Virtual Heritage

"Virtual Heritage: Crafting Indian Idenities" is a pioneering digital archive project that addresses the cultural imbalance in the virtual world. Recognizing the predominance of Western-centric objects in 3D digital spaces, this initiative seeks to introduce and integrate elements of South Asian, specifically Indian, culture into the virtual realm. By using Blender, an open-source 3D creation suite, this project meticulously crafts and contributes objects representative of Indian heritage to the online world.

The essence of this project lies in its commitment to cultural representation and diversity in digital environments. The virtual world, often seen as a frontier of endless possibilities, has been predominantly shaped by Western aesthetics and values due to disparities in access to technology and digital literacy. This imbalance not only skews global cultural representation but also alienates non-Western users, particularly those from South Asia or the Desi community, who find their cultural identity and everyday objects missing in these spaces.

Through the creation of Indian objects – from everyday household items to artifacts of cultural significance – this archive aims to democratize the digital landscape. It offers tools for South Asians and others interested in Indian culture to construct virtual environments that are reflective of their real-world experiences and heritage. This initiative is not just about adding new items to a database; it’s a move towards decolonizing the Internet, challenging the dominance of Western digital hegemony, and creating a more inclusive and diverse virtual world.

As these objects populate the internet, they serve as digital ambassadors of Indian culture. They enable users to express their cultural identity in virtual spaces and lay the foundation for building worlds that resonate more closely with their own experiences and imaginations. This digital archive is an ongoing endeavor, encouraging continuous contribution and growth, thus enriching the virtual landscape with the diversity and richness of Indian culture.