ABSTRACT
Heritage conservation has had a long presence in India, having its origins in archaeological and historical studies carried out by soldiers of colonial armies. In the 150 years of the field’s presence in India, there have been challenges of conservation, administration, and management, brought on by the inability of legislation to keep up with changing times and technologies. In such instances, especially in emerging
Indian cities, many cases of heritage activism have emerged, led by community members with no formal training in conservation, but with incredible enthusiasm and respect for their city’s heritage. This chapter explores ongoing efforts by community heritage activists in Lucknow to illustrate how contemporary preservation practice is not just a domain of professionals, but also an important aspect of civic engagement as well. This work analyses the tools activists employ to successfully advocate for the heritage of their communities.
