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CULTURAL HERITAGE & ITS IMPORTANCEINTRODUCTIONHeritage is anything that is considered important enough to be passed on to the future generations. Heritage is broadly categorized into two main divisions:HERITAGENATURAL HERITAGECULTURAL HERITAGECultural Heritage refers to the cultural aspects like heritage sites, monuments, folklore, traditional activities and practices, language etc. that are considered vital to be preserved for the future generations.

It gives people a connection to certain social values, beliefs, religions and customs. It allows them to identify with others of similar mindsets and backgrounds. Cultural heritage can provide an automatic sense of unity and belonging within a group and allows us to better understand previous generations and the history of where we come from.

What is Cultural Heritage?Cultural Heritage is an expression of the ways of living developed by a community and passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions and values. Cultural Heritage is often expressed as either Intangible or Tangible Cultural Heritage. Intangible Heritage refers to those aspects of a country that cannot be touched or seen. For example traditional music, folklore, language etc.Tangible Heritage refers to those significant places that advocate the countrys history and culture. For example monuments, mosques, shrines, monasteries etc.Heritage Types Built Heritage: One of the most visible forms of heritage is built heritage (Buildings, Townscapes, Archaeological remains). Built heritage should be deemed to mean those buildings, artifacts, structures, areas and precincts that are of historic, aesthetic, architectural or cultural significance and should include natural features within such areas or precincts of environmental significance or scenic beauty such as sacred groves, hills, hillocks, water bodies (and the areas adjoining the same), open areas, wooded areas, etc.On a daily basis we are reminded of historic events and past lives through the built legacy around us. e.g:-Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar, Humayuns Tomb, Delhi, Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi.Heritage Types Natural Heritage: Natural Heritage includes all components of our surroundings which have not been created by man and which are of cultural, aesthetic, spiritual, biotic or ecological value and which could also be of directly usable resource value .e.g:-Kaziranga Wild Life Sanctuary, Assam , Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India, Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park , Uttarakhand, India. Artifacts: Something made or given shape by man, such as a tool or a work of art. Examples includedance forms, food, stone tools,documents, paintings, potteryvessels, metal objects such as weapons, and items of personal adornment such as buttons,jewelry and clothing etc.ConclusionCultural Heritage plays a very important role in our life. It is what keeps us attached to our religion, traditions & beliefs. It todays context we refer to cultural identity which means (feeling of) identity of a group or culture, or of an individual as far as he or she is influenced by his belonging to a group or culture.The best way to preserve our cultural heritage, whatever it may be, is to share it with others.It is our responsibility to keep world history intact for the coming generation so that they may have the same opportunities to learn about the past and their own roots as we have.What contribution can we do for the prevention and conservation of our cultural heritage? We can teach our own children to practice the traditions and beliefs of our ancestors and tell them to continue to pass it on to future generations. Teach them to be proud of their roots especially if they know very few other children of the same cultural heritage. We can also donate to or participate in associations that fund workshops and museums that help to educate others about our cultural heritage. These organizations will be around for many years to come and are probably one of the best ways to educate others about the history of our ancestors.Thank YouSharanya GopakumarGrade 4 A