Happy World Heritage Week 2016!! It's time to celebrate Indian heritage...
But what exactly is Indian heritage? Is it only monuments like Taj Mahal, Qutb Minar, forts like Red Fort, caves like Ajanta, Ellora, colonial structures like CST, grand temples like Konark, Brihadeshwara Temple, churches of Goa, Buddhist monuments like Sanchi...only the places inscribed in the World Heritage List of India?
Heritage is of course much more...it's an imprint of human activity in the past, that has survived in the present and should be preserved for future generations. It also includes customs, traditions, festivals, dances, music...every aspect of culture one can think of.
What's interesting about heritage is its association and interaction with people. People ascertain meanings and values in heritage. Some celebrate one aspect of heritage, neglect the other. Some see economic value in a particular heritage place, others see religious or aesthetic or other value. The relationship between society and heritage is a crucial factor determining its preservation and sustenance.
As we celebrate World Heritage Week this year, students were asked how they perceive heritage. What associations they can draw with heritage.
Here are aspects of heritage through students' lenses.
Tripuri Purnima Festival at Mandapeshwar Caves, Mumbai
But what exactly is Indian heritage? Is it only monuments like Taj Mahal, Qutb Minar, forts like Red Fort, caves like Ajanta, Ellora, colonial structures like CST, grand temples like Konark, Brihadeshwara Temple, churches of Goa, Buddhist monuments like Sanchi...only the places inscribed in the World Heritage List of India?
Heritage is of course much more...it's an imprint of human activity in the past, that has survived in the present and should be preserved for future generations. It also includes customs, traditions, festivals, dances, music...every aspect of culture one can think of.
What's interesting about heritage is its association and interaction with people. People ascertain meanings and values in heritage. Some celebrate one aspect of heritage, neglect the other. Some see economic value in a particular heritage place, others see religious or aesthetic or other value. The relationship between society and heritage is a crucial factor determining its preservation and sustenance.
As we celebrate World Heritage Week this year, students were asked how they perceive heritage. What associations they can draw with heritage.
Here are aspects of heritage through students' lenses.
Tripuri Purnima Festival at Mandapeshwar Caves, Mumbai
- By Uma Kabe
Tripuri Purnima is a festival associated with worship of Hindu God Shiva. Legend has it that Shiva killed demon Tripurasura on this day and lights are lit in temples to celebrate his victory. Mandapeshwar caves being the abode of Shiva, Tripuri is celebrated here by people by drawing rangoli and lighting traditional lamps. This social value of heritage ensures continuity and relevance of heritage for the local communities.
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