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.