A
restoration project is likely to start for restoration of the
Nizamuddin heritage precinct which will be 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.
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.
“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.”
Another distinguishing feature of this project is that it’s using an urban landscape approach to conservation and will restore the entire setting of the tomb, including restoring 50 monuments in the area and building a 100 acre park that will stretch between the mausoleum and the old fort, the Purana Qila.
