INTACH CHARTER

Renuka U | 20PG03

A brief history of INTACH:

Outlines the development made by it since its establishment.

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
PRINCIPLES
Why conserve? What to conserve? Conservation ethics

Why conserve?
The majority of India’s architectural heritage and sites are unprotected. They constitute a unique
civilization legacy. This legacy is being steadily eroded as a result of insensitive modernization
and urbanization, and the fact that it does not command the same respect as legally protected
monuments. Many unprotected heritage sites are still in use, and the manner in which they
continue to be kept in use represents the ‘living’ heritage of India. This ‘living’ heritage is not
legally protected. The buildings and sites, which constitute it, are subject to demolition or
unsympathetic interventions. The knowledge of traditional building skills with which it is
associated is also in danger of being lost.

Conserving the unprotected architectural heritage and sites ensures the survival of the country’s
sense of place and its very character in a globalizing environment. Offers an opportunity to
conserve the past and define the future.

What to conserve?
The objective of conservation is to maintain the significance of the architectural heritage or site.
The tangible heritage includes historic buildings of all periods, their setting in the historic
precincts of cities and their relationship to the natural environment. It also includes culturally
significant modern buildings and towns. The intangible heritage includes the extant culture of
traditional building skills and knowledge, rites and rituals, social life and lifestyles of the
inhabitants, which together with the tangible heritage constitutes the ‘living’ heritage. Both
tangible and intangible heritage, and especially the link between them, should be conserved.

While the Western ideology of conservation advocates minimal intervention, India’s indigenous
traditions idealize the opposite. Conserving unprotected architectural heritage offers the
opportunity to use indigenous practices. Before undertaking conservation, therefore, it is
necessary to identify where one system should be applied and where the other. For this
purpose, it is necessary inventory of extant heritage, both tangible and intangible, and separate
it into two categories:

1. Buildings and sites protected by ASI, SDA and other government or non-government
agencies.
2. The remaining listed buildings and sites both modern and historic, including those
produced within the last hundred years. Hybrid strategies, inventively combining
indigenous and official practices, can also be employed to conserve this heritage
category.
Conservation Ethics
Authenticity
The traditional knowledge systems and the cultural landscape in which it exists, particularly if
these are ‘living’, should define the authenticity of the heritage value to be conserved.

Conjecture
Local master builders build, rebuild, restore, renew and make additions/alterations to historic
buildings in response to contemporary exigencies or evolving local needs of the community;
they must be encouraged to follow their traditions even when there is no available evidence in
the form of documentation, oral histories or physical remains of previous structures.

Integrity
The integrity of the heritage is to be defined in terms of the physical fabric of the building, and
also with respect to the collective knowledge systems and cultural landscape it represents. This
knowledge system, where it exists, must mediate the process of conservation/ restoration/
rebuilding of the unprotected architectural heritage in order to reinforce an appreciation of the
cultural landscape.

Patina
The patination of historic fabric due to age or natural decay should not compel the preservation
of a ruin as it exists, frozen in time and space. In conformity with local aesthetic traditions, and
for the well being of the heritage building or site, renewal, restoration, repair or rebuilding is
acceptable. Patina may, where necessary, be considered as a sacrificial layer.

Rights of the indigenous community

Each community has its own distinctive culture constituted by its traditions, beliefs, rituals and
practices - all intrinsic to defining the significance of the unprotected architectural heritage and
site. The conservation strategy must respect the fact that local cultures are not static and,
therefore, encourage active community involvement in the process of decision-making.

Respect for the contributions of all periods

The contributions of earlier periods which produced the historic fabric and consequent
interventions, including contemporary interventions, based on either traditional systems of
building knowledge or modern practices, must be respected as constituting the integrity of the
heritage sought to be conserved. It must be done to mediate its evolving cultural significance to
achieve beneficial results.

Inseparable bond with setting

An unprotected heritage building or site is inseparable from its physical and cultural context, and
belongs to the local society as long as its members continue to value and nurture it. The
conservation process must be sensitive to this relationship, and reinforce it.

Minimal intervention
Conservation may include additions and alterations of the physical fabric, in part or whole, in
order to reinstate the meaning and coherence of the unprotected architectural heritage and site.
In the first instance, however, conservation should attempt minimal intervention.

Minimal loss of fabric

Reversibility
The principle of reversibility of interventions needs not dictate conservation strategy. In order to
use the unprotected heritage for the socio-economic regeneration of the local communities, the
historic building and site can be suitably adapted and modified for an appropriate reuse.

Legibility
The legibility of any intervention must be viewed in its own context.

Demolish/ Rebuild
The concept of jeernodharanam, or regeneration of what decays, must guide the nature of
conservation. This belief is fundamental to conserving traditional ways of building and
maintaining the continuity of local knowledge systems.

Relationship between the conservation architect and the community

In dealing with the conservation of unprotected architectural heritage and sites, it may become
necessary to temper the role of the conservation architect as an expert professional by taking
into account the desires and aspirations of the local community and the traditional practices of
raj mistris.
GUIDELINES
Conservation Listing Guidelines for
objectives Conservation

Conservation Objectives
Retain visual identity
It is necessary to retain the specific visual identity of a place created by the presence of
unprotected architectural heritage and sites. The objective must be to integrate unprotected
heritage and sites into daily social life by balancing their needs so that neither overshadows the
other. Additions of street furniture, pavement material, lighting, signage, etc. can add to the
experience and appreciation of the heritage. The visual cacophony created by various objects
enhances the visual character of the architectural heritage of the place.

Adaptive re-use
The re-use of historic buildings and neighborhoods is economically sensible. It is an effective
strategy to conserve architectural heritage.

Restoration/ Replication/ Rebuilding

Restoration is an appropriate conservation strategy to reinstate the integrity or complete the
fractured ‘whole’ of the architectural heritage/ site. It must aim to convey the meaning of the
heritage in the most effective manner.

Employment generation
Conservation strategy must focus on the potential for employing local raj mistris, labour and
materials

Local material and traditional technology

The use of local materials and traditional technologies must invariably be preferred. Their choice
must be based on the availability of traditional knowledge systems.

Integrated conservation
Conservation of architectural heritage and sites must be integrated with the social and economic
aspirations of society. Conservation-oriented development must be the preferred strategy for
social and economic progress.

Sustainability

Listing
Inventory of properties / buildings
Preparing an inventory of heritage buildings worthy of preservation is the most important task
with which to begin the process of conservation. The primary aim of listing is to document the
fast disappearing-built heritage and then present it to scholars and the general public in a user-
friendly format, which aids conservation by generating public awareness. Once a property/
building is included in such a list, it becomes justifiable to undertake necessary conservation
activities by formulating special regulations for its conservation or according it due protection
under Town Planning Acts.

Selection criteria

1. Historic significance
Historic significance refers to the importance of a property to the history, architecture,
archaeology, engineering or culture of a community, region or nation.
2. Historic integrity
Historic integrity refers to the property’s historic identity, evidenced by the survival of
physical characteristics and significant elements that existed during the property’s
historic period. The “original” identity includes changes and additions over historic time.
3. Historic context
Historic context refers to information about historic trends and properties grouped by an
important theme in the history of a community, region or nation during a particular period
of time.

Methodology
• Background research
• Field work

Grading
This Charter recommends that buildings and sites be classified as Grade I*, I, II and III in
descending order of importance.
Buildings and sites classified as Grade I*, I and II should be conserved in accordance with the
provisions of official and legal manuals of practice.

Guidelines for conservation

These Guidelines should be updated by conservation architects periodically. It may also be
necessary to bring out region specific guidelines so that conservation practices can be sensitive
to regional material and cultural attributes.

Heritage zone
Heritage Zones are sensitive development areas, which are a part of larger urban
agglomeration possessing significant evidence of heritage.
Role of conservation architects
The role of the conservation architect is to provide expert advice for conserving the architectural
heritage and site. Conservation, however, is a multi-disciplinary activity and conservation
architects must work closely with professionals of other disciplines.
MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATION

Management Education and public awareness

Management
Role of local communities
Local communities or individuals must be entrusted with responsibilities to conserve their own
heritage. Where outside expertise is necessary, local stakeholders must be made active
participants at all stages of the conservation process.

Role of INTACH
The role of INTACH is to institutionalize the conservation of the unprotected architectural
heritage all over India. It should accomplish this objective by establishing Local Chapters.
INTACH’s local Chapters should promote the culture of conservation (Article 8), and make an
inventory of architectural heritage (Article 5). They should develop ways and means to conserve
local architectural heritage.

Fiscal measures
Innovative financial schemes must be offered to individuals or communities in order to
encourage their involvement and interest in the preservation of their own heritage. The policy of
the ‘adoption’ of historic buildings/areas by competent and concerned community groups, trusts
or private entrepreneurs of repute must be encouraged.

Tourism
The strong affinity between tourism and heritage should be leveraged to promote the
conservation of unprotected architectural heritage and sites.

Education and public awareness

Public responsibilities
The responsibility for care and maintenance of heritage must be entrusted to the local
community, for the protection and conservation of any cultural resource is ensured only if it
enjoys the love and respect of the local people.

Public awareness
It is essential to create public interest, awareness and concern regarding the significance of
cultural heritage, its protection, conservation and enhancement for the benefit of both present
and future generations. This public education can be achieved by utilizing communication and
promotion techniques: thematic publications, print and electronic media, cultural programmes,
educational fairs, heritage site visits and excursions, exhibitions, workshops, lectures, seminars
and so on.
Education in primary and secondary schools
Respect and affection for heritage - both natural and cultural - and concern for its protection and
conservation should be inculcated in school children, and this must form a crucial aspect of
education.

Undergraduate education
The institutes, colleges and universities for the education of architects, engineers,
archaeologists, planners, administrative service officers, management professionals, material
chemists and other professions relevant to heritage conservation and management should
encourage inter-disciplinary interaction.

Post-graduate education
In addition to history and theory of conservation, which will principally include the Western
perspective, and a thorough understanding of UNESCO, ICOMOS and other recognized
international conventions, recommendations, Charters and guidelines, the specialized education
and training of conservation professionals must build upon traditional indigenous principles and
practices of building and conservation.

Education and training of craftspeople

The ideal way to preserve a craft is to practice it. In order to ensure the continuity of craft
traditions, it is essential that systematic education and training environments be provided and
supported at all levels by the Government, non-governmental organizations and private
entrepreneurs.
ANNEXURE

The Nara Document On Authenticity

Preamble
We, the experts assembled in Nara (Japan), wish to acknowledge the generous spirit and
intellectual courage of the Japanese authorities in providing a timely forum in which we could
challenge conventional thinking in the conservation field.

We also wish to acknowledge the value of the framework for discussion provided by the World
Heritage Committee's desire to apply the test of authenticity.

The Nara Document on Authenticity is conceived in the spirit of the Charter of Venice, 1964,
and builds on it and extends it in response to the expanding scope of cultural heritage concerns
and interests in our contemporary world.

In a world that is increasingly subject to the forces of globalization and homogenization, and in a
world in which the search for cultural identity is sometimes pursued through aggressive
nationalism and the suppression of the cultures of minorities, the essential contribution made by
the consideration of authenticity in conservation practice is to clarify and illuminate the collective
memory of humanity.

Cultural Diversity and Heritage Diversity

• The diversity of cultures and heritage in our world is an irreplaceable source of spiritual
and intellectual richness for all humankind.
• Cultural heritage diversity exists in time and space, and demands respect for other
cultures and all aspects of their belief systems.
• All cultures and societies are rooted in the particular forms and means of tangible and
intangible expression which constitute their heritage, and these should be respected.
• It is important to underline a fundamental principle of UNESCO, to the effect that the
cultural heritage of each is the cultural heritage of all.

Appendix1
• Respect for cultural and heritage diversity requires conscious efforts to avoid imposing
mechanistic formulae.
• Approaches should also build on and facilitate international co-operation among all those
with an interest in conservation of cultural heritage, in order to improve global respect
and understanding for the diverse expressions and values of each culture.
• Continuation and extension of this dialogue to the various regions and cultures of the
world is a prerequisite to increasing the practical value of consideration of authenticity in
the conservation of the common heritage of humankind.
 • Increasing awareness within the public of this fundamental dimension of heritage is an
absolute necessity in order to arrive at concrete measures for safeguarding the vestiges
of the past.

Appendix II
Definitions

Conservation
All efforts designed to understand cultural heritage, know its history and meaning, ensure its
material safeguard and, as required, its presentation, restoration and enhancement. (Cultural
heritage is understood to include monuments, groups of buildings and sites of cultural value as
defined in article one of the World Heritage Convention).

Information sources
All material, written, oral and figurative sources which make it possible to know the nature,
specifications, meaning and history of the cultural heritage.

The Nara Document on Authenticity was drafted by the 45 participants at the Nara Conference
on Authenticity in Relation to the World Heritage Convention, held at Nara, Japan, from 1-6
November 1994, at the invitation of the Agency for Cultural Affairs (Government of Japan) and
the Nara Prefecture. The Agency organized the Nara Conference in cooperation with UNESCO,
ICCROM and ICOMOS.

This final version of the Nara Document has been edited by the general rapporteurs of the Nara
Conference, Mr. Raymond Lemaire and Mr. Herb Stove.