Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) held its Annual General Meeting on 22nd March 2025 in New Delhi. During this meeting, elections were conducted for the Chairman and Governing Council members. Shri Ashok Singh Thakur was elected as Chairman for a three-year term. INTACH is a prominent organisation dedicated to preserving India’s rich heritage.

Foundation and Purpose

INTACH was established on 27th January 1984. It operates as a non-profit charitable organisation under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. Its primary mission is to conserve the environment and heritage. The organisation aims to enhance awareness and appreciation of cultural and natural heritage.

Charter and Revision

The INTACH Charter, adopted in 2004, provides guiding principles for heritage conservation in India. Currently, INTACH is revising this Charter to incorporate interdisciplinary approaches. This revision will address various aspects of heritage, including tangible, intangible, cultural, and natural dimensions.

Global Recognition

In 2007, INTACH received special consultative status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council. This recognition marks INTACH’s commitment to international heritage conservation standards and practices.

Historical Background

INTACH was founded with the vision of creating a membership-driven organisation to promote heritage awareness. Since its inception, it has become the largest conservation organisation in India. INTACH has established chapters in 215 cities across India, as well as international chapters in Belgium and the United Kingdom.

Governing Council

The first Governing Council of INTACH included notable figures such as Rajiv Gandhi and Pupul Jayakar. Their leadership set the foundation for INTACH’s future initiatives in heritage conservation.

Collaborations

In 2007, INTACH signed a memorandum of understanding with AusHeritage, an Australian heritage network. This collaboration focuses on regional initiatives in South Asia and South-East Asia, enhancing cross-cultural heritage conservation efforts.

Key Activities

INTACH undertakes various tasks related to heritage conservation. These include restoring monuments, advocating for heritage property conservation, and conducting public awareness initiatives. They organise heritage walks, establish heritage clubs in schools, and conduct workshops for educators.

Future Directions

As INTACH progresses, it aims to further enhance its outreach and educational programmes. By engaging communities, it seeks to encourage a deeper understanding of heritage conservation among younger generations.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the role of non-profit organisations in cultural heritage conservation in India.
2. Critically examine the impact of globalisation on local cultural heritage in India.
3. What is the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in heritage conservation? Explain.
4. Comment on the challenges faced by heritage conservation organisations in India .

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the role of non-profit organisations in cultural heritage conservation in India.

1. Non-profit organisations like INTACH lead initiatives for preserving historical sites and cultural practices.
2. They mobilize public awareness and community involvement in heritage conservation efforts.
3. Provide financial and technical expertise for restoration projects and sustainable practices.
4. Advocate for policy changes and legal frameworks supporting heritage conservation.
5. Foster collaborations with government and international bodies for broader impact.

2. Critically examine the impact of globalisation on local cultural heritage in India.

1. Globalisation can lead to the homogenization of cultures, threatening local traditions and practices.
2. Increased tourism can result in both preservation efforts and commercialization of cultural sites.
3. Exposure to global ideas can inspire revitalization of local heritage but may dilute authenticity.
4. Local artisans may struggle against mass-produced goods, impacting traditional craftsmanship.
5. However, global networks can also enhance awareness and support for local heritage initiatives.

3. What is the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in heritage conservation? Explain.

1. Interdisciplinary approaches integrate various fields, enhancing the understanding of heritage’s multifaceted nature.
2. They encourage collaboration among experts in art, history, archaeology, and environmental science.
3. Such approaches can lead to innovative solutions for conservation challenges.
4. They promote holistic preservation strategies that consider social, economic, and cultural contexts.
5. Interdisciplinary methods can also engage diverse stakeholders, encouraging community ownership of heritage.

4. Comment on the challenges faced by heritage conservation organisations in India.

1. Limited funding and resources hinder extensive conservation projects and outreach activities.
2. Political and bureaucratic obstacles can delay approvals and complicate conservation efforts.
3. Lack of public awareness and engagement can reduce community support for heritage initiatives.
4. Urbanization and development pressures often threaten the integrity of cultural sites.
5. Balancing modernization with conservation requires careful planning and stakeholder collaboration.