Following is the text of the speech of Union Culture Minister Smt. Chandresh Kumari Katoch delivered here today (28.10.2013) at the inaugural session of the workshop on “Conservation and Management of the Red Fort Complex”:
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this Workshop on ‘Conservation and Management of the Red Fort Complex’. This is yet another point on our continuous journey on the road of conservation of various historical monuments, especially those belonging to the rich Mughal era that have survived the travails of time. The Taj Mahal at Agra and the Red Fort in Delhi are part of this milieu and I am glad that you have spent considerable time focusing on both these World Heritage sites.
I am told that you have just returned from a fruitful two day visit of Agra after deliberating on various aspects related to restoring the city’s heritage, in particular the river-front gardens along both sides of river Yamuna. As you are well aware, gardens, use of natural flow of water and symmetry are all important architectural features of Mughal architecture and if we wish to revive the past beauty of these sites, restoration of gardens is of utmost importance. Therefore, this collaborative endeavor of the ASI and the Agra Development Authority (ADA) with the support of both the central and the state government would be a historic and path-breaking achievement. And it is here that your recommendations drawn from the two day Agra Workshop would assume critical importance.
Just like Agra, the Red Fort in New Delhi is an important national landmark. The Red Fort has been a silent witness to the power struggle of Delhi- from the time of its construction by legendary Mughal Ruler, Shahjahan, to its occupation by the British and in Independent India, it is the place where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag on Independence Day. From the flaming red ramparts of Lahori Gate, numerous prime ministers have addressed the nation and made announcements for the people’s welfare.
In view of its importance, both as an architectural marvel as well as its association with the nation’s history, the Red Fort deserves exemplary protection and conservation. While the ASI has done the utmost, unless we revive the beautifully laid out historic gardens within the Fort, which were systematically removed and remodeled by the British, it will not be able to regain its old charm.
When the open spaces and gardens were converted into lawns, it completely altered its hydrology and levels within the Red Fort.
Therefore, I am delighted that experts have gathered here today to engage in a discussion that among other things, will focus on historic gardens within the Red Fort. Several paintings from the 19th Century give us a vital glimpse about a series of gardens, such as Mehtab Bagh, Hyat Baksh Bagh, which were laid out and detailed by the Mughal rulers. Today, most of the gardens have been completely or partially lost. I am encouraging ASI to develop a proposal to first examine and undertake research on the gardens and develop their plan and layout, keeping in mind historic plantation pattern, flower beds, use of flora as evidenced in the paintings. Through scientific investigations, ASI should also study the original level of these gardens and its hydrology. Even though the river Yamuna through which water was originally drawn, has shifted considerably, an alternate water source and its lifting should be worked out and all water channels, fountains, etc., should be revived.
I am optimistic that through this workshop we will be able to arrive at a time line not only for preparing detailed conservation proposals for structures and gardens but also for its implementation in a scientific and time bound manner. My ministry and I am deeply committed to this cause and I promise to extend all possible support that is needed to fulfill this initiative.
I wish this workshop all success and hope that you will ably fulfill this difficult responsibility that has been entrusted to you today.”
Courtesy: Press Information Bureau (pib.nic.in)
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this Workshop on ‘Conservation and Management of the Red Fort Complex’. This is yet another point on our continuous journey on the road of conservation of various historical monuments, especially those belonging to the rich Mughal era that have survived the travails of time. The Taj Mahal at Agra and the Red Fort in Delhi are part of this milieu and I am glad that you have spent considerable time focusing on both these World Heritage sites.
I am told that you have just returned from a fruitful two day visit of Agra after deliberating on various aspects related to restoring the city’s heritage, in particular the river-front gardens along both sides of river Yamuna. As you are well aware, gardens, use of natural flow of water and symmetry are all important architectural features of Mughal architecture and if we wish to revive the past beauty of these sites, restoration of gardens is of utmost importance. Therefore, this collaborative endeavor of the ASI and the Agra Development Authority (ADA) with the support of both the central and the state government would be a historic and path-breaking achievement. And it is here that your recommendations drawn from the two day Agra Workshop would assume critical importance.
Just like Agra, the Red Fort in New Delhi is an important national landmark. The Red Fort has been a silent witness to the power struggle of Delhi- from the time of its construction by legendary Mughal Ruler, Shahjahan, to its occupation by the British and in Independent India, it is the place where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag on Independence Day. From the flaming red ramparts of Lahori Gate, numerous prime ministers have addressed the nation and made announcements for the people’s welfare.
In view of its importance, both as an architectural marvel as well as its association with the nation’s history, the Red Fort deserves exemplary protection and conservation. While the ASI has done the utmost, unless we revive the beautifully laid out historic gardens within the Fort, which were systematically removed and remodeled by the British, it will not be able to regain its old charm.
When the open spaces and gardens were converted into lawns, it completely altered its hydrology and levels within the Red Fort.
Therefore, I am delighted that experts have gathered here today to engage in a discussion that among other things, will focus on historic gardens within the Red Fort. Several paintings from the 19th Century give us a vital glimpse about a series of gardens, such as Mehtab Bagh, Hyat Baksh Bagh, which were laid out and detailed by the Mughal rulers. Today, most of the gardens have been completely or partially lost. I am encouraging ASI to develop a proposal to first examine and undertake research on the gardens and develop their plan and layout, keeping in mind historic plantation pattern, flower beds, use of flora as evidenced in the paintings. Through scientific investigations, ASI should also study the original level of these gardens and its hydrology. Even though the river Yamuna through which water was originally drawn, has shifted considerably, an alternate water source and its lifting should be worked out and all water channels, fountains, etc., should be revived.
I am optimistic that through this workshop we will be able to arrive at a time line not only for preparing detailed conservation proposals for structures and gardens but also for its implementation in a scientific and time bound manner. My ministry and I am deeply committed to this cause and I promise to extend all possible support that is needed to fulfill this initiative.
I wish this workshop all success and hope that you will ably fulfill this difficult responsibility that has been entrusted to you today.”
Courtesy: Press Information Bureau (pib.nic.in)
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