India's cultural documentation projects: Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar and National Mission on Cultural Mapping

India has undertaken one of the world’s largest cultural documentation projects, mapping over 4.8 lakh villages to record their traditions, languages, folklore, and heritage under the Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) initiative and the National Mission on Cultural Mapping. This effort aims to preserve rural India’s diverse cultural identity while supporting local communities and artists.

What is Cultural Mapping of Rural India?
- Definition: A systematic documentation of villages’ cultural assets—covering traditions, festivals, crafts, dialects, oral histories, and heritage sites.
- Purpose: To create a comprehensive cultural database that reflects India’s diversity and supports preservation, tourism, and policy-making.
- Scope: Covers 4.84 lakh villages out of India’s 6.5 lakh villages, making it one of the largest cultural mapping exercises globally.

1. Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD)
- A digital platform launched under the Ministry of Culture.
- Provides virtual access to India’s village heritage across 32.87 lakh sq km.
- Documents linguistic diversity, folklore, traditional practices, and local art forms.

2. National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM)
- Started in 2017 by the Ministry of Culture.
- Objective: Build a national cultural inventory and design mechanisms to support artists and communities.
- Encourages community-based initiatives to safeguard traditions and foster cultural vibrancy.

What Has Been Documented?
- Languages & Dialects: Local scripts, oral traditions, and linguistic patterns.
- Folklore & Performing Arts: Folk songs, dances, storytelling traditions.
- Crafts & Handicrafts: Pottery, weaving, woodwork, and other artisanal practices.
- Festivals & Rituals: Village-specific celebrations and seasonal traditions.
- Heritage Sites: Temples, shrines, and historically significant landmarks.

Significance of the Mapping
- Preservation: Safeguards intangible cultural heritage for future generations.
- Tourism: Promotes rural tourism by showcasing village traditions.
- Policy Support: Helps government design cultural and economic development programs.
- Community Empowerment: Recognizes and supports local artists and artisans.