Biennial Conference of the International Association for Asian Heritage (IAAH)

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    Archeo-philately: New Dimensions in Heritage Studies
    (Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dasture, P.; Vartak, A.; Mudgal, K.; Xalxo, G.; Bhatt, E.
    Although it is known as the ‘King of Hobbies’; philately is not merely stamp collection but a serious study of stamps, covers, cancellations & postal stationery. A small piece of paper has the ability to reveal in depth details of the past. Heritage is that which is inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations, but not until long ago, it was primarily used to describe that which people inherited legally or which belonged to one by reason of birth; however, over the years, the definition has expanded to encompass cultural traditions, natural environs & historical buildings. The archaeology of any country showcases its rich cultural, anthropological and architectural development through the ages. It is the study and analysis of all artifacts, architecture and bio-facts of the earlier civilizations. Through philately the natural and cultural heritage of a nation can be brought to the attention of common man. This paper gives a brief overview on how philately can be used as a very effective teaching aid in learning history and archeology and it essentially speaks about the 32 World Heritage Sites depicted on Indian postal stamps, covers, post cards and the likes; of these, 25 are cultural sites, while the remaining 7 are natural sites. The uniqueness of this work, lies in the fact that these collections of stamps are the only ones issued by any country, which depict monuments of all the major religions practiced in the country.
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    Colonial legacy in Pune: An academic and architectural heritage
    (Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dasture, P.
    Historical readings on the colonial heritage of education are rather limited. Furthermore, a study of this nature focusing principally on the city of Pune, is even more difficult to find.Heritage is all around us; it can be found in our environs, in traditional practices, in monuments, which in entirety become a part of life. Socio-economic, cultural and religious vicissitudes and changes were observed in Pune during the colonial period from 1818-1947; however, one of the longer lasting impacts of British rule in the city, has been its educational institutions established during the above mentioned period; schools, colleges and research institutes, which have been serving the masses for over more than 150 years. The educational legacy of these heritage monuments and traditions of Pune, the ‘Oxford of the East’, continues through schools like the Bishop’s, St Mary’s, St Anne’s, St. Vincent’s; colleges like Deccan College, Fergusson College, Agriculture College, the University of Pune, the Wadia College and the likes.
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    An Unknown Legacy: A Living Tribal Heritage of the Oraons
    (Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dasture, P.; Xalxo, G.; Bhatt, E.; Minz, J.
    The Oraons or the Kudukh’s are an important Dravidian tribe of the Chotanagpur plateau in Jharkhand. Oral traditions narrate that their cultural practices, customs, food habits and ornaments are closely related to those that were practiced by the inhabitants of the Indus Valley Civilization; their folklore states that the Oraons have co-existed in that region with the Munda tribe and they were displaced only due to the arrival of the Aryans making them move to their current location. Traditionally the Oraons have been known to be nature lovers, their entire lifestyle, habitat, ethnicity and practices, in more ways than one, revolve around nature. They can therefore be considered to be the protectors of nature as they have been for generations protecting sacred groves and their rituals and festivals, the Karam, Pahgu and Sarhul, surround these groves. Their heritage is seen in their unique lifestyle and attachment with nature. While change touches everyone, a tribe which has for centuries maintained its food gathering and hunting identity are also being impacted by the prevailing modern and more civilized social milieu. The history of the recent years has witnessed a growing consciousness towards the maintenance and preservation of the environment, deforestation being a major concern; where on one side industrialization has its own benefits, on the other, its ill effects are clearly visible on the environment. This paper intends to bring to the fore the Oraons, a neglected community, and highlight their contribution as nature conservers and protectors, thus making them relevant to the modern times.