Title: Digital preservation of art and architectural motifs: a technology-integrated design framework for the Dimasa heritage monuments

Authors: Swarnadeep Nath; Sourish Sarkar; Bhaskar Saha

Addresses: Department of Multimedia Communication and Design, Central Institute of Technology, Kokrajhar, Assam, India ' Department of Design and Arts, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Panvel, Maharashtra, India ' Department of Multimedia Communication and Design, Central Institute of Technology, Kokrajhar, Assam, India

Abstract: Cultural heritage, rooted in historical, cultural, and religious traditions, is essential to regional identity and national legacy. In Assam, Northeast India, diverse indigenous communities have shaped a rich architectural tradition. However, limited written records obscure much of this history, making material culture - monuments, archaeological sites, and architectural remains - a crucial source for reconstructing the regions understudied past. Among these contributions, the Dimasa emerged as prominent rulers who significantly shaped the architectural heritage of the region. Over time, though, the remnants from the kingdom have faced significant erosion due to various organic and environmental factors, risking the loss of invaluable relics without precise preservation and restoration. This study aims to digitally restore the structural integrity and design aesthetics of the Dimasa Kingdom's heritage monuments at Khaspur. Integrating 2D and 3D framework with terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry ensures accurate structural documentation, while close-range photography captures intricate design motifs. The combined datasets support a comprehensive design process aligned with the study's objectives. This imperative study holds the potential to ensure the digital preservation of the region's heritage monuments. Moreover, this effort may recreate novel opportunities as a resource for researchers and archaeologists, especially within the context of upcoming restoration and conservation efforts.

Keywords: Dimasa kingdom; architectural motifs; art and technology; digital restoration; cultural heritage.

DOI: 10.1504/IJART.2026.153287

International Journal of Arts and Technology, 2026 Vol.16 No.2, pp.212 - 242

Received: 04 Jun 2025
Accepted: 16 Sep 2025
Published online: 01 May 2026 *

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