UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage - Art and Culture Notes
UNESCO established its lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage with the aim of ensuring the better protection of important intangible cultural heritages worldwide and to create awareness of their significance. It aims to draw attention to the importance of safeguarding intangible heritage. Following UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, this list has been classified into five broad domains in which intangible cultural heritage is manifested:
- 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
Here we will discuss more about the UNESCO'S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which will be useful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.
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Intangible Cultural of India
UNESCO'S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
- Cultural heritage does not end at monuments and collections of objects.
- Oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, celebratory events, knowledge, and practices about nature and the universe, or knowledge and abilities to make traditional crafts are all examples of living expressions inherited from predecessors and passed down to our successors.
- Communities, organizations, and in some cases individuals recognize practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, abilities, as well as instruments, items, and artifacts linked with intangible cultural heritage as part of their cultural legacy.
- UNESCO created its lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage with the goal of better protecting and raising awareness about key intangible cultural heritages across the globe.
- The initiative seeks to raise awareness of the need of preserving intangible heritage by compiling a list of the many oral and intangible riches of humanity across the world.
Two lists have been created by the UNESCO program:
- The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - This list includes cultural practices and expressions that assist to highlight the variety of this heritage and raise awareness of its significance.
- The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding - This list is made up of cultural aspects that concerned groups and countries consider vulnerable and in need of immediate protection.
The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
- The UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity includes a wide range of cultural practices and expressions, with the goal of raising awareness of their importance, encouraging dialogue that respects cultural diversity and giving due recognition to the practices and expressions of communities all over the world.
- The inclusion of an element on UNESCO's Representative List by a nation does not mean that it is unique, superior to others, or that it belongs exclusively to, originated from, or exists only in that country.
- The Gastronomic Meal of the French (France, 2010), Indonesian Angklung (Indonesia, 2010), Chinese Shadow Puppetry (China, 2011), Kimjang, or the making and sharing of Kimchi (South Korea, 2013), Washoku (Japan, 2013), Bagpipe Culture (Slovakia, 2015), Beer Culture in Belgium (Belgium, 2016), and Yoga (India, 2016) are just a few of the well-known intangible cultural heritage elements on UNESCO.
The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding
- If the sustainability of an intangible cultural heritage expression is threatened, despite the community, group, or government's best efforts, it might be nominated for inclusion on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
- Even though the elements were feasible at the time of nomination, imminent dangers to specific pieces of intangible cultural heritage that may jeopardize their continuity are adequate reasons for inclusion in some situations.
- A nomination dossier must be based on a safeguarding strategy that was established with the input of as many heritage practitioners and guardian groups as feasible and that requires their informed, explicit, and prior approval.
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 |
Conclusion
The Representative List of Humanity's Intangible Cultural Heritage promotes awareness of intangible heritage and recognizes community traditions and know-how that represent their cultural variety. There is no level of quality or exclusivity assigned to or recognized by the List.
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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
Q1. What is the purpose of UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage?
Answer: The purpose of UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage is to safeguard and promote the cultural practices, expressions, and traditions that are integral to the identities of communities around the world. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of intangible heritage and encourage its preservation.
Q2. What types of traditions are included in the intangible cultural heritage list?
Answer: The intangible cultural heritage list includes various forms of traditional knowledge and practices, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festivals, craftsmanship, and traditional culinary practices that are passed down through generations.
Q3. How does a cultural practice get included in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list?
Answer: For a cultural practice to be included in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list, it must meet specific criteria set by UNESCO. This includes demonstrating its significance to the community, its transmission through generations, and the community's commitment to its safeguarding. A formal nomination process is required, involving documentation and support from the relevant country.
Q4. Why is the protection of intangible cultural heritage important?
Answer: The protection of intangible cultural heritage is important because it helps to maintain cultural diversity, fosters a sense of identity and continuity among communities, and promotes respect for cultural traditions. It also contributes to social cohesion and the sustainable development of communities by valuing their heritage.
Q5. Can you name some examples of intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO?
Answer: Some examples of intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO include the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples, the art of crafting silk in China, the tango dance in Argentina, yoga in India, and the cuisine of the Mediterranean diet.
MCQs
- What does UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage primarily focus on?
a) Physical monuments
b) Cultural practices and traditions
c) Historical events
d) Scientific discoveries
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
- Which of the following is a criterion for including a practice in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list?
a) Economic impact
b) Political significance
c) Community commitment to safeguarding
d) Global popularity
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
- Which of the following is an example of intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO?
a) The Great Wall of China
b) The Pyramids of Egypt
c) The tango dance in Argentina
d) The Eiffel Tower
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
- Why is the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage essential for communities?
a) It generates revenue
b) It prevents tourism
c) It maintains cultural diversity and identity
d) It limits cultural exchange
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
- What is the significance of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list for global awareness?
a) It encourages globalization
b) It promotes uniformity in culture
c) It raises awareness about cultural diversity
d) It focuses on economic benefits
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1. Discuss the significance of UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in preserving cultural diversity.
Answers: UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage plays a vital role in preserving cultural diversity by recognizing and safeguarding various cultural practices, expressions, and traditions that define communities worldwide. This list serves as a platform to promote awareness about the richness of human creativity and the importance of intangible heritage in shaping cultural identity. By highlighting the value of diverse cultural expressions, UNESCO encourages countries to prioritize the preservation of their unique traditions, which might otherwise be threatened by globalization and modernization. The list also fosters dialogue among cultures, promoting respect and appreciation for different ways of life. Additionally, it supports the transmission of knowledge and skills from one generation to the next, ensuring that cultural practices continue to thrive. Ultimately, UNESCO's efforts contribute to a more inclusive and culturally diverse world, celebrating the shared heritage of humanity while respecting the distinctiveness of individual cultures.
Q2. Analyze the challenges faced in the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage and suggest measures to overcome them.
Answers: The safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage faces several challenges, including globalization, which can lead to the homogenization of cultures, threatening the survival of unique traditions. Additionally, urbanization often marginalizes traditional practices, as younger generations migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities, resulting in a loss of knowledge transmission. Moreover, inadequate documentation and lack of awareness about the significance of intangible heritage can hinder preservation efforts. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to implement educational programs that raise awareness of the importance of cultural heritage among communities, particularly the youth. Governments and organizations can facilitate workshops and training sessions to ensure the transmission of traditional knowledge and skills. Furthermore, supporting community-led initiatives that celebrate and promote local traditions can strengthen cultural identity and pride. Collaborating with local communities in the documentation and promotion of their intangible heritage will empower them and encourage active participation in safeguarding their cultural practices.
Q3. Evaluate the impact of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list on local communities and economies.
Answer: UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list significantly impacts local communities and economies by enhancing cultural pride and identity among community members. When a cultural practice is recognized by UNESCO, it not only validates the community's heritage but also raises awareness and appreciation for their traditions on a global scale. This recognition can lead to increased tourism, as visitors are drawn to experience unique cultural practices, festivals, and events, thereby boosting local economies. Additionally, the promotion of traditional crafts, performances, and culinary practices can create sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisans and practitioners, fostering economic development while preserving cultural heritage. Furthermore, the listing encourages communities to actively engage in the documentation and transmission of their traditions, reinforcing social cohesion and intergenerational bonding. However, it is crucial that such economic benefits are managed sustainably to ensure that the community retains control over their cultural practices, preventing commercialization that could dilute their authenticity. Overall, the impact of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list is multifaceted, promoting cultural preservation while contributing to local economic development.
Previous Year Questions on UNESCO'S List of Intangible Cultural heritage
1. UPSC CSE 2021
Question: Discuss the role of UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in promoting cultural diversity.
Answer: UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage plays a crucial role in promoting cultural diversity by recognizing and safeguarding unique cultural practices that contribute to the identity of communities globally. The list highlights the importance of intangible heritage, including oral traditions, performing arts, and traditional craftsmanship, which are vital for the continuity of cultural identities. By bringing global attention to these diverse practices, UNESCO fosters respect and appreciation for different cultures, encouraging intercultural dialogue and understanding. The recognition provided by the list serves as a catalyst for communities to engage in the preservation of their heritage, fostering a sense of pride and ownership. Moreover, the promotion of cultural diversity through the list contributes to social cohesion and sustainable development, as communities become more aware of the economic potential associated with their heritage, such as tourism and artisanal crafts. Ultimately, UNESCO's efforts in promoting cultural diversity underscore the need for a world that values and protects its diverse heritage as a shared human legacy.
2. UPSC CSE 2019
Question: Analyze the impact of globalization on the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.
Answer: Globalization has a profound impact on the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, presenting both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, globalization facilitates the exchange of cultural practices and ideas, leading to greater awareness and appreciation of diverse traditions. This interconnectedness can enhance the visibility of intangible cultural heritage, promoting its preservation through global recognition, such as inclusion in UNESCO’s list. However, globalization also poses significant threats to local cultures, often resulting in cultural homogenization. Traditional practices may be marginalized or lost as global influences dominate, leading to a decline in the transmission of knowledge and skills across generations. Furthermore, the commercialization of cultural expressions can dilute their authenticity and significance, reducing them to mere commodities for consumption. To address these challenges, it is essential for communities to engage actively in safeguarding their intangible heritage by documenting and promoting their traditions, ensuring that they remain relevant and respected in a globalized world. Balancing the benefits of globalization while protecting the integrity of local cultures is crucial for preserving the richness of intangible cultural heritage.
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