Assessment of Local Level Heritage Value of Kishangarh, Rajasthan

Sakshi Patel¹, Darshna Rander², and Kishori Dalwadi²

Abstract :

In conflicting urban development, it is difficult to highlight the appropriateness of the categorization of heritage buildings, sites, and ensembles. Protecting agencies like the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), National Monument Authority(NMA) and State Departments of Archaeology are authorized government bodies handling this vast task. With the growing awareness about local-level heritage values, needs to be prioritized. Local-level structures are recognized on basis of their manifest values and linked to the uniqueness of a structure. Rudimentary value identification in heritage architecture is limited, as often these not-so-popular heritages are not reflected. At the governance level, often criteria for heritage
inclusion might not match the one prescribed by the authorized bodies. In such a scenario, local
awareness can be simulated. Professionals in a similar field can initialize the process and put
forward the proposal.

The paper investigates the heritage of Kishangarh city as a case study to demonstrate the challenge of preserving and restoring cities in a holistic and integrated manner. A strength-weakness-opportunity-threat (SWOT) analysis is conducted to understand the current situation. The study is framed with parameters as- history, landmarks, access and linkages, green and open spaces, functional zoning, and informal structures. The proposal concludes to bridge the old and new segments of the canal through the Gond Talav lake. It discusses that preserving and restoring the past is essential for shaping the future and that can be achieved through recent practices which can be contextually relevant.

¹Sault College, Ontario, Canada
²School of Interior Design, UID, Karnavati University, Gujarat, India
¹patelsakshi1997@gmail.com