Preserving the Past, Enriching the Present: Tourism led Urban Regeneration of Amber the Princely Town of Rajasthan

Abstract

Historic Indian cities have unique built and cultural heritage which has always attracted millions of tourists and has also been one of the prime sources of economic activities. But the condition of historic core city areas and heritage precincts over the years has been degrading consistently. Historic cities face the threat of losing their cultural identity, inherent character, and diversity due to the deteriorating condition of not just their heritage structures but also their core districts' infrastructure and quality of life. Increased traffic volume, rise in commercial activities, a strengthening of the economy, an increase in visitors walking around the core, more people visiting the monuments, etc. are all factors that cause these changes. Focusing on city with rich cultural and architectural heritage Amber, the princely terrain of Rajasthan. Amber's historic core is facing decay & neglect due to disproportionate concentration of visitors around the fort, threatening not only the integrity of these sites but also the overall tourist experience & the well-being of the surrounding community. It was once the capital of Kachwaha Rajputs, now known as Jaipur. Amber, a significant historical town, is known for its impressive fort-Amber fort as UNESCO heritage site, lakes, gardens, with old temples (ASI protected), havelis, architectural heritage, and is a hub for cultural and artistic activities all located in Aravalli range and its valleys. It is an important tourist destination and this site alone contributes to almost one-third of the city’s total revenue from tourism. It was added to the World Monument Watch List 2008 due to the alarming decay of its historic buildings. The aim of the thesis is to create a comprehensive strategy for holistic development that safeguards the town’s historical heritage while revitalizing its tourist circuit for current & future generations The thesis looks at how to preserve a city's historic core's identity and character while exploring a strategic framework for the preservation & enrichment of the tourist circuit in Amber Town, emphasizing the significance and inclusion of the rich heritage which are currently being neglected. Heritage tourism plays a pivotal role in cultural & economic development, a comprehensive approach is crucial to unlock the full potential of historical sites. The vision is to establish Amer as a leading iconic destination for heritage tourism, with a focus on protecting its historical assets and fostering economic opportunities for local communities of Amber town which can serve as a model for conserving other hill forts in Rajasthan.