The Role of Community Engagement in Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Case Studies from North-East India

Abstract (English)

Preservation is defined as an effort to maintain cultural materials in both tangible and intangible forms, including oral traditions, music, and cultural activities (Hani, et al, 2012). Heritage preservation is vital for maintaining cultural identity, fostering community, and ensuring sustainable development. It provides continuity and transmission of knowledge for community members from one generation to the next and so on. However, cultural heritage is threatened by several factors such as natural hazards, vandalism, urbanization, and ageing. To avoid and or reduce the loss, action in the form of preservation for the future generation is crucial which involves documentation, conservation, adaptation, reconstruction and restoration measures (Mekonnen et.al., 2022 & Hassani, 2015) rooted in its cultural significance. With the involvement of organizations such as the UNESCO, ICOMOS, ICCROM, ICOM etc, preservation of heritage has become a global phenomenon, which emphasizes on community engagement and awareness as well. Community participation is indispensable since they are the custodians of their heritage and who are better placed to safeguard it.

Hence, the paper attempts to study the impact of community awareness and engagement in preserving cultural heritage. The study employed multi-data gathering methods including interview, group discussion, case studies and observation. The study was undertaken in two villages in North-East India. Mandalgre in Meghalaya inhabited by the single community – the Garos and Raja Mayong in Assam inhabited by multi communities like the Rabhas, Tiwas, Lalungs, Assamese etc. Hence, the above paper aims to consider the grassroots involvement for sustainable cultural legacy preservation.