REPORT ON

“RESTORATION TECHNIQUES FOR HERITAGE STONE

STRUCTURES”

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF REQUIREMENT OF

SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE, VIJAYAWADA

FOR

GATE SCHOLARSHIP
2020-2021

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF: SUBMITTED BY:

DR. AMRITAVA SARKAR SMRITIKA BALDAWA

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE M. ARCH(MAC), I SEM

SPA VIJAYAWADA SPA VIJAYAWADA

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE, VIJAYAWADA

Contents
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION TO RESTORATION AND REPAIR WORK IN HERITAGE STONE STRUCTURES .... 5
DEFECTS IN HERITAGE STONE STRUCTURES AND THEIR SOLUTIONS: ...................................... 6
Structural deterioration ......................................................................................................... 6
Crack................................................................................................................................... 6
Deformation ....................................................................................................................... 7
Material Defect: Surface Defect (Detachment) ................................................................... 7
Blistering ............................................................................................................................ 7
Detachment ....................................................................................................................... 8
Delamination...................................................................................................................... 8
Disintegration..................................................................................................................... 9
Scaling .............................................................................................................................. 10
Features Induced By Material Loss ...................................................................................... 10
Alveolisation..................................................................................................................... 10
Erosion ............................................................................................................................. 11
Mechanical Damage......................................................................................................... 12
Microkarst ........................................................................................................................ 13
Missing Part...................................................................................................................... 13
Perforation ....................................................................................................................... 13
Discoloration & Deposit ....................................................................................................... 13
Crust ................................................................................................................................. 13
Deposit ............................................................................................................................. 14
Discolouration .................................................................................................................. 14
Efflorescence .................................................................................................................... 14
Encrustation ..................................................................................................................... 14
Film ................................................................................................................................... 15
Glossy Aspect ................................................................................................................... 15
Graffiti .............................................................................................................................. 15
Soiling ............................................................................................................................... 15
Sub florescence ................................................................................................................ 16
Biological Colonization ......................................................................................................... 16
 Biological Colonization ..................................................................................................... 16
Algae ................................................................................................................................ 16
Lichen ............................................................................................................................... 17
Moss ................................................................................................................................. 17
Mould ............................................................................................................................... 17
Plant ................................................................................................................................. 18
CASE STUDIES ........................................................................................................................... 18
TAJ MAHAL, AGRA................................................................................................................ 18
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 18
Problems faced ................................................................................................................ 19
Restoration of Taj Mahal ................................................................................................. 20
NAGESHWAR TEMPLE, PUNE ............................................................................................... 22
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 22
Architecture ..................................................................................................................... 22
Condition before Restoration .......................................................................................... 23
Process and Application ................................................................................................... 23
HUMAYUN’S TOMB, DELHI .................................................................................................. 25
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 25
Architecture ..................................................................................................................... 25
Condition before Restoration .......................................................................................... 26
Process and Application ................................................................................................... 26
REFERENCES: ............................................................................................................................ 29
 INTRODUCTION
India has a fine stock of historic buildings some of which are under the protection and purview
of the Government along with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and department of State
Archaeology as well as private organizations like Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural
Heritage (INTACH). Majority of heritage in India both protected and unprotected heritage are
threatened by inadequate or misguided maintenance and repair. Without regular and correct
maintenance, historic structures deteriorate and decay beyond recovery. On the other hand,
an over aggressive and un-uniformed programme of restoration and repair will lead to the
unnecessary and unsympathetic replacement of original fabric.

Stone becomes a major part of most of the historic structures in India. It might be used as a
major structural material, load bearing material or even in aesthetical representation. The
stones that are majorly used in India are Basalt stone, Sandstone, Limestone, Marble, Granite,
etc. Being a major member in historic structures of India, it is necessary to understand the
deterioration patterns that are studied and identified which are scientifically and practically
similar or common in major structures and to learn about the adequate conservation and
restoration technique that needs to be applied for the same.

Figure 1. Bhaja caves, Maharashtra Figure 2. Decan College, Pune ( Basalt stone) Figure 3. Ahilya Chattr, Maheshwar (Basalt
(Basalt Rock) stone along with Marble and Sandstone)

Figure 4. Taj Mahal, Agra (Marble stone) Figure 5. Humayun’s tomb, Delhi (Sandstone Figure 6. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur (Sandstone)
along with Lime Plaster)
In this report we will be
learning about different methods used to do condition assessment in heritage stone
structures and common solutions that are suggested and applied for restoration of the same.
INTRODUCTION TO RESTORATION AND REPAIR WORK IN HERITAGE
STONE STRUCTURES

The 1st Duty to restoration and repair work is to keep the historic buildings structurally safe.
For this there are no specific set of rules that needs to be followed. Each case have to be
considered on its merits. And also repairs and restoration of structures should not be carried
out hurriedly. The restoration work should be undertaken by experienced and trained
conservators and engineers.

A standard strategies should be formulated before carrying out and restoration work. These
categories can be divided as:

i. Immediate
ii. Urgent
iii. Necessary
iv. Desirable

To understand and classify defects and restoration techniques as per these categories, a
detailed condition assessment needs to be done of a structure. A detailed condition
assessment will help us to understand:

i. Present state of the structure.

ii. Reason behind material and structural deterioration of structure to analyse its
condition.
iii. To calculate the quantities of decayed areas.
iv. To prioritize the conservation items of works in different phases.

The major material and structural damage and issues in heritage stone are:

i. Structural deterioration: Cracks, Deformation

ii. Detachment: Blistering, Bursting, Delamination
iii. Material loss
iv. Discoloration and deposits
v. Biological colonization
Further we will discuss all the materials and structural damages seen in heritage stone
structures along with their restoration and repair techniques.

DEFECTS IN HERITAGE STONE STRUCTURES AND THEIR SOLUTIONS:

Structural deterioration
Structural deterioration can be seen in form of cracks or deformation.

Crack
Cracks are the individual fissure which are clearly visible by the naked eye, resulting from
separation of one part from another.

Types of Cracks are:

i. Fracture: Crack that crosses completely the stone piece.

ii. Star crack: Crack having the form of a star. Rusting iron
or mechanical impact are possible causes of this type of
damage.
iii. Hair crack: Minor crack with width dimension < 0.1 mm.
iv. Craquele: Network of minor cracks also called crack Fracture
network. The term crazing is not appropriate for stone,
as this term should be used for describing the
development of a crack network on glazed terracotta.
v. Splitting: Fracturing of a stone along planes of
weakness such as micro cracks or clay/silt layers, in case
where the structural elements are orientated vertically.
For instance, a column may split into several parts
along bedding planes if the load above it is too high.

Causes:

i. Unequal settlement
ii. Foundation settlement
iii. Natural hazard
iv. Vibrating activities like mining, traffic, air ports, etc.
v. Change in water level.
vi. Change is surrounding conditions.
vii. Water seepage
Hair Crack
viii. Weathering of structural members
ix. Failure of structural members
 x. Inappropriate additions and alterations.

Restoration techniques:

i. Structural analysis is required with help of experts like structural engineer.

ii. Monitoring measures need to be adopted.
iii. Causes of the cracks should be treated first and before impacts treatment.

Deformation
Deformation means changes that happens in shape
without losing integrity, leading to bending, buckling or
twisting of a stone block.

Causes might be same as cracks.

Restoration technique:

i. Monitoring measures need to be adopted. Deformation in marble panel

ii. Causes of the cracks should be treated first and
before impacts treatment
iii. Replacement of affected block.

Material Defect: Surface Defect (Detachment)

Blistering
Blistering means separated, air-filled, raised hemispherical
elevations on the face of stone which are caused from the
detachment of an outer stone layer.

Causes:

i. Change in water level.

ii. Change is surrounding conditions.
iii. Water seepage
iv. Weathering of stone surface
v. Soluble salt present in walls
vi. Expansion of weathered surface
 Restoration Technique:

i. Regular maintenance.
ii. Finding the causes and fixing it before taking any
action for issue.

Detachment
Detachment means local loss of the stone surface from
internal pressure usually manifesting in the form of an
irregularly sided crater.

Causes:

i. This deterioration pattern is due to the increase

of volume of mineral inclusions (clays, iron
minerals, etc.) naturally contained in the stone
and situated near its surface.
ii. The corrosion of metallic reinforcing elements
may also induce bursting.

Delamination
Delamination is a detachment process affecting laminated
stones. It is mostly seen in sedimentary rocks and some
metamorphic rocks. It corresponds to a physical
separation into one or several layers following the stone
laminae. The thickness and the shape of the layers are
variable. The layers may be oriented in any direction with
regards to the stone surface.

Causes:

i. Due to weathering of stone surface.

ii. Frost action
iii. Rise in water level and salt contain in stone.

Restoration techniques:

i. Regular maintenance.
 ii. Finding the causes and fixing it before taking any action for issue.

Disintegration
Disintegration is a type of detachment of single grains or
aggregates of grains. It affects only the surface of the stone or
can occur in depth. Damage generally starts from the surface
of the material. On crystalline marble, granular disintegration
may reach several centimeters in depth, sometimes more.

Stones may display deterioration patterns intermediate

between granular disintegration and crumbling, scaling or
delamination. Partial or selective granular disintegration often Sanding
leads to surface features such as alveolization or rounding.

Subtypes:

i. Crumbling: Detachment of aggregates of grains from

the substrate. These aggregates are generally limited in
size (less than 2 cm). This size depends of the nature of
the stone and its environment.
ii. Granular disintegration: Occurs in granular
sedimentary stone like sandstone and granular
Crumbling
crystalline stones like granite. Granular disintegration
produces debris referred to as a rock meal and can
often be seen accumulating at the foot of wall actively
deteriorating. If the stone surface forms a cavity, the
detached material may accumulate through gravity on
the lower part of the cavity. The grain size of the stone
determines the size of the resulting detached material.
The following specific terms, all related to granular
disintegration, refer either to the size, or to the aspect
Powdering
of corresponding grains:
 Powdering, chalking: terms sometimes
employed for describing granular disintegration
of finely grained stones.
 Sugaring: employed mainly for white crystalline
marble.
 Sanding : used to describe granular
disintegration of sandstones and granites

Sugaring
Causes:

i. Crystalline in marbles are caused due to thermal stresses

ii. Weathering
iii. Moisture on stone surface

Scaling
Detachment of stone as a scale or a stack of scales, not following
any stone structure and detaching like fish scales or parallel to the
stone surface. The thickness of a scale is generally of millimetre
to centimetre scale, and is negligible compared to its surface
dimension.

Sub-type:

i. Flaking: scaling in thin flat or curved scales of

submillimetre to millimetre thickness, organized as fish
scales. Scaling
ii. Contour scaling: scaling in which the interface with the
sound part of the stone is parallel to the stone surface. In
the case of flat surfaces, contour scaling may be called
spalling. Case hardening is a synonym of contour scaling.

Causes:
Flaking
i. Crystalline in marbles are caused due to thermal stresses
ii. Weathering
iii. Moisture on stone surface

Features Induced By Material Loss

Alveolisation
In this defect there is a formation of cavities (alveoles) on the
stone surface which may be interconnected and may have
Alveolisation
variable shapes and sizes usually in centimetres and sometimes
in metres. In arid climates large size alveoles of meter size are
frequently formed.

Sub-type:

Coving: In cloving, erosion is seen which consists of a single Coving

alveole developing from the edge of the stone block.
Causes:

i. Alveolization is a kind of is a differential weathering which

happens maybe due to in homogeneities in physical or
chemical properties of the stone.
Alveolisation
ii. It may occur with other degradation patterns such as
granular disintegration along with or with scaling. In those
particular cases in which alveolisation develops mainly in depth in a diverticular
manner, it can be referred to as vermicular alveolisation.

Erosion
Erosion means there is loss of original surface which further leads
to smoothed shapes in the stone surface.

Sub-type:

i. Differential erosion: It occurs when erosion does not

proceed at the same rate from one area of the stone to
the other. As a result, the stone deteriorates irregularly.
This defect is mostly found on heterogeneous stones
containing harder and/or less porous zones. It may also
occur as a result of selective lichen attack on calcitic
stones. It is generally found on sedimentary and volcanic
stones. It may result in loss of components or loss of Erosion

matrix of the stone.

ii. Loss of components: In this there is partial or selective
elimination of soft stone like clay lenticles, nodes of
limonite, etc. or compact stone components like pebbles,
fossil fragments, geological concretions, lava fragments.
iii. Loss of matrix: In this there is partial or selective Loss of Matrix

elimination of the stone matrix, resulting in protruding

compact stone components.
iv. Rounding: Preferential erosion of originally angular stone
edges happens in this defect leading to a distinctly
rounded profile. Rounding can be mainly observed on
stones which preferably deteriorate through granular
disintegration, or when environmental conditions favour
granular disintegration.
Differential erosion
v. Roughening: In this defect there is a selective loss of small
particles from an originally smooth stone surface. The
 substrate is still sound. Roughening can appear either progressively in case of long
term deterioration process or instantaneously in case of inappropriate actions, such
as aggressive cleaning.

Loss of components Rounding Differential erosion

Mechanical Damage
In this defect, there is loss of stone material clearly due to a
mechanical action.

Sub-type: Impact Damage

i. Impact damage: It is a mechanical damage caused due to

the impact of a projectile (bullet, shrapnel) or of a hard tool.
ii. Cut: Loss of material due to the action of an edge tool. It
can have the appearance of an excavated cavity, an
incision, a missing edge, etc. Tool marks can be considered
as special kinds of cuts but should not be considered as
damage features. Cut
iii. Scratch: They are manually induced superficial and line-like
loss of material due to the action of some pointed object.
It can be accidental or intentional. Usually it appears as a
more or less long groove. Tool marks can have the
appearance of scratches, but should not be taken as
damage features.
iv. Abrasion: Erosion due to wearing down or rubbing away
Scratch
by means of friction, or to the impact of particles.
v. Keying: They are impact damage which occurs from hitting
a surface with a pointed tool, in order to get an irregular
surface which will assist the adhesion of an added material,
a mortar for instance.

Keying
Microkarst
In Microkarst, a network of small interconnected depressions of
millimetres to centimetres scale, sometimes looking like
hydrographic network are found. Microkarst patterns are due to a
partial and/or selective dissolution of calcareous stone surfaces
exposed to water run-off. Microkarst

Missing Part
In missing parts, empty space located in the place of some formerly
existing stone part are found. Protruding and particularly exposed
parts of sculptures (nose, fingers) are typical locations for material
loss resulting in missing parts. Missing Part

Perforation
A single or series of surface punctures, holes or gaps, made by a
sharp tool or created by an animal. The size is generally of
millimetre to centimetre scale. Perforations are deeper than wide,
and penetrate into the body of the stone.

Perforation
Discoloration & Deposit

Crust
Crust is a coherent accumulation of materials on the surface. A
crust may include exogenic deposits in combination with materials
derived from the stone. It is frequently dark coloured (black crust)
but light colours can also be found. Crusts may have a
homogeneous thickness, and thus replicate the stone surface, or
have irregular thickness and disturb the reading of the stone
surface details.

Crust
Deposit
Deposits is accumulation of exogenic material of variable thickness.
Some examples of deposits are splashes of paint or mortar, sea salt
aerosols, atmospheric particles such as soot or dust, remains of
conservation materials such as cellulose poultices, blast materials
etc.

Restoration techniques:

i. Regular maintenance.
Deposit

Discolouration
Change of the stone colour in one to three of the colour
parameters: hue, value and Chroma.

 Hue corresponds to the most prominent

characteristic of a colour (blue, red, yellow,
orange etc.
 Value corresponds to the darkness (low hues) Discolouration
or lightness (high hues) of a colour.
 Chroma corresponds to the purity of a colour. High Chroma colours look rich and full.
Low Chroma colours look dull and greyish. Sometimes Chroma is called saturation.

Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a whitish, powdery or whisker-like crystals which
are found on the surface. Efflorescence are generally poorly
cohesive and commonly made of soluble salt crystals.

Efflorescence

Encrustation
Encrustation is a compact, hard, mineral outer layer adhering to
the stone. Surface morphology and colour are usually different
from those of the stone. Encrustations are generally found below
areas of the building where water is percolating or has percolated
in the past.

Encrustation
Film
Film is a thin covering or coating layer generally of organic nature,
generally homogeneous, follows the stone surface. A film may be
opaque or translucent. Paint layers, certain categories of water
repellents or protective agents (anti graffiti’s), sealants, are
considered films. A biofilm is a kind of biological colonization (see
this term). Through ageing, a film may lose its translucency or
detach from the substrate.
Film

Glossy Aspect
Aspect of a surface that reflects totally or partially the light. The
surface has a mirror-like appearance. A glossy aspect may be due
to previous polishing (intentional or not), or to the presence of a
transparent film which reflects light.

Glossy Aspect

Graffiti
Engraving, scratching, cutting or application of paint, ink or
similar matter on the stone surface. Graffiti’s are generally the
result of an act of vandalism. However, some graffiti’s may have
historical, aesthetical or cultural values and should be
conserved.
Graffiti
Soiling
Deposit of a very thin layer of exogenous particles (e.g. soot)
giving a dirty appearance to the stone surface. With increasing
adhesion and cohesion, soiling can transform into a crust.
Soiling may originate from atmospheric pollutants (industrial,
domestic or car exhaust products) or from particles transported
by running water or heating convection.
Soiling
Sub florescence
Sub florescence are poorly adhesive soluble salts, commonly
white, located under the stone surface. Subflorescence is
commonly the result of evaporation of saline water present in
the porous structure of the stone. As sub florescences develop
inside the porous structure, they often result in scaling of the
surface.
Sub florescence

Biological Colonization

Biological Colonization
Colonization of the stone by plants and micro-organisms such as
bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae, fungi and lichen (symbioses of the
latter three).

Biological colonization also includes influences by other organisms

such as animals nesting on and in stone. Biological colonization
may be used when a mixture of different types of organisms are
present on a stone, and are not distinguishable from each other.

Biological Colonization

Algae
Algae are microscopic vegetal organisms without stem
nor leaves which can be seen outdoors and indoors, as
powdery or viscous deposits (thickness: tenth of mm to
several mm). Algae form green, red, brown, or black veil
like zones and can be found mainly in situations where
the substrate remains moistened for long periods of
time. Depending on the environmental conditions and
substrate type, algae may form solid layers or smooth
Algae
films. On monuments, algae are constituted of unicellular to
pluricellular clusters, and they never form macro-organisms.

Restoration techniques:

The algae should be removed by using warm water and paper pulp. If not removed, use a
soft nylon brush with warm water.
Lichen
Vegetal organism forming rounded millimetre to centimetres
crusty or bushy patches, often having a leathery appearance,
growing generally on outside parts of a building. Lichen are
most commonly grey, yellow, orange, green or black and
show no differentiation into stem, root and leaf.

Restoration techniques: Lichen

The lichen should be removed by using warm water and paper pulp. If not removed, use a
soft nylon brush with warm water.

Moss
Vegetal organism forming small, soft and green cushions of
centimetres size. Mosses look generally like dense micro-
leaves (sub- to millimetre size) tightly packed together.
Mosses often grow on stone surface open cavities, cracks,
and in any place permanently or frequently wet (masonry
joints), and usually shady.
Moss

Restoration techniques:

The moss should be removed by using warm water and paper pulp. If not removed, use a soft
nylon brush with warm water.

Mould
Microscopic fungus which colonies, to the naked eye, look
like a downy film or a network or star-like millimetric patches
of filaments of diverse colours (white, grey, black).

Mould often create serious damage by chemical and

mechanical action and heavy discolour ration. As the
metabolism of mould necessitates organic substrates mould
often develops on algal metabolic products found on stone.
Organic pollution of the atmosphere also favours mould
growth. Mould

Restoration techniques:

The mould should be removed by using warm water and paper pulp.
Plant
Vegetal living being, having, when complete, root, stem, and
leaves, though consisting sometimes only of a single leafy
expansion (e.g. Tree, fern, herb).

Restoration techniques:

Any growth of plants should be removed immediately before it

causes any major damage to the structure.

Further care should be taken to avoid regrowth of plants on

the stone structure surfaces.

Plant

CASE STUDIES

TAJ MAHAL, AGRA

Introduction
Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Built in: 1632-1653

Built by: Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal
Architecture Style: Mughal Architecture

The tomb is lies in the centre of 17-hectare complex, which also includes a mosque and a guest
house, and an extended formal Mughal garden which is bounded by a crenelated wall on 3
sides.

The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being "the jewel of
Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage".
It is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India's rich
history. The Taj Mahal attracts 7–8 million visitors a year and in 2007, it was declared a winner
of the New 7 Wonders of the World (2000–2007) initiative.

Problems faced
For the several years because of the air pollution, the Taj Mahal is undergoing discoloration
and the white marble structure is turning pale yellow. The major reasons behind the pollution
includes the following:

Air Pollution: Agra and its neighbouring areas have a high rate of pollution caused because of
the automobile discharge, burning of municipal waste, cow dung and other forms of waste.
These wastes releases huge amounts of particulate matter into the atmosphere causing
severe environmental damage.

Acid Rains: Gases like Sulphur-dioxide emitted by foundries, chemical industries and refineries
combine with Oxygen with the help of moisture in the atmosphere and result in Acid Rain. This
has a corroding effect on the marble of the Taj Mahal making is pale yellow.

Natural Causes: The Taj Mahal was built in 1632 being 388 years old, the structure undergoes
some discolouring over the period of time. Marble does not exist in a pure form as a result,
there are other mineral components present in the marble of Taj Mahal. Without proper
preservation, such mineral combination could led to oxidization. Oxidization causes chemical
reaction along the outer layers leading to the browning of these minerals, resulting in black
and brown marks on the marble structure. Other than that, the structure undergoes
weathering due to thundershowers and rain which slowly leads to development of cracks and
chipping along the outer surface.

River Pollution: The pollution in the Yamuna has also resulted in the growth of insects which
leaves excretions which further leaves yellow stains on the structure. The polluted river has
also eroded the banks near the foundation of the monument. Yamuna has been polluted
due to various factors which also includes being a dumping ground for industrial and
domestic waste. About 60% of the total waste is dumbed in the river in New Delhi. Though
various treatment plants have been established to stop the chemicals from Industries the
results have been very low as several factories continue to discharge chromium, arsenic and
cadmium. Other reasons for increasing water pollution includes poor drainage system,
saturated landfills, and human settlements around the river.

Other issues: Deforestation for urban growth has led to a shift in climate of Agra. Agra lies in
a semi-arid zone, and the temperatures can reach around 48 degrees Celsius in the area. Due
to the absence of trees, the heat waves that regularly move along the plains of North India
are moving swiftly to wreak any physical resistance which stands on its way. Hot wind along
with dust has a highly abrasive effect on the Taj Mahal for the past two decades. According
to the reports of Archaeological Survey of India, sand accumulated in the reclaimed riverbed
can erode the marble surface during sandstorms.

Restoration of Taj Mahal

Government initiatives: The government has announced the formation of a committee under
the Chairpersonship of Secretary, M/o Environment, Forest and Climate Change, C. K. Mishra
including experts from NEERI, IITs and experts from various organizations to look into the
issue of industrial pollution. To deal with the water pollution in the Yamuna, the government
is planning to cleaning of the Yamuna falls under the Namami Ganga project since it is a
tributary of the Ganga and several projects are already being taken up to make the river
pollution free. The government on its part has come up with 36 projects worth Rs. 4000 Crores
on the river Yamuna. It showed that 11 projects already started in Delhi on the river Yamuna
and the tender for the 12th project will be finalised soon. Aiming to reduce the heat wave,
the government has taken measures to be taken up includes afforestation along the Yamuna,
construction of rubber dam, solid waste management, developing a 35 KM long garden along
the water front of Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi.

The court further directed the following to monitor the air pollution in Taj Trapezium zone. Taj
Trapezium refers to an area of 10,400 sq. km. trapezium shaped area around Taj Mahal covering
five districts in the region of Agra.

The setting up of hydro cracker unit and various other devices by the Mathura Refinery.

The setting up of 50 bed hospital and two mobile dispensaries by the Mathura Refinery to
provide medical aid to the people living in TTZ.

Construction of Agra bypass to divert all the traffic which passes through the city of Agra.

Additional amount of Rs. 99.54 crores sanctioned by the Planning Commission to be utilized
by the State Government for the construction of electricity supply projects to ensure 100 per
cent uninterrupted electricity to the TTZ.

The construction of Gokul Barrage, water supply work of Gokul Barrage, roads around Gokul
Barrage, Agra Barrage and water supply of Agra barrage, have also been undertaken on a time
schedule basis to supply drinking water to the residents of Agra and to bring life into river
Yamuna which is next to the Taj (Court order dated May 10, 1996 and August 30, 1996).
Green belt as recommended by NEERI will be set up around Taj.

The Court suggested to the Planning Commission by order dated September 4, 1996 to
consider sanctioning separate allocation for the city of Agra and the creation of separate cell
under the control of Central Government to safeguard and preserve the Taj, the city of Agra
and other national heritage monuments in the TT.

All emporia and shops functioning within the Taj premises have been directed to be closed.

Directions were issued to the Government of India to decide the issue, pertaining to
declaration of Agra as heritage city, within two months.

Steps taken by ASI: The

preservation, conservation
and restoration work of Taj
Mahal is done by the
Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI). Its experts have been
applying Fuller’s earth packs
(Multani Mitti) on the Taj
since 1994. The marble
mausoleum had been given
this treatment several times
in the past, including in 2001-02, 2008-09, 2012 and 2014. Before 2014, this mud pack was
applied on minarets, the passage and the level from which the main dome rises as said by MK
Bhatnagar, of the science branch of ASI, Agra. In 2017, the main onion dome was treated with
mud as well. Certain measures are taken so as to prevent the mud from drying up soon, use
of polythene sheets which is wrapped around the paste along with green nets to prevent
sunlight is done. When the layer of dried clay starts falling, the walls are washed with distilled
water. Fuller’s earth packs are quite effective, non-abrasive and non-corrosive. They remove
sticky pollutant deposits on the walls and crevices of the monument. Once cleaned, the
surface doesn’t require treatment for 6-7 years. This method has been successfully used in
the UK and Italy as said by MK Bhatnagar.
NAGESHWAR TEMPLE, PUNE

Introduction
Location: Nageshwar Mandir Road, Somwar Peth, Pune, India

Co-ordinates: Latitude: 18°52ʹ16.27ʺN

Longitude: 73°86ʹ34.09ʺE

Building Type: Temple

Architectural Style: Yadava Architecture and Maratha Architecture

Year of Construction: 13th Century

Architecture
Nageshwar Temple is one of the oldest temples of Pune, Maharashtra. The main shrine has
the typical Yadava structure with a stone roof. Several renovations and additions have been
made in the temple over the years. The major one being in Peshwa period. The Sabhamandap
is built in the Peshwa period.
The temple is situated in the densely built residential area. The temple complex consists of
Mahadwar, Main temple, surrounding shrines and two light towers. There are devkoshtas
(aedicule's) on the temple walls with idols of deities placed inside. There are also idols of other
deities like Shani Maharaj, Ganesha, Nandi and Shiva Linga, etc. The temple premises have
minor shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanumana and Lord Dattatreya.
Condition before Restoration
A continuous action of weather on the temple structure resulted in biological, chemical and
physical alteration of the temple’s fabric. Many incongruous installations like electric wiring
and metal stands have spoiled the sight and surrounding in the premises of the temple. The
excessive vegetation growth and penetration of roots in the structure posed a significant
threat to the building.

Process and Application

The conservation and restoration of Nageshwar Temple was done by Kimaya Architects a
private conservation firm located in Pune under the examination of State government of
Maharashtra with a total budget of 2.5 crore rupees. The entire restoration project started in
2011 and completed 2012.

Documentation:

Recording and documentation of prime building and the entire precinct of the temple was
carried out to record all existing details. Non-destructive testing of all structural members was
carried out to understand the amount and degree of deterioration pattern seen in the
structure in order to identify the structural problems affecting the structure. Alternatives
options were proposed by examining each of the intervention areas.

Conservation work:

The first step in the Conservation protocol of the temple started with stopping further
deterioration in the structure. This included removing vegetation growth on the structure and
peripheral walls. Later actions were taken to reconstruct areas which were in an unsafe and
dilapidated condition. These included the side structures, Shikhara of the main temple and
adjacent smaller shrines.

Nageshwar Temple gateway, then (ref. Pune Nageshwar Temple gateway, now (ref. Pune
Municipal Corporation website) Municipal Corporation website)
The sabhamandap of the main temple had tilted over the period of time due to deterioration
in the structural members and lack of proper anchoring. Additional structural arrangments
and members were added to get the sabhamandapa back in position. The wooden framed
structure of the main temple was strengthened and deteriorated wooden sections were
replaced with similarly carved wooden sections.

Nageshwar Wada Main Shrine, Then and now (ref. Pune Municipal Corporation website)

Nageshwar Temple Sabha mandapa after restoration. (Ref. Nageshwar Temple Sabha mandapa after restoration. (Ref.
Pune Municipal Corporation website) Pune Municipal Corporation website)

The areas with undesired interventions over the period of time like the extra construction,
painting over original walls, etc. were reinstated to its original status. The filled up kund, steel
grills and fabricated doors installed on the site were excavated.

There were several examples of wall paintings, wood carvings and iconography which were
covered up or badly damaged. The same were reinstated to its original state using same
material. The wooden false ceiling which was damaged was reinstated using original materials
used during Peshwa period.
The last phase of the conservation exercise was to look at the entire precinct around the
temple complex and treat the same by way of Signage, lighting, street furniture, public seating
spaces, public convenience, etc. to further enhance the area.

HUMAYUN’S TOMB, DELHI

Introduction
Location: Mathura road, Nizamuddin East, Delhi, India

Co-ordinates: Latitude: 28°35ʹ35.8ʺN

Longitude: 77°15ʹ02.5ʺE

Building Type: Tomb

Architectural Style: Mughal Architecture

Year of Construction: 1569–1570

Architecture
The architecture of Humayun’s Tomb is a combination of Persian and native Indian styles.
Humayun's Tomb was one of the first important Mughals buildings in India. The red sandstone
and white marble was a common feature of 14th century architecture of the Delhi Sultanate.
It is built in a symmetrical plan and consists of important architectural features like the double
dome on a high drum; a high portal in the front elevation; coloured tilework arranged
geometrically; and arches.

The tomb is built of rubble masonry and red sandstone along with the white marble which is
used as a cladding material and also for the flooring, lattice screens (jaalis), door
frames, eaves (chhajja) and for the main dome. It stands on a vaulted terrace eight-metre high
and spread over 12,000m². It is essentially square in design, though chamferred on the edges
to appear octagonal, to prepare ground for the design of the interior structure. The plinth made
with rubble core has fifty-six cells all around, and houses over 100 gravestones. The entire base
structure is on a raised platform.
The height of the tomb is 47 metres (154 ft.) and the plinth is 91 metres (299 ft.) wide, and was
the first Indian building to use the Persian double dome on a high neck drum which measures
42.5 metres (139 ft.), and is topped by 6 metres (20 ft.) high brass finial ending. As a contrast
to the pure white exterior dome, rest of the building is made up of red sandstone, with white
and black marble and yellow sandstone detailing.
The structure is decorated with several elements of Rajasthani architecture, like the small
canopies, or chhatris surrounding the central dome of the tomb.

Condition before Restoration

Before the restoration work was undertaken, the structure faced many activities such as
vandalism and illegal encroachments which presented as a serious danger to the preservation
of this invaluable treasure. The gardens surrounding the structure were worn. The masonry
in the tomb was cracked at places and the stone works were broken or found incomplete.

The use of cement during 20th century interventions altered the significance of many
structures in the complex. Cement plaster as much as 15 centimetres thick was given to the
structure with an intention to prevent it from leakages and to fill cracks. This cement did not
fit in the original building style and materials of the structure resulting in causing significant
damage to the stone masonry of the structure.

Process and Application

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, with co-funding of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and in partnership
with the Archaeological Survey of India undertook the conservation of Humayun’s Tomb
complex, the Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti, Sundar Nursery during 2004-2013.

Documentation:

Before undertaking conservation works, a detailed documentation and research was done
with the use of a significant archival research programme, meticulous documentation
techniques, 3D Laser Scanning technology. A detailed condition assessment was carried out
by a multi-disciplinary team of conservation architects, archaeological engineers, and
historians who revealed that although the Mausoleum and its associated structures were in
a relatively stable structural condition, they were however, in a severe state of material
deterioration wherein architectural details used by the Mughal builders had been
compromised by 20th century repairs carried out using inappropriate modern materials. With
a goal of working with ‘preserve as found’ approach, a Conservation Plan detailing the all
proposed works was peer-reviewed at the outset by international experts.
The aim of the conservation was to restore the architectural integrity and the original Mughal
splendour by using traditional building craft skills of masons, plasterers, stone carvers, and
tile makers, working with the traditional materials.

Conservation work:

Water seepage was seen on the roof of the tomb. To

prevent further water seepage, the joints of the grand
white marble dome were filled and then the
plasterwork on the inner face of the double dome was
restored with the help of masons and plasterers. The
stone-carvers manually removed a million kilograms of
concrete, 40 centimetres thick, from the roof in order
to restore the original levels and reveal buried
Dome of Humayun’s Tomb (ref. AKDN)
architectural elements.

The entire sandstone terrace of the upper platform

required lifting. Major structural cracks were stitched
prior to resetting 5400 square metres of sandstone to
original patterns and slopes. Stone-carvers also lifted
3700 square metre of stone from the plinth, which was
buried under 20th century interventions of cement.

Traditional hand tools were used by the stone-carvers Plinth of Humayun's tomb (ref. AKDN)

to match the original finish of the stone. Traditional

building techniques were used to reconstruct the 42
arched recesses of the garden enclosure wall that had
collapsed in the 20th century. Cement plaster of about
15 centimetres thick was removed from the Northern
and Eastern pavilions, the walls of the Western and
Southern gateways, and from the ground level facade
of the Mausoleum. The cement plaster was removed
from the surface of the tomb and the restoration of the
decorative star-shaped patterns on the facade of the
68 mini-mausoleums on the ground level consisting of
160 Mughal family members were buried was done.
Later on about 20,000 square metres of wall and ceiling
surfaces was re-plastered using lime mortar, prepared
in a lime wheel with additives such as molasses, egg
white, fruit pulp or marble dust.
Chattri's in Humayun's tomb (ref. Times of
The tiles on roof canopies were done in Persian India).
architecture style however in 21st century this craft skill
is seen lost in India. For this the youth from the adjoining Nizamuddin Basti were trained by
master craftsmen from Uzbekistan.

Along with conservation works on Humayun’s Tomb, the adjoining monuments of Nila
Gumbad, Isa Khan’s garden-tomb, Bu Halima’s garden- tomb, Arab Serai gateways,
Sundarawala Mahal and Burj, Batashewala group of Monuments, Chausath Khambha, Hazrat
Nizamuddin Baoli, etc. were also made the part of the project.

Along with the conservation work of the monuments, cultural growth and knowledge of the
people in the surrounding area was also developed. This project even took care basic urban
services like education, health, sanitation and infrastructure of the Nizamuddin Basti to
improve the quality of life. The neighbourhood was developed by improving landscapes in
parks, houses and street development along with the help of municipality. Performance areas
were created for the practitioners of Quwwali music traditions that developed in this area in
14th century which still draw a wide range of audience.

Jaali cutting, Humayun's tomb (ref. AKDN) Inner dome, Humayun's tomb (ref. AKDN)

Compound wall, Humayun's tomb (ref. AKDN) Interior of Humayun's tomb (ref. AKDN)
REFERENCES:
i. ICOMOS-ISCS : Illustrated glossary on stone deterioration patterns
ii. Defects in stonework - Designing Buildings Wiki
iii. A Review on Repair and Rehabilitation of Heritage Buildings By S. Raja Subramaniam
iv. A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TOWARDS RESTORATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS- A
CASE STUDY by Sayali Sandbhor , Rohan Botre.
v. Nageshwar Temple | Pune Municipal Corporation (pmc.gov.in)
vi. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
vii. https://indianexpress.com/
viii. https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/
ix. https://archnet.org/
x. https://www.akdn.org/ (Aga Khan Development Network- Aga Khan Trust of Culture)
xi. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, 1986 – Taj Trapezium Case – Case Summary (October
1, 2018)
xii. Muddy makeover of the Taj -Governance Now
xiii. Pollution of the Taj Mahal (careeranna.com)