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oTAJHotels Resorts
and Palaces
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TAJ HOTELS, RESORTS & PALACES ANNOUNCES PROJECT TORESTORE ONE OF THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD
* * Taj Mahal Preservation Project Begins in April * *
BOMBAY, INDIA (March 12, 2002)-Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces, India's oldest and
finest hotel group, has announced that it will be part of a major joint venture with the National
Culture Fund of India (NCF), and the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to support the
restoration, conservation and preservation of the Taj Mahal Monument in Agra.
As the only private sector company involved in this restoration project, Taj Hotels,
which celebrates its centenary in 2003, is reinforcing its commitment to preserving India's
heritage. "We are immensely proud to be working with the government on this prestigious
project," said Ravi Dubey, Senior Vice President- Corporate Affairs, Taj Hotels, Resorts and
Palaces. "This project presents a unique opportunity to assist with the preservation of our
national heritage and one of the world's most recognized monuments," he added.
The project (research on which began in October 2001) will commence on site in
April 2002 and is expected to take three to five years to complete. In September 2001, an
advisory panel of Indian and international experts was formed to define priorities and propose
the strategies. The project has four major components - the monument and its ancillary
structures, the gardens, the museums as well as a visitor facilitation center and a site
management plan. This immense undertaking will cover everything from the restoration of
the entrance gateway, to the repair and restoration of the damaged stone cladding and intricate
inlay on the Eastern and Northern walls of the complex.
-more-
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THE TAJ GROUP. INDIA'S first. SOUTH ASIA'S finest.A TATA ENTERPRISE
Taj Hotels. Resorts and Palaces announces Taj Mahal restoration project Page 2
The Taj Mahal was built in 1648 in Agra, the capital of the Mughal monarchs, by one
of the greatest Mughal builders, the Emperor Shah Jehan. Built as a mausoleum in loving
memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is India's and one of the world's most
visited monuments. The Taj Mahal is amongst the first sites in India to be declared a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO and has in the last 20 years attracted global concern for its
protection from the impact of industrial development and a failing infrastructure.
International experts and institutions specializing in fields of Mughal art, architecture
and gardens are represented on the advisory panel. Among them is Rahul J. Mehrotra-
architect and chief consultant to the project; Sir Bernard Fieldon, an authority on architectural
conservation and the management of world cultural heritage sites; Dr. Ebba Koch, a specialist
on Mughal art and architecture; Dr. James Wescoat, a specialist in the design and
conservation of Mughal gardens; Dr. Milo Beach, an expert in museum design; and Mr.
Martand Singh, who will lend his expertise in Indian design. In addition, international
institutes such as the Getty Conservation Institute represented by head of projects, Mr.
Francois LeBlanc, and the World Monuments Fund are also on the advisory board.
The Taj Group has played a unique role in the preservation of India's heritage as
evidenced by its association with such renowned private properties as the Lake Palace in
Udaipur, the Rambagh Palace and Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur. All these are heritage palace
properties, which the Taj operates as luxury hotels. The latest palace project is the Falaknuma
Palace in the 400-year old city of Hyderabad. The palace, which is being restored to its
original glory, will join the other exquisite residences of India's former maharajas to become
another shining star in the Taj portfolio of palace hotels.
Many of the hotels in the Taj Group also have an equally impressive heritage and
history. The Taj Connemara in Madras - the official residence of Lord Connemara and now a
Taj hotel is 165 years old. The Savoy, a Taj Garden Retreat in Ootacamund, Southern India,
is 150 years old and was previously a school. The Taj West End in Bangalore, originally built
in 1872 and operated as a lodge, is today a Taj Luxury Hotel and a member of The Leading
Hotels of the World.
-more-
Taj Hotels. Resorts and Palaces announces Taj Mahal restoration project Page 3
In addition, The Taj Mahal, Bombay and most other Taj hotels house a rare collection
of antiques and artifacts.
Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces comprises 50 properties in 34 locations throughout
India, and an additional 12 properties in nine key international destinations outside India. Taj
properties include luxury hotels, business hotels, beach resorts, palaces, garden retreats and
cultural center hotels. Each offers world-class service and cuisine, coupled with an unrivaled
fusion of Indian heritage, business services and modern luxuries.
For more information, visit the Taj Web site at: www.tajhotels.com.
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