Abstract
Public spaces are one of the most defining elements of a vibrant community and matured urban landscapes. Cities of the past and present have laid great emphasis on the provision of public spaces and defined the idea of livability through them. The city of Varanasi, which exhibits the continuity of human settlements and culture since 1000 BCE, is one of the unique destinations that show exemplary natural, architectural, artistic and religious expressions of traditional Indian culture blended with splendid public spaces and people. But uncontrolled urbanisation, coupled with weak governance and lack of awareness, has resulted in utter neglect and degradation of urban heritage and its associated spaces. This article intends to analyse the culture of public spaces in Varanasi, their use and their present state of decay through an in-depth case study investigation. This research contributes to the design development of a comprehensive vision for the restoration of urban heritage and conservation of immensely valuable public spaces that shape vibrant community life representing the culture and diversity of this great city and its people.
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Acknowledgements
The author acknowledges the contribution by the undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Department of Urban Planning, Lovely professional University for assisting me in the field surveys and data collection in the year 2014. The author also extends sincere thanks to the people of Pushkar kund area where the primary survey was carried out with local community support. Finally, gratitude to the great philosopher and spiritual guide Prof. Rana P. B. Singh who has supported this study defying all the odds, shown the researchers bits and corners of the historic Varanasi city and encouraged them to walk that extra mile.
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Praharaj, S. (2022). Re-connecting Communities with Public Spaces: A Proposal for Rejuvenation of Sacred Kunds in the Historic City of Varanasi. In: Singh, R.S., Dahiya, B., Singh, A.K., Poudel, P.C. (eds) Practising Cultural Geographies. Advances in 21st Century Human Settlements. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-6415-1_7
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