Category: Culture

Ramco Community Services is continuing its heritage documentation initiative in Pudupalayam, with the ongoing survey already covering five wards and documenting nearly 200 historic structures in the area ranging in age from 60 to 250 years. 

The ongoing survey in Pudupalayam marks the second phase of the heritage documentation initiative. The first phase was conducted in Palayapalayam, a recognised heritage site, in December 2025.

The survey, which commenced in June, aims to systematically document the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. The initiative seeks to create a comprehensive digital inventory of heritage structures, including traditional buildings, temples, and saavadis or community halls.

The survey is being carried out by students of the Heritage Club of Rajapalayam Rajus’ College under the guidance of faculty members from Ramco Institute of Technology and experts from Ramco Community Services. Information collected includes the age of the structure, year of construction, architectural features, construction materials, present use, and historical significance.

Data is being recorded using Epicollect, a mobile data-gathering platform that enables systematic digital documentation of heritage assets. Such documentation helps create a permanent record of the city’s heritage and can support future conservation and heritage management efforts. With five wards (27, 28, 29, 34, and 35) already covered in Pudupalayam in the June month survey, the organisers plan to extend the survey in a phased manner to all the 42 wards in Rajapalayam, thereby creating a city-wide database of heritage structures.