Echoes of the past vision for the future: reinstating in old core a case of Kolhapur

Abstract

Historic urban cores in Indian cities are repositories of rich cultural, architectural, and social heritage. Over time, these areas have faced significant challenges due to urbanization, neglect, and changing dynamics, resulting in the deterioration of both tangible and intangible heritage assets. The study examines the urban transformation of Kolhapur’s old city area with a special focus on reclaiming and reinforcing its religious and historic identity. Anchored by a deep-rooted connection to the Mahalakshmi Temple and the Old Rajwada palace, the urban core of Kolhapur is not only a place of daily life but a spiritual and cultural hub that continues to evolve in response to changing urban dynamics. The theoretical frameworks such as Kevin Lynch’s “Image of the City” emphasize the importance of paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks in shaping urban perception and identity. Concepts like sense of place, place attachment, and genius loci highlight the emotional, cognitive, and social bonds that communities form with their surroundings, making the preservation of historic cores not just a matter of physical conservation but also of sustaining collective memory and belonging. Kolhapur, located in Maharashtra is a city with a rich historical legacy. Known as “Dakshin Kashi”, it has been shaped by various dynasties and is renowned for its temples, palaces, and artisan traditions. The historic core, anchored by the Mahalaxmi Temple, Old Rajwada palace and surrounded by traditional lanes and public spaces acts as a focal point for both pilgrims and residents. This precinct is characterized by a dense urban fabric, vibrant street life, and a unique blend of architectural styles reflecting its layered history. The area’s significance is further heightened by its role as a center for cultural festivals and artisanal crafts, making it a living repository of intangible and tangible heritage. Over time, modern pressures including congestion, commercialization, and unregulated development have eroded the legibility, functionality, and spiritual essence of the old city. The transformation has led to a disconnection between the physical form and the intangible cultural heritage, particularly around significant religious landmarks. This thesis proposes a strategic urban design framework that reclaims the historic and religious significance of the old city while accommodating contemporary needs. The core hypothesis centers on the idea that heritage and modernity can coexist through a thoughtful, place-sensitive design approach that preserves the spirit of place. The primary objective is to balance preservation with development retaining the soul of the city while improving quality of life, accessibility, and sustainability. The methodology integrates archival research, site analysis, stakeholder interviews, and mapping exercises to document existing conditions and socio-spatial transformations. These are complemented by case studies of similar Indian urban renewal projects that effectively balanced conservation with modernization. One of the major findings of the study is the loss of visual and cultural integrity in the old city due to vehicular encroachments and infrastructural degradation. The Mahalakshmi Temple, while still a major pilgrimage destination, suffers from poor wayfinding, crowd management, improper use of open spaces, and lack of integration with surrounding royal – heritage precinct. Similarly, the historic Bhavani Mandap, once a royal administrative space has deteriorated due to lack of active programming and neglect. The structure plan for Kolhapur’s historic core is guided by principles of heritage conservation, urban connectivity, and public realm enhancement, with zoning regulations to protect heritage sites, pedestrianization of key streets, creation of heritage trails, and basic infrastructure upgrades. Design strategies focus on weaving new interventions into the old fabric through creating strong heritage connect through interactive plazas with heritage streets prioritized for facade restoration, the commercial street reimagined with a new visual identity that balances contemporary needs with respect for traditional character, enhancement of pedestrian pathways and the creation of heritage-culture trails. Also, the revival of degenerated structures and restoration of traditional building facades and streetscapes are central to preserving the precinct’s unique architectural character and collective memory and also introducing urban design guidelines to ensure that new development respects the historic context. In conclusion, the study proposes a vision for Kolhapur’s old city as a layered, legible, and living cultural landscape that balances memory and modernity. By reclaiming the religious and historic core, the thesis aspires to conserve Kolhapur’s identity and cultural continuity. Keywords: Heritage Conservation, Regeneration, Place Identity, Cultural Landscape, Public Realm