The preservation of heritage in Gujarat is a complex challenge, balancing rapid urbanization with the need to protect centuries-old architectural marvels without compromising on the old values and traditional techniques. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has played a pivotal role in this endeavor, moving beyond mere repair to practice scientific "restoration and reuse." Two standout examples of their success are the Surat Castle and the Malik Sandal ni Vav at Champaner-Pavagadh.
The Fortification of History: Surat Castle
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| Surat Fort indianexpress.com |
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| Surat Fortindia.blogspot.com |
The restoration of Surat Castle (Old Fort), situated on the banks of the Tapi River, remains one of the most ambitious urban heritage projects in India. Built in the 16th century by Khudawand Khan to defend against Portuguese raids, the structure had suffered from years of administrative encroachment and decay. Starting around 2012, INTACH collaborated with the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) to meticulously restore the masonry, moats, and bastions.
The project involved removing modern concrete additions that had suffocated the original lime-and-brick work. Restoration specialists used traditional materials to ensure the breathability of the walls, while the precinct was developed into a "Heritage Square." This project is a benchmark for "adaptive reuse," as the fort now serves as a vibrant museum and cultural space, reconnecting the citizens of Surat with their maritime history.
Subterranean Revival: Malik Sandal ni Vav
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| Malik Sandal ni Vav GJ wmf.org |
Above image: Malik Sandal ni Vav is a 16th-century stepwell located within the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park in Gujarat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It forms part of the sophisticated, historic hydraulic systems designed to support the capital city built by Sultan Mahmud Begada. It is listed as a protected archaeological structure (JLS 09). wikipedia..........
In the UNESCO World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh, INTACH undertook the conservation of the Malik Sandal ni Vav (c. 2008). Unlike the ornate stepwells of Rajasthan, this vav is characterized by its late 15th-century Indo-Islamic austerity. The restoration focused on structural stabilization and desilting. By clearing years of accumulated debris, the hydraulic functionality of the stepwell was better understood, highlighting the sophisticated water-harvesting systems used by the Sultanate of Gujarat. This project emphasized the "conservation of tanks and talaos," ensuring that the subterranean stone galleries were protected from moisture-induced erosion.
Philanthropy and the Civil Fabric
INTACH’s work often intersects with the legacy of local philanthropy, such as the Naginchand Jhaverchand Institute and Andrews Library in Surat. By restoring these institutions, INTACH preserves the memory of figures like Naginchand Jhaverchand Jhaveri, who funded famine relief in 1899. These restorations prove that heritage is not just about stone and mortar, but about the civic spirit that built the city.
Conservation Work : Lime-Mortar and "Suddhi" in INTACH’s Restorations
Conservation is a tough and time consuming job because much focus has to be made to retain the heritage aspects of the monuments.This kind of delicate work has to be undertaken by experts In the realm of heritage conservation, the use of modern Portland cement is often viewed as a "poison" to ancient structures. Cement is rigid, non-porous, and traps moisture, which leads to the accelerated decay of historic stone. Organizations like INTACH have instead championed the revival of traditional lime-mortar techniques and the rigorous "Suddhi" (purification) of materials to ensure that restoration work remains chemically and structurally compatible with the original fabric
The Science of Breathability
The primary reason INTACH utilizes lime-mortar for projects like Surat Castle and Malik Sandal ni Vav is its "breathability." Unlike cement, lime is vapor-permeable, allowing moisture to escape from the stone masonry. This prevents the buildup of salts (efflorescence) that otherwise causes stones to flake and crumble.The process begins with the selection of high-quality limestone, which is burnt to create quicklime. This is then "slaked" (mixed with water) to create lime putty. For significant restorations, this putty is often aged for several months—sometimes up to a year—to improve its plasticity and workability.
The "Suddhi" and Traditional Additives
The "Suddhi" or purification process involves more than just cleaning materials; it is about refining the chemical composition of the mortar through traditional organic additives. INTACH often rediscovers regional "recipes" found in ancient texts or through the oral traditions of Sompuras (traditional temple architects).
These additives include:Jaggery (Gur) and Bel Fruit:
These act as natural water-retention agents and plasticizers, slowing the drying process to prevent shrinkage cracks
.Kadukkai (Myrobalan): A fruit used to improve the binding strength and provide antimicrobial properties.Methi (Fenugreek) and Curd: These are often added to enhance the adhesive quality and carbonation of the lime.Wideky used by the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur in TamilNadu for constructing large masonry (Lime-mortar) structures.
Fibrous Materials: Jute or hemp fibers are occasionally integrated into the "Suddhi" process to provide tensile strength, much like modern rebar but on a microscopic, non-corrosive scale.
Application in Stone Restoration
During the restoration of stone structures, the "Suddhi" process extends to the treatment of the stones themselves. Bio-deteriorated stones are cleaned using mild, pH-neutral poultices rather than harsh chemicals. The lime-mortar is then applied in thin layers, ensuring that the new mortar is "sacrificial"—meaning it is slightly softer than the original stone, so that any future environmental stress affects the easily replaceable mortar joints rather than the priceless historic stone.
By blending this ancient alchemy with modern laboratory testing, INTACH ensures that the "healing" of Gujarat's monuments is not just superficial, but a deep, structural restoration that respects the wisdom of the original builders.
Surat Castle Restoration Project Report, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) & INTACH, 2018.
Management Plan for Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, UNESCO & Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
100 Years of Municipality’s Philanthropy, The Times of India, 2015.
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https://tourisplaceindia.blogspot.com/2017/01/old-fort-surat.html
K. N. Jayaraman
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