Spiritual Revitalization of Indian Cities through Heritage Conservation

IIT Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India - 247667

^* Corresponding author: jagratisehgal@gmail.com

Abstract

The aim and objective of heritage conservation with revitalization under Article 1, UNESCO Constitution is “To contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among the nations through education, science and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms”. Revitalization refers to bring back the essence of tangible and intangible aspects which has been diminishing on the urge of modernism. Through intervention of conservation techniques such as restoration, adaptation, preservation, reconstruction etc. the above aspect can be achieved efficiently. Conservation and revitalization of old Indian cities and its historic values have so far given low priority in urban development policies. There are 35 (27 cultural, 7 natural and 1 mixed) World Heritage Sites in India that are recognized by the UNESCO as of July 2016. Eagerness for the taste of development, the Indian cities are losing their architectural and historical assets. Thus, revitalization and conservation have to come in action to celebrate reputable past of our historic areas and to upgrade its way towards life. Various heritage sites are in dilapidated condition which are not being utilized or conserved in an effective manner Indian cities are going through a vibrant phase of urban renaissance; the study methodology of this research is based on continuous and organic approach of revitalization by amalgamating community and policy development followed by analysis of physical and spiritual attributes of the city. Research and study approach concludes with considerations for area revitalization approaches which maintain the typical urban tissue, essential qualities of the historic areas, life of the communities residing there and can also adapt the physical structures and activities to some of the present day requirements. In terms of intangibility, it is stressed to be seen as part of regaining the spiritual identity by suitable conservation approach, sustainability and revitalization will work effectively if they are unified into new concept of development.