UNIT – I

INTRODUCTION TO CONSERVATION

WHAT IS HERITAGE?

Heritage is the full range of our inherited traditions, monuments, objects, and culture. Most
important, it is the range of contemporary activities, meanings, and behaviors that we draw from
them.

Heritage includes, but is much more than preserving, excavating, displaying, or restoring a
collection of old things. It is both tangible and intangible, in the sense that ideas and memories--of
songs, recipes, language, dances, and many other elements of who we are and how we identify
ourselves--are as important as historical buildings and archaeological sites.

Heritage is, or should be, the subject of active public reflection, debate, and discussion. What is
worth saving? What can we, or should we, forget? What memories can we enjoy, regret, or learn
from? Who owns "The Past" and who is entitled to speak for past generations? Active public
discussion about material and intangible heritage--of individuals, groups, communities, and
nations--is a valuable facet of public life in our multicultural world.

Heritage is a contemporary activity with far-reaching effects. It can be an element of far-

sighted urban and regional planning. It can be the platform for political recognition, a medium for
intercultural dialogue, a means of ethical reflection, and the potential basis for local economic
development. It is simultaneously local and particular, global and shared.

Heritage is an essential part of the present we live in--and of the future we will build.

TYPES OF HERITAGE

• Natural Heritage
• Indigenous Heritage
• Historic Heritage

NATURAL HERITAGE comprises the components of the natural environment that have
aesthetic, historical, scientific or social significance, or other special value for the present community, as
well as for future generations. Such places might include national parks, reserves, botanic gardens and
private conservancies, as well as significant fauna and flora habitats or geological sites.

INDIGENOUS HERITAGE places include occupation sites, rock art, carved trees, places with
known spiritual values, important waters or landscapes laden with meaning to people from that country,
and places with contemporary value to Indigenous people.

HISTORIC HERITAGE A historic site or heritage site is an official location where pieces of
political, military, cultural, or social history have been preserved due to their cultural heritage value.

DEFINITION:

“Heritage building” means and includes any building of one or more premises or any part thereof
and/or structure and/or artefact which requires conservation and / or preservation for historical and
/ or architectural and / or artisanary and /or aesthetic and/or cultural and/or environmental and/or
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ecological purpose and includes such portion of land adjoining such building or part thereof as
may be required for fencing or covering or in any manner preserving the historical and/or
architectural and/or aesthetic and/or cultural value of such building.
“Heritage Precincts” means and includes any space that requires conservation and /or
preservation for historical and / or architectural and/or aesthetic and/or cultural and/or
environmental and/or ecological purpose. Walls or other boundaries of a particular area or place or
building or may enclose such space by an imaginary line drawn around it.
“Conservation” means all the processes of looking after a place so as to retain its historical and/or
architectural and/or aesthetic and/or cultural significance and includes maintenance, preservation,
restoration, reconstruction and adoption or a combination of more than one of these.
“Preservation” means and includes maintaining the fabric of a place in its existing state and
retarding deterioration.
“Restoration” means and includes returning the existing fabric of a place to a known earlier state
by removing accretions or by reassembling existing components without introducing new
materials.
“Reconstruction” means and includes returning a place as nearly as possible to a known earlier
state and distinguished by the introduction of materials (new or old) into the fabric. This shall not
include either recreation or conjectural reconstruction.
“Architectural Conservation” describes the process through which the material, historical, and
design integrity of humanity's built heritage are prolonged through carefully planned interventions.
The individual engaged in this pursuit is known as an architectural conservator.
WHY CONSERVATION?
Heritage largely defines the identity of a society and it is passed down from one generation to
another.
In order to pass on to future generations what is currently identified as being of cultural
significance today, we must imbibe good conservation practices especially for the heritage
buildings in order to prevent them from deterioration and extend the life and basic functions of
these buildings.
Heritage buildings differ from modern buildings in the sense that they are anticipated to last
permanently.
Also heritage buildings are buildings that for various factors society has decided that they shall
be preserved for as long as possible.
The heritage buildings constructed in the past that have high historical, architectural,
spiritual,social, political and economical values.
Similarly heritage buildings are highly valuable and informative in terms of
socio-cultural,
socio-political,
socio-economical and
even technological activities
of a specific society or group of individual.
The conservation of built heritage is generally perceived to be in the long term interest of
society.
Most buildings are capable of beneficial use, whether for their original purpose or for some
other use. Buildings and their precincts need to be used in order to
survive and such use can be made into an economically viable enterprise.

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CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES
•Retain visual identity
•Adaptive re-use
•Restoration/ Replication/ Rebuilding
•Employment generation
•Local material and traditional technology
•Integrated conservation
•Sustainability

FACTORS DETERIORATING HERITAGE BUILDINGS

Natural Factors :
•Flood
•Biological Factors
•Moisture
•Rainstorm
•Ground salts and water
•Windstorm
•Air Pollutant
•Solar Radiation
•Temperature
•Vibration

Social Factors :
•Fire
•Urban Development
•Vandalism

CATEGORIES OF SPECIAL INTEREST

A protected structure be of special interest under one or more of the following categories
Architectural; Historical; Archaeological; Artistic; Cultural; Scientific; Technical; Social.

URBAN CONSERVATION
The brief for the project outlined the term Urban Conservation Areas as applying broadly to a
range of city, urban and suburban streetscapes, landscapes, spaces and places focused on local and
central city commercial areas. For the purposes of this project, the definition of ‘commercial’
encompasses retail and light industrial areas, although an urban conservation area may include a
building that is not strictly commercial but whose existence relates to commercial development.
Collectively, urban conservation areas contain a range of features, buildings and places that
form a unique or representative group that typifies the local character and identity. The special
qualities of these areas does not come from the buildings alone but includes historic road layouts,
paths and boundaries; building and paving materials; a particular mix of building uses; public and
private spaces, such as gardens, parks and greens; and trees and street furniture, which contributes
to particular views – all features are recognised as part of is heritage character.
Global processes have a direct impact on the identity and visual integrity of historic cities and
their broader setting, as well as on the people who live in them. While some cities are growing
exponentially, others are shrinking and being radically restructured as a result of shifting economic
processes and new patterns of migration. To address these issues, local urban strategies are
becoming the key component of urban development planning. The increasing globalization of the
economy is radically transforming many contemporary cities, benefiting some groups, whilst
marginalizing others. In some countries, centrally controlled planning has given way to
decentralization and market-oriented approaches. The result is that cities have been exposed to
new pressures, among which the following:
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 • Rapid urbanization threatening the sense of place and identity of communities
• Uncontrolled, poorly conceived and/or badly implemented urban development
• Intensity and speed of changes, including global warming
• Unsustainable consumption of resources.

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION
Architectural conservation describes the process through which the material, historical, and
design integrity of mankind built heritage are prolonged through carefully planned interventions.
Architectural conservation deals with issues of prolonging the life and integrity of architectural
character and integrity, such as form and style, and/or its constituent materials, such as stone,
brick, glass, metal, and wood.

The Department of the Interior of the United States defined the following treatment approaches
to architectural conservation:

"Preservation" places a high premium on the retention of all historic fabric through conservation,
maintenance and repair. It reflects a buildings continuum over time, through successive
occupancies, and the respectful changes and alterations that are made.

“Rehabilitation" emphasizes the retention and repair of historic materials, but more latitude is
provided for replacement because it is assumed the property is more deteriorated prior to work.
(Both Preservation and Rehabilitation standards focus attention on the preservation of those
materials, features, finishes, spaces, and spatial relationships that, together, give a property its
historic character.

“Adaptive reuse" refers to the process of reusing an old site or building for a purpose other than
which it was built or designed for. Along with Brownfield reclamation, adaptive reuse is seen by
many as a key factor in land conservation and the reduction of urban sprawl. However adaptive
reuse can become controversial as there is sometimes a blurred line between renovation, facadism
and adaptive reuse. It can be regarded as a compromise between historic preservation and
demolition.

"Façadism" (or Façadomy) is the practice of demolishing a building but leaving its facade intact
for the purposes of building new structures in it or around it.

"Restoration" focuses on the retention of materials from the most significant time in a properties
history, while permitting the removal of materials from other periods.

“Reconstruction" establishes limited opportunities to re-create a non-surviving site, landscape,

building, structure, or object in all new materials.

ICCROM

International Centre for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments

Imbued with a message from the past, the historic monuments of generations of people remain to
the present day as living witnesses of their age-old traditions. People are becoming more and more
conscious of the unity of human values and regard ancient monuments as a common heritage. The
common responsibility to safeguard them for future generations is recognized. It is our duty to
hand them on in the full richness of their authenticity. It is essential that the principles guiding the
preservation and restoration of ancient buildings should be agreed and be laid down on an
international basis, with each country being responsible for applying the plan within the
framework of its own culture and traditions. By defining these basic principles for the first time,
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the Athens Charter of 1931 contributed towards the development of an extensive international
movement which has assumed concrete form in national documents, in the work of ICOM and
UNESCO and in the establishment by the latter of the International Centre for the Study of the
Preservation and the Restoration of Cultural Property. Increasing awareness and critical study have
been brought to bear on problems which have continually become more complex and varied; now
the time has come to examine the Charter afresh in order to make a thorough study of the
principles involved and to enlarge its scope in a new document. Accordingly, the IInd International
Congress of Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments, which met in Venice from May
25th to 31st 1964, approved the following
ROLE OF ICCROM
The concept of a historic monument embraces not only the single architectural work but also the
urban or rural setting in which is found the evidence of a particular civilization, a significant
development or a historic event. This applies not only to great works of art but also to more modest
works of the past which have acquired cultural significance with the passing of time
The conservation and restoration of monuments must have recourse to all the sciences and
techniques which can contribute to the study and safeguarding of the architectural heritage.
The intention in conserving and restoring monuments is to safeguard them no less as works of art
than as historical evidence.
• Encourage States, if they did not already have it, to establish a governmental organization
responsible for the protection and maintenance of historic monuments as testimonies to the
history of peoples;
• Guarantee that restoration be assigned only to qualified architects;
• Envisage the constitution of an International Association of Architects and Technicians
responsible for historic monuments.
CONSERVATION
It is essential to the conservation of monuments that they be maintained on a permanent basis.
The conservation of monuments is always facilitated by making use of them for some socially
useful purpose. Such use is therefore desirable but it must not change the lay-out or decoration of
the building. It is within these limits only that modifications demanded by a change of function
should be envisaged and may be permitted.
The conservation of a monument implies preserving a setting which is not out of scale. Wherever
the traditional setting exists, it must be kept. No new construction, demolition or modification
which would alter the relations of mass and colour must be allowed.
A monument is inseparable from the history to which it bears witness and from the setting in
which it occurs. The moving of all or part of a monument cannot be allowed except where the
safeguarding of that monument demands it or where it is justified by national or international
interest of paramount importance.
Items of sculpture, painting or decoration which form an integral part of a monument may only be
removed from it if this is the sole means of ensuring their preservation.
The process of restoration is a highly specialized operation. Its aim is to preserve and reveal the
aesthetic and historic value of the monument and is based on respect for original material and
authentic documents. It must stop at the point where conjecture begins, and in this case moreover
any extra work which is indispensable must be distinct from the architectural composition and

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must bear a contemporary stamp. The restoration in any case must be preceded and followed by an
archaeological and historical study of the monument.
Where traditional techniques prove inadequate, the consolidation of a monument can be achieved
by the use of any modern technique for conservation and construction, the efficacy of which has
been shown by scientific data and proved by experience
The valid contributions of all periods to the building of a monument must be respected, since unity
of style is not the aim of a restoration. When a building includes the superimposed work of
different periods, the revealing of the underlying state can only be justified in exceptional
circumstances and when what is removed is of little interest and the material which is brought to
light is of great historical, archaeological or aesthetic value, and its state of preservation good
enough to justify the action. Evaluation of the importance of the elements involved and the
decision as to what may be destroyed cannot rest solely on the individual in charge of the work.
Replacements of missing parts must integrate harmoniously with the whole, but at the same time
must be distinguishable from the original so that restoration does not falsify the artistic or historic
evidence.
Additions cannot be allowed except in so far as they do not detract from the interesting parts of
the building, its traditional setting, the balance of its composition and its relation with its
surroundings.
HISTORIC SITES
The sites of monuments must be the object of special care in order to safeguard their integrity and
ensure that they are cleared and presented in a seemly manner. The work of conservation and
restoration carried out in such places should be inspired by the principles set forth in the foregoing
articles.
EXCAVATIONS
Excavations should be carried out in accordance with scientific standards and the recommendation
defining international principles to be applied in the case of archaeological excavation adopted by
UNESCO in 1956. Ruins must be maintained and measures necessary for the permanent
conservation and protection of architectural features and of objects discovered must be taken.
Furthermore, every means must be taken to facilitate the understanding of the monument and to
reveal it without ever distorting its meaning. All reconstruction work should however be ruled out
"a priori". Only anastylosis, that is to say, the reassembling of existing but dismembered parts can
be permitted. The material used for integration should always be recognizable and its use should
be the least that will ensure the conservation of a monument and the reinstatement of its form.
PUBLICATION
In all works of preservation, restoration or excavation, there should always be precise
documentation in the form of analytical and critical reports, illustrated with drawings and
photographs. Every stage of the work of clearing, consolidation, rearrangement and integration, as
well as technical and formal features identified during the course of the work, should be included.
This record should be placed in the archives of a public institution and made available to research
workers. It is recommended that the report should be published.
UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

ROLE OF UNESCO

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 • Encourage countries to sign the World Heritage Convention and to ensure the protection of
their natural and cultural heritage;
• Encourage States Parties to establish management plans and set up reporting systems on the
state of conservation of their World Heritage sites;
• Provide emergency assistance for World Heritage sites in immediate danger;
Encourage participation of the local population in the preservation of their cultural and
natural heritage;
• Encourage States Parties to the Convention to nominate sites within their national territory
for inclusion on the World Heritage List;
• Help States Parties safeguard World Heritage properties by providing technical assistance
and professional training;
• Support States Parties' public awareness-building activities for World Heritage
conservation;
• Encourage international cooperation in the conservation of our world's cultural and natural
heritage.

Funding
The conservation and protection of World Heritage sites wouldn’t be possible without the financial
resources to meet World Heritage needs. Sources of income include the World Heritage
Fund. which receives most of its income from compulsory contributions from countries (States
Parties) and from voluntary contributions. Other sources of income include profits derived from
sales of World Heritage publications, or funds-in-trust that are donated by countries for specific
purposes.
Reporting and Monitoring
State of conservation
States Parties have an obligation to regularly prepare reports about the state of conservation and
the various protection measures put in place at their sites. These reports allow the World Heritage
Committee to assess the conditions at the sites and, eventually, to decide on the necessity of
adopting specific measures to resolve recurrent problems. One of such measures could be the
inscription of a property on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Periodic Reporting
The Periodic Reporting process provides an assessment of the application of the World Heritage
Convention by the States Parties. It also provides updated information about the sites to record
possible changes in the state of conservation of sites. The Periodic Reports – submitted by the
States Parties themselves – are prepared on a regional basis and are examined by the World
Heritage Committee on a pre-established schedule based on a six-year cycle. The results are
included in the report of the World Heritage Committee to the General Conference of UNESCO.

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 UNIT – II
CONSERVATION IN INDIA
•Heritage comprises archaeological sites, remains, ruins, and monuments protected by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and their counterparts in the States, and also a large number
of unprotected buildings, groups of buildings, neighborhoods, and public spaces including
landscapes and natural features which provide character and distinctive identity to cities.

•Conservation plans and projects for cities must take into account both the protected and
unprotected components of the heritage.

•The three key concepts need to be understood to determine whether a property is worthy of listing
as a Heritage are namely according to

• Historic significance,
• Historic integrity,
• Historic context.

BRIEF HISTORY OF CONSERVATION IN INDIA

In India, the first instance of conservation was when Emperor Ashoka ordered to conserve wildlife
in the 3rd century BC.

Then in the 14th century AD, Firuz Shah Tughlaq ordered to protect ancient buildings.

Later, during the British Rule, the “Bengal Regulation (XIX)” was passed in 1810, and the
“Madras Regulation (VII)” was passed in 1817. These regulations vested the government with the
power to intervene whenever the public buildings were under threat of misuse.

Then in 1863, Act XX was passed which authorised the government to “prevent injury to and
preserve buildings remarkable for their antiquity or for their historical or architectural value”.

However, many historic structures were destroyed by the government (pre independence) itself in
Shahjahanabad.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established in 1861 to initiate legal provision to
protect the historical structures all over India. The “Ancient Monuments Preservation Act (VII)”
was passed in 1904 which provided effective preservation and authority over the monuments, and
in 1905 for the first time, 20 historic structures in Delhi were ordered to be protected.

At the time of independence, 151 buildings and complexes in Delhi were protected by the central
ASI. The State Department of Archaeology was set up in 1978 in Delhi, but it lacks the power to
acquire or protect buildings, and merely looks after some monuments de-notified by ASI.

In 1984, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was founded to stimulate
awareness for conservation of cultural heritage among the people.

It offers the opportunity not only to conserve the past, but also to define the future. It provides
alternate avenues for employment and a parallel market for local building materials and
technologies, which needs to be taken into account when resources for development are severely
constrained. This ‘living’ heritage also has symbiotic relationships with the natural environments

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within which it originally evolved. Understanding this interdependent ecological network and
conserving it can make a significant contribution to improving the quality of the environment.

HERITAGE STRUCTURES IN INDIA:

Heritage structures in India can be categorized in to three major types:

1. The secular structures such as palaces, darbargarhs and chatries.

2. The religious structures of ancient origin still in active use by some sects.
3. The historic houses and commercial structures like bazaars, Step wells that are character
defining elements of a historic walled city area in areas.

It is these heritage structures, which will continue in the future to be a significant attraction for
tourists while at the same time contributing to the local cultural base.
The heritage buildings are the most visible and often most important physical manifestation of a
rich cultural history of a country like India.

ASI

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier
organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is
the prime concern of the ASI. Besides it regulate all archaeological activities in the country as per
the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It also
regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national
importance the entire country is divided into 24 Circles. The organization has a large work force of
trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphist, architects and scientists for conducting
archaeological research projects through its Circles, Museums, Excavation Branches, Prehistory
Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science Branch, Horticulture Branch, Building Survey Project,
Temple Survey Projects and Underwater Archaeology Wing.

MUSEUMS IN INDIA:

The concept of museums in India may be traced back to the historic times, in which references to
the chitrasala (picture gallery) do occur. However, in India the museum movement post-dates the
similar developments that occurred in Europe.

The earliest necessity to house objects of antiquarian remains dates back to late 1796 AD when the
Asiatic Society of Bengal felt the need to house the enormous collection of archaeological,
ethnological, geological, zoological pursuits. However, the first museum by them was started in
1814. The nucleus of this Asiatic Society Museum later provided to the Indian Museum, Calcutta.
In Archaeological Survey of India also, due to the various explorative investigations that was
initiated since the times of its first Director General, Alexander Cunningham, vast quantity of
antiquarian remains were collected. The creation of site museums had to wait until the arrival of
Sir John Marshall, who initiated the founding of the local museums like Sarnath (1904), Agra
(1906), Ajmer (1908), Delhi Fort (1909), Bijapur (1912), Nalanda (1917) and Sanchi (1919).
The concept of site museums is well elucidated by Hargreaves, one of the former Director
Generals of ASI:
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‘it has been the policy of the Government of India to keep the small and movable antiquities,
recovered from the ancient sites, in close association with the remains to which they belong, so
that hey may be studied amid their natural surroundings and not lose focus by being transported’.A
separate Museums Branch in ASI was created in 1946 by Mortimer Wheeler. After the
independence, there was a spurt in the growth of site museums in ASI. At present there are 44 site
museums under the control of ASI.

MONUMENTS IN INDIA:

According to 1958 Act, Ancient Monument means any structure, erection or monument, or any
tumulus or place of interment, or any cave, rock-sculpture, inscription or monolith which is of
historical, archaeological or artistic interest and which has been in existence for not less than 100
years and includes,
1. Remains of an ancient monument,
2. Site of an ancient monument
3. Such portion of land adjoining the site of an ancient monument as may be required
for fencing or covering in or otherwise preserving such monument,
4. The means of access to, and convenient inspection of, an ancient monument;

Portion of land adjoining the site of an ancient monument may be required for fencing or
covering in or otherwise preserving such monument & for access to, and convenient inspection of
the ancient monument
Responsibility of preserving such monuments becomes that of the government and the
government is expected to take appropriate measures to preserve them without changing their
ancient character.

Archaeological site and remains means any area which contains or is reasonably believed to
contain ruins or relics of historical or archaeological importance which have been in existence for
not less than one hundred years, and includes— Such portion of land adjoining the area as may be
required for fencing or covering in or otherwise preserving it, and The means of access to, and
convenient inspection of the area;

Protection of monuments
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the provisions of the AMASR Act, 1958 protects
monuments, sites and remains of national importance by giving a two-month’s notice for inviting
objections, if any in this regard.

After the specified two-month’s period, and after scrutinizing the objections, if any, received in
this regard, the ASI makes decision to bring a monument under its protection.

There are at present more than 3650 ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of
national importance. These monuments belong to different periods, ranging from the prehistoric
period to the colonial period and are located in different geographical settings. They include
temples, mosques, tombs, churches, cemeteries, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and
secular architecture as well as ancient mounds and sites which represent the remains of ancient
habitation.

These monuments and sites are maintained and preserved through various Circles of the ASI
spread all over the country. The Circles look after the research on these monuments and

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conservation activities, while the Science Branch with its headquarters at Dehradum carries out
chemical preservation and the Horticulture Branch with its headquarters at Agra is entrusted with
the laying out gardens and environmental development.

TYPES OF HERITAGE STRUCTURES IN TAMIL NADU

Total number of structures 248 Total number of prehistoric archaeological sites: 163 Types of
structures:
• Stone Temples (7th century AD onwards) – Structural and Rock-cut.
• Medieval and colonial forts, mosques, churches

TYPES OF PROBLEMS IN HERITAGE STRUCTURES:

• HUMAN NEGLIGENCE
• HUMAN VANDALISM
• OVER LOADING OF ROOF
• RISING OF GROUND LEVEL
• WRONG CHOICE OF STONE
• STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS
• CLIMATIC
• EARTH QUAKE

INTACH

Indian National Trust For Art And Cultural Heritage

In 1984, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was registered as a society
and founded with the vision to create a membership organization to stimulate and spearhead
heritage awareness and conservation in India. Today INTACH is recognized as one of the world’s
largest heritage organizations, with over 180 Chapters across the Country.

ROLE OF INTACH

• Sensitize the public about the pluralistic cultural legacy of India

• Instill a sense of social responsibility towards preserving India’s common heritage
• Protect and preserve India’s living, built, and natural heritage by undertaking necessary
actions and measures
• Document unprotected buildings of archaeological, architectural, historic and aesthetic
significance, as well as the cultural resources, as this is the first step towards formulating
conservation plans
• Develop heritage policies and regulations, and make legal interventions to protect India’s
heritage when necessary
• Provide expertise in the field of conservation, restoration and preservation of specific
works of art; and encourage capacity-building by developing skills through training
programmes
• Undertake emergency response measures during natural or man-made disasters and support
the local administration whenever heritage is threatened
• Foster collaborations, Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and partnerships with
government and other national and international agencies
• Generate sponsorships for conservation and educational projects
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CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES

1. Retain Visual Identity

2. Adaptive Re-Use
3. Restoration/ Replication/ Rebuilding
4. Employment Generation
5. Integrated Conservation
6. Sustainability
7. Listing
i. Inventory Of Properties / Buildings
ii. Selection Criteria
• Historic significance
• Historic integrity
• Historic context

iii. Precincts Or Properties With Multiple Owners

iv. Methodology
• Background research
• Field work
v. Mapping Of Vernacular Architecture And Historic Settlements
vi. Detailed Format For All The Structures
vii. Grading

Retain Visual Identity

In a globalising world, where visual spaces are rapidly becoming homogenised, it is necessary to
retain the specific visual identity of a place created by the presence of unprotected architectural
heritage and sites. Yet, this image should not be preserved in the manner of legally protected
monuments, but must accommodate the imperatives of change in making the heritage relevant in
contemporary society. The objective must be to integrate unprotected heritage and sites into daily
social life by balancing their needs so that neither overshadows the other.

The visual cacophony created by advertisement boards, signage, hanging electric cables, air
conditioning units, dish antennas, etc. must be carefully controlled to enhance the visual character
of the architectural heritage and site. Additions of street furniture, pavement material, lighting,
signage, etc. can add to the experience and appreciation of the heritage.

In this respect the objectives of conservation can mediate even new buildings or neighbourhoods
by requiring them to make reference to the old by employing elements, methods and devices
characterising the architectural heritage of the area so that the new is linked with the old.

Adaptive Re-Use
The re-use of historic buildings and neighbourhoods is economically sensible. It is an effective
strategy to conserve architectural heritage, particularly by using traditional craftspeople in the
process. Such re-use distinguishes between preservation as an ideal on the one hand and, on the
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other, the goal to prolong the useful life of architectural heritage by retaining as much (and not
necessarily, all) of the surviving evidence as a vestigial presence.

Priority must be accorded to retaining the continuity of original functions. Any new use must be
introduced only after studying its effect on the local context, and must conform to the carrying
capacity and vulnerability of the architectural heritage.

All changes to the original fabric should be preceded and followed by comprehensive
documentation. Additions and alterations must respect the coherence of the whole, and must, to the
extent possible, engage traditional materials, skills and knowledge in the process.

When it becomes necessary to modernise and comprehensively alter the original internal
functional characteristics of the building or site, its external image must be retained.

At the outset, the local community must be made aware of the changes envisaged and explained
the benefits to be derived.

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. It may include reassembling of displaced and dismembered
components of the structure and conjectural building or replacement of missing or severely
deteriorated parts of the fabric. Invariably, restoration work must be preceded and followed by
comprehensive documentation in order to base interventions on informed understanding of the
resource and its context, and in conformity with contemporary practices of local craftspeople.

In consonance with traditional ideals, replication can be accepted as an appropriate strategy not
only to conserve unprotected historic buildings, but especially if such replication encourages
historic ways of building.

At the urban level, the objective of rebuilding historic structures should be to enhance the visual
and experiential quality of the built environment, thereby providing a local distinctiveness to
contest the homogenising influence of globalisation.

In addition, reconstruction/ rebuilding can provide the impetus to develop a parallel market for
local buildings materials and new opportunities for the use of alternative systems of building.

Reconstruction based on minimal physical evidence is appropriate where it is supported by the

knowledge of local craftspeople, including folklore, beliefs, myths and legends, rituals, customs,
oral traditions, etc. The objective of this practice must be to interpret the original meanings of the
resource in the contemporary context and reinforce its bond with society.

Employment Generation
Conservation strategy must focus on the potential for employing local raj mistris, labour and
materials because this will prolong the economic viability of traditional ways of building. In

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conditions of resource scarcity, the use of architectural heritage can provide an alternate and more
economic strategy to meet contemporary needs as well.

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. Modern substitutes should be
considered only after their use is proven efficient and judicious, and must not compromise the
integrity and continuity of local building traditions.

It is necessary to recognise that the use of certain traditional building materials may be inadvisable
on account of the damage this can cause to the natural ecological systems. Thus the use of shell
lime in coastal areas and wood generally may need to be judicially substituted with alternate
materials.

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. This necessitates the formation of multi-disciplinary teams to undertake
integrated conservation projects. Since social aspirations are diverse and often at odds with each
other, the conservation team must include social workers to facilitate dialogue and decision-
making.

Sustainability
The objective of conservation should be to sustain the building and/or the traditional skill and
knowledge system of building. In this context, continuity must be seen as evolving over time. The
test of its validity must be the positive contribution it makes to the quality of life of the local
community.

Listing
Introduction
Through the ASI, the Central Government protects monuments more than 100 years old declared
to be of national importance. Monuments of importance to States are protected by the respective
SDAs. However, the existing legislation covers only about 5,000 monuments at the national level
and approximately 3,500 at the state level. Considering India’s vast cultural heritage, these
numbers are inadequate and their focus monument-centric.

INTACH has undertaken an inventory of built heritage in India which includes notable buildings
aged 50 years or more which are deemed to be of architectural, historical, archaeological or
aesthetic importance.

This inventory will become INTACH’s National Register of Historic Properties. It attempts to
create a systematic, accessible and retrievable inventory of the built heritage of this country. It will
serve as resource material for developing heritage conservation policies and regulations. In due
course, this database should be made more comprehensive and the information compiled should be
available online. It should also be made compatible with similar registers of other countries to
facilitate international research.

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A similar Register of Craftspeople associated with the architectural heritage must be undertaken by
specialist cultural organizations (Article 8.6.3). It is important to reiterate that both buildings being
listed and associated activities that keep these building in use constitute the ‘living’ heritage. The
Register of Craftspeople is, therefore, essential to viewing the architectural heritage in a holistic
manner.

Inventory Of Properties / Buildings

Since a large part of India’s cultural heritage has so far remained undocumented, 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. Ideally, the footprints of all listed
buildings should be included in the Master Plan documents of cities.
Buildings protected by the ASI and SDA should also be included in the list prepared by INTACH.

Selection Criteria
Although interrelated, the following three key attributes will determine whether a property is
worthy of listing:

• Historic significance
• Historic integrity
• Historic context

One or more of these attributes need to be present in a building to make it worthy of listing.

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. In selecting a building,
particular attention should be paid to the following:

Association with events, activities or patterns.

Association with important persons, including ordinary people who have made significant
contribution to India’s living heritage.

Distinctive physical characteristics of design, construction or form, representing the work of a

master craftsperson.

Potential to yield important information, such as socio-economic history. Railway stations, town
halls, clubs, markets, water works etc. are examples of such sites

Technological innovation represented. For example: dams, bridges, etc.

Town planning features such as squares, streets, avenues, etc. For example: Rajpath in New Delhi.

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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.

Historic integrity enables a property to illustrate significant aspects of its past. Not only must a
property resemble its historic appearance, but it must also retain original materials, design features
and aspects of construction dating from the period when it attained significance.

Historic integrity also relates to intangible values such as the building or site’s cultural associations
and traditions.

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.

Knowledge of historic context enables the public to understand a historic property as a product of
its time.

Precincts Or Properties With Multiple Owners

A historic building complex may comprise of numerous ancillary structures besides the main
structure. Each structure of the complex must be documented on individual proformas. For
example, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas and Moti Masjid all form part of the Agra
Fort complex but are also individual buildings in their own right and, as such, must be documented
individually.

Methodology
The determination of significance is the key component of methodology. All conservation
decisions follow from the level of significance that is assigned to a building or site.

Listing work is comprised of two phases:

• Background research
• Field work

Background Research
Before commencing actual fieldwork, the lister should gather basic information from various
sources including gazetteers, travel books and other specialised books containing information
about the architecture and history of the area to be listed and documented. This work could be
done in university libraries, the ASI, the National Museum, the Central Secretariat, the respective
State Secretariats, Institutes of Advanced Studies and Schools of Planning andArchitecture. In a
given area, local experts and university scholars are resource persons who could also provide
required guidance and help.

Background research helps to ensure that no important structure or representative style of building
is left out of the list. It enables the identification of historic areas, historic development of the area,
significant events in the area and important persons associated with the area. In some well-

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documented areas, distinctive physical characteristics of design, construction or form of building
resource can also be identified.

Field work
First and foremost it is necessary to carry out a field survey to identify the buildings and the areas
to be listed. Following this, a detailed physical inspection of the property and dialogues with
appropriate local people such as the owners of the property, area residents, local panchayats, etc.
need to be undertaken. By physically inspecting the property the lister can gather information
regarding the physical fabric of the building, such as physical characteristics, period of
construction, etc. that need to be cross-checked with the literature survey. By conducting a
dialogue with area residents, the lister can determine the changes to the property over time,
ownership details, historic function and activities, association with events and persons and the role
of the property in local, regional or national history.

When gathering information, the lister must be mindful of proforma requirements (Article 5.12).
The proforma is, first of all, a record of the property at the time of listing and consists of current
name; historic or other name(s), location, approach and accessibility, current ownership, historic
usage, and present use.

Claims of historic significance and integrity should be supported with descriptions of special
features, state of preservation, relevant dates, etc.

Mapping Of Vernacular Architecture And Historic Settlements

The major shortcoming of the current list of legally protected architectural heritage is that it does
not recognise vernacular architecture and historic settlements as categories of heritage worthy of
being conserved. The listing of unprotected architectural heritage and sites must, therefore, include
this category. An example of such an inclusive document is INTACH’s “Listing of Built Heritage
of Delhi” published in 1999.

Sacred sites must be dealt with due sensitivity and knowledge of the local social and cultural
imperatives governing their sanctity. Listing must record such characteristics associated with these
sites.

Detailed Format For All The Structures

Information for each building or site should be recorded as per INTACH’s standard format as
described below.

Each proforma must contain information about listers and reviewers. Listing must be carried out
by or under the supervision of experienced conservation architects.

At least one photograph of the property/ building should be recorded for identification purposes.
All significant elements of the property also need to be photographed. All photographs should be
properly catalogued.

A conceptual plan (if available, a measured drawing) should be given for each building/ area listed.

Any additional information related to or affecting the built heritage of the city/town/region
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documented and its conservation should be included as appendices, for example: laws and
regulations on planning and conservation, etc.

A glossary should be provided explaining the technical and the special words used must be
provided. For example: “Imambara - a shrine/ religious structure of Shia Muslims”.

A bibliography of all books, publications, articles and unpublished work must be provided. The
uniform format should be followed throughout.

Grading
The primary objective of listing is to record extant architectural heritage and sites. But the outcome
of this process should invariably be to grade the listed heritage into a hierarchical series.This
process must be undertaken in a rigorous and transparent manner by a multi-disciplinary team of
experts whose recommendations should be available for public scrutiny. The importance of this
process cannot be underestimated because its results determine subsequent conservation decisions.
Such hierarchical categorisation facilitates the prioritisation of decisions relating to the future of
architectural heritage and sites.

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 (for example, ASI’s Works Manual). Some
Grade II buildings, however, and all other listed buildings and sites, i.e. Grade III, may be
conserved in accordance with principles enunciated in this Charter (Article 2.6). The decision to
apply the principles enunciated in this Charter to Grade II buildings must invariably be based on
the concurrence of the Advisory Committees of INTACH (Article 7.2.5).

The process of listing should be constantly upgraded and the list updated in keeping with the
availability of fresh information, financial and material resources, advances in technology and
developments in the understanding of architectural heritage and its constituents.

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 in order to address its diverse
objectives. Depending on circumstances, the conservation architect may either lead the project
team or simply participate as a team member with specific expertise. In any event, the role of
conservation architects must be clearly defined, either by conservation architects themselves or by
the initiator of the project.

Conservation architects also have an important advocacy role to play in promoting the
conservation of unprotected architectural heritage and sites. They need to catalyse awareness both
among administrators and beneficiaries to achieve the objectives of conservation enunciated in this
Charter.

.
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CENTRAL & STATE GOVERMENT POLICIES & LEGISLATION

• The National Commission for Heritage Sites Bill, 2009 seeks to constitute a National
Commission for Heritage Sites to give effect to UNESCO Convention, 1972. India ratified
the Convention in 1977. •

• The central government may notify heritage sites and enter the description of these sites in
a heritage sites roster. The Commission shall maintain the roster. •

• The functions of the Commission include (i) recommending policies with respect to
conservation, protection, and management of heritage sites; (ii) laying down standards for
the development of scientific and technical institutions and courses; and (iii) creating
guidelines for conservation and management of heritage sites. •

• The Commission may issue directions to any person who is the owner or controls a heritage
site to provide access to such site for its maintenance. The person may be directed to not
endanger or damage the site. Any person who fails to comply will be subject to a fine of up
to Rs 10 lakh.

Key Features

Constitution of the Commission

• The central government shall constitute a National Commission for Heritage Sites.
“Heritage site” is defined as a cultural heritage site, a natural heritage site, a mixed cultural
and natural heritage site or a cultural landscape of outstanding value.

• “Cultural heritage” is defined as

(i) monuments, architectural works, and monumental elements of archaeological nature;
(ii) buildings with historical, aesthetic, ethnological, or anthropological background; and
(iii) sites including works of man or combined works of nature and man with historical,
aesthetic, ethnological, or anthropological background.

“Natural heritage” is defined as

(i) natural sites or delineated areas which are relevant to science, conservation, or natural
beauty;
(ii) geological or physiological formations which constitute the habitat of threatened
species of animals and plants of outstanding value to science or conservation; and
(iii) natural features consisting of physical and biological formation.

• The Bill defines “outstanding value” as a heritage site which is “so exceptional that it
transcends the boundaries of the place it is located” and is of importance to present and
future generations. “Cultural landscape” includes cultural properties that represent the
combined works of man and nature and illustrate the evolution of human society.

• The central government shall appoint a member secretary, chairperson and seven members
to the Commission. Its composition shall be as prescribed.
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Powers and Functions of the Commission

• The central government may notify heritage sites and enter the description of these sites in
a heritage sites roster. The Commission shall maintain the roster.
• Other functions of the Commission include
(i) recommending policies to the government with respect to conservation, protection, and
management of heritage sites;
(ii) laying down standards for the development of scientific and technical institutions and
courses;
(iii) creating guidelines for conservation and management of heritage sites;
(iv) conducting research to identify heritage sites;
(v) recommending measures for conserving and integrating intangible cultural systems with
conservation of heritage sites;
(vi) publishing heritages maps; and
(vii) preparing a list of heritage sites for nomination to the World Heritage Sites list.
• The Commission may issue directions to any person who is the owner or controls a heritage
site to provide access to such site for its maintenance. The person may be directed to not
act in a way that endangers or damages the site. Any person who fails to comply will be
subject to a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. The Commission shall authorise a person of the rank
of Under Secretary to file a complaint in this regard.
• The Commission shall be bound by directions from the government except those that relate
to technical and administrative matters. The decision of the central government shall be
final.

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CASE STUDY

HAMPI

India

Karnataka, Bellary District

N15 18 51.984 E76 28 18.012

Date of Inscription: 1986

Minor modification inscribed year: 2012

Criteria: (i)(iii)(iv)

Property : 4,187 ha

Buffer zone: 19,454 ha

GOLCONDA

India
Hyderabad

MAHABALIPURAM

India

Tamil Nadu State, Chingleput District

N12 37 0.012 E80 11 30.012

Date of Inscription: 1984

Criteria: (i)(ii)(iii)(vi)

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