Public attitudes and awareness towards historic architectural precincts in Kolkata (India)- An empirical survey at Chhotelal ki Ghat.pdf

Kolkata city in India contains numerous listed graded heritage buildings, precincts, and non-listed old buildings. Today, many of these are in a state of decay, undergoing inappropriate changes which are damaging their aesthetics and originality. This paper investigates whether people frequenting such precincts are aware of their heritage importance, historical background, and uniqueness of features therein, in order to understand why cultural heritage in such contexts lacks public sympathy and safeguarding. It presents research on a 150-year-old precinct called Chhotelal ki Ghat. An initial reconnaissance survey on-site informed significant details about the precinct based on which interview questionnaire for a second survey was designed. Questions yielding quantitative data corresponding to precinct characteristics demanded responses on rating scales. Respondents (N=69) were categorized into quotas based on age, gender, place of birth, education, and occupation. Mean scores of responses were derived for the overall sample and each quota respectively. One-way ANOVA and independent samples t-tests were conducted to compare mean values and reveal significant differences among quotas. Word-to-word analysis of qualitative data informed frequently mentioned descriptors. Results reflected lack of knowledge on precinct’s history, heritage and architecture, particularly among the lesser educated population. People were observed prioritizing everyday needs over heritage values.