Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
KATHOLIEKE
UNIVERSITEIT
LEUVEN
Advanced Master of
Conservation of Monuments and Sites
Master Thesis
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION:
PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
The author herewith permits that the present dissertation be made available for consultation;
parts of it may be copied, strictly for personal use. Every other use is subject to strict copyright
reservations. Particular reference is made to the obligation of explicitly mentioning the source
when quoting the present dissertation‘s results.
Leuven, 2012
Autorisation d’utilisation
L' auteur autorise la mise à disposition du présent mémoire pour consultation; il est permis de
copier des parties, strictement pour usage personnel. Toute autre utilisation est strictement
soumise aux restrictions prévues par le droit d’auteur; tout particulièrement, il doit être tenu
compte de l’obligation de citer explicitement la source lorsqu’il est fait référence aux résultats de
ce mémoire.
Leuven, 2012
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 3
INTRODUCTION 4
CHAPTER 1
Overview on tourism scenario: issues, data and
theoretical framework
1.1 Introduction 7
1.2 Global Tourism 8
1.3 Sustainability 10
1.3.1 Social Impact 14
1.4 Heritage tourism 16
1.5 Heritage Tourism Management 19
CHAPTER 2
Heritage Interpretation
2.1 Theoretical issues 23
2.1.1 Why interpreting? 23
2.1.2 Interpretation features 24
2.1.3 Threats 25
2.1.4 Challenges 26
2.2 Methodology planning 27
2.3 Media 29
CHAPTER 3
International and Indian legal and policy framework for
heritage interpretation
3.1 International legal provisions 34
3.1.1 Tourism field 34
3.1.2 Heritage field 36
3.2 Indian tourism/heritage authority structure and legal provisions 38
3.2.1 Asia and Pacific Regional Level 38
3.2.2 National Level 39
3.2.3 State Level 42
1
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CHAPTER 4
Interpretation of a WH site: Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
4.1 What is Jantar Mantar? 48
4.1.1 History 51
4.1.2 Restoration and interventions 52
4.2 The interpretation of Jantar Mantar 53
4.3 The Plan: structure and strategies 56
4.4 Challenges: integration with the urban context 61
CHAPTER 5
The Walled City of Jaipur
5.1 Introduction 64
5.2 Historical development 66
5.2.1 Theories about the urban layout 68
5.3 Urban description 75
5.4 The Built Heritage of Jaipur 78
5.5 Intangible Heritage 83
5.6 Jaipur today 85
5.7 Authorities, Legal Framework And Urban Planning Tools 89
CHAPTER 6
Proposals for the Interpretation Plan for the Walled city of Jaipur
6.1 Why: vision and objectives of the plan 97
6.1.1 Strategic approach and methodology 99
6.2 What: selected features and messages 100
6.3 Who is it for: audience typology 104
6.4 How: Message Media Matrix and media 105
6.5 Interpretation Centre 114
6.6 Community participation and Previous initiatives: the role of NGOs 120
6.7 Additional recommendations 122
6.8 Preconditions for effective Interpretation plan 124
CONCLUSION 127
SOURCES 129
BIBLIOGRAPHY 130
INTERNET SOURCES 134
2
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to express my gratitude to the many people for their support, guidance and patience,
which helped me throughout the study and preparation of my master thesis.
First of all I would like to thank my promoter dr. Minja Yang, dr. Shikha Jain and prof. arch. Luc
Verpoest.
Furthermore I would like to thank architects working at DRONAH office, for their generosity,
support and help.
Gratitude also goes to other people who made time for me to share their knowledge and
experience:
Prof. Noel Salazar – member of the Faculty of Anthropology, at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
for his intellectual contribution;
I especially would like to thank Davide Leone for his comments, suggestions, patience and love.
Finally I would like to thank my family, my friends and my flat mates for their understanding and
patience during this busy and stressed year.
3
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
INTRODUCTION
The present study reflects on the important role that heritage interpretation plays for heritage
preservation within a sustainable urban development. The study is based on the conviction that
awareness of both tourists and local communities, about values and significance of cultural and
natural heritage, is an essential support to address planned actions aiming to integrate heritage
conservation and management with developing issues, through inclusiveness initiatives. For this
reason interpretation is seen as one of the most adapt tool to carry out those purposes.
The study looks at the case of the Interpretation Plan of Jantar Mantar World Heritage site in
Jaipur, India, and at the Walled city of Jaipur. The case of a World Heritage site - Jantar Mantar -
located in the core of a historical site (the walled city) provides an example in which the
interpretation plan concerning the latest can works in a mechanism of mutual support and
enhancement for the whole city heritage management and interpretation.
The relationship between the two sites - Jantar Mantar and the walled city - is analyzed within both
spatial and interpretive levels.
The choice of the case study has been motivated by the three months internship experience in
DRONAH office in Jaipur. The work carried out during the internship period focused on the draft of
the Interpretation, Use and Visitors Management Plan of Jantar Mantar in Jaipur. This provided a
first practical approach with subjects such as heritage management, tourism and the combination
of the two of them.
From those observations, proposals and recommendations for an interpretation plan concerning
the Walled City of Jaipur will be developed as final part of the present study.
The ideal interpretation plan should give an input in achieving a holistic vision of integration of the
three major issues related to city management: heritage conservation, tourism management and
urban development.
In order to get closer to the case study, information and figures about India or South Asia are
showed since the first chapter.
As heritage interpretation it is inevitably linked to tourism, and more specifically to sustainable
tourism, chapter 1 introduces the subject of tourism in those declinations (global, sustainable,
heritage, management tourism), that are pertinent to the topic of heritage interpretation. It gives an
integrative approach that reflects on the fields of research about heritage tourism and, through the
gathered general data and information about tourism scenario, provides the fundamental notions
for a background and a general framework about tourism field to better approach the topic of
interpretation.
For the academic year 2011-2012, the Raymond Lemaire Centre for Conservation of Monuments
and Sites within the first year of the Master in Conservation of Monuments and Sites collaborate
4
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
with the organization of the Master in Tourism to create the first seminar about Heritage and
sustainable tourism development. Students on tourism and students on heritage conservation
confronted their own background and attended specific lessons that showed them their own
subject (tourism and heritage) from new perspectives.
The opportunity to attend the seminar provided a first time insight to heritage tourism as academic
topic, disclosing it in some of the most important issues that characterize the actual debate.
It seems here remarkable that within the schedule of lectures, those about heritage interpretation
opened the seminar almost highlighting how strong the connection between heritage, interpretation
and tourism is.
Chapter 2 specifically addresses towards the interpretation topic, briefly summarizing the main
references, its origins and definitions such as the debate around it and the possible methodologies
and strategies applicable for effective interpretation plans.
Chapter 3 will provide an overview over the international legal framework and over the Indian
tourism authority structure and legal provisions underlining, for both cases, existing policies related
to sustainable tourism development and interpretation as an opportunity, where they are already
existing, to develop and make strategic actions legally supported and motivated and as a point of
weakness where they are missing.
Chapter 4 is partially borrowed from the Nomination Dossier, the Management Plan and from the
Interpretation, Use and Visitors management Plan of the site of Jantar Mantar, Jaipur. The
statement of the Universal Outstanding Value of the World Heritage site through the criteria
defined by UNESCO are followed from a brief revue of the history of the site and from the
interpretation given within the draft of the report for the Interpretation, Use and Visitors
management Plan. The plan’s structure is explained and analyzed finally pointing up the
connections between the Jantar Mantar and the rest of the Walled City of Jaipur.
The following chapter 5 zooms out from the World Heritage property of Jantar Mantar to focus on
the Walled city of Jaipur. The chapter illustrates the history of the city’s foundation and the different
theories about the origin of the urban layout. It also provides the description of its actual features
such as a brief overview over its tangible and intangible heritage. Legal provisions regarding the
heritage management and the city development will be reported and analyzed in order to provide a
wider understanding of the subject.
The last chapter encompasses the proposals for an effective interpretation plan of the Walled city
of Jaipur suggesting the methodology to follow and, step by step, providing guidelines to define
most pertinent interpretative strategies and appropriate media in order to achieve a successful
communication of interpretation and a stable platform of dialogue among the different
stakeholders, local authorities, NGO’s and tourism industry.
The present study gathers and illustrates policies, legal provisions and part of the work previously
carried out by scholars, professionals, public administrations and local NGOs working on the
heritage field. The research showed the potentiality of professional, human and cultural resources
available for developing a framework that could lead to a sustainable heritage –based development
of Jaipur.
5
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CHAPTER 1
Overview on tourism scenario: data, issues and
theoretical framework
6
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CHAPTER 1
Overview on tourism scenario: data, issues and
theoretical framework
1.1 INTRODUCTION
As cultural heritage extension is more and more spread over different scenarios (from urban to
rural, from built to natural, from social to scientific), the so called cultural tourism became one of
the most important categories of tourism.
More in general, since couple of decades, following the important repercussions that the
phenomenon had on different fields, heritage tourism became an independent subject within
specific academic fields (economy, sociology, geography, anthropology, etc.). Nevertheless a real
mutual exchange between experts in tourism and experts in the other different sectors which
tourism deals with, has never been very much implemented. The study of heritage tourism is
fragmented and lacking of strong theoretical and conceptual directions informing better practices.
This is due, in part, to the vast interdisciplinary domain in which is situated the study and in part, it
is due to intradisciplinary tension among competing research paradigms (Jamal and Kim, 2005).
Therefore, while heritage tourism is a widely studied subject within the tourism discipline, the
approach of professionals dealing with theories and techniques of heritage conservation is often
neglected. The perspective about heritage value and the relative attitude towards its protection,
which is the basic line from where grows the tourist’s demand toward a heritage destination, can
be distorted or preconditioned by conceptual over-structures. Of course, the same happens from
the opposite side which explains why many heritage managers are not well prepared about tourism
management issues and so, why many heritage sites are threatened by tourism impact.
Indeed, one of the real threats generated by the lack of exchange between tourism operators
dealing with heritage and heritage experts is the different interpretation that both give to the same
object. For the formers heritage is a product, created ad hoc for the touristic market, good for
consumption and generator of a part of the tourist economic sector revenue. While conservators,
archaeologists and heritage professionals, see heritage as a no-renewable resource and witness
of historical, cultural and scientific data that need to be conserved and protected. From this point of
view tourists appear mainly as a threat for heritage protection than an opportunity.
The present chapter aims to fill up the gap existing between the disciplines of heritage
management and conservation and tourism, acknowledging synthetically and in a pertinent way,
the main issues that address an efficient tourism management and more specifically an effective
interpretation for any heritage sites.
7
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Fig. 1: Remarkable how the diagram seems to lean towards the infinity. (Source: UNWTO)
Despite the financial crisis of late 2008 and 2009, in 2010 the international tourist arrivals
increased by 6, 7% with a positive growth in all regions of the world. The main drivers of growth are
the emerging economies where, indeed, the growth recovered the crisis-related losses faster than
other countries (Asia was the first region to recover and was that with strongest growth, estimated
in 13%, in 2010). Developing countries are becoming more and more new privileged destination for
international tourism as well as countries of growing important sources of tourists. Indeed,
according with “a recent Goldman Sachs report, two thirds of global economic growth over the next
five years will take place in Brazil, Russia, India, and China (whose initials form the acronym
8
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
BRIC). This growth will result in an increase in the middle classes of those countries, and
consequently in a rise in their tourism.” 1
But the international mass tourism market is dominated for about its 80% by powerful trans-
national corporations (TNCs). Those companies creates within the market financial leakages, for
instance, importing foreign building material, skilled labour and luxury products and packaged
travels arranged with TNCs. Those factors limit levels of revenue retention in the destination or
host countries. It has been estimated that, on average, at least 55% of tourism expenditure flows
back out of the destination country (Ashley et al. 2000).
Economic gains have been the major driving force for the growth of tourism especially in
developing countries, as tourism has been recognized by both development institutions, such as
the World Bank, as well as by governments, as a key activity for generating foreign exchange and
employment.
Indeed the huge flow of people that temporarily leave their own place to experience different
environments generates complex dynamic processes that involve several sectors, feeding
economical mechanisms. The potential growth of tourism is considered to be such that as World
Travel & Tourism Organization states on the home page of its website ”according to research by
the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), […] Travel & Tourism industry is expected to directly
contribute $2 trillion to the global economy and sustain some 100.3 million jobs. When the wider
economic impacts of the industry are taken into account, Travel & Tourism is forecast to contribute
some $6.5 trillion to the global economy and generate 260 million jobs – or 1 in 12 of all jobs on the
planet.” Therefore tourism industry undoubtedly shows a positive impact in creating new job
positions which is an important opportunities especially for developing countries. Official estimates
from 2002 suggest that India had 23, 7 million jobs associated to tourism.
Mass tourism is highly competitive, and usually dominated by large number of suppliers who have
little commitment to a destination. They are less likely to use local suppliers. However the segment
does generate jobs and negative impacts are not always spread beyond immediate localities.
While budget and independent tourists, particularly backpackers, are more likely than luxury
tourists to use the cheaper guest houses, home-stays, transport and eating services provided by
local people. They tend to stay longer at a destination than groups of tourists and interact more
with the local economy, but also spend less per day, often bargaining over prices.
The Indian case study chosen for the present research makes the following concept about global
tourism phenomenon a remarkable point. Globalization, in the form of world markets, free trade,
and global tourism, provides endless opportunities for the cultural interaction. Ideally, the cultural
exchange guaranteed from global tourism is one of the most effective and equitable tool to the
attainment of a socially and environmentally sustainable society through cultural diversity.
The current push for globalization, however, is overwhelmingly characterized by the assumption
that Western culture is the most suitable model for progress. Therefore, cultural interaction in the
current global framework inhibits the opportunity for a real cultural exchange and instead gives rise
to cultural domination.
The West meets the rest of the world in a contradictory attitude of need of change and, at the same
time, need of comfort’s standard. Ironically, tourism which is often driven by a search for variation
in an increasingly homogenized world becomes an instrument for the expansion of homogeneity!
1
Lopez-Sanchez Y, Pulido-Fernandez J.I., Tourism: Analysis of a Global Phenomenon from a perspective of
sustainability, 2011
9
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
One of the typical mechanisms, called cultural pollution, is generated by limited contacts of Eastern
local communities with Western lifestyle. The hosting communities often do not have opportunities
for a complete overview of their western hosts’ lifestyle that includes positive and negative aspects
knowing about the stress, the loneliness, the fear of growing old, the environmental decay, inflation
or the rampant poverty, crime and violence and all negative issues that are prevalent in Western
societies. The idea about Western lifestyles lies in a false and limited vision of richness and
happiness that generates false terms of comparison. From their point of view their modest life
standards result as losers. This leads for somebody to a sense of inferiority, and to ultimately reject
age-old traditions in favour of empty symbols of modernity (Norberg- Hodge 1991, 97-8). This
phenomenon can be described as the “submergence of the local society by the outside cultural
patterns of seemingly more affluent and successful tourists” (Inskeep 1991, 373). Cultural pollution
is characterized by the abandonment of local traditions and values, and the wholesale adoption of
foreign conventions.
Cultural dialogue is effective only when each participant views the other as equals. The language
of globalization, using for instance terms like “developed” versus “developing” in regard to Western
and non-Western countries, reflects the idea that Western construction of civilization is inherently
better (i.e., more “developed”).
Until genuine respect and legitimacy is given to non-Western cultures, the juxtaposition of cultures
represents more of a threat to non-Western cultures’ existence than a benefit to the global cultural
pool.
1.3 SUSTAINABILITY
Indeed, the concept of sustainability is born as environmental matter to evolve and involve other
kind of resources including cultural ones.
It can be argued that tourism creates an incentive for environmental conservation. Indeed with the
increasing of urbanization, destinations with significant natural features, scenery, cultural heritage
or biodiversity are becoming increasingly popular tourist destinations. But environments where
human interaction has been minimal or timely limited are often fragile. As the scale of tourism
grows, the use of resources is likely to become unsustainable. With a degraded physical
environment, the destinations are in danger of losing its original attraction, increasing the levels of
cheaper mass tourism and forcing more tourism to move onto new destinations, which are likely to
be even more inaccessible and fragile. Undoubtedly, this is a destructive process hence, from this
point of view, we can say that sustainable tourism includes alternative forms for mass tourism.
10
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Efforts to preserve and enhance the natural – and the cultural - environment should be a high
priority for the industry and for governments within a long-term tourism-economic growth. But the
reality follows different logics. The consequences are that short term economic gain clearly incurs
long term environmental and social costs (European Parliament 2002).
A report drawn up in occasion of the Earth Summit in 2002 well summarizes the different kinds of
impacts that tourism development and operational activities can include from an environmental
point of view:
• Threats to ecosystems and biodiversity – e.g. loss of wildlife and rare species, habitat loss and
degradation,
• Disruption of coasts – e.g. shoreline erosion and pollution, impact to coral reefs and fish
spawning grounds,
• Deforestation – loss of forests for fuel wood and timber by the tourist industry also impact on
soil and water quality, bio-diversity integrity, reducing the collection of forest products by local
communities,
• Water overuse – as a result of tourism / recreational activities e.g. golf courses, swimming
pools, and tourist consumption in hotels,
• Urban problems - Congestion and overcrowding, increased vehicle traffic and resultant
environmental impacts, including air and noise pollution, and health impacts,
• Exacerbate climate change – from fossil fuel energy consumption for travel, hotel and
recreational requirements,
• Unsustainable and inequitable resource use - Energy and water over consumption, excessive
production of wastes, litter and garbage are all common impacts.
11
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Tourism is primarily driven by the private sector, with a multiplicity of stakeholders whose sizes
range from micro enterprises to large transnational corporations. The actions of these players,
along with those of tourists and the local communities determine the overall impact of tourism on
the environment, whether positive or negative. Therefore one of the primary functions of the
Government in enhancing sustainable tourism is to create an environment that enables or
influences the private sector to operate more sustainably, and influences patterns of visitor flows
and behaviour to optimize the impact of tourism. 2
Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry was written in 1996 by the World Trade
Organisation, the World Travel and Tourism Council and Earth Council to try and fill this gap. It
noted that with a growing standing in the world economy the tourism industry has “a moral
responsibility in making the transition to sustainable development. It also has a vested interest in
doing so.” The document highlights the vital importance of environment as the main base upon
which the market relies. These and other initiatives have supported a growing awareness of the
positive and negative impacts of tourism also on the livelihoods of communities living in destination
areas.
As already mentioned, while sustainability referred originally to the natural environment nowadays
it also covers the social, economic and cultural spheres as well as built heritage. Today it is well
recognized that without sustainability there cannot be development that generates bene fit to all
stakeholders, solves serious and urgent problems such as extreme poverty, and preserves the
precious natural and man-made resources on which human prosperity is based.
In front to this challenge the tourism sector admitted its own responsibilities such as its potential
role in changing the actual negative trend and impact.
Therefore, all the main international tourism organizations developed programmes, strategies,
guidelines and recommendations to address stakeholders’ practices towards sustainable tools.
World Tourism Organization (WTO) focuses its advisory and technical assistance services on
policies, development guidelines, management techniques and measurement instruments that
allow national and local governments, as well as the tourism industry, to incorporate sustainability
principles into their decision making process and day-to-day operations.
This is why the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has initiated a programme that
aims at integrating environmental sustainability into decision making in the tourism industry and
into consumers’ purchasing choices, by disseminating technical know-how and building business
networks to catalyze ‘sustainability’ in the tourism sector.
In 2005 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UNWTO brought out a publication
entitled “Making Tourism More Sustainable – A Guide for Policy Makers”. This lists the following
aims of an agenda for sustainable tourism:
a. Economic Viability
b. Local Prosperity
c. Employment Quality
d. Social Equity
2
Cfr. Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India Ministry of Tourism, Government of India 1 November 2011
12
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
e. Visitor Fulfilment
f. Local Control
g. Community Wellbeing
h. Cultural Richness
i. Physical Integrity
j. Biological Diversity
k. Resource Efficiency
l. Environmental Purity
According to the purposes of this study is remarkable to underline that “cultural richness” is among
those criteria that drive the tourism activities towards a sustainable future.
During the recent Roundtable on World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism, held in Miami on 19
March 2012, UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova underlined the importance of better
integrating cultural heritage preservation and sustainable tourism. Under the recently developed
UNESCO World Heritage Sustainable Tourism Programme, the Director-General underscored that
UNESCO seeks to create an international framework for the cooperative and coordinated
achievement of shared and sustainable outcomes related to tourism at World Heritage properties.
The Programme seeks to link up national and local authorities, site practitioners, tourism sector,
and local communities to integrate a sustainable tourism perspective into the mechanisms of the
World Heritage Convention. Then idea is to promote broad engagement in the planning,
development and management of sustainable tourism that follows a destination approach and
focuses on empowering local communities. The Programme also seeks to provide World Heritage
stakeholders with the capacity and the tools to manage tourism efficiently, responsibly and
sustainably based on the local context and needs. 3
World Monuments Fund, took the initiative of the Sustainable Tourism Pledge 4, stating that
unmanaged tourism can damage cultural sites. Visitors can make a difference. In order to travel
responsibly ten simple guidelines have been provided:
1. Know the History
2. Reduce Your (Carbon) Footprint
3. Be Eco-Friendly
4. Respect the Local Culture
5. Go Off the Beaten Path
6. Be Gentle in Your Travel
7. Don’t Be Flashy with Photos
8. Buy Local
9. Join the Cause
10. Educate
3
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-
view/news/unesco_committed_to_stronger_links_between_world_heritage_and_tourism/
4
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-
view/news/unesco_committed_to_stronger_links_between_world_heritage_and_tourism/
13
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Nevertheless, looking at the websites of the most important tourism international organizations
such as at those referring to national, regional or local tourism authority of some country (among
those, India), as well as at the main policies concerning tourism, the impression is that sustainable
tourism is most of the time considered only as a specific category or, better, a specific way in which
stakeholders should deal with this activity. Therefore the concept of sustainability does not seem to
pervade the whole and general approach to tourism. And a lot of different interpretations are given
to sustainable tourism being sometime identified with natural / eco-tourism. While sustainable
tourism is not a discrete or special form of tourism. Rather, all forms of tourism should strive to be
more sustainable.
From the point of view of this study, the multidirectional impact of tourism phenomenon calls for an
application of the sustainability concept in each activity being part of the process. Therefore, it is
necessary to consider as resource also tangible and intangible heritage as, like natural resources,
they are not replicable or renewable. Hence, conservation, management and within the latest,
interpretation, are useful tools to carry out concrete actions toward a general sustainable heritage-
based development.
Indeed it is recommendable a stronger recognition of the weight of the local communities role, for
their valuable knowledge and understanding of local circumstances, as well as for their strong
vested interest in preserving a sustainable system. Establishing partnerships with local
communities is being increasingly recognized as necessary for sustainable tourism. Therefore the
trend now is moving towards more integrated approaches, which include communities working with
governments.
Indeed as pointed out by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives:
“Tourism […] can be a major source of degradation of local ecological, economic and social
systems. The intrusion of large numbers of foreigners with high-consumption and high-waste
habits […] into towns with inadequate waste management infrastructure can produce changes to
those areas at a rate that is far greater than imposed by local residents. These tourism-related
changes […], resulting economic losses, can encourage socially deleterious economic activities
such as prostitution, crime, and migrant and child labour” (ICLEI 1999).
Tourism development often stops people from having the right of access to land, water and natural
resources. Adverse social impacts also include poor working conditions, low wages, child labour
and sex tourism. The International Labour Organisation and International Confederation Free
Trade Unions (ICFTU) note that some parts of the tourist industry still degrades labour and drives
workers to the lowest levels, exhibiting the worst side of unsustainable production (Gardiner et al,
2002).
Going deeper on the tourism job creation subject, the local cash income that tourism can generate
can be framed in four different types, involving four distinct categories of people (Gardiner et al,
2002):
• Wages from formal employment that may only be available to a minority of people, and not the
poor
14
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
• Earnings from selling goods, services, or casual labour (e.g. food, crafts, building materials,
guide services) is more widely spread, and may be enough, for instance, to cover school fees
for one or more children
• Dividends and profits arising from locally-owned enterprises.
• Collective income: this may include profits from a community-run enterprise, dividends from a
private sector partnership and land rental paid by an investor.
Local participation in the tourism industry can be categorised into three different categories: the
formal sector (such as hotels), the informal sector (such as vending) and secondary enterprises
that are linked to tourism (such as food retail and telecommunications).
As a destination is developing, accommodation for tourists can be as simple as offering home
stays at the early stage, with lodges, guest houses and hotels replacing more basic options and
some of these may include foreign companies. Once luxury resorts start to develop, the scenario
becomes more complex with international investors beginning to play a much more dominant role.
High-status jobs in resorts typically go to non-locals, expatriate staff or foreign-trained nationals.
The potential for employment of local staff seems to improve as one move away from the luxury
resorts.
The informal sector often provides an easy entry into the industry for the poor, especially for
women. The incomes can be substantial but unreliable as it is often a seasonal activity. However it
can still provide a substantial boost to the income of the poor.
Causal labour and self-employment provide major opportunities for local communities to enhance
their livelihood opportunities from tourism. Unlike formal employment, self-employment tends to
highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of village communities. Villagers are used to stringing together a
livelihood from a diverse variety of sources, often giving them a knack for enterprise.
This is just an example that explains the intricate outcomes of tourism phenomenon in those fields
impacted by it.
The already mentioned effect of the western tourism on
the eastern cultures has been described in his negative
outcomes. But we also said that the interaction within
different cultures is one of the factors for a sustainable
development when the equality between participants is
the main conductor of the cultural debate. Indeed
cultural exchange helps to break down stereotypes and
to affirm human rights against traditional beliefs and
practices. Tourism development in remote areas can be
positive however, bringing with it infrastructure, health
services and education facilities. Nevertheless, rapid
tourism development can come at a price and often
creates its own unique problems. Generally speaking
“communities visited by tourists can (or have to) adapt
surprisingly quickly. For example, they rapidly adopt
businesslike attitudes to maximise profits. They are
creative in inventing and staging events to entertain and
Dancing performance (photo. V.Megna)
15
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
provide information on their culture.” 5 For one hand, if the appreciation of traditional performances
as well as of traditional craft products, could lead to a revitalization of traditional arts, festivals,
languages and all that constitutes the intangible heritage of a community, for the other hand the
threat of commodification becomes stronger as much stronger it is the economical feedback
coming from this initiatives and activities. The heritage commodification phenomenon is not only
something against tourists who buy something pretending it is a printed hand-made textile while it
comes out that it is not. But it is also about tourists enjoying in a restaurant a traditional dance
performed by young girls that perhaps beyond the colourful and rich dancing costume, live in a
slum, earn a poor reward and are a perfect example of exploitation.
In brief, each of the impacts that tourism has in different fields gives positive and/or negative
effects. Here is a summary of effects generated by tourism related to social impact factors:
• Changes to traditional
• Increased support for
activities and arts to suit
traditional cultures and
USE OF CULTURE AS TOURIST production for tourists
displays of ethnic identity
(commodification)
ATTRACTION • Revitalization of traditional
• Disrupting and crowding of
arts, festivals and language
traditional activities
• Enhancement of negative
• Breakdown of negative stereotypes
stereotypes
DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN • Increased commercialism
• Increased social
RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS • Introduction of diseases
opportunities
• Demonstration effects
Fig.2: Synthetic scheme of social cultural positive and negative impacts (source: 1997. Moscardo)
Involving host and particularly local communities in all stages of tourism development, from
planning right through operations, will help to alleviate some of these issues, if their needs and
perspectives are properly taken into account.
In addition, programmes which aim to train and assist communities adversely affected by tourism
development, for instance providing a social safety net, should to be openly assessed for their
suitability, and promoted where appropriate (Gardiner et al, 2002).
5
Gardiner R., Jan McHarry, Shah K., SUSTAINABLE TOURISM – TURNING THE TIDE , Stakeholder Forum’s Towards Earth Summit
2002 project, August 2002
16
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
This definition of heritage reflects the quite typical attitude of those who approach the notion of
heritage specifically declined in association with the world “tourism”. In these contexts, the general
description states heritage as a creation of the mind, a “mental construction”, used to re-created
cultural identities and as a “place brand” for creating “heritage map”.
Beside the fact that globalization has led more respect for tangible and intangible heritage than
before through tourism extension, the transformation of sites into destinations and of cultural
expressions into performances is seldom straightforward.
The interface and relationship between heritage and global tourism sector is extremely complex. In
a tourism setting, heritage can be misused in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes by a
variety of stakeholders. Private and public sectors are converting cultural heritage resources into
destinations and attractions, in a bid to obtain a piece of the lucrative global tourism pie.
Distinctiveness of cultural assets in the form of built environment, or living heritage should produce
an exclusive product reflecting and promoting it becoming what in marketing terms is called a
“unique selling point” product. 8
6
As the definition of heritage expressed by UNESCO include not only material manifestations of cultural goods but
also living expressions and cultural traditions, the distinction between heritage tourism and cultural heritage tourism
has become redundant.
7
Sue Millar, Introduction-Tourism and Development in ICOMOS, Heritage, a driver of development, proceedings of
the 17th ICOMOS General Assembly, Paris 2011, p.476
8
Cfr. Salazar, Noel B., The glocalisation of heritage through tourism: Balancing standardization and differentiation. In
S. Labadi & C. Long (Eds.), Heritage and globalization (pp. 130-147). London: Routledge, 2010
17
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
A further threat for heritage engaging with global tourism is the inevitable necessity of a certain
degree of worldwide integration and homogenization, which are given via standardization of
training, service and hospitality benchmarks. Indeed, for the global system of travel and tourism to
work efficiently, internationally agreed standards need to be imposed across the world. But this
runs contrary to the tourist’ desire for diversity in travel experience, and negates cultural and
geographical diversity in destinations.
Especially poor countries have a hard time achieving the international standards set by the tourism
sector. There are many issues in the less-developed world that create everyday obstacles to the
sustainable development and management of heritage, including the role of local communities
sharing the benefits of tourism development, empowerment of power, ownership of historic places,
lack of funding and skills and forces displacement to accommodate tourism expansion. The
promise of sustainable heritage tourism becomes difficult to realize if we take into account the fact
that low-income nations receive only a fraction of global tourism revenue (UNWTO 2008).
While there is protest against standardization at the global level, homogenizing policies proposed
by regional blocs that are believed to be more culturally uniform, are perceived as positive
initiatives. This is particularly the case in Asia, the continent with the fastest growth rate of intra-
regional tourism. APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), for instance, is successfully
developing its own Tourism Occupational Skill Standards while ASEAN (Association of the
Southeast Asia Nations) is working on a Common Competency Standards for Tourism
Professionals Framework.
The challenge of standardization is extremely relevant in the context of cultural heritage
management. Heritage destinations worldwide may be adapting themselves to the homogenizing
trends of global tourism, but, at the same time, they have to commodify their local distinctiveness in
order to compete with other destinations. But, after all, it is the local particularity of heritage that
tourists are most interested in witnessing and experiencing.
The general descriptions of heritage tourism coming from academic tourism field talk about the use
of heritage as something to be created, displayed, staged, marketed and consumed, serving the
instrumental needs of large-scale market capitalism.
The other side of the coin gives a different image about the same scenario watching from the point
of view of heritage features and tourism potentialities in a prospective of sustainable future.
The International Cultural Tourism Committee Colloquium held in Canterbury in 2007 by ICOMOS-
UK endorsed a declaration on ‘Finding the Spirit of Place: Conservation, Communities & Cultural
Tourism’ (The Norwich Accord 2009). This recognizes that ‘cultural tourism is a key contributor to
capturing, sustaining, enhancing and presenting the spirit of place’ and ‘cultural value(s). It is one
of the principal drivers for conservation and tourism destination management resulting in important
recognizable community benefits’. Indeed, generally speaking, from the point of view of heritage
experts, the goal of heritage tourism is not to develop tourism but it is to develop culture and
preserve diversity.
Therefore the role that heritage tourism plays nowadays within the growing process of developing
countries is much bigger than what it can seems. As this process is based on the importation of
western models of progress, it becomes a necessity that economic development together with
expansion of tourism industry will not be the only priorities within the political agenda of those
nations. Perhaps, seeking to advance emotional and spiritual quality of life, preserving heritage
18
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
and appropriating promoting it, should became the basis on which to develop policies and strategic
initiatives. It is only necessary assessing effective legal provisions and practical conditions and
demonstrate that they could lead toward a form of development not only more sustainable but even
more economical profitable.
During last general assembly of ICOMOS in 2011 “two notions were particularly mentioned by the
presenters: it is necessary to lean stronger towards uniqueness and to foster the singularity of sites
in order to prevent the phenomenon of homogenization which is generalizing. The second notion
emphasized on the development of a qualitative rather than a quantitative tourism, based on the
preservation and distribution of the full set of values contained in a site, and not only those for
which the site was inscribed / listed. Finally, a tourist should be considered as a citizen. This
approach allows the visitor to share responsibility and to encourage him / her to participate in the
preservation of the site. For this reason, the phenomenon tourism has to be accepted and be well
managed.” 9
In 1999, ICOMOS adopted its International Cultural Tourism Charter, a policy document detailing
the importance of managing tourism at places of heritage significance 11. The overriding importance
of tourism to WHS, both as an opportunity and, if poorly managed, as a threat, was recognized by
the World Heritage Committee when it authorized the World Heritage Centre in 2001 to develop a
Sustainable Tourism Programme which resulted, among other things, in a practical manual on
tourism management (Pedersen 2002).
With the promotion of sustainable tourism actions and improved tourism practices, the World
Heritage Tourism Programme develops policies and processes for site management and for the
States Parties of the Convention to address this increasingly important management issues. It
implements actions to preserve sites for future generations and contributes to sustainable
development and intercultural dialogue 12.
9
Report Session1 HERITAGE AND THE CHALLENGE OF TOURISM: WHAT STRATEGIES, WHICH TOOLS?, op. cit., p.555
10
Salazar Noel B., op.cit.
11
See http://www.icomos.org/tourism/charter.html
12
See http://whc.unesco.org/en/sustainabletourism/
19
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
However the general tendency lies in adopting top-down heritage planning and management
procedures which often results in the disenfranchisement of local people, giving greater
prominence to expression of national, “official” culture and nationalism at the expense of local
culture. This kind of approach has tended to freeze sites and displace human activities, affectively
excluding local people from their own heritage.
Nevertheless there are several initiatives carried out by UNESCO or other international
organizations aiming to improve stewardship and attract the most beneficial and least disruptive
forms of tourism as well as to raise public awareness, foster local participation, advance innovation
and collaboration, and demonstrate affective solutions.
The second session of theme 3 of 2011 ICOMOS General Assembly proposed “four key issues
related to multiple actions that can be put into practice to achieve the development of sustainable
tourism, respectful of heritage sites. However, one should not consider these issues as separate
elements, but rather as transversal principles, that can interact together.
- Preserve authenticity of the place
To preserve for future generations a genuine heritage, it seems essential to put the scientific
knowledge of heritage sites in the heart of future tourism development projects. It means that we
must identify, classify or map the heritage sites. The sustainable tourism projects will also seek to
integrate the identity of the place. A second action is the preservation of identified heritage, which
should not be seen as a burden but as an investment for the future. Heritage preservation often
requires limiting forms of unregulated tourism to safeguard not only the material elements of
heritage objects, but also the spirit of place. Training professionals to work with traditional materials
in a sustainable manner is also essential to ensure the future conservation actions being
conducted.
- Involve local people
The essential role of local people in the development of sustainable tourism has been strongly
emphasized. The best way to preserve the authenticity of heritage sites and to provide right
interpretation is to involve local communities in their management. This can be implemented
through meetings or through advisory committees of the population. Local people may also be
involved in tourism development in historic cities. Several examples have shown heritage sites
where services have been developed for both tourists and residents, thereby promoting joint
participation in the cultural development of the city.
Involving tourists and visitors finding ways of better communicating the reasons why
heritage protection is needed; what type of preservation and conservation activities are
undertaken and why. We need to make sure visitors understand their role in the process so
that they are not outsiders - ‘people who stare’ - but active citizens – ‘people who care’.
- Develop a fair interpretation
An authentic interpretation, developed with local communities will ensure better conservation of
heritage sites and consequently promote the development of sustainable and respectful tourism.
This involves teaching tools, cultural mediation, through training of professional guides. On a wider
scale, the interpretation of a city and its urban fabric must first be part of a sustainable land
management. The use of old buildings of heritage value should be in the development of new
urban infrastructure. Moreover, the adaptation of heritage to new functions related to cultural
development of cities is a good way to implement sustainable tourism.
- Communication and cooperation
20
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
13
Report, Theme 3, session 2 –cit., p.645
14 st
Timothy D.J. and Boyd S.W., Heritage Tourism in the 21 Century: valued traditions and new perspectives, Journal of
Heritage Tourism vol.1, n°1, 2006
21
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CHAPTER 2
Heritage Interpretation
22
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CHAPTER 2
Heritage Interpretation
They mark the difference between interpretation and communication. In fact interpretation has all
to do with communication about which there are clear guidelines established through years of
research in cognitive psychology. But what makes communication interpretative is less easy to
15
See http://www.interpnet.com/
23
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
define. Specifically, three of the six Tilden’s principles set interpretation apart from communication.
They say that interpretation should provoke, relate and reveal 16.
Provoking marks the different between interpretation and information. Information just gives facts
but interpretation provokes ideas. Relating interpretation to its audience is largely about good
communication principles. Revealing gives a new insight into what makes a place special as well
as a new understanding that can also come from an emotional impact or empathy.
2.1.1 W HY INTERPRETING?
In 1999 the Burra Charter (ICOMOS Australia) identifies interpretation as “all the ways of
presenting the cultural significance of a place (art. 1.17)”. Article 25 of the same document states
that “the cultural significance of many places is not readily apparent and should be explained by
interpretation. Interpretation should enhance understanding and enjoyment, and be culturally
appropriate”.
More recently the ICOMOS Charter for Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Site
(Canada, 2008) distinguishes the concept of interpretation and the concept of presentation giving
two different definitions of them. According to the ICOMOS charter interpretation “refers to the full
range of potential activities intended to heighten public awareness and enhance understanding of
cultural heritage property” while presentation “denotes the carefully planned communication of
interpretive content through the arrangement of interpretive information, physical access, and
interpretive infrastructure at a cultural heritage property. It can be conveyed through a variety of
technical means […]”.
As Moscardo argues “successful interpretation is critical both for heritage management and
conservation of built heritage sites and for sustainable tourism” (Moscardo, 1996).
In fact, according with Hall and McArthur 17, traditional heritage management failed because the
significance of visitors was taken in a small account. Therefore, it has been proposed to place the
experience of visitors at the centre of any heritage management process. Within this process
interpretation should achieve two main goals: to enhance the visitor experience and consequently
ensure public support for heritage conservation, and though education to encourage visitors to
behave in appropriate way.
2.1.2 INTERPRETATION FEATURES
Heritage interpretation is important to defining, evoking and enhancing heritage meaning (Uzzell,
1989). But the meaning of a heritage site is not unique neither universal.
Indeed, a single heritage site can provoke varied degrees of understanding, being the
interpretation from a local, national, regional or even global scale. In fact, there is no heritage
without interpretation and the attached subjective meaning is always culturally reconstructed
because society filters heritage through a value system that undoubtedly changes (Timothy and
Boyd, 2003).
The relativity of interpretation goes together with the changing and dynamic character of heritage
which has basically three declinations. The first one lies in the growing amount of heritage. Its
process of recognition (or “creation”) is continuous and seems to lean towards an endless
extension that more and more includes also contemporary built heritage as well as, for instance,
16
Cfr. Carter J, A sense of place, Tourism and Environment Initiative, Inverness 1997
17
Hall, C. M., and S. McArthur Heritage Management: An Introductory Framework. In Heritage Management in New
Zealand and Australia, C. M. Hall and S. McArthur, eds., pp. l-19. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1993
24
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
national kitchens. The second is basically the cause of the previous one and it lies in the variation
of cultural systems and structures changing over time and space and across societies. The latest
one leans on the intrinsic character of the single item considered as heritage when it is part of a
living system that is continuously evolving (mounting population pressures, resource availability
and interactions with other cultures, change) 18.
Regarding interpretation, the tales that visitors will hear, depend upon the guide, the way both
tourists and guide interact, and the broader context in which the guided tour is taking place.
Interpretative services are an essential part of the work of heritage management.
Making the different layers of multiple and shifting meanings and their dissonances accessible and
understandable, for both local residents and tourists from varied backgrounds, requires carefully
designed strategies or representation.
2.1.3 THREATS
The recognition of a sustainable cultural tourism has to be linked to a reflective approach on the
values of heritage and must not be considered outside of the context in which it is placed, to
prevent the risk of sterilizing it or affecting its perception and understanding by the visitor. 19
Indeed, despite the relativity and the complexity of values and meaning lying in heritage, the
globalization phenomenon can seriously influence its interpretation. Indeed, the global resonance
that heritage meaning promotion can have at a global level makes heritage subjected, even more
than in the past, to become a political tool of propaganda. In certain situations meaning of heritage
sites can be manipulated addressing it towards a specific interpretative direction (nationalism,
religious significance, etc.) 20.
Heritage has always been used a tool for propaganda by powerful elements of society and in this
case global tourism lend itself to spread addressed messages in an easy and fast way over the
world.
Furthermore, the desire to re-present heritage for both domestic and international audiences can
creates a tension around the selection of stories to be told and what is to be left untold. 21 Local
meanings about a site are likely to be devalued or erased by the choice of a single meaning much
more marketable and suitable for a wider range of tourists. This preference and selection of
significance of a specific item linked with the surrounding living context, could create conflicts
between different stakeholders that could feel negatively affected or deprived by the meaning
choice. As the selected meaning has to be adapted to marketing and communication criteria to
reach a large audience it is also likely to be simplified and trivialized.
Through the commoditization of culture, traditional arts and festivals are often commercialized to
generate revenue. As a result, the authenticity of these crafts and customs are lost in the race for
economic prosperity that both modernization and Western tourists promote. Often a shell of the
culture is preserved in the form of a festival or hand-woven rug, but the intangible heritage that
gives such artefacts meaning is lost, replaced with the global consumerist culture. Indeed,
18
Cfr. Reinfeld Marti Ann, Tourism and the politics of cultural preservation: a case study of Bhutan, Journal of Public
and International Affairs, Volume 14/Spring 2003, Copyright 2003, the Trustees of Princeton University
http://www.princeton.edu/~jpia
19
Report Theme 3, session 1, Heritage, a driver of development –cit., p.555
20
Right during these days we are watching a further example of religious heritage manipulation that led to the
irreversible act of destruction of the Mali’s World Heritage Site of the Mausoleums of Sidi Mahmoud, Sidi Moctar and
Alpha Moya.
21
Cfr. Salazar, N., op.cit.
25
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
commodification can lead to the erosion of heritage significance until it becomes meaningless. In a
tourism setting this threats people cultural elements becoming commodities that can be bought,
changed or sold. As this occurs people begin to perform exclusively for the tourists‘benefit, and
events may lose their value as a cultural and spiritual manifestation.
The choice of historic towns policy of heritage preservation can also influence heritage
interpretation when they lead to an exaggeration or a hyper-reality of authenticity or when the
States themselves sometimes expressed the wish to change the authenticity of their heritage in
order to please the tourist demand by selling an image often false or not authentic.
Indeed as stated by Alison Hems 22:
“Interpretation is rooted in the experience of the present not in the recreation of the past.”
2.1.4 CHALLENGES
All heritage agencies have a parallel responsibility to promote access and understanding of sites
guaranteeing, meantime, its conservation. Although, several means are available to achieve this
objective, it is neither so evident nor so feasible carrying out both purposes.
Also keeping up with rapidly changing technologies is among the most common challenges that
interpreters have to deal with. Whether it is about updating an existing interpretation plan or it is
about an ex-novo planning process, interpreters should be aware about the wide range of
opportunity that technological devices offer. Together with needs and creativity, new technology is
nowadays an integrative part of most interpretative projects but its adoption is strictly subject to the
economic budget and funding available.
The spread of technology and informatic resources in people daily life and - above all – in most
interpretation centres of western heritage sites, undoubtedly contributed rising visitors
expectations. Although, those expectation could not lie only in technological-based interpretation
but also being raised by further previous experiences or information gathered out-side (internet,
books, brochures, etc.).
For professional interpreters a further challenge includes working in a discipline that still lacks a
coherent framework that allows dealing with the ideas and assumptions coming from audiences
and visitors. Among the objectives that an interpretation plan can set, there is provoking the
audience to think for themselves, thereby coming to their own understanding about what the
subject means to them. As purpose for an interpretation plan, it is not an evident goal to achieve.
The resulting personal connections and meanings are the only way in which visitors’ beliefs,
attitudes and behaviours can be encouraged to change, improve or enrich.
Indeed, they bring with them their own notions of past, their own values and their own sense of
place. This means that also tourists can be interpreters and contribute in a process of interpretative
evolution. But to achieve this purpose it is necessary for interpretation to produce mindful visitors.
According to Moscardo, there are two typologies of factors that influence visitors at built heritage
site: Setting Factors and Visitor Factors. The two sets of factors combine to determine whether
visitors will be mindful or mindless. Figure 3 shows that, as a consequence, the first option lead
more likely to a better experience for visitors.
22
Blockley M.R., Hems A., Heritage Interpretation, English Heritage, 2006
26
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Among other, the model below predicts that ineffective maps and signage at built heritage sites
(poor/no orientation) will be more likely to induce mindlessness in their visitors than those with
effective systems. Therefore the model seems to be a useful tool to reflect about interpretative
mechanisms and eventual actions to be planned.
Moreover, as further challenge, interpretation could play a critical role in sustainable tourism by
“educating tourists about the nature of the host region and culture, informing them of the
consequences of their actions, enhancing their experience and encouraging them to engage in
sustainable behaviours.” 23
Fig.3 Mindfulness Model of visitor behavior and cognition at built heritage sites ( Moscardo G., 1996 p.383)
Referring to Carter’s book 24, the process to structure planned interpretative actions must answer
few questions:
23
Moscardo G., Mindful visitors: Heritage and tourism, Annals of Tourism Research, 23, 1996, p.378,
24
Carter J. cit., p.9
27
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
consider, thinking about how much, where and when to encourage access to those features, will
contribute to give a clear answer to the question.
It is important that these objectives are set precisely in order to ensure a subsequent easy
evaluation. To be useful, objectives should be ‘SMART’, that is they should be:
• Specific: we know exactly what we want to happen
• Measurable: we know how we will measure it
• Appropriate: to site and audience
• Realistic: we have a reasonable chance of achieving it
John Veverka, the author of ‘Interpretive Master Planning’, suggests a useful way of dividing them
into categories suggested by educational theory. These are:
• Learning objectives - what do we want visitors to know or learn as a result of your
interpretation?
• Emotional objectives - what do we want visitors to feel as a result of your interpretation?
• Behavioural objectives - what do we want visitors to do as a result of your interpretation?
• Learning and behavioural objectives could in principle be evaluated fairly simply. Emotional
objectives are more difficult to assess, since they involve the complex of emotions,
opinions, attitudes and values which make up what we call ‘feelings’.
In order to get an interpretation to reflect the real character of a place, it’s worth getting opinions
from those who live there about what they would like to show visitors. Furthermore, including
something of what local people regard as special, it will give them a sense of ownership of what
the visitors are told meantime. This is also a valid mean to induce in local people a sense of pride
and a willing of taking care of their place. Community participation work can allow each individual
to contribute, and give enough data to allow an objective appraisal of the value a community
places on its multi-faceted heritage resources. This helps to avoid the possibility of one group or
one individual being overly assertive.
From the visitors’ point of view, the interpretation conceived with participatory help from local
community can provide a greater sense of the unique character of that place.
Themes, messages and stories to convey will be pointed out as result of studies and research
done to find out about the objectives of the plan. As the process of understanding “what is going to
be interpreted” will probably end with several interesting aspects about the subject, it will be
necessary to make a selection. Themes should be stated as a complete sentence; contain one
main idea; reveal what the interpretation is about; be as interesting as possible; be as specific as
possible. They are statements which unite different strands of information, and use an idea or
concept as a way of understanding a place.
The essence of interpretation is to capture the essence of a place, not to tell people everything
there is to know (Carter, 1997).
Tourists have to be categorized in different typologies in order to better focus on interpretative
“needs” and attitudes; interpretation should match what they want to provide to the sort of
experiences they are looking for.
Within this process the gathered information or the decision taken will influence other issues and
decisions. But the logic of the process does not exclude the necessity of sensitivity and creativity.
The structure of the plan can be approached in different way according to a precise choice or to
information available and to the objectives previously determined. Structure also can be shaped
28
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
according with the needs of the site. For instance dealing with a large area or with a big subject
suggests the creation of a strategic plan that gives statements of intent which then can give
support to actions. A strategic plan also aims to guide and coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders
avoiding their duplication, to ensure comprehensive coverage of a large area or a broadly-based
topic, to establish guidelines for other local and detailed plans and to encourage appropriate
networks. It could provide an agreed structure within which several organizations can work.
Alternative to the strategic plan is a detailed plan for less extensive schemes or area that set out a
programme of work. It should give enough information giving clear objectives and precise
interpretative themes, costing and scheduled actions.
Planning heritage interpretation does not cover only a better communication with visitors, but it is
part of a development and management process, a visitor management programme and a visitor
financial programme. Meanwhile it should also achieve other benefits related to conservation,
sustainable tourism or community development.
2.3 MEDIA
The choice of media through which messages and stories have to be conveyed to the visitors is
addressed by the themes themselves as well as by the typology of visitors.
The media that will be chosen must balance what has been thought appropriate for the audience,
for the budget, for the story one want to tell, and most importantly for the site. It is important to
remember that the media will become a part of the place.
This is a critical phase of the interpretation planning process. Indeed, it lies in a communications
strategy that encompasses the role of marketing and public relations. It should target the key
market segments that heritage managers wish to reach, generate interest and reasons to visit the
heritage site and create reasons to return and critically, return on a regular basis.
One of the most consistent findings in visitor studies is that interactive interpretive techniques are
effective at catching and keeping visitor attention and at improving learning and interest.
Studies comparing traditional – static and one-dimensional - exhibits or interpretative techniques to
interactive or participatory ones, indicate that improvements in interpretative effectiveness are
related to increased opportunities for visitors to participate in and control the interpretation that they
receive. Audio-visual, multisensory and dynamic interpretative techniques appear to enhance
visitor attention and learning. Today multi-media devices come abreast with Innovative
Technologies that, using for instance web based or Smartphone technology, allow people to
access relevant local information via their mobile phones. This means that compared with multi-
media, this kind of technology allows its use also outside a facility structure such as a tourism
centre. However, it seems here necessary to mention that there is an ongoing debate about the
use of Innovative Technologies on heritage interpretation where the main question seems to be: is
the use of IT enhancing or trivialising the experience of cultural heritage?
Despite the technological progresses, there are still traditional means that being adopted still
nowadays, are able to increase cognitive orientation and, in certain case, are more compatible with
the surrounding (cultural or natural) context.
29
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Here is a summary of the main interpretative media together with the advantages and
disadvantages that their use encompasses. 25
A D VA N TA G E S D I S A D VA N TA G E S
PRINTED MATERIALS • Tell visitors how they can get the most from their visit. • Discourage people who don’t
• Provide an overview of the stories that the resource tells. like to read (a surprisingly large
• Allow visitors to absorb information at their own pace. percentage).
• Provide detailed information about the resource. • Create litter.
• Tell visitors how to access additional information about the • Require frequent revision to
resource. remain up to date.
• Be useful in presenting a sequential or especially complex • Require a distribution system.
story. • Be expensive, if writing and
• Be useful in situations where there are no objects to design consultants are involved.
display. • Clutter up inventory stock if
• Provide a self-guided tour of the resource, where they don’t sell well.
appropriate.
• Show what the resource looks like at different times of the
year.
• Go home with the visitor, which extends the interpretive
message off site, provides a souvenir, and encourages return
visits.
• Generate income, if offered for sale
• Be published in different languages and specifically for
different audiences.
• Be affordable.
PANELS AND • Welcome visitors when no one is available to greet them. • Look intrusive in some
BANNERS • Help to establish an identity for the resource. settings.
• Provide orientation to the resource and tell visitors where • Be difficult for groups of
they’re allowed to go. people to read at the same
• Provide interpretation at any time of the day and exactly time.
where it’s needed. • Frustrate visitors who have
• Interpret objects in their own setting, providing visitors a additional questions.
more direct experience with the resource. • Be inadequate to interpret
• Alert visitors to resource management issues such as complicated stories, because
environmental impact or dangerous conditions. the space available for graphics
• Be designed to blend in with the local environment. and text is limited.
• Show a feature from a view that’s difficult for visitors to • Seem static when compared
reach. to multi-media presentations.
• Integrate pictures and diagrams with text – for instance, • Be subject to vandalism and
show how a scene the visitor sees today might have looked in wear, especially under extreme
the past, or how a geological formation was created over conditions.
time, or how invisible phenomena affect the resource. • Require expensive site
• Be relatively inexpensive. preparations before installation.
• Be replaced relatively quickly and inexpensively, because
they are produced from digital files that are easily
reproduced.
MULTI-MEDIA • Create a mood or atmosphere • Not be appropriate in all
• Tell stories with excitement, drama, special effects and locations (for example, many
music. outdoors).
• Capture actual events and provide emotional impact. • Make the interpretation more
• Speed up time (two-hundred years of history), slow it down spectacular than the resource
(the flight of a hummingbird), or illustrate “before” and itself.
“after”. • Seem isolating, cold, or
• Provide views of places, features, or seasons not otherwise impersonal compared with
accessible. guided tours or other face-to-
25
Lancaster County Planning Commission, Telling Our Stories, An Interpretation Manual for Heritage Partners, 2007
30
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Once interpretative media have been chosen, a final detailed plan should also specify what
message each piece should communicate: its theme. In programmes of guided walks, is
recommendable to leave room for the leaders to plan their own approach, but for panels and
leaflets the copy writer and designer need a clear brief as to what need to be achieved.
31
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Therefore each piece of interpretation also needs specific objectives for what it is to achieve.
Objectives can cover any one or any combination, of these things:
• what you want people to know as a result of your interpretation;
• what you want people to feel as a result of your interpretation;
• what you want people to do as a result of your interpretation.
32
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CHAPTER 3
International and Indian legal and policy framework
33
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CHAPTER 3
International and Indian legal and policy framework
The present chapter gathers together those international and Indian legal tools that give support to
the importance of heritage interpretation concept whether as part of sustainable tourism and as
part of heritage preservation projects. Having a closer look to the international policies and charters
will constitute part of the theoretical ground on which developing proposals for an interpretation
Plan.
International networks dealing both with tourism field and heritage sector, are considered in order
to analyse and define a legislative framework for interpretative strategies.
Within the list of legal provisions dealing with tourism, sustainable tourism or heritage conservation
and management, the most significant articles or part of documents concerning interpretation –
directly or indirectly - have been highlighted.
The international network of organizations dealing, directly or indirectly, with tourism is constituted
from a wide numbers of NGOs and associations. Here is a partial list of them:
• UNWTO – United Nations World Tourism Organisation which includes the Sustainable Tourism
Department. It defined the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) as a comprehensive
set of principles designed to guide key-players in tourism development which has been adopted
in 1999 by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization, and acknowledged by the
United Nations two years later. Although not legally binding, the Code features a voluntary
implementation mechanism through its recognition of the role of the World Committee on
Tourism Ethics (WCTE), to which stakeholders may refer matters concerning the application
and interpretation of the document. The Code’s 10 principles amply cover the economic, social,
cultural and environmental components of travel and tourism:
Article 1: Tourism's contribution to mutual understanding and respect between peoples and societies
Article 2: Tourism as a vehicle for individual and collective fulfilment
Article 3: Tourism, a factor of sustainable development
Article 4: Tourism, a user of the cultural heritage of mankind and contributor to its enhancement
Article 5: Tourism, a beneficial activity for host countries and communities
Article 6: Obligations of stakeholders in tourism development
34
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
• UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme that supported the UNCSD Rio+20
Conference which principles and recommendations about sustainability are however
specifically directed towards the environment and fighting poverty pointing also on public
awareness and education
• GSTC – Global Sustainable Tourism Council is a global initiative dedicated to promoting
sustainable tourism practices around the world. Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria are an
effort led by a coalition of more than 30 diverse organizations and businesses to come to a
common understanding of sustainable tourism, and will be the minimum that any tourism
business should aspire to reach. The Criteria were developed over a nearly two-year period with
the input of the world’s leading tourism experts, academics, and members of the private sector,
through an extensive public consultation process. The resulting sets of criteria are organized
around four main themes:
• effective sustainability planning;
• maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community;
• enhancing cultural heritage;
• reducing negative impacts to the environment.
However, these criteria refer only to hotels and tour operators and exclude several major
constituents of the tourism industry such as local communities, destination management, transport,
airlines, beaches and backwaters, wellness, as well as operational focus which requires indicators
and governance coefficients going beyond statements of intent.
To date, two sets of GSTC Criteria have been developed: for hotels and tour operators, and for
destinations (currently in the process of public consultation of the first draft)
EXTRACT FROM GSTC FOR HOTELS AND TOUR OPERATORS:
C. Maximize benefits to cultural heritage and minimize negative impacts.
C.1. the company follows established guidelines or a code of behaviour for visits to culturally or
historically sensitive sites, in order to minimize visitor impact and maximize enjoyment.
C.2. Historical and archaeological artefacts are not sold, traded, or displayed, except as permitted
by law.
C.3. The business contributes to the protection of local historical, archaeological, culturally, and
spiritually important properties and sites, and does not impede access to them by local residents.
C.4 The business uses elements of local art, architecture, or cultural heritage in its operations,
design, decoration, food, or shops; while respecting the intellectual property rights of local
communities
EXTRACT FROM GSTC FOR DESTINATIONS:
C. Maximize benefits to communities, visitors and cultural heritage, and minimize negative impacts
26
See http://ethics.unwto.org/en/content/global-code-ethics-tourism
35
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
C1 Attraction protection: The destination has a policy and program to conserve key cultural and
natural tourist attractions to ensure that landscapes, ecosystems and habitats are identified.
Threats to them are identified and assessed, and access and use is managed to be sustainable.
C2 Visitor management plans: The destination has a visitor management plan for key attraction
sites including measures to preserve and protect key natural and cultural assets.
C3 VISITOR BEHAVIOUR AND INTERPRETATION IN SENSITIVE SITES: the destination has developed
guidelines for interpretation and codes of behaviour for visits to culturally or ecologically
sensitive sites, in order to minimize visitor impact and maximize enjoyment.
C5 SITE INTERPRETATION: Information about and interpretation of the natural surroundings ,
local culture and cultural heritage is provided to visitors in various languages as well as
explaining appropriate behaviour while visiting natural areas, living cultures, cultural
heritage sites and communities.
C6 Protection of community property and rights: The destination contributes to the protection and
preservation of the intellectual property rights of local communities and of property rights to local
historical, archaeological, culturally and spiritually important properties and sites.
A large number of non-profit organizations deals with sustainable or responsible tourism such as
the Travel Corporation Conservation Foundation that, like the World Monuments Fund, provides
tourists with tips for travelling responsibly that includes, within others, “Tread lightly. The
destinations we visit are exceptional due to their natural or cultural beauty - help to keep them that
way by sticking to designated trails” 27.
3.1.2 HERITAGE FIELD
• UNESCO In 2011 UNESCO embarked on developing a new World Heritage and
Sustainable Tourism Programme. The aim of the programme is to create an international
framework for the cooperative and coordinate achievement of shared and sustainable outcomes
related to tourism at World Heritage properties. The proposed Programme will be presented for
adoption by the World Heritage Committee in 2012 at its 36th session in St Petersburg, Russian
Federation.
UNESCO promotes and trusts in a tourism's development able to enhance visitor's understanding
and appreciation for heritage values through interpretation, presentation and visitor services.
• ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Cultural Tourism (ISCCT), fashioned the
first International Charter on Cultural Tourism dated 1976, nearly 40 years ago.
The current charter, adopted at the 12th General Assembly, Mexico in 1999 replaces that from
1976 and focuses on ‘Managing Tourism at Places of Heritage Significance’ 28. One of its many
objectives is to “encourage those formulating plans and policies to develop detailed, measurable
goals and strategies relating to the presentation and interpretation of heritage places and cultural
activities, in the context of their preservation and conservation” The Charter’s six principles seek to:
1) Foster cultural exchange – raising public awareness of a community’s heritage and culture by
imparting information through presenting conservation led interpretation programmes;
27
http://www.ttcconservationfoundation.com/content/tips-travelling-responsibly
28
ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Cultural Tourism, International Charter on Cultural Tourism, 1999
http://www.heritagemalta.org/erdf032/documents/06_ICOMOS%20International%20Cultural%20Tourism%20Charter
.pdf
36
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
2) Manage the Dynamic Relationship between Heritage Places & Tourism in a sustainable way for
present and future generations through policy formulation and management plans
3) Ensure a Worthwhile Satisfying and Enjoyable Visitor Experience through conservation and
tourism planning;
4) Involve Host and Indigenous Communities in conservation and tourism planning;
5) Provide Benefit for the Host Community through education and training; socio-economic
development, and return of tourism revenues
6) Promote Tourism Programmes to protect heritage characteristics - manage visitor expectations
(and behaviour), encourage local craft activities & exploration of the wider region.
ICOMOS Charter For the Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites (2008) 29
recognized the need for the development of a set of principles and strategies to guide
interpretation and presentation methods in order to foster better understanding of and support for
heritage conservation among visitors and locals. It provides definitions of key words and a set of
seven principles.
Interpretation refers to the full range of potential activities intended to heighten public awareness
and enhance understanding of cultural heritage site. These can include print and electronic
publications, public lectures, on-site and directly related off-site installations, educational
programmes, community activities, and ongoing research, training, and evaluation of the
interpretation process itself.
Presentation more specifically denotes the carefully planned communication of interpretive
content through the arrangement of interpretive information, physical access, and interpretive
infrastructure at a cultural heritage site. It can be conveyed through a variety of technical means,
including, yet not requiring, such elements as informational panels, museum-type displays,
formalized walking tours, lectures and guided tours, and multimedia applications and websites.
PRINCIPLES
Principle 1: Access and Understanding
Principle 2: Information Sources
Principle 3: Attention to Setting and Context
Principle 4: Preservation of Authenticity
Principle 5: Planning for Sustainability
Principle 6: Concern for Inclusiveness
Principle 7: Importance of Research, Training, and Evaluation
OBJECTIVES
1. Facilitate understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage sites and foster public awareness
and engagement in the need for their protection and conservation.
2. Communicate the meaning of cultural heritage sites to a range of audiences through careful,
documented recognition of significance, through accepted scientific and scholarly methods as well
as from living cultural traditions.
3. Safeguard the tangible and intangible values of cultural heritage sites in their natural and cultural
settings and social contexts.
29
http://www.international.icomos.org/charters/interpretation_e.pdf
37
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
4. Respect the authenticity of cultural heritage sites, by communicating the significance of their
historic fabric and cultural values and protecting them from the adverse impact of intrusive
interpretive infrastructure, visitor pressure, inaccurate or inappropriate interpretation.
5. Contribute to the sustainable conservation of cultural heritage sites, through promoting public
understanding of, and participation in, ongoing conservation efforts, ensuring long-term
maintenance of the interpretive infrastructure and regular review of its interpretive contents.
6. Encourage inclusiveness in the interpretation of cultural heritage sites, by facilitating the
involvement of stakeholders and associated communities in the development and implementation
of interpretive programmes.
7. Develop technical and professional guidelines for heritage interpretation and presentation,
including technologies, research, and training. Such guidelines must be appropriate and
sustainable in their social contexts.
In a world that is increasingly subject to the forces of globalisation and homogenisation, and in a
world in which the search for cultural identity is sometimes pursued through aggressive nationalism
and the suppression of cultures of minorities, the essential contribution made by the consideration
of authenticity in conservation practice is to clarify and illuminate the collective memory of
humanity. Therefore, Nara Document on Authenticity conceived in the spirit of the Charter of
Venice, is useful to achieve this purpose determining parameters of authenticity in a diverse
cultural context such as that of India.
38
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
cultures and civilizations; enhancing linkages between culture and development through capacity
building and the sharing of knowledge. 30
• ASEAN – ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS -> MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
ON ASEAN-INDIA TOURISM COOPERATION 31
Tourism ministers from India and ASEAN member countries signed on January 2012 a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ASEAN–India tourism cooperation during the ASEAN
Tourism Forum at the Grand Kawanua Convention Center in Manado, North Sulawesi. It seems
here remarkable to recall this agreement as within the reciprocal exchange of programmes and
projects among the parties, India could get a fruitful support and inspiration to improve and
enhance its own programme about tourism initiatives and legal provisions
TOURISM FIELD
• Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
The potential of tourism in a globalised environment was brought out in the first Tourism Policy of
India in 1982 that perceived the role of this sector as a major engine of growth and sought to
integrate it with all other sectors that are related in a major way with tourism through a well defined
and fully integrated national programme. 32 Both the public and the private sector were to play an
important role. Tourism was subsequently recognized as an industry in 1986 and in 1991, it was
declared as a priority sector for foreign investment. It was in this context of changed thrust on
tourism, the Policy was revised in 2002.
National Tourism Policy 2002 33 aims at taking advantage of the tourism potential of all sectors,
starting with spatial physical diversity from mountainous range to desert stretches in different
regions in the country, the man-made attractions of historical interest, heritage buildings, crafts and
culture of the people as tourism products, and in this context, also seeks to use the tourism route
to create as many skilled and unskilled employment as possible. The eco-tourism policy and
guidelines states that one of the cardinal principles of tourism is involvement of the local
community with minimum conflicts between resource use for tourism and the livelihood of the local
people.
Apart from retaining the role of tourism as a major engine of economic growth, the 2002 Policy
Statement intends to expand the role of tourism to harness its direct and multiplier effects for
employment and poverty eradication in an environmentally sustainable manner. 34
Sustainable Tourism Criteria For India 2012 35 The document has a background the initiative of
30 organizations grouped together, garnering the goodwill of UNEP and UNWTO, to promote the
30
http://asian-academy.org/about-aahm.html
31
http://www.aseansec.org/document/MOU%20on%20ASEAN-India%20Tourism%20Cooperation.pdf
32
Department of Tourism, Government of India, Draft National Tourism Policy: Spatio - Economic Development
Record, Vol. 4, July-August,1997
33
http://www.tourism.gov.in/writereaddata/Uploaded/ImpDoc/071920111129103.pdf
34
Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India: National Tourism Policy 2002
35
http://tourism.nic.in/writereaddata/CMSPagePicture/file/marketresearch/studyreports/Sustainable_Tourism_Report
_for_MOT-GOI-%20FINAL%20APPROVED.pdf
39
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
“Global Sustainable Tourism Council” and their “Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria” (GSTC) for
adoption by hotels and tour operators, drawn from criteria generated by a variety of sources.
A sub-committee chaired by Joint Secretary (Tourism), Government of India and comprising expert
stakeholders was constituted in 2010 for defining Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) and
indicators.
Chap. 2 Background:
“[…] sustainable tourism can provide solutions to the issues of inclusive growth. Besides, the
‘return to roots’ focus in tourism is interlinked with increased access to information, enlarged
interest in heritage and culture, improved accessibility and climate change concerns. India
has taken a lead in this field. Tourism experiences across the country now provide quality
time visits for participatory settings where the takeaway includes the enduring way of life, art,
culture and heritage that are community-owned, culturally expressive and environmentally
sustainable. There is simultaneous benefit for local communities with the enriching
connection between visitor and host. Attitudes and mindsets are transformed, imparting local
pride and visitor appreciation. The visitor thus comes face to front with India’s
vernacular traditions as they vibe with the present. Sustainable visitor strategies
based on art, craft, cultural & natural heritage and environment care can hence target
larger tourism yields which could contribute significantly to conservation and to the
rural sector in particular. The primary target segment here is low-volume but high-yield
visitors, compatible with the carrying capacity of the local environment, alternate energy
options, local community acceptance and visitor satisfaction.
[…]It is the intention that the countrywide experiential tourism attractions get developed for
the socio-economic benefit of local communities, especially in order to strengthen inclusive
economic growth. It is equally important to ensure that increased socio-economic well-
being does not cause permanent or long-term damage to the country’s physical,
cultural and environmental heritage. The use of existing resources, both tangible and
intangible, has to be undertaken judiciously for the well-being of the present
generation but not at the cost of depriving future generations of any part of our
inheritance.”
ADDITIONAL NATIONAL TOURISM BODIES:
• National Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC)
The NTAC, which consists of representatives from various Union Ministries, trade and industry
associations and individuals from the field of Travel and Tourism Management, serves as a think-
tank of the Ministry of Tourism for the development of tourism in the country
• Hospitality Development and Promotion Board’ (HDPB)
To address the constraints being faced by the hotel industry in obtaining multiple clearances, and
to streamline the system for speedy clearances of hotel projects
• India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC)
ITDC came into existence in October 1966 and has been the prime mover in the progressive
development, promotion and expansion of tourism in the country. Broadly, the main objectives of
the Corporation are: within other occupations the Corporation is engaged in production, distribution
and sale of tourist publicity literature
40
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
HERITAGE FIELD
India is party to the World Heritage Convention ratified by India on November 14, 1977. and the
Archaeological Survey of India is responsible for the protection of all Indian cultural properties
included in the World Heritage List.
The Indian legislation concerning archaeological and historical such as intangible heritage due to
the lack of updating does not take into account the tourism as phenomenon link in some way to the
heritage preservation and management. Therefore there is not any reference about heritage
interpretation among the heritage national policies.
India does not have a national policy and legislation for heritage protection and management. All
protected sites at national level adhere to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and
Remains Act 1958 enacted on August 28, 1958.
• MINISTRY OF CULTURE The mission of the department is to preserve, promote and
disseminate all forms of art and culture. In order to achieve this, the department undertakes the
following activities:
• Maintenance and conservation of heritage, historic sites and ancient monuments
• Administration of libraries
• Promotion of literary, visual and performing arts
• Observation of centenaries and anniversaries of important national personalities and events
• Promotion of institutions and organizations of Buddhist and Tibetan studies
• Promotion of institutional and individual non-official initiatives in the fields of art and culture
• Entering into cultural agreements with foreign countries.
The functional spectrum of the Department ranges from creating cultural awareness from the grass
root level to the international cultural exchange level. 36
36
http://indiaculture.nic.in/indiaculture/msission-statement.html
41
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
TOURISM FIELD
The tourism business is carried out at the State level through three levels of organizations, namely:
The Department of Tourism, Art and Culture at the state level, the Tourist Reception Centres at
administrative zone level and the Rajasthan Tourist Development Corporation (RTDC) at state
private level. The Department is the highest body at the state level and is responsible for policy
guidelines and formulation of policy milestones. Since tourism is a multi sector activity, important
departments are always consulted before major decisions are taken.
The tourism is facilitated at the local levels through Tourism Reception Centres, spread over the
State and these centres also act as monitors of the progress in tourism. It also acts as the
information providing centre.
• GOVERNMENT OF RAJASTHAN DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2001 38
Preamble:
Tourism has emerged as an important instrument for sustainable human Development […]
promoting social integration and international understanding.
The primary agenda of Government is to promote tourism as a means to ensure sustainable
economic development and positive social change through development of tourism while
preserving and protecting the environment and heritage.
Objectives:
30.2 Optimum utilisation of rich tourist resources of the State in order to attract the
maximum number of domestic and international tourists;
30.3 To facilitate the growth of tourism in the State and to further involve the private sector in the
development of tourism in Rajasthan;
30.4 Preservation of rich natural habitat and bio-diversity, historical, architectural and
cultural heritage of Rajasthan; special emphasis on conservation of historical monuments
in Rajasthan;
30.5 To develop a ready market for the rich and varied handicrafts and cottage industries of
Rajasthan; ensure welfare of artisans/ artistes;
30.6 To promote inter cultural understanding through religious / pilgrim tourism and fairs and
festivals;
30.8 To make tourism a "People's Industry" in the state;
30.9 To minimise the negative impacts of tourism and promote sustainable tourism;
36.3 State Government would encourage Heritage hotel movement in the state in order to provide
quality accommodation for the tourist and also save precious historical heritage from dilapidation.
40. Development of Nazool Properties of Heritage Value
37
http://www.intach.org/divi-heritage-tourism-division.asp?links=dhtd1
38
http://ppp.rajasthan.gov.in/index.htm
42
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
40.1 There are large numbers of historical buildings / monuments which are not protected
by Department of Archaeology and Museums or Archaeological Survey of India and which
are owned by the State government.
40.2 These properties would be transferred to Department of Tourism for developing them
into heritage hotels / tourist museums / tourist complexes / tourist resorts in collaboration
with private entrepreneurs.
Heritage Tourism
52.1.4 The State abounds with some of the best Forts and Palaces in the country spread
throughout the State. The Government will encourage the preservation, conservation and upkeep
of such heritage properties and selectively open some of them for being developed into Hotels /
Tourist Complex.
52.1.5 The State will encourage private investment in developing ancient buildings and heritage
properties as tourist resorts.
52.1.6 The properties owned by the State government will be offered on easy terms to private
entrepreneurs for conversion into hotels. Essential infrastructure, which is considered necessary,
would be provided by the State on a selective basis.
52.1.7 Corporate sector would be invited to join hands with the Government in conservation of
historical heritage and monuments in the State.
52.1.8 Students, Teachers and National Service Scheme (NSS)
Preservation of Historical and Cultural Heritage
52.1.38 The Government proposes to encourage private initiative in the preservation of rare
monuments, Forts and palaces by encouraging private investment in their restoration and
renovation as has been done in Israel.
52.1.39 Efforts will be made to co-ordinate preservation, conservation and upkeep of old buildings
with all departments including ASI, Archaeology, Devasthan, Waqf Board, UIT's Municipal
Corporations etc. Efforts at revival of traditional building arts etc. would be supported.
52.1.40 Private people/firms and voluntary organisations interested in such preservation will be
offered individual monuments on settled terms and conditions for restoration and preservation. To
assist the Government, a technical group would be set up of eminent historians, archaeologists,
engineers etc. to oversee such projects.
52.1.41 Management of protected monuments will be done in cooperation with private
sector\NGOs.
It is not very clear how exactly the attraction of the maximum number of tourists stated as objective
(30.2) can lead to a minimum impact (30.9) as well as to the preservation of the natural habitat and
bio-diversity, historical, architectural and cultural heritage (30.4). Moreover, it is very evident the
extension of the promoted involvement of the private sector concerning not just tourism services
management but also heritage management.
By the way beside this a number of schemes outlined below call for attention as they mention
some Jaipur site and they can impact the Walled city and the Jantar Mantar World Heritage Site:
(i) Under a scheme for land and property belonging to Devasthan Department, projects can be
jointly undertaken by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, Rajasthan State Housing
Corporation, Department of Tourism and Devasthan Department to utilize such land/ property
(usually lying under utilised or in danger of encroachment) for Dharamshalas (rest houses for
pilgrims) as Yatri Niwas (budget rest houses), tourist complexes for promotion of pilgrimage and
cultural tourism. This particular scheme could be applicable on the adjoining property of Anand
Bihari temple west of Jantar Mantar that belongs to the Devasthan Department from the Ministry
of Tourism.
(ii) For expanding investment in tourism infrastructure, there are proposals for attracting
institutional finance from the Tourism Finance Corporation of India, Department of Tourism,
Rajasthan Tourist Development Corporation and Rajasthan Finance Corporation and investment
43
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
from non resident Indians, undertaking joint venture with private sector. The Department of
Archaeology and Museum has already availed this opportunity once in funding conservation works
for Jantar Mantar in 2006- 2008 through a centrally sponsored scheme
RAJASTHAN TOURISM TRADE (FACILITATION AND REGULATION) ACT, 2010 passed by the state
assembly during the budget session 2010 to provide, at various tourist destinations, for facilities to
the tourists visiting the state and to provide for certain measures to make their travel hassle free as
also to regulate conduct of persons confronting them or dealing with them. Framing of various rules
is completed and notifications under the act have been issued. 39
The Strategic Action Plan for Tourism Development in Rajasthan should focus on the following:
• Creation of New Circuits/ Destinations
• Creation of New Tourism Products
• Tourism as a Vehicle for Area Development
• Creation of Tourism Relevant Direct Infrastructure
• Exploiting Opportunities to Increase Tourism Revenues
• Tourism Marketing
[…] Rajasthan should change its perception as being merely a heritage and cultural
tourist destination by offering tourist a diverse range of new tourism products, which
would attract an entire new class/ category of tourist in the state as indicated below.
Indeed tourists’ reason for travelling are classified by the document as below, exclude any form or
cultural interest:
• Leisure, recreation and holidays
• Visiting friends and relatives
• Business and professional
• Health treatment
• Religion and pilgrimage
• Others (weekly hats, etc.)
Tourist is seen as a bearer of money to whom gives a good reason to spend them. In fact heritage
preservation and interpretation is not mentioned throughout the whole document.
RAJASTHAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (RTDC) is incorporated as a Private Limited
Company under the Indian Companies Act 1956. The Corporate major activity is to provide
comprehensive hotel facilities and management of hotel affairs including the private sector. It also
looks after transport in a limited manner and show casing local festivals. It also develops places of
tourist interest and gives important tourist information by way of literature and web portal. It also
“offers to discover the authenticity of this exotic state. But it has no official linkage with other city
level authorities and organizations that have a role in the promotion of tourism in the city. As such,
lack of coordination or absence of an apex body providing directions act as a major stumbling
block in the development of tourism in the city.
HERITAGE FIELD
The State of Rajasthan adopted The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
Act 1958 (No 24 of1958) in 1961.
Department of Archaeology & Museums is responsible for the protection of all national level
heritage sites in India. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act is
applicable to all nationally protected heritage sites and for the India’s general compliance with the
Convention, and for nominating sites in India. The Department was established to manage the
cultural heritage of Rajasthan through conservation, restoration, research, publication, survey,
documentation, excavation, exploration, acquisition, exposition and to promote cultural tourism. It
has been making concerted efforts to discover, preserve, protect, exhibit and interpret the cultural
legacy embodied in various forms of art and architecture.
The Department has 324 protected monuments, 17 museums, 1 art gallery, 04 propose museums
and 47 archaeological sites under its control.
The Rajasthan Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Antiquities Act, is dated 1961.
Nevertheless, within the “new initiatives”, the DAM carried out:
45
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
REMARK:
Recognizing that modernization is in many ways necessary to improve the overall quality of life in
developing countries such as India, it is substantial that it have not vanquish the rich, centuries-old
culture which are a not renewable resource necessary for a sustainable development.
National, state and local tourism policies designed to prevent both the abandonment of its culture
and the indiscriminate adoption of a western model that may be only superficially appealing, could
achieve this objective, fundamental for preserving the wealth of cultural diversity creating a network
of collaboration having as subject the heritage. Therefore ministries and departments, from tourism
and culture to social welfare, environment, urban development, could work together in heritage
tourism related projects, through the establishment of a specific boards for inter-department
cooperation, guaranteeing the coherence of the procedures and interventions.
46
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CHAPTER 4
Interpretation of a WHS: Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
47
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CHAPTER 4
Interpretation of a WHS: Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Jantar Mantar sites in India represent the historic-cultural group of observatories from the 18th
century, built by the astronomer Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (1686-1743). The group was
constituted by five observatories: Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura. While the latest has
been completely destroyed over the centuries, the observatory of Jaipur, the biggest of five
observatories, represents the best preserved example of astronomical masonry instrument
complex in India also hosting Brihat Samrat Yantra, the largest sundial in the world dominating the
skyline from about 19 metres above the ground level. The majority of the devices are typical for big
observatories in the Islamic world. The most significant one, built by famous Ulugh Begh (1394-
1449) in Samarkand has been an inspiring example for Jai Singh.
The observatory is an architectural ensemble of astronomical instruments of varied sizes, set in an
enclosure on a flat ground. The site at present comprises of 19 distinguishable historic structures
that incorporate the observational instruments in stone and metal interlinked by paved pathways
and intermittent soft areas developed as lawns. Amongst the structures, some are individual
48
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
49
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
42
Cit. UNESCO World Heritage website http://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/3996
Fig. 8: Plano f Jantar Mantar indicating the boundary of the listed property and the location on of various astronomical instruments
50
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
pointed arches facing the observatory side forms the eastern edge. The wall continues from the
eastern to the southern edge of the site. The Hawa Mahal and the Naya Mahal (Vidhan Sabha)
building are other important landmarks within the Chowkri Sarhad that lie to the east of the Police
Headquarter building. The Buffer Zone for the Jantar Mantar site includes the Hawa Mahal, the
Police Headquarters and the Anand Bihari Temple along with some ancillary structures along the
northern and southern boundaries of the site.
4.1.1 HISTORY
The Hindu prince Jai Singh II inherited the principality of
Amber when it was thirteen 43, under the kingdom of the
sixth Great Mogul Aurangzeb (1658-1707). During this
period the persecution of Hindus, started by his
predecessor Shah Jahan (1627-1658), continued with the
exclusion of Hindus from Mogul administration and
punishments for not to be converted to Islam. In this
context Jai Singh II followed the path of his ancestors in
offering his allegiance to the Mogul emperors which in
exchange gave him relative freedom. The ruling period of
Jain Sigh II was an age marked by conflicts where the
successors of the Great Mogul Aurangzeb drove out and
murdered one other in quick succession. Jai Singh II
made use of the short spell of time between individual
campaigns and until the invasion of India by the Persian
Nadir Shah in 1739, to devote himself to those activities
for which he is ultimately remembered: astronomy and
Fig. 9 : Sawai Jai Singh II portray (source:
architecture.
In 1719, while participating in a discussion on the astronomical calculations for determining a
favourable date for the new Emperor Mohammed Shah to commence a long journey, Jai Singh II
realised how inaccurate the existing instruments were and decided to build several observatories.
With the permission of the emperor, he had an astronomical observatory built in Jaipur in 1718,
much before the creation of the city (Papillaut 2008, p.80). The construction of the observatory in
Delhi started one year later, in 1719, to end in 1724. But this is just one of the theories about it;
some scholars see the possible period of the initiation of the observatory at the time the foundation
of the city was laid, in 1727. Although this second theory is fragile as the foundation of Jaipur is
dated in 1728 when documents prove that the astronomic complex had already substantial number
of instruments which construction, nevertheless, continued till 1738. However, the most widely
accepted date by when the observatory is said to have been completed is 1734.
The measurements made from these observatories enabled him to publish in 1733, his own
astronomical table which corrects the ancient Indian treatises. Jai Singh II dedicated one of his
treatises to emperor Muhammad Shah asking him to correct the calendar of political and religious
43
This is what Volwahsen says in his book, Cosmic Architecture in India: The Astronomical Monuments of Maharaja Jai
Singh II, while according to Papillaut and Prahland Singh Jai Signh became monarch of Amber in 1699 at the age of
eleven.
51
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
affairs, which was directly dependant on the accurate measurement of time (Prahland Singh, 1978,
p.14). Volwahsen in his book Cosmic Architecture in India, states that before to start with the
construction of its observatories, the maharaja had already written his famous text Zij-i-Muhammad
Shahi catalogue of stars and planets 44. The author explains that the court of Jai Singh II received
many inputs about astronomy and the latest and more advanced astronomic tools and findings
whether from the eastern than from the western part of the world. It is sure that the maharaja was
familiar with small European and Arabian instruments such as with the telescope which had been
known in Europe since the days of Galileo (1564-1642). Indeed, Jesuits on their travels brought
these instruments to the court in Jaipur.
For this reasons, Volwahsen denies that the Jai Singh’s reason to build large fixed instruments
without sighting equipment appropriate to the current state of technology, was reaching a more
accurate degree of measurement of celestial position and movements. Instead he argues the
hypothesis that Jai Singh’s works, from Jantar Mantar to Jaipur city planning, were informed by
Hindu philosophy. In fact the author detects, through the use of mandala as geometric frame for
Jaipur plan and as foundation platform for some astronomic instrument, a desire to bring
architecture and the cosmos into a comprehensible relationship by means of astronomy, to keep
out the external chaos and barbarian of humans by creating a personal world marked by science
and universal principles of order.
4.1.2. RESTORATION WORKS AND INTERVENTIONS
44
Zij-i-Muhammad Shai (set of astronomical tablets) provided a valuable help to the traditional Islamic scholars of
Indian preparing almanacs for more than 100 years and which helped the Hindu astronomers in preparing their
pancangas (Hindu calendar).
52
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
The first major repair of the observatory took place during the reign of Maharaja Ram Singh II
(1835 – 1880), completed around 1876 AD.
Phase III - From 1880 to 1947 The observatory remained in a state of abandon and decay4 up to
1891. In 1901-02, a major restoration of the observatory was undertaken, headed by Lieutenant
AH Garrett, Resident Engineer posted at Jaipur. The instruments were completely restored during
the period with local masons, materials and workmanship. Their scales were redrawn and in some
cases, the instruments were also altered.
Phase VI - Post Independence up to 2005 The Jantar Mantar, observatory came under the
jurisdiction of the Government of Rajasthan and became a protected monument under the Ancient
Monuments and Antiquities Act. It has been maintained by the Department of Archaeology and
Museums since 1968. The intervention during the rest of the interventions involved overall site and
its landscape. Entry in south wall was closed; a toilet block and a museum building were added. A
ticket office building was constructed and extended up to Anand Bihari Temple wall on west. The
entry from Anand Bihari temple and in north wall next to Unnathamsa Yantra as in Kaye’s plan
were closed and the road to the northwest was extended to include part of the site, with the site
line running closer to the Unnathamsa Yantra with rounded corners. Other interventions included
addition of lawns, red sandstone paved pathways, railings, hedges and shrubs.
Phase V - From 2005-2008 The most recent phase of intervention is attributed to the Department
of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Rajasthan. The department decided to sponsor the
preparation of a Master Plan for the Conservation and Development of the Jantar Mantar and
Hawa Mahal and a separate one for the Jantar Mantar in early 2005. The report was prepared by
the end of the year and according to the proposals of the conservation plan, restoration works were
taken up in 2007 by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, with the use of matching
traditional materials and techniques.
4.2 THE INTERPRETATION OF JANTAR MANTAR
Surveys, research and documentation carried out for the preparation of the Nomination dossier
before and the MP later, led to the interpretation of the property and the consequent messages to
be conveyed. The architectural ensemble of Jantar Mantar, Jaipur is an amalgamation of science
and religion of which significance is
extended beyond the scientific and
architectural value to the field of urban
planning. Therefore, the primary and
secondary themes have been
identified for Jai Singh’s astronomic
observatory in Jaipur, which are based
on this multifaceted complex of
aspects that, according to the existing
historic research and actual surveys,
connotes the cultural significance of
the property. The vision for
interpretation involves communication
of the Outstanding Universal Value of
Fig. 11: View of the Great equinotial sundial, Brihat Samrat Yantra. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur which is
identified with the primary
53
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
interpretation theme and forms the base for developing secondary theme.
54
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Yantra Raj for observations. The intense academic and cultural exchange among Central and
West Asian countries, India and Europe that took place with the Jantar Mantar observatories as the
focal points of the same, influenced the development of science in India. The Jantar Mantar of
Sawai Jai Singh II represents the culmination of Zij astronomy. It was built to serve for regular,
daily, observations and rituals but went on to become an arena of astronomical conferences and
seminars where many astronomers and astrologers from all over the country would assemble to
exchange their views on the subject and where the monumental architectural expressions of the
observational instruments allowed conveniently readings taken in groups.
The property is also an icon of important political rituals and announcements in the history of the
city. Researchers (MacDougall, 1996, p.32) have mentioned that the property of Jantar Mantar
served as a setting for rites associated with the passage and control of time. It has also been
symbolic of cosmic rejuvenation and the orchestration of solar kingship in Jaipur expressed in
political rituals such as the marshalling of the sun at the time of vernal equinox. During the reign of
Sawai Jai Singh II, the eclipses were announced to the citizens by the beating of drums under the
chhatri (cupola) of the Brihat Samrat Yantra. Even today, on the full moon day of the Hindu month
of Ashadha (June- July) on the onset of monsoon season, the local pundits of Jaipur gather at the
Jantar Mantar to conduct rites connected with ensuring the return of the rains. Besides the
religious rituals, prayers and offerings, they also hoist a flag on the summit of the Brihat Samrat
Yantra at sunset to determine the direction of the prevailing winds and predict the nature of
monsoon. The marking of the passage of time was also projected at the Jantar Mantar in an
auditory form through the beating of the drums and recitations by the pundits. These traditional
rituals in the observatory that combined the intangibles of the sound (mantra) and the tangible
astronomical instruments (yantra) are probably responsible for the origin of its name as Jantar
Mantar. Today the property has also an educational role potentially inspiring visitors to be engaged
with astronomy and giving to scholars a perfect and practical understanding on the subject.
Fig. 13: View of Jantar Mantar fro Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace)
design the 18th century city of Jaipur. Recent research indicates that the Brihat Samrat Yantra
facilitated the city planning of 18th century (Papillaut 2008, pp.79-90). On extending the Yantra
axis towards the south and the north, significant markers existed that were used in identifying the
north south axis of the city. The presence of these observation structures as early as 1718,
indicate that these instruments were probably used to mark the city or at the very least to
determine the precise axis of the palace (Jai Niwas) garden and to position it correctly with respect
to the north. Thus beyond the scientific and architectural value, the Jantar Mantar, Jaipur also
holds significance at the urban planning level. As already mentioned, the property is located in the
core of the walled historic city of Jaipur. Hence the surrounding area of Jantar Mantar is one of the
most visited areas being characterized by the presence of two important monuments such as the
City Palace and the Hawa Mahal.
Given the previous interpretation of the site, the vision statement for Interpretation, Use and Visitor
Management Plan of Jantar Mantar in Jaipur has been defined as following:
The outstanding universal value of Jantar Mantar, Jaipur shall be communicated to invite and
inspire the widest range of visitors and scholars across the world to engage with astronomical
instruments and to pass on to the next generations the awareness of significance of this property
as an icon of the integration between astronomy and society and meanwhile as a contribute to
architecture, urban planning, political history and cultural distinctiveness of the city of Jaipur.
56
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
ensure that the OUV of the site is maintained and to ensure a sustainable and integrated
development of the site.
The plan is structured in three
main parts around with are
accessorizing chapters:
Interpretation, Assessment
and Proposals.
After an introductive chapter
about the OUV of the property
and the Management Plan
contents and linkages, in the
following chapter vision,
objectives, strategic approach
Figure 15: Objectives process scheme for developing Interpretation, Use and Visitor and themes of the
Management Plan Interpretation Plan are defined.
In order to determine the
objectives of the plan, three elements have been particularly taken into account: the seven
principles stated by the ICOMOS Charter for Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage
Site; the policies for access, interpretation, outreach, land-use of buffer zone and collections
defined within the Management Plan; identified challenges concerning the property and its buffer
zone. Here we briefly summarize the three challenges:
A) DISSEMINATION OF OUV OF THE PROPERTY (CHALLENGE 1): Giving an exhaustive, clear and correct
overview about the OUV of the Jantar Mantar raising the public awareness about it according,
whenever it is possible, with the typology of visitors in
order to better attend the main objective of the IUVMP
about spreading and preserving the OUV of the property.
B) CONTINUITY OF USE (CHALLENGE 2): it meant to be
expressed mainly in two specific ways:
• keeping and preserve both its scientific-
educational nature and its historic-cultural function 45;
• preserving and enhancing, in the appropriate way,
the integration between the significance of the property
and the social life in its religious or cultural expression.
C) INTEGRATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF
THE BUFFER ZONE WITHIN THE FRAME OF MANAGEMENT PLAN
(CHALLENGE 3): To achieve visions and objectives of
conservation and management plans the same the
attention put on the preservation of Jantar Mantar has to
cover its surrounding area in terms of quality of spaces,
Fig. 16: View of the Great Ram Yantra and the
Kapala Yantra control of appropriate development, facilities offer, traffic
45
Nowadays modern measurements established that o 19 instruments on property only 4 of them (Brihat (Great)
Samrat Yantra, Sasthamsa Yantra, Dakshinottara Bhitti Yantra and Laghu (Small) Samrat Yantra) show an high level of
accuracy. Nevertheless it does not diminish the value that the property still presents as cultural experience and
opportunity in spreading the knowledge about astronomy to a wider range of visitors.
57
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
46
Operational Guideline for the implementation of the world Heritage Convention, WHC 2008, paragraph 88
58
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
The strategic approach to the site Interpretation lies in a set of multiple levels in order to ensure
maximum engagement with as wide range of visitors as possible. The levels in which the
interpretation is analysed and developed are:
• Pre-visit: Off-site access to interpretation which inspires people to visit. To encourage
potential visitors to plan a visit providing them with all the information and guidance they require,
offering on-line information and portable resources that can be taken with them from property to
property.
• On-site: Property-based interpretive provision for visitors. Interpretive experience,
media, resources and materials at the property, along with any pre-visit info visitors have brought
with them, can help them engage with the property and to identify and understand in-situ features
and characteristics.
• Buffer zone and surrounding: Linking interpretation. Way marked routes and trails that
link individual site to other site and features in the vicinity, that encourages people (not necessarily
intending to visit e.g. walkers in the area) to visit the site, or extend their visit to additional sites.
• Repeat visit: Adaptive interpretation to encourage repeat visits. Forms of interpretation
that are updated on a regular basis, e.g. the sound light show ,or included in the official activities
programme of the site, e.g. to seasonal or religious rites, prayers and recitations by the pundits
which provides visitors a different experience of the property itself and a reason to return.
The methodology informing the Interpretation – part of the – Plan is traced from the main structure
early mentioned (fig. 19).
Afterword, the Plan
encompasses the survey and
assessment for each of the
three topics: Interpretation,
Use and Visitors
management. Except for the
latest, the analysis takes into
account the property and its
buffer zone separately in order
to give a more clear
understanding of the whole
context.
The assessment concerning
interpretation proceeds
Fig. 19: Methodology and structure of the Interpretation, Use and Visitor Management Plan
analyzing interpretative tools
and services available in "pre-
visit", "on-site", "buffer zone" and "repeat visit" contexts. Therefore, the plan provides an overview
about pre-visit services such as web-sites and portable interpretative tools; an accurate description
of the actual state of on-site interpretation consisting in signage, events, guided or personal tours
59
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
with audio-guides, print publications and carrying home material such as the lack of an
interpretation centre or museum for the astronomical instruments’ models. The assessment
regarding the buffer zone points out to the lack of information about the context beyond the
property which prevents an exhaustive understanding of the buffer zone. It is also highlighted the
importance of the visual impact, from inside the property towards the surrounding skyline and vice
versa, recalling the Vienna Memorandum document (UNESCO, 2005) about the preservation of
historic urban landscape. In this context, all the main visual relationships are summarized through
a photographic survey.
The survey concerning Use mapped the functions hosted within the property and assessed a
detailed report on the uses within the area of the buffer zone.
As mentioned before, the assessment concerning Visitor management takes into account the
property and its buffer zone in a compressive description of actual state and lacks of tourist
facilities, amenities, circulation and access. Visitor data coming from the Department of
Archaeology and Museums are also analyzed to assess figures and typologies of tourists.
The major outcome of the Interpretation Plan for Jantar Mantar, Jaipur is the Message Media
Matrix (Fig. 20), already proposed by DRONAH for the Interpretation and Use Plan of City Palace
Complex in Udaipur. The matrix allows a clear a comprehensive vision about the most adapt
interpretative media chosen according the messages to be conveyed and the typology of visitors.
Therefore it is a useful tool to answer the three main questions:
• What messages should the site impart?
• Who are the messages for
• How to communicate the messages in the best manner?
Fig. 20: Message media matrix for Jantar Mantar and its buffer zone
The proposals for interpretation are developed following the structure of the previous assessment.
Thereby, concerning pre-visit the creation of an official website and downloadable resources are
recommended; while for on-site visit the project of an interpretation centre and the design of
60
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
signage has been carried out together with a set of proposals regarding guided and personal tours.
Proposals for interpretation end with suggested carrying home material such as brochures,
merchandise items and new publications highlighting the OUV of the property and children books.
Within interpretative proposals concerning the buffer zone, walks, tours, interpretative panels,
information signs and way-marks are recommended in order to link Jantar Mantar to adjacent sites
and features which can help in understanding the property in its setting.
Concerning Use, the plan includes a set of proposals complete with drafted projects to be
implemented within the Comprehensive Landscape and Environmental plan included in the
framework of secondary plan within the purview of the Management Plan for Jantar Mantar.
Proposals for Visitor Management are mainly addressed towards an enhancement of visitor survey
aiming to defined categories in order to adequately target future installations. Moreover, physical
access to differently abled and elderly is addressed pointing out the parts of the sites which are
inaccessible for which solutions are proposed through a thematic plan of the site.
4.4 CHALLENGES: INTEGRATION WITH THE URBAN CONTEXT
As we saw, there are two levels of
linkage between the site of Jantar
Mantar and the Walled city of
Jaipur. The first linkage lies in the
interpretation of the site and refers
both to its founder – maharaja Jai
Singh II, the same founder of the
city - and to the role of the
astronomic observatory within the
urban setting. The second level of
linkage is defined by the spatial
compass between the two elements.
In fact, the site of Jantar Mantar is
located within the historic walled city
and the byelaws for this special
zone apply to the site and the buffer
zone. The master plan of Jaipur
2011 prepared by the Jaipur
Development Authority mentions the
Fig. 21: Location of Jantar Mantar World Heritage Site within the Walled city of Jaipur
policy for conservation of heritage
and sets out building byelaws that restrict or control building activities in the walled city of Jaipur
including the buffer zone area for the site of Jantar Mantar.
The linkage lying in the interpretation of the World Heritage Site is supported from what has been
stressed during the 17th General Assembly of ICOMOS about Heritage Driver Development. Here
has been highlighted that the quality of tourism, towards which is oriented sustainable heritage
tourism management, is based on the preservation and distribution of the full set of values
contained in a site, and not only those for which the site was inscribed / listed. Therefore, seems
unconfutable that beside the primary and secondary set of interpretative themes regarding the
Jantar Mantar of Jaipur, the significance lying in its link and in its influence on the rest of the city
planning has to be taken into account and transmitted to the audience.
61
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Within both the Management Plan and the Interpretation Use and Visitor Management Plan for
Jantar Mantar it is highlighted that to obtain effective results it is necessary the support of
complementary actions carried out at different levels (land-use, building regulation, mobility etc.)
within the buffer zone.
Although, in reason of the two mentioned levels of linkage, the support for both site management
and site interpretation regarding Jantar Mantar, should encompass also the whole Walled city.
Indeed, linking and coordinating those actions leads towards a holistic strategy that could benefit
the World Heritage property and the heritage core of Jaipur through a mutual interaction. The
integration of plans, acts and legal provisions concerning the UNESCO’s listed property and the
whole historic surrounding context is here recommended as strategic tool to enhance and make
successful – urban development, tourism, heritage - management and interpretative actions.
62
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CHAPTER 5
The Walled City of Jaipur
63
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CHAPTER 5
The Walled City of Jaipur
5.1 INTRODUCTION
Since 1956 Jaipur became the capital of
Rajasthan, the largest State of Indian Union,
located in the north-west side of India. It is
one of the must colourful and culturally rich
States, with a landscape that varies from
mountain ranges (Aravali) to the Thar desert
, covering two third of its land, and the green
and picturesque southern part.
History, culture, art and craft forms, natural
biodiversity made Rajasthan the most
popular State with a growing arrival of
international and domestic tourists.
The Jaipur region, situated in north eastern
part of Rajasthan which is a semi-desert
lands, is one of the 32 regions of the state
covering an area of 11.151 sq.Km.
Fig.22: Localization of Rajasthan and Jaipur city
From the 10th century onwards, the district
referred to as Dhoondhar, formed one of the four distinguishable politico-cultural regions of Eastern
Rajasthan. Dhoondhar region was roughly comprised of current districts of Jaipur, Dausa and
Tonk. In Aryan epics (2000 B.C.-400 B.C), Dhoondhar region was the shortest trade route between
north India and rich port cities of Gujarat and Malabar. The region was held by Badgujars, Rajputs
and Minas till the 11th century. From the 11th century onwards, however, the Dhoondhar region
was increasingly under the power of Kachchwaha dynasty of Rajputs. Between 1179 and 1216
Amber took the place of the city Dausa as capital till the foundation of the new town of Jaipur in
1728. By the 17th century, the Kachchwaha Rajput clan became known for political clout and
importance in the Mughal administration.
In 1947, the four largest Rajput states, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jaipur opted to join secular
India. Jaipur then became the capital of Rajasthan leading to further attraction of administrative
and economic activities. These factors led to increased development of residential areas to cater to
the growing population. Today the city of Jaipur is also the headquarter of the district and so the
socio-economical and political fulcrum as demonstrating by the fast physical and demographic
growth.
64
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Fig. 23: Plan of Jaipur Region with the Walled City in evidence
65
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Thus, the maharaja came to the decision to create a new city or rather, an extension of the existing
city, over a large plain crossed by the road to Ajmer a few kilometres to the south. Jai Singh II
named his creation after himself: Jai nagar which became Jaipur, the city of victory.
Parallel to his advancements in astronomy made by the construction of observatories and his
astronomical tables, Jai Singh II had drawn up the map and town plan, calling on the expertise of
various specialists.
In his attempt to become a semi-independent ruler of Rajasthan, he started to build the new capital
underlining the link between scientific capacities, urban planning and social control. Due to geo-
morphological constraints, Amber was not suitable to be a thriving trade and commerce hub for the
region. Hence, the sandy site on the plain south of Amber resulted in the new city most indicated
place.
The physical constraints included the hills on the north that housed the fort of Jaigarh and the
Amber palace beyond, and the hills on the east, containing the sacred spot of Galtaji. Beyond the
depression formed by a low-lying marshy land on the northeast, there was a slight rise of the
terrain and a ridge running from west to east inclined at 15 degrees towards North (which now
exists as the main road from Chandpol to Surajpol). On the western edge lay the hills of Nahar
66
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
47
Shikha Jain, Jaipur As A Recurring Renaissance,2007 p.3
67
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Palace Complex, the Naya Mahal or Vidhan Sabha and the Maharaja’s College in 1873 (now
Rajasthan School of Arts); and the Ramniwas Bagh that was later enhanced with the visual focus
of the monumental Albert Hall Museum to the south of the walled city. The 20th century observed
further modernization and urban renovations within the walled city, including the restoration work of
the city walls and gates and, converting the inner temporary houses in the sectors into more
permanent structures.
According to a popular belief, the city was painted pink to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales
in 1876, during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, lending the city the name of ‘Pink City’.
5.2.1 Theories About The Urban Layout
The interpretation of the new town plan rationality seems still today under discussion. The origin of
Jaipur plan encompasses several obscure points that scholars contribute to get confusing when
they refer to mythical legends. Therefore, till now what it has been carried out are, more or less
reliable, hypothesis.
Fig. 26: Phases regarding the hypothesis of city’s conception based on nine square mandala (Papillaut 2007 p.30)
Historians who have studied the city of Jaipur often agree seeing in it the manifestation of the
Vaastu Shastra principles, the ancient Hindu treatise on building harmonious living environment.
The base of Vaastu is constituted of thirty-two texts written between the IV and the XII century.
Part of those texts written in Sanskrit get lost or destroyed during the invasions of XIII and XVI
century. The rest has been discovered around 1930 in Kerala. The importance of those texts
68
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
comes from their relationship with the high mystical and religious culture on which lies the origins
of Hinduism. The texts gather
principles concerning the god
building and housing rules. They
come out from stories related to the
Hindu gods.
The story about Purusha describes
the origin of a square mandala
internal divided into 9 smaller
squares (3x3 matrix) and meanwhile
in two parts by the diagonal with the
sun (Surya) at one side and the
moon (Soma) at the other (fig.27).
The mandala and the principles give
recommendations concerning house
foundation. For instance, is
Fig. 28: Papillaut’s Jaipur planning grid rotated at 45° (Papillaut, 2008, p.83) suggested that the right piece of land
to build has to be a terrain with a
slope in the north-east direction. And
this is the case of the Jai Niwas in
Jaipur.
To explain the concept behind the
urban structure of Jaipur, several
historians and scholars, such as
Volwahsen, refer to the translation in
urban scale of the mandala layout,
around the Jai Niwas 48. Due to the
morphological constraint of hills, the
pattern has been adapted displacing
the north-west square to the south-
east (fig.26).
Although, Volwahsen find
incongruence in this interpretation as
the centre of the mandala is usually
occupied by Brahma, the most
important divinity of Hinduism.
Therefore, the presence of the king
palace instead of a temple is
explained, according the author, by
Brihat Samhita 49 quoted by Stella
Fig. 29: Papillaut’s interpretation of Amer-Jaipur landscape (Papillaut, 2007, p.
Kramrish 50, which refers to the
48
The hypothesis of a plan divided in 9 squares should come from Kubhushan Jain in 1978 and it is reconsidered by B.
Doshi in Cités d’Asie, Cahiers de la recherché architectural, 35/36, Parenthèses, 1995
49
The Brihat Samhita of Varahamihira is an encyclopedia of astrology
50
See, Kramrish S., The Hindu Temple, vol.2, University of Calcutta, 1946
69
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
pithapada mandala which has at the centre the Earth instead of Brahma. Volwahsen hence
concludes confirming the use of nines squares pattern over the city settlement seeing in it the
prove of the great knowledge
about holy Hindu texts of Jai
Singh II and its consultant-
architect-sthapati (priest)
Vidyadhar.
But the mandalas described in
Vaastu Shastra texts have
several variations.
Aman Nath gives the
hypothesis of application of
seven squares mandala,
arguing that the figure seven is
Jai Singh II number: seven
floors for the palace, seven
Fig.30: Jaipur plan from 1925-1927 (source Volwahsen, op.cit. p. 104) gates, and seven planets 51.
Papillaut controverts the nine
squares mandala theory arguing with a chronological explanation that fixes the creation of
Topkhana Hazuri district in 1775. Therefore the quarter is automatically excluded from the original
layout of the city and it cannot represent the ninth square of the mandala translated from the north-
west to the south –east for geographical constraint. The mandala theory seems in any case to be a
lot in contrast with the precision and thoroughness of maharaja’s urban concepts. Choosing so
badly the land settlement while having all around the possibility to displace the city pattern without
breaking down the mandala concept, does not match
with the rational system and thus does not contribute
to the nine squares theory.
Paupillot adopts another point of view starting from Jai
Niwas as centre of the plan. A drawing dated 1711-
1713 shows the project for Jai Niwas as a garden
conceived following the concept of charbagh - four
squares garden - forming a double charbagh. The
tradition of gardens in various forms, from artificial
composition (nandavana) to natural (davana), is very
much present in the Hindu culture but also in this field
Jai Singh willing was to mix and enrich indigenous
elements with Islamic ones. The layout of charbagh
(four gardens), used to design the Jai Niwas, came
from Persia and it had been largely used in India by
Mogul maharajas before hence Jai Singh had lots of
inspiration (let just mentioning the Agra garden in front
of Taj Mahal).
Fig. 31: Plano f Jai Niwas (City Museum, Jaipur) dated
1711
51
Nath A., Jaipur, the last destination, London, 1993, p.60
70
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Therefore, starting from the project of the garden and from the predetermined intention to make the
south square of it the centre of the new city, the layout of Jaipur seems had been controlled in two
different ways. Firstly, through a series of specific high points on the surrounding hills such as the
Ganesh Mandir (the Ganesh temple) on the north, Surya Mandir (the Sun temple) on the east and
the Balanandji Temple on the west. On the other hand, from the centre, it was the Brihat Samrat
Yantra, that entirely defined the six sections
or chowkries.
He supposes that Jantar Mantar
instruments helped to determine the Jai
Niwas orientation of 13, 5° of the main axe
with respect to the north (the orientation of
the astronomical instruments is exactly
north-south) as half value of 27°, the Jaipur
latitude which is equal to the hypotenuse of
the triangle of the Great Equatorial Sundial
(Brihat Samratyantra) 52. Taking as
reference the Ganesh temple the position of
the axe is fixed. The position of Jai Niwas
along this axe is established by its
intersection with the perpendicular line
coming from the Surani temple, east
oriented and situated at the edge of Purani
Basti district, at a high point on western
hills. This intersection became the centre of
the city. Parallel to this direction, based on
the light transversal crest line of the site, a
second east-west axis of the town was laid
out, ending in the east in another high point,
marked at a certain distance from the city,
by the Surya Mandir (Sun temple)
constructed around 1720, half way up the
hill. The creation of the axe encompassed to
raise and bank up the crest line and had
been intended to become a commercial
avenue with a big bazaar crossing the
whole width of the town.
The Brihat Samrat Yantra, in the
observatory of Jai Singh II allowed the
completion of the city layout by determining
the location of the northern and southern
Fig. 32: Pictures from early Xx century. From the top: Badi chaupar; edges of the town. By extending the
Choti chaupar, Haldiya House of Johari Bazaar
Yantra’s axis towards the south, the
52
Certain authors, such as Aman Nath and Volwahesen argue that city is orientated towards the Lion constellation
which is the sign of Jai Singh dynasty. While Schadev and Tilloston link the explanation with the geographical
constraints of the site.
71
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
projection intersects the Johari Bazaar axis at the Shiva Pol (Sanganeri Gate) and, towards the
north, at its intersection with the royal palace axis, there is the median point of the southern bank of
the Tal Katora Lake (fig.28).
Nevertheless, it persists the doubt about the construction date of Jai Niwas, before or during the
foundation of the city 53.
An alternative system to determine the city layout identified by Papillaut derives from the
syncretism between Hindi and Mogul characters that Jai Singh developed and expressed in any
form of art under his reign. The alternative system is based on a series of squares that fit together,
rotating at 45° in relation to each other, thus increasing by the square root of 2. Starting from the
centre of the composition identified in the fountain of the southern garden of the Jai Niwas, the
rotation at 45° of the inscribed square and the successive ones, will determine, one after the other,
the main points of the layout. To the first serial of squares (drawn in blue on Papillaut’s
interpretation plan) follows a second red serial generated from the opposite front line of the avenue
boarding the royal quarter in north-south direction. In the north, the intersection of the tip of the
square with the axis of the town corresponds to the location of the Ganesh temple (fig.28).
A further reading of the Jaipur layout
proposed by Papillaut sees the point of
intersection of the north-south axis and
the east-west axis in Jaipur forms a
rectangle 3/2 constituted by the six
square sections or chowkries. In the
north, the rectangle rests on the big
lake of Jai Sawai Sagar. This rectangle
can be broken down based on the
geometric possibilities of the diagonals
hence giving many points to cling on to
the layout of the paths, gates position
or the alignment with any other city
landmarks.
The composition, based on the use of
the diagonal of the square is typical of
the Mogul civilisation, noticeable
Fig.33: Papillaut interpretation of urban layout based on diagonal at 45°. mainly in the gardens such as Jai
(source: Papillaut, op.cit, p.39)
Niwas. Lots of gardens were already
present in Amber and it seems that the whole territory including the two cities was planned by Jai
Singh II to host enclosed gardens with pavilions and fountains. Papillaut sees in Jai Niwas’s
charbagh an influent component for the layout of Jaipur. “He multiplies the charbagh system as
often as required all along the long east-west path that follows the line of the crest. The three
squares or chaupar, named Ramganj Chaupar, Badi (the Big) Chaupar and Choti (the Small)
Chaupar are centred on large fountains, but there are smaller ones all along the bazaars, based on
the Chandni Bazaar model of Shahjahanabad (Delhi).” 54
53
For the foundation of Jai Niwas exists different hypothesis: 1725 (Jadunath Sarkar, A history of Jaipur, 1984); 1726
(Arya Roy, Vastu: The Indian Art of placement, 2000)
54
Ibidem., p.89
72
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
The third source taken as a reference for the present study, Shikha Jain’s text, considers that the
main references for the creation of urban layout lies specifically in the temples located around the
foundation area of the city, even if some of these temples were far away and hosted inside
palaces 55. As all temples lie in high locations, seems that the layout of Jaipur was controlled by this
series of high points.
This is for instance the case of the temples inside the Jaigarh fort which, according this theory,
have been taken as marker to define the north-south axis in alignment with the hillock of Shankar
Garh (marked by an ancient Shiva temple, which is worshipped by the royal family till today on the
day of Mahshivratri). This theory matches with the Papillaut hypothesis in what concerns the
determination of the east-west axis as also that theory defined temples as land markers. The
intersection between these two axes generates the Bari Chaupar, the main public square of the
city. But according with the fact the Jai Niwas, as location of Govind Deva 56, is the centre for the
generation of the city plan, the distance between the two north-south axis becomes a module that
duplicated allows to trace the vertical grid and define the other two chaupars and the gates
position.
Beyond the reference(s) that maharaja Jai Singh II had as tools to define the grid plan of his new
capital, it seems that the choice of a such regular layout including broad avenues, is interpretable
mainly as a functional translation of his vision of a new city as strong political-economical centre for
the region.
Fig. 34: Shikha Jain’s interpretation: location of markers-temples and definition of Badi chaupar and subsequent division in eight
portions.
55
This interpretation in based on the assumption that all the markers-temples were built before Jai Niwas
56
In his interpretation Shikha Jain refers to Nath R. to date the installation of Govinda Deva idol in Jai Niwas in 1715,
hence explaining that Jai Niwas was built before the city. While Papillaut leaves this points as the main uncertain ones.
73
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
57
Douchan Palacios, L’eau de Jaipur, seminar Urban Strategies, ENSAT, 2002
74
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
- Sarah, in the centre, is the chowkri that corresponds to the maharaja palace and to the
concerning facilities. It includes a big market with typology of caravanserai and some
resident area;
- Purani Basti, to the north-west, literally the “old colony”, which passes for its name to be the
first quarter to had been built;
- Topkhanedesh, to the south-west, from the name of the fortification was a quarter
apparently intended to the State chief administrators. It is today a quarter of artisans and
stone carver;
- Modikhana and Vishveshwarji are the two chowkries separated in the middle from the axial
street of Chaura Rasta. They form together the quarter located to the south of the palace,
originally intended to receive the rich Jainists and the merchants;
- Ghat Darwaza, to the south-east where are located markets, artists and workmen;
- Ramchandraji, to the west of the palace, was originally occupied by temples and big havelis
According to Papillaut 58, between 1743 and 1775 these six chowkries have been followed by the
creation of:
- Ganjapol Chowkri, to the north-east, that takes the name of the path leading to the
homonymous village;
- Topkhana Hazuri, to the east, that takes its name from one fortification of the city.
The orientation of the streets of Jaipur deviates considerably from the four compass points. While
the rest of the city is planned along axes at an angle of about 13, 5 degrees, the orientation of its
58
Papillaut R., 2007, p. 85
75
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
astronomical instruments is primarily along the cardinal directions. The superimposition of the two
axial systems is reflected in the site with the plot boundary aligned to the axes of the city plan of
Jaipur and the instruments along the cardinal directions north-south.
The system of streets within the Walled city is
based on a hierarchy at three levels where the
main roads have a width of 108, 57, 27 and 13,
66 feet. Although, from a research carried out in
2003 59, focusing on Topkhanadesh chowkri,
identifies a different system of hierarchy that
includes the Chandpol bazaar avenue (33 m
wide), the large street of north-south distribution
(13 m wide); the rasta, as secondary street that
shape the plots (7 m wide); the galis (from 2 to 3
m) that give access to the interior of plots
creating a distribution towards the different units
composing the plots. Here the geometric control
over the urban space stops to give room to a
certain “laisser-faire” of inhabitants. The last step
of the hierarchy is represented from the ghandi
Fig.37: Amadine Cabrit, op.cit., p.12
gali which was a space, around 1 m wide,
between two havelis that used to have a double
function: facilitating the ventilation within the plot and giving place to the drainage of toilettes that
were located in the deeper part of the plot.
Hence, the general variation of
streets dimensions belonging to
the same hierarchical level
probably depends from
successive works carried out over
the facades within the chowkries
that gradually changed the width
of the streets.
All the houses, as well as the
royal palace itself, take their
orientation from that of the
streets.
Within the main markets, havelis
and temples on the main streets
in Jaipur were constructed by the
state in the 18th century, thus
ensuring that a uniform street
façade was maintained. The
Fig.38: Facade composition along main streets market urban façade of the main
59
Amadine Cabrit, Haveli in Jaipur, seminar Urban Strategies, ENSAT, 2003, p.12
76
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
commercial streets was further enriched by punctures of entrances to Haveli temples in between
the sequence of shops that used to have the same size. The key element for the construction of
Jaipur, perhaps the real module of the city, is the portico, or veranda, pattern. Together with one
shop, the dimension is established on
danda metrical system. The portico inter-
axe is exactly of two danda, 3,66 m per
2,60 m. The height is the same of width
(2,60m.). Behind the portico the shops
length inside the block is 8,52 m. (4,6
danda).
According to Papillaut, the bazaar is the
basic module of the urban composition
being the royal chowkri equal at 21
bazaars and the Purani Basti and
Topkhana Desh equal at 25 bazaars.
From the plan of 1925 is evident that the
bazaar line has been built in a unique
solution and in the early phase, probably
to sell the property of the shops as soon
as possible and meanwhile to create a
sort of mask giving the illusion of an urban
creation.
While the widths of roads were
predetermined, the streets and chowks
Fig.39: Haveli in the inner part of Ghat Darwaza chowkri (central open squares) of the internal
chowkries (sectors) were not. Therefore
they show an organic pattern, with the basic unit of built form being the rectangular haveli.
The havelis (term used for medieval north Indian mansions belonging to nobles) of Jaipur range
from a single courtyard house form to an assemblage of multiple courts. Majority of the havelis
have one or two courtyards. However, an increase in the status of the owner or in the number of
family members resulted in an increase in either the scale of the haveli or the number of
courtyards. The location and the type of haveli were determined by the owner’s social, political and
financial conditions that is, the caste, occupation and relation with the ruler.
Each mohalla (cluster of houses) has its own temple presided over by the deity most appropriate
for their prosperity and protection and it corresponds to social groups linked by religion, caste,
ethnic origin or corporation. Indeed, Sachdev and Tillotson 60 argue that the urban layout served as
support for a social repartition associating the mohallas to the system of castes.
A relationship between temples and wells (both constituting ritual spaces) can be observed inside
the chowkries in the layout of the sectors.
This association, of a particular haveli with the temple or well in the cluster, also emphasized the
status of the owner. Group of havelis formed mohallas – number of mohallas formed a chowkri
(sector) well defined as a geographical entity in the city. A chowkri in Jaipur may comprise of up to
400 mohallas.
60
Sachdev and Tillotson, Building Jaipur, The Making of an Indian City, op.cit.
77
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
The plots dimensions along the east-west axis of Purani Basti and Topkhana Desh derives from of
the chaupar width (60 danda = 110m) repeated 8 times. The variation of surface, probably, is in
part due to the recommendations of Hindu texts Prasara and Vaastu which prescribes different plot
dimensions according to the castes.
5.4 BUILT HERITAGE OF JAIPUR
The Jaipur Development Authority has identified heritage buildings in the walled city in a total of
300 buildings in the various chowkries. These have been categorized into large, medium and small
on the basis of area. Within the Heritage Management Plan of 2007, the built heritage structures
have been categorized as per their distinct architectural characteristics to formulate specific urban
control for each type, as follows:
- Havelis
- Temples and religious buildings
- Fort and Palaces
- City walls and gates
- Public and commercial Buildings
- Wells and Bavvdis
- Cenotaphs
The HMP provides a
catalogue of the built heritage
types that takes into account
the earlier listing work done by
organizations like the Ford
Foundation in 1984 and
INTACH Jaipur chapter (1995-
98). The catalogue is an
updated documentation and
analysis of the built heritage
Fig. 40: Built Heritage structures listed till 2006 (source: HMP 2007, DRONAH, p.10)
after appraisal of these
previous initiatives. The
quantum of the built heritage of Jaipur is immense and ideally the entire walled city should be
categorized as one single Heritage Zone. The HMP provides a comprehensive documentation
about the built heritage of a small section of Chowkri Modikhana area. This should form the basis
for further documentation of the entire walled city but till nowadays no improvement has been
done.
Architectural styles have been divided into four distinct categories. These include the Rajasthani
style, Art Nouveau style and the colonial style. Each of these has a reflection in the various styles
of doors, windows and balconies.
The following is a brief summary of the main built heritage types and main historic building
typologies of Jaipur and its monument master pieces.
HAVELIS
Palaces can be visualized as an extension of the havelis. The haveli plots in Dhoondhar region
conform to a rectangular or square shape, sometimes with offsets. The Jaipur havelis not only
provide a wide range and scale of this archetype but also present two unique typological variations
78
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
TEMPLES
The maharaja Jai Singh II undertook the
construction of several temples both in Amber and
in Jaipur. This flourishing of sacred places made
Jaipur the most important centre for the Vaishnava
sect of which he was a member, with the Govind
Deva temple in top of the hierarchy such as one of
the centre for Ramadani sect and for the Jainists.
The vocation for temples construction shows the
Fig.42: : From the top: Govind Deva temple inside the
Jai Niwas (photo V.Megna); Temple with Shikhara
monarch’s willing to integrate the two cities in a
(photo copyright Brian J. McMorrow 1999-2010) unique crucial place for religious pilgrimage.
While for palaces architectural style Jai Singh
79
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
adopted Mogul codes and signs, temples became the place of architectural resistance carrying out
the traditional Hindu architectural canons. In contrast with Amber excellent carved stone temples
with shikharas (spires), built from 11th century onwards, Jaipur became the precursor in building
haveli temples of the 18th century. Following the tradition, Indian temples cannot be destroyed
hence they are always maintained in their original place even if sometimes they are not used
anymore. Therefore still today the important temples with shikharas (superstructure tower above
the sanctuary) can be observed at the four most important locations inside the city along the
cardinal axis. In all these temples the idol is facing towards Govinda Deva, the main deity of Jaipur.
Although there is no definite data, locals state that around 400 temples were built in Jaipur during
its planning. A. K. Roy (Roy, 1998) mentions that there are more than 1000 temples of various
sizes in Jaipur with 606 within the walled city as registered temples with the Devsthan department
in 1973. A detailed analysis of the hierarchical layout of main temples with reference to the city
streets has been carried out by DRONAH foundation.
THE MASTER PIECES
Royal Palace
The concept of buildings height control
was based on the idea that the Royal
Palace had to be the highest
monument dominating the rest of the
city. Indeed, the Chandra Mahal with its
sacred dimension reinforced by the
presence of a temple on its top,
supervises the town upon its seven
stores. The palace structures within the
city palace complex comprise of the
Badal Mahal, the seven storied
Chandra Mahal with highly ornamented
interiors symmetry and unity of massing
and synthesis of Mewar and Jaipur
styles of palace architecture, and the
Sarvato Bhadra constructed during
Sawai Jai Singh’s reign (1700-1743).
Later additions include the Pritam
Niwas by Sawai Pratap Singh (1778-
1803), Diwan-i-Am, constructed in the
18th century under Sawai Madho Singh
I (1751-1768) or Sawai Pratap Singh
(1778 – 1803) and Mubarak Mahal by
Sawai Madho Singh II (1880-1922) in Fig. 43: City Palace, Chandra Mahal (photos Tapanmallick)
1896 for use by royal guests. Therefore
the City Palace occupies a major area of the old city. Today it is partly converted into Museum,
symbolising the finest blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
80
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Gaitor Cenotaphs
The memorials include the royal cenotaphs at Gaitor with significant ones being the Chhatris of
Sawai Jai Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh and the cenotaphs of royal ladies and the victory tower
- Isar Lat. The prominent of the cenotaphs is that of Maharaja Jai Singh, built in white marble,
comprising of 21 ornately carved pillars depicting scenes and figures from Hindu mythology
Jaleb Chowk
Huge square court earlier had single stories structures on all four sides. On all the four sides of the
Jaleb Chowk, there are rooms which were originally meant for personal attendants and other
paraphernalia. Sawai Ram Singh II repaired them, added veranda and the upper storey and
accommodated all the Courts and Offices in these building. The graceful entrance to the Sawai
Man Singh Town Hall is in the south east corner of this Chowk. The Jaleb Chowk is the outer court
yard of the palace compound. Opening on to the arterial street of the city, this large square
connected the public and the royal spaces of the palace compound. Its very title, ‘jaleb’ is a
distortion of the Persian word ‘zaleb’, meaning parade or drill, thereby suggesting that the Jaleb
Chowk was the parade square of the Jaipur state army. On ceremonial occasions, an impressive
gathering of foot soldiers and nobles and state dignitaries, astride horses and elephants would
accompany the elephant-drawn chariot of the emperor as he went through the city streets in
procession.
Hawa Mahal
"Palace of Winds" built in 1799 designed in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god. Its
unique five-storey exterior is also akin to the honeycomb of the beehive with its 953 small windows
called jharokhas that are decorated with intricate latticework.
The original intention of the lattice was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and above all
the public celebrations and processions in the street below without being seen as the Chandra
Mahal’s position was far from the public space.
81
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Jantar Mantar
The astronomical observatory was built
in 1718, before the city foundation. It is a
World Heritage site from 2010, being
recognized by UNESCO its Universal
Outstanding Value as monumental
example in masonry of known
astronomical instruments.
OUTSIDE THE WALLED CITIES:
Forts and Palaces
The true hill forts of Jaipur lie beyond its
walled boundaries, perched on strategic
locations in the hills on the north, east
and west, namely the forts of Amber,
Jaigarh, Ambagarh and Nahargarh.
All these forts have palatial royal
residences within the complex which are
fine specimen of architecture that is
intricate and sublime in its beauty and
speak of the aesthetic sense of the royal
clans and the highly sophisticated skills
of the citizens of Jaipur.
Albert Hall
The Albert Hall was later added in the
centre of this English pattern Ram
Niwas garden. Even today, it is
significant as the second largest open
space for the city. Located outside the
walled city, it sprawls across an area of
4 acres and was designed by surgeon
Major De- Faback. It is a well-laid out
garden comprising a zoo, a bird park,
play ground, exhibition ground and a
gymnasium.
Ghat ki Guni
Ghat ki Guni was a recreational area
established by Sawai Jai Singh II in
1739 on the outskirts of Jaipur, beyond
GhatLake, where water was available, a Fig. 45: From the top: Hawa Mahal; Jal Mahal; Panna Mian Kund
(photos V.Megna)
concept of which seems to have
developed with the Mughal influence at
the time of Akbar. It has three main gardens that demonstrate the palace-garden —Sisodia Rani
Ka Bagh, Vidyadhar ka Bagh and Raj Niwas Bagh—and haveli-garden typologies.
82
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal is a pleasure resort, built in the centre of an artificial lake outside the city to the north-
east by the road to Amber. There is debate as to its period of construction – either along with the
foundation of the city in 1734 or as late as
1799. The palace has airy domes,
pavilions and terraces around an old fruit
orchard. It was used by the Maharaja and
his guests for shooting migrating geese,
grouse and duck.
Panna Mian Kund in Amber
Water being scarce in the region,
indigenous methods for effective water
collection have been evolved and
practiced across Rajasthan. A vast
number of reservoirs, artificial lakes,
tanks, kunds (stepped ponds), step-wells
or baories, wells, ponds etc, have been
built and renovated over the centuries.
5.5 INTANGIBLE HERITAGE 61
61
The information gathered in the present paragraph are quoted from IHCN, “Walking into the microcosm of Jaipur”,
Delhi, 2011, p.43-49
83
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
style of painting, music and dance and the encouragement of the Dhoondhari language.
The Dhoondhar rulers are known to be the patrons of arts and crafts from the period of Raja Man
Singh (1590 – 1614). Besides the buildings crafts of stone carving, mirror works and inlays; an
indigenous fresco technique done on araish evolved, examples of which can be seen in Bairat
caravanserai, Bharmal Ki Chhatri from the period of Man Singh (influence from the Mughal Court of
Akbar), and in Ganesh Pol (1639), Amber, from the period of Mirza Raja Jai Singh with Mughal
influences later absorbed to develop integrated style.
During the period of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh (1778-1803), the Jaipur School of painting
flourished with influences from the Devgarh and Kishan garh painting styles. Sawai Jagat Singh
(1803 – 1848) was the last patron for paintings – after whom the traditional style deteriorated due
to influences from western art. Miniature painting continues however as an art today, drawing from
the Jaipur School tradition.
The Pachranga (five coloured) flag designed
by Raja Man Singh remained to be the
identity of the Dhoondhar region and the five
coloured pagri (turban) was worn by the
rulers of Dhoondhar. The colours are an
important aspect of the Dhoondhari cultural
heritage, with various dyeing techniques.
Chhattis Karkhane (36 departments) set up
on Mughal or Persian standards with Hindi
names, gave state protection to learned men,
poets, writers, painters, musicians, dancers,
artists and sculptors to train them further,
thereby enriching the arts and crafts
traditions. Jaipur became a hub for artists
after the 1857 War of Independence, when
many of them who fled from Delhi found
refuge in Jaipur.
The famous handcrafts of Jaipur, occupying
determined chowkries within the city, are
named as followed:
• Thatheron ka rasta- handmade brass
utensils industry
• Maniharo ka rasta- hand made
traditional bangle industry.
Fig. 47: From the top: sellers of “pan”; rajasthani dancing • Khajanewalon ka rasta- Hand made
performance (photo V.Megna) sculptures industry
• Jhalaniyon ka rasta- the spice market
The old city is the major location of such activities and 60 per cent of the arts and craft skills are
inherited. The gems and exquisite handmade jewellery with gold and enamelled with precious
stones designed in unique in styles known as meenakari and Kundan, have elevated Jaipur to a
tourist paradise. The blue potteries are internationally known for the shape, size and glaze; the
carvings of wood, ivory and marble statues and miniature paintings are adored by tourists of all
84
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
times; colourful textiles, tie and die fabrics and block prints and the colourful costumes worn by
men and women that meet the eyes on all sides in Jaipur.
The city has well developed folk music and dance forms, such as ‘Dhudhadi’, that is the Jaipur
style of Galibazi (verbal art form traditionally used as medium for social awareness and reform)
and ‘Tamasha’, a style of musical folk play introduced to the city during the reign of Sawai Ram
Singh II (1855 – 1880).
Fairs and festivals are an important part of the entire region. The integration of the festivals with
royal traditions followed since the establishment of the city, making the festive celebrations of
Makar Sankranti, Teej, Gangaur, Holi and Dusshehra special for the city of Jaipur, as processions
and performances take place with the involvement of the royal family.
The annual Jaipur Heritage International Festival, started in 2002 by the Jaipur Virasat Foundation
is a week-long event, presently called the Rajasthan Day celebrations – Jaipur Festival in
partnership with the Government of Rajasthan and endorsed by UNESCO New Delhi. The
celebrations provide an international cultural platform to the living traditions of Rajasthan, now an
integral part of the social fabric of the city.
Therefore, artistic skills of the people in weaving out beautiful products out of the locally available
raw materials such as the variety of ethnic performing art of the common people in terms of vocal
and instrumental music, folk dances and puppet shows are major attractions of connoisseur
tourists all over the world.
5.6 JAIPUR TODAY
Jaipur is acclaimed by the
tourists as one of the most
picturesque cities in the
world. The people of the
city and the Tourism
Department itself view it
holding immense tourism
potential that has not been
explored fully. The city
apart from having its
worldwide acknowledged
hardware and software
tourism resources that are
of interest to the tourists of
all classes, enjoys high
location advantages.
Indeed a reading of the
city from a touristic point
Fig. 48: Overlapping of Jaipur’s plan dated 1727 and its current satellite image (source: by: of view, frames it as part
Smith M. K.)
of the famous “Golden
Triangle” comprising of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur. Almost 60% of international tourists visiting India come
to these places. The high revenue generating through tourism is just what gives the adjective
“golden” to the ensemble of the three cities. Moreover, the city of Jaipur is comprised in one of the
Dhundhar circuit, which is one of the nine touristic circuits of Rajasthan.
85
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
86
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
garden immediately outside the walled city, the Ramniwas Bagh, that was later enhanced with the
visual focus of the monumental Albert Hall Museum.
While, as mentioned before, temples cannot be demolished, the 35% of high-class houses were
demolished in 1971-81 and replaced by their owners. This not only means that there has been a
huge lost within the built heritage of the city but it also witnesses how the lack of awareness of
local community plays a fundamental role in heritage conservation.
Today citizens and visitors must
face the crowd, traffic jams, long
trips in taxi or in auto rickshaws,
lack of parking, public
transportation, and lack of info
centres.
The longer east- west axis of the
city that is marked by Suraj Pol
and Chand Pol is about three
kilometres in length. Hence, the
entire walled city was meant to
be accessible to the common
man on foot. The main roads
were used by elephants,
carriages, horses and camels
Fig.50: Vehicular situation in Johari Bazar (photo V.Megna)
and footpaths by pedestrians;
and the internal chowkries were a composition of self sustaining clusters, with narrow road widths.
This equation has changed now with cars and two wheelers parked on both sides of the main
streets and in open spaces and squares in front of heritage structures, encroaching upon the
movement and spill over spaces. The narrow internal streets are also encroached upon by parked
two wheelers on both sides and cars in open spaces that were meant for community use.
In the report of IHCN about Jaipur draft about UNESCO Delhi office 62, several challenges to be
faced in order to achieve a heritage-based urban development have been identified. The main
categories described by the report are:
• Lack of awareness towards heritage
• Poor implementation of regulatory and
• legislative framework
• Sustaining intangible heritage
• Solid waste management
• Water infrastructure
• Electricity wiring and services
• Fire safety
• Vehicular traffic and parking
• Management of stray animals
• Insufficiency of tourist facilities
62
IHUN, op.cit
87
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Here it is some of those issues related to heritage threats that give a general overview about today
conditions in Jaipur:
• Lack of interest and awareness of the people towards heritage conservation has led to
deteriorating condition of the heritage buildings. A number of monuments are poorly maintained.
Violation of rules and regulations for the conservation of heritage buildings and their surroundings
is a common phenomenon.
• Poor implementation of the byelaws, such as insufficient data base on heritage buildings, with
different sources quote different number of heritage structures; lack of specific legislative and
regulatory measures according to each street or typology that requires detailed studies and
analysis of the existing fabric of the city; and lack of clarity of division of responsibilities in the
implementing agencies.
• Traditional craftsmanship which has given life to the streets of Jaipur is under the threat of
disappearance due to the poor living conditions of the artisans and to the pressures of growing
family needs. A solution needs to be found to sustain these small-scale industries.
• The fairs and festivals have been an important part of the city’s cultural heritage and with the
diminishing role of the royal family, there is a need for revitalization of the same not only for tourists
but also for the local community.
• With piped water supply introduced in the mid 19th century, the traditional water systems like
baories and Jhalaras 63 suffered gross neglect. At present, most of the baories in Jaipur are
defunct.
• The vehicular situation is worsened due to commercial activity, as 60% of the total wholesale
units of the city lie in the walled city. The presence of wholesale units is closely interlinked with
goods handling in terms of loading, unloading, storage etc. Since adequate space is not available
within the walled city for all these activities, it spills onto the roads increasing congestion. The
encroachment by hawkers also claims the space for vehicular and pedestrian movement. These
factors are a detriment to the urban environment in the walled city – in areas around tourist
attractions, the main commercial streets and in the inner lanes of the chowkries.
• The lack of a good public transport system, traffic planning (such as one way streets, sufficient
designated parking space and environmentally friendly transport options), traffic norms and
regulations in the city enhances the problem with no specific pedestrian areas (such as heritage
walkways) demarcated; affecting both the tourist and the local community negatively.
• The influx of tourists has brought pressures on the urban fabric and infrastructure. There is a
need to carry out studies to assess the carrying capacity of popular tourist destinations with a view
to regulate tourist traffic. The conversion of a number of historic palaces and havelis into heritage
hotels is a positive accomplishment. However, there is still an acute shortage of budget hotels
during the tourist season.
• Quality of tourism facilities is much to be desired. The issues include poor heritage interpretation,
encroachment around the heritage buildings by cars and informal shops, absence of planned
63
Jhalars are ground water bodies essentially meant for community use and for religious rites. They have often
rectangular shape with steps on three or even on all the four sides of the tank
88
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
89
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Regarding cultural tourism and more specifically the actions concerning the link between heritage
and tourism field, the Department of Tourism directly supports implementation of heritage projects
by, for instance, INTACH.
90
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
The protection and conservation of built heritage in Jaipur comes under the jurisdiction of
several government organizations thus resulting in more complications. Two main
government bodies responsible for conservation are the Department of Arts and Culture and
the Department of Tourism. Though these departments have taken up conservation works in
the past, the implementing agency is usually the Public Works Department which has little
know how of onsite conservation with traditional methods. To bridge this gap, another body
RICCULP (Rajasthan Institute of Conservation of Cultural Properties) was introduced with
the purpose of taking up restoration works and to develop traditional technologies. RICCULP
is successfully executing important projects like the Amer Palace and Ghat Ki Guni.
However, this organization is working on limited sites and often conservation projects are
initiated by other organizations like the Jaipur Nagar Nigam (JNN) and Jaipur Development
Authority (JDA) as owners/managers of the major built heritage of Jaipur. With prime focus of
JNN and JDA being maintenance, management and land development within the city,
heritage conservation gets compromised. The formation of JHERICO (Jaipur Heritage
Committee) with a defined role to overview this multiplicity of organizations working on
conservation projects and to realign the built heritage governance of the city is possibly a
step in the right direction. […]The range of organizations involved in heritage conservation
indicates the zeal for conservation in the city though this multiplicity has lead to confusion
and uncoordinated efforts. It is the optimum balance and partnership between organizations
along with public awareness and support that can lead to successful heritage conservation.
• URBAN DEVELOPMENT
JAIPUR MUNICIPAL CORPORATION The Municipal body was recognised in 1926 and a Municipal Act
was in place in1929. Recently, it achieved the status of a Municipal Corporation and its jurisdiction
spread over 64,75 sq.km. It is responsible for: cleaning the Walled City; painting public buildings
and monuments; enforcing building byelaws; declaring buildings unsafe as and when necessary
91
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
and repairing and maintaining roads and sewerage. Repair and repainting of the Hawa Mahal and
revitalization of Jal Mahal through restoration of the monument, revival of the lake and provision of
tourist facilities is being done by JNN. It is also responsible for the restoration of the old water
tanks in the walled city.In 2001 the JMC successfully executed the so called “Operation Pink”
addressed to the removal of encroachments in main commercial streets of the Walled city.
A number of conservation initiatives for the walled city have been taken by International
organizations, NGO’s and local government authorities. Through various projects and initiatives
undertaken by the Government of Rajasthan, efforts have been made for the formulation of the
Heritage Management Regulation for the walled city but it has not been approved by the
government.
Although, concerning tourism JMC does not provide specific attention to the tourism important
activities within its work agenda, due to the absence of direct mandate in the tourism programme.
The contribution of tourism related revenue in the city domestic product (CDP) is also not
separated in the accounting system at the city level and as such, it has no means to surmise the
impact of its services on the tourism and hence JMC has no incentive. The informal interactions
with the RTDC in city authorities meetings do not seem to have yielded result.
JAIPUR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY was established in 1982, under the JDA Act for purposes of
planning, coordinating and supervising the proper, orderly and rapid development of Jaipur region
formed by inclusion of Jaipur city and contiguous areas, and was entrusted with the task of
preparing the Master Development Plan with a view to securing planned integrated development
and use of land.
Urban Planning projects have been undertaken in the city since 2000 through the commencement
of Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Project (RUIDP). Project components include water supply,
wastewater management, solid waste management, urban transport and roads, emergency
medical services, social infrastructure, slum improvement, support infrastructure for cultural
heritage, urban drainage, community awareness and public participation (CAPP) and benefit
monitoring and evaluation (BME). Conservation works include development of sites and services.
The institution takes up development programmes that may have direct tourism implications, but
they are not conceived to enhance the tourism prospects for outsiders and not in collaboration with
RTDC. The resource mobilization is a great constraint.
Within the plan the historic walled city of Jaipur is demarcated as a historic zone in the master plan
of Jaipur with special byelaws applicable for the area.
92
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Jaipur Heritage Management Plan, Built Heritage, February 2007: prepared by DRONAH and
JVF for the Jaipur Heritage Committee, proposes to review the historic fabric of the city and
integrates the 18th century unique planning of Sawai Jai Singh’s Jaipur to the ’21st Century
Renaissance Vision’ of the local residents and NGO’s. To fulfil this intention it takes into account
not only the historic city planning but also its adaptation to the present trends within the walled city
mainly - migration of upper class, changing landuse from residential to commercial, deterioration of
historic fabric and lack of infrastructure and management. It intends to translate the Heritage Vision
for ‘Jaipur’ into policies for site operations, suggest strategies at planning level and project level,
identify the priority areas as per heritage significance and funding and provide direction to move
with a particular focus.
The plan emphasizes on a people based approach and relies on feedback of experts, residents
and visitors for finalisation. It also realises that effective implementation is only possible with
support of interest groups in the city of Jaipur and devises strategies where implementation is not
totally dependent on government authorities but can be initiated by local residents and NGO’s. It is
formed as a living document that will be reviewed regularly and will be revised every two years.
The Heritage Plan of Jaipur distinctly categorises the present day heritage resources and heritage
managers for Jaipur city and outlines the heritage objectives. Besides policies for data collection
and documentation, conservation and urban renewal, interpretation and heritage awareness and
heritage valuation, it presents an action plan that identifies planning level and project level activities
for the heritage resources namely, heritage sites outside the walled city, walled city fabric, cultural
heritage, archaeological/archival heritage and the natural heritage of Jaipur. It analyses the
relevance of each within the contextual framework of ownership, heritage significance and
economic potential. Besides the policy framework and an action plan, it also aims to build a
comprehensive heritage register of all typologies and evolve heritage guidelines and byelaws for
each type. Whether the plan document will be realized in part or whole on site is difficult to say but
nevertheless, it is an ambitious attempt to reinterpret the historic core of Jaipur and adapt it to the
present urban pressures. It is a collaborative effort of the residents, visitors and heritage managers
of the city to rebuild it into a 21st century renaissance city keeping in mind two basic ingredients
that lead to the making of the 18th century Jaipur – a great urban vision and flourishing trade and
economy to realize and sustain the vision.
Urban Renewal in Walled City, 2008: under the Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission
(JNNURM) partially funded by the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India is the
renewal project identified under the City Development Plan. It provides parking and urban renewal
proposals for the historic areas in the buffer zone of the site and beyond that for the main
commercial streets of Jaipur.
Considerable urban renewal work has been done in walled city area. These works include:
a. Re-furbishing the buildings/markets in Pink colour.
b. Underground shifting of overhead electric/TV cable wires.
c. Repair of Roads, Footpaths, etc.
d. Repair and painting of medians/railings.
Project for Heritage Walk: A project for Heritage Walk from Chhoti Chaupar to Talkatora has been
prepared by JMC. The estimated cost of the proposed project is Rs. 60 lace. This will serve the
purpose of showcasing the rich heritage to the tourists
93
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Integrated Conservation Plan for Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal – specifically proposes an
integrated plan for the site along with the immediate landmark of Hawa Mahal.
Master Development Plan for Jaipur Region 2011
The Master plan of Jaipur 2011 mentions the policy for conservation of heritage and sets out
building byelaws that restrict or control building activities in the walled city. These byelaws of JNN
include:
- No permission for erection, re-erection, addition or alternations of any building without sanction
from the Nagar Nigam;
- Regulate building use.
- Prohibit construction of buildings in open spaces or over tanks;
- Regulate Balconies and other projections in proportion to the street width
- Regulate height of building in ratio of the road width.
- Prohibit construction near city walls
- Regulate alteration in the structural design, appearance, colour and other architectural features
including panels, pillars, shutters, railings, parapet walls, balconies and other structural listings of
any building facing the main bazaars of the city or any portion of such buildings as may be visible
from the said bazaars
- Specify rules for each area of the walled city
However, the present condition of the walled city shows that a number of the byelaws are just on
paper and it is the actual enforcement as well as enhancement of these byelaws that is essential
for the preservation of the historic fabric.
Master Development Plan for Jaipur Region 2025
The plan recognizes tourism is one of the major economic generators for both State and region
having various heritage and tourism sites, proximity to National capital region and potential for
development of rural and eco-tourism. It identifies the potential for tourism development for Jaipur
such as:
• Proximity to the national Capital making it a good weekend destination
• Inherent multiple number of tourist sites
• Potential for corporate tourism and conventions with a blend of tradition and heritage
• Relatively lower costs of real estate and slower, relaxed pace of life attracting investors and
tourists
• Potential for rural/village tourism
The “Tourism-Vision" of the plan recommends to enhance tourism by connecting the surrounding
touristic attractions and developing them into small circuits, leading to weekend tourism and
capturing the domestic tourists during the lean period by promoting certain events at the eco
tourism sites
Since walled city is designated as special area in master development plan 2025, it is being
envisaged to prepare a detailed plan with a dedicated team by.
During the making of the City Development Plan of Jaipur a Stakeholders' workshop was held.
Among the issues in Heritage and Tourism Development it has been stated that the city does not
have proper signage system. Therefore, there is a need to improve city guide systems through
proper signage.
94
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
95
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CHAPTER 6
Proposals for the Interpretation Plan
for the Walled city of Jaipur
96
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Chapter 6
Proposals for the Interpretation Plan
for the Walled city of Jaipur
The main principle that generates and gives reason to interpretation activity is making people
understand about the value held by the subject because sharing knowledge and understanding
creates the conditions for a willing of preservation and of spreading awareness. Therefore,
interpretation is applicable to something of which value is recognized.
Previous chapters showed the role played by interpretation as trait d’union between heritage
tourism and heritage conservation within a context of sustainable development and illustrated the
case of Interpretation Plan of the Jantar Mantar World Heritage Site in Jaipur which asks for
support by provisions designed for the surrounding context. Hence, the aim of the previous chapter
five was not just to illustrate the features of the historic walled city of Jaipur, together with the
interpretative hypothesis about its peculiar urban layout. Meanwhile, it was the description of
Jantar Mantar’s surrounding area within the boundaries of a crenellated wall.
Indeed three reasons support the proposal of an Interpretation Plan for the Walled city of Jaipur.
The first lies in the value held by the Walled city as witness of the reign of the historical figure of
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and as concretization of his urban planning achievement which have a
value of uniqueness within the Indian urban panorama. The second encompasses its relationship
with the World Heritage property of Jantar Mantar and the potential dynamics of mutual support
that planned and coordinated actions and provisions concerning the two sites that can generate.
The last concerns the Jaipur membership of the IHCN – Indian Heritage Cities Network and the
actions that are expected to be taken as member of the Network.
The reasons linked to the historical and cultural value of the walled city have been already
expressed within the previous chapter which emphasized, above all, the possible origins and
meanings lying behind the creation of the unusual urban layout.
Concerning interpretation, the significant relation between Jantar Mantar and Walled city lies
basically in that interpretative theory that attributes a fundamental role to Jantar Mantar’s
astronomical instruments within the creation of the urban layout. This conceptual relation is not just
a meaning to be communicated among interpretative plans, programmes, initiatives but it is mainly
the pivotal reason for a set of coordinated strategies and provisions as precondition for effective
actions concerning the World Heritage property and the requirements or obligations that
Government of India is subjected to.
97
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
The Indian Heritage Cities Network was founded in 2006 as a programme of UNESCO New Delhi
office with the endorsement of the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. It aims to
support Indian cities in their endeavour to safeguard and use the heritage resources for
sustainable development through several tools among which the awareness raising. The cities
member of the network are expected to carry out a set of actions including the organization of
heritage festivals and the development of walk heritage itineraries within the historic city,
highlighting its heritage aspects.
Therefore, the creation of an Interpretation Plan for the Walled city of Jaipur, which is one of the
city members of the programme, will answer to the requirement of the network to provide an
example and a reference work for the other city members.
The proposed Interpretation Plan shall be conceived as “strategic plan” 64, giving statements of
intents and suggesting supporting actions. It shall also guide and coordinate the efforts of all
stakeholders avoiding their duplication, to ensure comprehensive coverage of the large walled city
area, establish guidelines for other local and detailed plans and to encourage appropriate
networks. It could provide an agreed structure within which several organizations can work.
Therefore here is the VISION - of intents – that the plan could adopt as holistic approach, stating
that:
The value of the Walled city of Jaipur shall be communicated through the most
comprehensive set of the meanings and messages mediated with appropriate
interpretative tools and initiatives in order to guarantee the transmission to future
generations of its tangible and intangible heritage as a witness of dynamics occurred
within the uniqueness of its urban setting.
The objectives defined within the Interpretation, Use and Visitors management Plan of Jantar
Mantar, through the principles stated into the ICOMOS Interpretation and Presentation Charter,
should be re-proposed in order to provide a continuity of intents, being later adapted into strategies
and actions specifically planned and designed for the intended context.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To make every attempt to enhance visitors personal experience of the Walled city providing
understanding about the historical and cultural value of its tangible and intangible heritage,
encouraging to reflect and stimulating further interest.
2. To create an interpretation centre in order to fill the gap concerning the lack of
dissemination of information both in terms of interpretation and facilities such as public orientation
and interactive community participation. The interpretative centre should also host a research
centre in which collecting all the existing resources such as digitalized historical maps, records,
books, etc. giving them online access through the creation of a web site.
3. To ensure that interpretative messages relate the walled city to its wider social, cultural and
historical context providing the most exhaustive framework about the different theories concerning
the origin of its urban setting, taking into account the intangible elements of the property such as
craftwork and traditional cultural events.
64
See chapter 2, p.26 of the present study
98
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
99
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
The methodology that gives the structure for the interpretative plan has also to look to the
Interpretation plan of Jantar Mantar in order to ensure an overall coherence of provisions between
the two heritage sites, excluding issues related to the use and the visitors management as,
referring to the broad area of the walled city, they need to be addressed separately by specific
plans. Therefore, the development of the methodology for the interpretation plan will follow the
framework based on: pre-visit (off-site); on-site; repeat visit.
While the general methodology will be built around the main question for interpretation:
65
Aman Nath, in his book, Jaipur The last destination, argues about the deviation of the north-south axis of the city
and the number of squares of the original urban layout referring both of them to the maharaja dynasty or to the
maharaja itself.
100
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Mantar. The theme will be developed in the frame of three messages starting from the historical
environmental background.
MESSAGES:
1. Jai Singh’s life
The contents developed can follow a sort of time-line of which points can be briefly illustrated in a
comprehensive synthesis and further developed under the discretion of the visitor. The time-line
could include:
- Geo-political representation of India -> Dhoondar region;
- The Kachchwaha dynasty of Rajputs;
- Amber foundation and capital of Dhoondar region;
- Jai Singh’s studies: from astronomy to urban planning;
- Jai Singh’s crowning and its military campaigns;
- Jai Singh’s strategies: from the alliance with Moguls to its political-economic vision of the
new capital
While sciolist data can be simplified giving for instance an overall framework about the single texts
held in Jai Singh’s II bookshelves, stories and legends 66 concerning his life could stimulate the
visitor’s attention. Mindful visitors will then be more receptive to compare “legends” with scientific
versions of the same fact. This will ensure a comprehensive presentation and an opportunity to
provoke further reflections.
2 Jai Singh’s built heritage: Jantar Mantar(s), Jaipur, Amber palace embellishments,
Jal Mahal, outskirts gardens
The message aim is to provide an interpretation of the built heritage created under Jai Singh’s
reign as expression, in artistic terms, of the main maharaja’s features. Interpretation should thus
focus and highlight for each artefact constituting the Raipur’s built heritage those characters that
speak about Jai Singh’s willing to give prestigious to his realm through artistic enhancement and
embellishments, underling also his vocation for mixing Hindi traditional elements with Mogul style.
3 Jai Singh’ inheritance: art, crafts and trade vocation of a city
The founder king of the city had rightly foreseen the value of the human resources in the
development of the city as a growth centre and invited at the initial stage of the city building, people
and their families who excelled in certain trades. Today Jaipur is known for these activities. The
city, therefore, witnesses the careful planning of the sites of the shops, and they are arranged in
each rectangular city centres.
The old city is the major location of such activities and 60 per cent of the arts and craft skills are
inherited. The gems and exquisite handmade jewellery with gold and enamelled with precious
stones designed in unique in styles known as Meenakari and Kundan, have elevated Jaipur to a
tourist paradise. The blue potteries are internationally known for the shape, size and glaze; the
carvings of wood, ivory and marble statues and miniature paintings are adored by tourists of all
times; colourful textiles, tie and die fabrics and block prints and the colourful costumes worn by
men and women that meet the eyes on all sides in Jaipur .Each of those components within the
general framework provided in the previous chapter 67, has to be communicated encouraging
66
Here we are referring, for instance, to the story about the meeting between the young maharaja and the Mogul
emperor Aurangzeb who gave him the title of “Sawai”; or the story about Jain Singh seeing in a dream Govindevji
(Krishna) who tells to him to want to live in the Jai Niwas.
67
See chapter 5, par. 5.5
101
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
visitors to notice and explore the things around them and should draw attention to all those specific
features that can be seen, touched, heard, smelled or tasted.
THEME 2: “THE COSMOLOGIES OF A CITY”
The theme will be developed mainly around a set of messages that can be proposed under form of
questions in order to result more stimulating. The messages will integrate the meaning behind the
Jaipur foundation and its urban layout and its urban and architectural features, including built
heritage:
MESSAGES
102
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
bonds. Mentioning plot dimension following Prasara and Vaastu principles and localization of the
main traditional activities (spice market, brass makers, bangles makers, sculptures).
The messages will be enriched with further descriptions of the urban composition, from mohallas to
different typologies of havelis, temples, walls and gates and overview on the built heritage of
Jaipur.
ADDITIONAL MESSAGES:
Within the frame on the two main themes, additional messages can be conveyed discharging the
sustainable mission of sensitization towards social and environmental issues that interpretation has
to carry on. Hence, either within the message 3 of theme 1, or the message 4 of theme 2, the
communication should encompass information about today socio-economic dynamics issues linked
to poor working conditions of craftsmen in the “productive” reality of India compared with eastern
world illustrating also social support programmes and initiatives like social cooperatives helping
women’s liberation or poor people benefits, should stimulate and encourage reflections and
responsible attitudes, both as a part of tourism promotion and Poverty Reduction programme. It
should also form an integral part of the tourism literature, printed and electronic. This could
become a major opportunity to the development of ethnic products and policies in Jaipur.
Further “additional messages” could come holding meeting with the local communities that can
provide interpretation team of more contents in order to stimulate and provoke reflections about the
others’ reality.
THEMES MESSAGES
1 JAI SINGH’S LIFE
1 THE
ASTRONOMER 2 JAI SINGH’S BUILT HERITAGE
MAHARAJA 3 TRADE VOCATION OF JAIPUR
ADDITIONAL
2 1 REASONS AND ASPECTS OF TOWN’S PLAN MESSAGES
The above themes and messages has to be developed following the principles of all good
communication and taking into account researches and guidelines about mindful visitor and what
helps human beings pay attention to, take interest in, and remember new information or ideas.
Therefore, the four most important communication principles that have to be taken into account
are:
getting attention
making it enjoyable
making communication relevant to intended audience
giving it a structure
All contents should includes maps, plans, drawings, 3 dimensional representations, graphic
animation and digital images including ancient text, plans integrating text. Once created,
103
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
•Repeat visitors – provide changing displays that offer something new on a regular basis.
•Specialist interest visitors – provide interpretation options containing more detailed, in-depth
material such as printed fact sheets.
•Formal learning groups – tie the content to national curricula or to the learning programmes of
further, higher and adult education.
If wish to attract new audiences, interpretation should be specifically provided for them. This is
particularly relevant to encourage audiences who may previously have been excluded or under-
represented at your site, such as people from ethnic minority cultures, young people and people on
low incomes. For such groups it should be considered the advantages of live interpretation by
peers, for example an interpreter from a minority culture for an audience from the same group.
6.4 HOW: MESSAGE MEDIA MATRIX AND MEDIA
The plan is to propose the best interpretative media to convey the messages by reviewing
traditional as well as innovative methods of interpretation.
In order to achieve this objective an useful tool, adopted by DRONAH organization both within the
Implementation Plans for Udaipur’s City Palace Complex and for Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, is the so
called “Message Media Matrix” (fig. 55) By filling the cells generated from crossing interpretative
media and messages, modalities of communication are addressed towards intended audiences.
Thus, the outreach is an overview on the key point of the Interpretation Plan.
As mentioned, the methodology foresees the adoption of three levels of interpretation (pre-visit; on-
site; repeat visit) for which specific set of media has been proposed.
PRE-VISIT:
In order to provide to future visitors a more aware
and thus responsible experience of Jaipur city and
its surrounding 68, marketing campaign has to be
integrated with interpretative issues. The level of
available pre-visit information is extremely low, so
more attention is required on the on-line diffusion of
interpretative contents and tools.
• WEB SITE:
Currently the only existing web site entirely giving
an overview about Jaipur history and built heritage,
providing also general data about figures population
and topography, is JMC web site through a small
section on the home page. Information concerning
art and crafts tradition is available in terms of text
and few pictures in the Department of Tourism web
site which is, generally speaking, visually
Fig 54: Website of ”virtual tour of Nafplio” in Greece,
overloaded and confusing. provides the possibility to choose the sites and having for
each of them, interpretation text, virtual tour and pictures
68
Please note that the purpose has not to be increasing visitors’ number as sustainable tourism is not about the
quantity of people travelling but the quality of their experience which depends also from their travel attitude.
Interpretation tools have to work also to address tourist attitude towards sustainable and responsible directions.
105
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Carrying forward the objectives outlined, the Message-Media matrix has been used as a tool for
addressing the three main aspects, namely:
1. What messages should the site impart?
2. Who are the messages for?
3. How to communicate the messages in the best possible manner?
These three aspects have been elaborated and built upon in the interpretation plan.
106
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
It seems evident the necessity of a website providing a clear interpretation of the Walled city and
its surrounding through text, audio support, graphical supports, animations, panoramic pictures and
virtual tours. Audio tours, trail leaflets, educational resources, calendar of activities and events
such as the larger amount of documentation available should be downloadable resources.
miniature books which are ideal for providing self-guided trails. Specific sections linked with QR-
code, available also in outdoor interpretative panels, incorporate maps, images and a small
amount of text to create a series of pages which can be flicked through the screen of a mobile
phone or MP3 player.
• INTERPRETATIVE CENTRE: see the following paragraph 6.5.
ON-SITE:
All interpretation on-site should be provided with the presumption that the visitor has no prior
knowledge of the city and has no pre-visit information or resources available to them. It is therefore
extremely important to provide an introduction to the site and orientation signage with maps
showing direction towards the centre, in the main points of arrival such as railway station and bus
terminals. Specifically railway station and airport should be equipped with info touristic points with
trained staff, English speaking, providing information and printed resources such as maps,
calendar events, etc.
• HERITAGE WALKS:
It is a successful initiative born in Calcutta at the beginning
of 90’s from an idea of Mr. Debashish Nayak and later
spread over the whole country. A heritage walk through a
selected segment of a city aims at showcasing one of the
most authentic representations of a city’s historic, cultural
and architectural heritage. It gives a holistic experience to
the international and domestic tourists and rejuvenates a
sense of pride amongst the residents, including school
students and youth. A heritage walk is also an important
tool for urban renewal of the city. By developing a tourist
itinerary through a most representative historical fabric of a
city, it is intended to incite a number of ancillary projects
that support economic regeneration of the area and
encourage the municipal authorities to address long term
sustainability issues. These could include: improved
conditions for the local craftsmen, local restaurants and
accommodation facilities for the tourists, developing a
community area or even infrastructure projects for
improved drainage, solid waste management or rain water
harvesting with participation of the residents along the
walk. Thus a heritage walk, a part from providing a mutual
cultural exchange and enrichment between local people
and visitors, raising the awareness of one toward the other,
can be a micro project that addresses wider heritage Fig. 56: From the top: manufacturing lac
bangles; local small scale food stalls (photos
conservation issues related to the city and, constitutes a by DRONAH)
107
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
108
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
109
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
wheelchairs. The area surrounding Jaipur offers potentiality to develop nature and adventure trails:
Revitalization and Waterfront Development of Aman-I-Shah Nallah is a proposal that presents an
engaging waterfront development for the
historic natural heritage of the Amanishah
ka Nallah that can add to the environmental
up-gradation of the city and enhance the
aesthetic experience for residents by
developing recreational and eco friendly
public spaces along the water body. For
this purpose it is necessary to equip the
itineraries in order to guarantee the
maximum of safety and understanding.
• GUIDES AND STAFF TRAINING:
Licensed guides have to be trained not only
in the interpretation of the significance and
experience of the site but also on
communication techniques with an
evaluation program to monitor their
performance through visitor feedback.
Being a good live interpreter is quite a skill
and involves a range of techniques that can
be learned and practiced. It will also need
to have a good knowledge of the subject to
be interpreted, and be able to handle a
number of visitor-related issues including
Fig. 58: Proposal for Amanishah Nallah Greenway in Jaipur. (source health and safety, customer care and
Mukesh Mittal - Gov. of Rajasthan)
disability awareness.
Making mindful visitors is the first aim of the guide. Involving visitors mentioning something to
which they can refer help to address the attention. For instance, mentioning that that there are
evidences that show the European travellers compared the neatness and sanitation system of the
city to that of London and its symmetry to that of the Kremlin 69 can create a connection with
European visitors stimulating a mindful attitude.
• SIGNAGE:
Signage as a whole covers interpretive, directional, location and emergency signage. The signage
design is to be long lasting, integrate use of local materials as far as possible and address the
needs of all visitor types. It must adhere to the concept of ‘Universal Design’ which aims to design
things and places to be as usable as possible by as many people as possible. This means that
interpretation for people with intellectual, sensory and physical disabilities should be integrated into
a scheme rather than being presented as ‘special’ or separate.
69
Lall S., Urban Tourism and Poverty Reduction, A Case Study of Jaipur City in India , Society for Development Studies,
2003, p.2
110
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
111
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
112
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Each festival will include planned activities art and crafts market, cultural performances and
training modules. The festive activities will be publicized with adequate lead time allowing greater
participation to collateral events.
Outreach programs should cater for local, national and international needs that integrate with
existing events reflecting continuity. The benefits of interpretation will percolate down to all those
actors and fields connected with the running of the interpretive program.
Dedicated efforts will need to be made to arrange for sponsorship of large segments of the
interpretive program through a cooperative venture with the local stakeholders and government
bodies.
The lean period for international tourist arrivals could be used as opportunities for events
(workshops, training, performances, awareness generation programs) targeting the local
community and creating a stronger dialogue of the site with the residents of the city.
The outreach program will be developed in three categories:
• Specialist programs for purpose of study (lecture and enquiry base)
• Educational programs for purpose of education and study
• Inspirational programs for purpose of enjoyment and education.
These programs would target various
groups such as researchers, scholars,
academicians, school and college
students, professionals, artists, guides,
craftsmen and tourists, interacting with
the local community directly or
indirectly.
Several typologies of workshops can be
proposed: educational workshops
between heritage professionals, the
host and students; multi-disciplinary
collaborative arts and crafts workshops;
folklore and storytelling workshops with
school students; design workshops with
Fig. 63: Workshop held in Anouki museum, Amber (photo V.Megna)
art and architecture students and
professionals; puppet workshops with international puppeteers and traditional performers; etc.
En example to repeat and take into account for further events organization could be the
photography, model making and drawing competition of school children and cultural night that have
been organized in Jantar Mantar on the occasion of World Tourism Day in September 2010.
• CARRYING HOME MATERIAL:
This category of media includes also publications and merchandising. Brand consultancy to
develop ideas for brand communication and exploring publications and heritage merchandise
opportunities has to be part of interpretation programme. Also, it is important to offer products with
a range of pricing that caters to visitors with varying income levels.
Brochures and tickets that the visitor gets free at info tourism points or on purchase of tickets and
otherwise, are mainly for the purpose of orientation of the visitor within the walled city - providing a
schematic map - and city offerings, but are also means of direct and indirect interpretation along
with visitors amenities and heritage walks, trails and museums.
113
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Within the Interpretation planning work and subsequently the realization of Interpretation centre, a
specific publication could be carried out in order to provide a new contribute to the literary world
about Jaipur. Publications for children such as for visually impaired (audio books) should be
explored and developed.
Post cards and posters could be provided and sold at the interpretation centre shop or in Albert
Hall museum or in City Palace museum
REPEAT VISIT:
If a visit has been successful and fulfilling as an experience then there will be a greater likelihood
of a repeat visit. Therefore, it is important to ensure from the first visit a comprehensive overview
about the several opportunities that Jaipur offers in terms of cultural and natural enjoyment
promoting their significance and the provision of facilities linked to them. Once this has been
achieved to encourage further visits and a greater frequency of visits by the same visitors there are
other measures which will need to be employed. One method is to incorporate a level of adaptive
interpretation by sequential events created in occasion of particular dates (during festivals) and
based on storylines having as subject lectures on topics derived from the different interpretation
about the urban layout i.e. influence of astronomy on urban planning in ancient civilizations.
6.5 INTERPRETATION CENTRE
Even if well defined by the surrounding wall, the historic core of Jaipur is a wide area that does not
allow a clear overview of its urban structure and of its historical urban development traces. For
these reason, as suggested by many references around the world, the Interpretation Plan should
encompass the creation of an Interpretation Centre.
The concept for the Centre should be driven by the identified themes and messages that could
provide a contextual understanding and appreciation of the significance of the city and explaining
its history and value.
The centre should be housed in one of the historical building within the Walled City. Indeed, the
integration of this new function within an existing infrastructure follows the principles expressed at
the last General Assembly of ICOMOS: “The use of old buildings of heritage value should be in the
development of new urban infrastructure. Moreover, the adaptation of heritage to new functions
related to cultural development of cities is a
good way to implement sustainable
tourism” 70.
If re-planning of the two museums of Jaipur -
the Albert Hall museum, City Palace and the
small Shree Sanjay Sharma Museum - with
more communication and interpretation tools,
can turn them into heritage resource centres,
the integration of a Jaipur Interpretation
centre could take place into the Sawai Man
Singh Town Hall which is currently being
converted into a world class museum and
exhibition area, representative of Rajasthan's Fig. 64: Sawai Man Singh Town Hall (photo tapanmallick©)
history.
70
ICOMOS, Heritage a Driver of Development , proceedings of XVII General Assembly Symposium Paris 2011 p.18
114
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Fig. 65: Selected view of proposal, Auditorium and media display for Sawai Man Singh Town Hall Museum (Refer Schematic
Design Package, LORD Cultural Resources)
The new function hosted inside the mid 19th century two-storied structure would help in attracting
more visitors and also integrate it with other heritage structures included in the Walled City area.
The proposed programme of the new museum already encompasses the following aim: "the
exhibitions at the museum would tell the story of Jaipur with an emphasis on the regional and
historical aspects of Rajasthan, and include a gallery dedicated to children and families […] There
would be a life-size touch screen model of the city to depict its development from the time of
maharajas to the present scenario. It would have a conservation lab with artefacts from all over
Rajasthan and a dynamic gallery where artists can display their works at a nominal fee," the
source added. The main assembly hall with the help of multi-media software would acquaint the
tourists with the entire concept of the museum and elaborate on the details of the various sections
besides explaining in detail about the features of Jantar Mantar.” 71
The integration of a Jaipur Interpretative Centre within the new museum seems therefore a feasible
proposal. An alternative solution should in any case, encompass the integration of interpretation
themes and messages concerning the Walled City within the communicative contents proposed by
the new museum.
The Centre core will be based on the history, the heritage and the meanings of the Walled City as
a whole. It is this interesting mix of history, heritage and significances, supported by the identified
vision and objectives of the Interpretative Plan that provides for the concept for the Centre. The
Centre should act as a focal point of reference for the Walled City, helping to orientate people both
physically and intellectually. It will seek to explain the significance of the urban landscape within
71
Rachna Singh, TNN, Interactive museum to come up near Jantar Mantar, Mar 7, 2011
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-07/jaipur/28665762_1_jantar-mantar-interactive-museum-
planning-commission
115
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
the social development of Jaipur, and the way in which the social system of casts has impacted
upon the landscape from the past to the present day.
At the same time, it will allow comparisons and connections to be made
between Jaipur and other Indian historical cities - given awareness about
the IHC network - particularly those related to urban development and
heritage.
The Centre should bring together information in digital format relating to
the history and heritage of Jaipur, from a wide variety of sources but
especially from the local community. It should provide a rich variety of
programmed outputs around the idea of ‘story-telling’, which will be
designed to engage with its target key markets among which are the local
community, education and lifelong learning audiences. It should make use
of the new digital technologies to bring resources together in virtual terms
to inform its programmes. The Centre should represent a physical
expression of the Walled city brand and its values.
The role of the Centre will not simply be to tell the story of Jaipur
foundation, as this can give the impression that the Centre is one-
directional (‘from us to them’) and that it has a monopoly of
understanding. Rather, it will provide multiple opportunities and multiple
Fig.66: Example of touch
choices - on-site, off-site and on-line – for people to participate in and screen device for
contribute to the Centre’s work in the context of the site. In these ways, it interpretation centres
will help visitors to contribute to the Centre’s data and to explore and engage with the resources
that illustrate the history, the different interpretations and the heritage of the city. One of the
challenges facing the Centre is to show and display not just a single story but the many different
meanings and messages that the city hold, seen from many different perspectives. In this respect,
the Centre should act as a facilitator rather than a teacher. The visitor or user’s role is one of
explorer and discoverer. At the same time, the Centre will inspire interest in the stories being
presented in order to build and maintain audience interest.
The idea of programming is a powerful one, because it puts a strong emphasis on change and
renewal and this encourages repeat and regular visitation, particularly by the local community, a
key audience for sustainability reasons.
The approaches to story-telling will encompass a number of different activities such as:
• Innovative technologies: touch screen fitted to the inside of the centre’s window will allow visitors
to manipulate a computer display to obtain the answer to their specific enquiry, even if they are not
adept at using the various functions of their mobile phone;
• temporary exhibitions;
• conferences and seminars;
• workshops and classes.
Additional interpretative material could include:
• 3D models of havelis and temples typologies should be designed for visually impaired people
(and others) to feel and thereby understand a building or landscape.
• Simplified models of havelis and mohallas dismountable in their main parts as interpretative toys
for children
116
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
• Digitalized historic plans of Jaipur ->1711; 1734; 1775; 1884-85;1925; + projection paintings
reproducing Jaipur;
• Interpretative plans -> graphic animations of drawings synthesizing the different theories about
the origin of the urban layout.
Ultimately, the story of the Walled City is the story of its inhabitants. It is through that story that the
history and heritage of the Walled City will be brought alive for visitors and users, therefore local
community need to be represented and illustrated directly or indirectly, through permanent or
temporary exhibitions to underlying the cultural and human impact and significance that each
community has within the development of its own territory.
EXPERIENCE BRUSSELS EXHIBITION:
AN EXHIBITION FOR EVERYONE, EDUCATIONAL, FUN AND
INTERACTIVE, WHICH PRESENTS THE BRUSSELS CAPITAL-REGION
INTERPRETATION CENTRE IN BELGIUM AS REFERENCES
117
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
118
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
119
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
A number of conservation projects and programmes have been already undertaken in the city
supported by UNESCO New Delhi Office, the World Monuments Fund (WMF) and government
departments such as the Department of Art and Culture, Amber Development and Management
Authority, Jaipur Municipal Corporation and Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project
(RUIDP). Most of these initiatives have been promoted and carried out by local NOG’s involved
since years in the safeguard of tangible and intangible heritage as well as in community
participation, sustainable tourism development and poverty reduction.
We already mentioned the initiative of heritage walks for which during its preparation phase, an
important part was devoted by JVF to make contacts with local communities, explaining them the
projects and asking for their feedback.
The Jaipur Virasat Foundation works mainly for the enhancement and preservation of the
intangible heritage of Rajasthan being the main promoter and supporting local festivals in villages
around the state and in Jaipur: “Our primary focus is on the large number of people in rural
Rajasthan and its urban settlements who have traditional values, arts, crafts and knowledge and
struggle for life security and dignity in today's fast changing world. We address issues of poverty
120
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
and marginalization. We use creativity and skills to generate new opportunities for livelihood and
create demand for inherited skills and traditional knowledge”.
Vikas & Virasat is an innovative pilot program for social development and economic transformation
in Rajasthan, to be implemented over four years with continuous review and monitoring. It sets out
to conserve and reposition heritage resources, to strengthen a people-based, modern economy
that is inclusive, sustainable and adaptable to changing circumstances.
Jaipur is the first Indian city with a plan for the
streetscape and architectural control of facades
along the main axis of the city. The conservation of
the Walled city of Jaipur initiated in July 2009 with
a pilot project for façade control & restoration for
the main bazaars from Chaura Rasta – Tripoliya
Bazaar – Jauhari Bazaar – Bapu Bazaar. This falls
within the wider framework of JNNURM Urban
Renewal project for the city and has been carried
out by DRONAH.
The DRONAH is the acronym of Development and
research Organization For Nature, Arts and
Heritage. It is an interdisciplinary organization
consisting of highly motivated professionals from
various fields who shared a vision for a better
quality of life and thus working on three main
fields: built heritage, ecology and environment,
community. The organization collaborates with
several partners including all the local and state
authorities involved in its areas of expertise such
as UNESCO office in New Delhi, Jaipur Municipal
Corporation, INTACH, Jaipur Development
Authority and recently IHCN for which the
DRONAH director, Dr. Shikha Jain wrote the
publication “Walking into the microcosm of Jaipur”.
Within the main projects carried out by DRONAH,
a part the Urban Design and Façade Control for
Jaipur Walled City, there are Nomination Dossier
Fig. 67: JVF initiatives: from the top: Ger dance,
collaborated with UK percussionistPete Lockett, Dharohar
and Management Plan for the Jantar Mantar in
project (photos by JVF) Jaipur for nomination as UNESCO World Heritage
Site, same documents prepared for Hill Forts and
Step wells of Rajasthan for proposed serial nomination for nomination as UNESCO World Heritage
Site; the Heritage Management Plan of Jaipur, an initiative of the Jaipur Heritage Committee
(JHERICO), Government of Rajasthan, (Joint Project with JVF); conservation Master Plan for the
City Palace Complex, Udaipur; renovation of M.I. Road and the restoration work at Ghat Ki Guni,
Jaipur to Amber Development and Management Authority (AD&MA), Jaipur.
121
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Fig. 68: Proposals for signage and street furniture (Refer Urba Guidelines for Walled City of Jaipur) drawings by DRONAH
Indeed, the role of local NGOs and their professional support through high specialized teams, it is
crucial for the quality of a project and the guarantee of the outcome. The several initiatives carried
out in the context of heritage preservation in Jaipur demonstrate the potentiality that the city holds
in terms of professional resources.
In the - heritage - tourism development field the present top-down approach is leading to great
social stress at the local level that could be mitigated by involving local NGOs in the decision-
making process going toward the formulation of more appropriate strategy for tourism
development.
72
Here we are specifically referring to human artifacts and intangible issues, although in some way natural heritage
can have the same function.
122
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
• Environmental sustainability:
In a place like India were management and recycle of solid waste is a growing issue that find many
difficulties in practical application also as a cultural attitude, it is necessary to inform any plan and
initiative in the light of sustainability and friendly environmental notion.
Hence, also in developing interpretation plan it is possible to contribute to this scope considering
some issue. For instance:
• When choosing materials and manufacturers, use local suppliers so long as their quality is good
enough;
• Build the interpretation to last by combining a high specification, high quality and durable
infrastructure (such as panel frames, audio equipment and display cabinets) with easily updateable
content (such as graphic panels, audio files and objects on display). In this way when will be
required to change part of the display it will not be necessary to manufacture everything again;
• High-quality specifications will also mean lower financial and environmental costs when it comes
to maintenance and repairs;
• Use recycled materials (e.g. timber, stone, glass, metal or complete display cabinets) as far as
possible;
• Use local and natural materials as far as possible;
• For publications use chlorine-free recycled paper printed either digitally or by a litho print
company that recycles its aluminium printing plates;
• Use low-energy ‘A’ rated technology for any technology-based interpretation. LCD screens, for
example, are much more efficient than plasma screens.
Fig. 69: The continuity of stone crafts till date with use of the traditional knowledge systems (photos by DRONAH)
• Social impact:
Moreover, from the promotional point of view of the cause of the poor, it is equally important to
highlight their role to the tourists, especially from foreign countries and higher sections of the
society as an increasing recognition of the products coming from the poor is visible worldwide. As
such, the poor require outlets for the sensitized tourists. Among merchandising handmade works
could be produced showing how the earnings from the sales of these products are utilized for the
poor: may be for the education of girl children, medical intervention or nutrition for the poor mothers
or disabled. The approach has to explore the sentiments of the tourists and at the same time make
them understand a different reality, give them the opportunity, if it is asked to participate or just see
the work beyond this initiatives and make them feel proud in owning the programmes under the
financed or free patronage of the public institutions, through their contribution.
123
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
73
Pedersen A., Managing Tourism at World Heritage Sites: a Practical Manual for World Heritage Site Managers,
UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Paris 2002
124
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
As the manual has been conceived mainly for managing World Heritage Sites and not for historic
urban centres, it should be necessary adapting some concept to the specific subject.
The Heritage Tourism and Visitors Management plan should provide policies and specific
proposals for tourism services and infrastructures that should arguably benefit local people too.
• HERITAGE LEVEL
Urban culture is continuously undergoing a process of change, interacting with new elements and
assimilating new ideas as well as the aspirations and creativity of its people. Cities thus renew
themselves while maintaining their unique and diverse heritage, both cultural and natural.
Yet, in order to retain authenticity and achieve a heritage-based development that includes also
tourism respectful of the identity of individual heritage sites, a great deal of knowledge and
understanding is required.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTIONS FOR JAIPUR have been set out and proposed by UNESCO New
Delhi 74. Beside the two points concerning heritage awareness programme and the interpretation of
the heritage resources of the city, the following recommendations have been conceived:
- Legislative and regulatory framework for heritage conservation
- Incentive mechanisms for heritage management
- Adaptive reuse
- Mainstreaming local crafts into the modern market
- Infrastructure improvement through community participation and public private partnership
- Improved physical access to the heritage resources
Those actions represent the basic actions to be taken in order to create the solid ground where
further developing any heritage –based programme
• URBAN LEVEL
The relationship between the World Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar and the city surrounding it is not
based only on a spatial connection due to its geographical location on the territory.
Jantar Mantar is located in the core of the walled city, within the royal quarter which holds some of
the most visited monuments in Jaipur. Its spatial relation with the walled city generates mechanism
of interdependences and outcomes of cause-effect.
The visualization of the intended urban setting area shows three levels of boundaries which can be
interpreted also as three levels of interrelation. Starting from Jantar Mantar, the first border is
defined by the observatory surrounding wall followed by the border of its buffer zone defined within
the nomination procedure. The third level of boundary is the border of the walled city itself in its
physical or just conceptual form (fig.70)
Skipping the first architectural level and focusing on the analysis at urban level, from now on we
will consider the buffer zone as reference area of the whole World Heritage property as unique
area. We can hence visualize three zones: zone A as the listed property area; zone B as the
walled city area and zone C identifying the expansion of the city outside the wall.
Focusing on the first two zones, we can imagine them as “container” and “contents” of which value
is recognized for both of them.
74
See IHCN, Walking in the microcosm of Jaipur, op.cit
125
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Fig. 70
Walled city.
Above: Identification of three zones starting
from the Jantar Mantar buffer zone.
The interaction of Jantar Mantar buffer zone with the historic centre lies in a dynamic of mutual
effects. The results of the interaction can have either a nature of identity, meaning that the same
phenomenon present outside is visible inside the buffer zone; or it can manifest itself as a form of
secondary effect, with a different aspect. The first case could refer for instance, to cultural factors,
which can bypass boundaries – this is a field where interpretation could work on – while others
factors, typical of urban assets, such as mobility, facilities, etc., can create different reactions within
the interrelation system on which they are based.
Create conditions to successfully conduct the initiative foreseen by the interpretation plan such as
heritage walks, means interfacing with all issues and challenges that the urban environment of
Jaipur has to deal with. Solid waste management, water infrastructures, electricity wiring and
services, fire safety, vehicular traffic and parking and management of stray animals are a set of
problematic that impact both on heritage and on tourism management. Addressing vehicular traffic
and parking through a mobility plan that seriously takes into account the pedestrian circulation of
groups of tourists within the Walled city, is an essential support for the success of heritage walk
initiatives.
126
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
CONCLUSIONS
127
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
heritage field a number of monuments are poorly maintained while violations of rules and
regulations for heritage conservation are a common phenomenon. This happens despite a
regulatory and legislative framework that, even if not in the most perfect expression, has been
developed and it is present.
Therefore, together with a strict control on the observation of those regulations, an interpretation
plan involving local community and school programmes, having acted on people cultural attitude,
could assist the government in its scope to make heritage as a part of the future development
accepting the wisdom of investment in potentially profitable cultural tourist attractions while
supporting and asking for a more balanced policy of long-term conservation of the entire range of
heritage without selectively exploited resources.
The results of the present study have been affected by lack of possibility to work in situ. Therefore,
the final outcome resulted in a set of guidelines and recommendations based on a methodology
strengthened by academic studies and debate around heritage interpretation.
The framework about the interpretation of Jaipur provided within the present study, needs to be
extended and deeper analyses under mainly points of view and through a major availability of
resources. This can be achieved only working on site and through a direct contact with local
communities. Indeed, as the second principle of the ICOMOS charter for interpretation and
presentation states: “Interpretation and presentation should be based on evidence gathered
through accepted scientific and scholarly methods as well as from living cultural traditions”.
Aware of the study limits mentioned above, it is here strongly recommended to integrate what has
been already carried out in terms of interpretation objectives, themes and choice of interpretative
media with an accurate evaluation in situ. Moreover, an evaluation of the projects from the
audience should be part of the interpretative planning process from the inception as it can provide
data about feeling, thoughts, misconceptions etc., about the topic. This should ensure that future
developments of the plan will, as much as possible, fulfil community’s wishes and take into account
their concerns.
The philosophy in which the present work has been based is well expressed by the following vision
of the Jaipur Virasat Foundation:
“In a time when poverty and inequality are such critical issues, Rajasthan's heritage can be utilised
to contribute to a local, holistic growth model for the state for other parts of India and the world.
Heritage-based growth, being value- and people-based, inclusive and ecologically appropriate, can
offer a corrective to a purely GDP-driven strategy. To conserve and reposition heritage resources,
to strengthen a people-based, modern economy that is inclusive, sustainable and adaptable to
changing circumstances”75.
75
http://www.jaipurvirasatfoundation.org/vikas_aur_virasat.php
128
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
SOURCES
INTERNATIONAL:
APEC – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
ASEAN – Association of Southeast Asian Nations
European Commission Enterprise and Industry Sectors Tourism
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives
ICOMOS - International Scientific Committee on Interpretation and
Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites
Sustainable Tourism Cooperation Research Centre
Tourism Online Resource Centre
UNWTO – United Nations World Tourism Organisation
UNEP - United Nations Environmental Programme
UNESCO - United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
INDIAN:
Amber Development and Management Authority, Jaipur
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC)
Department of Art, Literature and Culture, Rajasthan
Department of Archaeology and Museums, Rajasthan
DRONAH (Development Research Organisation for Nature, Art, Heritage)
Jaipur Development Authority
Jaipur Municipal Corporation
Jaipur Virasat Foundation
Ministry of Tourism Government of India
OFFICIAL ACTS
European Commission, Communication from the Commission - Agenda for a sustainable and
competitive European tourism /* COM/2007/0621 final */52007DC0621
International Scientific Committee on Cultural Tourism (ISCCT). The 8th Draft of the International
Cultural Tourism Charter. 1999.<http://www.icomos.org/tourism/charter.html>
India Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Sustainable Tourism Criteria, 1 November 2011
UNESCO World Heritage Centre The Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural
and Natural Heritage, Paris, WHC-2001/WS/2
UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World
Heritage Convention, Paris, France, WHC-99/2 March 1999
129
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
BIBLIOGRAPHY
PUBLICATIONS
AA.VV, ACTION for more SUSTAINABLE EUROPEAN TOURISM, Report of the Tourism
Sustainability Group, 2007
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newsroom/cf/_getdocument.cfm?doc_id=237
AA.VV., Development in Heritage, a driver of development, proceedings of the 17th ICOMOS
general assembly, Paris 2011
APEC Tourism Working, Effective Community based Tourism, A best practice manual, June 2010
Arthur S. and Michael Hall C., Strategic Planning for Visitor Heritage Management, Integrating
People and Places through Participation, in: C. Michael Hall and Simon Arthur (eds.), Heritage
Management in New Zealand and Australia, Visitor Management, Interpretation and Marketing,
Oxford University Press, 1993
Ashley C., Goodwin H. and Roe D., ‘Pro-Poor Tourism Strategies: Making Tourism Work for the
Poor, A review of experience’ Overseas Development Institute, London, The International Institute
for Environmental Development, London, and Centre for Responsible Tourism, London, 2001
Ashworth, G. J. and P. J. Larkham, A Heritage for Europe:The Need, the Task, the Contribution,
pp. 1–9 in G. J.Ashworth and P. J . Larkham (eds) Building a New Heritage:Tourism, Culture, and
Identity in the New Europe. London: Routledge, 1994
Blockley M.R., Hems A., Heritage Interpretation, English Heritage, 2006
Carter J., A sense of place, Tourism and Environment Initiative, Inverness 1997
Coccossis H., and A. Parpairis., Assessing the interaction between heritage, environment and
tourism, in: Harry Coccossis and Peter Nijkamp (eds.), Mykonos, Sustainable Tourism
Development, pp. 107- 125, Hants (England): Avebury, 1995
Engels B. (ed), Sustainable Tourism and European Policies, The European Agenda 21 for Tourism
Report of the NGO-Workshop, Isle of Vilm, 24th -26th of March 2003
Fielden B. M. and Jokilehto J., Guide to the Management of World Heritage Cultural Sites,
ICCROM, Rome 1996
Fyall, A. and Garrod, B., Heritage tourism: At what price?, Managing Leisure 3, 1998, pp.213–228.
Garfield, Donald (ed.). Tourism at World Heritage Cultural Sites: The Site Manager’s Handbook,
(2nded.), Ch. 2, The ICOMOS International Committee on Cultural Tourism, Washington, DC, 1993
ICOMOS, Heritage Sites of Astronomy and Archaeo-astronomy in the context of the UNESCO World
Heritage Convention, A thematic study, ICOMOS, 2010
Inskeep E. Tourism Planning: An Integrated and Sustainable Development Approach, New York,
1991
130
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Shikha Jain, Indian Heritage cities Network, Walking Into The Microcosm of Jaipur, 2011
IUCN, Beyond Fences: Seeking Social Sustainability in Conservation: A Resource Book. 2 vols.
Gland, Switzerland, 1997
Jamal, Tazim B., and Donald Getz, “Visioning for Sustainable Tourism Development: Community
based Collaborations,” in: Peter E. Murphy (ed.), Quality Management in Urban Tourism, John
Wiley & Sons, 1997
Lancaster County Planning Commission, Telling Our Stories, An Interpretation Manual for Heritage
Partners, 2007
Moscardo, G., & Pearce, P., Chapter 11: Social and cultural aspects of tourism. In C.Y. Gee & E.
Fayos-Solá (Eds.), International tourism: A global perspective (pp. 231-248). Madrid, Spain: World
Tourism Organization, 1997
Nath, R., Sri Govindadeva’s itinerary from Vrindavana to Jayapura c1534-1727, in Case, 1996
Papillaut R. et alii (Eds.), Jaipur: Une Ville Nouvelle Du XVIIIe Siecle Au. Rajasthan, Paris, 2007
Papillaut R., The territorial demarcation of a city, in Context: Built, Living and Natural, Vol. V, Issue
1, 2008
Pedersen A., Managing Tourism at World Heritage Sites: a Practical Manual for World Heritage Site
Managers, UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Paris 2002
Prahlad Singh Th., Indian and Islamis Stone Observatories, Jaipur 2009
Research EU Focus, Competitiveness & sustainability in European tourism, Vol. n.1 Sept. 2008
Roy, A K., History of the Jaipur City, Manohar Publications, New Delhi, 1978
Sachdev, Vibhuti and Tillotson G., Building Jaipur: Making of an Indian City, Reaktion Books,
London, 2001
Sharma, VN, Sawai Jai Singh and his Observatories, Publication Scheme, Jaipur, 1997
Tilden F., Interpreting our heritage. University of North Carolina Press, 1957
Timothy D.J. and Boyd S.W., Heritage Tourism, Harlow: Prentice Hall, 2003
Thulstrup, Hans D. (ed.). World Natural Heritage and the Local Community: Case Studies from
Asia-Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Paris, France, 1999
UNEP/UNWTO, Making Tourism More Sustainable, A guide for policy makers, UNWTO/UNEP, 2005
131
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Volwahsen A., Cosmic Architecture in India: The Astronomical Monuments of Maharaja Jai Singh II,
July 2001
Wahab S. and Pigram J.J.(edited by), Tourism Development and Growth, the challenge of
sustainability, London, 1997
PAPERS
Arezki R., Cherif R., Piotrowski J., Tourism Specialization and Economic Development: Evidence
from the UNESCO World Heritage List, International Monetary Fund, 2009
Bignon, J.C., Bur D., Varano S., A 3D Navigation Moed Based on strategic paths to facilitate the
understanding of cultural heritage, in Digital Media and Its Applications in Cultural Heritage, CSAAR
Publications, 2008, pp. 505-515
Cernat L., Gourdon J., Is The Concept Of Sustainable Tourism Sustainable? Developing The
Sustainable Tourism Benchmarking Tool, United Nations New York and Geneva, 2007
Ceron J.P., Dubois G., Tourism and Sustainable Development Indicators: The Gap between
Theoretical Demands and Practical Achievements, Current Issues in Tourism Vol. 6, No 1, 2003
Gardiner R., Jan McHarry, Shah K., SUSTAINABLE TOURISM – TURNING THE TIDE , Stakeholder
Forum’s Towards Earth Summit 2002 project, August 2002
Hayward P.,The Heritage Economy, Conservation bulletin | Issue 64: Summer 2010
Ispas R., Mazilu M., Patrutescu M., Simion D., The Economic and Social Contribution of Tourism
from the Sustainable Development Point of View, Proceedings of the 5th WSEAS International
Conference on Economy and Management Transformation (Volume I), 2010
Jamal T., Kim H., Bridging the interdisciplinary divide, Towards an integrated framework for
heritage tourism research, Tourist studies, London 2005
Kala N., Host perception of Heritage Tourism Impact with Special Reference to the city of Jaipur,
South Asia Journal of Tourism and Heritage, Vol.I, n.1, 2008
Lall S., Urban Tourism and Poverty Reduction, A Case Study of Jaipur City in India , Society for
Development Studies, 2003
MacDougall Bonnie G., Jantar Mantar, Architecture, Astronomy and Solar Kingship in Princely
India, in The Cornell Journal of Architecture, 1996
132
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
Moscardo G., Mindful visitors: Heritage and tourism, Annals of Tourism Research, 23 pp.376-97,
1996
Notarstefano C., European Sustainable tourism, Context, concepts and guidelines for actions,
Global Jean Monnet Conference, 2007 http://ec.europa.eu/education/jean-
monnet/doc/forum07/notarstefano_en.pdf
Reinfeld Marti Ann, Tourism and the politics of cultural preservation: a case study of Bhutan,
Journal of Public and International Affairs, Volume 14/Spring 2003 Copyright 2003, the Trustees
of Princeton University http://www.princeton.edu/jpia/past-issues-1/2003/7.pdf
Salazar, Noel B., Shifting values and meanings of heritage: From cultural appropriation to tourism
interpretation and back in S. M. Lyon & C. E. Wells (Eds.), Global tourism: Cultural heritage and
economic encounters (pp. 21-41). Lanham: Altamira, 2012
Salazar, Noel B., The glocalisation of heritage through tourism: Balancing standardisation and
differentiation in S. Labadi & C. Long (Eds.), Heritage and globalisation (pp. 130-147). London:
Routledge, 2010
UNESCO Principal Regional Office for Asia and Pacific, Case study on effects of tourism on culture
and the environment. India, Jaisalmer, Khajuraho and Goa, Bankok, UNESCO, 1993
Zoltan Baros, Lorant Denes Dàvid, Environmentalism and sustainable development from the point
of view of tourism, Tourismo: An International Multidisciplinary Journal Of Tourism Volume 2,
Number 2, Autumn 2007, pp. 141-152
133
HERITAGE INTERPRETATION: PROPOSALS FOR THE WALLED CITY OF JAIPUR
INTERNET SOURCES
http://asian-academy.org/index.php
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/index_en.htm
http://icip.icomos.org/ENG/home.html
http://jaipurmc.org
http://jnnurm.nic.in/
http://museumsrajasthan.gov.in/index.htm
http://ppp.rajasthan.gov.in/index.htm
http://torc.linkbc.ca/main/index.php?torc_show&wid=6
http://unwto.org/
http://www.anokhi.com/museum/home.html
http://www.apec.org/
http://www.aseansec.org/19595.htm
http://www.biponline.be/?q=bip-expo
http://www.crctourism.com.au/
http://www.earthsummit2002.org/
http://www.gstcouncil.org/
http://www.ihcn.in/
http://www.jaipurjda.org/default.aspx
http://www.jaipurvirasatfoundation.org/index.php
http://www.locumconsulting.com/pdf/LDR6Blaenavon.pdf
http://www.propoortourism.org.uk/
http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/
http://www.sintgorikshallen.be
http://www.tourismconcern.net/
http://www.tourism.gov.in/Default.aspx
http://www.ttcconservationfoundation.com/
http://whc.unesco.org/en
http://www.visitgent.be/smartsite.dws?ch=VGG&id=15735&vg_lang=EN
http://www.wttc.org/
134