Towards a Holistic Conservation of India’s Monuments

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Context:

The debate on the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) outdated conservation practices has revived the demand for a new framework that integrates social, ecological, and economic dimensions.

Historical Foundations and Present Challenges

Colonial Legacy of Conservation: British officers catalogued monuments, enacted preservation laws, and shaped procedures such as John Marshall’s Conservation Manual (1923), which promoted structural repairs and landscaped gardens.
Current ASI Practices: Present conservation of nearly 3,600 ASI-protected sites continues to rely heavily on colonial-era frameworks, with irregular implementation of the 2014 Conservation Policy.
Emerging Issues: Despite laws and international agreements, surveys and audits reveal many monuments are deteriorating, leading the government to invite corporations under the “Adopt a Heritage” scheme.

Towards a New Conservation Manual

Gandhian Lessons for Conservation: Inspired by Sarvodaya, Gandhi emphasised that conservation should improve not only the monument’s structure but also the social and economic life of surrounding communities.
Dialogues Across Disciplines: Translators, health professionals, biologists, mycologists, and economists offer fresh perspectives on repair, preservation, and restoration, enabling multi-disciplinary principles for a revised manual.
Evolving Interpretations: Like translators who adapt texts over time, archaeologists must periodically review preservation materials and clearly distinguish modern interventions from the original monument fabric.

Integrating Ecology, Economy, and Citizens

Ecological Linkages: Conservation must consider surrounding ecosystems—linkages with water bodies, fields, and forests—rather than isolating monuments behind walls.
Economic Dimensions: Value lies in functionality, e.g., restoring natural ventilation systems over mere cosmetic repainting; economists’ concepts like creative destruction can guide innovative conservation strategies.
Citizen’s Role: Citizens must learn to interpret monuments, amplify silenced histories, and treat India itself as a “monument without walls,” ensuring inclusivity in preservation.

Practice Question:

“India’s conservation practices remain bound by colonial legacies, demanding a shift towards socially inclusive, ecologically sensitive, and economically viable approaches.” Critically examine this statement in light of the need for a new ASI conservation manual. (250 words)

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