Culture Lost and Culture Regained: Healing the wounds of Cultural
Heritage using Digital Technology, Initiatives in a Conflict Zone,
Kashmir
Authors
Professor S.M. Shafi
Head, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kashmir. India.
email: shafi_sm@rediffmail.com
Dr. Sumeer Gul
Sr. Assistant Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kashmir. India.
email: sumeersuheel@gmail.com
Tariq Ahmad Shah
Research Scholar. Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kashmir. India.
email: tariqahmadshah@gmail.com
Humma Ahangar
Research Scholar. Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kashmir. India.
email: humma.world@gmail.com
Shahkar Riyaz Tramboo
Research Associate. Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kashmir. India.
email: shahkar.riyaz@gmail.com
Suhail Ahmad
Junior Research Fellow, Regional and Inter-regional cooperation project. University of Giessen,
University of Dortmund and University of Bielefeld, Germany.
email: ahmad7suhail@gmail.com
Abstract
The study tries to explore the digital initiatives showcasing the cultural heritage initiatives taken in
Kashmir valley. The main aim of the paper is to promote the rich cultural and heritage of wealth both
in volume and variety via World Wide Web to the global audiences. The initiatives showcasing various
facets of Kashmiri tradition and culture have been highlighted so that Kashmir’s rich culture and
heritage which is fading away can be prioritized via various elements of the society.
Topic: Digital preservation and access management
Keywords: Digital preservation; Digital libraries; Digitization; Culture; Heritage; Kashmir
1. Introduction
As heritage testifies to the socioeconomic, political, ethnic, religious, and philosophical values of a
particular people, it often becomes targeted for destruction in times of war or political upheaval
(Anheier & Isar 2007). What we inherit from our past need to be managed in a way which will allow us
to pass onto future. Kashmir, famous for its beauty also holds a significant place when it comes to
culture and heritage. The mesmerizing music, the folklores and folksongs, the carpets, rugs, copper
works, paper machie, shawl work, walnut wood work, sculptures, monuments etc., all reflect the
memories and skills of it people apart from depicting the cultural diversity of Kashmiris. History is
witness to the fact that Kashmir has always remained politically unstable state, and consequently threat
to its culture and heritage remains evident and escalating. Further exacerbating the situation is the least
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inclination of youth towards their tradition, culture and heritage, which will ultimately lead to
extinction of the invaluable wealth of Kashmir. The destruction of cultural property and of libraries in
particular is as old as the concept of culture. The purpose of cultural property destruction is common
throughout history: to erase ethnic, religious, and cultural memories and therefore to undermine or
eliminate groups’ identities and existence. Whether exercised as a part of planned military operations or
carried out by belligerents, the destruction of cultural property plays a significant role in the
annihilation of an enemy. Libraries and archives as repositories of collective and individual memories,
knowledge, and achievements have been specifically targeted during armed conflicts (Zgonjanin 2005).
History is a witness that how the culture and heritage turned to ashes because of natural and human
mediated causes. Nature, politics, and war have always been the mortal enemies of culture and heritage
(Coleman 2006). Even The International Council of Museum (2012) reports hurricanes, flooding,
earthquakes, fire, outbreaks of war threatening to natural and cultural heritage worldwide. The loss of
archives includes examples such as the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, which burned down
in both 1914 and 1940 due to wartime bombing, destroying 230,000 books, 800 of them in incunabula
printed before the year 1500, and 900 manuscripts. Most recently, the Asian tsunami, the New Orleans
disaster accompanying Hurricane Katrina and the South Asia earthquake have all had an impact on a
number of museums, libraries and archives as well as the people of many countries, affecting not just
lives but cultural memories (Disaster Relief for Museums). In the 1970’s the Khmer Rouge regime in
Cambodia decimated cultural institutions throughout the country. They threw books from the National
Library into the street and burnt them. Less than 20 percent of the library survived and the damage to
the Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage remains an open and unhealed wound. Even Kenney (1996)
witnesses “slow fires” of acidic paper as a threat to cultural and heritage objects. The conflict and war
in different parts of the world like Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Pakistan, Mali, Chechnya,
Xihianjang (China) and even in Kashmir have posed a big threat to the heritage and culture of these
places. The political instability is turning the culture and heritage of the conflict zones towards
extinction. The destruction of cultural heritage in Iraq because of looting, theft and destruction has been
vividly portrayed by Stone, Farchakh and Fisk (2008). Wegner (n.d) provides eyewitness reports about
the loot and plunder of cultural and heritage treasures of Iraq National Museum in 2003. The twentieth
century witnessed some of the worst destruction of libraries and archives during armed conflicts
(Zgonjanin 2005).
Never before in the history of mankind has there been a century as destructive to books as the
twentieth. . . . Library historians apparently are not much inclined to study what has been lost, yet this is
a subject that the world can hardly afford to ignore. It reminds us how fragile a thing our intellectual
heritage really is and it is an incentive to all concerned to further appropriate measures to preserve as
much as is humanly possible for future generations.
(Hans van der Hoeven. ‘Memory of the World Programme’, as cited in Zgonjanin 2005)
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Kashmir has remained as a big sufferer because of political instability and even the armed conflict in
Kashmir has not only resulted in a threat to the human lives but also to the rich culture and heritage for
which Kashmir is known for. Burning of Madinatul-Uloom (Hazratbal); Char-e-Sharif Shrine; Islamia
College of Science & Commerce; Islamia High School; Rupa Devi Shardah Peeth Oriental Library,
Kamla Nehru Mahavidhala (Kral Khoud, Habakadal); Govt. Oriental college (Bagh-i-Dilawar Khan)
are some of the irreparable losses to the cultural heritage of Kashmir. The armed occupation of heritage
sites like Hari Parbat Fort has resulted in the destruction of one of the age old monuments Kashmir.
Recently the burning of one of the ancient and religious shrine - Dastageer Sahib - has resulted in the
loss of one of the masterpieces of ancient architecture.
The digital birth of cultural content and conversion of analogue originals into bits and bytes has opened
new vistas and extended horizons in every direction, providing access and opportunities for new
audiences, enlightenment, entertainment and education in ways unimaginable some years ago (Deegan
& Tanner 2006).
There is a dire need to deliver cultural resources especially from major cultural organizations such as
museums or libraries. The organizations carrying the cultural and heritage wealth need to be educated
to promote, disseminate and preserve the culture. These attempts to reach out to new audiences and to
refresh current audiences are major driving factors behind many digitization programs (Deegan &
Tanner 2006) that showcase the cultural and heritage wealth on the digital canvases. Preservation in the
digitized environment assures a long time persistence of a cultural artifact. Infact the digital culture has
influenced our ideas about permanence (Mason 2007).
2. Digitization Initiatives for Safeguarding Culture and Heritage in Kashmir
The beginning of the Twenty first century witnessed active participation of civil bodies and academia to
safeguard the cultural heritage in Kashmir. Besides, digital initiatives taken at national and International
levels provide further impetus to the movement. As a result, a no. of initiatives has been taken, of
which most prominent projects are:
2.1 Allama Iqbal Library Manuscript Gallery, University of Kashmir
Allama Iqbal Library (Central Library, University of Kashmir) in collaboration with National
Manuscript Mission, New Delhi digitized almost 400 manuscripts available in the library. The
manuscripts hold an immense value deciphering the culture and heritage of Kashmir. The gallery is
available
online
via
the
University
portal
and
can
be
<http://220.227.35.205:88/Manuscripts/>.
Fig. 1: Screenshot of Allama Iqbal Library Manuscript Gallery
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accessed
at
2.2
Digitization of Rare and Copyright Free Books
In January, 2011, Allama Iqbal Library (Central Library), University of Kashmir has undertaken a
project – “Digitization of Rare and Copyright-Free Books” – with the intent to preserve, prosper and
provide web visibility to the culture and heritage of Kashmir that is imbibed in and reflected by rare and
copyright-free documents. The project is sponsored by Department of Electronics and Information
Technology, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Govt. of India. The digital
content will be showcased via National Digital Library, India.
Under the supervision of Dr. Reyaz Rufai (Ex-University Librarian, University of Kashmir), the
project has covered rare and copyright-free books that are housed at Allama Iqbal Library, Department
of Persian, University of Kashmir; Department of English, University of Kashmir; Department of Law,
University of Kashmir; Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages; Sri Pratap
College; and Amar Singh College. The digitized content is available in English, Persian, Arabic,
Kashmiri, Urdu, Sanskrit and Hindi languages. Majority of the digitized content has Sanskrit as the
source language (Personal Communication, Dr. Reyaz Rufai; Librarian, Central University of Kashmir
on May 12, 2013).
2.3. Allama Iqbal Library, University of Kashmir and World Digital Library Cooperation
Allama Iqbal Library in collaboration with World Digital Library has showcased 10 of its manuscript
masterpieces. The 10 manuscripts were seperately digitized to ensure the improved quality and
visibility of the manuscripts. Nine of the manuscripts are available in Persian language while as one
manuscript is in Arabic. The rich manuscript wealth can be accessed from:
< http://www.wdl.org/en/search/?institution=allama-iqbal-library-university-of-kashmir>.
Fig. 2: Screenshot of Manuscripts via World Digital Library
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2.4
Department of Libraries and Research, Government of Jammu and Kashmir
(Digitization & Archival of Rare Books and Manuscripts)
The Department of Libraries and Research, Govt. of J&K, has a rich collection of rare books in its
libraries, many of which were published more than a hundred years ago. There is also a huge collection
of manuscripts with the Department in various languages and scripts like Sharda, Persian, Arabic, Balti,
Hindi, Sanskrit and Kashmiri. All these manuscripts have been digitized. Concurrent with the
Automation & Networking of Public Libraries Project, the State Government has also sanctioned Rs.
20.30 lakhs. Digitization and Archival of Rare Books and Manuscripts shall subsequently be uploaded
on the Internet for worldwide reading pleasure of the interested people. As many as 472 such books are
identified in different languages. The Project is being executed by the National Informatics Centre. The
project includes archival of 5824 digitized manuscripts which forms one of the richest manuscripts
collections in South Asia. These manuscripts are available in thirteen languages: Arabic; Bakha; Balti;
Brij Basha; Dogri; Gojri; Hindi; Kashmiri; Pastu; Persian; Punjabi; Sanskrit; and Turki.
2.5. Project Ladi Shah
Since its inception in 2009, the Ladi Shah Project was conceived to record and share the voices of
Kashmiris, too often lost amidst the ongoing conflict in the region. By documenting the pivotal
memories, compelling stories and everyday experiences of Kashmiris, the Ladi Shah Project seeks to
preserve Kashmir’s dynamic oral history and culture. From its inception to its execution, the Ladi Shah
Project has brought together a diverse group of individuals who have contributed their unique talents
and experiences to make this project a reality. With their dedication, the Ladi Shah Project has recorded
over 150 interviews in Kashmir and is working to gather and share more stories each day. The team is
committed to give Kashmiris from all backgrounds the opportunity to speak for themselves, and
treating every project participant with dignity and respect. Through this effort, the team seeks to
preserve the rich, multi-dimensional history and culture of Kashmir for future generations.
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The Ladi Shah Project is sponsored by The Guru Charitable Foundation. (The Guru Charitable
Foundation, 2012)
Fig. 3: Screenshot of The Ladi Shah Project
2.6. Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages
Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, an autonomous State Govt. instituion,
has initiated to digitize different forms of heritage objects ranging from books, manuscripts, sculptures,
paintings, etc for long term sustainability and preservation. The Academy has developed a digital
repository (to be turned online soon) of books, manuscripts, paintings, miniatures, artifacts, sculptures
and calligraphy specimens of immense cultural value.
The cultural book collection is broadly divided into three groups: Kashmir collection, Ladakh collection
and Jammu collection. The process of digitization is in progress and will be launched soon via the
website of the academy.
Fig. 4: Screenshot of J & K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages
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2.7. Digital Library Research Centre, Department of Library and Information Science,
University of Kashmir
The Department of Library & Information Science, University of Kashmir has been inducted at the
level of DRS (Departmental Research Support) Phase I under SAP (Special Assistance Programme)
scheme from University Grants Commission. The thrust area(s) identified by the department for
which it has received the assistance is “Digital Library Research Centre”. The UGC has sanctioned
Rs. 48.00 lacs under the scheme.
Professor S.M.Shafi (Coordinator) and Dr. Sumeer Gul (Deputy Coordinator), Department of Library
and Information Science, University of Kashmir have come up with an innovative project of its type
in the state for cultural heritage conservation and preservation. It will help in to boost the already
present initiatives of cultural heritage preservation and conservation. With this project the state will
not be able to extend the preservation and conservation initiative of cultural heritage, but will be able
to showcase its cultural heritage to the audiences around the world. This is the first ever
comprehensive project ever conducted in the state for the condition and preservation needs of our
state’s heritage collection. The digital library research centre will involve research activities for better
conservation of cultural heritage, and will be followed by creating a Digital library that will store the
cultural heritage in digital format.
The project has digitized number of cultural and heritage artifacts and is in a process of digitizing the
cultural content for longer sustainability.
Fig. 6: Screen short of Cultural Heritage Repository of Jammu & Kashmir
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3. Conclusion
Culture that is under a continuous threat in Kashmir because of innumerable factors can be showcased
via digital canvas for long term sustainability. Preserving heritage through digital preservation is an
issue of huge importance that needs to be paid attention from every sector of society so that our culture
and heritage can be passed onto future generations. Heritage preservation is an important responsibility
of every conscious mind, institution, agency and governments especially in a conflict zone area like
Kashmir. In addition to the terrible human tragedy that followed and continues, Kashmir’s cultural
heritage has suffered significant devastation in the times of conflict. While the necessity to improve
protection of movable and immovable, tangible and intangible cultural property is broadly
acknowledged today, and the development of national and international legal instruments expresses this
need, it is clear that cultural heritage is hardly safeguarded in conflict zones. Since Kashmir does not
only possess beauty but also the rich culture and heritage which is at the verge of extinction is a
specialty of Kashmir. The conservation and promotion of Kashmiri heritage is in and of itself an engine
of development and economic growth for the beautiful vale of Kashmir. The development of digital
technology, if adopted for safeguarding the cultural heritage can help in struggling up of the lost
dimension, culture of Kashmir.
4. References
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Anheier, H., & Isar, Y. R. (2007). Cultures and Globalization: Conflicts and Tensions (p.435).
London: Sage Publications.
Coleman, M.S. (2006). Google the Khmer rouge and the public good: address to the
professional/scholarly publishing division of the Association of American Publishers.
Retrieved from www.umich.edu/pres/speeches/060206google.html (accessed July 2, 2013)
Kenney, A.R. (1996). Digital to microfilm conversion: a demonstration project 1994-1996. Ithaca
NY: Cornell University Library.
Marilyn, D., & Tanner, S. (2006). Key issues in digital preservation. In Marilyn Deegan and Simon
Tanner (Eds.). Digital preservation (p.1). Facet: London.
Mason, I. (2007). Virtual Preservation: How Has Digital Culture Influenced Our Ideas about
Permanence? Changing Practice in a National Legal Deposit Library, Library Trends 56
(1), 198-215.
Stone, P. G., Farchakh, B. J., & Fisk, R. (2008). The destruction of cultural heritage in Iraq.
Woodbridge, Suffolk: Boydell Press.
The International Council of Museums. (2012). Museums Emergency Programme. Retrieved from
http://icom.museum/programmes/museums-emergency-programme/ (accessed June 13, 2013)
The
Guru
Charitable
Foundation.
(2012).
The
Ladi
Shah
project.
Retrieved
from
http://www.ladishahproject.org/ (accessed June 14, 2013)
Wegener, C. (n.d). The Iraq National Museum: Networking, Coordination and Collaboration in
Wartime Iraq. Retrieved from
http://archives.icom.museum/disaster_preparedness_book/country/wegener.pdf (Accessed July
15, 2013)
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