Proposing digital models for the discussion of contested conservation practice: Case studies from Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

This paper explores the potential for digital surveys to mediate as tools in a complex arena. As increased wealth and continuousreligious practice have supported the energetic maintenance and renovation of temple buildings in Tamil Nadu justified by referenceto ancient texts, UNESCO commissioned a fact-finding mission regarding conservation practice there in 2016. As part of wider projectto investigate the strands of inherited textual guidance in this sensitive area, digital documentation methods are being tested in termsof their capacity to provide a locus for discourse between divergent views at a time of rapid formulation of policy documents that seekto offer guidelines for the conservation of an estimated 38000 temple buildings in the state. This paper outlines some challenges andambitions of creating digital platforms to serve such an endeavour through potential scenarios offered by two case studies. Specifically,it considers the merits of tools to read urban encroachment, to identify change over time and to explore a means to provide ahypothetical platform for discussion of potentially sensitive adjustments.