Sustainable Development of Rock Art Heritage- An Applied Systems Approach

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lndia is one of the three countries having the richest treasures of rock art heritage in the world. Rock art, created on the bare surface of the rock, is the only source for understanding the technological cognitive, intellectual, and cultural development of early men. The present bonk entitled as, Sub development of rock art heritage: An applied systems approach, provides a practical approach to achieve sustainable development of the rock art heritage sites, moving beyond theoretical concepts. It presents a framework for identifying the universal value of rock art heritage sites, addressing socio-economic challenges, standardizing site management practices, and simulating real-life scenarios for successful outcomes. With over three decades of experience in rock art, both directly and indirectly. I have come to realize that rock art offers the simplest codes for living in harmony with nature, a lesson that is not only timeless but also extraordinary.

This is the first book of its kind that has embraced systems approach for management to justify the need of holistic understanding of rock art heritage sites. It is the only best available approach to understand the rock art heritage in the world. Any other approach will fall short, if not encompassing all the dimensions. It recommends that it is mandatory to have three layers of conservation, development and promotion to meet 360 challenges. The approach takes care of the issue where one decision taken today can have percussions on different dimensions in future, which were not expected by the decision makers. The three layering structure of the present study makes it more precise in that direction. To achieve that the standardization of variables has been done for the first time so that the variables can be measured and managed. This technique will help researchers globally to understand and foresee the curve of sustainable development with the help of precise scenario building in future while making the decision at present. This is the only book that provides an opportunity to observe, analyse, understand, and manage the challenges and their solutions as of the individual parameter or the heritage system as a whole using Dynamic Stock Flow model developed in this research.

Research represents a systematic pursuit of knowledge, with the scientific method serving as the primary framework for guiding this exploration. During my extensive fieldwork across India, specifically while studying and analyzing rock art heritage sites, I encountered several transformative experiences that significantly altered my understanding of human history and culture. One particular pivotal experience occurred at Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the sole rock art location in India to receive such recognition. Bhimberka is distinguished not only by its remarkable natural landscape but also by its continuous cultural significance, spanning from the Lower Palacolithic Age to the Historic era, with its artistic traditions still maintained by the tribal communities residing in the region today I was to collect data to understand the challenges of the stakeholders and possible solnions su manage and protect the heritage site. For that I stayed in Bhiyanpur, the neatest village to Bhimberka, about three kilometres away from the site, for nine days in 2018. I had the chance to meet people from all walks of life. Out of many, one particular incident touched my heart.

A group of about twenty tribal people from a remote village arrived to visit Bhimberka. When I introduced them the site, explaining that these paintings were created by our ancestors thousands of years ago, something remarkable happened. Instinctively, they removed their footwear, standing barefoot in reverence as they entered the rock shelters. Their demeanour transformed, filled with a palpable respect and love for the site.

Witnessing their response, I felt an unexpected rush of humility. Here were people who, perhaps, had limited formal education, yet they possessed a deep-rooted value system that many might overlook Their actions were a testament to their cultural wisdom, a reflection of values carried down through generations. At that moment, I realized that true respect for nature, heritage, and society is not just about being informed or literate, it is about embodying a code of conduct, an inner reverence that shapes our behaviour and extends to the world around us (Figure 7).

This experience taught me that there is much to learn from those who live with an inclusive and collective spirit in harmony with nature. It reminded me that our heritage sites, like Bhimbetka, deserve not only admiration but an active, shared responsibility one that calls us to engage with respect, not just in words, but in actions. In our journey to understand the cultural history and to preserve it, perhaps the most meaningful lesson is to imbibe the quiet wisdom held in the hearts of people who live with reverence to the nature and the cultural heritage.

This book is a humble effort to provide input for the rock art heritage site inspired by the spirit of those who understand its importance as an ancestral heritage converted in to a standard operating procedure for those who needs to learn that how to interact with a rock art heritage site in a managerial framework.

…… The book is deeply inspired from my father Prof. Giriraj Kumar, a man constantly engaged in the process of learning and evolving.

The research on sustainable development and promotion of rock art heritage has been an enriching journey, made possible through the support, encouragement, and invaluable contributions of a number of eminent scholars and organizations I am heartily thankful to all of them. 1 extend my deepest heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Giriraj Kumar, President, Rock Art Society of India (RASI), for granting me access to the library of Rock Art Society of India (RASI) and for facilitating a panel discussion on, "Sustainable Development of Rock Art Heritage Sites Challenges, Plans, and Strategies" in the 24 National Conference of RASI at Bhopal in February 2020. His consultation and guidance were indispensable during my fieldwork and research journey, allowing me to connect deeply with the subject matter. I would also like to express my profound appreciation to Prof. Sanjay Bhushan for his unwavering guidance, patience, and insightful teachings throughout this research. I am equally grateful to Prof. Sanjeev Swami, Head of the Department of Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dayalbagh Educational Institute. Agra, U.P. for his mentorship and support at every stage of my research, particularly during the challenging moments.

I am sincerely grateful to Dr Arakhita Pradhan. Deputy Curator (Exhibition) at the National Museum, New Delhi, for providing valuable insights into the practical workings of heritage systems, which greatly informed the theoretical framework of my research. I would like to offer special thanks to Mr Benny Kurian from Kerala for sharing his invaluable perspectives on sustainable development and its practical implementation of the cultural and natural heritage.

I also wish to acknowledge the generous guidance and help I received from Prof. Robert G. Bednarik, Convener, International Federation of Rock Art Organisations (IFRAO), Australia, Dr Jean Clottes, Prominent French rock art specialist and Chairman of the Bradshaw Foundation, Dr Angelo Fossati, President, IFRAO, Italy, Prof Mila S. Abreu and Mr Erwin Neumayer, Rock Art Expert and Consultant. Portugal and Austria, respectively, and Dr Tiziana Cittadini, Manager of the Rock Art Park, Valca Monica, Italy.

I am thankful to the ASI authorities Dr Rakesh Tewari, Dr S. B. Ota. Dr Mohammad Zulfiqar, Dr Bhuvan Vikram, Dr S. D. Singh, and Dr Krishna Raj from Department of Archaeology, Kerala for helping me in my research.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my mother Gita Devi, and my sister Ms Hridayshri for their unconditional love and support. I am deeply grateful for their constant encouragement and belief in me.

This research would not have been possible without the collaboration and contributions of all these individuals, whose collective support has been a driving force behind this study. I am truly indebted to each of them.