Sufism

Abstract

Intangible Cultural Heritage in the paradigm of cultural heritage and safeguarding the same plays a major role in its understanding and evolution; provides the essence and spirit of a place, with tangible and its cultural identity being identified by it. Thus, the complex interweaving of the tangible and intangible heritage is narrated and imprinted in it spatially through rituals. The thesis is an attempt to understand the oncept of Sufism, origin and evolution, understand the significance manifested in the historical layers and tombs of the saints in order to relate the tangible and intangible in an integrated manner and through understanding of rituals and a holistic approach to safeguard the heritage associated with the same. The objective of the study is to document the rituals associated with Sufism and study the historical layers, context and transformations through ages and times which are manifested in the spatial context of the belief systems and heritage. It also aims at introducing the issues and challenges confronting the heritage core. To study an area with respect to the traditional knowledge systems, rituals, festivals, belief systems, culture, folklores and thus, the physical fabric of the area in terms of transformations over the layers of history. Intangible heritage exists in the form of traditions of qawwalis, sama, poems, ghazals etc. Heritage monuments along with the characteristic elements such as the baoli (stepwells) or hauz, meant for vazoo, prayer halls, courtyard as a multifunctional space for congregation and qawwalis and mehfilkhanas form the ethos of the cultural landscape of Sufism with the intangible manifested spatially in the vicinity of the Dargahs. The capital city of Delhi comprises of various other important tombs of Sufi saints with the rituals and practices in the form of living heritage imbibing the cultural spirit of the place in present times. Thus, the major shrines, in the city of Delhi are studied to draw significant comparisons, similarities to draw guidelines for the same. Thus, comparison of the two important sites of Sufism and drawing common parameters of heritage components and spatial manifestations of the rituals and festivals, assessing the two areas on the basis of authenticity and integrity and thus,defining management guidelines for conservation.