A study of conservation issues of the Mughal tombs in historic city of Lahore

Abstract

Architectural conservation is an important process for keeping alive the “identity” of a particular structure. Pakistan is a country of great diversity. Most of the monuments, buildings and sites are deteriorating with the passage of time. Lahore, the city of garden, is the core of Pakistan for its cultural and traditional background. Therefore, it is a representative of the entire country. Mughals Architecture is quite unique. Being poetic in nature, Mughals were always keen to learn about beauty and that is clearly visible in their designs too. The thesis gives introduction to Jahangir’s Tomb, Noor Jahan Tomb, Anarkali tomb, Zeb-un-Nisa Tomb, Prince Pervaiz tomb, Dai Anga Tomb etc. The selection of one Mughal tomb will represent the present condition of all other deteriorating tombs as well. Dai Anga tomb is the perfect example of a deteriorating historic structure, highlighting the issues of other tombs in Lahore. Tomb of Dai Anga was constructed by Mirza Sultan Beg. Dai Anga was wet nurse of Shah Jahan. Dai Anga tomb also has a gateway, gulabi bagh gateway. On the road to Shalimar, next to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, on the left is the gateway to Gulabi Bagh and the elegant tomb of Dai Anga itself. For the purpose of study, the history of the site was studied. The site was thoroughly observed, measurements were taken and the plans were made. Horizontal and vertical arrangements of the tomb as well as the gateway were carefully measured. Listed status of the tomb was confirmed. Picturization of the present condition of the site, the tomb and gateway was done. The materials used on the external façade and interiors were studied and carefully observed. It was observed that the view of whole site is changed because of the construction of orange line train project. The tomb and gateway is in the worst condition, seems like it has not been conserved in ages. The fine fresco work and inscriptions of the Holy Quran are also not completely visible. The blue and yellow tile work and floral wall paintings have now faded away. There is garbage and dirty stuff all around the tomb which gives a very unpleasant sight. Some recommendations were given which include immediate repairs like maintenance of graves, walls and the floors. The brick work which is deteriorating from different places & the cracks need to be fixed as soon as possible otherwise the structure will fall apart. Renovation is to be done for the fresco work and the glazed tiles used for the interior and exterior of the building. The walls should be repaired throughout with Pucca brick laid in lime. The floral pattern used inside the building should be taken care of. Because of the orange line project, the entire site is covered with dust and debris. So this debris has to be thrown away. The two graves inside the mausoleum are made up of bricks which seem to be fallen apart from some places. These places should be properly covered in order to give respect to the graves. The mosaic tile work should be done on the whole façade in order to keep the structure in its original setting. Main colors for the whole decoration includes Black, Crimson red, green, blue and yellow, therefore these colors should be used.