Project Mausam

Why is in news? ASI organises a two-day National Conference on Project Mausam - Jaladhipurayatra: Exploring Cross- Cultural Linkages along the Indian Ocean Rim Countries

In an attempt to understand the Monsoon Winds and other climatic factors and the waysin which these natural elements impacted, at different periods of history, the interactionsbetween different countries in the Indian Ocean region.

‘Project Mausam’ was launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India at UNESCO’s 38th World Heritage Committee Meeting held at Doha, Qatar, in 2014.

Currently, the Project is being administered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

With the objective of promoting further research and broadening our understanding of thissubject, the ASI organized a two-day National Conference at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on 7th and 8th October, 2022.

Christened “Jaladhipurayatra: Exploring Cross- Cultural Linkages along the Indian Ocean Rim Countries”, the Conference incorporated manifold aspects of maritime exchanges and interactions.

The Conference consists of a Plenary Session followed by six Academic Sessions, each dealing with a particular aspect of India’s maritime interactions.

Project Mausam:

Project Mausam is a cultural project by the Indian Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the National Museum in New Delhi which aims to connect countries on the Indian Ocean.

The term "mausam" means "weather" or "season" and is derived from regional dialects including the Arabic word mawsim, which refers to the season when boats can safely sail.

Project Mausam aims to rebuild maritime cultural connections with the 39 countries bordering the Indian Ocean.

The project also aims to bring together historical and archaeological researchers to record the diversity of economic, cultural, and religious interactions between countries in.

There are two visions for Project Mausam: the first is to understand national cultures between countries and the second is to rebuild communications between countries.

Four main objectives to complete its vision: (i) It aims to revive lost connections with countries. (ii) t plans to create connections and relationships to the existing World Heritage sites. (iii) The project wishes to redefine cultural landscapes by identifying gaps in World Heritage sites and filling them through creating relationships between existing sites of cultural and natural heritage. (iv) It aims to achieve cross-national World Heritage nomination.