Conservation of sacnchi stupa,sarnath,tajmahal and victoria memorial

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Table of Contents
Contents
Table of Contents..............................................................................................................................................................................................1
1.SANCHI STUPA.............................................................................................................................................................................................2
1.1Brief History..............................................................................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Values.......................................................................................................................................................................................................2
1.3 World heritage site Criterias .................................................................................................................................................................3
1.4 causes of deterioration...........................................................................................................................................................................3
1.5conservation methods.............................................................................................................................................................................4
1.5.1 Preservation ................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.5.2Reconstruction...................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.5.3 Restoration by Anastylosis ........................................................................................................................................................4
2.VICTORIA MEMORIAL ...............................................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 BRIEF HISTORY .....................................................................................................................................................................................6
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
2.2causes of deterioration ...........................................................................................................................................................................6
2.3conservation methods .........................................................................................................................................................................7
3.SARNATH ......................................................................................................................................................................................................8
3.1 brief ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................8
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 Existing Structures and their Conditions.....................................................................................................................................9
3.3causes of deterioration............................................................................................................................................................................9
3.4conservation methods ............................................................................................................................................................................9
4.TAJ MAHAL................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
4.1BRIEF ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
4.2values...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
4.3 site management plan ......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
4.3regional context .................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
4.4Environmental Pressures and Prevention........................................................................................................................................... 11
4.5Decays due to pollution ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11
4.6 decays in the structure.........................................................................................................................................................................12
4.7prevention work in taj mahal ...............................................................................................................................................................12
4.8Vandalism and Accidental damage......................................................................................................................................................13
4.9Preventive Measures..............................................................................................................................................................................13

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1.SANCHI STUPA
1.1BRIEF HISTORY
Originally commissioned in the third century BCE by Emperor Ashok this huge hemispherical dome with a height of 12.2816.46
m (54.0 ft) consists of a central chamber where the relics of Lord Buddha are placed. Four ornamental gateways facing four
directions and a balustrade surrounding the Stupa were later added in the first century BCE. A typical example of a Stupa and an
excellent illustration of the development of Buddhist art and sculpture starting from the third century BC through the twelfth
century AD, the Sanchi Stupa attracts hundreds of visitors from across the world. Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
since 1989, it is counted among the best conserved ancient Stupas of central India.
He commissioned construction of the Stupa here after redistributing the mortal remains of Lord Buddha so as to build several
Stupas in different locations across India to spread Buddhism. The present hemispherical edifice is double in diameter of the
original brick structure built by Ashoka, consisting of the relics of Lord Buddha. A chatra that is an umbrella like structure made
of stone crowned the hemispherical brick structure that was surrounded by a wooden railing. Queen Devi, wife of Ashoka and
daughter of a merchant of Vidisha, who was born in Sanchi, supervised the construction of this monument. A sandstone pillar,
inscribed with Schism Edict by Ashoka as also with ornate spiral Brahmi characters from the Gupta period resembling conch
shells referred as ‘Shankhalipi’ or ‘shell-script’ by scholars, was erected in the site. While the lower portion of it is still grounded,
the upper portions are kept under a canopy.
1.2 VALUES
The following values are associated to the stupa of Sanchi-
 Documentary-The dome holds a lot of precious inscriptions of that era
 Architectural-It showcases the Buddhist style of Architecture.
 Scientific and Technological-The dome and structure tries to represent the technological advancement at that time.
 Symbolic-The structure represents ‘Hinayana’sect of Buddhism.

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1.3 WORLD HERITAGE SITE CRITERIAS
Criterion (i):to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius
Justification: The perfection of its proportions and the richness of the sculpted decorative work on its four gateways make Stupa 1
an incomparable artistic achievement. The group of Buddhist monuments at Sanchi – stupas, temples and monasteries – is
unique in India because of its age and quality.
Criterion (ii): to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on
developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.
Justification: From the time that the oldest preserved monument on the site was erected, i.e., Asoka’s column with its projecting
capital of lions inspired by Achaemenid art, Sanchi’s role as intermediary for the spread of cultures and their peripheral arts
throughout the Mauryan Empire, and later in India of the Sunga, Shatavahana, Kushan and Gupta dynasties, was confirmed.
Criterion (iii):to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which
has disappeared.
Justification: Having remained a principal centre of Buddhism up to early medieval India following the spread of Hinduism,
Sanchi bears unique witness as a major Buddhist sanctuary in the period from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD.
Criterion (iv):to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which
illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.
Justification: The stupas at Sanchi, in particular Stupa 1 and Stupa 3, represent the most accomplished form of this type of
monument. The hemispherical, egg-shaped dome (anda), topped with a cubical relic chamber (harmika), is built on a circular
terrace (medhi); it has one or two ambulatories for the faithful to use (pradakshina patha). Representing a transition from wood
structures to stone, the railings (vedika) and the gateways (torana) also bear witness to the continued use of the primitive forms
of megalithic tumuli covered with an outer layer and surrounded by a palisade.
Criterion (vi): to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and
literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Justification: Sanchi is one of the oldest extant Buddhist sanctuaries. Although Buddha never visited the site during any of his
former lives or during his earthly existence, the religious nature of this shrine is obvious. The chamber of relics of Stupa 3
contained the remains of Shariputra, a disciple of Shakyamuni who died six months before his master; he is especially venerated
by the occupants of the “small vehicle” or Hinayana.
1.4 CAUSES OF DETERIORATION
1. Natural Causes
a. Gravity
b. Covered in Forest and Vegetation
2. Human Causes
a. Amateur Archaeologists tried to restore the structure
b. Vandalism and negligence by the local people
c. Treasure Hunters tried to break the dome to get the relics of Buddha

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1.5CONSERVATION METHODS
1.5.1 Preservation
 Use of cement mortar to keep stone pieces intact of different parts of the structure.
 Use of metal clamps to join the railing and balustrades
1.5.2Reconstruction
In 1882 complete dismantling and rebuilding of a quadrant of stupa-1, setting up balustrades,erection of gateways and its
members because of the unsuitable terrain around it.
1.5.3 Restoration by Anastylosis
 The remains of the structure were put at their respective places eg.gateways
 The columns and broken statues and carvings were put near to the structure.

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2.VICTORIA MEMORIAL
2.1 BRIEF HISTORY
In January 1901, on the death of Queen Victoria, George Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston and Viceroy of India,
suggested the creation of a fitting memorial. He proposed the construction of a grand building with a museum and gardens.The
Prince of Wales, later King George V, laid the foundation stone on 4 January 1906, and it was formally opened to the public in
1921.In 1912, before the construction of the Victoria Memorial was finished, King George V announced the transfer of the capital
of India from Calcutta to New Delhi Thus, the Victoria Memorial was built in what would be a provincial city rather than a
capital.
2.2CAUSES OF DETERIORATION
1.Elevated Ground
On South and South-western side, outside the VMH compound, which causes problems of back flow of storm water and
Water logging of a part of VMH compound during monsoon.
2.Traffic
Since the VMH is located amidst busy urban areas with busy roads running all around its compound, traffic congestion and
long detention of vehicles at traffic signals at roadway intersections increase the load of vehicular pollution.
3.Leaves Burning
Dry leaves were often burnt in heaps at a number of locations in the near vicinity of the VMH compound which generate
profuse smoke and air pollutants like particulate matters, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen
oxides, etc., which depending on the wind direction get transported to reach the monumental structure of the VMH and
affect it adversely.
4.Parking of Vehicles
Parking of a large number of tourist and chartered buses, outside the VMH compound on the southern, northern and
eastern side, just adjacent to the boundary wall adds pollution load around the VMH.
5.Effect of Sulphur Dioxide
 sulphation is the primary degradation process leading to gypsum formation, and (b) the interaction of gypsum with
hydrated mortars compounds (calcium aluminate or silicate) leads to the formation of two secondary products -
ettringite and thaumasite. These two secondary products cause fractures, and crack in the materials, with even
more damaging consequences.

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 The other cause for stone work degradation is the deposition and colonization of their surfaces by bacteria, fungi
and algae.
 There are hawkers around the VMH compound contributing to the generation of additional garbage mainly in the
form of plastic carry bags, plastic pouches, plastic containers, discarded bags/containers made up of old
newspapers, etc.
 The visitors to the VMH compound were seen littering, spitting, smoking, consuming food stuff, and using plastic
carry bags inside the VMH compound
2.3conservation methods
 Restoration of Oil Paintings, Conservation of paper, metal and stone objects.
 Repairs of roof and walls.
 Renovation of areas earmarked for conservation and restoration of laboratories.
 Creation of new museum shop and a security enclosure in the north of the building.
 Restoration and renovation of the basement area, stone areas.
 No hawkers should be allowed within 50 metres of the VMH compound.
 Provisions should be made for imposition of strict fines for offences committed by the visitors for littering,
spitting, smoking, using plastic carry bags, and also consumption of food stuff inside the VMH compound
 The Committee recommends that the VMH authority should take measures, through appropriate agency, for
cleaning of the sewerage and drainage lines.
 Necessary actions should be taken by the VMH authority for improved management of the waterbodies, so that
algal growth does not occur. The water bodies should not be used for human activity and recreational activities.
 It commends that the parking of vehicles on all sides of the Victoria Memorial Hall compound should be totally
banned.

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3.SARNATH
3.1 BRIEF
Sarnath is a city located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar
Pradesh, India. It includes 3 major stupas, a main shrine and few monasteries. 3 Major stupas are: -Chaukhandi Stupa,Dhamekh
Stupa, Dharamrajika Stupa.

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3.2 EXISTING STRUCTURES AND THEIR CONDITIONS
 Dharmarajika Stupa
Dharmarajika stupa was originally built by Ashoka to enshrine the relics of Lord Buddha.It’s rebuilt or restored for
six different times, included addition like a pradakshina path, railings and doorways on cardinal points.
 Dhamekh Stupa
Lower part made of stones and upper part made of bricks. The stone part is carved with beautiful floral patterns
and geometry.
3.3CAUSES OF DETERIORATION
• Due to vandalism, negligence and atmospheric reagents.
• Due to pollution as well as due to gravity and time.
• Structures losing its original strength.
3.4CONSERVATION METHODS
• Human interaction with the structure is one of the major cause.
• Preventive Measures
• Chemicals are applied at certain intervals.
• Proper barricade and path for the visitors should be made

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4.TAJ MAHAL
4.1BRIEF
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. It
was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Height of 73 meters. Architectural Style being Islamic Architecture. Exterior decoration is amongst the finest Mughal
architecture of that era. Exterior decoration is done by applying paints, stucco, stone inlays or carvings. Basically shape
of abstract forms and vegetative motifs. Counted in World Heritage Site under the criteria – Cultural-(1)-i.e. "represents
a masterpiece of human creative genius and cultural significance”.
4.2VALUES
• Wonder
• Identity
• Documentary
• Historic
• Architectural
• Scientific and Technological
4.3 SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN
• The Taj Mahal is a particularly large site; it is a complex of several buildings and gardens all of which are an integral part
of the whole.
• The Site Management Plan d bring all these areas together so that composite planning will be possible for the entire site.
• ICOMOS in 1982, while endorsing the nomination recommended that a Site Management Plan to be prepared; this is the
first attempt to integrate the planning, conservation and management challenges as an ongoing partnership of the ASI
and the Private sector.
• This preliminary document has been developed on a relationship of trust and cooperation developed over the last year
since the National Culture Fund, the Archaeological Survey of India, and the Indian Hotels Company Ltd.
• signed a Memorandum of Understanding, on the 20' of June, 2001, for the “conservation, restoration and upgradation and
beautification of The Taj Mahal and surrounding areas”.
• The Taj Mahal Conservation Collaborative (TMCC) came into existence in July 2001.
4.3REGIONAL CONTEXT
Situated in one of the extremely dense city of India. The city of Agra remains at the heart of India with the country's
major arterial highways transiting the city and carrying most of the country’s production and supplies. Small and
medium scale industries and with infrastructure unable to keep pace, there is extensive decay evident in the historic city
fabric.

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4.4ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURES AND PREVENTION
The earliest record of its repairs is found in a letter, dated 1652 A.D., where Prince Aurangzeb points out defects in the
dome and vaults of the mausoleum to his imperial father, Shah Jahan. Under the British the whole outer surface of Taj
Mahal was repaired, cleaned and the missing stones were replaced. In 1874, the finial surmounting the main dome was
restored, and the dome was made watertight by pointing with Portland cement. In 1936, the cracked and fractured
marble stones of the main dome were replaced by fresh ones, and open joints were filled with special lime mortar after
grouting the cracks with hydraulic lime mortar.
The inner surface of the dome was plastered with weak cement mortar and left as such for a couple of years to extract
salts etc. from the masonry, and this process has been repeated thrice so far. The missing precious and semi-precious
Stone inlay pieces were replaced with new ones or sometimes even with cement or lune mortar mixed with pigments.
New marble and sandstone panels were made to replicate the original carving and surface articulation, and replace the
decayed ones.The broken, damaged and decayed building parts like chhaja, columns, brackets and so forth were
replaced with new ones made to original designs and patterns. Sometimes a complete structure like a ‘Burj’ or a ‘Chhatri’
was reconstructed using similar building materials and methods.
4.5DECAYS DUE TO POLLUTION
Due to acid rain the white marble of the structure started turning yellow. When sulphuric pollutants fall on the
buildings made of marble, limestone or sand stone they react with it and leaves a powdery substance turning the
building yellow. The cause can be manmade too. If the pollution can be reduced, then only these building can be saved.

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4.6 DECAYS IN THE STRUCTURE
Appearance of stains and discoloration due to atmospheric pollution as well as due to negligence of the structure
4.7PREVENTION WORK IN TAJ MAHAL
Application of lime-rich clay to clean the surface of the marble. Mud bath will take 9 years to be applied and need to be
applied at a gap of every 6-7years if the pollution is not decreased (Air pollution still now just suggested).

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4.8VANDALISM AND ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE
Overuse of certain areas is resulting in the erosion of steps leading from the garden to main mausoleum, Wear and tear
of the paving dong the path leading to the main mausoleum and walkways and railings. The marble steps have eroded or
are worn out in quite a few places. Vandalism is resulting in semi-precious stones being removed from inlay. Graffiti is
marring the historic fabric in a number of places. There have been instances of tourists scribbling on the walls despite
the security around. Dirt and grease deposits are visible on areas where visitors sit (platform adjoining the entrance gate)
or touch the wails surfaces as they walk past. The crowd of tourists that fill the upper chambers are at times
uncontrollable. The crypt had to be closed to the public in 1996, because the lack of ventilation was causing the CO2
levels to increase and there was a danger of stampedes. Human breath and body heat raises the temperature and creates
humidity. People sleep on the terraces and podiums as a respite from the heat. The volume of visitors places enormous
pressure on the conservators who have to battle for space to carry out their work
4.9PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Channelize visitors‘ flow along a particular route, which prevents vandalism and deploy security personnel wherever
required to prevent vandalism like graffiti on walls. Install suitable barricades in areas where visitors touch walls,
railings, etc. Control access to fragile areas like the lower chambers where semi-precious stone inlay work is accessible
and the threat of theft is high