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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

Digital Transformation: New Media and Heritage Preservation in India

presenters

    Aishwarya Patil

    Nationality: India

    Residence: Maharashtra

    Presence:Online

Keywords:

Cultural Heritage,holistic approach,Heritage Tourism,Globalization

Abstract:

The emergence of digital technology has significantly transformed the conservation, analysis, and communication of cultural heritage, giving rise to the concept of "New Heritage." This study explores the relationship between new media and cultural legacy from an Indian perspective, emphasizing the unique opportunities and challenges presented by India's rich cultural environment. India's diverse heritage, encompassing numerous languages, customs, and historical sites, faces pressures from globalization and industrialization. Digital initiatives, including interactive platforms, virtual reconstructions, and online archives, offer innovative methods to document and disseminate India's tangible and intangible heritage. However, these advancements also raise critical issues such as digital disparities, accessibility, and the authenticity of digitally mediated experiences. This study examines successful digital heritage initiatives in India, such as the National Digital Library of India and the Digital Hampi project, assessing their impact on education and heritage preservation. By evaluating these initiatives, the study highlights the need for inclusive, community-driven approaches to digital heritage that respect and reflect India's cultural diversity. The discussion extends to policy implications, advocating for robust frameworks that support the sustainable integration of digital technologies in heritage conservation. Ultimately, this paper argues that the digital transformation of India's cultural heritage presents a significant opportunity to democratize access to cultural knowledge, foster intercultural dialogue, and safeguard heritage for future generations. References include Smith's "Uses of Heritage" (2006) and Kalay, Kvan, and Affleck's "New Heritage: New Media and Cultural Heritage" (2008).