ASI Enhances Shaniwarwada Visitor Experience with Expanded Audio Guide and Sign Language Support
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken a significant step toward making heritage sites more inclusive and informative with the launch of the second phase of the audio guide at Shaniwarwada in Pune. This initiative, unveiled on Saturday at the historic fort complex, represents a major advancement in how visitors interact with and understand India's protected monuments.
Expanded Features and Enhanced Accessibility
The newly launched phase builds upon the existing audio guide system by introducing comprehensive location-specific narration throughout the monument. What makes this update particularly noteworthy is the integration of Indian Sign Language (ISL) video interpretation, specifically designed to assist visitors with hearing impairments. This thoughtful inclusion ensures that the rich history of Shaniwarwada becomes accessible to a broader audience.
Developed under the careful supervision of the ASI's Mumbai Circle, this second phase focuses on improving interpretation quality while simultaneously addressing accessibility challenges. According to officials involved in the project, the inclusion of ISL aligns perfectly with ASI's broader policy framework aimed at enhancing monument accessibility for persons with disabilities across the country.
Strategic Collaboration and Implementation
This audio guide represents a successful collaboration between ASI and GunjIndia, working together to provide multilingual, geo-triggered audio guides at protected monuments nationwide. The implementation involved dedicated staff from Shaniwarwada along with officials from both the ASI Mumbai Circle and Pune sub-circle, ensuring local expertise contributed to the project's success.
A senior ASI official emphasized the organization's commitment to progressive accessibility improvements, stating: "ASI has taken a decision to progressively introduce accessible interpretation at all monuments under its care, including facilities for the deaf and hard-of-hearing." This statement underscores a systematic approach to heritage preservation that prioritizes visitor experience for all.
Technology-Driven Visitor Engagement
The initiative, introduced by Abhijit Ambekar, superintending archaeologist of ASI Mumbai Circle, forms part of ASI's comprehensive push toward digitizing monument-related information. By leveraging technology, the organization aims to enhance visitor engagement without relying solely on physical guides or printed materials.
Visitors can now access location-specific historical and architectural information by simply scanning codes displayed at various points throughout the monument. This system enables self-guided exploration while providing structured historical context as visitors move through different sections of Shaniwarwada. Currently available in three languages, the platform combines audio narration with integrated sign language support to create a truly inclusive experience.
Future Expansion Plans
The ASI Mumbai Circle has ambitious plans to extend this successful model to additional protected monuments. Under their current program, they aim to roll out similar audio guides at 25 more monuments by March 31. This expansion demonstrates ASI's commitment to modernizing heritage interpretation while maintaining the integrity and historical significance of India's cultural treasures.
This development at Shaniwarwada serves as a model for how technology can bridge accessibility gaps while enriching the educational value of historical sites. As ASI continues to implement such initiatives across the country, visitors can look forward to more engaging, informative, and inclusive experiences at India's protected monuments.
