Move to digitally archive state’s monuments and heritage sites

Bhubaneswar: In a first-of-its-kind documentation drive of Odisha’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, the govt has decided to carry out a survey to create a digital repository of 4,000 heritage monuments and sites as well as intangible cultural expressions associated with them. The drive will integrate architectural, historical, cultural and geographical information on ancient monuments and sites, officials said.The multidisciplinary documentation project will be helmed by the state archaeology wing of culture department in a phased manner. Officials of the department said the project will include detailed on-site assessment of architectural characteristics, typologies, structural conditions and historical attributes of each of the 4,000 monuments. Additionally, it will document the intangible cultural heritage associated with these sites, such as oral histories, rituals, festivals, craftsmanship traditions, performing arts and community narratives, to ensure holistic preservation of cultural knowledge.To create a location database and keep an eye on encroachment of land, every heritage site will be geo-referenced using GIS-based spatial mapping tools. Besides, the site boundaries, access routes, land-use context, environmental setting and cultural landscape features will be mapped.Apart from documentation, heritage protection is one of the project mandates. In phase 1, the project will also develop conservation and development proposals for 75 priority monuments. This will be used to assess the present condition of the monuments, conservation status, and prepare strategies for their structural stabilisation, restoration and preventive care. “On the basis of historical importance, structural condition and cultural significance, we aim to identify the 75 priority monuments that require urgent or strategic conservation attention,” said a senior official of the department.Officials added that this holistic documentation approach will create a 360-degree view of heritage assets, preserving both tangible and intangible dimensions for future generations. “This database will serve as a central reference system, integrating architectural, historical, cultural and geographical information. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy, standardisation of data formats and long-term usability to support researchers, policymakers, conservationists and the general public,” an official said.The culture department recently sought applications from agencies working in the field of heritage conservation for development of the comprehensive digital heritage database. Work on the project will begin soon after selection of an agency.There are over 80 monuments and sites in the state that are under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India, while more than 200 monuments are looked after by the state archaeology wing. There are thousands of other ancient monuments and sites which are not protected by either body.