To instill a feeling of pride and sensitize students about the built heritage of the region around Belagavi.
To create awareness about India’s rich cultural Heritage.
To inculcate belongingness towards historical monuments leading to cultural patriotism.
To interact with local people and Government agencies regarding preservation and restoration of monuments.
To help Archeological Survey of India in identifying historical centers.
The Context
Belagavi is one of the historical cities in the history of Karnataka. It has the historicity of 2000 years. Belagavi and its region are also known for rich heritage monuments belonging to various dynasties. Since the R.P.D College itself is a part of history and heritage, the college has taken this initiative as a signature programme as “Save Historical Heritage”with the help of department of History. The Program is being conducted around Belagavi region since 15 years with sustainability.
The National Educational Policy of 2014 laid special emphasis on heritage education. Ministry of Culture declared ‘Swachha Smarak Abhiyan’ mission in 2014.
India has a rich heritage of 5000 years that incorporates a storehouse of archaeological fortunes and mind-blowing monuments. Monuments remind us of our heritage. They are a mirror of the past. They are like a treasure for the nation and a symbol of pride. They help us appreciate our past and in development of knowledge and thoughts.
Cultural heritage dimension needs to be included at all levels of education.
In this context it will be an added impetus and a learner centric heritage awareness programme, where in students by participating in the save Historical Heritage Programme will develop a sense of belongingness about the cultural property of the nation in the form of monuments.
Knowledge through heritage education about Belagavi’s unique pluralistic culture.
Creating awareness and inculcating a sense of pride about heritage is the fundamental duty of educational institutions in general and teachers in particular.
This programme is essentially designed to preserve and protect heritage buildings from:
Lack of awareness among neighborhood residents that leads to scratching, spitting on monuments by the visitors and localities.
Vandalism and natural weathering.
Students of the History Department along with NSS, Youth Red Cross wing volunteers and Scouts and Guides volunteers visit the monuments around Belagavi every year with all necessary equipments like axes, sickles, rope etc. They clear the debris accumulated due to the ravages of time. Students along with the staff, clean monuments, restore the scattered parts of the temples like pillars, sculptures, idols, panels of decorative motifs and clear weeds and plants covering the monuments.
In addition to this, the college also organizes Heritage Walks, Museum visits and study tour to the world Heritage sites in India.
Unearthing sculptures and monuments by means of explorations are also conducted where in student volunteers to explore the cultural property of the region.
Save Historical Heritage Programme Last Five Years:
Year
Programme
2016-17
Bhaja Caves near Lonavala, Pune.
2017-18
Kadasiddheshwar Temple, Gokak Falls, Gokak.
2018-19
Ishwar Temple, Degulahalli, Tq. Kittur.
2019-20
Jodagudi Temple, Nesaragi, Tq. Bailhongal.
2020-21
Ramatirtha Temple, Halasi, Tq. Khanapur
Evidence of Success
Heritage awareness created through the Save Historical Heritage Programme boosted the learning experience.
Provided an opportunity for students to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Created awareness and tolerance towards pluralistic cultural diversity through this programme which was conducted in temples, Basadis, Mosques, Tombs and Forts alike.
This programme yielded results in few places visited in course of the programme. These areas have turned into tourist attraction and due to increasing number of tourists, the localities are also economically benefitted. Ex : Gokak falls
Localities have become more aware of their proud historical sites and are now cooperating in its preservation.
State government officials and officials of A.S.I Dept. have also helped in renovating the Tombs of Hukkeri and temple at Degulahalli after the programme drew their attention towards its deteriorating state.
Promoted educational institutions-community partnerships due to the interaction with the local community of the places where heritage monuments are located.
Offered learning opportunities that value each student’s life and experiences. Youths were thrilled and excited when they were actually involved and participated in the restoration and preservation tasks.
Facilitated Institution Social Responsibility (ISR) of preserving the built heritage for posterity with students’ involvement.
Understanding the past and the better knowledge about the same contributes to development of healthy society.
Instills pride, love and respect for our culture through collective and conscious efforts devised by the college.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required
Convincing the local people of the villages where monuments are located is the biggest challenge as they are very possessive and superstitious about the monuments.
Interacting with the staff of the village Panchayats and village headman, taking them into confidence and getting their support in the preservation of the monuments is the biggest task.
There is an element of risk like injury, snake bite etc. when students work on the site to clear the debris, cut the roots of the trees, clean the monuments and shift the scattered parts of the temples to their original place.
Notes
Along with the Save Historical Heritage Programme, the college has been conducting various programmes to create awareness about the cultural heritage both tangible and intangible like Museum visits, Heritage Walks, Heritage related projects, exhibition of heritage textiles, heritage quiz, visit to historical places in surrounding regions, study tours to world heritage sites in India and cultural fests with the theme of Heritage.
8. About the Institution:
i. Name of the Institution : Rani Parvati Devi College of Arts and Commerce, Belagavi
ii. Year of Accreditation : 16.09.2016
iii. Address : Rani Parvati Devi College of Arts and Commerce, Tilakwadi, Belagavi
