New Delhi: Humayun’s Tomb museum will serve as a “bridge” between the past and the present and valuable conservation lessons learnt here will make the heritage site a “model for other monuments” around the world, Prince Karim Aga Khan has said.
Work began last evening on the construction of the country’s first sunken museum at the iconic 16th century tomb here, one of the 25 ‘adarsh’ (model) monuments recently designated by the Union Ministry of Culture.
“The museum will serve as a bridge between the past and the present. It will link the modern city of Delhi to its heritage and will be a gateway to a truly extraordinary period in human history,” the Aga Khan said at the foundation laying ceremony at the World Heritage Site last evening.
As part of urban renewal initiative, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture is building the museum on behalf of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with a funding of Rs 49 crore from the Ministry of Tourism.
It will be located at the entrance zone of the World Heritage Complex and would serve as a bridge between the three sites of Nizamuddin, Sunder Nursery and the 16th century tomb.
“As I have said during the opening of the restored tomb one-and-a -half years ago, we are working in a magnificent partnership, and it holds true for this museum project as well…. And, valuable conservation lessons learnt here will make this site a model for other monuments around the world,” he said.
The Aga Khan, 78, on Wednesday received the Padma Vibhushan, country’s second highest civilian honour, from President Pranab Mukherjee.
The government yesterday also proposed to the AKTC to replicate the ‘Humayun Tomb module’ at other World Heritage Sites in the country, starting with Taj Mahal, but the AKTC said, “we take a decision on any project only after careful consideration”.
“We are very humble in front of historic buildings, and I am not sure we will dare touch the Taj Mahal.
But, perhaps if we could contribute in some way, we will,” the Aga Khan said.
AKTC’s Director General Luis Monreal said, “Taj Mahal is the most symbolic and emblematic of India as a country and we don’t want to rush into something. Yes, that we are in full agreement in principle (with the government’s proposal)…But, we cannot rush into conclusions, it is such an important issue. Our approach is humility and prudence…no snap judgement,” he told on the sidelines of the function.
The Aga Khan said people have for ages come to admire, “the oldest and the largest Indo-Islamic architectural complex” with a profound harmony of the natural and the built heritage, and now through this museum they will learn of the legacies and the lessons the conservation work will offer.
“The conservation project has created new jobs, new skills have been mastered, new commercial opportunities have been opened and new environment protection frameworks have been fostered.
“And one such lesson is about protecting the urban green spaces, which are too often seen as unproductive areas and even a liability. But, at the AKTC, our experience has been different. Like in Cairo and Kabul, and in Delhi, they (green spaces) have not only generated enough income to cover the cost, but a broad range of further development while immensely enriching the quality of life of urban communities,” he said.
AKTC had undertaken an “extensive six-year restoration” of the 16th century Tomb complex which was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a year and a half ago.
“The museum will include a permanent exhibit, galleries for temporary exhibits, an auditorium for film screenings, a souvenirs shop and a cafe. Live demonstrations of building crafts such as stonework and plaster work, as well as other prominent Mughal crafts, will be a permanent activity,” Project Director, AKTC, Ratish Nanda said.
“It will also house among others, the iconic finial that was knocked off of the dome of the tomb in a storm last year. History will come alive beneath these Mugal courts,” he said.
Extolling the architectural virtues of the World Heritage Complex, the Aga Khan said visitors will get to learn why these monuments were built, the story behind them and lessons in restoration.
“Mughal period was time of enormous accomplishments, of acumen and leadership. And, to use a well-worn expression, it staggers the imagination to think what was created here during the Mughal period on a scale and splendour that never existed before and its accomplishments continue to inspire subsequent generations,” he said. (PTI)
