NEW DELHI: Once upon a time, 300 Persian craftsmen travelled to India to build a tomb for the emperor Humayun. According to historians, the craftsmen were housed in a Serai adjoining this tomb—said to be the precursor to the Taj.
Now known as Arab Serai, this historical gateway is set to be restored after decades of neglect and decay, thanks to the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
The principal gateway to the Serai is along the main visitors’ entry to the world heritage site. As an extension of the ongoing conservation of the tomb, AKTC recently kickstarted work on the monument with co-funding from the German embassy in New Delhi.
“The gateway itself is of monumental proportions. Not only is the principal archway 7m high but the structure is also 50m or 150 feet long with several bays that were originally meant to house the gatekeepers,” said an official. Much of it collapsed in the late 20th century.
Traditional craftsmen hired by AKTC are now using materials, tools and techniques used by the original builders to restore the Serai.
“Conservation works are required to be preceded by documentation, condition assessment and structural analysis like in the case of Humayun’s Tomb,” said Divya Nandini, AKTC conservation architect.
Project director Ratish Nanda said, “The jharokhas or projecting balconies of this gateway are ornamented with tile work. The missing tiles will be restored . Structural repairs are being made to partially collapsed arches, vaults, domes and walls of this lofty Mughal-era gate which will ensure its survival for another four centuries.”
The original wooden doorway, which is 21 feet high, has also survived and mercifully escaped being used for firewood in 1947 when refugees housed here used all the doors of Humayun’s Tomb for fuel. Sourcing wood as per the size of the original, however, remains a challenge.
via 16th century tools giving facelift to Mughal gateway – The Times of India.
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