Cultural identity and spatial transformation of Bheemili

Abstract

People of different cultures share basic concepts but view them from different angles and perspectives which may be in contradiction to other cultures. When people from diverse cultures come together to form a settlement or when one culture joins in sharing a space with another culture, they give rise to new cultural dimensions. These cultural dimensions help in shaping the cultural Landscapes as they are seen today. In India, inclusiveness and accommodation are celebrated as a way of life. India’s experience of living together with different religious faiths, of accommodating diverse ethnic groups and languages, makes us one of the first few countries to have celebrated cultural pluralism as a way of living. This thesis attempts to identify the impact of different cultures in the evolution of the town of Bheemili and how multiculturalism has helped in the evolution over the generations. Thesis consists of six main chapters. Chapter one is the introduction of the thesis and study area are presented to define the meaning of the research, set the goals, and understand the history of the study area. In Chapter one, the methodology followed for the Thesis, the expected outcomes, and the review of the literature related to the topic and the study area are presented. Chapter two of the thesis aims to analyse the theories related to the topic in order to develop a conclusive approach and standpoint for the thesis. In Chapter three, the various aspects of the study area such as the site, the natural and cultural heritage stock of the place are discussed in detail with respect to the theories in terms of their connection to the study area. The primary studies conducted on the site and the information collected is presented in chapter three. From the collated data, in chapter four, analyses are conducted out to understand the transition of the settlement, changes in the natural resources and affects on the built heritage of the area. In chapter five, the challenges related to conservation on the site, the potentials that the study area possesses, the values and the significance of the study area are discussed in detail. At the end of this research, chapter six states the conclusion from each chapter to definite the main requirements of the study area and suggest the recommendations, interventions and policies required for a conservation management plan for the town of Bheemili