Applied Systems Approach towards Sustainable Development and Promotion of Protected Rock Art Heritage Sites in India

Abstract

Culture is the philosophy of life which we have developed in the process of harmonising with nature and realising the humanity. The cultural and natural heritage is not only an irreplaceable source of identity and inspiration, but also a key driving force for sustainable development. Rock art is a global phenomenon and India is one of the three countries having the richest treasures of rock art in the world. However, this rich cultural heritage has not been utilised for establishing the cultural identity of the Indians rooted deep in the Stone Age, and also for the sustainable socio-economic development of the country. Bhimbetka, in the Vindhyas near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh is the only UNESCO Rock Art World Heritage Site in the country. In this context, the present study determined the potential and its eligibility of the protected Rock Art Heritage sites in India to get UNESCO World Heritage status. Earning the UNESCO title in itself is a great tool for global promotion. In this regard perception about the protected rock art heritage sites in the country in general and individual site observation of the present status of variables of Sustainable Development are analysed by using various analytical tools such as Mean comparison, Correlation, CGPA, Causal Loop. The future scope of the development of rock art heritage is backed by System Dynamic Simulation. It is found that some of the protected rock art heritage sites in India have great potential to get UNESCO World Heritage title. To achieve this objective there is immense scope of increasing Institutional effectiveness for the same. newlineThe present Ph. D. research entitled as, Applied Systems Approach Towards Sustainable Development and Promotion of Protected Rock Art Heritage Sites In India , Is a first attempt of its kind to fulfil this major objective. newline newline