Establishing the Cultural Significance of Heritage Places through Value Assessment: Insights from India

Abstract

Cultural heritage builds a sense of belonging and identity. Heritage as a means of establishing identity is acknowledged and emphasized at a global, national, and regional level. Heritage sites are vital assets for deciphering and experiencing the cultural significance of any place. Identity construct, as well as the significance of Heritage places, arise not merely from the physical remnants representing a historical past but out of the range of values attached to it, be it tangible or intangible. So, any efforts towards safeguarding and sustaining heritage to ensure its continuity need to start with a comprehensive value assessment process. This approach is particularly relevant in the Indian context, more so in the case of Living heritage, where heritage does not exist as mere monuments but as living traditions and a way of life. This paper explores the value-based approach and its suitability to establish the significance of cultural heritage. Two techniques are adopted: Review of selected published papers and case studies through secondary data. It begins with a review of selected papers and national and International Conservation charters for a general comprehension of values in the context of Cultural heritage and methods to assess them. The case study method is then employed to specifically comprehend values associated with Living Religious Cultural Heritage in India. Through case examples, this paper establishes that the most dominant heritage values arise out of Religion and the multiple ways in which it manifests to enable a two-way connection between the divine and the devout. Religious, Historical, and Sociocultural values are critical to the heritage identity of historical religious sites in India. Both tangible and intangible heritage figure strongly in heritage assessment. Heritage values are not intrinsic but dynamic, resulting from the constant transfer of sacrality in religious heritage precincts.