The cultural landscape of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly riverfront in Kolkata, India: studies on its built and natural heritage
Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development
ISSN: 2044-1266
Article publication date: 6 September 2021
Issue publication date: 13 April 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The paper introduces a lesser-known cultural landscape along the sacred Bhagirathi-Hooghly river in the Indian city of Kolkata, with particular reference to its built and natural heritage. The narratives cover the cultural and ecological qualities of the unique “ghat-scape” (riverfront pavilions with steps descending into the river) and their contemporary urban challenges. It also explores the suitability of the Historic Cultural Landscape (HCL) tools, or their adapted versions, in managing this exceptional landscape.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is structured under six discrete sections covering the inventory and assessment, interpretation and evaluation and possible roadmap for the ecological restoration of the riverfront cultural landscape. Primary and secondary studies were conducted to understand the related challenges and opportunities. The authors then examined the application of the HCL tools based on a conceptual framework and identified the alternative approaches suitable for its restoration. Finally, a successfully restored ghat environ is taken as a model and reviewed against the most potent approach in addressing the eco-cultural criticalities.
Findings
The paper argues in favour of a paradigm shift from riverfront “development” to riverfront “restoration” with particular emphasis on the ghat-architecture. Three eco-cultural restoration alternatives were derived out of the HCL principles. A practical case study found that a community-led approach positively influences restorative actions, cultural heritage management and long-term sustainability.
Originality/value
The HCL tools comprising planning, regulatory systems, financial designs and community engagement have been explored for the first time in the context of the unique riverfront “ghatscape” of Kolkata. An under-discussed topic, it has been brought to the centre stage to gain new insights into the Indian cultural landscape heritage. An HCL-based new approach in their management came forth through a review of a successful case study.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Jadavpur University for its research grant in 2002–2004 to the first author that initiated this study. The authors are also thankful to the anonymous reviewers who have helped to improve the paper with their expert comments and valuable feedback.
Citation
Bardhan, S. and Paul, S. (2023), "The cultural landscape of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly riverfront in Kolkata, India: studies on its built and natural heritage", Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 219-237. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-08-2020-0119
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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