Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Agra's Fatehpur Sikri Undergoing Repairs
By Brij Khandelwal
Agra: Major repairs are being carried out at the world heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri, 16th century fort built by Mughal emperor Akbar near the city of Taj.
Mausoleum of Akbar's spiritual guru Sheikh Salim Chisti is getting a face-lift for the first time. The ceiling, which had developed cracks and was in danger of collapsing, is being replaced with new stones for safty. Supervisor at site said the Archaeological Survey of India had initiated work on the site 6 months ago.
"It will take another 6 months for all the ageing stones to be replaced, as the work is tricky." Entry inside the tomb has been restricted for the moment.
Chisti's tomb is a major attraction round the year for people from across the globe who believe that wishes are fulfilled if one visits the shrine with a pure heart. Presenting chadars (spreads- made also of flowers) and tying kalavas (threads for wish fulfillment) at the shrine are popular with tourists.
Stones being used to chisel and carve out structures are from Dholpur in Rajasthan as the local Fatehpur Sikri stone is not considered of good quality, said masons engaged in repair work. Murari, a mason, said there was no dearth of good craftsmen and given an opportunity people like him could re-create another Taj Mahal. "The Agra Fort has recently been renovated and repaired by people like us," he added.
Meanwhile, concern over illegal mining in the area has been expressed by several environmental groups. Supreme Court, 2 years ago, had completely banned mining in the area as dynamite blasts posed serious threats to the fragile monuments. However, the mining activity continues clandestinely in the cover of night to make money.
Braj Rakshak Dal, an eco-group crusading for environmental conservation in Braj area of the state, has now moved the Rajasthan High Court on the matter. Court has directed the Vasundhara Raje government of Rajasthan to stop mining in Aravali ranges. Bharatpur and Dholpur districts neighboring Fatehpur Sikri are the major focus of mining activity.
Agra: Major repairs are being carried out at the world heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri, 16th century fort built by Mughal emperor Akbar near the city of Taj.
Mausoleum of Akbar's spiritual guru Sheikh Salim Chisti is getting a face-lift for the first time. The ceiling, which had developed cracks and was in danger of collapsing, is being replaced with new stones for safty. Supervisor at site said the Archaeological Survey of India had initiated work on the site 6 months ago.
"It will take another 6 months for all the ageing stones to be replaced, as the work is tricky." Entry inside the tomb has been restricted for the moment.
Chisti's tomb is a major attraction round the year for people from across the globe who believe that wishes are fulfilled if one visits the shrine with a pure heart. Presenting chadars (spreads- made also of flowers) and tying kalavas (threads for wish fulfillment) at the shrine are popular with tourists.
Stones being used to chisel and carve out structures are from Dholpur in Rajasthan as the local Fatehpur Sikri stone is not considered of good quality, said masons engaged in repair work. Murari, a mason, said there was no dearth of good craftsmen and given an opportunity people like him could re-create another Taj Mahal. "The Agra Fort has recently been renovated and repaired by people like us," he added.
Meanwhile, concern over illegal mining in the area has been expressed by several environmental groups. Supreme Court, 2 years ago, had completely banned mining in the area as dynamite blasts posed serious threats to the fragile monuments. However, the mining activity continues clandestinely in the cover of night to make money.
Braj Rakshak Dal, an eco-group crusading for environmental conservation in Braj area of the state, has now moved the Rajasthan High Court on the matter. Court has directed the Vasundhara Raje government of Rajasthan to stop mining in Aravali ranges. Bharatpur and Dholpur districts neighboring Fatehpur Sikri are the major focus of mining activity.
# posted by mediabhartiwebsolutions @ 4:03 AM 
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