In April 2023, the Archeological Survey of India decided to begin conservation works in the Zafar Mahal located in Mehrauli in South Delhi. In this context, know more about Delhi’s Zafar Mahal, its history, conservation efforts and significance for the IAS exam art and culture, as well as history segments.
Zafar Mahal
Image source: The Indian Express
- Zafar Mahal is an ASI-protected monument and is one of the last remnants of the architectural legacy of the Mughals.
- Zafar Mahal was built by Akbar Shah II in 1820 who is a grandson of Shah Jahan.
- The structure was expanded under Bahadur Shah Zafar’s reign including building a new gateway.
- Zafar Mahal was built using sandstone and laid with marble. The gateway follows the architectural style of the Mughals with broad balconies and Bengali domes.
- However, the monument is under threat due to deterioration with time and vandalisation by anti-social elements.
- The monument is located near Qutub complex which is a world heritage site and was the summer palace of Bahadur Shah Zafar.
- An ASI official said that the condition of the monument is heavily deteriorated and that ASI will take up the renovation work.
Archaeological Survey of India:
- The Archaeological Survey of India was founded by Alexander Cunningham in 1861 who was also its first Director-General. Alexander Cunnigham is also known as the ‘Father of Indian Archaeology’.
- The Archaeological Survey of India is responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural and historical monuments in the country.
- The Archaeological Survey of India was a statutory body after independence, under the AMASR Act, 1958.
- ASI regulates all archaeological activities conducted in the country under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958 and also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
Know more about the Archaeological Survey of India in the linked article.
Mughal Architecture:
- Mughal architecture refers to the architecture developed during the 16th-18th centuries with the expansion of the Mughal empire in India. It was influenced by the Hindu, Persian and Islamic religions/cultures.
- Some of the important features of the Mughal architecture are the use of white marble and red sandstones, Charbagh gardens, ornamentation with Pachin Kari and jali-latticed screens, calligraphic inscriptions containing quranic verses in Arabian and Persian language, large gateways, etc.
Read more about Mughal architecture in the linked article.
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