Aurangabad, March 15:
The science branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had undertaken the conservation of the city's pride Bibi ka Maqbara (the 17th-century Mughal period's royal mausoleum) recently. The expert officials will preserve the paintings at the entrance, tomb of Dilras Bano alias Rabia Durrani, marble mesh, domes etc. at the Maqbara. The conservation work is expected to complete in a couple of months.
It may be noted that time, and again the newspaper had published the news highlighting the condition of the famous city's monument and the dire need to conserve it on priority. The history-lovers also demanded the ASI to undertook the conservation works with care and on priority.
There are paintings inside the dome of the main entrance of Maqbara hails from the medieval period (or Mughal period). These paintings had become faint and are partially visible through naked eyes. Hence the science branch is deploying its official artist, painters, to revive these paintings through the scientific method. This would enable tourists to view overhead paintings easily.
The artist Sudhir Wagh said, " The scientific conservation of Mughal-era paintings had been done at Red Fort in Delhi. Now, the conservation of paintings at the entrance of the royal mausoleum has been undertaken. The paintings and artistic work near the tomb will also be preserved. We are bringing special colours from Rajasthan and are used only after their testing and matching. Conservation of Mughal-era paintings is indeed very challenging."
The deputy superintending archaeological chemist (Science Branch, Western Zone) Shrikant Mishra said," The scientific treatment will be done on marble domes and the tomb inside the mausoleum. The marble mesh protecting it has also turned reddish-brown and black. We will use a unique scientific process to clean them. The task of pre-planning is underway, and its work will start soon. Besides, the scientific conservation of paintings at the entrance of the monument will also be done with care. The whole work is expected to be completed in 2-3 months."