NIBHA KANADE

ROLL NO.: 02
FOURTH YEAR ‘B’

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION
RESTORATION OF FORT GATES (IN MAHARASHTRA)

OVERVIEW

Architectural conservation describes the process by which material, historical and design
durability of mankind’s built architectural history is prolonged to last longer and to be able to
sustain difficult conditions or to be kept sustainable, in general. There are many ways and forms
as to how one could possibly conserve and attempt to conserve architectural heritages such as
rehabilitation, restoration, reconstruction, and preservation.

RESTORATION

“Restoration is the process of returning a building to its former state. This state is
defined as being ‘...a known earlier state, on the basis of compelling evidence,
without conjecture.’”

Restoration work is most commonly undertaken on historic buildings; accurately recreating its
form, features and character as it appeared at a particular time, while protecting its heritage
value. Decay or alterations made to the building can be reversed as part of restoration works.

Restoration aims to achieve a high level of authenticity, replicating materials and techniques as
closely as possible. Where necessary, modern works, such as replacing outdated utilities, or
installing climate controls, alarm systems, and so on, are undertaken in a concealed manner
where they will not compromise historic character.
Criteria that might be used to assess whether restoration works are acceptable include:

● The effect of restoration work on the overall heritage value of the building.
● The weight of evidence for need for the work.
● Whether the work respects the previous forms of the building.
● The implications of the work in terms of ongoing maintenance requirements.

The basic principles that should be taken into consideration, particularly for structural
restoration:

● Having sufficient respect for the original materials.

● Respecting the valid contributions of all periods on the building.
 ● Replacement of missing parts must integrate harmoniously with the whole.
● Additions should not detract from the building, its setting or relation with surroundings.
● Use of traditional techniques and materials.
● Modern techniques and materials are admissible where traditional alternatives are not
feasible.

NEED FOR RESTORATION OF FORTS IN MAHARASHTRA

There are 350 odd forts in Maharashtra, standing as silent sentinels to history there is a very high
Tourism Potential which could develop through the preservation and conservation of the same. It
becomes necessary to conserve and preserve the forts in Maharashtra which would not only
develop tourism but also raise the economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of
Maharashtra state.

These forts beaten by the sea waves, lashed at by the torrential Deccan rains, or scorched in the
blazing sun, stand imposing ramparts and crumbling walls. Nowhere in the country would you
encounter such a profusion of forts and such variety. Sited on an island, as Murud-Janjira or
Suvarnadurg, or guarding the seas as at Vasai or up amidst the Sahyadris, as at Torna and
Raigad, whose zig-zag walls and rounded bastions sit like a scepter and crown amidst hills
turned mauve.

Panhala Fort, Kolhapur

OPPORTUNITIES

The following implemented will aid in architectural conservation of forts in Maharashtra:

1. Development of infrastructure at the forts: Various tourism facilities such as
accommodation facilities, eateries, toilets, information centers, etc. could be developed at all
destinations. For this, the incentive policy proposed will encourage private partnership in tourism
related activities and infrastructure development.
2. Accessibility to the forts and wayside amenities: Approach roads could be identified to
various forts in Maharashtra. The roads should be assessed for suitability (carrying capacity,
quality, etc.) and could be considered for further development. Wayside amenities should also be
planned while developing roads.
3. Development Control Regulation at destinations: ‘Development Control Regulations’ could
be prepared to work as guidelines for development at and around the forts.
4. Public-Private-Partnership: Specific forts could be identified where public-private
partnership is possible. Conservation plans could be prepared for the identified forts.
5. Cultural Tourism: Distinctive aspects of Maharashtra’s rich culture and tradition could be
identified and promoted as an integral part of Maharashtra's tourism by building a museum
inside the forts. Identifying and promoting the State’s folk arts and organize folk dance and
music programmers at the forts could be arranged.
6. Creating Awareness: Create awareness among people about the importance of conservation
of our cultural heritage- Our Forts.

TOPIC SELECTED
Restoration of forts is a very vast topic. This study is mainly focused on restoring the main
door/Maha Darwaja of a fort.

Maha Darwaja of Raigad Fort

The strong and high fortification walls of a fort make it impossible for an intruder to enter. The
only entrance to fort was through the gates. Hence a gate is considered to be the most important
structure of any fon. The fon wall runs along the gradient of the hill and goes all the way from its
base to the top fonning even cgments. Each segment of the wall is provided with an elaborate
and strong
gate.
The gates of medieval Indian forts were highly decorated. Two distinct styles are seen. The
Hindu style with a lintel and the Mughal style with an arch. Gates in Indian forts were often high
and wide to allow elephants to pass. Often they had rows of sharp, stout iron spikes to dissuade
an attacking army from using elephants to break down the gates. Such a gate with spikes can be
seen on the Shaniwarwada, Pune.The main gate to the forts was located mostly facing north
direction, this was to avoid its deterioration by the rains,winds and the sun.

Vishalgad Fort, Kolhapur Sinhagad Fort, Pune