Architectural Conservation Essentials

Architectural Conservation Chapters
Introduction
Definitions of conservation, preservation, Urban design and renewal-Need
for them-Indian Context-Role of architects in such programmes
Evolution and methodology
Origin and evolution in history-architectural heritage-required-
methodology-stages of development-implementation tools and technologies
Socio-Cultural Dimentions
Social,Cultural,Economical and historic values of conservation Programme-
involvement of community-social organization-public participation-conflict
and compatibility between conservation and development
Case-Studies
International Case studies ( aleast four) – success and failure-reasons for it-
role of UNDP,UNESCO and other funding agencies-their involvement
Legislation
Special Legislation – relevance to T & CP Act 1971- TN Heritage Bill-
constitution of authorities- administrative aspects- new concepts and
emerging trends in conservation
Architectural Conservation - Notes compiled by Ar. Jaikumar Ranganathan

Bibliography/Courtesy
 ICONOMS-Internal Council on monuments and sites
[http://www.icomos.org/]
[http://www.international.icomos.org]
 UNESCO [http://www.unesco.org/]
 The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
 INTACH
 Mr.Benny KurioKose
 Dr.M.S.Mathews,IIT Madras
 Dr.Binumol Tom,Thrissur
 Ar.Ramaswamy,Kollam,Kerala
 Prof.Joseph Fernado and Prof.Subbaiyan,NIT Trichy
 Ar.Kalpana,INTACH chennai
 Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANCIENT
BUILDINGS SPAB

Architectural conservation
CONSERVATION:
Conservation of a Historic/ Heritage Building is the action taken to retard the process
of decay of the building in order to prolong its life so that it is available to the present
and future generations to experience and enjoy
ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION the three m’s
 MOTIVE – Why do we wish to conserve?
 MONUMENT – What are we trying to conserve?
 MANNER and MEANS – How should it be done?
The scope of Conservation
 Conservation of the built environment – mainly of historic buildings – ranges from
town planning to the preservation or consolidation of a crumbling artefact.
Skills/ Expertise required –
 Conservation Architect
 Town planner
 Urban Designer
 Structural / Civil Engineer
 Quantity surveyor
 Valuation surveyor
 Craftsman related to each material
 Archaeologist
 Art Historian
 Biologist, Chemist, physicist, Geologist and seismologist etc….

Values in Conservation
1. Emotional Value (Wonder, Identity, Spiritual & Symbolic, Continuity)
2. Cultural Values (Documentary, Historic, Archaeological, Aesthetic, Architectural,
Townscape, Landscape, Ecological, Technological & Scientific)
3. Use Values (Functional, Economic, Social, Political & Ethnic)
INTERNATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF CONSERVATION SUGGEST:
 Minimum effective action is always the best.
 This action should be reversible and not prejudice future interventions.
THE CONSERVATION OF A BUILDING INVOLVES THE FOLLOWING:
 Respect for and conservation of the building fabric or material. The preservation
of the historicity of these materials is considered extremely important
internationally.
 Respect for and conservation of the methods of construction that are unique to
the buildings in question.
 Respect for and conservation of the original quality and perception of spaces
within the building.
 Conservation of the various elements that lend to the building its character.
Intervention
Prevention of Deterioration (Indirect Conservation)
Preservation
Consolidation (Direct Conservation)
Restoration
Rehabilitation
Reproduction
Reconstruction
Translocation

The Venice Charter
INTERNATIONAL CHARTER FOR THE CONSERVATION
AND RESTORATION OF MONUMENTS AND SITES
DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE 1. The concept of an historic monument embraces not only the single architectural work
but also the urban or rural setting in which is found the evidence of a particular civilization, a
significant development or an historic event. This applies not only to great works of art but also
to more modest works of the past which have acquired cultural significance with the passing of
time.
ARTICLE 2. The conservation and restoration of monuments must have recourse to all the
sciences and techniques which can contribute to the study and safeguarding of the architectural
heritage.
AIM
ARTICLE 3. The intention in conserving and restoring monuments is to safeguard them no less as
works of art than as historical evidence.
CONSERVATION
ARTICLE 4. It is essential to the conservation of monuments that they be maintained on a
permanent basis.
ARTICLE 5. The conservation of monuments is always facilitated by making use of them for some
socially useful purpose. Such use is therefore desirable but it must not change the lay-out or
decoration of the building. It is within these limits only that modifications demanded by a change
of function should be envisaged and may be permitted.
ARTICLE 6. The conservation of a monument implies preserving a setting which is not out of
scale. Wherever the traditional setting exists, it must be kept. No new construction, demolition or
modification which would alter the relations of mass and color must be allowed.
ARTICLE 7. A monument is inseparable from the history to which it bears witness and from the
setting in which it occurs. The moving of all or part of a monument cannot be allowed except
where the safeguarding of that monument demands it or where it is justified by national or
international interest of paramount importance.
ARTICLE 8. Items of sculpture, painting or decoration which form an integral part of a
monument may only be removed from it if this is the sole means of ensuring their preservation.

RESTORATION
ARTICLE 9. The process of restoration is a highly specialized operation. Its aim is to preserve and
reveal the aesthetic and historic value of the monument and is based on respect for original
material and authentic documents. It must stop at the point where conjecture begins, and in this
case moreover any extra work which is indispensable must be distinct from the architectural
composition and must bear a contemporary stamp. The restoration in any case must be preceded
and followed by an archaeological and historical study of the monument.
ARTICLE 10. Where traditional techniques prove inadequate, the consolidation of a monument
can be achieved by the use of any modem technique for conservation and construction, the
efficacy of which has been shown by scientific data and proved by experience.
ARTICLE 11. The valid contributions of all periods to the building of a monument must be
respected, since unity of style is not the aim of a restoration. When a building includes the
superimposed work of different periods, the revealing of the underlying state can only be
justified in exceptional circumstances and when what is removed is of little interest and the
material which is brought to light is of great historical, archaeological or aesthetic value, and its
state of preservation good enough to justify the action. Evaluation of the importance of the
elements involved and the decision as to what may be destroyed cannot rest solely on the
individual in charge of the work.
ARTICLE 12. Replacements of missing parts must integrate harmoniously with the whole, but at
the same time must be distinguishable from the original so that restoration does not falsify the
artistic or historic evidence.
ARTICLE 13. Additions cannot be allowed except in so far as they do not detract from the
interesting parts of the building, its traditional setting, the balance of its composition and its
relation with its surroundings.
HISTORIC SITES
ARTICLE 14. The sites of monuments must be the object of special care in order to safeguard their
integrity and ensure that they are cleared and presented in a seemly manner. The work of
conservation and restoration carried out in such places should be inspired by the principles set
forth in the foregoing articles.

EXCAVATIONS
ARTICLE 15. Excavations should be carried out in accordance with scientific standards and the
recommendation defining international principles to be applied in the case of archaeological
excavation adopted by UNESCO in 1956.
Ruins must be maintained and measures necessary for the permanent conservation and
protection of architectural features and of objects discovered must be taken. Furthermore, every
means must be taken to facilitate the understanding of the monument and to reveal it without
ever distorting its meaning.
All reconstruction work should however be ruled out "a priori." Only anastylosis, that is to say,
the reassembling of existing but dismembered parts can be permitted. The material used for
integration should always be recognizable and its use should be the least that will ensure the
conservation of a monument and the reinstatement of its form.
PUBLICATION
ARTICLE 16. In all works of preservation, restoration or excavation, there should always be
precise documentation in the form of analytical and critical reports, illustrated with drawings and
photographs. Every stage of the work of clearing, consolidation, rearrangement and integration,
as well as technical and formal features identified during the course of the work, should be
included. This record should be placed in the archives of a public institution and made available
to research workers. It is recommended that the report should be published.
The following persons tookpart in the work ofthe Committeefor drafting the International Charter for the Conservation and
Restoration ofMonuments:
Piero Gazzola (Italy), Chairman
Raymond Lemaire (Belgium), Reporter
Jose Bassegoda-Nonell (Spain)
Luis Benavente (Portugal)
Djurdje Boskovic (Yugoslavia)
Hiroshi Daifuku (UNESCO)
P.L de Vrieze (Netherlands)
Harald Langberg (Demmark)
Mario Matteucci (Italy)
Jean Merlet (France)
Carlos Flores Marini (Mexico)
Roberto Pane (Italy)
S.C.J. Pavel (Czechoslovakia)
Paul Philippot (ICCROM)
Victor Pimentel (Peru)
HaroldPlenderleith (ICCROM)
Deoclecio Redig de Campos (Vatican)
Jean Sonnier (France)
Francois Sorlin (France)
Eustathios Stikas (Greece)
Mrs. Gertrud Tripp (Austria)
Jan Zachwatovicz (Poland)
Mustafa S. Zbiss (Tunisia)

GUIDELINES BY S.P.A.B
( THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS)
REPAIR NOT RESTORATION:
Although no building can withstand decay, neglect and depredation entirely, neither can
aesthetic judgment nor archaeological proof justify the reproduction of worn or missing
parts. Only as a practical expedient on a small-scale can a case for restoration be argued.
EXPERIMENTATION
Old buildings are not the place to test unproved materials
RESPONSIBLE METHODS
A repair done today should not preclude treatment tomorrow,nor should it result in
further loss of fabric.
COMPLEMENT NOT PARODY
New work should express modern needs in a modern language.These are the only terms
in which new can relate to old in a way which is positive and responsive at the same
time. If an addition proves essential. It should not be made to out-do or out-last the
original.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
This is the most practical and economic form of preservation.
INFORMATION
To repair old buildings well, they must be understood. Appreciation of a building’s
particular architectural qualities and a study of its construction, use and social
development are all enlightening. These factors also help us to see why decay sets in and
how it may be put right.
ESSENTIAL WORK
The only work which is unquestionably necessary(whether it be repair, renewal or
addition) is that essential to a building’s survival.

GUIDELINES BY S.P.A.B
( THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS)
MATERIALS
The use of architectural features from elsewhere confuses the understanding and
appreciation of the building,even making the untouched parts seem spurious.Trade in
salvaged building materials encourages the destruction of old buildings,whereas demand
for the same materials new helps keep them in production. The use of different but
compatible materials can be an honest alternative.
RESPECT FOR AGE
Bulging ,bowing,sagging and leaning are signs of age which deserve respect.Good repair
will not officiously iron them out, smarten them or hide the imperfections. Age can
confer a beauty of its own. These are qualities to care for,not blemishes to be eradicated

Adaptive reuse
The adaptive reuse of a historic building should have minimal impact on the heritage significance
of the building and its setting. Developers should gain an understanding of why the building has
heritage status, and then pursue development that is sympathetic to the building to give it a new
purpose. Adaptive reuse is self-defeating if it fails to protect the building’s heritage values.
The most successful built heritage adaptive reuse projects are those that best respect and retain
the building’s heritage significance and add a contemporary layer that provides value for the
future. Sometimes, adaptive reuse is the only way that the building’s fabric will be properly cared
for, revealed or interpreted, while making better use of the building itself. Where a building can
no longer function with its original use, a new use through adaptation may be the only way to
preserve its heritage significance.
Standard criteria to help ensure that an adaptive reuse project has minimal impact on a building’s
heritage values, such as
 discouraging facadism that is, gutting the building and retaining its façade
 requiring new work to be recognizable as contemporary, rather than a poor imitation of
the original historic style of the building and
 seeking a new use for the building that is compatible with its original use.
Case Study - Musée d'Orsay at Paris
The Railway Station... ...Turned into a Museum
The musée d'Orsay is a museum housed in a grand railway station built in 1900. Home to many
sculptures and impressionist paintings, it has become one of Paris's most popular museums.

New Railway Stations
At the turn of the 19th century, two large railway stations were built in Paris, the Gare de Lyon
and the Gare d'Orsay. The Gare d'Orsay had the most prominent site, along the Seine opposite
the Louvre. The railway station was planned by the Compagnie d'Orléans, who wanted to bring
electrified trains right into the heart of Paris.
Design
The architect first appointed was Eugène Hénard. He intended to use industrial material on the
facade facing the Louvre. Facing fierce protests from preservationists, the Compagnie d'Orléans
decided to hold a competition supervised by a parliamentary commission. The winner of this
contest was Leloux, who had also designed the railway station in Tours, France.
His design was acclaimed for the integration of the metal vault in the stone exterior. The hall
measures 140 meters long, 40 meters wide and 32 meters high. The whole structure is 175 meters
long and 75 meters wide. An impressive 12 000 ton metal was used for the construction of the
gare d'Orsay, which is well more than the amount of metal used for the Eiffel Tower.
The Railway Station...
The Gare d'Orsay was inaugurated on the 14th of July 1900 for the Paris World Exposition and
was considered a masterpiece of industrial architecture. But soon the platforms had become too
short for the now much longer trains and as early as 1939, the gare d'Orsay was out of use as a
train station. Over time it was used as a parking lot, as a shooting stand, as a theatre location and
even as a reception center for prisoners of war.
...Turned into a Museum
The train station was completely abandoned since 1961 when it was saved from demolition by
the French president Pompidou. In 1978 the president Giscard d'Estaing decided to use the gare
d'Orsay as a museum for 19th and 20th century art. It would not only contain paintings, but it
would cover different art forms, including sculptures, engravings, photos, film, architecture and
urbanism. Restoration of the musée d'Orsay, as it is now called, started in 1979 and finally on the
29th November, 1986 it was inaugurated by the French president Mitterand.

Collection
The museum contains 2300 paintings, 1500 sculptures and 1000 other objects. It covers a period
from mid 19th century till mid 20th centuries and contains works from Monet, Manet, Renoir,
Cezanne, Van Gogh and others.
SECTION OF musée d‘Orsay

ADAPTIVE REUSE OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS INVOLVES THE FOLLOWING
ENGINEERING ASPECTS
A.MATERIALS 1. Behavior of materials both old and new
2. New materials are stronger but less durable
than old materials that are weaker but more
durable
3. Hence compatibility between the two
B. STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOR 1. A thorough understanding of the behavior of
the existing structure.
2. Old buildings have established patterns of
behavior due to their age that should not be
altered
3. Fresh loads should not be added as far as
possible. This applies to even finishes especially
flooring material
4. New additions including openings should be
made cautiously
5. Services should be introduced sensitively
especially plumbing and sanitary services.
DESIGN ASPECTS
 Linked to the aspects of materials and structural behavior
 Additional elements can boldly be a statement of modernity but follow the
simplicity and refinement that the old building exhibits.
 New additional buildings can also be modern but follow characteristics of scale,
proportion, rhythm, texture and overall form of the existing.
 Imitation that will create confusion between which is original and which added
should as far as possible be avoided.

A brief list of architectural conservation organizations is below:
 SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, a member of the UK's
Joint Committee of the National Amenity Societies)
 UNESCO World Heritage Centre
 Council of Europe, Architectural and Archaeological Heritage
 APT (The Association for Preservation Technology International)
 International Council on Monuments and Sites
AGENCIES INVOLVED IN CONSERVATION IN INDIA
 Archaeological Society of India (ASI)
 State Archaeology
 Heritage Conservation Committees(HCC)
 Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH - non-governmental )
 Voluntary organizations like Save Bombay group etc.

Cultural Heritage Tourism
Cultural Heritage Tourism is defined as
“Travel for the purpose of discovery, understanding and enjoyment of the
distinctive places, activities and artifacts that authentically represent peoples
and their stories from the past to the present.”
Five Principles of Effective Cultural Heritage Tourism
developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Heritage Tourism Program
 Ensure authenticity
 Relate community values to visitors’ needs
 Base efforts on a commitment to protecting history, culture and natural resources
 Strive to “make sites come alive”
 Ensure collaboration at the state and local levels

INTACH Charter
Introduction
Part 1: Principles
Part 2: Guidelines
Introduction
CHARTER FOR THE CONSERVATION OF UNPROTECTEDARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE AND
SITES IN INDIA
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;

Principles of Conservation
Why Conserve? | What to Conserve? | Conservation Ethic
Why Conserve?
The majority of India’s architectural heritage and sites are unprotected. They constitute a
unique civilization 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.
This ‘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.
Conserving the unprotected architectural heritage and sites ensures the survival of the
country’s sense of place and its very character in a globalizing 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.
This ‘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.

What to Conserve?
The 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.
The 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.
Conservation 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.
Where 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.
Conservation 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.
While the Western ideology of conservation advocates minimal intervention, India’s
indigenous traditions idealize 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.

Two categories:
i Buildings 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;
ii Other 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;
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.
The 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.

Conservation Ethics
Authenticity
The 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.
Traditional 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.
Conjecture
Local 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.
An exact replacement, restoration or rebuilding must be valued when it ensures
continuity of traditional building practices.
Conjectural 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.
The 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.

Integrity
The 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.
The 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.
PatinaThe 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.
Rights of the indigenous community
Each 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.
Respect for the contributions of all periods
The 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.
The 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.

Inseparable bond with setting
An 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.
If 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.
Minimal intervention
Conservation 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.
However, substantial additions and alterations may be acceptable provided the
significance of the heritage is retained or enhanced.
Minimal loss of fabric
The 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.
Reversibility
The principle of reversibility of interventions needs 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.

Legibility
The 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.
Where 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.
Demolish/ Rebuild
The 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.
If, 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.
Where 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.
If 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.
If 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.

Relationship between the conservation architect and the community
In 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.
In 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.

Guidelines
Conservation Objectives | Listing | Guidelines for Conservation
Conservation Objectives
Retain visual identity
In 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.
The 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.
In 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.
Adaptive re-use
The 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.
Priority 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.All 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.

When it becomes necessary to modernise and comprehensively alter the original internal
functional characteristics of the building or site, its external image must be retained.
At the outset, the local community must be made aware of the changes envisaged and
explained the benefits to be derived.
Restoration/ Replication/ Rebuilding
Restoration 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.
In 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.
At 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.
In 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.
Reconstruction 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.
Employment generation
Conservation 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.

Local material and traditional technology
The 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.
It 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.
Integrated conservation
Conservation 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.
Sustainability
The 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.
Listing
Introduction
Through 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.
INTACH 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.

This 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.
A 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.
Inventory of properties / buildings
Since 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.
The 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.
Buildings protected by the ASI and SDA should also be included in the list prepared by
INTACH.
Selection criteria
Although interrelated, the following three key attributes will determine whether a
property is worthy of listing:
 Historic significance
 Historic integrity
 Historic context
One or more of these attributes need to be present in a building to make it worthy of
listing.

Historic significance
Historic 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:
 Association with events, activities or patterns.
 Association with important persons, including ordinary people who have made
significant contribution to India’s living heritage.
 Distinctive physical characteristics of design, construction or form, representing the
work of a master craftsperson.
 Potential to yield important information, such as socio-economic history. Railway
stations, town halls, clubs, markets, water works etc. are examples of such sites
 Technological innovation represented. For example: dams, bridges, etc.
 Town planning features such as squares, streets, avenues, etc. For example:
Rajpath in New Delhi.
Historic integrity
Historic 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.
Historic 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.
Historic 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.
Methodology
The 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.Listing work is comprised of two phases:
 Background research
 Field work
Background researchBefore 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.
Background 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.
Field workFirst 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.

When 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.
Claims of historic significance and integrity should be supported with descriptions of
special features, state of preservation, relevant dates, etc.
Mapping of vernacular architecture and historic settlements
The 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.
Sacred 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 structuresInformation for each building or site should be
recorded as per INTACH’s standard format as described below.
Each proforma must contain information about listers and reviewers. Listing must be
carried out by or under the supervision of experienced conservation architects.
At 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.
A conceptual plan (if available, a measured drawing) should be given for each building/
area listed.
Any 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.
A 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”.
A bibliography of all books, publications, articles and unpublished work must be
provided. The uniform format should be followed throughout.

Grading
The 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.
This Charter recommends that buildings and sites be classified as Grade I*, I, II and III in
descending order of importance.
Buildings 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).
The 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.

Guidelines for Conservation
Guidelines for Conservation
For 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 regionspecific guidelines so that conservation practices can be sensitive to
regional material and cultural attributes.
6.2 Heritage zone
Conservation 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.
Urban 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.
Role of conservation architects
The 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.
Conservation 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.

Conservation of Historic Towns
The ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Historic Towns and Urban Areas is the result of 12 years
of study and development by international specialists. The document was adopted at the October
1987 meeting of the ICOMOS General Assembly in Washington, DC, and is known commonly as the
"Washington Charter." The terms of the Charter are purposefully broad; internationally, there are
many methods of planning and protection for historic urban areas, many ways that urban
development may impact on the patterns of post-industrial societies, and this diversity is addressed
in the Charter. The text of the Charter follows.
Preamble and definitions
1. All urban communities, whether they have developed gradually over time or have
been created deliberately, are an expression of the diversity of societies throughout
history.
2. This charter concerns historic urban areas, large and small, including cities, towns and
historic centres or quarters, together with their natural and man-made environments.
Beyond their role as historical documents, these areas embody the values of traditional
urban cultures. Today many such areas are being threatened, physically degraded,
damaged or even destroyed, by the impact of the urban development that follows
industrialization in societies everywhere.
3. Faced with this dramatic situation, which often leads to irreversible cultural, social and
even economic losses, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
deems it necessary to draw up an international charter for historic towns and urban areas
that will complement the "International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of
Monuments and Sites," usually referred to as "The Venice Charter." This new text defines
the principles, objectives, and methods necessary for the conservation of historic towns
and urban areas. It also seeks to promote the harmony of both private and community
life in these areas and to encourage the preservation of those cultural properties,
however modest in scale, that constitute the memory of mankind.
4. As set out in the UNESCO "Recommendation Concerning the Safeguarding and
Contemporary Role of Historic Areas" (Warsaw- Nairobi, 1976), and also in various
other international instruments, "the conservation of historic towns and urban areas" is
understood to mean those steps necessary for the protection, conservation and
restoration of such towns and areas as well as their development and harmonious
adaptation to contemporary life.

Principles and objectives
1. In order to be most effective, the conservation of historic towns and other historic urban areas
should be an integral part of coherent policies of economic and social development and of urban
and regional planning at every level.
2. Qualities to be preserved include the historic character of the town or urban area and all those
material and spiritual elements that express this character, especially:
a) urban patterns as defined by lots and streets;
b) relationships between buildings and green and open spaces;
c) the formal appearance, interior and exterior, of buildings as defined by scale, size, style,
construction, materials, colour and decoration;
d) the relationship between the town or urban area and its surrounding setting, both natural and
man-made; and
e) the various functions that the town or urban area has acquired over time.
Any threat to these qualities would compromise the authenticity of the historic town or urban
area.
3. The participation and the involvement of the residents are essential for the success of the
conservation programme and should be encouraged. The conservation of historic towns and
urban areas concerns their residents first of all.
4. Conservation in an historic town or urban area demands prudence, a systematic approach and
discipline. Rigidity should be avoided since individual cases may present specific problems.
Methods and instruments
5. Planning for the conservation of historic towns and urban areas should be preceded by
multidisciplinary studies.
 Conservation plans must address all relevant factors including archaeology, history,
architecture, techniques, sociology and economics.
 The principal objectives of the conservation plan should be clearly stated as should the
legal, administrative and financial measures necessary to attain them.
 The conservation plan should aim at ensuring a harmonious relationship between the
historic urban areas and the town as a whole.
 The conservation plan should determine which buildings must be preserved, which should
be preserved under certain circumstances and which, under quite exceptional
circumstances, might be expendable.
 Before any intervention, existing conditions in the area should be thoroughly
documented.
 The conservation plan should be supported by the residents of the historic area.

6. Until a conservation plan has been adopted, any necessary conservation activity should be
carried out in accordance with the principles and the aims of this Charter and the Venice Charter.
7. Continuing maintenance is crucial to the effective conservation of an historic town or urban
area.
8. New functions and activities should be compatible with the character of the historic town or
urban area.
Adaptation of these areas to contemporary life requires the careful installation or improvement
of public service facilities.
9. The improvement of housing should be one of the basic objectives of conservation.
10. When it is necessary to construct new buildings or adapt existing ones, the existing spatial
layout should be respected, especially in terms of scale and lot size.
The introduction of contemporary elements in harmony with the surroundings should not be
discouraged since such features can contribute to the enrichment of an area.
11. Knowledge of the history of an historic town or urban area should be expanded through
archaeological investigation and appropriate preservation of archaeological findings.
12. Traffic inside an historic town or urban area must be controlled and parking areas must be
planned so that they do not damage the historic fabric or its environment.
13. When urban or regional planning provides for the construction of major motorways, they
must not penetrate an historic town or urban area, but they should Improve access to them.
14. Historic towns should be protected against natural disasters and nuisances such as pollution
and vibrations in order to safeguard the heritage and for the security and well-being of the
residents.
Whatever the nature of a disaster affecting an historic town or urban area, preventative and
repair measures must be adapted to the specific character of the properties concerned.
15. In order to encourage their participation and involvement, a general information programme
should be set up for all residents, beginning with children of school age.
16. Specialized training should be provided for all those professions concerned with conservation.

Approach to Monuments Preservation
Causes of decay and damages to cultural property
The causes for decay can be categorized as follows
 External causes include daily temperature changes,
seasonal temperature changes, precipitation, ice and frost, and ground
water and moisture.
 Biological and botanical causes are due to animals,
birds, insects, trees and plants and fungi, mouth and lichens
 Natural disasters include earthquake, flood and fire
 Internal causes for decay are humidity, contaminated
air and neglect
 Man Made causes encompass war, pollution,
vandalism and neglect of prevention of conservation
Degrees of Intervention
* Prevention of deterioration
* Preservation of the existing State
* Consolidation of the fabric
* Restoration
* Reproduction
* Reconstruction
* Translocation

Degrees of Intervention
Prevention of deterioration
The very first step in the prevention of deterioration is the periodic cleaning of the
buildings. If it is possible, an optimum environment (temperature and humidity levels)
should be maintained inside.
Preservation of existing state
Preservation can be achieved by stopping damage due to rising moisture, chemical agents
(from atmosphere pollution) etc.and by preventing attacks by pests and microorganisms.
Consolidation of the fabric
Consolidation is the addition of new material in to the building fabric, for example
process grouting of the cracks in the walls. While adding new materials it is important
to retain the original character of the building.
Restoration
Restoration is to revive the original concept of the building. for example
replacing the missing decorative elements in the building is restoration
Rehabilitation
Putting the building to its original use is the best for conservation.But this is not always
possible. Hence the adaptive reuse of building is a good way of preserving historic
buildings.
Reproduction
Reproduction is the copying to replace missing or decayed part in order to preserve
valuable historical objects or materials
Reconstruction
This is the reconstruction of historic building using new materials. This may be
necessitated due to the destruction of building by fire, war or earthquake.
Translocation
This is a method adopted when a monument is likely to be lost by sea erosion, floods or
dams. The monument is relocated in a safe place by careful dismantling and
reassembling.

Archaeological Survey of India
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier
organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of
the nation. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of
national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. Besides it regulate all archaeological
activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure
Act, 1972.
For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of
national importance the entire country is divided into 24 Circles. The organization has a
large work force of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphist, architects and
scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its Circles, Museums,
Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science Branch, Horticulture
Branch, Building Survey Project, Temple Survey Projects and Underwater Archaeology
Wing.
Monuments
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 defines an ‘
Ancient Monument ’ as follows:-
Ancient Monument means any structure, erection or monument, or any tumulus or place
of interment, or any cave, rock-sculpture, inscription or monolith which is of historical,
archaeological or artistic interest and which has been in existence for not less than 100
years and includes—
1. Remains of an ancient monument,
2. Site of an ancient monument,
3. Such portion of land adjoining the site of an ancient monument as may be
required for fencing or covering in or otherwise preserving such monument, a
4. The means of access to, and convenient inspection of, an ancient monument;

The section 2(d) defines archaeological site and remains as follows:
Archaeological site and remains means any area which contains or is reasonably believed
to contain ruins or relics of historical or archaeological importance which have been in
existence for not less than one hundred years, and includes—
1. Such portion of land adjoining the area as may be required for fencing or covering
in or otherwise preserving it, and
2. The means of access to, and convenient inspection of the area;
Protection of monuments
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the provisions of the AMASR Act, 1958
protects monuments, sites and remains of national importance by giving a two-month’s
notice for inviting objections, if any in this regard.
After the specified two-month’s period, and after scrutinizing the objections, if any,
received in this regard, the ASI makes decision to bring a monument under its
protection.
There are at present more than 3650 ancient monuments and archaeological sites and
remains of national importance. These monuments belong to different periods, ranging
from the prehistoric period to the colonial period and are located in different
geographical settings. They include temples, mosques, tombs, churches, cemeteries, forts,
palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and secular architecture as well as ancient mounds and
sites which represent the remains of ancient habitation.
These monuments and sites are maintained and preserved through various Circles of the
ASI spread all over the country. The Circles look after the research on these monuments
and conservation activities, while the Science Branch with its headquarters at Dehradun
carries out chemical preservation and the Horticulture Branch with its headquarters at
Agra is entrusted with the laying out gardens and environmental development.

Activities
ASI is a large organization with an organized work force at the base and the Director General at the apex.
Its major activities inter-alia are as under :-
 Conducting archaeological explorations and excavations;
 Maintenance, conservation and preservation of protected monuments and archaeological sites and
remains of national importance;
 Chemical preservation of monuments and antiquarian remains;
 Architectural survey of monuments;
 Epigraphical and numismatic studies;
 Setting up and re-organization of Site Museums;
 Training in Archaeology;
 Bringing out archaeological publications;
 Archaeological expeditions outside India ;
 Horticulture operation in and around ancient monuments and sites.
 Implementation and regulation of - The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
Act, 1958;
 The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, etc.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre
World Heritage
Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to
future generations. Our cultural and natural heritages are both irreplaceable sources of
life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa’s Serengeti,
the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of
Latin America make up our world’s heritage.
What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application.
World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory
on which they are located.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to
encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage
around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied
in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World
Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.
Role of UNESCO's World Heritage
 Encourage countries to sign the World Heritage Convention and to ensure the
protection of their natural and cultural heritage
 Encourage States Parties to the Convention to nominate sites within their national
territory for inclusion on the World Heritage List
 Encourage States Parties to establish management plans and set up reporting
systems on the state of conservation of their World Heritage sites
 Help States Parties safeguard World Heritage properties by providing technical
assistance and professional training
 Provide emergency assistance for World Heritage sites in immediate danger
 Support States Parties' public awareness-building activities for World Heritage
conservation
 Encourage participation of the local population in the preservation of their
cultural and natural heritage
 Encourage international cooperation in the conservation of our world's cultural
and natural heritage

International organisations involved in heritage conservation
ICOMOS [US], or ICOMOS [Europe] International Council on Monuments and Sites.
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
Organisation of World Heritage Cities
World Monuments Fund
EUROPA EUROPA is a common endeavour of the EU's institutions, run by the European
Commission.
European Heritage Forum
European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers' Organisations: ECCO
Expert Centre for Cultural Heritage Conservation
Heritage Conservation Network
Asian Academy for Heritage Management
The Global Development Research Center
SWAPNET Stone Weathering and Atmospheric Pollution NETwork

Recommendation on International Principles
Applicable to Archaeological Excavations
I Definitions
Archaeological excavations
1. For the purpose of the present Recommendation, by archaeological excavations is
meant any research aimed at the discovery of objects of archaeological character,
whether such research involves digging of the ground or systematic exploration of its
surface or is carried out on the bed or in the sub-soil of inland or territorial waters of a
Member State.
Property protected
2. The provisions of the present Recommendation apply to any remains, whose
preservation is in the public interest from the point of view of history or art and
architecture, each Member State being free to adopt the most appropriate criterion for
assessing the public interest of objects found on its territory. In particular, the provisions
of the present Recommendation should apply to any monuments and movable or
immovable objects of archaeological interest considered in the widest sense.
3. The criterion adopted for assessing the public interest of archaeological remains might
vary according to whether it is a question of the preservation of such property, or of the
excavator's or finder's obligation to declare his discoveries.
(a) In the former case, the criterion based on preserving all objects
originating before a certain date should be abandoned, and replaced by
one whereby protection is extended to all objects belonging to a given
period or of a minimum age fixed by law.
(b) In the latter case, each Member State should adopt far wider criteria,
compelling the excavator or finder to declare any object, of archaeological
character, whether movable or immovable, which he may discover.

II. General principles
Protection of the archaeological heritage
4. Each Member State should ensure the protection of its archaeological heritage, taking
fully into account problems arising in connexion with excavations, and in conformity
with the provisions of the present Recommendation.
5. Each Member State should in particular:
(a) Make archaeological explorations and excavations subject to prior authorization by
the competent authority;
(b) Oblige any person finding archaeological remains to declare them at the earliest
possible date to the competent authority;
(c) Impose penalties for the infringement of these regulations;
(d) Make undeclared objects subject to confiscation;
(e) Define the legal status of the archaeological sub-soil and, where State ownership of
the said sub-soil is recognized, specifically mention the fact in its legislation;
(f) Consider classifying as historical monuments the essential elements of its
archaeological heritage.
6. Although differences of tradition and unequal financial resources make it impossible
for all Member States to adopt a uniform system of organization in the administrative
services responsible for excavations, certain common principles should nevertheless apply
to all national archaeological services:
(a) The archaeological service should, so far as possible, be a central State
administration--or at any rate an organization provided by law with the
necessary means for carrying out any emergency measures that may be
required. In addition to the general administration of archaeological work,
this service should co-operate with research institutes and universities in the
technical training of excavators. This body should also set up a central
documentation, including maps, of its movable and immovable
monuments and additional documentation for every important museum or
ceramic or iconographic collection, etc.
(b) Steps should be taken to ensure in particular the regular provision of
funds: (i) to administer the services in a satisfactory manner; (ii) to carry
out a programme of work proportionate to the archaeological resources of
the country, including scientific publications; (iii) to exercise control over
accidental discoveries; (iv) to provide for the upkeep of excavation sites
and monuments.

7. Careful supervision should be exercised by each Member State over the restoration of
archaeological remains and objects discovered.
8. Prior approval should be obtained from the competent authority for the removal of
any monuments which ought to be preserved in situ.
9. Each Member State should consider maintaining untouched, partially or totally, a
certain number of archaeological sites of different periods in order that their excavation
may benefit from improved techniques and more advanced archaeological knowledge.
On each of the larger sites now being excavated, in so far as the nature of the land
permits, well defined 'witness' areas might be left unexcavated in several places in order
to allow for eventual verification of the stratigraphy and archaeological composition of
the site.
Formation of central and regional collections
10. Inasmuch as archaeology is a comparative science, account should be taken, in the
setting up and organizing of museums and reserve collections, of the need for facilitating
the work of comparison as much as possible. For this purpose, central and regional
collections might be formed or, in exceptional cases, local collections on particularly
important archaeological sites--in preference to small scattered collections, accessible to
comparatively few people. These establishments should command, on a permanent basis,
the administrative facilities and scientific staff necessary to ensure the preservation of the
exhibits.
11. On important archaeological sites, a small exhibit of an educational nature--possibly a
museum--should be set up to convey to visitors the interest of the archaeological remains.
Education of the public
12. The competent authority should initiate educational measures in order to arouse and
develop respect and affection for the remains of the past by the teaching of history, the
participation of students in certain excavations, the publication in the press of
archaeological information supplied by recognized specialists, the organization of guided
tours, exhibitions and lectures dealing with methods of excavation and results achieved,
the clear display of archaeological sites explored and monuments discovered, and the
publication of cheap and simply written monographs and guides. In order to encourage
the public to visit these sites, Member States should make all necessary arrangements to
facilitate access to them.

III. Regulations governing excavations and international collaboration
Authority to excavate granted to foreigners
13. Each Member State on whose territory excavations are to take place should lay down
general rules governing the granting of excavation concessions, the conditions to be
observed by the excavator, in particular as concerns the supervision exercised by the
national authorities, the period of the concession, the reasons which may justify its
withdrawal, the suspension of work, or its transfer from the authorized excavator to the
national archaeological service.
14. The conditions imposed upon a foreign excavator should be those applicable to
nationals. Consequently, the deed of concession should omit special stipulations which
are not imperative.
International collaboration
15. In the higher interest of archaeology and of international collaboration, Member
States should encourage excavations by a liberal policy. They might allow qualified
individuals or learned bodies, irrespective of nationality, to apply on an equal footing for
the concession to excavate. Member States should encourage excavations carried out by
joint missions of scientists from their own country and of archaeologists representing
foreign institutions, or by international missions.
Archaeological excavations
16. When a concession is granted to a foreign mission, the representative of the
conceding State--if such be appointed--should, as far as possible, also be an archaeologist
capable of helping the mission and collaborating with it.
17. Member States which lack the necessary resources for the organization of
archaeological excavations in foreign countries should be accorded facilities for sending
archaeologists to sites being worked by other Member States, with the consent of the
director of excavations.
18. A Member State whose technical or other resources are insufficient for the scientific
carrying out of an excavation should be able to call on the participation of foreign
experts or on a foreign mission to undertake it.
Reciprocal guarantees

19. Authority to carry out excavations should be granted only to institutions represented
by qualified archaeologists or to persons offering such unimpeachable scientific, moral
and financial guarantees as to ensure that any excavations will be completed in
accordance with the terms of the deed of concession and within the period laid down.
20. On the other hand, when authority to carry out excavations is granted to foreign
archaeologists, it should guarantee them a period of work long enough, and conditions
of security sufficient to facilitate their task and protect them from unjustified cancellation
of the concession in the event, for instance, of their being obliged, for reasons recognized
as valid, to interrupt their work for a given period of time.
Preservation of archaeological remains
21. The deed of concession should define the obligations of the excavator during and on
completion of his work. The deed should, in particular, provide for guarding,
maintenance and restoration of the site together with the conservation, during and on
completion of his work, of objects and monuments uncovered. The deed should
moreover indicate what help if any the excavator might expect from the conceding State
in the discharge of his obligations should these prove too onerous.
Access to excavation sites
22. Qualified experts of any nationality should be allowed to visit a site before a report
of the work is published and with the consent of the director of excavations, even during
the work. This privilege should in no case jeopardize the excavator's scientific rights in his
finds.
Assignment of finds
23.
(a) Each Member State should clearly define the principles which hold good on its
territory in regard to the disposal of finds from excavations.
(b) Finds should be used, in the first place, for building up, in the museums of the country
in which excavations are carried out, complete collections fully representative of that
country's civilization, history, art and architecture.

(c) With the main object of promoting archaeological studies through the distribution of
original material, the conceding authority, after scientific publication, might consider
allocating to the approved excavator a number of finds from his excavation, consisting of
duplicates or, in a more general sense, of objects or groups of objects which can be
released in view of their similarity to other objects from the same excavation. The return
to the excavator of objects resulting from excavations should always be subject to the
condition that they be allocated within a specified period of time to scientific centres
open to the public, with the proviso that if these conditions are not put into effect, or
cease to be carried out, the released objects will be returned to the conceding authority.
(d) Temporary export of finds, excluding objects which are exceptionally fragile or of
national importance, should be authorized on requests emanating from a scientific
institution of public or private character if the study of these finds in the conceding State
is not possible because of lack of bibliographical or scientific facilities, or is impeded by
difficulties of access.
(e) Each Member State should consider ceding to, exchanging with, or depositing in
foreign museums objects which are not required in the national collections.
Scientific rights; rights and obligations of the excavator
24. (a) The conceding State should guarantee to the excavator scientific rights in his finds
for a reasonable period.
(b) The conceding State should require the excavator to publish the results of his work
within the period stipulated in the deed, or, failing such stipulations, within a reasonable
period. This period should not exceed two years for the preliminary report. For a period
of five years following the discovery, the competent archaeological authorities should
undertake not to release the complete collection of finds, nor the relative scientific
documentation, for detailed study, without the written authority of the excavator.
Subject to the same conditions, these authorities should also prevent photographic or
other reproduction of archaeological material still unpublished. In order to allow, should
it be so desired, for simultaneous publication of the preliminary report in both countries,
the excavator should, on demand, submit a copy of his text to these authorities.
(c) Scientific publications dealing with archaeological research and issued in a language
which is not widely used should include a summary and, if possible, a list of contents and
captions of illustrations translated into some more widely known language.

Documentation on excavations
25. Subject to the provisions set out in paragraph 24, the national archaeological services
should, as far as possible, make their documentation and reserve collections of
archaeological material readily available for inspection and study to excavators and
qualified experts, especially those who have been granted a concession for a particular
site or who wish to obtain one.
Regional meetings and scientific discussions
26. In order to facilitate the study of problems of common interest, Member States
might, from time to time, convene regional meetings attended by representatives of the
archaeological services of interested States. Similarly, each Member State might encourage
excavators working on its soil to meet for scientific discussions.
IV. Trade in antiquities
27. In the higher interests of the common archaeological heritage, each Member State
should consider the adoption of regulations to govern the trade in antiquities so as to
ensure that this trade does not encourage smuggling of archaeological material or affect
adversely the protection of sites and the collecting of material for public exhibit.
28. Foreign museums should, in order to fulfil their scientific and educational aims, be
able to acquire objects which have been released from any restrictions due to the laws in
force in the country of origin.
V. Repression of clandestine excavations and of the illicit export of archaeological finds
Protection of archaeological sites against clandestine excavations and damage
29. Each Member State should take all necessary measures to prevent clandestine
excavations and damage to monuments defined in paragraphs 2 and 3 above, and also
to prevent the export of objects thus obtained.
International co-operation in repressive measures
30. All necessary measures should be taken in order that museums to which
archaeological objects are offered ascertain that there is no reason to believe that these
objects have been procured by clandestine excavation, theft or any other method
regarded as illicit by the competent authorities of the country of origin. Any suspicious
offer and all details appertaining thereto should be brought to the attention of the
services concerned. When archaeological objects have been acquired by museums,
adequate details allowing them to be identified and indicating the manner of their
acquisition should be published as soon as possible.

Return of objects to their country of origin
31. Excavation services and museums should lend one another assistance in order to
ensure or facilitate the recovery of objects derived from clandestine excavations or theft,
and of all objects exported in infringement of the legislation of the country of origin. It is
desirable that each Member State should take the necessary measures to ensure this
recovery. These principles should be applied in the event of temporary exports as
mentioned in paragraph 23(c), (d) and (e) above, if the objects are not returned within
the stipulated period.
VI. Excavations in occupied territory
32. In the event of armed conflict, any Member State occupying the territory of another
State should refrain from carrying out archaeological excavations in the occupied
territory. In the event of chance finds being made, particularly during military works, the
occupying Power should take all possible measures to protect these finds, which should
be handed over, on the termination of hostilities, to the competent authorities of the
territory previously occupied, together with all documentation relating thereto.
VII. Bilateral agreements
33. Member States should, whenever necessary or desirable, conclude bilateral
agreements to deal with matters of common interest arising out of the application of the
present Recommendation.
The foregoing is the authentic text of the Recommendation duly adopted by the General
Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
during its Ninth Session, which was held at New Delhi and declared closed the fifth day
of December 1956.

1. A property will be used as it was historically, or be given a new use that maximizes the
retention of distinctive materials, features, spaces, and spatial relationships. Where a
treatment and use have not been identified, a property will be protected and, if
necessary, stabilized until additional work may be undertaken.
2. The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The replacement
of intact or repairable historic materials or alteration of features, spaces, and spatial
relationships that characterize a property will be avoided.
3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Work
needed to stabilize, consolidate, and conserve existing historic materials and features will
be physically and visually compatible, identifiable upon close inspection, and properly
documented for future research.
4. Changes to a property that have acquired historic significance in their own right will
be retained and preserved.
5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of
craftsmanship that characterize a property will be preserved.
6. The existing condition of historic features will be evaluated to determine the
appropriate level of intervention needed. Where the severity of deterioration requires
repair or limited replacement of a distinctive feature, the new material will match the old
in composition, design, color, and texture.
7. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest
means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used.
8. Archeological resources will be protected and preserved in place. If such r esources
must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.

1. A property will be used as it was historically or be given a new use which reflects the
property's restoration period.
2. Materials and features from the restoration period will be retained and preserved. The
removal of materials or alteration of features, spaces, and spatial relationships that
characterize the period will not be undertaken.
3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Work
needed to stabilize, consolidate and conserve materials and features from the restoration
period will be physically and visually compatible, identifiable upon close inspection, and
properly documented for future research.
4. Materials, features, spaces, and finishes that characterize other historical periods will be
documented prior to their alteration or removal.
5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of
craftsmanship that characterize the restoration period will be preserved.
6. Deteriorated features from the restoration period will be repaired rather than
replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive
feature, the new feature will match the old in design, color, texture, and, where possible,
materials.
7. Replacement of missing features from the restoration period will be substantiated by
documentary and physical evidence. A false sense of history will not be created by
adding conjectural features, features from other properties, or by combining features that
never existed together historically.
8. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest
means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used.
9. Archeological resources affected by a project will be protected and preserved in place.
If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.
10. Designs that were never executed historically will not be constructed.

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