Reimagining the Heritage of Banaras: Nerdy Digital Solutions

Authors

  • Raman Nair R
  • Jayapradeep M Kaimal

Keywords:

Heritage, Conservation, Digitization, Archiving, Varanasi, Banaras, Kashi, Hinduism

Abstract

The city of Kashi known to the modern world as Banaras, embeds the sacred geography of India into a microcosm, superimposing the features on physical spaces. Banaras is one of the most ancient heritage cities, which has already lost most of its unique qualities due to unplanned and unscientific development and conservation activities. The heritage city needs immediate attention for preserving its cultural and spiritual uniqueness. The paper gives an idea of unique artifacts and heritage icons of Banaras and discusses the digital options for preserving them by applying ICT, AI and machine learning which can help to preserve the knowledge, text, images, artifacts, environment, spiritual uniqueness and soul-searching culture that pertains to Banaras; for posterity. A unique, comprehensive and immediate preservation activity shall act as one of the most sacred offerings to the presiding deity of Banaras, Vishwanath, the ultimate consciousness who rules the universe.

Author Biographies

  • Raman Nair R

    Raman Nair R has Masters in Library and Information Science from Banaras Hindu University and PhD in Agricultural Informatics from University of Kerala. Aassociated with OAprojects of Kerala Legislative Assembly, and Mahatma Gandhi University Online PhD Theses. Was a member of the National Committee on Submission and Access to Electronic Theses and Dissertations in Universities in India. Organized many national/ international workshops on ICT under Ministries of Science and Technology, Agriculture and Culture of Govt of India.

  • Jayapradeep M Kaimal
    M Jayapradeep, has obtained PhD for his work on Fisheries Informatics from Karpagam University, India. He has served Indian Air Force, Biotechnology Information Centre (Government of India), Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, and SVNCE, Mavelikkara, Alleppey, Kerala. His areas of involvement are ICT applications, library automation, knowledge management and literary activities. He has books published by national publishers and also has published/presented research papers in journals and conferences.

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Published

2022-05-25

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 2 (2022): Heritage Informatics

Section

Articles

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