CULTURAL HERITAGE & ITS IMPORTANCE

INTRODUCTION
Heritage is anything that is considered important enough to be
passed on to the future generations. Heritage is broadly
categorized into two main divisions:
HERITAGE

NATURAL
HERITAGE

CULTURAL
HERITAGE

Cultural Heritage refers to the cultural aspects like heritage sites,

monuments, folklore, traditional activities and practices, language etc.
that are considered vital to be preserved for the future generations.
It gives people a connection to certain social values, beliefs, religions and
customs. It allows them to identify with others of similar mindsets and
backgrounds. Cultural heritage can provide an automatic sense of unity and
belonging within a group and allows us to better understand previous
generations and the history of where we come from.

What is Cultural Heritage?

Cultural Heritage is an expression of the ways of living
developed by a community and passed on from generation to
generation, including customs, practices, places, objects,
artistic expressions and values. Cultural Heritage is often
expressed as either Intangible or Tangible Cultural Heritage.
Intangible Heritage refers to those aspects of a country
that
cannot be touched or seen. For example traditional
music, folklore, language etc.
Tangible Heritage refers to those significant places that
advocate the countrys history and culture. For example
monuments, mosques, shrines, monasteries etc.

Heritage Types
Built Heritage: One of the most visible forms of heritage is built heritage
(Buildings, Townscapes, Archaeological remains). Built heritage should be
deemed to mean those buildings, artifacts, structures, areas and precincts
that are of
should

historic, aesthetic, architectural or cultural significance and

include natural features within such areas or

environmental significance or scenic beauty such as sacred

precincts

of

groves, hills,

hillocks, water bodies (and the areas adjoining the same), open areas,
wooded areas, etc.On a daily basis we are reminded of historic events and
past lives through the built legacy around us. e.g:-Mahabodhi Temple
Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar, Humayuns Tomb, Delhi, Qutb Minar and its
Monuments, Delhi.

Heritage Types
Natural Heritage: Natural Heritage includes all components of our
surroundings which have not been created by man and which are of cultural,
aesthetic, spiritual, biotic or ecological value and which could also be of
directly usable resource value .e.g:-Kaziranga Wild Life Sanctuary, Assam ,
Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India, Nanda Devi and
Valley of Flowers National Park , Uttarakhand, India.

Artifacts: Something made or given shape by man, such as a tool or a

work of art. Examples includedance forms, food, stone tools,documents,
paintings, potteryvessels, metal objects such as weapons, and items of
personal adornment such as buttons,jewelry and clothing etc.

Conclusion
Cultural Heritage plays a very important role in our life. It is what keeps us
attached to our religion, traditions & beliefs. It todays context we refer to
cultural identity which means (feeling of) identity of a group or culture, or
of an individual as far as he or she is influenced by his belonging to a group
or culture.

The best way to preserve

our cultural heritage, whatever it may be, is to

share it with others.It is our responsibility to keep world history intact for
the coming generation so that they may have the same opportunities to
learn about the past and their own roots as we have.

What contribution can we do for the prevention

and conservation of our cultural heritage?
We can teach our own children to practice the traditions and beliefs of
our ancestors and tell them to continue to pass it on to future generations.
Teach them to be proud of their roots especially if they know very few
other children of the same cultural heritage.

We can also donate to or participate in associations that fund workshops

and museums that help to educate others about our cultural heritage. These
organizations will be around for many years to come and are probably one of
the best ways to educate others about the history of our ancestors.

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Sharanya Gopakumar
Grade 4 A