Topophilia in Transition: KeralasSacred Landscapes and Smart CityDevelopment
subject: Ecological ethics; Indigenous Knowledge Systems; Kerala; Sacred landscapes; Smart theology
description: The rise of smart cities in India presents a complex phenomenon and a significant challenge for the preservation of sacred landscapes. To address thisthe chapterproposes Smart Theology as a conceptual framework that integratesecological ethics and cultural resilience with digital innovation. This approach is examined through fieldwork in Keralas kavussacred sites reflecting Indigenous ecological knowledge and ritual practicefunded by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), Government of India. Digital interventions includingGIS, Virtual Reality, and community-driven tools serve as a vital bridge mediating the tension between cultural legacy and urban innovation. By investigating these applications the study demonstrates how technology facilitate inclusive preservation while maintaining the spiritual essence of sacred landscapes. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
creator: Anupama Nayar, C.V.
source: New Approaches to the Scientific Study of Religion;Volume;22;pp.157-176
publisher: Springer Science and Business Media B.V.
date: 01-01-2026
rights: Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
relation: ISSN: 23673494;
language: English
type: Book chapter
coverage: Anupama Nayar C.V., CHRIST University, Karnataka, Bangalore, India