Diversity, values and authenticity in negotiating difficult heritage

The notion of heritage is not a universal construct. The attributes that define and characterise what constitutes heritage may vary from culture to culture and within the same culture. The varying approaches to study interpretation and transmission of heritage can lead to potential conflicts and ethical dilemmas. This chapter will explore some of the key issues and challenges related to the understanding of difficult heritage in an Indian context. Cultural diversity, heritage values and material authenticity are identified as critical parameters for the assessment of heritage processes. These globally acceptable parameters will be adapted to the specificity of the Indian context to develop a theoretical framework that may inform and guide negotiation with difficult heritage.