Our heritage is our inheritance. It is- what the past has conceded to us, what we value in the present and what we choose to preserve in the future.
This world has an array of diversity and stories because the past and the present has witnessed so many events and the future is yet to witness it. We see a variety of cultural, social, political aspects in the societies that existed and continue to exist till now.
Some societies hold the same acknowledgement that they enjoyed earlier and some have become extinct and have vanished but one thing common to them is that they have left some remarkable pieces of art either in the form of music, literature, paintings etc. or architecture/monuments.
Though the concept of heritage has become far more inclusive than what it had been in earlier times as it now includes embracing contemporary expressions etc too but at its core even now, it refers to the monumental remains of cultures. Monuments can include museums, buildings, libraries etc.
Importance of Monuments
1. Sense of identity
We can see at least one monument in each continent, moreover every country has a monument to identify with, irrespective of whatever the stage of development it is at.
In this global world, monuments- the symbol of heritage are a strong way to assert our identities in a positive way and even feel connected at the same time, because we can see ourselves in it, it gives everyone a reason to feel similarly.
What it also does is to generate a certain kind of respect for the people who are associated with the monuments or the era of its construction.
2. Acts as symbol and inspiration
The monuments are the masterpiece of art and architecture. It is the result of heavy investment of resources, wealth, time and creativity which serves as an inspiration. Each monument is an outcome of various stories knit into one final beautiful result.
The Statue of liberty for instance, is a symbol of enlightenment. The Taj Mahal in Agra signifies love and the Eiffel Tower in the beautiful city of Paris depicts the liberation of the city.
3. Source and evidence of history
Monuments serve to answer all the questions like how, when, why and for whom and by whom it was built. This also clearly tells us how important they are for our cultural heritage to survive.
The stories which the literature has escaped, find their place in the monuments. The king who ruled back then, the people who were the residents, the usage of the monument are all interlinked facts which monuments just by existing fulfil.
4. Sense of pride
Above all of this, it gives a sense of pride. Pride that we have a rich culture, we have had a rich and diverse history. We are overwhelmed by the fact that we can associate ourselves with it regionally and globally both.
5. Economy generation
Apart from all these abstract things , now-a-days it also serves our purpose of boosting the national economy. It attracts the tourism industry which has a whole lot of things attached to it from visiting a monument to the promotion of it and the income which the locals are able to generate from it.
Thus, heritage is a valuable factor for empowering local communities and enabling vulnerable groups to participate fully in social and cultural life. Monuments have made the remotest of the place, the liveliest one.
We also see that there are a number of monumental constructions happening all over the world, like in India we have built, Statue of Unity in Gujarat and The Shed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in New York.
They are also important as they will mark the technological and more efficient age which is built on the foundations of the core moral ideals of the past. They are the representation of the present Era. Thus, hold an important place.
Damages ransacking the monuments
Despite being such a source of benefit, monuments all over the world have to experience degradation. It is the result of both man-made and the natural calamities which have happened over the course of years.
Earthquakes,
floods, acid rains have destroyed these beautiful buildings. The marble in the
cities of Rome, Agra and Athens is gradually turning yellow. This is clearly
because of the acid rain. Earthquakes and floods destroy age-old temples and
other places of worship which actually bear regional imprints.
Wars, be it international or civil-wars, communalism and the man’s desire to expand the land have also resulted in the destruction of monuments. The giant buddhas in Bamiyan in Afghanistan are all destroyed because of artillery and anti-tank rockets.
This is a serious concern which has to. Whether they are toppled, manipulated, painted, or graffitied, these statues are a strong sign of struggle.
Preservation of monuments
But if we give it a thought, isn’t preserving the old monuments equally important as building the new ones? It is because it is synonymous with preserving the heritage.
So, with this realisation an international effort by UNESCO and various national, local efforts have been put in place by the countries concerned to preserve the heritage, monuments.
Environmental conservation will also help it indirectly and directly. Awareness among locals regarding the sites has to be inculcated. Tourism should be done keeping in mind the health of the monuments.
The importance of archaeological departments and strict government restrictions can’t be forgotten in preservation of monuments. Collection and raising of funds is most essential for the maintenance.
It’s not only the government to whom the monuments belong but it is us, the society, the people who define culture, who create and protect culture. So let’s start from not scribbling, smoking, scratching and spitting on places of high value and move towards at least donating a few rupees if capable.
Written By - Disha
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