Landscape and Crafts-Based Funerary Heritage Conservation for Sustainable Communities in India

Preserving cultural heritage treasures fosters social integration, identity, and community solidarity worldwide. It is increasingly prioritized by governmental and non-governmental agencies, including UNESCO and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). However, a common misunderstanding is that heritage conservation can hinder economic growth amidst modernization and globalization. This research explores the intersection of architecture, culture, landscape, and craft-based heritage conservation in Nizamuddin and Hyderabad, India.

Using mixed historical and qualitative methods, the study focuses on the benefits of landscape-based restoration. Despite a lack of studies on funerary interventions incorporating landscape and traditional craft heritage, this research drew on reports from the AKTC for validity. Studies on restoring the traditional characters of monuments have shown the benefits of craft-based initiatives. Additionally, the study proposes a revitalization design for Paigah Tombs in India, drawing from case studies and contemporary best practices, prioritizing craft-based functions, biophilic designs, and eco-friendly elements over-romanticizing the past.

The proposal extends the heritage monuments within the compound, promoting intergenerational learning opportunities. It recommends integrating heritage conservation and sustainable development by restoring the human-nature connection for ecological sustainability. Furthermore, the study emphasizes involving the local community in preserving both the original cultural (intangible) and architectural (tangible) elements.