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US funding sought for Mughal monument restoration By Shoaib Ahmed
The Federal Archaeology Department has submitted a proposal to AFCP for the conservation and restoration of Mughal Empress Noor Jahan’s tomb. — APP LAHORE: The Federal Archaeology Department has submitted a proposal to US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) for the conservation and restoration of Mughal Empress Noor Jahan’s tomb, sources told Dawn. The AFCP, established by the US Congress in 2001, provides direct grants to support cultural heritage preservation projects in developing countries. So far hundreds of such projects have been carried out under the fund world over.
The funded projects included technical support for the
restoration of historic buildings; assessment and conservation of
museum collections; archaeological site preservation; documentation
to save threatened traditional crafts; improved storage conditions
for archives and manuscripts; and documentation of indigenous
languages. The tomb of Empress Noor Jahan, located in Shahdara, was built in 16th Century AD. It is a protected monument under the Ancient Monument Preservation Act of 1904 and Federal Antiquities Act of 1975. The tomb is owned and maintained by Federal Department of Archaeology and Museums. The tomb was brutally vandalised during Sikh rule in Punjab. Originally, the tomb was veneered with red sandstone on all its four sides. The stone was removed by the Sikhs for use in their other constructions. The department restored its northern façade with imitation work, giving a look of red sandstone. Later on, after availability of red sandstone imported from India in limited quantity its western façade was restored. However, its southern and eastern facades could not be restored properly due to non-availability of red sandstone as well as funding for the purpose. The floor of the tomb’s main chamber was also restored with marble in geometric pattern. However, the remaining floors are treated with brickwork. The area surrounding the tomb has been turned into a well-maintained garden. Vagaries of time, climate and vandalism have denuded the tomb of its beauty and grandeur. The Sikhs also plundered the marble, Sang-e-Abri and other precious and semi precious stones to decorate their buildings. The natural causes which contributed to the decay of the monument include ground water, humidity, temperature and wind. The growth of wild plants in the vicinity of the monument provided a sanctuary for breeding of wood worms, fungi, white ants and termites which also damaged the monument.
Besides, human activity, additions and alteration in the original
structure, unplanned conservation, and encroachments around the
monument also helped accelerate its decay. The proposal submitted to the AFCP suggests a number of steps, including topography survey of the monument and its surrounding, geo-technical studies of various materials and causes of their deterioration, fixing of red sandstone in various forms and pattern, provision of funds for purchase of tubular scaffolding, marble of different colour, cement, sand, bajri and other necessary articles, purchase of red sandstone from original quarry, laying of Ghalib Kari as per original design, laying of Kankar lime plaster --two inches thick on average, laying of Pacca Qalai, laying of fresco painting and fresco lining as per original layout, laying of floor with dressed cut and polished Sang-e-Badal in geometrical design on platform and provision and laying of special tiles on edges in square and geometrical pattern. The proposal also include traditional landscaping of the monument, including turfing of the existing plots and lawns and development of gardens and plantation of ornamental trees, creepers and shrubs of Mughal period, besides documentation of conservation process by procuring necessary equipment. Being the eternal abode of the only Mughal Empress buried here, the people of Lahore have a special affiliation with Noor Jahan’s tomb, along with the tomb of her husband Emperor Jahangir. Noor Jahan’s real name was Mehrun Nisa Begum. She was the daughter of Mirza Ghiyas Baig entitled Iatmadud Daula, the prime minister of Jahangir. She was first married to Ali Quli Baig and later in 1611AD to Emperor Jahangir and became his Empress sharing all responsibilities in the administration of the Empire. She was given the titles of Noor Mahal (Light of the palace) and Noor Jahan (light of the world) by the Emperor Jahangir. Having survived Jahangir by 18 years, she died in 1645 AD and was buried in this mausoleum, which she got built during her lifetime. The tomb when constructed represented the delicacy of arts, craftsmanship and architecture of Mughals. The interior of the building was covered with marble, with floral mosaic work on the cornices. It was also decorated with miniature paintings in intricate patterns. The floor was covered with marble and the outer platform with Sang-e-Abri. The exterior of the tomb had red sandstone inlaid with floral motifs in white, black and yellow marble. The original sarcophagus was in marble on which attributes of God were engraved. DAWN:Thursday, 11 Jun, 2009 |
