India's Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage (Art, Culture & Heritage of India)
India's Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage (Art, Culture & Heritage of India)
Why In News:
The Ministry of Culture has highlighted the various schemes it runs to preserve and promote India's tangible heritage, such as monuments, and its intangible heritage, such as living art forms and traditions.
Source: PIB, 23 July 2026 - 'Promotion of India's Cultural Heritage'
Tangible Cultural Heritage-Schemes:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), functioning under the Ministry of Culture, is the apex body responsible for archaeological research and the preservation of India’s cultural heritage.
It manages over 3,650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance across the country.
Its key functions include surveying antiquarian remains, conducting explorations and excavations, and ensuring the conservation and maintenance of protected monuments.
Established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, who served as its first Director-General, he is widely regarded as the “Father of Indian Archaeology.”
DESH Scheme (Development of Excavation Sites and Heritage Complexes): a Centrally Sponsored Sub-Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026 for 15 selected heritage sites.
Aim: A heritage-based cultural tourism development scheme focused on transforming archaeological sites into vibrant, experiential cultural destinations.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture
Museum Grant Scheme provides financial assistance for the development, modernisation and digitisation of museums at regional, State and district levels.
Intangible Cultural Heritage-Schemes:
Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) is an Indian government initiative implemented by the Ministry of Culture under the umbrella scheme Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY) to identify, document, preserve, and promote India's living cultural traditions.
Cultural Functions and Production Grant (CFPG) Scheme provides financial assistance to voluntary non-profit organizations, NGOs, societies, trusts, and universities to promote regional, folk, and classical art forms through seminars, festivals, workshops, and creative productions.
Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant) Scheme financial assistance is provided to eligible cultural organizations engaged in performing arts activities like music, dance, theatre, folk art, etc. for imparting training to artists/shishyas by their respective Guru.
All these initiatives operate under the Scheme for Promotion of Art and Culture, a component of the umbrella Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY).
Institutions Safeguarding Heritage
The Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi and Sahitya Akademi are apex national bodies for performing arts, visual arts and literature respectively.
India has multiple inscriptions on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including Durga Puja in Kolkata and the Kumbh Mela.
ASI currently protects more than 3,600 monuments and sites of national importance across the country.