P R E S E R V A T I ON

T HR OUG H
P R A C T I C E :
E X P L OR I NG
T HE I NDI A N
A R C HI T E C T UR E
C ONS E R V A T I ON
C HA R T E R S

GROUP-2
CONTENTS
Definition
Importance
Process
ASI
INTACH
ICOMOS India
NMA
Sanchi Declaration
The Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878
The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904
The Antiquities (Export Control) Act, 1947
The Ancient Monuments & Archaelogical Sites & remains Act, 1958
The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972
CASI (Center for Art and Sociocultural Initiatives)
Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)
The Delhi Heritage Foundation
Sahapedia
Heritage Trust of India
Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI)
Case study - Restoration of Hampi, India
 What are the Indian Architecture
Conservation Charters?

The charters are statement of

intent, guidance and vision of
prinicples .
They emphasize documentation,
research, and community
participation.
 Why are the charters important?
The charters are important because they recognize the cultural significance of
historic buildings and aim to preserve them for future generations. They also
promote sustainable tourism by encouraging the use of traditional materials
and techniques.

How do the charters work?

The charters work by providing guidelines for conservation planning,
documentation, restoration, and maintenance. They also emphasize the
importance of capacity building and community involvement in
conservation efforts.
Some notable Indian architectural conservation charters include:
INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage)
ASI (Archaeological Survey of India)
ICOMOS India
NMA (National Monuments Authority)
Sanchi Declaration
State Heritage Departments
 The Archaeological Survey of India

Operates under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and its efforts contribute to
the preservation of India's rich cultural heritage for future generations.

Established in 1861 by the British colonial administration, making it one of the oldest
archaeological organizations in the world.

Exploration and Excavation

Site Management Conservation and Preservation

FUNCTIONS
OF
Research and Documentation ASI Heritage Awareness

World Heritage Sites

INTACH
Chapters Architectural
Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage.
Heritage
Founded in 1984 in New Delhi.
Natural Listing Cell
Vision - To spearhead awareness and conservation in India.
Heritage & Library
One of the largest heritage organistations with 190 chapters
over the country.
Material Crafts &
Activism - Heritage community cell
Protests against deconstruction & proposed demolition of heritage
structures. Intangible INTACH
Cultural Heritage
Restoration - Heritage Academy
Monuments that fall outside the coverage of ASI & other govt.
agencies. Heritage Archives &
Education documentation
Features -
centre
Restoration of monuments & their management.
Heritage Communication
Advocacy for heritage property conservation.
Tourism services HECS
Public Awareness through heritage walks and buses.
Establishment of heritage clubs in schools.
Awareness workshops.
 ICOMOS INDIA
ICOMOS, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, is a global non-governmental
organization.
Dedicated to the conservation and protection of cultural heritage around the world.
Founded in 1965.
Works to promote the understanding and appreciation of heritage places and the
importance of preserving them for future generations.
ICOMOS India is an important platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and
expertise sharing in the field of heritage conservation in India.
It contributes to discussions on best practices, innovative conservation techniques, and
the challenges faced in preserving India's rich cultural heritage.

The primary goals of ICOMOS India include:

1. Heritage Conservation
2. Research and Documentation
3. Capacity Building
4. Advocacy and Awareness
5. Collaboration
 NMA(National Monuments Authority)
statutory body in India.
Responsible for the conservation and preservation of centrally protected monuments and
sites of national importance.
operates under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and
Remains Act, 1958.
The NMA was established to oversee and regulate activities related to heritage
conservation, restoration, and management of nationally significant monuments.

Key Functions & Responsibilities -

Declaration of Monuments
Regulation and Permissions
Conservation Plans
Inspections and Monitoring
Coordination
Emergency Measures
 Sanchi Declaration
Recognize, preserve, and promote earthen architecture
A significant document related to the field of heritage conservation and management.
Adopted on OCT 2018 at the International Conference on the "Conservation of Earthen
Architecture, Heritage and the Role of Professionals" held in Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh.
Conference was organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs of the
Government of India.
importance on conserving earthen architecture.

Key Functions & Responsibilities -

Recognition of Earthen Heritage
Awareness and Advocacy
Capacity Building
Collaboration
Research and Documentation
Sustainable Development
Innovation
Legislations in India that deals with conservation

The Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878

The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904
The Antiquities (Export Control) Act, 1947
The Ancient Monuments & Archaelogical Sites
& remains Act, 1958
The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972
 The Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878

A legal statute that deals with the discovery of treasure troves in India.
A collection of valuable items like coins, jewelry, or precious metals that have been hidden
or buried with the intention of being retrieved later but were subsequently forgotten.
Ownership and division of such discoveries.

Key Functions & Responsibilities -

Ownership and Division
Notification and Reporting
Powers of Local Government
Compensation
Archaeological and Historical Importance
Penalties
The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904

an important legislation in British India aimed at preserving and protecting ancient

monuments and archaeological sites.
to address concerns about the neglect and damage faced by historical sites and structures.

Key Functions & Responsibilities -

Declaration of Protected Monuments
Restrictions on Alteration
Prohibition of Unauthorized Interventions
Penalties
Acquisition of Monuments
Central Government Authority
Consultation with Experts
 The Antiquities (Export Control) Act, 1947

A legislation enacted by the Government of India to regulate the export of antiquities and
cultural artifacts from the country.
Objective- to prevent the unauthorized and illegal removal of valuable cultural and
historical artifacts from India, thereby protecting the country's cultural heritage.

Key Functions & Responsibilities -

Regulation of Export
Licensing and Documentation
Prohibition of Unauthorized Export
Penalties for Violations
Government Authority
Exemptions
The Ancient Monuments & Archaelogical Sites & remains Act, 1958

a significant piece of legislation in India that is aimed at the preservation and protection
of ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and historical artifacts.
to address the need for a comprehensive legal framework to safeguard India's rich cultural
and historical heritage.

Key Functions & Responsibilities -

Definition and Scope
Declaration of Protected Monuments
Prohibition of Certain Actions
Ownership and Guardianship
Alteration and Restoration
Penalties
Archaeological Excavations and Research
Competent Authorities
 The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972

The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, is an important legislation in India that aims
to regulate the export, import, and transfer of antiquities and art treasures to protect the
nation's cultural heritage.
The act was enacted to prevent the illicit trafficking of valuable cultural artifacts and to
ensure their preservation within the country.

Key Functions & Responsibilities -

Definition of Antiquities and Art Treasures
Licensing and Regulation
Prohibition of Unauthorized Transactions
Penalties for Violations
Government Authority
Exemptions and Special Permits
Provenance and Documentation
Central Advisory Board
NGO's in India that deals with conservation

CASI (Center for Art and Sociocultural Initiatives)

Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)
The Delhi Heritage Foundation
Sahapedia
Heritage Trust of India
Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI)
CASI (Center for Art and Sociocultural Initiatives)

CASI is an NGO based in New Delhi that focuses on the preservation of traditional and
vernacular architecture, as well as cultural and historical sites.
focuses on various aspects of art, culture, and heritage.
committed to social and cultural development.

Key Functions & Responsibilities -

Architectural Conservation
Community Engagement
Research and Documentation
Education and Awareness
Advocacy and Policy
Collaborations
 Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)
While not exclusively an Indian organization, AKTC is involved in several projects in India
related to the restoration and conservation of historic sites and structures. They often
work in collaboration with local communities.
focuses on the preservation and revitalization of cultural heritage in the contexts of
architecture, historic sites, and urban development.

Key Functions & Responsibilities -

Conservation and Restoration
Community Involvement
Cultural Revitalization
Education and Capacity Building
Research and Documentation
Urban Planning and Design
Public Outreach
Rethinking Conservation Collective (RCC)
RCC is a group of
professionals, scholars, and
activists who work on
critical issues related to
cultural heritage, including
architecture. They engage
in research, advocacy, and
practical conservation
efforts.
 The Delhi Heritage Foundation

An NGO related to heritage

conservation or cultural initiatives
in Delhi.
This organization focuses on
preserving and promoting the
architectural heritage of Delhi. They
work towards raising awareness
about historic sites and buildings in
the city.
 Sahapedia
Sahapedia is an open encyclopedic resource on the arts, cultures and histories of India.
Sahapedia offers digital content in multimedia format—articles and books, photo essays
and video, interviews and oral histories, maps and timelines, authored by scholars and
curated by experts.
Subject areas range from ideas and belief systems, rituals and practices, to visual and
performing arts.
The values that guide our work are accessibility, inclusiveness, collaboration and reliability.

Vision- seeks to nurture, interpret and develop cultural

resources for the present and future generations.
 Heritage Trust of India

This organization works on

various aspects of heritage
preservation, including
architectural conservation.
They also conduct research,
advocacy, and educational
programs.
 Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI)
The Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI) is a well-known non-profit organization.
Based in Mumbai, India.
Focuses on urban planning, architecture, and urban development issues.
Established in 1984.
Dedicated to promoting better urban environments through research, advocacy, and
education.
Its work spans a range of urban-related topics, including architecture, urban design,
heritage conservation, housing, transportation, and policy.

Key Functions & Responsibilities -

Research and Publications
Advocacy and Engagement
Urban Design and Planning
Heritage Conservation
Capacity Building and Education
Documentation and Mapping
 Case study - Restoration of Hampi, India
Hampi is an ancient city located in the southern state of Karnataka, India.
Once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is known for its rich architectural heritage,
including temples, palaces, and other structures.
The site faced challenges such as weathering, human activity, and neglect, leading to the need
for extensive restoration and conservation efforts.

Conservation Approach:
The restoration of Hampi exemplifies the
principles of architectural conservation, even
though there might not be a single specific
"Indian Conservation Charter." The efforts
were guided by the principles of preserving
authenticity, respecting historical
significance, and involving local communities.
Various government bodies, including the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and
experts in heritage conservation, were
involved in the restoration process.
 Case study - Restoration of Hampi, India
Key Aspects of the Restoration:
1. Documentation and Research: Extensive documentation and research were carried
out to understand the original architecture, materials, and historical context of the
structures in Hampi.
2. Stabilization: The focus was on stabilizing structures that were at risk of collapse due
to erosion, weathering, and previous interventions.
3. Material Authenticity: Efforts were made to use traditional construction techniques
and authentic materials wherever possible to maintain the historical integrity of the
site.
4. Minimal Intervention: Interventions aimed to be minimal and reversible, avoiding
drastic changes that could impact the authenticity of the structures.
5. Community Engagement: Local communities were involved in the restoration process
to ensure their participation and a sense of ownership over the site's preservation.
 Case study - Restoration of Hampi, India

Impact and Success: The restoration efforts in Hampi have led to the revival of
numerous historic structures, including temples, palaces, and other monuments. The
site has become a major tourist attraction and a center for understanding India's
architectural and cultural heritage.

Challenges and Considerations: While the restoration of Hampi is considered a success,

it also faced challenges such as striking a balance between preservation and tourism,
ensuring sustainable development, and managing the impact of footfall on the fragile
archaeological remains.

Conclusion: The restoration of Hampi showcases how the principles of architectural

conservation are applied in India to protect and preserve cultural heritage.
RESOURCES -
http://www.intach.org/
https://www.icomosindia.com/
https://architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-21208
https://www.sahapedia.org/
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/asi-focuses-on-restoration-of-mantapas-in-hampi-1118434.html
https://asi.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/national-conservation-policy-final-April-2014.pdf\
https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/asi-plan-conservation-masroor-rock-temples-1502691729.html
 THE TEAM

The Team -
Presentation & Subgroup -
1. Shubham - Aryan Anand, Kartikey
2. Nikhil - Raviteja, Himanshu, Jaydeep
3. Apoorva - Ragini, Ayushi, Harsha Reddy
4. Shubham Rana - Abhishek, Dhruv
5. Nishant - Vanshaj, Anargha

Work Division -
1. Introduction, Importance, Process, ASI, INTACH, UDRI
2. ICOMOS INDIA, NMA, Sahapedia, Heriatge Trust
3. SanchiI Declaration, Legislations(2), Restoration at Hampi Case Study
4. Legislations (3)
5. NGO (RCC,Delhi Heritage Foundation)

GROUP-2
Thank You