Sansad TV: Perspective- Safeguarding Cultural Heritage | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Challenges to Indian Art Heritage

• Theft: Incidents of theft commonly occur at unprotected ancient sites and temples. Theft also happens at protected monuments and museums due to inadequate security measures, such as museum guards not being vigilant.
• Smuggling: Antiquities are often smuggled for financial gain or luxury demands.
• Museum Security Issues: Many museums lack sufficient security due to limited staff, leading to theft and accidents like fires.
• Lack of Public Awareness: Insufficient awareness contributes to poor maintenance, vandalism, and damage to monuments and artifacts. Unauthorized construction near monuments is also a result.
• Poor Maintenance: The condition of Ajanta cave wall paintings is deteriorating due to humidity and neglect.
• Monument Encroachment: Over 278 protected monuments have been encroached upon or occupied illegally, according to government data.

Reasons for Protecting Art Heritage

• Continuous Learning from History: Studying history helps us understand societal norms and progress towards an ideal society.
• Tourism Benefits: Art monuments and museums attract tourists, generating revenue and benefiting artists and local economies.
• Infrastructure Development: Areas around cultural sites experience infrastructural growth, benefiting the region.
• Job Creation: Art and tourism industries offer job opportunities.
• Cultural Unity: Preserving heritage fosters a sense of belonging and unity.
• Inspiration: Historical sites inspire people to fight injustice and oppression.

Path Ahead

• Strengthening Laws and Initiatives: Existing laws like the Antiquities Act and recent amendments must be enforced to prevent smuggling and construction near monuments. Digital initiatives and e-ticketing services enhance accessibility.
• Empowering Institutions: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) needs to be more proactive, and public-private partnerships can sustain arts and crafts. Recognizing and grading artists also helps.
• Cultural Education: Modify school curricula to include heritage education. Introduce compulsory training for those in tourism.
• University Involvement: Universities should promote arts and culture, and Fine Arts should be offered as a subject.
• Revitalizing Heritage Sites: Festivals and events can revive historical sites. Cultural heritage tourism should be recognized as an industry.

Conclusion

Preserving India's cultural heritage is a collective responsibility. Our nation's culture has evolved over time and must be conserved, including tangible and intangible aspects such as monuments, arts, and crafts. This preservation holds immense importance for our society.