Conservation of Barsana Baoli, Uttar Pradesh

Barsana Baoli located in the sacred region of Braj, is a three-storeyed stepped well believed to be constructed in the 18th century by Harsingh Tantiya. A square kund is located at the bottom with a circular well at the rear end.

The Conservation work at Barsana Baoli was undertaken by AH INTACH in 2019 with the help of the local masons, community and Maan Mandir Seva Sansthan. The work utilized traditional techniques such as constructing a lime chakki. It also involved cleaning of vegetation and debris from the neglected structure. The Natural Heritage Division of INTACH was involved in carrying out the cleaning of the water body.

A stone archway between brick buildings

During work on site

A stone wall with a stone building in the background (before and after)

Conservation of Khairagarh Baoli, Chhattisgarh

Khairagarh baoli (stepwell) in the erstwhile Khairagarh Palace complex is amongst the royal heritage of the princely state. It dates from about 1898 and is a live water source.

It was conserved in 2019-20 using traditional materials and techniques by AH INTACH in collaboration with Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya, INTACH Khairagarh Chapter and local masons.

This was a successful model of conservation since the custodians of the historic structure value the historic property and the use of traditional methods.

Khairagarh Baoli steps Before After

Khairagarh Baoli Site

Conservation of Victoria Market, Gwalior

The Victoria Market, also known as Rani Laxmi Bai Market is one of the most significant heritage buildings of Gwalior. It is located in Maharaj Bada which itself is an important landmark of the town having many heritage buildings within the precinct. The building functioned as a market since its construction which was completed in 1910. Unfortunately, the building was damaged and partially collapsed in fire on 5th June 2010. The Municipal Corporation requested INTACH to prepare the DPR and execute the work. The proposal included reconstruction of the collapsed part, retrofitting the remaining part which had withstood the effects of fire, cleaning of soot deposits and water proofing. The execution work had started in January 2015. However due to improper flow of funds, the work had halted on several occasions. The work finally completed in 2018.

Before

After

Present Status

Virtual Experiential Museum, Man Mahal, Varanasi

The Virtual Experiential Museum has been created inside the palace of Raja Man Singh along the bank of River Ganga in Varanasi. The virtual museum has 6 galleries which display the history, architecture, intangible culture, the sacred geography and literary philosophies of Kashi. The contents, dramatic scripts and digital animations successfully reflect the dynamic diversity of Banaras. The museum was designed and curated by INTACH, and was executed by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM).

The Museum was inaugurated on 19^th February 2019 by the Prime Minister. Members from INTACH and NCSM were present during the inauguration after which the site was formally handed over to ASI, Sarnath Circle by NCSM for regular management and maintenance.

In 2018, the Virtual Experiential Museum was conceptualized within the 17^th century Man Mahal palace by the Ministry of Culture. The museum was designed and curated by INTACH, and was executed by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM). It comprises of 6 galleries which displays the historical timeline, architectural marvels, narrow lanes, multi-ethnic cultures & craftsmanship, descent of Ganga, faith & spirituality, wisdom and philosophies of Varanasi.

The museum was remotely inaugurated on 19^th February 2019 by Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. Members from the INTACH and NCSM team were present during the inauguration after which the site was formally handed over to ASI, Sarnath Circle by NCSM for regular management and maintenance.

The museum was visited by the Prime Minister on 6^th July 2019. He was highly appreciative of the interactive experiential concept and the state-of-the-art exhibits. INTACH Varanasi chapter has organized several trips to the museum for the members and school children.

Before – Entry Reception

After – Gallery 1: ‘Bird’s Eye View

Before – Main Hall

After – Gallery 4: ‘Gangavataran’

Before – Gallery on Kashi

After – Gallery 5: ‘Faith & Spirituality’– Gallery on Kashi

Shri Narendra Modi appreciating the 3D wall mural and the ‘Descent of Ganga’ at the central hall

Music in Banaras

Ayurvedic Traditions

Conservation and Development of Audrey House (13th Finance Commission project for Conservation and Development of heritage sites in Jharkhand)

Audrey house, originally part of the Raj Bhawan, is more than 150 years old. The conservation work of the building commenced on 30th April 2013 and as part of the work, all insensitive later additions and alterations were removed and the damaged areas were repaired. The damaged brick walls have been stabilized and the sloping roof restored. The open area surrounding the building has also been developed based on a detailed site development plan with lawns and gazebos, amphitheatre, parking, guardrooms and garden furniture. The site was inaugurated by HH President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee on 9th January 2016 with much funfair by the state government

Maharaja Duleep Singh Memorial, Bassian Kothi, Ludhiana, Punjab

The existing Kothi served as the lodge of last Maharaja of Punjab ‘Duleep Singh’ on his way to exile in Britain. The structure fell in ruins as it stood un-operational for years. The conservation work of Kothi initiated in 2011 by A.H and concluded in 2015. The structure has been restored as a museum, dedicated to the life of Maharaja with replicas of his belongings. The present Chief Minister of Punjab Shri Prakash Singh Badal inaugurated the museum and highly appreciated the work done by INTACH.

Conservation Of Raja Ka Mahal, Jaisalmer

Located at the highest point in the fort and built about 860 years ago, ‘Raja ka Mahal’ is a seven storey palace with beautifully carved balconies and crowns of pagoda shaped cupolas and it forms an integral part of the fort. Affected during the Bhuj earthquake in 2001 and 2009, the palace suffered from severe structural cracks which are increasing in width with time. Seepage of water in the foundation has added to the deterioration of the palace.

Emergency work and other conservation work of the palace is being funded by the Prince Clause Foundation, World Monument Fund, Giridhar Smarak Trust and entrusted to INTACH. The emergency retrofitting work which included tying the perpendicular exterior walls at the corner junction was executed in August 2013 and proposal for further conservation works has been prepared.