Policy Update
Kiranmanonmani. Y
Introduction
Science and Heritage Research Initiative is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, and Earth Sciences, Government of India, on 16th December, 2019. It was initiated to apply scientific knowledge and technological tools towards the conservation of India’s cultural heritage. The scheme aims to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and the preservation of cultural heritage.
It seeks to integrate scientific knowledge and modern technology to study and address the challenges faced in heritage conservation. SHRI aims to safeguard India’s rich heritage for future generations by fostering collaborations between diverse fields and promoting new technologies. Currently, the initiative is headed by Shri. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India.
Background
According to the National Heritage Science Forum, Heritage science refers to all technological and scientific work to improve our understanding of and ability to care for heritage, including both tangible (e.g. artefacts, buildings, monuments, landscapes) and intangible (e.g. oral traditions, performing arts, knowledge, traditional craft skills) heritage. Scientific technologies and methods have always played an important role in the conservation of heritage sites, documenting them, degradation processes, carbon dating, etc.. To reduce the gap between the problems in heritage conservation and addressing them by providing scientific solutions, the Science and Heritage Research initiative was started.
Objectives of the Initiative
- To build capacity in human resources and encourage new researchers to work in the areas of heritage conservation,
- To promote research and development in the material deterioration process, preservation techniques in the ruins of heritage monuments,
- To explore and implement new state-of-the-art technologies to preserve the ancient sites and structures
- To promote the knowledge of archaeometric science in range of fields
- To safeguard the use of symbols, expressions, and artistic techniques of tribal communities which is an integral part of our culture.
Areas of Interest
The initiative mainly focuses on the following areas,
- Study of Heritage Materials/Metals.
- Remote Sensing Techniques for Detection of Archaeological Residues.
- In situ non-invasive imaging of sub-surface microstructure of objects, sustainable radiography for heritage materials, etc.
- Heritage Textiles – New technologies in yarn treatment, weaving, printing, Eco-friendly dyes, Cement Clothing, etc.
- Salts and synthetic coatings for wall paintings, for example, the application of surface science to artists’ acrylic emulsion paint films
- Health monitoring of ancient artefacts.
- Tribal Arts/Heritage
- New Materials development
- Conservation Technologies
- Development of Tools/process for conservation
Proposals
The SHRI initiative invites proposals from educational institutions(government and private recognized by UGC and AICTE), scholars, students, and researchers, government S&T bodies, R&D labs working in heritage sector, etc.. every year to carry out research and find scientific solutions for the problems related to heritage conservation and encourages them by providing funds for their research. The amount is disbursed by the Department of Science and Technology to the selected candidates. Private academic institutions are considered as Non-Governmental Organizations, and they can apply under the NGO head when submitting the proposal for projects under SHRI.
Implementation Approach
The implementation approach taken is:
- Identify the challenges and research topics, and develop the main theme for the proposal.
- Plan activities in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
- Coordinate efforts by building a robust network with line ministries.
- Promote collaboration by establishing knowledge networks that utilize the country’s scientific capabilities and link to global expertise to find solutions.
Projects supported by SHRI
- Basic Research/Technology Development Projects:
This encompasses the development of new technologies aimed at conserving and preserving cultural heritage. It includes research on the processes of material deterioration, preservation techniques, intervention technologies, and the exploration of new materials. Additionally, it covers processes for restoration and diagnostic technologies, as well as methods for restoration and sampling. The goal is to advance tools for chemical treatment and the preservation of protected monuments and world heritage sites. - Skill Development Programme.
This aims to create trained manpower on heritage skills and help them with ownership of developed patterns. The skills may include Leather painting, Brick making, Design innovation, Heritage sari making, boat building, Mirror making, Traditional painting animation, Heritage medicine, and food, etc. - Demonstration or Diffusion of technologies
A small group of people working on heritage products or technologies may not be able to afford the cost of electronic promotion and publicity, so positioning their products in the right place and helping them with ownership of patterns and Design innovation with IP protections. The diffusion of new tools/techniques/processes to artisans and other users will be assisted. - Specific studies to understand the scientific phenomenon behind the degradation and preservation
Studies on selected Heritage objects to understand the phenomenon behind the degradation and propose preservation accordingly.
Achievements of the Scheme
On the mark of the 5th year celebration of starting the Science and Heritage Research Initiative(SHRI), Shri. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India, spoke about the achievements of the initiative and the projects undertaken. He pointed to key initiatives under SHRI, such as non-invasive techniques for heritage preservation, digitizing the Ajanta caves, and artifact restoration. These efforts, he said, not only preserve India’s legacy but also showcase how heritage and technology can coexist to pave the way for societal progress.
He cited examples of successful fusion, including the Lavender Revolution through CSIR’s Aroma Mission, which transformed the lives of farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, and projects like Deep Sea Mission and Hydrogen Mission that draw inspiration from India’s ecological heritage. The launch of Kosh Shree, an encyclopaedic Sanskrit dictionary and article authoring tool powered by a crowdsourcing framework. Designed to facilitate the collaborative creation of Sanskrit articles, this specialized software allows users to prepare and publish vocabularies and dictionary volumes online, promoting the preservation and accessibility of India’s ancient language.
Challenges
- Interdisciplinary Divide: The main obstacle faced by the initiative is the divide between experts of interdisciplinary subjects such as sciences and heritage conservation, which poses a communication gap and friction of ideas and practices suggested by experts with varying viewpoints.
- Technical & Material Complexities: It is very difficult to develop scientific techniques for the conservation of heritage monuments, as they are so delicate and have to be handled with care. It also requires a high cost to create or procure advanced equipment for these.
- Human Capital Shortages: Lack of learned and trained professionals in the fields of science and heritage conservation leads to delays in the implementation of the tasks, and it also requires huge costs to train the human capital.
- Funding & Policy Integration: Securing adequate and sustained funding is a constant struggle, and effectively integrating scientific findings and approaches into heritage policies and management frameworks remains a key challenge.
Conclusion
SHRI recognizes the importance of intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional knowledge and practices, and works to protect them. It also encourages the development of innovative technologies for heritage preservation and conservation, including remote sensing, non-invasive imaging, and new materials.
The implementation of the Science and Heritage Research Initiative proved to reduce the gap between science and culture and nurtured the talents of many individuals who are scholars and researchers in the fields of physics, chemistry, archaeology and heritage conservation, and provided a conducive and collaborative environment for them to learn from each other and apply their knowledge and expertise in conserving the heritage sites and structures of our nation which stand as the representation of our rich culture and traditions.
References
About the Contributor: Kiranmanonmani. Y is an Economics Hons student at Hansraj College, University of Delhi, and a research intern at Impact and Policy Research Institute(IMPRI).
Acknowledgment: The author would like to express sincere gratitude to Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja and the IMPRI team for their guidance throughout the writing of this article.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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