Interfacing Heritage and Conflict Areas – A Sensitive Approach for Managing Heritage in Indian Context

Globally by the end of the twentieth century, the definition of ‘heritage’ has expanded from built heritage (monuments), historic urban areas, gardens to intangibles including the entire living environment with its cultural traditions and changing lifestyles. With this changing notion of heritage, the concept of conservation of heritage has become less static and more dynamic, taking into account their tangible and intangible dimensions with reference to the culturally sustainable management of heritage resources. The underlying theme of conservation is community development together with the revival of intangible heritage which requires a multi-disciplinary approach which will include the overall environment and involves the local community. The paper investigates through understanding the protection of heritage in the Indian context, and various approaches adopted in few case examples where heritage was at stake or benefitted through various interventions by stakeholders and agencies involved. It will try to underline the need for a holistic and integrated approach to planning in case of protection of and intervention in the heritage areas or precincts. As the present approach for conservation and protection of heritage areas is inappropriate to carry the aspirations of physical and spiritual aspects.