Interactions and Intersections: Understanding Built Heritage as a Cultural Phenomenon Shaped by the Natural Setting

Abstract

Built heritage exists within landscapes and cultural settings, representing mutual interdependence. This entire integral structure of ‘shelter and setting’ may be transformed as people encounters and natural forces interact with a particular place. A seemingly abandoned built space is still part of an active landscape as an entity that exists by virtue of it being perceived, experienced, and contextualized by people. The approach focuses on exploring the ‘expressive’ realms of ‘built heritage’ not just defined in its spatial limits but in reference to the environment generated out of human-nature links. The study seeks to examine the relevance and resilience of built heritage in relation to the environmental and catastrophic transformations that have shaped both natural and cultural settings. It traces the architectural remnants and ruins within the Daulatabad–Khuldabad heritage precinct in Deccan India, interpreting them as physical markers of regional identity. The methodology draws on literature review, archival research, analyses of physiographic maps, structured interviews, and field-based observations. It makes an attempt to unfold the layers of meanings and continued associations around spatiality in response to the unique conjunction of landforms, hydrology and socio-cultural structures.