Heritage and Archaeological Monuments Need of Conservation and Preservation with Special Reference to India

Abstract

Cultural heritage embodies a nation’s identity, pride, and cultural legacy. However, infrastructure development, urban expansion, establishment of new offices, startups, and other modern advancements have led to the destruction of numerous historical and heritage monuments in India. Recent official records from the Government of India highlight that the country’s cultural heritage is in crisis. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s (CAG) report number 18 of 2013 on the “Preservation and Conservation of Monuments and Antiquities” revealed that a majority of India’s archaeological and heritage monuments suffer due to institutional shortcomings, lack of observatory measures, and inadequate maintenance.

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister also reported that 50 Centrally Protected Monuments (CPM) are marked as missing. Among these, 14 were destroyed due to urbanization, 12 have submerged under reservoir dams, and 24 remain untraceable. This underscores the urgent need for heightened protection and conservation.

India’s cultural heritage comprises diverse practices, including handicrafts, architecture, language, and traditions. While some aspects remain unchanging, archaeological sites and historic buildings are vulnerable to human activities like vandalism, pollution, urbanization, and large-scale infrastructure projects. To mitigate these risks, proactive measures are imperative. These include public education campaigns, stricter enforcement of conservation policies, continuous monitoring by bodies like the Archaeological Survey of India, involvement of local communities, and the widespread dissemination of heritage values through media. Ultimately, protecting cultural heritage is the shared responsibility of every citizen of India.