MONUMENTS HERITAGE
Cracks in the Red Fort
Red Fort, the majestic Redstone monuments lies in shambles. The 400-year-old sandstone structure has fallen prey to human marauders, pollution and climatic changes. The Archaeological Survey of India has launched a much-delayed renovation programme to restore the monument's lost grandeur.
Worried archaeologists pointed out that air pollution has eaten into the marble structure while fungal growth has destroyed Redstone walls and famous jalis of the Fort. Despite the ASI claims cracks are visible in the Diwan-i- Khas.
The ASI officials explained that the renovation work has been divided into two parts segmented repairing and chemical preservation. The ASI said that repairs are being made at the Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Rang Mahal and Moti Masjid. Mr. Sharma insisted that traffic on the Ring Road was the prime culprit for the monument's decay. Gaseous pollutants have gnawed at the Redstone walls and marble structures. Cracks in ceilings and walls are also due to pollution.
Thousands of people visit the Red Fort every day. Some scribble on the walls, remove the marble inlay work or break the jails. The ASI is at its wit's end trying to grapple with the problem of cracks.
The worst affected structure in the Red Fort is the famed Moti Masjid. This pearl mosque, built by Aurangzeb for his personal use, has been closed for months for repairs. A crucial aspect of the ASI's renovation plan is chemical preservation. The walls have been cleaned with a special mixture of ammonia and teepol. Special chemical formulae are made at the in- house laboratory. Mr. Superintending chemist, said that the chemicals used for Raghavan, Assistant preservation depend on the stone and extent of damage. Mixture of mild alkalies and organic detergents is used on the marble structures to regain the lost sheen."
At the moment the ASI chemists are working on the marble walls in the Sawan-Bhadon Pavilions: Sawan Bhadon (which) represent two primary months of the rainy reason. The ASI said thatthe renovation work at the Red Fort is a costly affair. The ASI has allocated Rs. 10-15 lakh for chemical preservation of all Delhi monuments. Out of this budget about Rs. 7 lakh is spent on the Red Fort alone.
(Source: The Hindustan Times, 21 July, 1996)
After coming to power, the only Kam they were interested in was Aaya Ram but that Aaya Ram did not oblige. For this act of treachery, the BJP voters will punish them in the next elections.
-V.N. Gadgil, Congress Spokesman
Unique Copy of the Holy Quran in Baroda Mosque
This historic city, known for its rich cultural heritage, has many gems in its treasure-trove to draw public attention and awe. One such (gem) is a copy of the Holy Quran in the Jama Masjid in Mandvi, it is perhaps the largest and the only one of its kind in the world.
(It is) six feet three inches high and three feet six inches wide. Each page has 11 lines of Arabic text and as many lines of the Persian translation.
It is in 15 volumes and each volume has 80 pages, weighing 100 kg. There are 1,200 pages of the book with the total weight of the book being 1.5 MT. Each page has a cloth lining to ensure longevity. It takes four persons to carry it, while three persons are required to read it (one to recite and two for turning the pages.
It is more than 200-year-old and was written by calligrapher Mohammed Ghouse who was said to have migrated from Punjab in his childhood. He started writing it at the age of 15 years and took 45 years to finish it.
Each page has been 'decorate with golden borders which still retain the sheen. Some believe the paper used was made by the calligrapher, while others say the paper and the ink were brought from Ahmedabad.
The book has been in this mosque since 1912 when it was rebuilt on the orders of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad. The original Jama Masjid was built some 400 years ago by Sultan Muzaffar Shah of Gujarat.
Syed Masood Ali, the Keeper of the Holy Book, says when it was shifted from the Wadi Masjid, elephants; were engaged to carry the volumes. And Maharaja Sayajirao had ordered everybody residing along the route not to climb the first floor of their houses till the book reached the destination. "This was done to ensure that none, at no time, was perched higher than the Quran on the elephant-back",
This copy is read twice a year: on Shab-e-Miraj (the Night of Elevation) and on Shab-e-Baraat (the Night of Salvation).
(Source: The Indian Express, 9 June, 1996)
