Reviving and interpreting the tangible and intangible heritage of Mehrauli.

Abstract

The city of Delhi is home to 135 recognised "urban" villages today. Created as a result of the Delhi Development Act of 1957 where in order to accommodate for the high influx of migrants’ post-partition agricultural land around the villages was usurped for "urbanisation". Mehrauli is an important historic “urban village” of Delhi. It is synonymous to the Qutub complex which has been selected for nomination in the World Heritage List. Apart from the Qutub complex, the fact that Mehrauli consists of numerous other exceptional buildings and groups of structures set in spectacular landscape is quite unknown. The site of two medieval capitals, that of Rai Pithora and Lalkot is also located just outside the “urban village”. The settlement of Mehrauli itself which contains a substantial quantity of built heritage has also to be considered for conservation. Interpretation center cum Heritage Museum, Mehrauli, Delhi Interpretation centre, a concept which is popular abroad, serves as a one-stop source for tourist sites. Diverse means of communication, including audio-video programmes are used to enhance the understanding and knowledge about the heritage and cultural value of a particular place or historical structure. The interpretation center at Mehrauli would offer its detailed history through texts, archival images, drawings, exhibits and artifacts among other things. "The idea is to provide adequate information about the history of the place." Information should be beyond visitors' imagination and expectation. The proposed interpretation centre-cum-museum will be the second facility of its kind in the National Capital. The plan will also enhance aesthetic experience in and around the complex.