Call for Proposals: Science and Heritage Research Initiative (India)

Objectives

• To promote research activities on evolution & development of civilization.
• To explore new methods, state-of-the-art technologies to preserve and conserve heritage objects, monuments, artwork, and practices.
• To document & scientifically validate Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS).
• To strengthen the ecosystem through capacity building of human resources, engaging & encouraging researchers in this upcoming area of Heritage Science.

Thematic Areas

• Ancient Astronomy and Mathematics
  • Astrophysical Simulations: Computational models to simulate historical celestial events illustrated in ancient Indian texts (e.g., solar and lunar eclipses) and its validation.
  • Navigation and Space Exploration: Validation of ancient celestial navigation techniques with reference to modern GPS. Use insights of ancient planetary models to refine orbital mechanics.
  • Cultural Preservation: Highlight ancient Indian contributions to global astronomy, foster awareness its integration into heritage tourism.
  • Computational Modelling and Simulation in Ancient Mathematics: Creating models and simulations to explore and analyze ancient mathematical texts/concepts, posing new interactive insights and properties.
  • Translation and Digitization: Digitize, decode and develop database of ancient manuscripts for modern interdisciplinary research linking historical records with modern astronomical phenomenon.
  • Sustainable Practices: Application of ancient calendar systems and knowledge of celestial cycles to modern agriculture and water management.
  • Archaeological and Historical Studies: Analyze ancient observatories and temple alignments, using tools like LiDAR and radiocarbon dating. Assess its scientific rigor in architectural precision to capture celestial events.
• Ancient Materials and Metallurgy
  • Metallurgical Processes: Assessment of grain structure, process parameters, and condition monitoring of artifacts using simulation, computational modelling, or other advanced material characterization techniques for modern applications
  • Heritage Materials: Identification and validation of traditional preservation/restoration practices/techniques i.e. coatings, paints etc. develop advanced techniques for tangible heritage. Exploring ancient materials for designing energy-efficient buildings as per the geo-ecological location in modern world.
• Traditional Practices for Preventive Health and Well-Being
  • Ergonomically designed and tested personalized yoga modules/digital platforms/tools for, mental health, cognitive performance and wellness at workplace.
  • Yoga and meditation for chronic disease management including cancer care & prevention, aging & longevity.
  • Traditional medicines and healing practices
• Ancient Building Architecture and Water Management Systems
  • Structural environment of historic buildings and other structures, using survey techniques, seismic behavior, and non-destructive testing.
  • Studies on traditional water management systems, to provide solutions for modern water management practices, particularly in areas facing water scarcity or environmental challenges.
• Indian Heritage for Digital Space
  • Digital Heritage Preservation: To safeguard tangible and intangible heritage using advanced computer-based tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Image Processing, Character Recognition, etc.
  • Generative AI for Indian Heritage:  Digital restoration and recreation of damaged cultural artefacts, historical environments, lost elements, using advanced algorithms to analyze and synthesize data from various sources like photographs, 3D scans, manuscripts, heritage structures, etc.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant(s) should be an Academician/Scientist working in Public/Private Academic Institute/University.
• A single proposal for 3 years may be submitted, this could be extended further based on performance evaluation and recommendation of the Expert Advisory Committee.
• The proposed budget should be realistic and in line with the proposed objectives.
• Indicate quarterly deliverables in the form of a Gantt chart.
• A dedicated area minimum of approx. 5000 sq ft is expected to be allocated for CoE by the Host Institute/Organization.
• In case of traditional practices and products participation of stakeholders is desired.
• The proposed CoE should specify the problems that are being addressed and clearly mention the following:
  • S&T Interventions
  • Process optimization if any
  • Application potential viz. Design Intervention, Entrepreneurship Intervention etc.
  • Quantified outputs in each year/phase of the Centre should be specify in the proposal
  • Any other

Application Requirements

• Endorsement from the Head of the Institution (on letter head) and Certificate from Investigator(s)
• Details of the proposal
• Declaration of Conflict of Interest
• Registration Certificate, Memorandum of Association, and Rules and Regulations of the Institution/Organization

For more information, visit DST.