Museum as Key Stakeholder of Heritage: A Study with Reference to Virtual Experiential Museum, Varanasi

Authors

Keywords:

Heritage, preservation, virtual experience, heritage consciousness

Abstract

Graham and others define heritage as any sort of intergenerational exchange or relationship. It consists of the tangible and intangible elements, which often represents the identity of people or place transmitted to generations over a period of time. Various stakeholders of heritage preservation often consider tourism as a source of revenue generation. So the adaptive use of heritage resources can support the preservation activities. This study attempts to relate the role of museum in heritage preservation process. It examines the virtual experiential museum of Variance with an intention to understand the use of technology in communicating the cultural and religious heritage of the city to visitors. The study also attempts to relate the results of the online reviews posted by visitors in two leading websites. The findings suggest that information and communication technology can effectively engage visitors and create an impact in the affective and cognitive domain of the visitors that invokes heritage consciousness among them.

Author Biographies

  • Shyju P J, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
    Shyju P J is working as Assistant Professor in Tourism Management in Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. He has administrative and teaching experience of more than two decdes. His research interest includes Sustainable Development of Tourism, Education and Social Change, and Tourist behaviour at cultural and religious sites.
  • Nishanth N, Banaras Hindu Uniersity

    Nishant was trained in Art History at Banaras Hindu University and National Museum Institute, New Delhi, his area of interest ranges from folk art, terracotta and their continuing traditions to modern art practices. He has made video–dossier for UNESCO on intangible cultural Heritage  based on his research on 'Festival of Salhesh' and documentaries about Modern Indian art and artists. He has published research papers and articles on folk and modern Indian art. presently he is teaching Indian Architecture, Folk Art and Aesthetics at the Department of History of Art, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.

  • Rajneesh Bahuguna, Banaras Hindu University Varanasi
    Rajneesh Bahuguna has long  experience in the Hospitality industry of which spent the initial 15 years with Hotels in India and Middle East, and 10 years in the academics. His service in reputed Hotels and chains include the iconic Imperial, New Delhi, H.R.H Group of Hotels Udaipur (Rajasthan), Ramee Group of Hotels Resorts and Apartments Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Bin Hendi Enterprises Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Ruby Tuesday International Dubai (United Arab Emirates) etc. Presently he is managing the University Guest House complex of Banaras Hindu University Varanasi

References

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Published

2023-01-28

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2022): Heritage Informatics

Section

Articles

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