WMF India

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

World Monuments Fund has had a significant presence in India for over 20 years since the inception of the Watch. Its earliest project was the study and stabilisation of Jaisalmer Fort. Work continued here for over 15 years until the site was deemed in a good enough condition to close our involvement. Many other sites across India have received funding and technical support over the years. These include: Pardesi Synagogue in Kochi, Taj Mahal, The Krishnadevaraya Temple in the World Heritage site of Hampi, and the Dwarkadeesh Temple in Ahmadabad following extensive earthquake damage.

At two Gompas in Ladakh, namely Basgo and Sumda Chun, WMF has had a presence for almost 6 years and both have received UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards for excellence in conservation. Sites such as St John’s Church in Kolkata, Delhi Heritage Route and Bihariji Temple in Amber are other notable sites where there has been a significant presence.

Currently, WMF India is working in:

Balaji Ghat, Varanasi is a project underway in partnership with INTACH and it will be on its completion a major cultural centre.
Osmania Women’s College the former British Residency Hyderabad
The Mughal Riverfront Gardens of Agra
Gon Nila Phuk Caves at Saspol Ladakh

Through the Watch, many sites in India have garnered national and international attention. Champaner in Gujarat was listed as a World Heritage Site as was Jaisalmer as part of the Forts of Rajasthan World Heritage Site, Bikaner Historic Havelis, Rajasthan, are now part of the state tourism initiative, Chettinad Havelis in Tamil Nadu are on India’s World Heritage Tentative list; Bagh e Hafiz in Punjab has since seen extensive restoration as has Quila Mubarak, Punjaband the Opera House in Mumbai

WMF India was set up to partner with international and national organizations as well as donors to focus on heritage conservation projects and awareness programmes in India.

Board of Directors: