Safeguarding Bagan: Endeavours, Challenges and Strategies

Abstract

Bagan Archaeological Area and Monuments is a cultural landscape spreading over an area of over 100 km2 on a bend in the Ayeyarwady River in the central dry zone of Myanmar. The remains of over 2,500 monuments along with archaeological vestiges of ancient palaces, water management systems and fortifications are testimony to the highly evolved and significant Bagan period from the tenth to the thirteenth centuries CE. Exceptional architectural and artistic achievements are manifested in the exquisite ensembles of monuments with their intricate ornamentation and outstanding mural paintings. Till today, many of these Buddhist monuments are revered. The living traditions are manifested by the festivals, celebrations and rituals performed by the locals, pilgrims and the monks from the numerous monasteries. In 1997, the World Heritage Committee referred the nomination of Bagan, which was followed by two decades of uncontrolled development. Since 2012, there have been renewed efforts to inscribe Bagan on the World Heritage List. This has, however, required detailed assessments of the present status of the heritage site and the establishment of an integrated management system. This article explains the threats the heritage site is facing and how these are being addressed through the ongoing preparation of the management system.