forward to the Protection of Cultural Heritage

More cultural events may be organized, making visits to these locations more exciting for guests. They can also be informed and concerned about the decorating circumstances, which will help raise awareness among the general public. The government’s cultural sector can be liberalized and entrusted to private businesses, universities, and non-governmental organizations. A supervisory function for government agencies is possible. The conservation criteria will be raised as a result of this. The use of locally sourced materials for the protection and repair of these monuments will increase employment possibilities while also benefiting the economy. Conservation efforts must be accompanied by improvements to the urban environment, improved transport infrastructure, and improved health, education, and sanitation infrastructure.
Funding that comes from the Central government can also be supplemented by the State Government and private businesses. This can be done by levying taxes and creating prohibition zones near the monuments.

Declaration Of World Heritage Sites By UNESCO | Protection of Cultural Heritage

The list of 40 World Heritage Sites in India:

  1. Dholavira, Gujarat
  2. Ramappa Temple, Telangana
  3. Taj Mahal, Agra
  4. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
  5. Hampi, Karnataka
  6. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
  7. Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
  8. Bodh Gaya, Bihar
  9. Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
  10. Red Fort Complex, Delhi
  11. Buddhist monuments at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
  12. Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu
  13. Kaziranga Wild Life Sanctuary, Assam
  14. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
  15. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
  16. Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi
  17. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Rajasthan
  18. Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh
  19. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Karnataka
  20. Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra
  21. Mountain Railways of India
  22. Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University), Bihar
  23. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), Maharashtra
  24. Qutub Minar and its Monuments, New Delhi
  25. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat
  26. Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
  27. Hill Forts of Rajasthan
  28. Churches and Convents of Goa
  29. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh
  30. Manas Wild Life Sanctuary, Assam
  31. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
  32. Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat
  33. Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan
  34. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, Uttarakhand
  35. Western Ghats
  36. Kanchenjunga National Park, Sikkim
  37. Capitol Complex, Chandigarh
  38. The Historic City of Ahmedabad
  39. The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai
  40. The Pink City – Jaipur

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