Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage in India – UPSC Notes – Art and Culture
India’s Cultural Heritage, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, consists of both tangible and intangible treasures. It’s a mix of religions, traditions, and customs. The beauty of Indian art, architecture, classical dance, music, plants, animals, and the inclusive mindset of its people are the key features. Visiting a historic site is like walking through history, with each ruling dynasty making a unique impact. From the finesse of Indian handiwork to the richness of silk and cotton fabrics, and ethnic jewelry, everything has been passed down through generations as our heritage. Each Indian state has its special cuisine, adding to the rich cultural legacy of the country.
Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage encompasses the tangible and intangible expressions of human culture, reflecting the unique identity and history of a society. It includes physical artifacts, monuments, traditions, and beliefs. This heritage is a valuable resource connecting us to the past, informing the present, and shaping the future.
Evolution of Cultural Heritage in India
India boasts an extensive array of songs, music, dance, theater, folk traditions, performing arts, rites and rituals, languages, dialects, paintings, and writings known as the “Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)” of humanity. This showcases the diversity and multiplicity of Indian culture globally.
In 1950, as India declared itself an independent republic, the Planning Commission of India was established, recognizing the significance of culture in national development. Over subsequent Plan periods, various organizations were formed, shaping cultural policies and paradigms in the arts and culture domain.
Notable institutions include the National Museum, Sahitya Akademi, National Gallery of Modern Art, and Lalit Kala Akademi. Other significant entities such as the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (1950) and the Sangeet Natak Akademi (1953) further contribute to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage.
Types of Cultural Heritage
Tangible Cultural Heritage: Tangible Cultural Heritage refers to actual items created, maintained, and passed down through generations in a civilization. Artistic productions, constructed heritage like buildings and monuments, and other physical or tangible works of human ingenuity that are endowed with cultural importance in society are all considered part of the Unesco category of “tangible cultural heritage.”
List of Tangible World Heritage Sites in India
- Ajanta Caves (1983, Maharashtra)
- Ellora Caves (1983, Maharashtra)
- Agra Fort (1983, Agra)
- Taj Mahal (1983, Agra)
- Sun Temple (1984, Orissa)
- Mahabalipuram Monuments (1984, Tamil Nadu)
- Kaziranga National Park (1985, Assam)
- Keoladeo National Park (1985, Rajasthan)
- Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985, Assam)
- Churches and Convents of Goa (1986, Goa)
- Monuments of Khajuraho (1986, Madhya Pradesh)
- Monuments of Hampi (1986, Karnataka)
- Fatehpur Sikri (1986, Agra)
- Elephanta Caves (1987, Maharashtra)
- Great Living Chola Temples (1987, Tamil Nadu)
- Pattadakal Monuments (1987, Karnataka)
- Sundarbans National Park (1987, West Bengal)
- Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers National Park (1988, Uttarakhand)
- Monuments of Buddha (1989, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh)
- Humayun’s Tomb (1993, Delhi)
- Qutub Minar and its Monuments (1993, Delhi)
- Mountain Railways of Darjeeling, Kalka Shimla & Nilgiri (1999, Darjeeling)
- Mahabodhi Temple (2002, Bihar)
- Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (2003, Madhya Pradesh)
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (2004, Maharashtra)
- Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004, Gujarat)
- Red Fort (2007, Delhi)
- Jantar Mantar (2010, Delhi)
- Western Ghats (2012, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra)
- Hill Forts (2013, Rajasthan)
- Rani Ki Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) (2014, Gujarat)
- Great Himalayan National Park (2014, Himachal Pradesh)
- Nalanda (2016, Bihar)
- Khangchendzonga National Park (2016, Sikkim)
- Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (Capitol Complex) (2016, Chandigarh)
- The Historic City (2017, Ahmedabad)
- Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles (2018, Mumbai)
- The Pink City (2019, Jaipur)
- Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple (2021, Telangana)
- Dholavira (2021, Gujarat)
Intangible Cultural Heritage
The term “intangible cultural heritage” refers to practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills in addition to tools, objects, artifacts, and cultural settings. India has created the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) to highlight the variety of its culture embodied in its intangible heritage. This initiative, starting in 2013, aims to increase awareness of numerous intangible cultural heritage components from various Indian states and ensure their protection. It includes the 13 elements of India already on the UNESCO Representative List of Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Preserving India’s Cultural Heritage
India is working to protect and promote its rich cultural heritage through the Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diversified Cultural Traditions. This program, managed by the Ministry of Culture, covers various aspects such as performing arts, social activities, rituals, festivals, traditional crafts, and oral traditions.
To oversee privately owned heritage structures, the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904 grants the government jurisdiction. The export of antiquities is regulated by the Antiquities Export Control Act of 1947. Additionally, Article 49 of the Indian Constitution safeguards the country’s built heritage.
ICOMOS is dedicated to conserving cultural heritage sites, applying scientific methods to preserve architectural and archaeological heritage. The Ministry of Culture has initiated the “Scheme for Safeguarding India’s Intangible Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions” to revitalize institutions.
Understanding India’s Cultural Heritage – Key Points
Indian culture views the universe as a divine creation, with humans fitting into this framework. India’s culture, still active today, has played a crucial role in the development of human civilization.
India embraces all religions, castes, and groups, fostering the growth of diverse cultures. Indian literature and scriptures have significantly contributed to civilization by providing knowledge, guiding actions, behaviors, and practices.
The traditional social structure included princes, priests, monks, scholars, and other affluent groups. India’s heritage encompasses architectural works, monuments, intellectual achievements, and scientific discoveries.
Contributions from figures like Baudhayana, Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, Varahmihir, Nagarjuna, Susruta, Charak, and Patanjali are profound treasures of Indian cultural heritage. Fairs and festivals, such as the Hemiz festival in Leh, Carnival in Goa, and Boat Races in Kerala, blend ancient rituals with a modern touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about India’s Cultural Heritage:
1. Q: What is India’s Cultural Heritage?
A: India’s Cultural Heritage is a rich and diverse mix of tangible and intangible elements, including art, architecture, music, dance, traditions, and more, reflecting the country’s unique identity and history.
2. Q: How has cultural heritage evolved in India over the years?
A: Cultural heritage in India has evolved through various expressions such as songs, music, dance, theater, languages, and rituals, shaping the nation’s identity. Notable institutions like the National Museum and Sangeet Natak Akademi contribute to its preservation.
3. Q: What are tangible cultural heritage sites in India?
A: India boasts numerous tangible cultural heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, and Red Fort. These sites showcase the artistic and architectural prowess of different eras and dynasties.
4. Q: What is the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in India?
A: The National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) highlights diverse cultural practices, representations, and knowledge. India started this initiative in 2013 to protect and promote its intangible cultural heritage.
5. Q: How is India preserving its cultural heritage?
A: India is working to safeguard its cultural heritage through the Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The government, through acts like the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, regulates and protects heritage structures.
6. Q: What is the role of ICOMOS in preserving cultural heritage in India?
A: ICOMOS plays a crucial role in conserving cultural heritage sites in India by applying scientific methods to preserve architectural and archaeological treasures.
7. Q: How does India view diversity in its cultural heritage?
A: India embraces diversity in its cultural heritage, fostering the growth of various cultures, religions, and castes. This inclusivity is reflected in literature, scriptures, and social structures.
8. Q: Who were some notable contributors to Indian cultural heritage?
A: Figures like Baudhayana, Aryabhatta, Charak, and Patanjali made profound contributions to Indian cultural heritage through intellectual achievements, scientific discoveries, and literary works.
9. Q: How does India blend ancient rituals with modernity in its festivals?
A: Festivals like the Hemiz festival in Leh, Carnival in Goa, and Boat Races in Kerala blend ancient rituals with a modern touch, showcasing the continuity of traditions in contemporary celebrations.
10. Q: How does the Indian government regulate the export of antiquities?
A: The export of antiquities is regulated by the Antiquities Export Control Act of 1947 in India, ensuring the protection and preservation of the country’s cultural heritage.
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