Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - Art and Culture Notes
Intangible Cultural Heritage means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills as well as instruments, objects, artifacts associated therewith that communities, groups, and in some cases individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. Here we will discuss the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which will be helpful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.
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Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
- Oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, celebratory events, knowledge, and practices about nature and the cosmos, or knowledge and abilities to manufacture traditional crafts are all examples of living expressions inherited from our forefathers and passed down to our successors.
- Intangible cultural heritage, while fragile, is a crucial aspect in preserving cultural variation in the face of globalization.
- Intercultural communication and mutual respect for other ways of life are aided by an awareness of diverse societies' intangible cultural heritage.
- The value of intangible cultural legacy is not in the cultural expression itself, but in the wealth of information and skills passed down from generation to generation.
- The social and economic benefit of knowledge transfer is crucial for both minority and mainstream social groups within a state, and it is equally vital for emerging and developed countries.
Intangible Cultural Heritage is:
- Traditional, contemporary, and living at the same time: Intangible cultural heritage encompasses not just inherited traditions from the past, but also current rural and urban behaviors that involve a wide range of cultural groups.
- Inclusive: They are all intangible cultural heritage, passed down from generation to generation, to have evolved in response to their environments, and contribute to giving us a sense of identity and continuity, providing a link from our past, through the present, and into the future.
- It promotes social cohesiveness by instilling a feeling of identification and responsibility in individuals, allowing them to feel like a member of one or more communities as well as society as a whole.
- Representative: Intangible cultural legacy is not just recognized as a cultural asset in comparison to other cultural goods because of its rarity or extraordinary worth. It flourishes because of its roots in communities, and it is reliant on individuals whose knowledge of traditions, skills, and practices is passed down from generation to generation or to other groups.
- Community-based: Intangible cultural heritage can only be acknowledged as such by the communities, groups, or individuals that produce, preserve, and transmit it; without their acknowledgment, no one else can declare that a particular expression or activity is their legacy.
Mudiyettu - ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala
UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
- The items on the list are intangible heritage aspects that help to show cultural heritage variety and increase awareness of their value.
- When the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage went into effect in 2008, it was developed.
- Under the title of "Intangible Cultural Heritage," UNESCO maintains three lists: the list of intangible cultural heritage in urgent need of preservation, the list of humanity's intangible cultural heritage, and the register of excellent safeguarding procedures.
Indian Elements on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
As of January 2022, there are 14 Indian elements on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
| SI No | ICH Element | Year of Inscription |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tradition of Vedic chanting | 2008 |
| 2 | Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana | 2008 |
| 3 | Koodiyattam, Sanskrit theatre | 2008 |
| 4 | Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas, India | 2009 |
| 5 | Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala | 2010 |
| 6 | Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan | 2010 |
| 7 | Chhau dance | 2010 |
| 8 | Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, Jammu and Kashmir, India | 2012 |
| 9 | Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur | 2013 |
| 10 | Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India | 2014 |
| 11 | Yoga | 2016 |
| 12 | Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz | 2016 |
| 13 | Kumbh Mela | 2017 |
| 14 | Durga Puja in Kolkata | 2021 |
National Intangible Cultural Heritage List
- India's National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) was established by the Ministry of Culture.
Ramalila - the traditional performance of the Ramayana
- The National ICH List is an attempt to highlight the variety of Indian culture as it is reflected in its intangible heritage, which is also part of the Ministry of Culture's Vision 2024.
- There are now over 100 items on the list. It also comprises the 14 Indian components that have been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Humanity's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- This list has been divided into five major sectors in which intangible cultural heritage manifests itself, as defined by UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage:
- Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage.
- Performing arts;
- Social practices, rituals, and festive events;
- Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;
- Traditional craftsmanship.
Conclusion
Intangible cultural heritage is important as it gives us a sense of identity and belonging, linking our past, through the present, with our future. Intangible cultural heritage is of both social and economic importance. It aids social cohesion and helps individuals to feel part of a community and of society at large.
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|---|---|
| Indian Art and Culture | Performing Arts |
| Martial Arts in India | Indian Circus |
| Indian Music | Indian Dance Forms |
| Indian Puppetry | Indian Theatre |
FAQs
Question: What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)?
Answer: Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) refers to cultural practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities, groups, and individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. It includes oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, and festive events, which are transmitted from generation to generation. The aim of ICH is to promote cultural diversity and ensure the survival of traditions in a modern world.
Question: Why is it important to safeguard Intangible Cultural Heritage?
Answer: Safeguarding ICH is essential to preserving the identity, history, and values of cultures worldwide. It contributes to social cohesion, strengthens community pride, and fosters respect for cultural diversity. Protecting intangible heritage ensures that traditional knowledge and practices continue to thrive, despite the challenges posed by globalization and modernization.
Question: Which organizations are responsible for promoting and safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage?
Answer: UNESCO is the primary international organization responsible for promoting and safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage. The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage outlines the measures for identifying, protecting, and promoting ICH globally. National governments and local communities are also involved in the safeguarding process through laws, policies, and educational initiatives.
Question: How are traditions selected for inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list?
Answer: Traditions are selected for inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list based on their cultural significance, history, and the efforts made by communities to maintain and pass down these practices. A nomination process involves documentation, support from state parties, and the fulfillment of safeguarding criteria. UNESCO reviews and approves nominations to ensure they meet the necessary criteria for safeguarding.
Question: Can a practice or tradition be removed from the ICH list?
Answer: Yes, a practice or tradition can be removed from the ICH list if it is no longer considered to meet the criteria for safeguarding or if the safeguarding efforts are insufficient. This might happen if a practice falls into disuse or if a community no longer wishes to include it in the global heritage list. However, this is a rare occurrence and usually involves extensive review and consultation.
MCQs
1. What is the main purpose of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage?
A) To preserve tangible monuments
B) To recognize and safeguard intangible cultural practices
C) To regulate international trade of cultural items
D) To create a database of cultural heritage items
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
The main purpose of the UNESCO 2003 Convention is to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, including oral traditions, performing arts, and rituals. It ensures that cultural practices and expressions are protected and passed on to future generations.
2. Which of the following is NOT considered part of Intangible Cultural Heritage?
A) Traditional dance forms
B) Sacred temples
C) Oral traditions
D) Festive events
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Sacred temples are considered tangible cultural heritage, whereas oral traditions, traditional dance forms, and festive events are examples of intangible cultural heritage. ICH refers to practices and knowledge that are not physically tangible but are vital to cultural identity.
3. Which country first ratified the UNESCO 2003 Convention for Intangible Cultural Heritage?
A) India
B) France
C) Japan
D) Brazil
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Japan was the first country to ratify the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This early adoption reflects the country's strong commitment to preserving its traditional practices and cultural expressions.
4. How is the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage related to sustainable development?
A) It prevents the spread of modern technologies
B) It ensures the survival of only traditional arts
C) It promotes social cohesion and cultural diversity
D) It limits cultural exchange between countries
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
The safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage promotes social cohesion and cultural diversity. By preserving traditional knowledge and practices, ICH contributes to sustainable development by fostering respect for cultural diversity and strengthening community identity.
5. Which of the following is a key feature of intangible cultural heritage?
A) It is documented in physical form.
B) It is preserved through community practices and oral transmission.
C) It is recognized by international law.
D) It is always associated with sacred sites.
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
The key feature of intangible cultural heritage is its transmission through community practices and oral traditions. Unlike tangible heritage, ICH is preserved in the practices, performances, and rituals of communities, passed down through generations.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Analyze the role of UNESCO in the preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage and its impact on global cultural diversity.
Answer: UNESCO plays a pivotal role in preserving intangible cultural heritage (ICH) through its 2003 Convention, which seeks to safeguard traditional practices, oral traditions, performing arts, and festive events. By recognizing and promoting these practices, UNESCO helps maintain cultural diversity globally. The inclusion of cultural elements in the ICH list not only ensures their survival but also encourages the revitalization of cultural expressions that might be at risk of extinction. Through international cooperation, UNESCO fosters cultural exchange, enabling countries to share their heritage and learn from each other’s practices. This global approach helps mitigate the negative effects of cultural homogenization, promoting the sustainability of diverse cultural identities.
Q2: Discuss the importance of Intangible Cultural Heritage in promoting sustainable development in the modern world.
Answer: Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) plays a significant role in promoting sustainable development by fostering social cohesion, cultural pride, and economic growth through cultural tourism. Preserving ICH contributes to the well-being of communities by strengthening their identity and promoting social integration. Moreover, traditional knowledge embedded in ICH can offer sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, such as indigenous agricultural practices that maintain biodiversity. By incorporating ICH into development strategies, governments and communities can create inclusive policies that respect cultural diversity while promoting economic development and environmental sustainability. This approach ensures that modernization does not come at the expense of cultural heritage.
Q3: Evaluate the challenges in safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in the face of globalization.
Answer: Globalization presents both opportunities and challenges for the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). While increased connectivity allows for the exchange of cultural practices and the promotion of ICH, it also threatens the survival of traditional knowledge and practices. Globalization often leads to the homogenization of cultures, where dominant cultural practices overshadow local traditions. Additionally, the rapid modernization of societies may result in the neglect or loss of cultural expressions that are not easily adaptable to new technologies or economic systems. To address these challenges, it is essential for countries to implement policies that prioritize the protection of ICH while ensuring its integration into the global context. Communities must also play an active role in safeguarding their heritage through education, documentation, and intergenerational transmission of knowledge.
Previous Year Questions on Cultural Heritage
1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:
Question: Which of the following is an example of intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO?
A) The Great Wall of China
B) Pahari painting of Himachal Pradesh
C) Yoga
D) Chichen Itza
Answer: (C)
Explanation: Yoga was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2016. It is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that has been passed down through generations and continues to be an essential part of global cultural heritage.
2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019:
Question: Evaluate the role of traditional knowledge systems in the protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage in India.
Answer: Traditional knowledge systems in India, including indigenous agricultural practices, folk music, and dance, are integral to safeguarding the nation's Intangible Cultural Heritage. These systems not only preserve cultural expressions but also offer sustainable solutions to contemporary environmental and social challenges. India’s rich diversity of languages, rituals, and festivals are vital to its cultural identity and contribute to global cultural heritage. The recognition and protection of such traditions through policies and international conventions help prevent their erosion due to urbanization and modernization, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from these practices.
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