Heritage from Within: Community, Ecology, and Governance in Rural Kutch

This study explores participatory governance in heritage management in the Kutch region of Gujarat, known for its rich cultural diversity and unique natural ecosystem. It seeks to identify aspects of heritage that have been lost, forgotten, or survive only in fragments by documenting the region's cultural assets. The research emphasizes traditional knowledge systems as defined by local communities and examines their close relationship with ecology, climate, and settlement patterns. These systems, once central to shaping built forms and livelihoods, are gradually fading due to economic and climatic changes. Focusing on the village of Devaliya, the study highlights its traditional knowledge as a key cultural resource. It also assesses the role of the gram panchayat in promoting heritage through community participation. By encouraging local involvement, the study proposes guidelines for preserving and managing traditional knowledge systems as an integral part of the village's cultural heritage.

Pagina's: 76, Paperback, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing