Conservation strategies and guidelines for the historic city of Chandrapur

Abstract

Historic cities include built structures, streets and infrastructures as well as geographical & cultural settings, also economic, social and intangible characteristics. They remained essential during different reigns since they functioned as the seat of power for rulers and places of inhabitation for common people. This thesis examines Chandrapur as an example of a historic city and the role of diverse heritage resources in the city as a whole, as well as identifying tangible and intangible heritage resources.To reinforce the study, primary and secondary surveys were conducted. Primary surveys included identification, mapping, drawings, sketches, photographs, and interviews. The thesis is further analysed by exploring different layers of the city, such as various rulers, their contributions, built and natural heritage, settlements, connectivity, and protection status. The city served as the capital of the southern Gondwana region and was later administered by the Marathas and the British. It flourished greatly under the Gond kingdom. As a result, the study takes into account different components of the city, such as its evolution, interrelationships, and present situation. Understanding the values and significance of built, intangibles, and the necessity for conservation for both was enhanced by studying the evolution and transformation of the city with its identified heritage. Based on on-site research and challenges, it is evident that the city with rich heritage resources is being neglected in many areas and is still viewed as different components. Thus, the outcome focuses on providing strategies and guidelines for an integrated approach that includes conservation to enhance existing values of identified heritage with the help of various organisations and community participation by raising awareness programmes to preserve their city's identity with a more sensitive approach in terms of interventions. The provision of guidelines at various levels, such as city, site, and building, would contribute in the continuity of the city's long history and its surroundings, which are being impacted due to transformations that result in the loss of built fabric and its context. Thus, the proposal, based on its current situation, focuses on the various components of the city, where the provision of suitable activities, infrastructures, and appropriate methods of interventions for built heritage, as well as the participation of variousorganisations, will help not only to improve existing built fabric on an individual level, but also city-level requirements.The purpose of this study is to determine the significance of Chandrapur as a historic city, as well as the heritage resources that contribute to the city's social and cultural aspects. Presently, the city and its heritage are changing considerably and are subject to development in the surrounding areas; as a result, heritage resources are experiencing challenges, and many of them have been substantially modified. Keywords: Gondwana, Gonds, Maratha, British, historic city, Built heritage, Strategies, Guidelines