Preservationists race to capture cultural monuments with 3D images

In March 2001, the Taliban blew up the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, two of the tallest Buddha sculptures in the world. This horrific attack on an important and beautiful example of the patrimony of central Asia shocked the world. It also forever changed the landscape of cultural preservation, archaeology and global heritage.

Even back then, we had some of the 3D scanning technologies that could have allowed us to digitally document and preserve the Buddhas. We did not yet anticipate the scale of destruction that would leave hundreds of global heritage sites damaged or obliterated in the 15 years since that event.

The loss of this cultural heritage has spurred teams of researchers and nonprofit organizations to race to make 3D scans, architectural plans and detailed photographic records of heritage sites around the world, knowing they could be destroyed at any time. Advances in 3D scanning technologies, drone use and even tourists' online posting of images are giving preservationists a new set of tools to prevent the permanent loss of cultural artifacts.

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India's neglected museums

It is not enough to just talk about Indian culture and history. Governments must help to preserve it too. India’s shamefully neglected museums might finally be getting some attention, as a few committed individuals fight to save them

It is not enough to just talk about Indian culture and history. Governments must help to preserve it too. India’s shamefully neglected museums might finally be getting some attention, as a few committed individuals fight to save them.

India's neglected museums
The UNESCO report and a 14-point museum reforms agenda put together by the Ministry of Culture in 2010-11 served as a wake-up call.

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai
The museum is working on an ambitious expansion plan with a Modern Gallery, an auditorium, a children’s centre, more libraries and archives.

CSMVS, Mumbai
Now, CSMVS gets over a million visitors a year, despite charging more than other museums.

NGMA, Bengaluru
The five-acre campus with its stunning but crumbling colonial structure was restored to house the National Gallery of Modern Art, and celebrated its sixth anniversary last February.

National Museum, New Delhi
The museum has also been organising collateral events such as talks, workshops, performances and activities for children.

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
The Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH), launched by Lord Curzon in 1906, has a collection of over 28,000 artefacts.

'Culture cannot be a punishment posting’
Eka Resources, museum consultancy company, MD Pramod Kumar K.G. talks about the tragedy of Indian museums and what can make a change.

Read the full feature published in The Hindu dt. 12th Apr 2015