& testbook.com UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List | Intangible Cultural Heritage Sites in India! 2022/11/17 The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of India’s List consists of the Elements such as Sankirtana, drumming and dancing of Manipur, Durga Puja, Kumbh Mela, Yoga, Novruz, Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Buddhist chanting of Ladakh, Chhau dance, Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan, Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala, Ramman, Tradition of Vedic chanting and Ramlila. A total of 14 elements from India are inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Humanity. Itis an attempt to recognise the diversity of Indian culture as expressed via its intangible heritage. It seeks to enhance national and international awareness of the numerous intangible cultural heritage aspects from various Indian states, as well as to assure their protection. When the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage entered into force in 2008, Unesco produced the Representative List of Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. ‘The UNESCO List Of Intangible Cultural Heritage of India is one of the most important topies for the UPSC IAS exam, It covers a significant part of the International Organisations subject in the UPSC GS Paper 1 Syllabus and current events of international importance in UPSC prelims. This article will provide you with all the necessary information on the UNESCO List Of Intangible Cultural Heritage India such as the meaning of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and a complete list of UNESCO cultural heritage sites in India. Also, check out the United Nations Principal Organs and its Affiliates here. Recent Updates . The United Nations Educational. Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ on the Representative List of Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2021. In August 2022, India nominates GARBA for inclusion on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural treasures. India was elected to the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO's 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for the period 2022-2026 in July 2022. In 2022, UNESCO published a publication that details 50 distinctive and exclusive cultural textile techniques of India in order to increase awareness about intangible heritage. What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?Intangible cultural legacy refers to activities, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills, and cultural places linked with them that communities acknowledge as part of their cultural heritage. ‘The word cultural legacy refers to live forms such as oral traditions, performing arts, knowledge and practises about nature, the universe, or social customs, rituals, and celebratory events, among others. Cultural heritage extends beyond monuments and material collections. Oral traditions, performing arts, social activities, rituals, celebratory events, knowledge and practises involving nature and the universe, or the knowledge and abilities to manufacture traditional crafts are all examples of cultural heritage. Intangible cultural heritage is critical to preserving cultural variation in the face of increasing globalisation. Also, learn about the difference between classical dance and folk dance here! UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Background The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is one of the vital organisations under the United Nations, The Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage is a tool of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO. It was adopted at the 32nd session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2003 and entered into force in 2006 after thirty states ratified it. Since 1954, when the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict was signed, UNESCO has ratified seven cultural conventions. India is a party to the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which includes traditions and living expressions. Study More topies from Art and Culture UPSC Notes here! List of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages in India The UNESCO List Of Intangible Cultural Heritage India was compiled from projects sanctioned under the Ministry of Culture’s scheme for ‘Safeguarding India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions.” The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity maintained by UNESCO currently includes 14 Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) components from India. The ICH components that have recently undergone inscriptions include, among others, the Kumbh Mela (inseribed 2017) and Yous (inseribed 2016). The ICH inventory of India, which serves as a “tentative list” for any prospective inscriptions on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, might be strengthened with the aid of the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage India “Khongthong’ the country’s only ‘whistling village’ seeks to get the UNESCO Intangible and Cultural Heritage Tag. Khongthong is known as the Whistling Village because residents often communicate with each other by whistling. Residents of the village also have ‘whistling names’ apart from their formal names.Year Intangible Cultural Heritage Description 2008 The tradition of Vedic chanting Source: UNESCO The Vedas, regarded as the basic source of knowledge and the sacred foundation of Hinduism, embody one of the world’s oldest surviving cultural traditions. ‘There are four types of Vedas: the Rig Veds (a collection of holy hymns); the Sama Veda (musical arrangements of songs from the Rig Veda and other sources); the Yajur Veda (a collection of priestly prayers and sacrificial rituals); the Atharva Veda (includes incantations and spells), 2008 Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana Source: UNESCO Ramlila is a stage show that consists of a sequence of, episodes from Ramayana Itis played across northern India during the Dussehra festival and is based on Tulsidas’ Ramacharitmanas.‘The legendary fights between Rama and the god- demon Ravana, Rama's return from exile, of talks between the gods, saints, and other characters are all part of the performances. Ramlila is most commonly done at Ayodhy Ramnagar and Benares, Vrindavan, Almora, Sattna, and Madhubani. da series 2008 Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre Source: UNESCO Kutiyattam, one of the oldest living theatrical traditions in Kerala’s southern state, was added to the list by UNESCO in 2008. Itis one of India’s oldest living theatrieal traditions, practised in Kerala. Kuttampalams are traditional theatres, whieh are generally located in Hindu temples, and are the place where Kutiyattam is traditionally performed. Kutiyattam has a structured and codified dramatic language, with emphasis on Netra Abhinaya (eye expression) and Hasta Abhinaya (the language of gestures). To become a fully-fledged performance, actors must endure 10-15 years of intensive training, Male performers pass along preci guides to their students, which were previously the exclusive and seeret property of selected families. To perfect this art form, an actor needs to train for 103@nrs. It is done by elaborating on an oceurrence and highlighting the smallest aspeets of an act. performance 2009 Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas, India Source: UNESCOThe Uttarakhand villages of Saloor and Dungra light up for Ramman, when residents come to honour the local governing god Bhumiyal Devta. In 2005, the festival was included on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage Ramman consists of highly intricate ceremonies, such as reciting a rendition of the Ramayana and numerous legends, as well as performing songs and masked dances, 2010 Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala Source: UNESCO Mudiyettu is another cultural heritage that was added to the list in 2010. This theatrical performance enaets the mythological account of Goddess Kali’s battle with the demon Darika at temples known as ‘Bhagavati Kavus’ located in villages along the rivers Chalakkudy Puzha, Periyar, and Moovattupuzha.Mudiyettu has performed annually in Bhagavati Kavus, the goddess’ temples, in different villages along the rivers Chalakkudy Puzha, Periyar, and Moovattupuzha, At the place, divine figures such as Sage Narada, Lord Shiva, and the spirit of Goddess Kali, or Kalam, are summoned, while Mudiyettu performers undergo a rigorous purifying ritual. Madiyettu is a significant cultural location for the tr ethics, moral codes, and aesthetic ideals to the next generation. ismission of the community's traditional values, 2010 Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan Source: UNESCO Kalbelia is an Indian intangible cultural heritage. It is thought to have descended from the ancestors of Kanlipar, Guru Gorakhnath’s twelfth disciple. This troupe of snake charmers and dancers was historically hired by royal households for celebratory entertainment. Traditional tattoo designs, jewellery, and clothes elaborately embroidered with miniature mirrors and silver thread are worn by the dancers. Kalbelia melodies tell mythological legends, and particular traditional dances are performed during Holi, the festival of colours. The Kalbelia community takes pride in its song and dance. 2010 Chhau dance Source: UNESCOChhau, a dance tradition, recreates scenes from epics such as the Mahabha rata and Ramayana, as well as local folklore and abstract concepts The ea the UNESCO list in 2010, is based mostly on three separate styles that evolved from the villages of Seraikella, Purulia, and Mayurbhanj The Chhau dance is done at night in open spaces, Masks depicting characters from the Ramayana or the Mahabharata are worn by performers from Seraikella and Purulia. Ithas religious overtones and daring motions, such as mock combat tactics utilising props, movements of women conducting daily chores, and bird and animal stern Indian folk dance, which was included in gaits Seraikella, Purulia, and Mayurbhanj have distinct styles, with the first two employing masks. 2012 | Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: | Source: UN! recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, Jammu and Kashmir, IndiaIn 2012, UNESCO listed holy Buddhist chanting from the trans-Himalayan area of Ladakh on its list. Buddhist priests or lamas recite Lord Buddha's teachings and philosophy in the form of hymns in every monastery and community in the region. Ladakh is home to two schools of Bucidhism: Mahayana and Vajrayana, as well as four significant sects: Nyngma, Kagyud, Shakya, and Geluk. Each sect has its own style of chanting, which is done in groups, either sitting indoors or with dance in monastery courtyards or private homes. Chanting is practised every day in the monastery assembly hall as a prayer to the deities and for the practitioners’ personal progress. ‘The monks wear religious masks and perform unique hand motions, known as mudras, that represent Lord Buddha. They provide musical rhythm to the chanting by using instruments such as drums, eymbals, and horns. 2013 Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur Source: UNESCO2014 Sankirtal together, ushering in harmony and unity among Manipur’s Vaishnava community In 2013, UNESCO included this Manipur indigenous art form on its list. It is mostly done by the Vaishnava community of the region to depict stories and episodes from Lord Krishna's life. Sankirtana entails environmental and mythological ideas in dance and musie. a performanees bring the eommunity Performers in Sankirtana, a variety of arts done to celebrate religious occasions and various phases in the life of the Vaishnava people, describe Krishna’s lives and actions via song and dance. Atypical Sankirtai enclosed courtyard or temple and includes two a performance takes place within an drummers and perhaps ten dancers and vocalists The dance is a divine performance because of its beauty and fluid motions as if itis a representation of, the deity. ‘Trad craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India nal brass and copper | Source: UNESCOThis intangible cultural asset, inscribed in 2014, is exceptionally rare, The Thatheras of Jandiala Guru in Punjab is the forefathers of this skill. ‘They use copper, brass, and other alloys that are said to be beneficial to health, The craft of Jandiala Guru's Thatheras is Punjab's traditional method of produeing brass and copper utensils, The metals used — copper, brass, and specific alloys ~ are thought to be healthy. This metalworking tradition is passed down verbally through the generations. 2016 Source: UNESCO NATARAJASANA Yoga is self-explanatory. This age-old Indian practise unites the mind, body, and spirit and was added to the list in 2016. The free-hand exercises are designed to have a relaxing effect and to make you feel at one with nature. Previously, it was passed down straight from the guru (teacher) to the shishya (student), but there are now yoga ashrams and wellness centres that offer training to anybody who wants to practise it. Yoga consists of a series of postures known as asanas that are designed to improve both the body and the mind, Controlled breathing patterns, chanting, and meditation are also part of it. Yoga is an ancient Indian practise that focuses on uniting the mind, body, and soul in order to achieve greater mental, spiritual, and physical well-being.rid celebrates Every year on June 21, the wc International Yoga Day. 2016 Nowruz Source: UNESCO Nowruz was inscribed on the Representative List of Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. People frequently wish for wealth and new beginnings in the New Year. Nowruz, which is celebrated in numerous nations including India, celebrates the beginning of a new year and is marked with a variety of rites, ceremonies, and other cultural activities that last around two weeks The gathering around ‘the Table,’ decked with artefacts that symbolise purity, brightness, livelihood, and wealth, to eat a special meal with loved ones, is an important tradition practised during this time. 2017 Kumbh Mela Source: UNESCOthe Kumbh Mela 1s the world's biggest peacerul gathering of pilgrims, during which people bathe or take a dip in a sacred river, Ascetics, saints, sadhus, aspirants-kalpavasis, and guests make up the congregation. Every four years, the event is hosted in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik, and millions of people attend regardless of caste, creed, or gender. ‘The Kumbh Mela has a vital spiritual function in the country, having a hypnotic effect on ordinary Indians. 2021 | Durga Puja in Kolkata Source: PIB Durga Puja in Kolkata was inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 16th session, which took place from the 13th to the 18th of December 2021 in Paris, France. It is the tenth day of the Hindu mother-goddess Durga’s devotion. Kolkata’s Durga Puja is famed for its traditional celebrations, which include large-scale installations and pavilions in urban areas, as well as Bengali drumming and goddess adoration. You can also study Puppetry in India Here! About Garba India has proposed Gujarat’ iconic traditional dance genre Garba for inclusion on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural treasures. The most recent nomination will be considered for the next year's eycle.Garba is a dance that acknowledges, worships, and celebrates divinity in its feminine aspect. The term “Garba” is derived from the Sanskrit word garbha, which means “womb.” Itis performed by ladies in a circle around a garbha deep, a clay lantern with a light within. Garba is done in a circle (concentric circles when there are many people). The circle symbolises the Hindu concept of time. Garba, like other Hindu rites and worship, is performed barefoot sinee it is part of a religious activity (and on all kinds of surfaces). This folk dance originated in Gujarat and was initially performed in Vadodara, a city that is now known as Gujarat’s cultural centre due to its strong religious influence. Also, check out the difference between Gandhara and Mathura school art here. National List of Intangible Cultural Heritages Draft By Ministry of Culture In 2020, the Union Minister for Culture launched India’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in New Delhi. India has a reservoir of unique Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) traditions, 14 of which have been designated as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The National ICH List is an attempt to recognise the diversity of Indian culture as it is embodied in intangible heritage. It seeks to enhance national and international awareness of the numerous intangible cultural heritage aspects from various Indian states, as well as to assure their protection. This effort is also part of the Ministry of Culture’s Vision 2024. The Ministry of Culture has designated the Sangeet Natak Akademi, an autonomous organisation inside the Ministry of Culture, as the nodal office for intangible cultural heritage affairs, including the production of nomination dossiers for the UNESCO Representative List. Following UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, this list has been divided into five broad sectors of manifestation of intangible cultural heritage: Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage Performing arts Social practices, rituals and festive events Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe Traditional craftsmanship Also, check out the Folk Theatre In India here. Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage The Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention has 24 members who are elected in the Convention’s General Assembly based on the criteria of equitable geographical representation and rotation. Members of the Committee from each state are elected for a four-year term.India will be a member of two UNESCO Committees: Intangible Cultural Heritage (2022-2026) and World Heritage (2021-2025). India has served on the ICH Committee twice, from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2018. The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Asset’s key functions is to promote the convention’s objectiv s, and provide recommendations on , provide guidance on best prac methods to safeguard intangible cultural heritage. Italso considers requests for the inscription of intangible heritage on the Lists made by States Parties, as well as proposals for programmes and projects. The committee is also responsible for approving overseas aid. Read about the handloom and handicrafts of India from here for UPSC! Conclusion To broaden the scope and impact of the Convention, the global community, in collaboration with India, should endeavour to mobilise the capacity of various actors around the world to successfully conserve intangible heritage. Noting the imbalance in the inscriptions on the Convention’s three lists, namely the Urgent Safeguarding List, Representative List, and Register of Good Safeguarding Practices, India will work to promote international dialogue among State Parties to the Convention in order to better showease the diversity and importance of living heritage. Understanding diverse communities’ intangible cultural heritage promotes intereultural discussion and mutual respect for other ways of life. ‘Testbook provides a set of comprehensive notes for different competitive exams. Testbook is always on the top of, the list because of its best quality assured products like live tests, mocks, Content pages, GK and current affairs videos, and much more. You can check out our UPSC Online Coaching, and download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in India FAQs Q.1 What is Intangible Cultural Heritage? Ans.1 Intangible cultural heritage can only be heritage when it is recognized as such by the communities, groups or individuals that ereate, maintain and transmit it Q.2 How many UNESCO Intangible Cultural He: Ans.2 There are 14 elements in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of .ge are there in India? Humanity. Q.3 What are the Intangible Cultural Heritage of India? Ans.3 Buddhist Chanting, Kalbelia, Chau Dance, Koodiyattam, Kumbh Mela, Mudiyett, Nawruz are some of the Intangible Cultural Heritage sites of India. Q.4 What is Intangible Cultural Heritage according to UNESCO? Ans.4 Intangible cultural heritage includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive Se ee a a ee ee ee ee eetraditional crafts. Q.5 Which country has the most intangible cultural heritage? Ans.5 China has the most intangible cultural heritage. testbook Supercoaching CRACK UPSC CSE with 20+ Super Teachers tee PU ld Diestbook The Complete Exam Preparation alt) Uy