Overview for Taj Mahal and It's Conservation
A miracle in marble! A dream in marble! A poem! Lavishly praised by countless critics, connoisseurs and commoners, the Taj Mahal has stayed as one of the world’s architectural wonders ever since the day of its completion in 1648. And is unmistakably one of the outstanding creations in the whole spectrum of Islamic architecture in India. For its richness, evocative aesthetic appeal and prodigiousness, it counts among man’s proudest creations. This magnificent mausoleum, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan to memorialize his love for the queen, took seventeen years to complete. Even if the contemporary sources refer to this most exquisite specimen of human architecture as “Illuminated Tomb” (rauza-i-munavvara), it is popularly known as Taj Mahal, obviously deriving its name from the title of the queen: Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj is not just architecture, but, in Sir Arnold Edwin’s word, “the proud passion of an Emperor’s love”. It is love made tangible, crystallized. Volumes have been written on the monument. And language has been almost exhausted in its praise. This book, yet another addition to the numerous writings on the Taj, is one of the very few scientific, at once authentic documentation of the art, architecture and conservation of this truly impressive creation. It is the first systematic account of the Taj Mahal and its conservation since mid-17th century. Focusing, simultaneously, on the diverse architectural components of this unique mausoleum, it examines the tradition and style adopted by its architects. The outcome of the author’s close, personal observation of the monument, the book also brings out various scientific studies relating to its structural stability, the nature of its foundations and building materials, verticality of its minarets, and several other aspects. The book is enriched with many exquisite photographs – all in colour. Dr D. Dayalan is Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Agra Circle, Agra.
D. Dayalan (Author)
Dr. D. Dayalan presently working as Deputy Superintending Archaeologist in the Archaeological Survey of India, Vadodara Circle, Vadodara, obtained his Master’s Degree in Ancient History and Archaeology from the University of Madras and Post-gradute Diploma in Archaeology from School of Archaeology, New Delhi. He stood first in M.A. received the award. He holds Doctorate degree from the Nagpur University, Narpur in 1990. Since his inception in the Archaeological Survey of India in 1984, he has actively participated in the exploration and excavations. He discovered a good number of sites through his explorations in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh and participated in several excavations of Ramapuram, Vallam, Aurovalle, Darasuram, Arikamedu, Mamallapuram, Sanchi, Satdhara, Kanaganahalli, Hampi, etc. Dr. Dayalan author of two books, Early Temples of Tamil Nadu: Their Role in socio-Economic Life (c.A.D. 550-925) and Monolithic Temples of Madhya Pradesh has contributed several research papers to leading journals on Archaeology, Epiraphy, Numismatics, Art and Architecture. He is a recognised examiner for Doctoral examination for many Universited. He has been invited in 1993 to Sweden to deliver lectures in Uppsala University. He also visited France, United Kingdom and Germany in academic ventures. In 2001 he has participated in the ACCU International Exchange Programme under the UNESCO/Japan Funds-in-Trust for the promotion of International Co-operation and studied the Management system and Conservation of various World Heritage Monuments in Japan.
Bagchee
