India’s Cultural Mapping Mission and Efforts to Safeguard National Monuments
The Ministry of Culture recently spotlighted the advancements under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) and initiatives to protect Monuments of National Importance (MNI), both critical to documenting India’s cultural legacy and preserving its heritage for future generations.
National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM)
Launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Culture, the NMCM aims to document, preserve, and promote India’s diverse cultural heritage. By creating a comprehensive database of cultural assets, artists, and art forms, the mission seeks to enhance cultural vibrancy and support rural development.
Key Objectives
- Cultural documentation: define and record the unique cultural identity of each village.
- Awareness Programs: Initiatives like Hamari Sanskriti Hamari Pahchan (Our Culture, Our Identity) aim to instill cultural pride.
- Community Empowerment: leverage cultural mapping to boost rural economies and support cultural tourism.
- Digital Platforms: Establish a National Cultural Working Place (NCWP) portal for sharing information, performances, and awards across various art forms.
- Cultural Hubs: Identify sites for Kala Grams, craft fairs, and cultural hubs to facilitate idea exchange and promote tourism.
Implementation and Expansion
Administered by the Ministry of Culture and guided by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the mission leverages the services of CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, an SPV under the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, NMCM launched the Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) portal in 2023, documenting the cultural assets of 6.5 lakh villages across seven categories, including arts, ecology, historical significance, and architectural heritage. Currently, 4.5 lakh villages are live on the portal, showcasing oral traditions, festivals, landmarks, and more. This initiative fosters cultural identity while empowering rural communities economically.
Monuments of National Importance (MNI)
India’s Monuments of National Importance (MNI) reflect its rich history, showcasing a wide range of prehistoric sites, temples, forts, mosques, and other structures.
Legislative Framework
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 (amended in 2010) provides the basis for declaring, conserving, and protecting monuments and archaeological sites of national importance. To qualify, a site must be at least 100 years old.
The government notifies its intent to declare a site as nationally important, inviting public objections within two months. After reviewing objections, the site is officially declared through a gazette notification.
Current Status and Challenges
India has 3,697 declared MNIs. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is tasked with their conservation. Article 49 of the Indian Constitution mandates the protection of national heritage, with specific laws banning construction within 100 meters of these monuments and restricting activities in the next 200 meters.
However, under Section 35 of the AMASR Act, the ASI can delist monuments no longer deemed nationally significant, potentially opening such sites for construction or urbanization. The National Monuments Authority (NMA) oversees permissions for construction in restricted areas to ensure heritage preservation.
India’s Cultural and Heritage Initiatives
The government has launched several programs to promote cultural awareness and protect heritage, including:
- Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana
- Scheme for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
- Dekho Apna Desh Initiative
- Swadesh Darshan Scheme
- PRASAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive)
- Adopt a Heritage Programme
- Project Mausam
These efforts, coupled with the NMCM and MNI protection initiatives, underscore India’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural and historical legacy while fostering economic development and cultural tourism.
