Enthusiasts
can now explore 360 degree online imagery of 30 Indian heritage sites,
including the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar and Red Fort, which were released by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Google.
The launch
was the result of Google and ASI's joint initiative to make 100 of India's most
important heritage sites more accessible for the world to experience. With
this, Google intends to help share India's culture and heritage with people at
home and abroad.
"It is
commendable that the ASI is taking forward its mission of embracing
partnerships for the future in order to preserve and propagate the rich
heritage of India's past. I am happy to celebrate the successful culmination of
an agreement that the culture ministry and the ASI entered into with Google in
2013," Culture Minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch said at the launch
Thursday.
"This
project makes it possible for billions of people across the world to see and
explore our magnificent heritage virtually," she added.
The images
of sites, including the Taj Mahal, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, Red Fort,
Jantar Mantar, Fatehpuri Sikri, Itimad-ud-Daula, Agra Fort, Krishnagiri Fort,
Rajagiri Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Nagarjuna and Raigad Fort, can be accessed on
Google Maps through Street View.
"Google
is committed to help in preserving and showcasing cultural heritage across the
world. We hope the imagery will help make India's heritage and culture more
accessible," said Rajan Anandan, vice president and managing director of Google
India.
"Within
the next six to seven months, we plan to get the remaining 70 sites online as
well," Anandan told media.
Anandan
added that this will allow people, who would never get to visit Agra, enjoy the
Taj Mahal.
"Imagine
1/3rd of India's population being able to visit 30 of India's most prized
heritage sites. It will be fantastic," he said.
Pravin
Srivastava, director general of the ASI said the images will help preserve
India's identity for generations to come.
"The
images coming online through Google Maps and the Google Cultural Institute
provide a new way for people around the world to view, interact with, and learn
about some of the most important heritage monuments of India," he said.
The images
have been captured using the Street View Trekker, which is a wearable backpack
equipped with 15 lenses.
Each lens is
pointed in a different direction enabling to create a 360-degree panoramic
view.
