Towards a Collaborative Sustainability Model for Cultural Heritage Preservation in India

Tamilselvi Murugesan

Assistant Professor, Department of History, Jayaraj Annapackiam College for Women (Autonomous), Periyakulam, India. 

Abstract

India has long been limited by colonial-era path-dependency and scattered, top-down governance structures that approach traditional heritage conservation as silent echoes rather than living socio-economic assets.  This paper identifies the systematic silos within current blueprints and suggests a Collaborative Sustainability Model (CSM) as an innovative solution, using the latest national roadmaps from NITI Aayog (2024) and the economic “Experience Economy” findings of KPMG and PHDCCI )2024), that weaves an all-around strategy with the use of advanced digital technologies such as 3D laser scanning and laser-mapping with social equality through the enlistment of traditional craftspeople. 

The paper shows how establishing focused management teams, such as the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Policy (2024 – 2025). can translate theory to practice, thus enabling India to safeguard its history while nurturing the growth of modern cities and the well-being of local communities.  It shows that treating heritage as an asset rather than a liability can help India preserve its history while still supporting the development of urban areas and the needs of local communities.     

Keywords: Cultural sustainability, Heritage preservation, Collaborative model, Digital documentation, Community engagement, India.

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