The Heterogeneous Layered Urbanism of the Old Port of Mangaluru: Its Significance Within the Cultural Landscape of Tulunadu with a Vision Towards a Sustainable Urban Future

The coastline of the Cultural Landscape of Tulunadu which forms part of the Konkan Coast harbours many historic riverine and sea ports owing to its unique ecological characteristics. Amongst these is the historic port of Mangaluru in Karnataka, functioning as a major channel for oceanic and trans-country trade since times past, continuing almost unhampered till today. Centuries of uninterrupted trade in the area in addition to the interest of Western Seafarers in the port post the technological advancements in the ship building, the socio-economic status of various neighbouring ruling powers and the already present local Tulu communities resulted in the formation of a complex heterogeneous urban port morphology. This area today forms the historic core of the Tier-II city of Mangaluru, which falls under the Area-Based Development Strategy of the Smart Cities Mission. Informed policies keeping in mind the urban heritage and ecological sensitivities of the Cultural Landscape is imperative. This paper aims at reiterating the significance of the Cultural Landscape of Tulunadu with respect to its unique ecological systems and the impact on its culture, the evolution of the urban fabric of the port area of Mangaluru would discuss the possibility of sustainable management and urban future via frameworks like the Historic Urban Landscape Approach and the New Urban Agenda.