New Delhi: The Archaeological Survey of India has started conservation work on one of the two 18th century triple-arched passageways called the Tripolia Gate at Rana Pratap Bagh in north Delhi. The work is likely to finish within three months.
Confirming the move, Praveen Kumar, superintending archaeologist (Delhi circle), said the plaster lining the wall of the gateway was weathered and the stone slabs had fallen off in parts.Both these problems would be addressed during the conservation. ASI’s focus will be to maintain the aesthetic look of the structure and ensure the safety of people passing through the passageways.
“We have started the core conservation at the central arch of Tripolia Gate and then will cover the adjacent walls,” said Kumar, adding that the structure had sustained damages due to the movement of heavy vehicles in the area. Vehicles have now been prohibited from going past the central arch and have been rerouted through the other two arches.
According to reports, container trucks have repeatedly rammed into the arches and even got stuck once causing significant damage to the structure. “This repair work was much needed since the loosened stones could have fallen and hurt someone,” said a local resident.
Sandeep Singh, who is the conservation assistant at Tripolia Gate said the work had been initiated and that the estimated cost of the project is around Rs 24 lakh. He said that artisans from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have been called to assist in the conservation project.
In the late Mughal era, there was an inn called Gur-ki-Sarai on the road connecting Subzi Mandi with the present Delhi-Karnal Road. The historical Grand Trunk Road passed through the two triple-arched gateways. Largely built of brick with some use of sandstone, the double set of three-arched gateways facing each other at just 250 metres are roofed by flat domes. During the late Mughal period, the passageways served as the entrance to a large bazaar.
These gates were built by Nazir Mahaldar Khan in 1728-29, as evident from two inscriptions on the structure, one over each gateway. Khan was superintendent of the women’s quarter in the reign of Mughal emperor Muhammed Shah. Besides these two, no other historical gateway, apart from Kashmiri Gate, has more than one passage.
Though the Gur Mandi gate, whose arches and side walls had been damaged, was repaired by ASI a few years ago, the gateway itself was left untouched because it was in a better condition at the time, said officials.
Confirming the move, Praveen Kumar, superintending archaeologist (Delhi circle), said the plaster lining the wall of the gateway was weathered and the stone slabs had fallen off in parts.Both these problems would be addressed during the conservation. ASI’s focus will be to maintain the aesthetic look of the structure and ensure the safety of people passing through the passageways.
“We have started the core conservation at the central arch of Tripolia Gate and then will cover the adjacent walls,” said Kumar, adding that the structure had sustained damages due to the movement of heavy vehicles in the area. Vehicles have now been prohibited from going past the central arch and have been rerouted through the other two arches.
According to reports, container trucks have repeatedly rammed into the arches and even got stuck once causing significant damage to the structure. “This repair work was much needed since the loosened stones could have fallen and hurt someone,” said a local resident.
Sandeep Singh, who is the conservation assistant at Tripolia Gate said the work had been initiated and that the estimated cost of the project is around Rs 24 lakh. He said that artisans from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have been called to assist in the conservation project.
In the late Mughal era, there was an inn called Gur-ki-Sarai on the road connecting Subzi Mandi with the present Delhi-Karnal Road. The historical Grand Trunk Road passed through the two triple-arched gateways. Largely built of brick with some use of sandstone, the double set of three-arched gateways facing each other at just 250 metres are roofed by flat domes. During the late Mughal period, the passageways served as the entrance to a large bazaar.
These gates were built by Nazir Mahaldar Khan in 1728-29, as evident from two inscriptions on the structure, one over each gateway. Khan was superintendent of the women’s quarter in the reign of Mughal emperor Muhammed Shah. Besides these two, no other historical gateway, apart from Kashmiri Gate, has more than one passage.
Though the Gur Mandi gate, whose arches and side walls had been damaged, was repaired by ASI a few years ago, the gateway itself was left untouched because it was in a better condition at the time, said officials.