NEW DELHI: Five years ago, a unique conservation project started at Chausath Khamba-a 64-pillar white marble hall built during Mughal emperor Akbar’s reign-in Nizamuddin Basti. The plan was to dismantle each of its 25 domes for conservation treatment and then put these back in their original place-a complicated and risky effort. Now, the work is nearing completion with only one dome left to be treated.
Chausath Khamba houses the tomb of Mirza Aziz Kokaltash, the foster brother of Akbar. Historians say the architectural plan of this monument was later adapted by the Mughals to build Diwan-i-Khas at Red Fort.
Experts say that never before in India was a 16th century building largely dismantled for repair and conservation. The work is being carried out by Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) with co-funding from the German embassy. “The 64 pillars support 25 domes on which 8-inch-thick marble blocks were fixed to the underlying masonry with iron dowels. With water ingress from the roof, the iron dowels began to rust, corrode and expand, causing severe damages to almost each marble piece,” said Neetipal Brar, the project architect.
Ismailimail 