Q- What is heritage? Elaborate intangible and tangible heritage with 3

examples each.

HERITAGE: Heritage is something which belongs to the past and preserved for future

generations. It can range from monuments, place, objects, culture and tradition related to the

past. As the Historic Building have some values, significance and character associated with it

like:

Sense of wonders

People & culture

Architecture

History of the district

Archaeology

Spiritual value

Symbolical character

Types of heritage:

a) Natural

b) Man-made

c) Tangible

d) Intangible

TANGIBLE HERITAGE: It refers to those which can be touched, definite in nature and

has physical existence like mountain, manuscript, craftworks, historic buildings, etc. It is

built heritage which can be preserved.

EXAMPLES-

1. RED FORT, DELHI – Built in 1648 by Mughal emperor Shahjahan for their

residence. It has architectural, historic, and cultural values associated with it which

depicts history of ancient times. It has several building complexes like Diwan-i-am,

Diwan-i-khas, rang mahal, mumtaz mahal, hammam etc. It is one of the world

heritage sites.

2. RELIGIOUS STRUCTURES like HISTORIC TEMPLES, CHURCHES, and

MOSQUES which depicts different styles of architecture, historic values and

significances of ancient times which need to be preserved for future generations.

3. ARTIFACTS/OBJECTS preserved in museums associated with past generations

which tells about their lifestyle, culture, beliefs and customs etc.

INTANGIBLE HERITAGE: It refers to those which cannot be touched. These include

traditions of performances – rituals, dance, singing, myths, beliefs, knowledge systems and

storytelling; this category also includes traditions of skills and processes such as pottery,

carpentry, plumbing, cooking. An intangible heritage is that which exists intellectually in the

culture. It is cultural capital which embodies economic and cultural values. It is carried by

living people and is part of present life.

It depends upon those people whose knowledge of skills, traditions and customs are passed

from one generation to future generations. It can be expressed in the following ways:

Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural

heritage

Performing arts

Social practices, rituals and festive events

Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; and

Traditional craftsmanship.

EXAMPLES-

1. KATHAKALI DANCE- India is a rich cultural heritage country where dance and

music is interwoven with social fabric. Kathakali dance is one of traditional dance of

Kerala which depicts culture values, lifestyles, of the people. The dance gestures,

dance costumes, body monuments are intangible heritage.

2. QAWWALI- It is devotional music and belongs to tradition of Islamic culture. It

shows regional styles and languages. Several instruments are associated with it like

sitar, harmonium, table and dholak. The knowledge and style of singing is transmitted

orally from generation to generations.

3. DURGA PUJA, WEST BENGAL- It is ritual and religious ceremony

performed in Bengal on large scale. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and people pray

and celebrate this festival which lasts for ten days.

Q- What is listing? Elaborate difference between listing and

inventory.

LISTING: Listing is a tool which helps in identifying and understanding significance of

the building. It helps us acknowledge and understand our shared history. It marks and

celebrates a building's special architectural and historic interest, and also brings it under the

consideration of the planning system so that some thought will be taken about its future.

Listing is not a preservation order, preventing change. It is an identification stage where

buildings are marked and celebrated as having exceptional architectural or historic special

interest, before any planning stage which may decide a building's future.

LISTING METHODOLOGY:

a) Establish a significance

b) Field survey- data collection

c) Analysis- mapping

d) Designation/ grading- according to heritage levels

e) Conservation- protection would depend upon value and significance identified.

INVENTORY

The most commonly used technique in documenting cultural heritage through written means

are inventories. They are generally supported by photographs. An inventory uses building

dates, type, and size of the structures, comparisons of original, subsequent and contemporary

uses to show how a neighbourhood and its economy developed and changed, and how

historical research provides context chronology, description, interpretation, and assessment

for architectural and engineering documentation.

Inventories are useful for prioritizing work for conservation, identification of tourism

potential and routes, for considerations in planning development projects such as

infrastructure and education, improving public awareness by recognition of the value of this

heritage and identification of potential projects.

Q- Explain objectives of heritage interpretation. Enumerate principles

of heritage interpretation.

“Heritage interpretation is a means of communicating ideas and feelings which help people

understand more about themselves and their environment.”

HERITAGE INTERPRETATION OBJECTIVES-

1. To facilitate understanding and appreciation of heritage character.

2. To Communicate the meaning- through documentation, mode of interpretation,

cultural traditions etc.

3. To safeguard the tangible and intangible values associated with heritage sites.

4. To respect the authenticity by depicting heritage fabric and values.

5. Contribute to the sustainable conservation.

6. To encourage inclusiveness- involvement of stakeholders and associated communities

in interpretation of heritage fabric to make them aware.

7. To develop technical and professional guidelines for heritage interpretation and

presentation.

HERITAGE INTERPRETATION PRINCIPLES:

1. ACCESS AND UNDERSTANDING- Interpretation should be understandable by

people of different languages and accessible by everyone. It should be in such a way

that visitor is able to convey the importance and values of a heritage site to others.

2. INFORMATION SOURCES- The interpretation should be based on evidence

gathered, research based and authorised source.

3. CONTEXT AND SETTING- The interpretation should relate to historical, cultural

and natural context of site. All socio-economical factors and attached communities are

discussed in the interpretation.

4. AUTHENTICITY- The interpretation should be authentic and respect the values

associated with it. It should not misinterpret any false beliefs and story which affect to

heritage character, its significance and importance.

5. SUSTAINABILITY- The interpretation of heritage should be sustainable and

financial, social and environmental feasible long-term program.

6. INCLUSIVENESS- The interpretation must involve the participation of associated

communities and other stakeholders for better understanding, awareness, and

conservation of heritage sites.

7. RESEARCH, EVALUATION & TRAINING- The interpretation of heritage site is an

ongoing, evolving process of exploring and understanding through continuing

research.

Q- Give a critical analysis of any charter

a) Venice, b) Florence, c) Athens, d) Burra

ATHENS CHARTER, 1932 (RESTORATION OF HISTORIC

MONUMENTS)

The Athens charter of 1933 is adopted at the First International Congress of architects and

Technicians of Historic Monuments, which took place in Athens in 1931, which was the first

attempt preserving and restoring historical monuments. This charter sets the basis towards a

general framework to protect the historical and cultural heritage in the international

community.

At the Congress in Athens the following seven main resolutions were made and called

"Carta del Restauro":

1. International organizations for Restoration on operational and advisory levels are to be

established.

2. Proposed Restoration projects are to be subjected to knowledgeable criticism to prevent

mistakes which will cause loss of character and historical values to the structures.

3. Problems of preservation of historic sites are to be solved by legislation at national level

for all countries.

4. Excavated sites which are not subject to immediate restoration should be reburied for

protection.

5. Modern techniques and materials may be used in restoration work.

6. Historical sites are to be given strict custodial protection.

7. Attention should be given to the protection of areas surrounding historic sites

General Conclusions of the Athens Conference are as follows:

I. DOCTRINES. GENERAL PROCEDURES. Every country has to ensure the preservation of their buildings.

Preservation should be for all historical periods, without excluding the style of any

period.

The reuse of buildings should be within the respects to their historic or artistic character.

II. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE MEASURES REGARDING HISTORICAL

MONUMENTS.

Each country has to set the legal framework for the protection of his buildings on his

own.

Public authorities in each country have be empowered to take conservatory measures in

cases of emergency.

International Museum Office will publish a repertory and a comparative table of the

legislative measures in force in the different countries and that this information will be

kept up to date so that other country will also know the measures taken for the restoration

work and same can be incorporated if required anywhere else.

III. AESTHETIC ENHANCEMENT OF ANCIENT MONUMENTS.

The surrounding appearance of buildings and monuments must be respected if new

buildings were constructed nearby. Even certain groupings and certain particularly

picturesque perspective treatment should be preserved.

Ornamental vegetation most suited to certain monuments or groups of monuments from

the point of view of preserving their ancient character should be deeply studied.

Preserving the ancient character of a city district or single monuments is recommended.

For enhancing any historical monuments it is specially recommended to suppress any

publicity like banners or hoardings, unsightly telegraph poles, noisy factories and even all

tall shafts in the neighbourhood.

IV. RESTORATION OF MATERIALS.

Modern materials and techniques and more especially of reinforced concrete are

recommended to use if necessary for the consolidation of Ancient Monuments.

Character of the restored monument must be preserved.

It is useful to apply new materials if the destruction of building or parts of the building

can be stopped and portion could be preserved.

V. THE DETERIORATION OF ANCIENT MONUMENTS.

In the conditions of present day life, monuments throughout the world were being

threatened by an ever-increasing degree of atmospheric agents. So the restoration teams of

architects should collaborate with specialists in the physical, chemical, and natural sciences

about new preserving methods of the old materials.

No general rules should be made for the preservation of monuments in the current practice

as it is impossible to judge the complexity of cases with the knowledge of present available

methods.

The International Museums Office should be informed by each country about the work they

are doing on deterioration.

For the preservation of monumental sculpture, the removal of works of art from the

surroundings for which they were designed is, in principle, to be discouraged. It

recommends by way of precaution, the preservation of original models if exists, should be

done.

VI. THE TECHNIQUE OF CONSERVATION.

In the case of ruins, scrupulous conservation is necessary, and steps should be taken to

reinstate any original fragments that may be recovered and the new materials used for this

purpose should in all case be recognizable.

When the preservation of ruins is impossible, they may be buried, but accurate records has

to be taken before another building is build up at that place.

Each case needed to be treated individually before any consolidation or partial restoration is

undertaken, a thorough analysis should be made of the defects and the nature of the decay

of these monuments.

Architects and archaeologist have to work together for any technical work undertaken in

connection with the excavation and preservation of ancient monuments.

VII. THE CONSERVATION OF MONUMENTS AND INTERNATIONAL

COLLABORATION.

The countries should collaborate together with the aim of intellectual co-operation.

Preserving the historical heritage of the mankind should be a common interest of the states.

An International Committee on Intellectual Co-operation will collect all information and

documentation on conservation work in order to share it with the states like –

a. Each country, or the institutions created or recognized competent for this purpose,

publish an inventory of ancient monuments, with photographs and explanatory notes;

b. Each country constitute official records which shall contain all documents relating to its

historic monuments;

c. Each country deposit copies of its publications on artistic or historic monuments with the

International

Museums Office;

d. The Office devote a part of its publications to articles on the general processes and

methods employed in the preservation of historic monuments;

e. The Office study the best means of utilizing the centralized information provided.

Q- What are essential components of site management plan? Explain

them with site example in your own words.

SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN-

1. SITE STUDY-

i) Topographical condition: contextual study of site is carried out in which existing

site conditions, Vegetations, surrounding, soil characteristics etc are studied.

For example- if a site is near to river, there could be possibility of problems like soil

erosion, foundation weakening etc.

ii) Statement of significance and values: through archives, research study is done to

collect information of history, people associated with it, values etc.

iii) Documentation and condition assessment: Mapping and architectural drawings are

prepared for documentation purpose and for assessment of existing structure

condition.

2. CONSERVATION PLAN- After site analysis and establishment of values and

significance, conservation proposal is prepared for the heritage site which tell

about-

i) Structural condition (strengthen/stability of structure)

ii) Surface treatment- painting, plastering, ornamentation, restoration of architectural

element.

iii) Woodworking

iv) Flooring

v) Ceiling

vi) Wall treatment

3. ADAPTIVE REUSE- usage of space should be similar utmost as it was before for

sustaining structure for longer term usage. It should be less harming to structure and

its identity and values attached to it.

4. SERVICES- public services like plumbing, electrical, mechanical, HVAC, Drainage

etc associated with the structure should be studied and intervention should be less

harmful to the existing building structure.

5. SITE MAINTENANCE- maintenance of site is done in 3 ways

i) Long-term management scheme refers to conservation plan. This requires

involvement of large bodies like INTACH, ASI which suggest interventions.

ii) Mid-term management scheme refers to monitoring of management plan annually

and has authorities involved in it like PWD, MCD etc.

iii) Regular/ daily maintenance refers to daily cleaning, security etc. This requires low

grade staff.