Version Adapted at INTACH Convention on 2004-10-03/04

Introduction

India has a long and rich tradition of caring for and maintaining historic buildings; the philosophy and technical details of ancient practices are well documented in ancient texts such as Mansara. However, with the consolidation of colonial rule during the 19th century, European ideology and systems of conservation supplanted indigenous practices.

Even the imported ideology established deep roots in Indian soil. In 1862, The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established under Sir Alexander Cunningham. In 1904, The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act empowered the ASI to protect monuments of national importance, and Sir John Marshall became its first Director General. In his long tenure of 24 years Marshall instilled a strong professional culture in the institution and compiled the Manual for Conservation to guide its practice.

After Independence, in 1958, The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act was passed to replace the colonial Act, and extend protection to monuments of national importance. Similar Acts were adopted by different States to protect monuments of State importance. These Acts consolidated the idea that architectural heritage consisted only of exemplary buildings and that its protection was primarily the responsibility of the government.

When the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was founded in 1984, ASI and State Departments of Archaeology (SDA) between them protected less than 10,000 monuments. In addition to the limited definition of what constituted architectural heritage – and consequently the small number of protected buildings – its protection was also considered to be primarily the responsibility of the government. In any case, few experts were available outside the government. This left thousands of monuments and whole categories of architectural heritage, including indigenous building traditions and conservation practices, unidentified and unprotected, resulting in a process of steady attrition. INTACH set out to redress this situation.

In twenty years INTACH institutionalised the practice of conservation outside the government fold. It established Chapters all over the country and spread awareness of the need to conserve not only monuments but also other categories of heritage as well, focussing on the significance of their meaning to society. It also undertook a range of activities that actualised its commitment to conservation. It initiated a programme to train conservation professionals through scholarships offered by the Charles Wallace Trust; it undertook a variety of conservation works of unprotected architectural heritage outside the purview of the ASI or SDA; it began documenting the diverse manifestation of architectural heritage in the country and in the process began to articulate an ideology of conservation that differed from and provided an alternative to the official line.

By now INTACH had accomplished a lot, but more needed to be done. The problem was not only lack of resources, but a lack of knowledge of ground realities, cultural and material, to better utilise what was available. Both professional and lay people undertake the work of INTACH, but there was no document to which they could refer to for coordinated action. INTACH needed to collate and structure its accumulated experience and expertise into effective knowledge to guide further activities.

In 2002, INTACH conducted a workshop on formulating a National Policy for Heritage Conservation and Management in which the need for a national charter for conservation was identified. A Steering Group of outside experts and in-house staff was constituted to examine the structure of such a charter. Several meetings, and many more seminars and workshops later, the recommendations of this group were made the focus of an INTACH-AusHeritage workshop to discuss an Indian Charter for Conservation from March 24-27, 2004 at New Delhi. At the concluding session a draft structure for the proposed Indian Charter was outlined and it was decided that it should be developed for presentation at the INTACH National Convention in November 2004.

An evaluation of projects undertaken by INTACH over the past two decades was made to define the characteristic elements for an Indian Charter. All significant international charters were also evaluated to establish its specific focus. While the initial Charter document was drafted by Professor A.G.K. Menon, assisted by Navin Piplani, it was further developed following an inclusive and democratic process of dialogue. A draft was ready by the end of August 2004, and was widely disseminated to elicit views from a wide cross-section of experts. The document was also posted on the Web and a lively dialogue on its contents was conducted online.

Based on the comments received a revised draft Charter was presented at the INTACH National Convention on November 2, 2004.

At the Convention five experts from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand and India responded to the Charter and several comments from the floor were entertained. Based on these inputs the final draft was prepared and presented at the Plenary Session on November 4, 2004 where it was duly adopted.

The document is the product of expert contributions made by several people both in India and abroad. In essence, it attempts to broaden the legal definition of architectural heritage, and to accommodate the diverse strands of conservation ideology existing in India. It also attempts to take into account the complex ground realities, socio-cultural and economic, that mediate conservation practice.

As per its terms, it will be reviewed in five years and amended as necessary. The INTACH Charter is primarily intended to guide those working with INTACH and therefore, relates only to unprotected monuments, historic sites and other aspects of the tangible and intangible heritage. It is also intended for others, individuals and entities, who share similar concerns and seek to adopt coordinated action for conserving the unique architectural heritage of India.

S.K. Misra
November 4, 2004


Preamble

Drawing upon the experience of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in conserving the unprotected architectural heritage and sites of India within an institutional framework for two decades; 
Respecting the invaluable contributions of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and State Departments of Archaeology (SDA) in preserving the finest monuments of India; 
Valuing ASI's pioneering role in promoting scientific methods of practice and establishing highest standards of professionalism in preserving monuments; 
Acknowledging the importance and relevance of principles enunciated in the various international Charters adopted by UNESCO, ICOMOS, et al; 
Conscious, however, that a majority of architectural heritage properties and sites in India still remains unidentified, unclassified, and unprotected, thereby subject to attrition on account of neglect, vandalism and insensitive development; 
Recognising the unique resource of the ‘living’ heritage of Master Builders/ Sthapatis/ Sompuras/ Raj Mistris who continue to build and care for buildings following traditions of their ancestors; 
Recognising, too, the concept of jeernodharanam, the symbiotic relationship binding the tangible and intangible architectural heritage of India as one of the traditional philosophies underpinning conservation practice; 
Noting the growing role of a trained cadre of conservation architects in India who are re-defining the meaning and boundaries of contemporary conservation practices; 
Convinced that it is necessary to value and conserve the unprotected architectural heritage and sites in India by formulating appropriate guidelines sympathetic to the contexts in which they are found; 
 
We, members of INTACH, gathered here in New Delhi on the 4th day of November 2004, adopt the following Charter for Conservation of Unprotected Architectural Heritage and Sites in India.

PART I: PRINCIPLES

ARTICLE 1: WHY CONSERVE?

1.1The majority of India’s architectural heritage and sites are unprotected. They constitute a unique civilisational legacy, as valuable as the monuments legally protected by ASI/ SDA and other governmental and non-governmental agencies. This legacy is being steadily eroded as a result of insensitive modernization and urbanization, and the fact that it does not command the same respect as legally protected monuments. Many unprotected heritage sites are still in use, and the manner in which they continue to be kept in use represents the ‘living’ heritage of India. This heritage is manifest in both tangible and intangible forms (Article 2.2), and in its diversity defines the composite culture of the country. Beyond its role as a historic document, this unprotected heritage embodies values of enduring relevance to contemporary Indian society, thus making it worthy of conservation.
1.2This ‘living’ heritage is not legally protected. The buildings and sites which constitute it are subject to demolition or unsympathetic interventions. The knowledge of traditional building skills with which it is associated is also in danger of being lost in the absence of patronage and official recognition. Conserving the ‘living’ heritage, therefore, offers the potential to conserve both traditional buildings and traditional ways of building.
1.3Conserving the unprotected architectural heritage and sites ensures the survival of the country’s sense of place and its very character in a globalising environment. It offers the opportunity not only to conserve the past, but also to define the future. It provides alternate avenues for employment and a parallel market for local building materials and technologies, which needs to be taken into account when resources for development are severely constrained.
1.4This ‘living’ heritage also has symbiotic relationships with the natural environments within which it originally evolved. Understanding this interdependent ecological network and conserving it can make a significant contribution to improving the quality of the environment.

ARTICLE 2: WHAT TO CONSERVE?

2.1The objective of conservation is to maintain the significance of the architectural heritage or site. Significance is constituted in both the tangible and intangible forms. The process of Listing (Article 5) must determine the characteristics of significance and prioritise them.
2.2The tangible heritage includes historic buildings of all periods, their setting in the historic precincts of cities and their relationship to the natural environment. It also includes culturally significant modern buildings and towns. The intangible heritage includes the extant culture of traditional building skills and knowledge, rites and rituals, social life and lifestyles of the inhabitants, which together with the tangible heritage constitutes the ‘living’ heritage. Both tangible and intangible heritage, and especially the link between them, should be conserved.
2.3Conservation of architectural heritage and sites must retain meaning for the society in which it exists. This meaning may change over time, but taking it into consideration ensures that conservation will, at all times, have a contemporary logic underpinning its practice. This necessitates viewing conservation as a multi-disciplinary activity.
2.4Where the evidence of the tangible or intangible architectural heritage exists in fragments, it is necessary to conserve it, even in part, as representative of a historic past. Such conservation must ideally be undertaken in-situ, but if this is not possible, then it should be relocated to a place where it would be safe for continued contemplation.
2.5Conservation in India is heir not only to Western conservation theories and principles introduced through colonialism and, later, by the adoption of guidelines formulated by UNESCO, ICOMOS and international funding agencies, but also to pre-existing, indigenous knowledge systems and skills of building. These indigenous practices vary regionally and cannot be considered as a single system operating all over India. This necessitates viewing conservation practices as a multi-cultural activity.
2.6While the Western ideology of conservation advocates minimal intervention, India’s indigenous traditions idealise the opposite. Western ideology underpins official and legal conservation practice in India and is appropriate for conserving protected monuments. However, conserving unprotected architectural heritage offers the opportunity to use indigenous practices. This does not imply a hierarchy of either practice or site, but provides a rationale for encouraging indigenous practices and thus keeping them alive. Before undertaking conservation, therefore, it is necessary to identify where one system should be applied and where the other. For this purpose, it is necessary at the outset to make a comprehensive inventory (see Article 5) of extant heritage, both tangible and intangible, and separate it into two categories:
 a.iBuildings and sites protected by ASI, SDA and other government or non-government agencies. Only the official and legal instruments of conservation and internationally accepted principles should be adopted here;
 a.iiOther listed buildings and sites which, though not protected by ASI, SDA and other government or non-government agencies, possessing heritage value or significance equivalent to that of protected monuments. Here too, the official and legal instruments should be adopted for their conservation;
 b.The remaining listed buildings and sites both modern and historic, including those produced within the last hundred years. Here, the conservation strategy may adopt either the official and legal instruments of conservation or those rooted in indigenous building traditions. Hybrid strategies, inventively combining indigenous and official practices, can also be employed to conserve this heritage category. The decision to adopt indigenous practices should be based on the availability of skilled and knowledgeable raj mistris. In all cases a rationale for the decision taken to adopt one or another system of conservation must be recorded.
2.7The overarching objective for undertaking conservation of unprotected architectural heritage and sites is to establish the efficacy of conservation as a development goal. What to conserve will, therefore, be determined by those strategies of conservation which accommodate the imperatives of development and the welfare of the community while seeking economically to achieve maximum protection of the significant values of the architectural heritage and site.

ARTICLE 3: CONSERVATION ETHICS

3.1Authenticity
3.1.1The traditional knowledge systems and the cultural landscape in which it exists, particularly if these are ‘living’, should define the authenticity of the heritage value to be conserved. In the absence of such contexts, the official and legal guidelines, particularly as defined by the “Nara Document on Authenticity, 1994”, should determine the nature of the authenticity of the architectural heritage and site.
3.1.2Traditional knowledge systems and cultural landscapes vary from one regional/cultural context to another or within the same region/culture. Thus, the values of ‘living’ architectural heritage can differ from one context to another, reflecting the cultural diversity of the country. In each case, however, conservation should faithfully reflect the significant values which define the heritage.
3.2Conjecture
3.2.1Local master builders build, rebuild, restore, renew and make additions/alterations to historic buildings in response to contemporary exigencies or evolving local needs of the community; they must be encouraged to follow their traditions even when there is no available evidence in the form of documentation, oral histories or physical remains of previous structures. Appropriate craftspeople for undertaking such works should be identified as described in Article 5.1.4.
3.2.2An exact replacement, restoration or rebuilding must be valued when it ensures continuity of traditional building practices.
3.2.3Conjectural restoration or rebuilding must nevertheless respect the overall spatial and volumetric composition of historic settings. The parameters of the historical setting should be defined through comprehensive urban design studies. These parameters should also guide new urban development in the vicinity of heritage buildings and sites.
3.2.4The ASI/ SDA rule prohibiting development within a 100-metre radius of a protected building restricts the practice of restoration or rebuilding of sites, conjectural or otherwise, and thereby may result in harming the welfare of society. This rule should not be applied to conserve unprotected architectural heritages and sites.
3.3Integrity
3.3.1The integrity of the heritage is to be defined and interpreted not only in terms of the physical fabric of the building, but also with respect to the collective knowledge systems and cultural landscape it represents. This knowledge system, where it exists, must mediate the process of conservation/ restoration/ rebuilding of the unprotected architectural heritage in order to reinforce an appreciation of the cultural landscape. This dynamic concept understands the integrity of the individual building as one which evolves in response to contemporary needs of local society.
3.3.2The concept of an evolving integrity accepts the introduction of new architectonic elements, materials and technologies when local traditions are insufficient or unavailable. The introduction of new elements may reflect contemporary aesthetic ideals as modern additions to old buildings
3.4Patina
3.4.1The patination of historic fabric due to age or natural decay should not compel the preservation of a ruin as it exists, frozen in time and space. In conformity with local aesthetic traditions, and for the well being of the heritage building or site, renewal, restoration, repair or rebuilding is acceptable. Patina may, where necessary, be considered as a sacrificial layer.
3.5Rights of the indigenous community
3.5.1Each community has its own distinctive culture constituted by its traditions, beliefs, rituals and practices - all intrinsic to defining the significance of the unprotected architectural heritage and site. The conservation strategy must respect the fact that local cultures are not static and, therefore, encourage active community involvement in the process of decision-making. This will ensure that the symbiotic relation between the indigenous community and its own heritage is strengthened through conservation.
3.6Respect for the contributions of all periods
3.6.1The contributions of earlier periods which produced the historic fabric and consequent interventions, including contemporary interventions, based on either traditional systems of building knowledge or modern practices, must be respected as constituting the integrity of the heritage sought to be conserved. The objective of conserving the unprotected architectural heritage and site is not so much to reveal the authentic quality of the past or preserve its original integrity, but rather to mediate its evolving cultural significance to achieve beneficial results.
3.6.2The holistic coherence of the heritage in terms of its urban design, architectural composition and the meaning it holds for the local community should determine any intervention in the process of conservation.
3.7Inseparable bond with setting
3.7.1An unprotected heritage building or site is inseparable from its physical and cultural context, and belongs to the local society as long as its members continue to value and nurture it. The conservation process must be sensitive to this relationship, and reinforce it.
3.7.2If the unprotected heritage does not possess any bond with contemporary society, then its relevance for conservation may be questioned and modern re-development may be considered an option to meet the welfare needs of society. This decision must invariably be taken in consultation with INTACH’s Advisory Committees as described in Article 7.2.5.
3.8Minimal intervention
3.8.1Conservation may include additions and alterations of the physical fabric, in part or whole, in order to reinstate the meaning and coherence of the unprotected architectural heritage and site. In the first instance, however, conservation should attempt minimal intervention.
3.8.2However, substantial additions and alterations may be acceptable provided the significance of the heritage is retained or enhanced.
3.9Minimal loss of fabric
3.9.1The nature and degree of intervention for repairing, restoring, rebuilding, reuse or introducing new use, should be determined on the basis of the intervention’s contribution to the continuity of cultural practices, including traditional building skills and knowledge, and the extent to which the changes envisaged meet the needs of the community.
3.10Reversibility
3.10.1The principle of reversibility of interventions need not dictate conservation strategy. In order to use the unprotected heritage for the socio-economic regeneration of the local communities, the historic building and site can be suitably adapted and modified for an appropriate reuse. For this it is only essential that the process of intervention contributes to conserving the traditional context as far as possible in the modified form. This decision must invariably be taken in consultation with INTACH’s Advisory Committees as described in Article 7.2.5.
3.11Legibility
3.11.1The legibility of any intervention must be viewed in its own context. If traditional craftspeople are employed then it must be accepted that their pride derives from the fact that the new work is in complete harmony with the old and is not distinguishable from it. Thus, historic ways of building must be valued more than the imperative to put a contemporary stamp on any intervention in a historic building.
3.11.2Where modern material or technology is used, it could be used to replicate the old or be distinguished from it, depending on the artistic intent governing the strategy of conservation.
3.12Demolish/ Rebuild
3.12.1The concept of jeernodharanam, or regeneration of what decays, must guide the nature of conservation. This belief is fundamental to conserving traditional ways of building and maintaining the continuity of local knowledge systems.
3.12.2If, however, local conditions are such that all strategies to conserve the unprotected architectural heritage and site are found to be inadequate, then the option of replacing it should be examined. This process is also rooted in tradition because it recognises ‘cyclical’ perceptions of time, whereby buildings live, die and are rebuilt. This option must be discussed, debated and decided in consultation with all concerned stakeholders, including INTACH’s Advisory Committee as described in Article 7.2.5.
3.12.3Where the existence of a cultural resource is under severe threat by natural calamities or man-made hazards, the building may be dismantled and reassembled at another appropriate site after undertaking thorough documentation of its extant condition.
3.12.4If a historic structure has outlived its significance and its meanings to local people are lost, it may be preserved as a ruin or, if circumstances do not permit that, left undisturbed to meet its natural end.
3.12.5If removal in whole or part from the original site or context is the only means of ensuring the security and preservation of a building, then a comprehensive documentation of all valuable and significant components of the cultural resource must be undertaken before it is dismantled.
3.13Relationship between the conservation architect and the community
3.13.1In dealing with the conservation of unprotected architectural heritage and sites, it may become necessary to temper the role of the conservation architect as an expert professional by taking into account the desires and aspirations of the local community and the traditional practices of raj mistris. This does not assume, a priori, that the interests of conservation architects and those of the community and traditional master builders are incompatible, but rather that there must be room in the process of conservation for dialogue and negotiated decision making.
3.13.2In order to achieve a more satisfying result for the community it may be necessary to override the professional imperative to adhere to the principles governing the conservation of legally protected monuments. This is acceptable when dealing with unprotected architectural heritage and sites provided, as stated in Article 2.7, that conservation strategies seek economically to achieve maximum protection of the significant values of the architectural heritage and site.

PART II: GUIDELINES

ARTICLE 4: CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES

4.1Retain visual identity
4.1.1In a globalising world, where visual spaces are rapidly becoming homogenised, it is necessary to retain the specific visual identity of a place created by the presence of unprotected architectural heritage and sites. Yet, this image should not be preserved in the manner of legally protected monuments, but must accommodate the imperatives of change in making the heritage relevant in contemporary society. The objective must be to integrate unprotected heritage and sites into daily social life by balancing their needs so that neither overshadows the other.
4.1.2The visual cacophony created by advertisement boards, signage, hanging electric cables, air conditioning units, dish antennas, etc. must be carefully controlled to enhance the visual character of the architectural heritage and site. Additions of street furniture, pavement material, lighting, signage, etc. can add to the experience and appreciation of the heritage.
4.1.3In this respect the objectives of conservation can mediate even new buildings or neighbourhoods by requiring them to make reference to the old by employing elements, methods and devices characterising the architectural heritage of the area so that the new is linked with the old.
4.2Adaptive re-use
4.2.1The re-use of historic buildings and neighbourhoods is economically sensible. It is an effective strategy to conserve architectural heritage, particularly by using traditional craftspeople in the process. Such re-use distinguishes between preservation as an ideal on the one hand and, on the other, the goal to prolong the useful life of architectural heritage by retaining as much (and not necessarily, all) of the surviving evidence as a vestigial presence.
4.2.2Priority must be accorded to retaining the continuity of original functions. Any new use must be introduced only after studying its effect on the local context, and must conform to the carrying capacity and vulnerability of the architectural heritage.
4.2.3All changes to the original fabric should be preceded and followed by comprehensive documentation. Additions and alterations must respect the coherence of the whole, and must, to the extent possible, engage traditional materials, skills and knowledge in the process.
4.2.4When it becomes necessary to modernise and comprehensively alter the original internal functional characteristics of the building or site, its external image must be retained.
4.2.5At the outset, the local community must be made aware of the changes envisaged and explained the benefits to be derived.
4.3Restoration/ Replication/ Rebuilding
4.3.1Restoration is an appropriate conservation strategy to reinstate the integrity or complete the fractured ‘whole’ of the architectural heritage/ site. It must aim to convey the meaning of the heritage in the most effective manner. It may include reassembling of displaced and dismembered components of the structure and conjectural building or replacement of missing or severely deteriorated parts of the fabric. Invariably, restoration work must be preceded and followed by comprehensive documentation in order to base interventions on informed understanding of the resource and its context, and in conformity with contemporary practices of local craftspeople.
4.3.2In consonance with traditional ideals, replication can be accepted as an appropriate strategy not only to conserve unprotected historic buildings, but especially if such replication encourages historic ways of building.
4.3.3At the urban level, the objective of rebuilding historic structures should be to enhance the visual and experiential quality of the built environment, thereby providing a local distinctiveness to contest the homogenising influence of globalisation.
4.3.4In addition, reconstruction/ rebuilding can provide the impetus to develop a parallel market for local buildings materials and new opportunities for the use of alternative systems of building.
4.3.5Reconstruction based on minimal physical evidence is appropriate where it is supported by the knowledge of local craftspeople, including folklore, beliefs, myths and legends, rituals, customs, oral traditions, etc. The objective of this practice must be to interpret the original meanings of the resource in the contemporary context and reinforce its bond with society.
4.4Employment generation
4.4.1Conservation strategy must focus on the potential for employing local raj mistris, labour and materials because this will prolong the economic viability of traditional ways of building. In conditions of resource scarcity, the use of architectural heritage can provide an alternate and more economic strategy to meet contemporary needs as well.
4.5Local material and traditional technology
4.5.1The use of local materials and traditional technologies must invariably be preferred. Their choice must be based on the availability of traditional knowledge systems. Modern substitutes should be considered only after their use is proven efficient and judicious, and must not compromise the integrity and continuity of local building traditions.
4.5.2It is necessary to recognise that the use of certain traditional building materials may be inadvisable on account of the damage this can cause to the natural ecological systems. Thus the use of shell lime in coastal areas and wood generally may need to be judicially substituted with alternate materials.
4.6Integrated conservation
4.6.1Conservation of architectural heritage and sites must be integrated with the social and economic aspirations of society. Conservation-oriented development must be the preferred strategy for social and economic progress. This necessitates the formation of multi-disciplinary teams to undertake integrated conservation projects. Since social aspirations are diverse and often at odds with each other, the conservation team must include social workers to facilitate dialogue and decision-making.
4.7Sustainability
4.7.1The objective of conservation should be to sustain the building and/or the traditional skill and knowledge system of building. In this context, continuity must be seen as evolving over time. The test of its validity must be the positive contribution it makes to the quality of life of the local community.

ARTICLE 5: LISTING

5.1Introduction
5.1.1Through the ASI, the Central Government protects monuments more than 100 years old declared to be of national importance. Monuments of importance to States are protected by the respective SDAs. However, the existing legislation covers only about 5,000 monuments at the national level and approximately 3,500 at the state level. Considering India’s vast cultural heritage, these numbers are inadequate and their focus monument-centric.
5.1.2INTACH has undertaken an inventory of built heritage in India which includes notable buildings aged 50 years or more which are deemed to be of architectural, historical, archaeological or aesthetic importance.
5.1.3This inventory will become INTACH’s National Register of Historic Properties. It attempts to create a systematic, accessible and retrievable inventory of the built heritage of this country. It will serve as resource material for developing heritage conservation policies and regulations. In due course, this database should be made more comprehensive and the information compiled should be available online. It should also be made compatible with similar registers of other countries to facilitate international research.
5.1.4A similar Register of Craftspeople associated with the architectural heritage must be undertaken by specialist cultural organizations (Article 8.6.3). It is important to reiterate that both buildings being listed and associated activities that keep these building in use constitute the ‘living’ heritage. The Register of Craftspeople is, therefore, essential to viewing the architectural heritage in a holistic manner.
5.2Inventory of properties/ buildings
5.2.1Since a large part of India’s cultural heritage has so far remained undocumented, preparing an inventory of heritage buildings worthy of preservation is the most important task with which to begin the process of conservation.
5.2.2The primary aim of listing is to document the fast disappearing built heritage and then present it to scholars and the general public in a user-friendly format, which aids conservation by generating public awareness. Once a property/ building is included in such a list, it becomes justifiable to undertake necessary conservation activities by formulating special regulations for its conservation or according it due protection under Town Planning Acts. Ideally, the footprints of all listed buildings should be included in the Master Plan documents of cities.
5.2.3Buildings protected by the ASI and SDA should also be included in the list prepared by INTACH.
5.3Selection criteria
 Although interrelated, the following three key attributes will determine whether a property is worthy of listing:
 iHistoric significance
 iiHistoric integrity
 iiiHistoric context
 One or more of these attributes need to be present in a building to make it worthy of listing.
5.4Historic significance
5.4.1Historic significance refers to the importance of a property to the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or culture of a community, region or nation. In selecting a building, particular attention should be paid to the following:
 i.Association with events, activities or patterns.
 ii.Association with important persons, including ordinary people who have made significant contribution to India’s living heritage.
 iii.Distinctive physical characteristics of design, construction or form, representing the work of a master craftsperson.
 iv.Potential to yield important information, such as socio-economic history. Railway stations, town halls, clubs, markets, water works etc. are examples of such sites
 v.Technological innovation represented. For example: dams, bridges, etc.
 vi.Town planning features such as squares, streets, avenues, etc. For example: Rajpath in New Delhi.
5.5Historic integrity
5.5.1Historic integrity refers to the property’s historic identity, evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics and significant elements that existed during the property’s historic period. The “original” identity includes changes and additions over historic time.
5.5.2Historic integrity enables a property to illustrate significant aspects of its past. Not only must a property resemble its historic appearance, but it must also retain original materials, design features and aspects of construction dating from the period when it attained significance.
5.5.3Historic integrity also relates to intangible values such as the building or site’s cultural associations and traditions.
 Historic context
 Historic context refers to information about historic trends and properties grouped by an important theme in the history of a community, region or nation during a particular period of time.
 Knowledge of historic context enables the public to understand a historic property as a product of its time.
 Precincts or properties with multiple owners
 A historic building complex may comprise of numerous ancillary structures besides the main structure. Each structure of the complex must be documented on individual proformas. For example, Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas and Moti Masjid all form part of the Agra Fort complex but are also individual buildings in their own right and, as such, must be documented individually.
5.8Methodology
5.8.1The determination of significance is the key component of methodology. All conservation decisions follow from the level of significance that is assigned to a building or site.
5.8.2Listing work is comprised of two phases:
 i.Background research
 ii.Field work
5.9Background research
5.9.1Before commencing actual fieldwork, the lister should gather basic information from various sources including gazetteers, travel books and other specialised books containing information about the architecture and history of the area to be listed and documented. This work could be done in university libraries, the ASI, the National Museum, the Central Secretariat, the respective State Secretariats, Institutes of Advanced Studies and Schools of Planning and Architecture. In a given area, local experts and university scholars are resource persons who could also provide required guidance and help.
5.9.2Background research helps to ensure that no important structure or representative style of building is left out of the list. It enables the identification of historic areas, historic development of the area, significant events in the area and important persons associated with the area. In some well-documented areas, distinctive physical characteristics of design, construction or form of building resource can also be identified.
5.10Field work
5.10.1First and foremost it is necessary to carry out a field survey to identify the buildings and the areas to be listed. Following this, a detailed physical inspection of the property and dialogues with appropriate local people such as the owners of the property, area residents, local panchayats, etc. need to be undertaken. By physically inspecting the property the lister can gather information regarding the physical fabric of the building, such as physical characteristics, period of construction, etc. that need to be cross-checked with the literature survey. By conducting a dialogue with area residents, the lister can determine the changes to the property over time, ownership details, historic function and activities, association with events and persons and the role of the property in local, regional or national history.
5.10.2When gathering information, the lister must be mindful of proforma requirements (Article 5.12). The proforma is, first of all, a record of the property at the time of listing and consists of current name; historic or other name(s), location, approach and accessibility, current ownership, historic usage, and present use.
5.10.3Claims of historic significance and integrity should be supported with descriptions of special features, state of preservation, relevant dates, etc.
5.11 Mapping of vernacular architecture and historic settlements
5.11.1The major shortcoming of the current list of legally protected architectural heritage is that it does not recognise vernacular architecture and historic settlements as categories of heritage worthy of being conserved. The listing of unprotected architectural heritage and sites must, therefore, include this category. An example of such an inclusive document is INTACH’s “Listing of Built Heritage of Delhi” published in 1999.
5.11.2Sacred sites must be dealt with due sensitivity and knowledge of the local social and cultural imperatives governing their sanctity. Listing must record such characteristics associated with these sites.
 Detailed format for all the structures
 Information for each building or site should be recorded as per INTACH’s standard format as described below.
5.12.2Each proforma must contain information about listers and reviewers. Listing must be carried out by or under the supervision of experienced conservation architects.
5.12.3At least one photograph of the property/ building should be recorded for identification purposes. All significant elements of the property also need to be photographed. All photographs should be properly catalogued.
5.12.4A conceptual plan (if available, a measured drawing) should be given for each building/ area listed.
5.12.5Any additional information related to or affecting the built heritage of the city/town/region documented and its conservation should be included as appendices, for example: laws and regulations on planning and conservation, etc.
5.12.6A glossary should be provided explaining the technical and the special words used must be provided. For example: “Imambara - a shrine/ religious structure of Shia Muslims”.
5.12.7A bibliography of all books, publications, articles and unpublished work must be provided. The uniform format should be followed throughout.
5.13 Grading
5.13.1The primary objective of listing is to record extant architectural heritage and sites. But the outcome of this process should invariably be to grade the listed heritage into a hierarchical series. This process must be undertaken in a rigorous and transparent manner by a multi-disciplinary team of experts whose recommendations should be available for public scrutiny. The importance of this process cannot be underestimated because its results determine subsequent conservation decisions. Such hierarchical categorisation facilitates the prioritisation of decisions relating to the future of architectural heritage and sites.
5.13.2This Charter recommends that buildings and sites be classified as Grade I*, I, II and III in descending order of importance.
5.13.3Buildings and sites classified as Grade I*, I and II should be conserved in accordance with the provisions of official and legal manuals of practice (for example, ASI’s Works Manual). Some Grade II buildings, however, and all other listed buildings and sites, i.e. Grade III, may be conserved in accordance with principles enunciated in this Charter (Article 2.6). The decision to apply the principles enunciated in this Charter to Grade II buildings must invariably be based on the concurrence of the Advisory Committees of INTACH (Article 7.2.5).
5.13.4The process of listing should be constantly upgraded and the list updated in keeping with the availability of fresh information, financial and material resources, advances in technology and developments in the understanding of architectural heritage and its constituents.

ARTICLE 6: GUIDELINES FOR CONSERVATION

6.1Guidelines for Conservation
6.1.1For the present, the latest edition of INTACH’s “Guidelines for Conservation” should be followed, unless otherwise indicated by the imperatives of this Charter. These Guidelines should be updated by conservation architects periodically. It may also be necessary to bring out region-specific guidelines so that conservation practices can be sensitive to regional material and cultural attributes.
6.2Heritage zone
6.2.1Conservation of architectural heritage sites can be undertaken in terms of the Heritage Zone concept propagated by INTACH. In general, Heritage Zones are sensitive development areas, which are a part of larger urban agglomeration possessing significant evidence of heritage. The Heritage Zone concept requires that the conservation of unprotected architectural heritage and sites must be sensitively planned, but also aligned with the imperatives of routine development process.
6.2.2Urban conservation plans must be incorporated into the statutory Master Plan of cities. This necessitates undertaking a process of dialogue and negotiation with government town planning departments as part of the conservation strategy. Regulations to control or mediate development within the Heritage Zone, including new construction, demolition or modification to existing buildings around historic structures or within historic precincts can be formulated and incorporated within the “Special Area” provision of the respective Town Planning Acts of different States.
6.3Role of conservation architects
6.3.1The role of the conservation architect is to provide expert advice for conserving the architectural heritage and site. Conservation, however, is a multi-disciplinary activity and conservation architects must work closely with professionals of other disciplines in order to address its diverse objectives. Depending on circumstances, the conservation architect may either lead the project team or simply participate as a team member with specific expertise. In any event, the role of conservation architects must be clearly defined, either by conservation architects themselves or by the initiator of the project.
6.3.2Conservation architects also have an important advocacy role to play in promoting the conservation of unprotected architectural heritage and sites. They need to catalyse awareness both among administrators and beneficiaries to achieve the objectives of conservation enunciated in this Charter.

PART III: MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATION

ARTICLE 7: MANAGEMENT

7.1Role of local communities
7.1.1Local communities or individuals must be entrusted with responsibilities to conserve their own heritage. Where outside expertise is necessary, local stakeholders must be made active participants at all stages of the conservation process. All decisions regarding the conservation and management of heritage must be taken in consultation with local communities in consonance with the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution of India.
7.2Role of INTACH
7.2.1The role of INTACH is to institutionalise the conservation of the unprotected architectural heritage all over India. It should accomplish this objective by establishing Local Chapters.
7.2.2INTACH’s local Chapters should promote the culture of conservation (Article 8), and make an inventory of architectural heritage (Article 5). They should develop ways and means to conserve local architectural heritage in consultation with INTACH’s Regional and Central offices.
7.2.3Each Local Chapter should compile an annual “State of the Architectural Heritage Report” for its area and submit annual and quinquennial plans for conservation works to be undertaken in its locality.
7.2.4INTACH’s Regional and Central offices should compile this data to produce an annual national “State of the Architectural Heritage Report” which should highlight heritage in danger and formulate conservation strategies for its protection.
7.2.5To further facilitate its goal of protecting architectural heritage, INTACH should establish inter-disciplinary Advisory Committees at the regional and national level. These Committees should act as clearing-houses for awarding grading for listed buildings and sites, conservation plans, assessment reports, scientific studies, funding proposals, legal and administrative measures for conserving the unprotected architectural heritage.
7.2.6INTACH should facilitate and coordinate its activities with the Government and other interest groups, local, national and international, which are concerned with the conservation of architectural heritage.
7.2.7INTACH should establish appropriate benchmarks for professional fees for conservation work and promote adherence to this scale in all conservation projects (see Article 9.1.8).
 INTACH should review this Charter and if necessary, make amendments to it every five years.
7.3Fiscal measures
7.3.1Innovative financial schemes must be offered to individuals or communities in order to encourage their involvement and interest in the preservation of their own heritage. INTACH’s Advisory Committee should engage in dialogue with the Government to initiate the formulation of appropriate fiscal policies to promote conservation.
7.3.2INTACH should lobby for the provision for a ‘Heritage Fund’ to be included in the annual or quinquennial budgetary allocations of Central and State governments. It should endeavour to ensure that local governing bodies have access to these funds through transparent mechanisms.
7.3.3The policy of the ‘adoption’ of historic buildings/areas by competent and concerned community groups, trusts or private entrepreneurs of repute, that in no way harms the interests or well-being of the heritage or the society in which it exists, must be encouraged.
7.3.4The owners or caretakers of listed heritage should be offered incentives by way of favourable tax rebates, grants, loans, transfer of development rights and so forth, in order to encourage and foster their interest in the conservation of their cultural property.
7.3.5Public authorities, private companies, governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations should be encouraged to offer adequate financial assistance to traditional craftspeople and agencies involved in craft promotion and trade.
7.4Tourism
7.4.1The strong affinity between tourism and heritage should be leveraged to promote the conservation of unprotected architectural heritage and sites.
7.4.2The potentials of domestic tourism, particularly pilgrimage tourism, need to be developed.
7.4.3At the same time, however, there must be adequate safeguards to mitigate problems created by aggressive tourism promotion in areas where traditional communities are associated with unprotected architectural heritage and sites.
7.5Punitive measures
7.5.1Punitive measures as defined in the existing legislative framework concerning heritage protection, town planning acts and building byelaws must be extended to cover all listed buildings. In principle, permission must be sought for any intervention in listed buildings or precincts. Where the opportunity exists, a new set of regulations to deal specifically with unprotected heritage should be drafted.
7.5.2Administrative or criminal prosecution must be considered in cases of deliberate damage to listed architectural heritage.

ARTICLE 8: EDUCATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

8.1Public responsibilities
8.1.1The responsibility for care and maintenance of heritage must be entrusted to the local community, for the protection and conservation of any cultural resource is ensured only if it enjoys the love and respect of the local people.
8.1.2In conformity with the intent of the Constitution of India, conservation of heritage must be the duty of every Indian citizen, and all administrative, legislative and financial assistance must be provided in this regard at all levels.
8.2Public awareness
8.2.1It is essential to create public interest, awareness and concern regarding the significance of cultural heritage, its protection, conservation and enhancement for the benefit of both present and future generations. This public education can be achieved by utilising communication and promotion techniques: thematic publications, print and electronic media, cultural programmes, educational fairs, heritage site visits and excursions, exhibitions, workshops, lectures, seminars and so on.
8.2.2Regional, national or international historically significant days, festivals and similar occasions could provide opportunities for community celebrations sensitively designed to draw public attention. Such events can be organised in or around historic structures/areas thereby reinforcing the role of heritage in the well-being of society.
8.2.3Heritage walks can be used as an effective tool to involve local people in the informed appreciation and protection of their historic surroundings and cultural context. Such small-scale activities could precipitate a chain reaction of localised conservation projects involving community participation and contribution. These collective efforts need to be publicised so that they can serve as models to be adopted and adapted by other communities. Cultural walks linking various historic nodes must also be tailored to promote tourism, thereby creating economic benefits for the local community.
8.2.4The legislation and regulations laid down in the administrative system, building by-laws, town planning acts and other measures relevant to the protection and conservation of architectural heritage must be made accessible to the public through user-friendly manuals and publications.
8.2.5Governments at all levels and their associates authorities should support and facilitate non-government organisations, registered charitable trusts, heritage cooperatives and private initiatives to organise awareness programmes highlighting various aspects of heritage conservation, consequently informing local people of the means to deal with the challenges involved therein.
8.3Education in primary and secondary schools
8.3.1Respect and affection for heritage - both natural and cultural - and concern for its protection and conservation should be inculcated in school children, and this must form a crucial aspect of education. Children must be encouraged to experience historic environs by engaging them in outdoor play activities, cultural events, picnics and extra-curricular subjects involving drawing or painting of cultural sites.
8.3.2School teachers should be given specialised training in order to make them aware of the issues involved in the appreciation and preservation of heritage.
8.3.3Education curricula should include subjects on India’s natural, cultural, and living heritage that highlight the multifaceted relationship between cultural resources and society, reinforcing their inseparable bond.
8.4Undergraduate education
8.4.1The institutes, colleges and universities for the education of architects, engineers, archaeologists, planners, administrative service officers, management professionals, material chemists and other professions relevant to heritage conservation and management should encourage inter-disciplinary interaction on shared issues and common concerns and inculcate a holistic understanding of heritage with reference to social, cultural and economic aspects of the society.
8.4.2The education of conservation professionals must include short training periods when students work with master craftspeople in their own learning environment or at building/conservation sites. This would provide an opportunity for students to acquire practical experience in the application of skills and use of materials, thus strengthening their theoretical training.
8.4.3In order to respond sensitively and constructively to India’s special conservation challenges, conservation professionals must be trained to appreciate and integrate both traditional and modern principles in their work.
8.5Post-graduate education
8.5.1In addition to history and theory of conservation, which will principally include the Western perspective, and a thorough understanding of UNESCO, ICOMOS and other recognised international conventions, recommendations, Charters and guidelines, the specialized education and training of conservation professionals must build upon traditional indigenous principles and practices of building and conservation. Professional must be trained to adopt a flexible stance most relevant to the specificity of their own context - which will frequently require using indigenous principles and practices – rather than adhere blindly to the conservation ideology advocated by UNESCO/ ICOMOS and other international aid giving agencies. Working with an inter-disciplinary team of professionals should be encouraged as an effective conservation and management mechanism.
8.5.2It must be stressed that conservation architects acquire hands-on experience and practical understanding of indigenous materials and technologies through training or working with local master craftspeople. This will facilitate a healthy and sustained relationship amongst teachers, students and craftspeople, which can be mutually beneficial for future collaborative work on conservation projects, training workshops, awareness programmes and so forth.
8.6Education and training of craftspeople
8.6.1The ideal way to preserve a craft is to practice it. In order to ensure the continuity of craft traditions, it is essential that systematic education and training environments be provided and supported at all levels by the Government, non-governmental organisations and private entrepreneurs. In addition to individual initiatives of modest scale within limited resources, NGOs can support small to medium-sized schools, and Central and State governments can operate fully equipped training centres that specialise in traditional building and conservation crafts.
8.6.2Building Centres set up by HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation of the Government of India) are important initiatives that can be leveraged to promote traditional conservation practices. These Centres train and upgrade the skills of various trades of builders, with a focus on the use of appropriate materials and technologies. Conservation architects should associate themselves with these Centres in order to systemise the dissemination of traditional building principles and practices.
8.6.3A comprehensive list of specialised crafts and craftspeople must be prepared that can serve as a resource base for owners, care-takers or managers of heritage properties, as also for professionals involved in the conservation and management of historic buildings/areas.
8.6.4The monologue aspect of the modern ‘teaching’ system should be abandoned and a dialogue of mutual ‘learning’ must be adopted as a training principle, where both the instructor and the crafts person benefit from each other by exchanging ideas, ideologies and experiences. Training programmes must aim toward the sustainability of indigenous building system, and skills that are rooted in traditional knowledge bases and local cultures.
8.6.5The education of crafts people seeking advanced skills or specialisation must reconcile the crucial aspects of both traditional texts and techniques and modern theories and technologies, consequently bridging the gap between indigenous and Western (glossed as ‘universal’) principles and practices of conservation.

PART IV: PROFESSIONALISM

ARTICLE 9: CODE OF PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT AND PRACTICE

9.1Conservation professionals shall:
9.1.1Ensure that their professional activities do not conflict with their general responsibility to contribute positively to the quality of the environment and welfare of society.
9.1.2Apply their knowledge and skills towards the creative, responsible and economical development of the nation and its heritage.
9.1.3Provide professional services of a high standard, to the best of their ability.
9.1.4Maintain a high standard of integrity.
9.1.5Conduct themselves in a manner which is not derogatory to their professional character, nor likely to lessen the confidence of the public in the profession, nor likely to bring conservation professionals into disrepute.
9.1.6Promote the profession of conservation, standards of conservation education, research, training and practice.
9.1.7Act with fairness and impartiality when administering a conservation contract.
9.1.8Observe and uphold INTACH’s conditions of engagement and scale of charges, which will be prepared in due course, in consultation with conservation professionals.
9.1.9If in private practice, inform their client of the conditions of engagement and scale of consultancy fee, and agree that these conditions be the basis of their appointment.
9.1.10Not sub-commission to other professional(s) the work for which they have been commissioned, without prior agreement of their client.
9.1.11Not give or take discounts, commissions, gifts or other inducements for obtaining work.
9.1.12Compete fairly with other professional colleagues.
9.1.13Not supplant or attempt to supplant another conservation professional.
9.1.14Not prepare project reports in competition with other professionals for a client without payment or for a reduced fee (except in a competition conducted in accordance with the competition guidelines approved by INTACH).
9.1.15Not attempt to obtain, offer to undertake or accept a commission for which they know another professional has been selected or employed until they have evidence that the selection, employment or agreement has been terminated, and the client has given the previous professional written notice to that effect.
9.1.16Allow the client to consult as many professional as desired/ required provided that each professional so consulted is adequately compensated and that the project is in the preliminary stages.
9.1.17Comply with guidelines for project competitions and inform INTACH of their appointment as assessor for a competition.
9.1.18Not have or take as partner in their firm any person who is disqualified.
9.1.19Provide their employees with a suitable working environment, compensate them fairly and facilitate their professional development.
9.1.20Recognise and respect the professional contributions of their employees.
9.1.21Provide their associates with a suitable working environment, compensate them fairly and facilitate their professional development.
9.1.22Recognise and respect the professional contributions of their associates.
9.1.23Recognise and respect the professional contributions of all consultants.
9.1.24Enter into agreements with consultants defining the scope of their work, responsibilities, functions, fees and mode of payment.
9.1.25Not advertise their professional services nor allow their name to be included in advertisements or be used for publicity purposes except under the following circumstances:
 i.Notice of change of address may be published on three occasions and correspondents may be informed by post.
 ii.Professionals may exhibit their name outside their office and on a conservation site, either under implementation or completed, for which they are or were consultant, provided that the lettering does not exceed 10 cm. in height and this in agreement with the client.
 iii.Advertisements including the name and address of professionals may be published in connection with calling of tenders, staff requirements and similar matters.
 ivProfessionals may allow their name to be associated with illustrations and/or descriptions of their work in the press or public media, provided that they neither give nor accept any compensation for such appearances.
 vProfessionals may allow their name to appear in advertisements inserted in the press by suppliers or manufacturers of materials used in a project they have undertaken, provided that their name is included in an unostentatious manner and they neither give nor accept any compensation for its use.
 viProfessionals may allow their name to appear in publications prepared by clients for the purpose of advertising or promoting projects for which they have been commissioned.
 viiProfessionals may produce or publish brochures, and pamphlets describing their experience and capabilities, for distribution to those potential clients whom they can identify by name and position.
 viiiProfessionals may allow their name to appear in the classified columns of trade/ professional directories and/ or the telephone directory.
9.1.26When working in other countries, comply with the codes of conduct applicable there.
9.2If a conservation professional practices as a partner in a partnership firm or is in charge and responsible to a company registered under the Companies Act 1956 for the conduct of business of such company, he/she shall ensure that such partnership firm or company, as the case may be, complies with the provisions of Article 9.1.
9.3Violation of any of the provisions of Article 9.1 shall constitute professional misconduct.
 

ANNEXURE I: THE NARA DOCUMENT ON AUTHENTICITY

Preamble

  1. We, the experts assembled in Nara (Japan), wish to acknowledge the generous spirit and intellectual courage of the Japanese authorities in providing a timely forum in which we could challenge conventional thinking in the conservation field, and debate ways and means of broadening our horizons to bring greater respect for cultural and heritage diversity to conservation practice.
  2. We also wish to acknowledge the value of the framework for discussion provided by the World Heritage Committee's desire to apply the test of authenticity in ways which accord full respect to the social and cultural values of all societies, in examining the outstanding universal value of cultural properties proposed for the World Heritage List.
  3. The Nara Document on Authenticity is conceived in the spirit of the Charter of Venice, 1964, and builds on it and extends it in response to the expanding scope of cultural heritage concerns and interests in our contemporary world.
  4. In a world that is increasingly subject to the forces of globalization and homogenization, and in a world in which the search for cultural identity is sometimes pursued through aggressive nationalism and the suppression of the cultures of minorities, the essential contribution made by the consideration of authenticity in conservation practice is to clarify and illuminate the collective memory of humanity.
  5. Cultural Diversity and Heritage Diversity
  6. The diversity of cultures and heritage in our world is an irreplaceable source of spiritual and intellectual richness for all humankind. The protection and enhancement of cultural and heritage diversity in our world should be actively promoted as an essential aspect of human development.
  7. Cultural heritage diversity exists in time and space, and demands respect for other cultures and all aspects of their belief systems. In cases where cultural values appear to be in conflict, respect for cultural diversity demands acknowledgment of the legitimacy of the cultural values of all parties.
  8. All cultures and societies are rooted in the particular forms and means of tangible and intangible expression which constitute their heritage, and these should be respected.
  9. It is important to underline a fundamental principle of UNESCO, to the effect that the cultural heritage of each is the cultural heritage of all. Responsibility for cultural heritage and the management of it belongs, in the first place, to the cultural community that has generated it, and subsequently to that which cares for it. However, in addition to these responsibilities, adherence to the international charters and conventions developed for conservation of cultural heritage also obliges consideration of the principles and responsibilities flowing from them. Balancing their own requirements with those of other cultural communities is, for each community, highly desirable, provided achieving this balance does not undermine their fundamental cultural values.
  10. Values and authenticity
  11. Conservation of cultural heritage in all its forms and historical periods is rooted in the values attributed to the heritage. Our ability to understand these values depends, in part, on the degree to which information sources about these values may be understood as credible or truthful. Knowledge and understanding of these sources of information, in relation to original and subsequent characteristics of the cultural heritage, and their meaning, is a requisite basis for assessing all aspects of authenticity.
  12. Authenticity, considered in this way and affirmed in the Charter of Venice, appears as the essential qualifying factor concerning values. The understanding of authenticity plays a fundamental role in all scientific studies of the cultural heritage, in conservation and restoration planning, as well as within the inscription procedures used for the World Heritage Convention and other cultural heritage inventories.
  13. All judgements about values attributed to cultural properties as well as the credibility of related information sources may differ from culture to culture, and even within the same culture. It is thus not possible to base judgements of values and authenticity within fixed criteria. On the contrary, the respect due to all cultures requires that heritage properties must considered and judged within the cultural contexts to which they belong.
  14. Therefore, it is of the highest importance and urgency that, within each culture, recognition be accorded to the specific nature of its heritage values and the credibility and truthfulness of related information sources.
  15. Depending on the nature of the cultural heritage, its cultural context, and its evolution through time, authenticity judgements may be linked to the worth of a great variety of sources of information. Aspects of the sources may include form and design, materials and substance, use and function, traditions and techniques, location and setting, and spirit and feeling, and other internal and external factors. The use of these sources permits elaboration of the specific artistic, historic, social, and scientific dimensions of the cultural heritage being examined.

Appendix 1: Suggestions for follow-up (proposed by H. Stovel)

  1. Respect for cultural and heritage diversity requires conscious efforts to avoid imposing mechanistic formulae or standardized procedures in attempting to define or determine authenticity of particular monuments and sites.
  2. Efforts to determine authenticity in a manner respectful of cultures and heritage diversity requires approaches which encourage cultures to develop analytical processes and tools specific to their nature and needs. Such approaches may have several aspects in common:
    • efforts to ensure assessment of authenticity involve multidisciplinary collaboration and the appropriate utilisation of all available expertise and knowledge;
    • efforts to ensure attributed values are truly representative of a culture and the diversity of its interests, in particular monuments and sites;
    • efforts to document clearly the particular nature of authenticity for monuments and sites as a practical guide to future treatment and monitoring;
    • efforts to update authenticity assessments in light of changing values and circumstances.
  3. Particularly important are efforts to ensure that attributed values are respected, and that their determination included efforts to build, ad far as possible, a multidisciplinary and community consensus concerning these values.
  4. Approaches should also build on and facilitate international co-operation among all those with an interest in conservation of cultural heritage, in order to improve global respect and understanding for the diverse expressions and values of each culture.
  5. Continuation and extension of this dialogue to the various regions and cultures of the world is a prerequisite to increasing the practical value of consideration of authenticity in the conservation of the common heritage of humankind.
  6. Increasing awareness within the public of this fundamental dimension of heritage is an absolute necessity in order to arrive at concrete measures for safeguarding the vestiges of the past. This means developing greater understanding of the values represented by the cultural properties themselves, as well as respecting the role such monuments and sites play in contemporary society.

Appendix 2: Definitions

Conservation: all efforts designed to understand cultural heritage, know its history and meaning, ensure its material safeguard and, as required, its presentation, restoration and enhancement. (Cultural heritage is understood to include monuments, groups of buildings and sites of cultural value as defined in article one of the World Heritage Convention).

Information sources: all material, written, oral and figurative sources which make it possible to know the nature, specifications, meaning and history of the cultural heritage.

The Nara Document on Authenticity was drafted by the 45 participants at the Nara Conference on Authenticity in Relation to the World Heritage Convention, held at Nara, Japan, from 1-6 November 1994, at the invitation of the Agency for Cultural Affairs (Government of Japan) and the Nara Prefecture. The Agency organized the Nara Conference in cooperation with UNESCO, ICCROM and ICOMOS.

This final version of the Nara Document has been edited by the general rapporteurs of the Nara Conference, Mr. Raymond Lemaire and Mr. Herb Stovel.

 

Acknowledgements:
We gratefully acknowledge the advice and suggestions made by the following experts in heritage conservation and related fields:

BAIG AmitaBEESTON RogerBURMAN PeterCARDOSA Elizabeth
CHAKARBORTY ManishDANIEL VinodDASS IshwarDENSLAGEN Wim
DILAWARI VikasFEILDEN Sir BernardGRENVILLE JCGUPTA Divay
GUTSCHOW NielsHOLKAR SRKALAMDANI KiranKAPUR GM
KHANNA PROTHI NupurKRISHNAN PTKURIAKOSE BennyLOGAN William
MALHANS BSMAINI RajeevMASCHARENHAS PoonamMODI Pankaj
MOHAN LAL RSNANDA RatishPANDIT MunishPETTMAN Bruce
PHAYAKVICHIEN PradechPUNJA ShobitaRAVINDRAN KTRAY Rajat
SAHASRABUDHE ChetanSILVA RolandSIMPSON JamesSINGH Balvinder
SINGH Maharaja GajSINGH PriyaleenSINGH RajenderSINGH Sukhdev
SRINIVASAN GeetaTAYLOR KenTHAKUR NaliniVARANASHI Sathya Prakash
VOS Ashley DeWIJERATNE PaliWINKLEY Austin 


Comments from INTACH Conference, Session III, 2.11.2004

  1. Ratish Nanda, Conservation Architect (York Scholar)
    Enough time is passed, and more discussion is always a never ending process. 20 years of experience of INTACH is sufficient enough for it to think about a Charter. Most of us are working in the field, and have been abroad and seen the world; and realized how different India is in terms of its various aspects like lack of funding for conservation projects, continuity of traditional skills and practices etc. We are now looking for a charter in order to provide formality to our collective thinking process. Let us all give it a positive contribution. I have spoken to Kt, and he also feels that this charter is a comprehensive document, and valid for the Indian situation. I think we should not lose this opportunity when so many professionals and experts from all over the country are gathered together in one place. We should avoid mindless criticism, and try formulating the document which, if required, can be revised later say after 3 or 5 years.
  2. B S Malhans, Convenor, Shimla Chapter
    Inclusion of a separate article addressing the issues related to the sacredness involved in historic structures, primarily temples. The community in such contexts plays a crucial role, since their lives are affected by these socio-cultural practices in so man ways. This aspect needs to be addressed, especially in he case of listing of such structures.
  3. Geeta Srinivasan, Convenor, Nilgiris
    Inclusion of the Natural Heritage.Special clause on conserving mountain eco-systems from the unplanned development.
  4. Nalini Thakur, Conservation Architect (York Scholar)
    I think it is a good beginning. I have only two reservations:
    1. the scope of the charter is too wide, and it would be useful to clear this scope.
    2. the article (9), on the code of professional conduct – I think this code of conduct should be restricted only to the Architectural Heritage Division of INTACH, and the professionals practicing outside INTACH should make their own code of practice.
  5. Sukhdev Singh, Convenor, Punjab State
    I feel 20 years is not a very long time for an organization such as INTACH. We should keep the discussion open, in order to make the charter inclusive. We need to include the ways in which the monuments can be made more relevant to the people. We have to look at the modes of advocacy. I agree with the fact that monuments have the right to die, like us human beings. If they have no role to play in their context, then they have a right to die.
  6. R S Lal Mohan, Convenor, Nagercoil
    We need to refer to the National Environmental Policy. There are specific environmental laws that we need to see. The charter must also address the issues regarding the coastal areas, and modern changes that are bound to take place over time.
  7. Ishwar Dass, Convenor, Madhya Pradesh State
    The distinction between the ‘official and legal instruments of conservation’ and the ‘indigenous practices’ and their applicability to Grade I*, I and II listed buildings is not very clear. What is the relevance of these two systems for conservation of the architectural heritage?
  8. G M Kapur, Convenor, Calcutta Chapter
    1. Inclusion of the possibility of maintaining historic structures as ruins. These structures need to conserved or rebuilt, but preserved in the existing state of ruin,
    2. Provision for heritage buildings in urban areas to be kept out of the ‘red ribbon’, and also out of the purview of the Tenancy Act.
  9. Balvinder Singh, Conservatino Architect (York Scholar)
    The title of the charter must include ‘natural heritage’ also; the term ‘sites’ is quite ambiguous. The charter needs to address rural settlements. There is some confusion with respect to the use of terms ‘Conservation Architects’ or ‘Conservation Professionals’; the use of any one term needs to be made consistent throughout the document. We also need to define ‘values’ for the situations where there is a reference of ‘cultural landscapes’. Similarly the use of local terms like ‘Raj Mistri’ need to be translated to a universally accessible language, in this case English. We could also think of replacing the terms like demolish, rebuild, reconstruct etc. with a term like ‘conservation strategy’. I would like to emphasise that listing of historic buildings, as undertaken by INTACH, must be conducted under a conservation professional, and not amateurs.
  10. P T Krishnan, Tamil Nadu, State Convenor
    1. The charter needs to address the issues related to the Town Planning Acts and departments.
    2. Another important consideration is regarding the authenticity of restoration. For example, the use of proper materials in the conservation work, understanding of the fact the use of shell lime has adverse effects on the natural/ecological system. Therefore we need to think about appropriate alternatives.
    3. Reuse of historic building materials and artifacts could lead to their commodification. This issue needs to addressed.
  11. Poonam V. Mascarenhas, Conservation Architect (York Scholar)
    The charter needs to address the methodology of execution of conservation work, including PWD schedule of rates, tendering procedures etc. There is a gap between the code of conduct as prescribed for the professionals and the Govt. departments that are responsible for the execution of works. There is no interface between these two. We also need to realize that the PWD standards are not the right ones.
  12. Vikas Dilawari, Conservation Architect (York Scholar)
    I agree with the issue that Poonam is makingng; while working the in the field I have realized that the existing system cannot work efficiently and we need to look at critically. The Rent Control Act needs to be abolished.
  13. Vidya Jyothi Ashley de Vos, Sri Lanka, Conservation Expert
    INTACH should have a charter, but this one looks like a complex document. I feel the statement about the 100 mts. Rule by the ASI/ SDA is unfair. We have our historic buildings today because of the protection provided by the ASI, and we should not interfere in their system. There is no mention of scale relating to conservation works in the entire document. The reference to old while doing new works or even restoration work symbolizes the functioning of antique dealers. Do we need to do this?