India's living heritage: a deep dive into UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage for UPSC Aspirants

Introduction: The Soul of a Nation’s Heritage

While India’s magnificent forts, temples, and monuments stand as silent witnesses to its glorious past, there exists another, more dynamic form of heritage—one that breathes, sings, and evolves with its people. This is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), the living soul of a culture. Unlike the tangible heritage of bricks and stone, ICH is embodied in the oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, and traditional craftsmanship passed down through generations.

In a significant recent development, Garba of Gujarat was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023, making it the 15th element from India to receive this global recognition. This milestone, following the inclusion of Durga Puja in Kolkata in 2021, underscores the growing global appreciation for India’s vibrant living traditions and brings a renewed focus on their preservation for the UPSC syllabus.

Analogy: Think of tangible heritage (like the Taj Mahal) as a beautifully preserved, invaluable book in a library. Intangible Cultural Heritage, on the other hand, is the storyteller who brings the book to life, adapting the narrative for each new generation, ensuring the story is never forgotten.

The Global Framework: UNESCO’s 2003 Convention

The principal international instrument for protecting living heritage is the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Adopted on October 17, 2003, its primary goals are to safeguard and ensure respect for the ICH of communities, raise awareness of its importance, and provide a framework for international cooperation.

The Convention identifies five broad domains in which ICH is manifested:

1. Oral traditions and expressions.
2. Performing arts.
3. Social practices, rituals, and festive events.
4. Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe.
5. Traditional craftsmanship.

India’s Treasures: A Complete List of UNESCO ICH Elements

India, a repository of immense cultural diversity, has been proactive in nominating its living heritage. As of late 2023, 15 elements from India have been inscribed on the Representative List.

Mnemonic for first 5 ICH elements: To remember the first five inscriptions, use the phrase: “Very Religious Kings Rule Mountains”

• Vedic Chanting
• Ramlila
• Kutiyattam
• Ramman
• Mudiyettu

Deep Dive: Case Studies in Living Heritage

Let’s explore the two traditions from the source material in greater analytical detail.

1. Sankirtana of Manipur (Inscribed 2013)

More than just a performance, Sankirtana is a vibrant expression of Vaishnavism in Manipur. It narrates the life and deeds of Lord Krishna through a powerful synthesis of music, drumming, and dance.

• Community and Context: Performed in temple courtyards or domestic spaces, it is deeply integrated into the community’s life-cycle ceremonies—from birth to death—acting as a powerful social binder. The performance, typically involving two drummers and several singer-dancers, creates a sacred space encircled by devotees.
• Artistic Elements: The main instruments are the Pung (a barrel drum) and cymbals. The performance builds from a gentle rhythm to a powerful, energetic climax, reflecting the rasas (emotions) of the stories being depicted.
• Significance: Sankirtana is a testament to the syncretic nature of Indian culture, blending pre-Vaishnavite traditions of Manipur with the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It is a living tradition passed down through gurus and institutions (beithaks).

Fun Fact: The white turban worn by the male performers (Pung cholom and Kartal cholom) often comes loose during their energetic, acrobatic drumming and dancing, but it is considered a mark of skill and devotion to continue the performance uninterrupted.

2. Craft of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab (Inscribed 2014)

The Thatheras of Jandiala Guru are a community of artisans who practice the traditional craft of making brass and copper utensils. This heritage is not just about the final product but the entire ecosystem of skill, knowledge, and social identity.

• Historical Roots: The craft flourished under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 19th century, who encouraged skilled artisans to settle in his kingdom.
• The Process: This is an oral tradition passed down through generations. Artisans manually hammer sheets of metal into utensils, a process requiring immense skill and physical endurance. The distinctive hammered indentations are not just decorative; they strengthen the vessel.
• Cultural & Health Significance: The utensils are used for both daily life and rituals, especially in community kitchens (langars) at Gurdwaras. The metals—copper, brass, and Kansa (an alloy)—are also recommended in Ayurveda for their health benefits.
• Contemporary Challenges: The Thathera community faces immense challenges. The number of practicing artisans has dwindled dramatically due to competition from cheaper steel and aluminum utensils, rising raw material costs, and younger generations seeking other professions. However, following the UNESCO inscription, initiatives like Project Virasat have been launched to revive this dying art form.

Statistic: The number of Thathera families practicing the craft in Jandiala Guru has fallen from over 500 during its peak to a mere 30-40 families today, highlighting the urgent need for preservation efforts.

Critical Policy Appraisal

Analytical Lens: UPSC Focus (Mains & Prelims)

• Conceptual Basis: The foundational framework is the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. In India, the Ministry of Culture is the nodal body responsible for identifying and nominating elements and implementing safeguarding measures.

• UPSC Integration: Connecting the Dots

  • GS Paper 1 (Indian Culture & Society): This is a core topic. It connects directly to the diversity of Indian culture, the impact of globalization on traditions, and the role of community in preserving heritage.
  • GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): Relates to cultural rights (Article 29), the role of state and central governments in cultural preservation, and India’s use of soft power in international relations through its cultural diplomacy.
  • GS Paper 3 (Economy): Links to the unorganized sector, MSMEs (artisans and craftspeople), rural livelihoods, tourism’s economic impact, and Intellectual Property Rights (specifically Geographical Indications).

• Future Impact & Policy Relevance: Protecting ICH is crucial for achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to sustainable livelihoods, inclusive societies, and environmental sustainability (as many traditions are based on ecological wisdom). In an era of increasing homogenization, ICH acts as a bulwark for cultural diversity and fosters inter-community dialogue. Future policy must focus on making heritage economically viable for its practitioners, ensuring that culture becomes a driver of development, not a casualty of it.

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• Sample Prelims Question (MCQ):

  Which of the following statements about the craft of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru is correct?

  1. It is a tradition of making iron utensils, primarily for agricultural purposes.
  2. The craft received significant historical patronage from the Mughal emperors.
  3. The metals used, such as copper and Kansa, are considered to have health benefits according to Ayurvedic texts.
  4. It was the most recent Indian element to be added to the UNESCO ICH list.

  Answer & Explanation: (3) Correct. The statement that the metals used (copper, brass, Kansa) are believed to be beneficial for health as per Ayurveda is a key feature of this tradition. Statement 1 is incorrect as they use brass and copper. Statement 2 is incorrect; their primary historical patronage came from Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Statement 4 is incorrect; Garba of Gujarat (2023) is the most recent addition.

• Sample Mains Question (15 Marks):

  While UNESCO recognition brings global prestige, India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage faces existential threats from modernization and economic pressures. Critically analyze the challenges and suggest a multi-pronged strategy for the effective safeguarding and promotion of these living traditions.

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Mind Map Outline (Revision Structure)

• India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) & UNESCO
  • Defining ICH
    • Living heritage vs. Tangible heritage
    • Five UNESCO Domains (Oral traditions, Performing arts, etc.)
  • The 2003 UNESCO Convention
    • Core Objectives: Safeguard, Respect, Raise Awareness
    • International Framework
  • India’s Complete ICH List (15 Elements)
    • Recent Additions:
      • Garba of Gujarat (2023)
      • Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021)
    • Table of all 15 elements with years
  • Detailed Case Studies
    • Sankirtana (Manipur)
      • Religious Context: Vaishnavism, Lord Krishna
      • Community Role: Social binder, life-cycle ceremonies
      • Artistic Components: Pung, cymbals, dance
    • Thatheras Craft (Punjab)
      • Historical Context: Maharaja Ranjit Singh
      • Technical Process: Manual hammering, oral tradition
      • Significance: Utilitarian, Ritualistic, Ayurvedic
      • Contemporary Status: Challenges and revival efforts (Project Virasat)
  • Policy & Governance
    • Challenges
      • Economic non-viability
      • Impact of globalization
      • Lack of awareness and documentation
    • Opportunities & Way Forward
      • Linking to economic schemes (‘Vocal for Local’)
      • Role of technology in preservation
      • Community-led safeguarding
      • Nodal Agency: Ministry of Culture