Understanding Intangible Cultural Heritage
While UNESCO's World Heritage List focuses on monumental and tangible cultural and natural sites, its 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage recognizes the equally vital importance of living traditions. Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) comprises practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage, constantly being recreated and transmitted through generations.
India, with its vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry, is a rich repository of such living heritage. Its active engagement with the 2003 Convention has led to the inscription of 15 elements on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, showcasing the country's profound spiritual, artistic, and traditional practices to the world.
What is ICH? A Deeper Look
Definition
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) is defined by the UNESCO 2003 Convention as the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills—as well as the instruments, objects, artifacts, and cultural spaces associated therewith—that communities, groups, and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
Key Characteristics
- Living Heritage:
- Constantly evolving, recreated by communities in response to their environment and history.
- Transmitted:
- Passed from generation to generation, often orally or through practical apprenticeship.
- Community-based:
- Recognized and defined by the communities, groups, or individuals who create and transmit it.
- Inclusive:
- Encourages social inclusion, equality, and human rights.
- Diversity:
- Contributes to cultural diversity and creative human expression.
- Dynamic:
- Its practice is dynamic and responsive, rather than fixed.
Source: UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Article 2; UNESCO ICH website.
The Five Domains of Intangible Heritage
Oral traditions and expressions
(including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage)
Spoken words, myths, epics, storytelling, poetry, folk tales, proverbs, traditional songs.
Example from India: Tradition of Vedic Chanting.
Performing arts
Music, dance, theatre, puppetry, opera, and other forms of stage performances.
Examples from India: Ramlila, Kutiyattam, Chhau Dance, Kalbelia folk songs and dances, Sankirtana, Mudiyettu, Garba of Gujarat.
Social practices, rituals and festive events
Traditional gatherings, ceremonies, customs, community celebrations, and forms of social organization.
Examples from India: Ramman, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja in Kolkata.
Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe
Traditional ecological knowledge, indigenous understanding of flora, fauna, cosmology, and traditional resource management.
Example from India: Buddhist chanting of Ladakh.
Traditional craftsmanship
Knowledge and skills involved in producing traditional tools, clothing, housing, ornaments, and other objects.
Example from India: Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru.
Source: UNESCO 2003 Convention, Article 2.
India's UNESCO ICH Elements: A Journey Through Time
As of December 2023, India proudly boasts 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List.
Tradition of Vedic Chanting
Domain: Oral traditions and expressions
Oral tradition of chanting sacred Vedic texts, considered a repository of universal knowledge and values, passed down through generations.
Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana
Domain: Performing arts, Social practices, rituals, festive events
A series of performing arts traditions that enact the life of Rama as told in the epic Ramayana, performed across North India during autumn.
Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre
Domain: Performing arts, Oral traditions and expressions
Ancient form of Sanskrit theatre from Kerala, traditionally performed in temples, preserving ancient oral traditions and classical Sanskrit dramaturgy.
Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas
Domain: Social practices, rituals, festive events, Performing arts
A ritual festival and theatre form celebrated annually in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, dedicated to the village deity Bhumiyal Devta, involving masked performances.
Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala
Domain: Performing arts, Social practices, rituals, festive events
A ritual dance drama performed in Bhagavati temples in Kerala after the harvest, enacting the myth of goddess Kali and the demon Darika.
Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan
Domain: Performing arts
Traditional folk songs and dances performed by the Kalbelia community (snake charmers), known for their unique dance movements and distinct costumes.
Chhau dance
Domain: Performing arts
A semi-classical Indian dance with martial, tribal, and folk origins, traditionally performed by males, with three distinct styles from Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Buddhist chanting of Ladakh
Domain: Oral traditions and expressions, Knowledge concerning nature and universe
Chanting of sacred Buddhist texts in monasteries of Ladakh, central to the life and social fabric of the Buddhist community.
Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur
Domain: Performing arts, Social practices, rituals, festive events
A ritualistic art form performed in Manipur, involving singing, drumming, and dancing, to narrate the life and deeds of Krishna, with devotional overtones.
Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab
Domain: Traditional craftsmanship
Craftsmanship of the Thathera community, who traditionally hammer sheets of brass and copper into utensils, passed down through generations.
Yoga
Domain: Social practices, rituals, festive events, Knowledge concerning nature and universe
An ancient Indian practice encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, recognized for its widespread benefits for human well-being.
Nawrouz / Novruz / Nowrouz / Nauryz / Nooruz / Nevruz / Novruz / Nowruz (Transnational)
Domain: Social practices, rituals, festive events
An ancient spring festival celebrated by over 300 million people across various countries, including India, marking the vernal equinox. (India is one of 12 co-nominating countries).
Kumbh Mela
Domain: Social practices, rituals, festive events
Mass Hindu pilgrimage of faith in which Hindus gather to bathe in a sacred river, recognized as the largest peaceful congregation in the world.
Durga Puja in Kolkata
Domain: Social practices, rituals, festive events
A ten-day annual festival celebrating the goddess Durga, transforming the city with elaborate pandals, artistic installations, and public performances.
Garba of Gujarat
Domain: Performing arts, Social practices, rituals, festive events
A ritualistic and devotional dance performed during the Hindu festival of Navaratri, celebrating the feminine divinity (Shakti). It has also become a vibrant socio-cultural event.
Source: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, India page (as of December 2023 updates). Note: The list is dynamic and can be updated annually based on new inscriptions.
ICH Elements: Quick Reference
| Year of Inscription | Element | Key Domain |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Tradition of Vedic Chanting | Oral, Performing, Social, Rituals |
| 2008 | Ramlila | Oral, Performing, Social, Rituals |
| 2008 | Kutiyattam | Performing, Oral |
| 2009 | Ramman | Social, Rituals, Performing |
| 2010 | Mudiyettu | Performing, Social, Rituals |
| 2010 | Kalbelia | Performing |
| 2010 | Chhau dance | Performing |
| 2012 | Buddhist chanting of Ladakh | Oral, Knowledge concerning nature and universe |
| 2013 | Sankirtana | Performing, Social, Rituals |
| 2014 | Traditional brass and copper craft of Thatheras of Jandiala Guru | Traditional craftsmanship |
| 2016 | Yoga | Social, Rituals, Knowledge |
| 2016 | Nawrouz (transnational) | Social, Rituals, Festive events |
| 2017 | Kumbh Mela | Social, Rituals, Festive events |
| 2021 | Durga Puja in Kolkata | Social, Rituals, Festive events |
| 2023 | Garba of Gujarat | Performing arts, Social practices, rituals, festive events |
The Nomination Journey: Safeguarding Global Heritage
1. National Inventorying
Each State Party must draw up an inventory of ICH, with community participation. Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) is India's nodal body.
2. Nomination Dossier Submission
State Party submits dossier demonstrating ICH definition, national inventory inclusion, community consent, and safeguarding measures.
3. Evaluation by Subsidiary Body
Independent experts evaluate nominations based on criteria; no field missions involved.
4. Decision by Intergovernmental Committee
Committee reviews recommendations and makes final inscription decision on Representative List or Urgent Safeguarding List.
Source: UNESCO ICH website, "How to nominate".
The Impact: Why ICH Inscription Matters
Global Visibility & Awareness
Brings global attention to the cultural practice, raising awareness about its importance and helping to foster respect for cultural diversity.
Enhanced Safeguarding Efforts
It encourages State Parties and communities to develop and implement safeguarding measures, ensuring the viability and transmission of the heritage to future generations. This often leads to increased funding and dedicated projects.
Community Empowerment & Ownership
The process emphasizes the role of the communities who are the bearers of the heritage. Inscription reinforces their identity, cultural pride, and ownership over their traditions.
Promotion of Dialogue & Understanding
By highlighting diverse living traditions, it fosters intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding among different communities and nations.
Sustainable Development & Cultural Tourism
While not primarily for tourism, inscription can lead to responsible cultural tourism, providing economic benefits to local communities and supporting the sustainability of the practice.
International Cooperation
It facilitates international cooperation and exchange of best practices in safeguarding ICH.
Source: UNESCO ICH Convention benefits; academic studies on ICH impact.
India's National Safeguarding Efforts: Sangeet Natak Akademi
In addition to UNESCO's global list, India maintains its own national inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a crucial step in the safeguarding process.
Nodal Agency: Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA)
The Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), India's national academy for music, dance, and drama, functioning under the Ministry of Culture, is the nodal agency for the implementation of the UNESCO 2003 Convention concerning ICH in India.
Mandate of SNA regarding ICH:
- Preparation of National Inventory: Identifies, documents, and maintains a National Inventory of ICH, serving as basis for safeguarding and UNESCO nominations.
- Research and Documentation: Undertakes extensive research, surveys, and documentation of diverse ICH elements.
- Promotion and Dissemination: Promotes ICH through festivals, workshops, publications, and outreach.
- Capacity Building: Conducts training for artists, practitioners, and cultural managers.
- Advisory Role: Advises the Ministry of Culture on ICH matters, including nomination dossiers.
The SNA's national list and activities complement UNESCO's global efforts by providing a detailed, grassroots-level understanding and safeguarding framework for India's vast living heritage, ensuring active community involvement.
Source: Sangeet Natak Akademi website; Ministry of Culture, Annual Reports.
Exam Focus: Notes & Questions
- ICH Definition: Practices, expressions, knowledge, skills; living, transmitted, community-based.
- Domains: Oral traditions, Performing arts, Social practices, Knowledge concerning nature/universe, Traditional craftsmanship.
- Total ICH from India: 15 elements (as of Dec 2023).
- Recent Additions: Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), Garba of Gujarat (2023) (Latest - 15th element).
- Key Examples: Vedic Chanting, Ramlila, Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Chhau dance.
- Transnational Entry: Nawrouz (India co-nominated).
- Nomination Process: National Inventory (by SNA) → Dossier (community consent, safeguarding plan) → Evaluation by Subsidiary Body → Decision by Intergovernmental Committee.
- Lists: Representative List (visibility) & Urgent Safeguarding List (threatened).
- Significance: Global visibility, safeguarding efforts, community empowerment, cultural diversity.
- National Nodal Agency: Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) - maintains National ICH List, research, promotion.
- ICH vs. World Heritage:
- A crucial distinction. ICH is living, dynamic, community-based, focuses on practices/knowledge. WH is tangible, monumental, site-based. The 2003 Convention represents an evolution in UNESCO's understanding of heritage, moving beyond static monuments to encompass living cultural expressions.
- Challenges in Safeguarding ICH:
-
- Globalization & Modernization: Erosion of traditional knowledge due to changing lifestyles, media influence, and economic pressures.
- Commercialization: Risk of trivialization or distortion of traditional practices when exploited for tourism without proper ethical guidelines.
- Transmission Gaps: Younger generations losing interest in learning and practicing traditional skills or expressions.
- Documentation Difficulties: Oral traditions are harder to document and preserve than tangible sites.
- Authenticity vs. Adaptation: Balancing the need for continuity with necessary adaptation to contemporary contexts without losing core identity.
- Funding and Resources: Insufficient resources for grassroots-level safeguarding efforts.
- Role of Communities:
- The 2003 Convention places communities at the heart of ICH safeguarding, recognizing them as the primary bearers and transmitters. This bottom-up approach is crucial for success.
- ICH and Sustainable Development:
- ICH contributes to SDGs by promoting cultural diversity (SDG 11), sustainable livelihoods (SDG 8), and fostering well-being (SDG 3, e.g., Yoga).
- Soft Power Diplomacy:
- India effectively leverages its ICH (e.g., Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja) for cultural diplomacy, showcasing its rich spiritual and cultural heritage globally.
- India's Proactive Approach:
- India's consistent nominations and its strong nodal agencies like SNA demonstrate a proactive stance in fulfilling the Convention's mandate.
- December 2023: Garba of Gujarat was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kasane, Botswana. This makes it India's 15th ICH element on the prestigious list. This highlights the ritualistic, social, and performative aspects of Garba, particularly its significance during the Navaratri festival and its broader community appeal.
- Ongoing Focus on National ICH Inventory: The Sangeet Natak Akademi continues its efforts to document and categorize various intangible cultural elements across India, serving as the basis for future nominations and national safeguarding plans.
- Integration with Tourism: The Ministry of Tourism frequently promotes inscribed ICH elements as part of its cultural tourism initiatives, encouraging responsible tourism practices.
A. Prelims MCQs
1. UPSC Prelims 2023:
In the context of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Yoga was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
- Kumbh Mela was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. UPSC Prelims 2019:
Consider the following pairs:
- Chhau dance: Eastern India
- Kalaripayattu: South India
- Thang-Ta: North-East India
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
3. UPSC Prelims 2012:
Which one of the following is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage?
- (a) Elephanta Caves
- (b) Ramlila
- (c) Sanchi Stupa
- (d) Khajuraho Temples
B. Mains Questions
1. UPSC Mains 2022 (GS I):
Explain the difference between the World Heritage List and the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with examples from India.
2. UPSC Mains 2016 (GS I):
Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the hour. Discuss.
3. UPSC Mains 2019 (GS I):
Highlight the significance of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for India.
- Significance: Recognition of living heritage, community empowerment, increased global visibility for Indian traditions (mention key examples like Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, Garba), impetus for national safeguarding efforts (SNA's role in inventorying), fostering cultural diversity and understanding, potential for sustainable cultural tourism.
- Challenges (briefly): Commercialization, inter-generational transmission gaps, ensuring authenticity, documentation.
UPSC's questioning style regarding ICH has shown a significant shift:
Prelims:
- Earlier (pre-2015): Questions were less frequent on ICH, often distinguishing it from tangible heritage.
- Recent (2016 onwards): There is a strong and consistent focus on ICH. Questions frequently ask about:
- Specific elements of ICH from India (e.g., Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Chhau dance).
- Recent inscriptions (Durga Puja, Garba are highly likely for upcoming exams).
- The nature and definition of ICH (e.g., what it includes/excludes).
- Distinction between ICH and World Heritage Sites.
Mains:
- Increasing Importance: Questions explicitly on ICH or comparing it with tangible heritage have become more common.
- Analytical Depth: Candidates are expected to explain the significance of ICH status, the challenges in safeguarding it, and the role of national and international bodies.
- Policy Relevance: Linking ICH to broader themes like cultural policy, sustainable development, and soft power.
- Answers should demonstrate a clear understanding of the 2003 Convention's principles and concrete examples from India.
1. Which of the following is the primary nodal agency in India responsible for the preparation of the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage and for advising on its safeguarding?
- (a) Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- (b) Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
- (c) Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA)
- (d) National Museum Institute
2. Consider the following statements regarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH):
- It is primarily defined by the static and unchanging nature of cultural traditions.
- Language is recognized as a vehicle of intangible cultural heritage.
- Community consent is a mandatory requirement for the nomination of an ICH element to UNESCO's lists.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. "The inscription of 'Garba of Gujarat' on UNESCO's ICH list underscores the evolving understanding of heritage as a living, dynamic entity." Discuss the significance of this inscription for India, highlighting how it embodies the key characteristics of Intangible Cultural Heritage. (15 marks, 250 words)
- Introduction: Briefly introduce Garba's inscription (15th element, Dec 2023) and the shift from tangible to living heritage.
- Significance of Garba's Inscription: Global recognition, boost cultural pride, potential for responsible cultural tourism, encourages safeguarding, reinforces India's commitment.
- How Garba embodies ICH Characteristics: Living Heritage (evolving), Community-based (rooted in participation), Transmitted (passed informally), Performing Art/Social Practice (fits domains), Associated Spaces/Objects (costumes, instruments), Recreational/Ritualistic (combines devotion with celebration).
- Conclusion: Summarize that Garba's inscription validates the richness of India's living traditions and the importance of safeguarding such dynamic cultural expressions.
2. Beyond formal inscription, what are the primary challenges faced in safeguarding India's vast intangible cultural heritage in the contemporary world? What role can technology play in addressing these challenges? (10 marks, 150 words)
- Introduction: Acknowledge India's vast ICH and challenges beyond inscription.
- Primary Challenges: Globalization & Modernization, Commercialization, Lack of Documentation, Funding & Resources, Identification & Inventorying.
- Role of Technology: Documentation (digital archiving, A/V, 3D, VR), Dissemination (online platforms, social media), Capacity Building (online courses), Monitoring (digital tools), Research (data analytics).
- Conclusion: Technology offers powerful tools for comprehensive and sustainable safeguarding.