SAJTH, January 2018, Vol. 11, No.

Conservation and Management of Indian Built-

Heritages: Exploring the Issues and Challenges

ARNAB GANTAIT*, PRIYAKRUSHNA MOHANTY** and G. ANJANEYA SWAMY***

*Arnab Gantait, Research Scholar, Department of Tourism Studies, Pondicherry

University, Puducherry, India
**Priyakrushna Mohanty, Research Scholar, Department of Tourism Studies,
Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India
***G. Anjaneya Swamy, Dean and Professor, School of Management, Pondicherry
Central University, Puducherry, India

ABSTRACT
Heritage Tourism has emerged as a catalyst for economic growth thanks to its
ability to create alternative jobs, induce developed infrastructures and increase the
flow of both domestic and foreign tourists which result in regional as well as
national growth. India, a country blessed with remarkable natural and manmade
heritages has welcomed this niche form tourism with open arms. However, as a
consequence of negligence and lack of proper management skills, the sustainability
of these monuments is at cross roads. Improper heritage-awareness, lack of
coordination among the stakeholders, inadequate funding as well paucity in
understanding the growing demands have further contributed to the sad state.
Therefore, conservation, preservation, sustainability and enhancement of these
heritages remain the top most priority of the country. Based on the experiences of
NGOs and review of major works in the area of heritage management and
conservation, this paper puts light on the overall status of heritage sites and
monuments in India and also tries to find out the emerging challenges in heritage
preservation in this country. Moreover, this paper outlines major strategic
mechanisms required to overcome these constraints to preserve our cultural
heritages which are nothing but the true reflection of our rich cultural past.
KEYWORDS: Heritage, Heritage Tourism, Heritage management, Heritage
Preservation, Economic Development.

Introduction
Since time immemorial, India has been widely acknowledged for its intriguing,
fascinatingly rich and diverse heritages which are nothing but the strong reminders
of its glorified ancient history. The celebrated past and cultural diversity of this
nation have created a potent blend for attracting millions of tourists every year.
Therefore, the rise of heritage tourism in India was quite long anticipated and as
expected, this new form of niche tourism has registered a significant growth in
Indian tourism market in past few years. The United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines ‘Heritage’ as “our legacy from the past,
what we live with today, and what we pass on to the future generations” whereas,
‘Cultural Heritage’ has been described as, “the irreplaceable sources of life and

© South Asian Journal of Tourism and Heritage

6 ARNAB GANTAIT, PRIYAKRUSHNA MOHANTY and G. ANJANEYA SWAMY

inspiration that include monuments such as architectural works of monumental

sculpture and painting, elements of structures of an archaeological nature,
inscriptions, cave dwelling and combinations of features; groups of buildings,
groups of separate or connected buildings; and sites including archeological sites
having outstanding historical, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological value”.
Heritage may it be any cultural or natural product or built asset always draws
attention of the tourists and motivates them to visit those particular sites to
personally experience it. It has been commonly observed that every time a new form
of tourism evolves and progresses, it not only unlocks many socio-economic
opportunities for the host community but also helps that particular destination in
terms of destination rebranding and repositioning. Dwyer, Forsyth & Spurr (2004)
also supports this view by saying that “heritage tourism has a positive impact on
local economy”. Therefore, if ‘Heritage’ and ‘Tourism’ both can be managed properly,
the overall benefit of ‘heritage tourism’ would be maximized that can facilitate both
the host as well as the guests at a particular destination.
The term, ‘Heritage Management and Conservation’ refers to a constant and
active process that involves proper maintenance and protection of heritage
elements from being shattered or restored without proper management, control,
and appropriate methods. Subsequently with the passage of time, India, a nation
enriched with its history and tradition is losing its heritages one after another. Many
of its historic monuments and sites are now in bad shape as a result of continuous
negligence and lack of heritage awareness; both pointing towards an overall
hesitation at all levels while taking necessary measures to manage and preserve
these heritages in long run. In this context, Timothy & Nyaupane (2009) opines that
“in spite of the constantly growing interest in cultural-heritage tourism, the body of
knowledge is still young and this knowledge is essential for the management and
preservation of heritages in developing countries.”
Based on the review of major works in the area of heritage management and
conservation, this paper puts light on the overall importance of heritage sites and
monuments in India and tries to find out the emerging challenges in heritage
preservation in this country. Moreover, this paper outlines major strategic
mechanisms required to overcome these constraints to preserve our cultural
heritages which are nothing but the true reflection of our rich cultural past.
Study Objectives
The study revolves around three key objectives. The first objective is to
highlight the role of heritages in the socio-economic development of the county. For
the second objective, the paper provides a detailed discussion on account of the
issues and challenges faced by Indian heritage tourism. The third and the final
objective deals with providing suggestive measures to uplift the Indian heritages
from its sad state and restore its integrity.
Research Methodology
The research is descriptive in nature and qualitative approach has been taken to
understand the intrinsic issues involved in heritage management and preservation.
The authors have reviewed and analyzed the media reports, published works,
research papers, working papers published in the area of heritage management and
preservation. Moreover, NGOs working in the field of heritage management,
preservation, and conservation were consulted to gather resourceful insights. The
 CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF INDIAN BUILT-HERITAGES 7

thematic and content analyses were also being used to scrutinize and infer the data
acquired from report reviews and experts responses. In addition, the researchers
have visited many places to gain the practical experience and have interacted with
the local community, tourists, tourism stakeholders, and few officials to make a
detailed report.
Heritages and Socio-Economic Development
Heritages are of perennial importance to the development of any country. They
are not only the guardians of the past, but also are a major catalyst in inducing
socio-economic growth in country. They are also known as the agents for instigating
innovative capacity of knowledge. This Section of the work deals with the heritage-
led socio-economic developments of a nation.
Economic Implications of Indian Heritage Tourism
Heritage tourism has proved itself a fast growing and high-yielding sector. Over
the past twenty years, the popularity of Heritage Tourism has been growing with the
number of travelers and with new tourism attractions. In India the scope of heritage
tourism market is expanding day by day.

Table 1 : Circle wise Number of Domestic Visitors to Centrally Protected

Ticketed Monuments in India (2013 to 2015)
Circle 2013 2014 2015
Agra 8278404 8706910 10373368
Aurangabad 3848777 3962232 4253537
Mumbai 2463882 2835332 3177878
Bangalore 2121728 2300499 85608
Bhopal 1654763 1905602 1975079
Bhubaneswar 2965921 2874356 3325122
Chandigarh 134056 163367 198670
Chennai 1529588 1361538 1319570
Delhi 7829436 8433501 9855921
Dharwad 2351162 2378443 2464727
Guwahati 331873 337491 401346
Hyderabad 3272237 3639561 3661315
Jaipur 713821 851320 924962
Kolkata 1239452 1296819 1427706
Lucknow 818972 853031 908428
Patna 1818792 1844688 2176614
Raipur 64800 72601 83985
Thrissur 555199 316918 652226
Vadodara 1023268 1076713 1111673
Srinagar 53437 74847 75174
Shimla 117161 140090 163634
Grand Total 43186729 45425859 48616543
8 ARNAB GANTAIT, PRIYAKRUSHNA MOHANTY and G. ANJANEYA SWAMY

Table 2 : Total No. of Domestic Tourists to Centrally Protected Ticketed

Monuments in India (2013-2015)

Domestic Tourists visit Total No. of Domestic Share

Year
Centrally Protected Monuments Tourists visited India (%)
2010 35770242 747703380 4.78
2011 40534481 864532418 4.69
2012 43259075 1045047536 4.13
2013 43019998 1145280443 3.75
2014 45425859 1281952255 3.54
2015 50988730 1431973794 3.56

Table 3 : List of India's Most Lucrative Heritage Monuments, Based on the

Revenues Earned in 2013-2014
Indian Heritage Monument Approx. Revenue Earning (INR)
Taj Mahal, Agra 21,84,88,950
Qutab Minar complex, Delhi 10,16,05,890
Agra Fort, Agra 10,22,56,790
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi 7,12,88,110
Red Fort, Delhi 6,15,89,750
Group of monuments, Fatehpur Sikri 5,62,14,640
Group of monuments at Mahabalipuram 2,72,93,480
Sun Temple, Konarak 2,43,52,060
Group of temples, Khajuraho 2,24,47,030
Ellora Caves 2,06,72,820

Table 4: Total No. of Visitors to Centrally Protected Ticketed Monuments in

India (2005-2015)

Number of Visitors Annual Growth Rate

Year
Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign Total
2005 21035864 2122436 23158300 3.3 18.7 4.6
2006 23815252 2250502 26065754 13.2 6 12.6
2007 23450419 2614254 26064673 1.50 16.2 0
2008 28786608 2679763 31466371 22.8 2.5 20.7
2009 30321981 2165346 32487327 7 18.10 4.9
2010 35770242 2998175 38768417 16.1 36.6 17.5
2011 40534481 2948065 43482546 13.3 1.70 12.2
2012 43259075 3064778 46323853 6.7 3.9 6.5
2013 43019998 2995852 46015850 0.60 2.20 0.70
2014 45425859 2792272 48218131 5.6 6.80 4.8
2015 50988730 2620228 53608958 12.2 6.20 11.2
Source for Table 1, 2, 3 & 4: Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India. (17202) & Past
 CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF INDIAN BUILT-HERITAGES 9

Issues
Here, Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, and Table 4 all are reflecting the growing market
for Heritage Tourism in India, as there is a paradigm shift in tourists’ attitude and
their demand and it has become a core global trend in travel and tourism industry,
where the travellers are expecting their trips to be more experiencing and educative
compared to the conventional holiday trips where the scope for learning new things
id very limited. Recently few studies have disclosed that the heritage tourists
generally spend higher at per day basis and usually stay longer period of time at any
particular destination compared to other kinds of travelers.

Heritage as National Identity

Culture is conceived as the mirror of humanity (Kottak, 2005) and heritages are
nothing but the historical record and understanding of the spirit of people in terms
of their values, works and actions.
It consists of all aspects with regard to the man-made historic environment,
monuments, built infrastructure, physically created places and archaeological sites
with immense historical significance.
There is a deep connection in between heritages and the native people as
heritages are their cultural identity and civilizational legacy to the world. John
Henrik Clarke, an American historian once rightly said that people’s relationship to
their heritages is as similar to the relationship of a child to his/her beloved mother.
Steinbeck (2007) affirmed Clarke by raising a very relevant question, “How will our
children know who they are if they don’t know where they came from?” Günlü,
Pırnar, & Yağcı (2009) opines that “heritage records and expresses the processes of
historic development forming the essence of diverse national, regional, indigenous
and local identities and it is the tangible links between past, present, and future.”
The relevance of the heritages and taking responsibility to protect them for the
future generations, acclaimed recognition first time in ‘Venice Charter for the
Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites’, in the year of 1964 (Singh,
2011). According to, Johnson & Thomas (1995), the promotion of heritage sites for
heritage tourism is important from the perspective of the development of national
identity.
For centuries, people from different geographical locations with their respective
cultures, ethnicity, religion, values, and languages migrated into India and later on
mixing with its aboriginal culture, customs and rituals they have given birth to a
new color of cultural heritages.
As one turns the pages of history, India’ sage-old rich culture inevitably comes
alive with all its fragrance and it is still breathing in its splendid architectures,
minutely carved motifs and embellished facades of the monuments, those are
fringed in every possible corner of this multi-facet country. These cultural heritages
have always been the illustration of wealth and power of this country and serve as
the backbone of tourism development in India.
10 ARNAB GANTAIT, PRIYAKRUSHNA MOHANTY and G. ANJANEYA SWAMY

Table 5: Centrally Protected Ticketed Monuments in India (Circle-wise List)

Circle Centrally Protected Monuments
Taj Mahal; Agra Fort; Fatehpur Sikri; Akbar Tomb; Mariyam’s Tomb;
Agra
Itimad-ud-Daula; Ram Bagh.
Ajanta Caves; Ellora Caves; Pandaulena Caves; Daulatabad Fort; Bibi-
Aurangabad
Ka-Maqbara; Aurangabad Caves.
Elephanta Caves; Kanheri Caves; Karla Caves; Caves-Temple &
Mumbai Inscriptions, Junnar; Raigad Fort; Shaniwarwada; Hirakota Old Fort;
Old Fort Sholapur; etc.
Group of Monuments, Hampi; Daaulat Bagh; Srirangapatnam; Keshva
Bangalore Temple, Somnathpura; Tipu Sultan Palace; Chitradurga Fort; Bellary
Fort; etc.
Western Group of Monuments, Khajuraho; Shahi Quila at Burhanpur;
Bhopal Royal Complex, Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Hoshang Shah Tomb,
Mandu; Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi; Gwalior Fort etc.
Sun-Temple, Konark; Raja Rani Temple; Ratnagiri Monument;
Bhubaneswar
Udaigiri & Kandagiri Caves; Ratnagiri; Lalitagiri.
Chandigarh Sheikh Chillis Tomb Thanesar; Suraj Kund Monastery, Lakarpur.
Group of Monuments, Mamallapuram; Rajgiri & Krishangiri Fort;
Fort Dindigul; Moovarkoil, Kalumbalur; Rock Cut; Jain Temple,
Chennai
Sittanvasal; Natural Cavern, Eladipattanam; Fort Thirumayan; St.
George Fort, Chennai Gingee Fort; etc.
Jantar Mantar; Rahim-Khane-Khanam Tomb Delhi; Purana Quila;
Delhi Sultangahri Tomb; Tughluqabad Fort; Safdarjung Tomb; Red Fort;
Humayun Tomb; Qutab Minar; Sultanghari's Tomb etc.
Durga Temple complex, Aihole; Caves at Badami, Group of
Dharwad Monuments at Pattadakal; GolGumbaz, Bijapur;; Jaina & Vaishna
Caves at Badami; etc.
Ahom Raja Palace, Gurgaon; Karanghar Palace, Sibsagar; Ahoma
Guwahati Raja's Palace, Garhgaon; Rangghar Pavillion, Sibsagar; Vishudol,
Joysagar; etc.
Golcunda Fort, Golkonda; Charminar, Hyderabad; Fort, Raja & Rani
Hyderabad Mahal Chandragiri; Ruined Buddhist Stupa & Remains Amarvati; Hill
of Nagarjunakonda; etc.
Jaipur Deeg Palaces, Deeg; Kumbhalgarh Fort; Chittaurgarh Fort.
Kooch Bihar Palace; Hazarduari Palace Museum Murshidabad;
Kolkata
Bishnupur Group of Temples.
Rani Jhansi Mahal, Jhansi; Sahet of Shravasti Monument; Rani Jhansi
Lucknow
Kila, Jhansi; Residency, Lucknow; Kalinjar Fort
Sarnath; Site of Mayuran Palace, Patna; Vaishali; Jaunpur Fort;
Nalanda; Man Singh Observatory; Sasaram Shershah Suri Tomb; Lord
Patna
Cornwallis Tomb, Gazipur; Remains of Patliputra, Kumrahar, Patna;
Excavated Site Vikramshila, etc.
Raipur Laxman Temple, Sirpur.
Thrissur Bekal Fort Pallikkare; Mattancherry Palace Museum Kochi.
Vadodra Sun Temple Modhera; Rani-ki-Vav, Patan; Monuments at Champaner;
 CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF INDIAN BUILT-HERITAGES 11

Circle Centrally Protected Monuments

Buddhist Caves, Junagadh; Ashokan Rock Edict, Junagadh Baba Pyare
and Khapra; Kodiya Caves, Junagarh.
Ram Nagar Palace, Ramnagar; Group of Temple, Kiramchi; Avanti
Srinagar
Swami Temple, Avantipura; Leh Palace, Leh.
Shimla Kangra Fort, Kangra; Rock Cut Caves, Masoor.
Source: Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India. (17202) & Past Issues

But, only possessing the monuments is not enough. The importance we place on
our sense of identity and culture reflects in how we manage, protect and care for our
heritages those are the testimony of our ancient predators. No law, no rule, no force
can save our monuments if there is no awareness regarding the significance of their
existence.
Heritage and Tourism Interdependency
From extensive literature review, it has been found that there is a close
connection in between ‘Heritage’ and ‘Tourism’. According to Bushel & Jafari
(1996), the relationship between tourism and cultural-heritage is not a ‘newly
formulated concept’; rather it can be addressed as a ‘newly advocated concept’.
Herbert (1995) considers the ‘attractiveness of heritage in the form of a
commodity’ as an important reason behind the growing number of areas to be
promoted as heritage destinations now a day. Dann (1981) opines that the cultural
heritages are one of the major inspirational factors for traveling in different period
of time.
Reisinger (1994), Hargrove (2002) both argue that the heritage sites often
make the visitors nostalgic as they reflect the true culture of the host community
and have direct links with their glorious past. Devesa, Laguna, & Palacios (2010)
also considers heritage monument sightseeing as one of the significant motivating
variables for the cultural visitors. It is now an established fact that visiting these
historical places, monuments, sites having great archaeological value brings socio-
economic and environmental benefit through generating tourism revenue, exchange
of thoughts and culture in between the host and the guests, and safeguarding the
natural and man-made heritages at local, regional and national level. Thus it would
not be an exaggeration to say that prosperous future of ‘heritage’ and ‘tourism and
travel’ both depend on each other.
In this connection, India is also not an exception as this country has always been
considered as a unique land with rich culture and heritage. Every time a tourist
visits India, he/she gets a glimpse of India's past through the elaborate superfluities
and wonderful architecture of the Indian monuments those are also the guardian
pillars of India's cultural heritage. These splendid samples of unbelievable artistry
covering a sense of mystery, deception, and romance are the evidence of the master
craftsmanship and elegance that brings the splendor of the bygone era to the
forefront and always astound the visitors. Therefore, the management aspect of
both Indian heritages and Indian tourism should be well taken care of.
Heritage Tourism: An Advocate of Sustainability
Reisinger (1994) defines Heritage Tourism as “visits to historic buildings, sites,
museums, art galleries, etc.” Garrod & Fyall (2001) considers it as a tourist activity
in a place with the availability of historic artifacts. The National Trust for Historic
12 ARNAB GANTAIT, PRIYAKRUSHNA MOHANTY and G. ANJANEYA SWAMY

Preservation defines this new form of niche tourism as “a trip to experience the
places, artifacts and activities those authentically represent the stories and people of
the past and present.” Tighe (1986), Hardy (1988) and Millar (1989) all suggest
that it is “all about the cultural traditions, place, and values that groups throughout
the world are proud to conserve.” In 2002, the World Tourism Organization (WTO)
executive Luigi Cabrini stated that “the worldwide trend is clearly showing that
heritage tourism is growing faster compared to any other forms of tourism”
(Parker, 2007). This statement has been supported by McCain & Ray (2003), who
affirm that Heritage tourism has gained a substantial growth in the tourism industry
in recent years. According to Günlü, Pırnar & Yağcı (2009), Heritage tourism is
gaining importance day by day not only for its economic benefits to the society as it
injects new money into the economy, diversifies the local economy by creating new
jobs, promotes the preservation of local resources, encourages the development and
maintains the community amenities, but also for its more sustainable approaches
that include social and environmental benefits in terms of enriching social capital,
promoting local culture, building relationship among and within the local people,
improving community pride, creating enjoyable opportunities both for the host and
the guest and finally boosting awareness regarding the importance of heritage
monuments and sites. Heritage tourism also certifies the recognition of any
noteworthy element that is important enough to be preserved and maintained with
proper care and supervision so that, these elements can be passed on to the future
generations. UNWTO has already acknowledged tourism as a potential tool for
poverty alleviation and community development. The data reveals that more than
50% of the total number of UNESCO‘s World Heritage Sites (a total number of 1073)
are located in the developing countries and in last two decades a constant growth
has been observed in case of international arrivals in these countries and one of the
many reasons behind this increased travel demand is nothing but the presence of
these cultural built-heritages in the form of tourism resources.
Issues Involved and Challenges Faced
After realizing the cultural and economic significance of heritages that is
happening slowly in India, the people, the tourism stakeholders, the government
bodies etc. have started paying more attention in its preservation but still, there are
many hindrances, those are bothering the preservation initiatives. Academicians,
Conservation Architects, Reporters have pointed out many of these challenges in
their articles, interviews, and reports and raised a common voice to adopt a proper
Heritage Management and Conservation policies and process to make these
heritages secured for the long run. International communities like UNESCO, ICOM,
and ICOMOS are also showing deep concern to protect these cultural-heritage
monuments (Biswas, 2002). The American Art historian, Bonnie Burnham, heading
‘World Monuments Fund’, has rightly said, “Tourism carries a tremendous potential
that must be acknowledged as essential for the future of world heritage. But without
proper management, we can easily get out of control.” Therefore, to identify or to
highlight these management challenges in heritage preservation is very much
important. Here the researchers have minutely read a good number of scholarly
articles and newspaper reports on the context of Indian heritages and its
preservation challenges; visited few prominent heritage spots and interacted with
scholars, academicians, conservation architects, tourists, local community people
 CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF INDIAN BUILT-HERITAGES 13

and finally have identified the following emerging challenges of heritage

preservation in Indian context.
Problem of Recognition and Supervision of Indian Built-Heritages
Indian built-heritages are the most valued gift to the entire humanity. However,
these heritages are scattered throughout this country. Therefore, it is essential to
recognize these properties so that they can be properly supervised and maintained.
In India, The ASI under the provisions of the AMASR Act, 1958, protects its
monuments, sites, and remains of national importance. As per their record, there are
more than 3,500 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains exist in India
whereas, UNESCO has recognized only 36 sites as ‘World Heritage Sites’. Apart from
these India have thousands of monuments those are architectural marvels but have
not been enlisted even in state, regional national heritage lists. It is a shocking truth
that, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) also confessed that a total number of 35
protected monuments are "Untraceable". Fig. 1 is showing the details. The inclusion
of these cultural heritages will obviously draw the attention greater number of
tourists that can help the regions to earn more tourism revenue that could be spent
on their own individual renovation work or maintenance.
Figure 1: List of India's Historic Misses

Source: Times of India Published: Apr 7, 2013, 02.49 AM IST

Lack of Interest in Heritage Maintenance from all Level

The total number of state protected monument is only little more than 3,362 all
over the country and therefore, there is a fair possibility that other unrecognized
monuments might be converted into ruins or vanished due to lack of maintenance
measures in a long run. According to the statistical data, the total number of
unprotected monuments/sites in India is 75,307 (Time Period 2007-2012). It is also
being observed that in many places, there is still lack of interest in local Government
level and in the private bodies to show interest in taking care of heritages or in
14 ARNAB GANTAIT, PRIYAKRUSHNA MOHANTY and G. ANJANEYA SWAMY

investing money for the sake of heritage conservation and maintenance. Moreover,
legal hurdles, public apathy, the lack of government intervention have led to the
rapid deterioration of heritage structures in many places.

Figure 2: No. of State protected Monuments in India

Source: http://asi.nic.in/asi_protected_monu_list.asp

Figure 3: No. of Unprotected Monuments in India (State/UT-wise), Time

Period: 2007-2012

Source: Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 88, dated on 20.03.2012.

Dearth of Persistent Lobbying and Tenacious Effort to Grab World’s Attention

Despite having the rich treasure of cultural objects, several countries in the
world have more ‘World Heritage Sites’ because of the dearth of persistent lobbying
by the Indian Government, ASI, and other national organizations. It has been
observed worldwide that inclusion of any site in UNESCO’s ‘World-Heritage List’
always helps that place to become a major tourist attraction. Though India has one
of the most ancient cultures, this country is very poor in international participation
as out of 1052 WHS all over the world, it has only 36 to date. Fig: 6 shows countries
like Italy, Spain, France, and Germany those are smaller than India (in area size)
possesses more World Heritage Sites (WHS).
 CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF INDIAN BUILT-HERITAGES 15

Figure 6: India has Less Number of World Heritage Sites compared to Even
Smaller European Countries

Source: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/

Lack of Comprehensive Development Planning

Heritage monuments like Jagannath Temple in Odisha and cluster of
monuments in Hampi, Karnataka are facing continuous negligence from the host
community and local administrations while adopting a comprehensive development
plan. Many consider that if the ancient heritage monuments were being surrounded
with landscaped grassed flowered parks, its beauties might have enhanced several
times. However, many of the recently constructed heritage monuments like
Somnath Temple in Gujarat are being ruined by the uncontrolled and haphazard
growth of shops, restaurants, human residences, illegal constructions etc. in its
periphery.
Encroachment
May it be the (a) land encroachment by immigrants or by local authorities, or
the (b) monumental or residential or commercial encroachment; the Indian
Government and ASI both have failed abjectly in both cases to control the
proliferation of encroachment cases in heritage sites. The encroachers have opened
their shops, business establishments etc. in Sanchi, Khajuraho, Gwalior, Mandu, and
Chanderi like popular heritage sites in Madhya Pradesh state. In Assam, over 7,000
bighas belonging to 39 Satras (Mahapuruxiya monasteries founded by the great
Bhakti Saints Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century AD) those are
at the centre of Assamese culture are facing serious encroachment. Kobaikota Satra,
one of the 800 odd monasteries set up since Srimanta Sankaradeva began his
Vaishnavite movement in Assam in the 16th century, has lost most of its land due to
encroachment by immigrants. In Delhi, encroachments have dwarfed many of the
monuments established during the period of Sultanate and Mughal dynasty.
Residential buildings have mushroomed up around many heritage monuments.
Delhi Gate finds itself threatened by new construction. The Fatehpur Sikri complex
is in the threat of mining mafia. Other historical remnants like Jodhabai’s Chatri,
Jaswant Singh ki Chatri, Chini ka Roza, Humayun’s mosque, Mariam's tomb, Babar’s
Ram Bagh, Barahkhambha, Jama mosque are also in danger, as encroachments creep
up on every inch of space. The Agra Development Authority is responsible for
ensuring the monuments encroachment-free but during interviews, conducted by
many newspaper reporters, the officials have confessed that the demolition of all
illegal constructions is even beyond their capacity. In Telangana, the ‘Kakatiya
Heritage Property Protection Committee’ has urged the district administration to
16 ARNAB GANTAIT, PRIYAKRUSHNA MOHANTY and G. ANJANEYA SWAMY

prevail over the land grabbers who have intruded on the heritage lands around the
historic Padmakshi temple (Source: The Hindu, May 10, 2016). Srirangapatnam,
Karnataka, notified by the state government as ‘heritage town’ in 2005 for its
cultural, natural and spiritual richness is losing its charm as the places surrounding
its forts, monuments, temples, fort gates etc., all have been encroached by
commercial establishments and illegal constructions, and lack of concerns from the
local government as well as its host community people at large (Shankar & Uma,
2012). Persistent encroachment on the premises of the temples is being cited as the
reason for the gradual destruction in Odisha where once there were over 500
temples in Bhubaneswar, now the number is 70 only. Many of the major historical
sites such as Khandagiri, Vaital temple, Chudangada, Swarnajaleswar, Amania
temple, Barabati fort etc. have already been encroached upon by multi-storied
buildings on its premises. In Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, the Shahi Bridge, one of its
main heritages has been encroached by the makeshift shops of miscellaneous
articles since the British period. Many of such monuments, protected under the ASI
and State Archaeological Departments are still facing myriad problems. The
souvenir sellers have covered the carvings of beautiful granite pillars of the
Meenakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu with their shops. The same incident happens in
Rameshwaram, Kanchipuram and several other temples of Tamilnadu.
Improper Heritage Management and lack of basic Tourists’ Facilities
Another problem that is affecting many of the heritage sites in India is the
absence of the proper solid waste disposal mechanism. Moreover, the basic tourists’
facilities such as proper sitting arrangements, availability of drinking water, clean
and eco-friendly toilets, trained professional guides, interpretation centers are also
absent in many places. If more and more heritage resources can be connected with
good infrastructure and tourism, these sites can even earn more revenue that will
facilitate the local community and can be spent on overall destination development.
Pollution
Many scholars point out in their scholarly articles that the pollution is gradually
increasing at different heritage sites and maximum pollutions are created by visitors
and locals, who due to their apathy, negligence and lack of civic sense throw several
types of biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials everywhere and
unfortunately, many a time the authorities or the monitoring bodies also do not care
proper disposal due to lack of interest, fund or priority. The grand marble of edifice
of iconic Taj Mahal located in Agra, (the top revenue generating heritage monument
in India that has earned almost 75 Crore INR in last three years as per the Report
published in The Times of India, Jul 19, 2016, 14:17 IST) is slowly turning in
brownish-yellow due to continuous air and water pollution in its surrounding areas
as per the report compiled by the National Environment Engineering Research
Institute, Hyderabad, and the tourism statistics is showing that the flow of foreign
visitors to Taj Mahal is also on wane since last few years. The 400-year-old
Charminar monument, located at the bustling bazaars of Hyderabad’s old city is hit
with the layers of dust on its structure. A study conducted by Vardhaman College of
Engineering, Hyderabad found that the level of city’s Total Suspended Particular
Matter (TSPM) is among the highest in the area where this age-old heritage
monument is actually standing. In 2013, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB)
conducted a collaborative study with the IIT, Delhi that concluded that the traffic,
 CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF INDIAN BUILT-HERITAGES 17

the tandoors (ovens) from nearby restaurants and the industries are the main
culprits for discoloring of the main building’s facade and the golden plates affixed on
the shrine at the Golden Temple, Amritsar in Punjab.
Light & Sound Shows
The Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) conducts light and sound
programs at heritage sites with the purpose of highlighting the historical glory
through an audio-visual medium. Such initiative is bringing more number of tourists
to visit these sites but on the other hand, the intense light, high pitch of sound
system, vibrations create cracks on the walls of these monuments as the light
generates heat that harms the plaster works and the colors of monuments.
Vandalism
Some countries have made laws for the protection of cultural heritage. India is
one of them. The Antiquity Act of 1947, Antiquities and Art Treasures Act of 1972
particularly provide for the prevention of smuggling and illegally dealing in
antiques. In addition, the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
Act, 1958 ( No. 24 of 1958) says that, “if someone destroys, removes, injures, alters,
defaces, imperils or misuses a protected monument s/he shall be punishable with
imprisonment which may extend to three months, or with a fine which may extend
to five thousand rupees, or with both.” Then also the vicious trend of vandalism and
destruction of heritage buildings and heritage sites is ongoing. The vandals are
continuously damaging sculptures, gold/silver/bronze/stone made idols in many
Indian temples and tourist places with immense historical value and the situation is
deteriorating more and more by the idol smuggling rackets those are inscribing and
taking out these idols out of the country. Moreover, the epigraphs are vanishing
during the construction work of additional facilities in ancient temples and applying
of the fresh coat of paint during its renovation. It is due to the negligence of
watchmen in museums, monuments etc. No thefts is possible from museums,
monuments or sites without the involvement of local party directly or indirectly.
Lack of Awareness and Community Participation
Shankar & Swamy (2013) considers Heritage awareness as a vital component
of conservation. But, it is disheartening that the visitors often inscribe their initials,
names, places, addresses or messages on the invaluable archaeological masterpieces
those are nothing but our national treasures and it happens due to the lack of
awareness regarding the cultural significance of such masterpieces. In addition, one
of the major challenges in heritage conservation is to win the trust of local
communities so that they come forward and cooperate as many a time it has been
observed that many conservation processes have been stopped due to local
resistance and such kind of challenge can only be overcome if the conservation
plans and policies can benefit the local community people and it is not happening
often in India.
Suggestive Measures for Heritage Conservation and Management
The previous section draws attention to the various issues and challenges faced
by the Indian Heritage tourism sector. This portion of the paper outlines an array of
strategic measures that must be adopted to preserve, conserve, sustain and enhance
Indian heritages. They are;
• Better civic sense and a sense of responsibility instilled in the host community
as well as the visitors towards the cultural heritages can prevent themselves
18 ARNAB GANTAIT, PRIYAKRUSHNA MOHANTY and G. ANJANEYA SWAMY

from scribbling on the walls of archaeological masterpieces. Therefore,

spreading awareness about the importance of the heritage monuments is
essential. In this connection, cooperation between the public and the private
sectors is very much needed to start such awareness campaign in local and
regional level. Moreover, Heritage interpretation can be provided at
interpretation centers, museums, historic sites, botanical gardens, zoos, nature
reserves, art galleries, etc.
• The awareness programs on heritage management and its preservation should
be conducted by the city authorities at a regular interval so that it can ensure
larger participation from all section of the society including host community,
tourists, tourism stakeholders, investors, officials, owner of heritage properties.
• The ‘Heritage Walk’ concept can also be effective where community people,
students, tourists can participate. ‘Freedom Walk’, Street Plays can be organized
in heritage sites on all national level festivities so that people can gather in large
numbers to celebrate the events and to understand its significance and respect
pay homage.
• Local Students and local residents can be motivated for active participation in
regular ‘Cleanliness Drives’ of the heritage sites adjacent to their residences.
• Active involvement of institutions, organizations, Corporate, Multinational
corporations and individuals at the international, national and local levels to
protect and preserve our common cultural heritage and share the financial
responsibilities or being a part of the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ initiative.
• Local and state Government authorities should publish brochures, newspapers
and books on topic regarding heritage conservations and they should
disseminate these documents in schools, colleges, and universities, public
residences to make the new generation people cautious about their own
heritages.
• Meetings, surveys, reports, heritage clubs should be set up by schools,
educational institutes to make students and youth aware to save monuments.
• Government and international organizations should conduct regular
investigations to uncover the culprits and their supporters, involving in
vandalism and other criminal offenses and to bring them to justice.
• Restrict the trade of illicit trafficking of antiquities in domestic and international
level and Ban on purchasing of illicit antiquities from the market.
• There is a need of strong lobbying with concrete steps and arguments for the
inclusion of the other heritage objects apart from the heritage elements those
already have secured a place in the UNESCO ‘World Heritage Site’ list by proving
‘outstanding universal value.’ Many experts have opined that earning the
coveted UNESCO tag would not only have ramped up the revenues but also help
in keeping heritage free of encroachment.
• Displaying the ethnic products in the core heritage zone will benefit both the
visitors and locals and it will generate the revenue that can be spent on heritage
development.
• Many of the valuable arts, crafts, paintings and heritage buildings of the city are
slowly disappearing due to urban expansion and city’s growth. Therefore, it is to
be suggested that to open an information center and museum to display city’s
rich heritage in the heritage area will benefit both tourists and locals.
 CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF INDIAN BUILT-HERITAGES 19

• The officials, working in various departments related to heritage preservation

and management, should be motivated to take participation in various
workshops where their knowledge, skills and attitudes on heritage can be
developed and enhanced.
• Heritage awards can be initiated to recognize the conservation efforts made by
individuals, organizations, schools and media people.
• The government should start giving incentives, soft loans to the owner of
heritage properties so that they can maintain old buildings having rich
historical importance.
• Government should be stricter in taking action & plan to save monuments,
setting up of Archaeological departments.
• Government, NGOs, and other organizations working in heritage preservation
should give focus on collecting and generating more funds & donation for the
renovation works.
• Taxes/donations to preserve monuments, monument fees and other related
funds from citizens and tourists.
• Save our heritages from pollution by controlling mobs and keeping factories
and other polluters away.
• The Area delineated as Heritage Area (depicted in the map) need to develop
special plans for conservation and improvement of controlled areas.
• Alteration or demolition of any building is prohibited in the controlled
conservation areas without the consent of the Planning Authority and
Municipality as well.
• In order to preserve aesthetic environs around these monuments, it is
necessary to declare areas surrounding these monuments as zones of special
control.
• The encroachments are to be cleared and proper alternative arrangements are
to be provided.
• Unite all organizations and supreme bodies those are directly and indirectly
engaged in ‘tourism’ and 'management and conservation process of Cultural
Heritage Properties’ in India to form a single unit to function as an apex body to
control Cultural-Heritage Tourism in India.
• Denying the ‘Price of Visit’ concept can create physical deterioration of heritage
site because of funds paucity. Therefore, ‘User Pay Principle’ should be
implemented at every heritage sites.

Conclusion
Every community and society has its own precious heritage, which has to be
transferred to the coming generation and it is the responsibility of the civil society
to transfer that heritage to the next generation. India has a rich heritage that
includes a repository of archaeological treasures and incredible monuments and the
cultural history epitomized in these heritage monuments stems from a historic past
of its own ancient civilization. The number of these monuments and sites is so great
that a single tour can’t cover or discover the multifarious facets of this country.
Therefore, being a responsible Indian citizen, it is our primary and pious duty to
safeguard our ancient memorials and the preserved places having immense
20 ARNAB GANTAIT, PRIYAKRUSHNA MOHANTY and G. ANJANEYA SWAMY

historical significance and values and to ensure that no one can harm to them. We
should also consider it our moral duty to maintain the purity virginity, sanctity, and
beauty of these places. The Indian Government should involve Indian High
Commissions/Embassies to enlist such heritage sites/structure within a stipulated
time limit. This promotion of our heritages and the fund collection in term of
donation for their maintenance and restoration can be executed by our diplomatic
offices abroad. Moreover, the community, tourists, tourism stakeholders and
operators should take more responsibility towards the preservation of our heritages
those no doubt add an extra value to the prestige of India and the pride of every
Indian.

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