The spatial narrative of Island Cultural Landscapes: A Case of Lakshadweep Group of Islands, India

Abstract

Islands are known for their distinctive landscapes, which have greatly influenced the cultures and societies of the people who have lived there. Islands are unique, geographically isolated places with specific physical and cultural traits that are significantly influenced by the environment and the ocean. The cultural landscapes of islands manifest in several ways such as land use, agriculture, and in the form of architecture. It also encompasses intangible heritage such as cultural practices, myths, stories, and rituals. This paper aims to explore the Lakshadweep group of Islands within the existing cultural landscape framework and will also be examining both tangible and intangible resources of these islands. The study will employ a literature review, inventory formats, and in-depth interviews of both key informants and the local community to document the characterizing components of the cultural landscape of Lakshadweep. The study concludes by defining the cultural landscape of the islands from a spatial discourse and community perspective.