Meet Khushi Shah Who Is Safeguarding Ahmedabad's Heritage With The Khushtar Heritage Collective

Khushtar Heritage Collective | The economic and industrial hub of Ahmedabad in Gujarat became the first Indian metropolis in 2017 to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage City. Its historic walled centre, founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in the 15^th century, has a rich architectural heritage made up of buildings like the Bhadra Fort, the Jama Masjid, densely-packed traditional houses (pols) in gated traditional streets (puras), and numerous places of worship sacred to Muslims, Jains and Hindus.

Safeguarding the historic centre and other heritage structures in and around Ahmedabad is no mean feat. A lack of funding and limited awareness about the value of built heritage means all too often governments and private companies prioritise commercial development over preservation. But one person is fighting to change this narrative, and succeeding.

Bridging The Old And The New Through Heritage Conservation Khushtar Heritage Collective

A civil engineer by trade, Khushi Shah is leading research, advocacy and conservation efforts to restore built heritage through traditional and modern means in her home city. Her organisation, the Khushtar Heritage Collective was honoured in the “Sustainable Leadership—Heritage Conservation” category at the 2025 Indian Responsible Tourism Awards (IRTA; details here).

Shah is in the middle of preparing for a book launch that explores the intersection of heritage and sustainability and a podcast series that will highlight the diverse heritage of India when I reach out to her. Her work spans the preservation of pols—housing clusters where many families lived together that are now neglected—to the “City, Women and Heritage” initiative, which explores the role of women in historic urban spaces, particularly in old markets, to understand their contributions and challenges. Shah's work on pols earned her the Martin Weaver Research Scholarship from the Association for Preservation Technology (APT).

After realising there was a significant lack of Indian engineers specialising in heritage conservation, Shah started the Khushtar Heritage Collective to not only conserve and restore built heritage but also develop innovative solutions by integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology. She had always been interested in history and culture, but her interaction with heritage never got beyond reading about it. In her second year of college, she remembers being introduced to the concept of heritage conservation at the same time as Ahmedabad received its UNESCO World Heritage City tag.

“The moment made me realise the seriousness and global scope of the field. Since then, I have been deeply exploring and engaging with heritage conservation, staying connected to the field through research, collaborations and hands-on projects,” she says in an interview with Outlook Traveller.

“Traditional structures require expertise that bridges engineering, conservation and historical understanding, so I wanted to create a platform that engages young professionals in this niche field, ensuring the sustainability of heritage conservation efforts in India.”

Khushi Shah and Her Long-Term Commitment To Inclusivity And Sustainability

There’s no fixed team at the Khushtar Heritage Collective; rather, Shah believes in forming partnerships and collaborations to bring together diverse expertise for each project. With no structured hiring process in place, the Khushtar Heritage Collective actively works with women professionals in the field of heritage conservation to ensure that their work is inclusive and interdisciplinary.

Curious about the process of preserving a built structure from start to finish, I asked Shah about the steps involved.

The first step, she says, is research and documentation, where the Khushtar Heritage Collective conducts historical research, mapping and detailed documentation to understand the site's significance and current condition. This is followed by stakeholder engagement and the chance to collaborate with local communities, experts and authorities to ensure everyone has a shared vision for long-term sustainability. The third step is assessment and analysis, which involves the evaluation of the structural stability, material decay and environmental impact using both traditional and modern techniques. Next is implementation and restoration, where conservation work is carried out using authentic materials, traditional craftsmanship and scientific restoration methods. The penultimate step is community engagement, which involves local residents, artisans and stakeholders in the conservation process to create a sense of ownership and sustainability. The final step is holistic landscape development to ensure that conservation efforts go beyond buildings to include the broader cultural and environmental landscape.

The tools employed by the Khushtar Heritage Collective to do this work are a combination of traditional and advanced digital technologies. These include non-destructive testing methods like ground-penetrating radar, ultrasonic testing and infrared thermography to assess structural integrity without causing damage; photogrammetry, where high-resolution imaging is used to create 3D models of heritage structures; Lidar scanning for precise mapping and capturing intricate architectural details; digital modelling for structural analysis, restoration planning and long-term management; and structural modelling and analysis to simulate structural behaviour and assess stability.

Growing Consciousness Among Tourists And Residents

Shah’s work has a direct effect on the tourist experience. Too often heritage sites in India suffer from a lack of maintenance and civic sense. However, well-maintained heritage sites such as the pols, step-wells and historic markets of Ahmedabad offer visitors an authentic glimpse into the city's architectural and cultural legacy. By curating immersive experiences like heritage walks, traditional crafts and storytelling experiences, Khushtar Heritage Collective is also paving the path towards more engaging and educational visitor experiences, which also benefits the local economy and communities.

Perhaps the biggest change that has occurred since the Khushtar Heritage Collective started is the fact that there is a growing awareness and appreciation for heritage conservation today than before.

“While the process is slow and steady, more people are recognising the cultural, historical and economic value of preserving heritage sites. Increased community engagement, educational initiatives and media coverage have contributed to this shift. However, challenges remain in translating awareness into active conservation efforts and policy support,” Shah says.

Where To Go In Gujarat If You Love History

Gujarat is a diverse and historically rich state, offering a wide range of experiences for heritage enthusiasts. Shah shares her top places to visit in the state if you're a fan of historical architecture.

• For starters, visit the UNESCO World Heritage City of Ahmedabad for its pols, step-wells, mosques and vibrant old city.

• For those interested in archaeology, Dholavira and Vadnagar showcase fascinating remnants of the Harappan civilisation and ancient heritage structures.

• Nature lovers can explore Jamnagar, known for its marine sanctuaries and birdwatching spots, or visit Gujarat’s renowned bird sanctuaries like Nal Sarovar, Khijadiya and Velavadar.

• For a peaceful getaway, Diu’s coastal charm and Saputara’s hill station beauty provide the perfect retreat.

• Lastly, the Statue of Unity, a major commercial tourism destination, offers a blend of history, engineering and cultural exhibits.