Excerpt: The restoration of the Nizamuddin heritage precinct—a public -private partnership between the Archaeological Survey of India (the premier organization responsible for archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage under the federal government), a couple of city agencies, the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan Trust—has been underway since mid-2008. Apart from the Mughal emperor’s mausoleum, it includes a nursery (Sundar Nursery) and a village (Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti). The three together cover some 200 acres of land and include at least 75 medieval monuments, making it the densest ensemble of medieval Islamic monuments in India, say Mr. Nanda. The conservation work, which employs local artisans and is using traditional methods, is currently being carried out on the main tomb, the gateways, and 50 of the 75 monuments.
This restoration project is unlike any other in the country, says Mr. Nanda. For a start it’s using experts from across disciplines—engineers, landscape architects, graphic designers, as well as several architects and archaeologists. And unlike other projects in the country, it’s bringing back the craftsman’s approach. There are over 600 craftsmen working on the project and are using the same tools and techniques that their fathers and forefathers used to.
“All conservation should be based on a living tradition,” says Mr. Nanda. “We hope the Archaeological Survey of India will use this system at every site henceforth.”
via Restoring Delhi’s Crowning Jewel – India Real Time – WSJ.
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