Built for Awadh Nawab Safdarjung, iconic capital mausoleum in Delhi set for Rs five crore restoration

More than 270 years after the mausoleum was built for the eponymous Nawab of Awadh and minister in the Mughal court the grand Safdarjung Tomb one of Delhis bestknown lateMughal monuments is set for a fresh lease of lifeThe imposing sandstone and marble mausoleum is getting a revamp with the Archaeological Survey of India ASI and the World Monuments Fund WMF undertaking restoration and conservation works estimated to cost Rs 5 crore an official saidThe project which includes structural repairs restoration of damaged architectural elements landscaping works and revival of the monuments ancient water system is targeted for completion by July 30 and is among the most extensive conservation efforts undertaken at the site in recent decades he saidASI Superintending Archaeologist RK Patel said the WMF has taken up restoration of the monuments outer boundary walls underpinning works repairs of pathways rejuvenation of Charbaghstyle gardens and installation of a rainwater harvesting system across the complexHe said the rainwater harvesting infrastructure would help revive the ancient fountains and water channels surrounding the tomb many of which have remained nonfunctional for years restoring a key feature of the monuments original designAdditionally the ASI has undertaken conservation and repair works within the main mausoleum including restoration of the ground floor roof and several structurally vulnerable sections of the building Patel saidAccording to the official damaged supports from the plinth level up to the first floor are being replaced while collapsed masonry plasterwork and flooring are being restored using traditional materials and techniques consistent with the monuments original designPatel said lakhauri bricksflat thin red burntclay blocks often referred to as Badshahi bricks for their extensive use in Mughal architecture are being used in repairs while underpinning and strengthening are being carried out to stabilise ageing portions of the structure that have deteriorated over timeThe conservation effort comes amid growing concerns over the monuments condition Several sections of the upperlevel red sandstone parapet have either weakened or disappeared over the years posing a risk for visitorsPatel said the need for repairs became more urgent after visible deterioration was reported in multiple parts of the monument including boundary walls stone surfaces and decorative elementsA young woman was injured few months ago after falling from the first floor when a damaged boundary section gave wayShe remained hospitalised for two days following the incident highlighting concerns over visitor safety within the protected monumentBuilt in 1754 the mausoleum houses the remains of Mirza Muqim Abul Mansur Khan popularly known as Safdarjung the Nawab of Awadh who served as prime minister of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Ahmad Shah BahadurHistorians regard Safdarjung Tomb as one of the last major monuments of the Mughal era and a symbol of the empires waning political authorityUnlike earlier grand Mughal mausoleums commissioned by emperors and members of the imperial family the tomb was built by Safdarjungs son Nawab ShujaudDaula reflecting the shifting balance of power within the empire during the mid18th centuryPatel said the monument represents a shift from the architecture of earlier Mughal imperial tombs while retaining certain key elements such as the Mughal garden and funerary designSet amid a sprawling Charbagh garden four gardens traditionally separated by waterways quintessential to Mughal mausoleums the tomb follows the hasht bihisht or eight paradises layout featuring a central domed burial chamber surrounded by eight interconnected roomsThe monument stands on an elevated platform measuring about 1829 metres by 1829 metres and is built primarily of red and buff sandstone with marble detailing giving it a distinctive appearancePatel said signs of deterioration became increasingly visible after the pandemic period with stone sections of boundary walls developing cracks plaster peeling from surfaces and decorative colours fading across large parts of the structureHe said the objective of the ongoing project is to preserve the monuments architectural integrity while ensuring that all interventions remain faithful to its original style and construction techniques The restoration would help safeguard one of Delhis most iconic heritage landmarks and improve the overall visitor experience without compromising the monuments historic character the officer addedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever