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Special Content


Issue no 19, 10 - 16 August 2024

India's Global Role in Heritage Conservation

Due to the ravages of war and the shifting tides of civilizations, many invaluable cultural heritages-such as ancient stone inscriptions and intricate temple carvings-have been lost, robbing future generations of vital historical examples. In response to this crisis, the World Heritage Committee was established on November 16, 1972, during the 16th General Conference of UNESCO. This committee convenes annually and comprises representatives from 21 member countries, elected by the General Assembly.

The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, held from July 21 to 31, 2024, marked a significant milestone as it was hosted for the first time under the chairmanship of India at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The session was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who highlighted India's rich cultural heritage on the global stage. UNESCO Director-General Ms. Audrey Azoulay attended the event and was warmly welcomed by the Prime Minister.

The current World Heritage Committee includes representatives from Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Turkey, Ukraine and Vietnam.

Key Highlights of the 46th World Heritage Committee

·       Over 2,000 international and national representatives from more than 150 countries participated.

·       The meeting included detailed discussions on proposals to nominate new sites to the World Heritage List, conservation reports for the existing 124 World Heritage Properties, International Assistance, and the use of World Heritage Funds.

·       Various exhibitions were organised to showcase Indian culture, which captivated foreign guests.

·       Over 350 artifacts brought from abroad were displayed in the 'Return of Treasures' exhibition.

·       Attendees experienced immersive presentations using the latest Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies for three World Heritage Sites in India: (a) Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat, (b) Kailasa Temple, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, (c) Hoysala Temple, Halebid, Karnataka.

·       'Incredible India' exhibition was organised to highlight India's rich cultural heritage, ancient civilisation, geographical diversity, tourist desti-nations and modern advancements in information technology and infra-structure.

·       Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised India's ancient history, stating, "India is so ancient that every point of the present is a reflection of its glorious past."

·       Referring to New Delhi, the Prime Minister noted that it is a hub of millennia-old heritage, where one can encounter history at every turn.

·       He cited the example of a 2,000-year-old iron pillar, which is rust-proof and reflects India's past metallurgical prowess, stating, "India's heritage is not only history but also science."

India - US 'Cultural Property Agreement'

On July 26, 2024, during the 46th World Heritage Committee, the Governments of India and the United States of America signed their first-ever 'Cultural Property Agreement' to combat and prevent the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA. The agreement was signed by Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Mr. Eric Garcetti, Ambassador of the United States to India, in the esteemed presence of Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

The Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) aligns with the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, to which both countries are parties. The illicit trafficking of cultural property has long been a problem affecting many cultures and countries. A significant number of antiquities were smuggled out of India before the ratification of the 1970 UNESCO Convention and are now held in museums, institutions and private collections around the world.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, remarked that the CPA represents a significant step in protecting India's rich and diverse cultural heritage and invaluable historical artifacts. He noted that this agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter in preventing illegal trafficking and facilitating the return of antiquities to their place of origin.

The Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) restricts the importation into the United States of certain archaeological materials dating from 1.7 million years ago to 1770 CE and certain ethnological materials, including categories of civic, religious and royal architectural materials, religious and ceremonial items and manuscripts from the 2nd century BCE to 1947 CE. The list of restricted items will be promulgated by the Government of the United States. According to the agreement, the United States will offer to return to India any object or material on the Designated List that has been forfeited to the US Government.

The agreement will facilitate the prompt seizure of Indian antiquities by US Customs and their repatriation to India. Notably, the United States has previously established similar agreements with countries including Algeria, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Italy, Jordan, Mali, Morocco, Peru and Turkey.

About of the Committee

·       The Committee is dedicated to ensuring the effective implementation of the World Heritage Convention and overseeing the use of the World Heritage Fund.

·       Upon request from member countries, the Committee allocates financial assistance for heritage conservation to various countries in need.

·       The Committee has the final authority on whether a property is inscribed on the World Heritage List.

·       The Committee reviews reports on the conservation status of inscribed properties and encourages member countries to take necessary actions for their proper management.

·       The Committee makes decisions by consensus regarding the inscription or removal of properties from the List of World Heritage in Danger.

At the concluding session of the 46th World Heritage Committee, Minister of Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced that the Committee had inscribed 24 new World Heritage Sites, including 19 cultural sites, 4 natural sites, and 1 mixed site. The Charaideo Maidam from Assam were designated as India's 43rd World Heritage Site, marking a significant achievement as it is the first cultural site from Assam to receive this recognition. Located in the Charaideo district, the Maidam are sacred burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty, reflecting six centuries of cultural and architectural development.

About Maidam

Charaideo Maidam: The Tai-Ahom people, who believed their kings were divine, established a distinctive funerary tradition involving the construction of Maidam-vaulted mounds used for royal burials. This tradition lasted for 600 years and featured evolving materials and architectural techniques over time.

Significance: The Maidam are the third World Heritage Property from Assam, following Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, both inscribed under the Natural category in 1985. The Maidam of Charaideo, which celebrate and preserve royal lineage through monumental architecture, are comparable to the pyramids of Egyptian pharaohs and the royal graves of ancient China.

Strategic Objectives of the World Heritage Convention

Credibility: Strengthen the credibility of the World Heritage List as a representative and geographically balanced record of cultural and natural properties of outstanding universal value.

Capacity Building: Promote the development of effective capacity-building measures, including assistance for preparing nominations for the World Heritage List and for understanding and implementing the World Heritage Convention and related instruments.

Communication: Raise public awareness, participation and support for World Heritage through effective communication.

Community: Enhance the role of communities in the implementation of the World Heritage Convention.

India's World Heritage has the power to captivate individuals, as it represents not just history but a shared reflection of human consciousness. India's heritage advocates for global welfare, aiming to connect hearts and foster an atmosphere of peace and humanity. Indian scientific heritage, such as Yoga and Ayurveda, is prominently demonstrating its global significance today. The World Heritage Committee also acknowledged the theme of the G-20 summit hosted by India-"One World, One Family, One Future"-and praised the concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.' Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Mission Life were also discussed openly during the committee meeting.

Source- UNESCO, PMindia.gov.in, PIB.

 (Compiled by Sudhit Mishra, EN Team. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@gmail.com)