Integrating Conservation with Development through Contextual Heritage Management: A Case for Mahasthan

Abstract

Mahasthan has been identifi ed as ancient Pundranagar of the 3rd century BCE and represents the
important provincial capital in Bengal. The site is already tentatively listed by the Department of
Archaeology for nomination as world heritage site. The remaining houses date from the 4th century BCE to the 18th century. The heritage site is facing rapid transformation due to the lack of proper conservation and management. The objective of this paper is to show how the use of conservation and management can be vehicles for sustainable development of the heritage site. The paper will explore underlying issues to bridge the gap between formal and informal heritage management and to make the existing approach for conservation more inclusive and participatory.