Visitors to the Humayun’s Tomb can look forward to entering a premises that closely resembles its original state, with extensive restoration being carried out for walls for the World Heritage Site.
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) is working on restoring the western and southern enclosure walls, which collapsed in the 19th and 20th century. Craftsmen are following conservation methods that mirror those practised in 16th century during the construction of the monument.
Officials said Mughal emperor Babur had built several walled gardens along the banks of Yamuna. The Humayun’s Tomb, too, was built along the Yamuna and set within a garden enclosed by 6-metre high arcaded walls on the northern, southern and western sides. The east side was kept open to allow uninterrupted view of the river.
Each wall had either a gateway or a pavilion at the centre. Walkways were made above the walls. The walls were arcaded to provide an aesthetic enclosure, while economising on material.
The AKTC is restoring the 42 arched bays that had collapsed. Officials said they are using random rubble stone masonry in lime mortar, just as the original builders used during construction. To restore the arches, the arch profile is first created using bricks stacked on one another in exactly the same manner as depicted in the Mughal chronicles such as the Akbarnama.
“Enclosure walls were very significant to Mughal tomb-gardens, which aimed at representing paradise. For decades portions of the Humayun’s Tomb enclosure were in a state of collapse giving parts of the complex a ruinous, uncared-for appearance. The conservation work by master craftsmen on the walls will significantly enhance the historic character and allow better watch and ward,” said Ratish Nanda, project director, AKTC.
The lime mortar is also prepared in a traditional manner, with a lime grinding wheel set up on site. It takes up to three months for the mortar to set, after which the bricks are removed. The reconstruction of collapsed portions of the wall started in October last year and is expected to be completed later this year.
“(We have) included significant red polychromy in order to match the red-white contrast achieved at the Tomb. This would require removal of the 20th century cement layers and re-plastering with lime mortar,” said Nanda.
“Works on the main mausoleum are also being carried out. At present, the damaged stone on the lower façade is being carefully repaired or replaced,” he added.
The World Heritage Site has been at the centre of conservation activity, as part of a larger urban renewal project being carried out by the AKTC in association with the ASI.
K K Muhammed, superintending archaeologist, Delhi circle-ASI, said: “Nila Gumbad will also be reconnected to the garden following permissions from the Railways. The aim is to integrate adjoining monuments like Nila Gumbad, Bade Batashewala and Chhote Batashewala with the Humayun’s Tomb complex and develop it as a heritage zone.”
Indian Express
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) is working on restoring the western and southern enclosure walls, which collapsed in the 19th and 20th century. Craftsmen are following conservation methods that mirror those practised in 16th century during the construction of the monument.
Officials said Mughal emperor Babur had built several walled gardens along the banks of Yamuna. The Humayun’s Tomb, too, was built along the Yamuna and set within a garden enclosed by 6-metre high arcaded walls on the northern, southern and western sides. The east side was kept open to allow uninterrupted view of the river.
Each wall had either a gateway or a pavilion at the centre. Walkways were made above the walls. The walls were arcaded to provide an aesthetic enclosure, while economising on material.
The AKTC is restoring the 42 arched bays that had collapsed. Officials said they are using random rubble stone masonry in lime mortar, just as the original builders used during construction. To restore the arches, the arch profile is first created using bricks stacked on one another in exactly the same manner as depicted in the Mughal chronicles such as the Akbarnama.
“Enclosure walls were very significant to Mughal tomb-gardens, which aimed at representing paradise. For decades portions of the Humayun’s Tomb enclosure were in a state of collapse giving parts of the complex a ruinous, uncared-for appearance. The conservation work by master craftsmen on the walls will significantly enhance the historic character and allow better watch and ward,” said Ratish Nanda, project director, AKTC.
The lime mortar is also prepared in a traditional manner, with a lime grinding wheel set up on site. It takes up to three months for the mortar to set, after which the bricks are removed. The reconstruction of collapsed portions of the wall started in October last year and is expected to be completed later this year.
“(We have) included significant red polychromy in order to match the red-white contrast achieved at the Tomb. This would require removal of the 20th century cement layers and re-plastering with lime mortar,” said Nanda.
“Works on the main mausoleum are also being carried out. At present, the damaged stone on the lower façade is being carefully repaired or replaced,” he added.
The World Heritage Site has been at the centre of conservation activity, as part of a larger urban renewal project being carried out by the AKTC in association with the ASI.
K K Muhammed, superintending archaeologist, Delhi circle-ASI, said: “Nila Gumbad will also be reconnected to the garden following permissions from the Railways. The aim is to integrate adjoining monuments like Nila Gumbad, Bade Batashewala and Chhote Batashewala with the Humayun’s Tomb complex and develop it as a heritage zone.”
Indian Express