Conserving the Cultural Heritage of Banaras: Application of Information and Communication Technology

Raman Nair, R. . Conserving the Cultural Heritage of Banaras: Application of Information and Communication Technology., 2013 In: Knowledge Management: Library and Information Services in Changing IT Scenario. New Delhi, Shree Publishers , pp. 353-378. [Book chapter]

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English abstract

The universe is an artifact, the work of the cosmic architect and culture an artifact, the product of human nature and thought. Items of cultural heritage include the ecosystem, the conditioned natural resources, its inhabitants, their creations like text, image, sound, performing arts, sculptures, buildings, built in spaces like mohallas, ornaments, utensils and the like as well as the knowledge related to them. Banaras embeds the sacred geography of India into a microcosm, superimposing the features on physical spaces. This is built up or created from the sweat and blood of the common people. But a minority who draw benefits in the name of industrialization, tourism and development are destroying the heritage. The paper argues that heritage conservation is common man’s requirement. Banaras is the most important heritage city of the world that needs immediate attention for conservation. The paper views that principles and techniques from library science and ICT can support conservation activities at Banaras especially to document, watch, manage, and create awareness on, the city and its natural resources, knowledge, text, images and a wide variety of artifacts of great value, as well as the built in spaces that could sustain quality life in the city.

Item type: Book chapter
Keywords: Banaras, Varanasi, Ganga, Hinduism, India, Culture, Hertitage, conservation, Archive, ICT Application
Subjects: B. Information use and sociology of information > BC. Information in society.
J. Technical services in libraries, archives, museum.
J. Technical services in libraries, archives, museum. > JF. Paper preservation.
J. Technical services in libraries, archives, museum. > JH. Digital preservation.
L. Information technology and library technology > LB. Computer networking.
L. Information technology and library technology > LN. Data base management systems.
Depositing user: R. Raman Nair
Date deposited: 10 Feb 2016 09:57
Last modified: 10 Feb 2016 09:57
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10760/28712

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