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Ancient Bhartiya temple architecture with intricate stone carvings and traditional structural elements

Preserving Bharat's Architectural Legacy

The Inheritage Foundation is dedicated to documenting, digitizing, and preserving Bharat's rich architectural heritage for future generations.

Our Journey

Our Story

The Inheritage Foundation was born from a profound concern for Bharat's rapidly disappearing architectural heritage. In 2023, renowned architects Hemu and Geetanjali Bharadwaj encountered significant challenges while researching ancient heritage sites in Uttrakhand. Despite Bharat's rich architectural legacy, they found no comprehensive documentation that could guide authentic restoration work.

What began as a personal documentation project quickly evolved as they recognized the urgent need for systematic documentation of Bharat's architectural treasures. With their combined 60+ years of architectural expertise, they established the Inheritage Foundation with a mission to create the most comprehensive digital repository of Bharat's architectural heritage.

Today, our work spans across 12 states, documenting over 200 heritage sites with meticulous attention to architectural details, historical context, and cultural significance. Each documentation becomes part of our growing digital archive, accessible to researchers, architects, conservationists, and enthusiasts worldwide.

William Hodges' 18th century painting depicting ancient Bhartiya temple architecture in natural landscape
Our Approach

Our Mission & Approach

We combine architectural expertise with cutting-edge technology to create the most comprehensive documentation of Bharat's architectural heritage.

Architectural Documentation

We create detailed architectural documentation including precise measurements, structural systems, construction techniques, and spatial organization. Our approach combines traditional architectural knowledge with modern documentation methods.

Digital Preservation

Using advanced technologies like photogrammetry, 3D scanning, and digital modeling, we create comprehensive digital archives of heritage sites. These digital assets serve as valuable resources for research, education, and potential restoration efforts.

Knowledge Dissemination

We believe that architectural heritage belongs to everyone. Our open-source platform democratizes access to Bharat's architectural treasures, making them available to researchers, educators, students, and enthusiasts worldwide.

Our Process

Our Documentation Process

Our comprehensive approach to heritage documentation combines traditional architectural knowledge with cutting-edge technology.

Photographic Documentation

High-resolution photography capturing every architectural detail, ornamentation, and spatial context.

Architectural Measurements

Precise measurements of structures using traditional and digital tools to create accurate architectural drawings.

3D Scanning & Modeling

Creating detailed 3D models using photogrammetry and laser scanning for complete spatial documentation.

Historical Research

Comprehensive research on historical context, cultural significance, and architectural evolution.

Our Documentation Standards

The Inheritage Foundation has developed a comprehensive set of documentation standards that ensure consistency and thoroughness across all our projects. These standards have been developed in consultation with leading conservation architects, archaeologists, and digital preservation experts.

Our documentation process captures not just the physical attributes of heritage structures, but also the intangible aspects such as construction techniques, cultural significance, and historical context. This holistic approach ensures that our digital archives serve as complete references for future research and restoration efforts.

  • Detailed architectural drawings including plans, elevations, and sections
  • High-resolution photography with standardized metadata
  • 3D models with texture mapping and spatial data
  • Material analysis and condition assessment reports
  • Historical research and contextual documentation
Restoration Initiatives

Inheritage Capital

Our initiative to fund and execute restoration projects for Bharat's most endangered heritage sites.

Rebuilding Our Heritage

Inheritage Capital is our dedicated funding and execution arm focused on the physical restoration and renovation of heritage sites across Bharat. We identify critically endangered structures that require immediate intervention and develop comprehensive restoration plans based on our detailed documentation.

Our restoration approach is guided by international conservation principles while respecting traditional building techniques and materials. We work with local craftspeople and artisans, ensuring that traditional knowledge is preserved and passed on to future generations.

Through strategic partnerships with government agencies, private donors, and international conservation organizations, Inheritage Capital mobilizes the resources needed to undertake complex restoration projects that would otherwise remain unfunded.

12

Restoration projects completed

₹4.2Cr

Restoration funds deployed

85+

Local artisans employed

8

Ongoing projects

Our Restoration Process

Documentation

Comprehensive documentation of the structure's current condition

Planning

Developing detailed restoration plans based on research

Execution

Restoration work using traditional techniques and materials

Monitoring

Long-term monitoring and maintenance planning

Leadership

Our Founders

Meet the visionaries behind the Inheritage Foundation.

Portrait of Hemu Bharadwaj, Architect & Co-founder with 30 years of heritage conservation experience

Hemu Bharadwaj

Architect & Founder

Expert in traditional Bhartiya architecture with over 30 years of experience in architectural conservation and documentation. Graduate of the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi.

30+ years of architectural expertise
School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
Portrait of Geetanjali Bharadwaj, Architect & Co-founder specializing in architectural theory and spatial design

Geetanjali Bharadwaj

Architect & Co-founder

Specialist in spatial design and architectural theory with internationally published research on traditional Bhartiya architecture. Leads our documentation methodology development.

30+ years of architectural expertise
School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
Our People

Our Team

The Inheritage Foundation is supported by a dedicated team of professionals who share our passion for preserving Bharat's architectural heritage.

Bhavya Rishi - Architect at Inheritage Foundation

Bhavya Rishi

Archietct

Specializes in adaptive reuse of heritage structures with 8+ years of experience in conservation architecture.

Architect
Ayush Mishra - Chief Technology Officer at Inheritage Foundation

Ayush Mishra

Chief Technology Officer

Spearheading the technical development of the Inheritage Foundation.

Architect / Software Engineer
Yamini Bharadwaj - UX Content Head at Inheritage Foundation

Yamini Bharadwaj

UX Content Head

Leads content strategy and user experience design with expertise in making complex architectural information accessible.

Content Strategy
Ekansh Bharadwaj - SWE @ Inheritage Foundation

Ekansh Bharadwaj

SWE @ Inheritage Foundation

Backend Developer with a passion for building scalable and efficient systems.

Software Engineer
Sanya Casshyap - Conservation Architect at Inheritage Foundation

Sanya Casshyap

Conservation Architect

Specializes in material and spatial analysis of buildings multiple years of experience.

Heritage Conservation
Abhijeet Dubey - Technical Lead at Inheritage Foundation

Abhijeet Dubey

Technical Lead

Expert in 3D scanning and photogrammetry with extensive experience in heritage documentation technology.

Architect

Join Our Team

We're looking for passionate architects, historians, photographers, and developers to join our mission of preserving Bharat's architectural heritage and making it accessible to everyone.

Get Involved
Our Achievements

Our Impact

Since our founding in 2019, the Inheritage Foundation has made significant strides in documenting and preserving Bharat's architectural heritage.

200+

Heritage sites documented

12

States covered across Bharat

15,000+

High-resolution images archived

50+

Restoration projects supported

Conservation Impact

Endangered sites documented78%
Traditional techniques preserved65%
Local community engagement92%

Educational Impact

Research publications45+
Workshops conducted120+
Student engagement5000+

Join Us in Preserving Bharat's Architectural & Cultural Legacy

Whether you're a researcher, donor, volunteer, or simply passionate about cultural heritage, there are many ways to contribute to our mission.