Artificial Intelligence and the Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Historical Perspective

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) marks a transformative period in cultural preservation, particularly in safeguarding the world’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH). ICH encompasses oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, festivals, craftsmanship, and expressions of collective identity. Traditionally, heritage been transmitted orally or through apprenticeship, but rapid globalization and technological change have placed many traditions at risk. This paper explores the historical evolution of cultural preservation, the integration of AI in heritage documentation, and its ethical implications. It focuses on how machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision are applied to record, analyze, and revitalize endangered cultural expressions. The study highlights India’s role in AI-driven heritage initiatives and examines the global impact of these technologies. Findings reveal that AI, when ethically and inclusively applied, strengthens cultural transmission, democratizes heritage access, and ensures the sustainability of living traditions.