Cultural Heritage Mapping In Braj Corridor And Buddhist Circuit

Architectural Heritage Division of INTACH has been entrusted by the world bank to undertake cultural resources mapping in the Braj corridor comprising 9 towns (Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Barsana, Govardhan, Gokul, Mahavan and Baldeo) and the Buddhist circuit covering 3 towns (Sarnath, Kushinagar and Shravasti). The mapping involved identification, comprehensive listing, and mapping of the heritage assets both tangible and intangible using Geographical Information System (GIS).

Buddhist Circuit

Known as the ‘Cradle of Buddhism’, the Buddhist Circuit is dotted with monuments, relics, and Jataka tales and so has been a major centre for rich architectural and cultural heritage for centuries. The survey was undertaken in Sarnath – where Buddha delivered his first sermon, Sravasti – where he retreated every monsoon for more than 25 years and Kushinagar – where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana covering 40 sites in Sarnath, 39 sites in Kushinagar and 59 sites in Sravasti comprising temples, monasteries, Stupas, Viharas, meditation centres, archaeological ruins and open spaces of immense historic significance.

Agra – Braj Corridor

The towns identified for survey in the Braj Corridor are highly significant and due to their association with the legends of Lord Krishna and his life. Braj has been the subject of poetry and paintings in medieval and late medieval India. The living traditions of Braj are encompassed in its unique dialect, folk dances and songs, and folk arts and crafts.

The survey covered 56 sites in Mathura, 61 sites in Vrindavan, 34 sites in Gokul, 24 sites in Mahavan, 11 sites in Baldeo, 37 sites in Barsana, 38 sites in Nandgaon and 42 sites in Govardhan of immense historic significance and are located along various parikrama routes and include architectural, natural and intangible heritage of various typologies.