AFCP - Documentation of unexplored Indo-Islamic built heritage in the hinterland of the old Grant Trunk Road in Haryana and Punjab
This project generated critical information about the economy and architecture of the 16th century highway region. Additionally, the documentation revealed structures bearing testimony to a shared tradition of Hindu and Muslim communities living in this dynamically layered landscape for over five centuries until the partition of India in 1947. (next five photos)
Kos Minar and Rest House
This rest-house known as Dakhani Sarai at Mahlian Kalan, Jalandhar, Punjab is one of the best-preserved Mughal rest houses along the highway from Agra to Lahore.
AFCP partner: American Institute of India Studies
Kos Minar
Distance marking pillar (Kos Minar) near Sarai Lashkar Khan at Kot Panech, Ludhiana, Punjab, India; 1669-70 CE.
AFCP partner: American Institute of India Studies
Mughal Bridge
This Mughal Bridge at Sirhind, Jalandhar, Punjab was constructed between 1628-1658 CE on the then River Hansla on the Agra – Lahore Road.
AFCP partner: American Institute of India Studies
Nur Mahal
This rest house (Sarai) was patronised by Empress Nur Jahan, the wife of the fourth Mughal Emperor Jahangir (1605-1627) in 1620 CE. Even today called “Nur Mahal” (Nur’s Palace) this rest house located in Jalandhar district of Punjab stands out for its remarkable depiction of Hindu and Islamic motifs within an Islamic architecture.
AFCP partner: American Institute of India Studies
Sheesh Mahal
The Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) is a structure built in the Aam Khas garden complex in 1634-35 CE at Sirhind, now located in Jalandhar district of Punjab. This garden was developed as a highway-inn by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658), known as the builder of the Taj Mahal, for the use of royalty (Khas) as well as common people (Aam).
AFCP partner: American Institute of India Studies
AFCP – Documentation of endangered musical traditions of western Rajasthan
This project has led to the revival of the endangered music traditions of the Langa and Manganair communities of western Rajasthan, as it trained the younger generation of musicians to document their own heritage using audio-visual recordings, opened new economic avenues for the marginalised communities and inculcated pride in their own heritage. (next two photos)
Documentation of Endangered Music Traditions in India
Documentation of endangered music traditions of the Langa and Manganiar communities of western Rajasthan.
AFCP partner: American Institute of India Studies
Training Workshop at the Arna Jharna Desert Museum
Recording of the narrative and singing ballads of the Langa community at an U.S. State Department supported training workshop at the Arna Jharna Desert Museum in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 2020.
AFCP partner: American Institute of Indian Studies
Conservation of the 16th century Arab Serai complex gateway, within the larger UNESCO World Heritage site of the Humayun’s Tomb
All three AFCP projects at the Humayun’s Tomb world heritage site have been instrumental in reviving traditional crafts by employing master craftsmen working with traditional building materials such as sandstone, lime mortar and glazed tiles and generating employment over several years. The footfall at these national monuments is a testimony to India’s spirit of inclusion and diversity. (next two photos)
Arab Sarai Gateway
The restored Arab Sarai Gateway shows the red-white contrast on the façade, after removal of plain cement plaster repairs undertaken in the twentieth century.
AFCP partner: Aga Khan Foundation
Arab Sarai Gateway
Missing incised plasterwork has been carefully restored at the Arab Serai Gateway Complex, a UNESCO World heritage site. AFCP partner: Aga Khan Foundation
AFCP – Conservation of the 16th century Batashewala Mughal Tomb Complex
Conservation of the 16th century Mughal Tomb Complex within the larger UNESCO World heritage site of the Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi (next two photos)
Bara Batashewala Mughal Tomb Complex
Ornamentation within the mausoleum of Mirza Muzaffar Hussain, where missing ceiling ornamentation was carefully restored using traditional craftsmanship.
AFCP partner: Aga Khan Foundation
Unknow Tomb, Bara Batashewala Tomb Complex
Collapsed portions of the enclosure walls of the Unknown tomb were reconstructed to secure the monument.
AFCP partner: Aga Khan Foundation
AFCP – Conservation of the 16th century Sunderwala Burj
Conservation of the 16th century monument within the larger UNESCO World heritage site of the Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi (next photo)
Sunderwala Burj
Conservation in progress: Sunder Burj conservation revealed the splendour of a unique ornamental ceiling that was carefully restored by master craftsmen.
AFCP partner: Aga Khan Foundation
AFCP – Documentation of the 18th century Balaji Ghat River Front in Varanasi
The AFCP supported documentation of the Balaji Ghat by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) paved the way for its conservation by INTACH and the American Express, creating awareness about India’s unique cultural legacy. The project is an inclusive endeavour to generate employment and sources of revenue while preserving age-old traditions and harmonious ways of living of the Hindu and Muslim communities around this historic precinct. (next two photos)
Bismillah Khan Hall
Documented the Balaji Ghat in Varanasi under AFCP. Before documentation – Bismillah Khan Hall (renowned Indian shehnai maestro).
AFCP Partner – INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage)
Bismillah Khan Hall
After conservation supported by the American Express.
AFCP Partner – INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage)
