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Conservation at the Red Fort – New Delhi 2003
table of contents:
Removal of 'Restored' Plasterwork and ReplasteringRang MahalKhas Mahal
Inappropriate PlasterworkRang MahalShah Burj
Inappropriate New Use of Historic StructuresMumtaz Mahal
Continuing Damage to the Historic FabricDiwan-I-Khas ceilingKhas Mahal inlay
Damage Due to Water IngressShah Burj
Protection Urgently RequiredKhas Mahal 'Scale of Justice' Jali
Reconstituted FeaturesBakhsh-I-HayatShah Burj
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 2
Work currently in progress
(after media reports) to
strip the facades of the Khas
Mahal of recently 'restored'
plaster-work,
Photos courtesy S Makhija, 21 Oct. 2003
Removal of 'restored' plaster-work... Khas Mahal
No precautions taken to
protect the marble jali
during this large scale
operation.
Severe, irreversible damage is being
caused to the structure's brickwork
and historic surfaces by this rash use
of inappropriate tools and techniques
(see next page for details)
structural brickwork
being reduced to
rubble once again
(details of damaged
material overleaf),
and left exposed
until recently.
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 3
The hurried pace and heavy-
handedness of work is
irreversibly damaging the
original Mughal Lakhori brick
underneath the faulty plaster.
detail of multi-layered historic
plaster from Shah Burj.
Photo courtesy S Makhija, May 2002
above: detail of fragment from the
debris hacked out from the recently
'restored' north facade of the Khas
Mahal
sandstone
intermediate layer
top render
of fine plasterto take pigment
base layer
containing brickaggregate,to create form
Removal of 'restored' plaster-work... Khas Mahal
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 4
No precautions taken to
protect the marble jali during
this large scale operation
Replastering Khas Mahal
the second layer of mortar on these walls in the last year
(these works commenced in october 2003, after media reports)
Photos taken October 29 2003.
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 5
Similar work in progress to remove the recently
'restored' plaster-work on the North facade of
the Rang Mahal, after initial media reports.
That this recent plaster 'restoration' is being
rashly undone and redone, below, indicates a
cavalier approach to restoration.
Photo courtesy AGKMenon3 Oct. 2003
Removal of 'restored' plaster-work... Rang Mahal
Photo taken Oct. 29 2003
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 6
inappropriate plaster work Rang Mahal
Eastern, river-facing facade
On the face of it...
this structure has been restoredto match traces of its former glory.
A closer look reveals...
cosmetic alterations and additions, obliterating originalgeometry, worksmanship, and aesthetics.
during the time of these works, a request for scientificprocedures to be followed was made directly to theminister, on-site. An appeal was made that action on thissite must be preceded with a detailed conservationmanagement plan, which respects the integrity, precision,quality construction and exquisite design inherent to thisMughal masterpiece.
after restoration (may 2002)
before restoration (Jan 2001)
photos courtesy: S. Makhija
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 7
inappropriate plaster work Rang Mahal (detail)
Eastern, river-facing facade
before restoration (Jan 2001)
after restoration (May 2002)
necessary action
for water disposal
inadequately
attended to.
quality of restoration, and an understanding of the
underlying geometry that formed the rationale for
elements of Mughal construction, are lacking.
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 8
No effort to scientifically consolidate the
historic plaster has been made.
Both examples illustrate that the profiles
created in the new rendering do not relate
in geometric precision to its own historic
precedent.
This work should have been preceded by
accurate studies to analyse the precise
profiles, materials and workmanship
required to match the original.
inappropriate plaster work Rang Mahal (east facade)
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 9
more evidence of the restorers'
ignorance of the geometric &
aesthetic bases of Mughal
architecture and ornamentation.
Photos taken Oct. 2003
the southern facade,
facing the Mumtaz mahal.
inappropriate plaster work Rang Mahal (detail)
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 1 0
inappropriate plaster work Rang Mahal (details)
Photos taken Oct. 2003
further details...
revealing crass plaster rendering
of the symmetry and proportions of
the typical flower finials that
crowned these Mughal arches.
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 1 1
inappropriate plaster work the Shah Burj
It is totally unacceptable thatthe conservation work shoulddestroy the precision of thehistoric fabric, and not utilizearchitectural documentationskills prior to undertaking theintricate task of replacing it.
A cruder version, using approximations by eye to replace the complex and
precise multifaceted geometric form of the historic plaster work.
Photos courtesy S Makhija; top: May 2002, bottom right: October 2003
Replacement of the orignal material is thelast option and may be exercised only afterconsolidation of the original is carried outby extremely ski l led craf tspersonssupervised by qualified and technicallysound conservation professionals, that areavailable in India.
Till the process of scientific documentationis completed and the appropr iateconservat ion methdology is speci f ied,responsibility rests with ASI to protect thehistoric evidence.
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 1 2
in the Mumtaz Mahal
at the present Archaeological Museum,
traces of the original frescoes are
revealed through 'windows' in the
extensive whitewashing, which
contravenes all norms of conservation.
additionally, the quality of displays
does not befit a monument or a
collection of such importance.
inappropriate new use of historic structure
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 1 3
Even now, after the PIL, work on-site isbeing carried out in an ad-hoc manner,which must be stopped immediately.
it is not based on scientific research oforiginal design, material, or constructiontechniques.
A detailed plan based on the findingsfrom the historic fabric prepared by amultidisciplinary team is an imperativeprerequisite to such an exercise.
This entails a clear definition of thedocumentation processes, identification ofthe skilled human resources, enumerationof material specifications and techniquesto match and respect the original designand construction, illustrated here.
continuing damage to the historic fabric
urgent need for a stay on further work
gilded & painted gesso work
on Diwan-i-Khas ceiling,
showing on-going
interventions.
Details overleaf.
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 1 4
historic state
degraded state
readied for renovation
continuing damage to the historic fabric
urgent need for a stay on further work
Diwan-i-Khas ceiling
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 1 5
Inlay work in Khas Mahal
Rapid interventions are
in progress in the Khas
Mahal to replace the
work of earlier
restorers.
The ad-hoc work is not being
scientifically documented.
an evaluation by master-craftsmen
and autonomous experts is urgently
requested (Pending a conservation
management plan & all it entails)
Photos taken Oct. 29 2003
continuing damage to the historic fabric
urgent need for a stay on further work
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 1 6
Inlay work in Khas Mahal
Inlay restoration carried out
during the colonial period,
especially restoration with glass,
is part of the historic fabric and
eligible for protection.
It is being removed and replaced
with inappropriate materials and
workmanship.
Crude trace-drawings used to cut stone profileslacking in finesse and an understanding of historicMughal precedents.
Extensive and incompatibleuse of adhesives
Photos taken Oct. 29 2003.
continuing damage to the historic fabric
urgent need for a stay on further work
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 1 7
Inlay work in Khas Mahal
original
flower inlay
new inlaywork
inlay in green
glass from the
colonial period
with reference to
a poorly traced
drawing, the new
inlays are being
inappropriately
and crudely
assembled with
adhesives.
Photos takenOct. 29 2003
continuing damage to the historic fabric
urgent need for a stay on further work
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 1 8
Pointing in white cement
at the source of the Neher-i-
Behist in the Shah Burj, the
pool was pointed with white
cement (a bag of which sits
beside the artisan, below)
Material analysis by an
independent conservationist
is requested.
in the Shah Burj pavilion
The Shah Burj, or royal tower, was used for theprivate council meetings that were part of the dailyroutine of the emperor. It was accessible only to theimperial princes, the vizier and a few importantcourtiers who had the emperor’s special confidence.Koch Koch Koch Koch Koch (2001) Mughal Art and Imperial Ideology, p.219
From the pavilion attached to the Shah Burj, waterdrawn from the river below would have flowed into a poolat the head of the Neher-i-Behist, and continued from thereinto the fort's complex system of waterways.
reproduced from PIL annexure P 7, pg. 101
continuing damage to the historic fabric
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 1 9
Damage due to water ingress
Rash reactivation
of Water flow
leaks have developed on
the west wall of the Shah
Burj. This may lead to
other strcutural damages
due to water-seepage into
the plinth and foundation
of the structure. The
damage from this flow into
the stagnant Neher-i-Behist
will soon become evident.
Below, cement pointing and
other inappropriate
measures taken to block
these water leakages will
further damage the
historic structure .
photos courtesy: S Makhija21 Oct. 2003.
in the Shah Burj pavilion refer to annexure P 7, pg. 101 in the PIL
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 2 0
Damage due to water ingress
in the Shah Burj pavilion
photo taken 29 Oct. 2003.
a week later...
the water flow is
halted
but the faulty
restoration and
cement pointing
retain dampness.
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 2 1
One of the finest specimens
of Mughal lattice-work in
the country.
The screen carved with the scale of justice, partof emperor’s insignia, formed a transparentvertical boundary between two central arcadeverandas on the north and south faces. TheNeher-i-Bahist channel flowing below the screenbisected the open width of the Khas Mahal.This space, cooled by the water channel, seemsto have been a favourite spot of the lateremperors, who are often depicted in the courtpaintings with the screen of justice, silhouettingtheir profile amidst the hint of the breeze andthe prospect of a vista of marble pavilions.MukherjiMukherjiMukherjiMukherjiMukherji (2001) p.29
above: 19th cent. illustr. from Kaye (1980) p.75left: uncredited photo from a common postcard;left below: photo taken in 1997,from Mukherji (2001) p. 31
* The Khas Mahal, or special palace, wasthe emperors personal living quarters, withmultiple verandahs and chambers.Its parts were variously designated theKhwabgah, the House of Dreams or moreprosaically, the Sleeping Chamber; theTasbih Khana or Chamber of Telling Beads;the Toshakhana or the Baithakkhana, theRobe Chamber or the Sitting Chamber.
in the Khas Mahal*
protection urgently required scale of Justice Jali
reproduced from PIL annexure P 14 colly, pg. 106
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 2 2
Photos at left courtesy: S Makhijataken 21/10/03
After the initial media reports,
the bricks precariously
supporting the severely
damaged Scale of Justice jali
have been partly removed.
The extent of loss is clearly
visible. immediate measures
must be undertaken to accertain
culpability, and protect and
conserve the remaining parts.
an investigation into the cause
of this damage is requested.
Photo below taken o9/03, allegedly twomonths after breakage.
refer to PIL annexure P 14 colly,
pg. 106
protection urgently required scale of Justice Jali
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 2 3
details of damage,
with faulty patching
and propping-up.
Photos taken October 29 2003
protection urgently required scale of Justice Jali
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 2 4
reconstituted features
New Fountainheads
Newly carved fountains have been
added in a denser and atypical
arrangement in the channel
flowing between the Sawan and
Badhon pavilions.
canals & pavilions
in the Hayat Baksh Garden
The Zafar Mahal stands in the centre of theHayat Baksh Garden, amidst fountains in apool where four canals converge.The south and north canals emanated fromthe small Sawan and the Bhadon pavilions.
The photograph above indicates their historic
form and placement. These photos document
successive generations: the older, with
weathered blue paint from a previous
beautification effort, sits unmoored beside an
inaccurate reproduction; fragments from
the succession.
Photos taken Sept. - Oct. 2003
in the Bakhsh-i-Hayat
Photo from E. Moynihan (1979) Paradise asa Garden In Persia and Mughal India, p. 136
reproduced from PIL annexure P 12, pg. 104
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 2 5
These photos document successive generations:
the older, (with weathered blue paint from a previous
beautification effort), sits unmoored (placed alongside for
comparison) beside a grossly inaccurate reproduction that
has been made operational
Photos taken Oct. 29 2003
reconstituted features
Above: Detail from photo onprevious page, from E.Moynihan (1979) Paradise asa Garden In Persia andMughal India, p. 136
The photograph above
indicates the original
form of the fountain
heads in the Hayat
Baksh garden.
refer to annexure P 12, pg. 104 in the PIL
recently carved
fountainheads
older
fountainhead
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 2 6
reconstituted features
New versions, below, lack the fine
proportions and depth of carving
in the original, above
Shah Burj Balustrades
C o n s e r v a t i o n at t h e R e d F o r t, S h a h j a h a n a b a d , N e w D e l h i . 2 0 0 3 2 7
Bibliography
S. P. Blake - Shahjahanabad The Sovereign City in Mughal India 1639-173, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (1993)
Crowe, Haywood, Jellicoe, Patterson - The Gardens of Mugal India,Delhi: Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd. (1973)
Dube, Ramanathan - Delhi, The City of Monuments, New Delhi:Timeless Books (1997)
M.M Kaye (Ed.) - The Golden Calm,Devon: Webb & Brown Ltd. (1980)
Ebba Koch - Mugal Art and Imperial Ideology Collected Essays,New Delhi: Oxford University Press(2001)
Ehlers, Krafft (Ed.) - Shahjahanabad/Old Delhi Tradition and ColonialChange, New Delhi: Ajay Kumar Jain for Manohar Publishers (2003)
Joshi, Okada, Nou - Taj Mahal, Paris: Abbeville Press Publisher (1993)
MARG, Vol. XXXIX, No.1, Patrons of Art: The Mughals and the Medici,Bombay: MARG Publications.
Masselos, Gupta - Beato’s Delhi 1857,1997, Delhi: Ravi Dayal Publisher(2000)
E. Moynihan - Paradise as a Garden In Persia and Mughal India, NewYork: George Braziller, Inc. (1979)
A. S. Mukherji - The Red Fort of Shahjahnabad,New Delhi: Oxford University Press (2002)
Nicholson, Venturi - The Red Fort Delhi,London: Tauris Parke Books (1989)
G.H.R. Tillotson - Mughal India, London: the Penguin Group (1990)
Illustration credits
All uncredited photographs & images in these paperscontributed by R. Sethi & S. ChatterjeeCredited Contributors: S. Makhija, A.G.K. Menon
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