India

Established in 2015, WMF India serves as a local representative for WMF, assisting with project management and outreach.

World Monuments Fund began work in India in 1996 after placing the Taj Mahal on the World Monuments Watch. In 2015, WMF India became the most recent entry to the World Monuments Fund family of affiliates, established under India’s Companies Act, following the country’s policy to include heritage conservation in corporate social responsibility programs.

Spearheaded by Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur, a 2006 Hadrian awardee, WMF India quickly established a significant presence in the country. Alongside its conservation work, WMF India has partnered with the Telangana government to host an evening of music and book reading with William Dalrymple to raise awareness about the historic Osmania Women’s College, currently under restoration.

More recently, WMF India participated as knowledge partners at the International Conference on Women in Design held in 2020 in Mumbai, which brought together women leaders in design from around the world. WMF India has also supported the Khasgi Trust in repairing the Ahilya Temple and Chhatri and Ghats. Funds raised through American Express India and the Interglobe Foundation have helped to further expand WMF’s footprint throughout India.

In the years to come, WMF India will continue to develop its leadership in conservation and critical thought in multiple areas. The conservation of historic water bodies will be a key focus as WMF India tackles the challenges of climate change and lack of access to potable water in large parts of India, in line with the Indian Government’s intention to restore historic water systems.