Newsletter of Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation (IHCNF)

In – Heritance For the Future of Our Cities

VOL.2 ISSUE NO.3 MARCH 2017

From IHCNF Desk in Bangalore We wish to thank our readers for the continuing support to IHCNF’s monthly Inside this Issue: newsletter which helps us keep you informed about our organizations activities on a regular basis. Feature Article Pg 2 Earlier this month, on 2nd March 2017, Dr M Ramachandran, Chairman IHCNF met the A short article on IHCNF’s Hon’ble Union Minister for Urban research study on “Skill Need Development Minister Shri M Venkaiah Analysis for Built Heritage in Naidu and presented to him the IHCNF Karnataka” publication on proceedings of the Heritage Cities Conference on ‘Sacred Geography of 20th Board of Trustees Meeting of Spiritual Cities’ held on 6th and 7th October IHCNF, 4th Board of Trustees Meeting Activity Report Pg 3 2016 at New Delhi. Furthermore, the of the HCDNS Ministry sought IHCNF’s views on the proposed merger of HRIDAY and PRASADA The 20th Board of Trustees Meeting of Activities under HRIDAY schemes and improvements needed in IHCNF and the 4th Board of Trustees Scheme: Amaravati, Andhra administering the scheme. Meeting of the HCDNS was held on the 24th Pradesh March 2017 at New Delhi. The meeting was We are pleased to inform our readers that chaired by Shri. M. Ramachandran, Chairman Shri Rohit Jigyasu, a prominent IHCNF, and attended by Shri. Subir Hari News and Information Pg 4 Conservation Architect and International Singh, Vice Chairman IHCNF, Smt. Rathi Risk Management Expert joined the Board Vinay Jha, Dr. Kulwant Singh, Shri. K. T. • IHCNF Missions in March of Trustees of IHCNF this month. It is a Ravindran, Shri. Chetan Vaidya, Shri. Anil 2017 matter of great honor & privilege Thakur, Proj Ajay Khare and Dr. Rohit New Delhi Mission to have him on IHCNF’s board. Jigyasu. We welcome him and look forward to a Various ongoing activities of IHCNF were • Meetings fruitful and long lasting association. discussed in detail at the Board meeting. The Meetings attended by IHCNF proposed MoUs with the Maulana Azad In this month’s newsletter, we have included Secretariat staff in New Delhi National Urdu University (MANUU), and All a feature article on IHCNF’s study on ‘Skill and Bangalore, Karnataka Institute of Local Self Government Need Analysis for Built Heritage in (AIILSG) was taken up for discussion. Karnataka’ which addresses the core need Decision was taken by the Board to hold the • Upcoming Events of developing skills in the built heritage 5th IHCNF Biennial Conference in Sur Ganga- An event being sector in Karnataka. Furthermore, we Bhubaneswar, Orissa for which Chairperson organized in Varanasi in April- continue our focus on the implementation IHCNF and ED IHCNF would be visiting Orissa May under the aegis of of the Government of India HRIDAY scheme to finalize the arrangements with UNESCO Creative Cities in the city of Amaravati in . Government of Orissa and Infosys for Network. We wish our readers an enjoyable read and conduct of the Biennial conference at the look forward to your continued feedback. Infosys campus facility at Bhubaneswar.

1 IN-HERITANCE VOLUME 2 Issue No. 3

Feature Article

Skill Needs of the Built Heritage Sector in Karnataka Indian Heritage Cities Network Foundation carried out a state-wide survey to identify, quantify, and analyze the traditional building craft labor market by occupation in Karnataka. The purpose was to identify the resources available within Karnataka in terms of skill, craftsmen, material and tools for built heritage conservation in the state including the current gaps, the need, and the demand for traditional and specialized skill. This exercise helped to establish the regional variations in skill shortages, quantify demand, supply, and training requirements in the built heritage sector for taking further action.

Traditional Skills are rudimentary for based on a chronology of activities that The skill need for the conservation across conservation of built heritage monuments; would help in replicating it in a different different stakeholders were skilled mason- followed by material and tools. It was in this geographic context. The architectural styles varying to highly skilled to super skilled backdrop that prompted Indian Heritage from different historical periods and mason based on their specialized vocation Cities Network Foundation (IHCN-F) to influential dynasties in Karnataka were first followed by stone mason and laying mason embark upon “Skill Need Analysis for Built considered with respect to built heritage and the predominantly material need was Heritage in Karnataka”. This research activity monuments in conjunction to the stone, wood, lime mortar. made a nuanced attempt to understand the predominant typology of structures of that On the tools aspects awareness of basic tools core need of developing skills in the built period. Temple was found to be the most were reported despite their lack of heritage sector and the gaps. The other focus prominent structures from different periods. awareness of tradition tools. The masons was to explore essential material have no qualms about availability of tools on requirements. This ambitious research was the occasion of the need as they could locally initially contextualized to Karnataka as the manufacture it, which only reflects the State has a significant number i.e. 1360 prevalent Jugad spirit.

One of the most powerful response from respondents for “bringing back the traditional craftsmen”, was they should abstain from practicing any mechanized works. The other responses were for special skills are to be well researched and documented for future use. It was suggested that the passion for the craft should be induced indirectly by opening avenues for

Expert committee meeting held in Bangalore 1Typology of Built Heritage covered in Karnataka regular employment. There was a felt need

for traditional crafts to be appreciated, protected monuments under the ASI and As part of this study architects, conservation valued and adapted in the contemporary State Department of Archaeology Museum architects, policy people and intelligentsia building and to be aesthetically displayed. and Heritage in Karnataka. There are few were interviewed. This contributed to the That craftsmen work should be regularly thousands more that are unprotected or research immensely backed by their featured and exhibited for public viewing. knowledge in this field. This has added abandoned and that have not been put under Regarding training for developing skills in the relevant and factual knowledge to the any inventory, which poses challenges and built heritage sector, it was felt that it should findings. The other important source of opportunities for conserving monuments. adopt a workshop module imbibing information is the monument itself for an The social component that persuaded for the traditional methods of training which are unadulterated approach to capture the research was to revive dying traditional imparted by craftsman of experience, information through observation. building craftsmanship in Karnataka. This seasoned traditional craftsmen or seniors. For example, one of the major findings of the would support in conservation and also Moreover older, abandoned and unprotected study on a broader perspective was that adapting modernity that would imbibe the structures should be a laboratory for all the conservation effort for the superstructure is traditional flavour to contemporary training on site for being more practically high followed by the roof structure. structures. The advantages of this are effective. This psychologically would also The demand for attending to the super numerous that are both tangible and trigger their passion for traditional skills. structure arise as it comprises of the flooring intangible. The tangible ones are improving About training components, creativity, and side walls, yet these are not given much the built heritage monument and the ability to learn, ability to work in a team, priority when compared to the roof the intangible ones are reviving traditional crafts, communication skills topped the skill need moment some water leaks are observed, and livelihood, tourism, culture and art. The requirements of the craftsmen. they get attention and are attended to. process that was followed for the study was

2 IN-HERITANCE VOLUME 2 Issue No. 3

ACTIVITIES UNDER HRIDAY SCHEME AMARAVATI M

The Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, launched the

4 projects have been proposed under the National Heritage City Development and HRIDAY Scheme for Amaravati out of Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme which three projects are being on 21st January, 2015, with a focus on implemented. The projects are: holistic development of 12 heritage cities. AMARAVATI in Andhra Pradesh is 1. Heritage Park in front of Dhyana one of the cities where the HRIDAY Buddha Statue scheme is currently under The Dhyana Bhuddha being one of the implementation. In 2015, MOUD selected prime attractions of Amaravati, the site ICLEI-South East Asia as the City

Amaravati is a located in was considered as one of the heritage Anchor for Amaravati in association with assets for development under HRIDAY IHCNF. in India’s south eastern state of Andhra Pradesh. It is a historic town with scheme. A proposal for developing a 3. Heritage walk-way in Amaravati town (2.5 Heritage Park was one of the identified great spiritual touristic significance. It was Kms) one of the first capital cities of Southern India projects. The land parcels available in front The Heritage walkway focuses on developing a of this property has been conceived to be in ancient times. Its temples, Buddhist heritage walk connecting the Heritage sites developed as a complimentary activity for stupas, ancient art, Amaravati School and along with Restoration and Infra development. historic houses are yet to be adequately the huge Buddha Statue. The concept plan The primary focus would be to create enabling proposes Tourist Information Kiosk, researched, documented, conserved and infrastructure interconnecting major heritage promoted. Amaravati, a centre of pilgrimage completion of partially constructed tourist sites. Proposed interventions include – Façade amenity centre, landscaping and to both Hindus and Buddhists, attracts many restoration of heritage buildings along the visitors throughout the year.The city is also plantation, Lighting & illumination with walk, Directional Signage, covering of open Solar Panels, Drinking Water Taps with RO known as Punyakshetra or Amareswaram. drains, street lighting inspired by local plant, Public Convenience, Eating architecture, seating benches, beautification of Outlet/Cafeteria, Parking Area , Locker / The recorded history of Amaravati and walkway with heritage sensitive designs. Cloak Room, Shoe Stand, Dustbins etc. nearby Dharanikota is from 2nd century BCE.

It was the capital of Andhra Satavahanas who 4. Parking area at Museum ruled from 2nd century BCE to 3rd century &interpretation Centre CE. After the decline of Satavahanas, Andhra Kalachakra Museum and interpretation Centre Ikshvakus and later Pallava kings ruled is one of the important historic building in valley. Subsequently, Eastern Amaravati. The museum was inaugurated by Chalukyas and Telugu Cholas held sway over Dalai Lama when he visited the Amaravati the region. Kota Kings were in control of Gram Panchayat to perform Kalachakra event Amaravati during the medieval times. Kota in 2006. kings were subdued by Kakatiyas in 11th century CE and Amaravati became part of the unified Telugu empire. Amaravati is considered sacred because of three aspects 2. Up-gradation of Approach Roads to namely the Krishna River; ‘Sthalamahatyam’, Heritage Sites an important ‘Kshetra'; and the ‘Sri To enhance the mobility within Amaravati Mahalinga Murthy’. In addition, according to town few roads has been identified which Vajrayana traditional sources, the Buddha will be strengthened by suitable black top preached at Dharanikota/Dhanyakatakam creation and road widening. Some major and conducted Kalachakra ceremony, which roads of the town have been identified for would take the antiquity of Amaravati back The museum houses all the replicas of streetscaping which aims to enhance the to 500 BCE., Mahachaitya (The Great Stupa, sculptures wall mounted in fibre glass panels of heritage experience of the place. Also built around the 2nd century, with intricate which few are original remains of Buddhist some of the missing road links are carvings that depict the life and teachings of sculptures. The lack of parking facility at this expected to be completed (Road between Lord Buddha), and Buddhist sculptures and place has a high impact on the tourism Bus stand to Vijayawada Road) potential of this monument. Thus, the slabs with Buddhist inscriptions. The city’s built heritage includes the famous development of parking area is one of the Amareswara temple (dedicated to lord projects to be taken up under the HRIDAY Shiva, present in the form of a 15 ft. high scheme. white marble Shiva lingam). The identification of projects has been done in a manner that it focuses on augmentation of The major festivals celebrated in the urban infrastructure in-and-around the assets. Amareswara temple are the Maha Shivaratri, Projects which have significant impact in falling on the 'Magha Bahula Dasami', the preserving the heritage, promoting tourism and Navaratri and the 'Kalyana Utsavas'. Map showing images of stretches under Project 1 creating an identity of the assets/Amaravati have been prioritized. . 3

IN-HERITANCE VOLUME 2 Issue No. 3

NEWS AND INFORMATION

Karnataka. Other matters discussed during IHCNF MISSIONS IHCNF was asked to indicating the broad the meeting included the Parking Plaza outline of projects and scope of work proposed in Badami under HRIDAY and including preparation of Master Plan that can Mission to Delhi: Director (Projects) IHCNF Evacuation of 94 families from the banks of be taken up under destination development attended the review meeting of the HRIDAY Agastya Teertha water tank. for Bidar, Gulbarga, Malkhed, Sannati, Scheme at New Delhi on 16th March 2017. Vijayapura, Badami-Aihole and Pattadakkal, ED IHCNF met with Shri M Lakshminarayana, The meeting was held under the Magadi and Srirangapatna, Chandanpura and Principal Secretary Public Works Department, Chairmanship of Joint Secretary (W&H), Mysore. Government of Karnataka on 2nd March 2017 Government of India and Mission Director to discuss a proposal for listing and (HRIDAY), Ministry of Urban Development to UPCOMING EVENTS documentation of PWD heritage structures in discuss the progress of HRIDAY scheme at Karnataka. HRIDAY cities and to take suggestions for the Sur Ganga – A Music Carnival is being proposed revision to the HRIDAY guideline. organized by Pahal Society in Varanasi with ED and Director (Projects) IHCNF had a support from Varanasi Municipal Corporation On 23rd March 2017, the Executive Director meeting with Shri Baldev Raj, Director, in late April – May 2017 under the aegis of and Director (Projects) IHCNF visited the National Institute of Advanced Studies on 8th UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Varanasi is Office of All India Institute of Local Self March 2017. Under the framework of the one of the first two cities from India that have Government at Janakpuri, New Delhi and for MOU between IHCNF-NIAS, a decision was become members of the UNESCO Creative a meeting with the Shri Ravi Ranjan Guru, Sr. taken to hold a workshop in June 2017 at Cities Network (UCCN) in 2015. Varanasi was Executive Director AIILSG and Shri V. P. NIAS, Bangalore to present IHCNF’s work on designated as the City of Music under UCCN.

Mehendale, Head of Heritage Conservation Bidar Karez. Experts from varied disciplines and Engineering Services, AIILSG. The MOU such as history, linguistics, archeology, between IHCNF and AIILSG was discussed for material scientists, and landscape would be finalization along with nature of collaborative invited for the workshop for discussions to activities to be taken up in future. The help address research gaps in the ongoing activities discussed included jointly research and investigations on Bidar Karez undertaking training and capacity Building for studies. NIAS to help identify and invite the ULB’s and developing heritage aspects in experts from its pool of experts and research Smart Cities projects being implemented by scholars for this workshop AIILSG. ED and IHCNF Bangalore team attended a meeting chaired by Minister Tourism, and MEETINGS Minister Municipal Administration, Government of Karnataka at the Tourism ED IHCNF visited Bagalkot on 6th March 2017 Secretariat, Vidhan Souda on 20.03.2017. to attend the CLAMC meeting held under IHCNF gave a presentation on its past and HRIDAY scheme at Badami. IHCNF made a present projects in Bidar, Karnataka. It was presentation on 3D Projection and Light and informed that approval for the preparation of sound project proposed in Badami. the DPR for the Bijapur/Vijayapura Historic Water network rehabilitation and revival After detailed discussions ‘Site 1‘which is

project has been accorded. nearest to the Badami caves was selected. This mega music festival is being organized CLAMC approved the DPR with a condition ED IHCNF and the Bangalore IHCNF team along a 7-km stretch on the Ganga riverfront that 5 years O&M should be part and parcel of attended a meeting chaired by Director in Varanasi to celebrate the inclusion of the tender document. The 3D Projection Light Tourism on 22nd March 2017 to discuss Varanasi as a UCCN member. It will promote and Sound is expected to be submitted to about the development of 16 tourism the rich musical legacy of Varanasi and the Govt. of India through Government of destinations in Karnataka. diversity of Indian music.

4