Influence of Indian Cultural Heritage on World Heritage

Abstract

"Cultural Heritage Tourism uses the remains of the history in which the traveler is interested. Cultural Heritage Tourism has positive and negative impact on social-cultural, physical and economic aspects of Indian Society. Ajanta Caves in India which is a world heritage site and caves of Buddhist affiliation have been carved in Deccan basalt. From a social-cultural perspective tourism affects cultural resources through changes in forms and functions of traditional artworks, commodification of living culture, crowded condition and community members. Tourist activities exact physical impacts on precious heritage in form of vandalism, wear, tear and pollutions. On a more positive note, tourism from the increasing number of people, helps in creating jobs and taxes and stimulates entrepreneurialism in heritage destinations. This study recognizes the impacts of Cultural Heritage Tourism at Ajanta Caves and its surrounding regions in western India. For this research project, primary data is collected through observation and interviews of local community members, visitors, agents and officers of tourism department and secondary data is obtained from books, journals, survey reports, and publication of the government."