Introduction to Conservation of Indian Monuments

<p>India is home to one of the richest concentrations of ancient monuments in the world - temples forts mosques tombs palaces and archaeological sites that span more than five thousand years of continuous civilisation. Many of them are under serious threat.</p><p>Introduction to Conservation of Indian Monuments is a comprehensive yet accessible overview of how India's built heritage is identified protected and restored - and the principles organisations and techniques that make this work possible.</p><p>The book covers the full landscape of heritage conservation in India: the foundational principles drawn from international charters including the Venice Charter (1964) the Burra Charter and the Nara Document on Authenticity; the history and conservation policy of the Archaeological Survey of India; the work of INTACH in protecting unprotected monuments; and the architectural traditions - Nagara Dravida Kalinga and Mughal - that conservators must understand before intervening in a monument.</p><p>It also addresses the most pressing contemporary challenges: the growing use of digital technologies such as 3D laser scanning LiDAR artificial intelligence and virtual reality in modern conservation; the accelerating damage caused by climate change to coastal temples desert forts and ancient stone structures across India; and India's expanding international role in heritage conservation including ASI's landmark restoration projects at Ta Prohm in Cambodia and the Cham temples at My Son in Vietnam.</p><p>Case studies drawn from across India - including Humayun's Tomb the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur the Indus Valley site at Lothal the transplanted Buddhist complex at Nagarjunakonda and the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya - ground the discussion in real conservation practice.</p><p>Ideal for students heritage professionals architecture enthusiasts and general readers with an interest in Indian history and culture.</p><p>Chapters: Introduction to Principles of Conservation | International Agreements for Conservation of Monuments | Introduction to the Archaeological Survey of India | Introduction to INTACH | Overview of Architectural Styles in Ancient and Medieval India | Techniques for Conservation of Monuments | Examples of Conservation of Monuments in India | Conclusion</p>