ABSTRACT
Intangible cultural heritage in India India is home to countless ancient yet constantly evolving cultural practices that continue to inform and influence our present day living. Its customs, innumerable languages, indigenous knowledge systems, richness and depth of music and the arts, both classical and folk, and a fascinating array of craft skills have been passed down orally through generations. The most well preserved of these are either those where members of different ethnic groups appreciate their meaning, relevance and value to their lives or they still earn a living from these activities. This has contributed to a repository of intangible cultural heritage [ICH] elements unique to this part of the world; diverse, given India’s geo-cultural existence and historical past, yet representing a composite culture that binds us in a shared heritage (Modwel and Sarkar 2013).
