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Experts step in for Charminar repair
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Hyderabad Circle requested experts of ‘characterisation and simulation of ancient structures’ to test the material of the iconic Charminar to find out if the material presently used for repairs is similar to the one used during the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi period.
Hyderabad: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Hyderabad Circle requested experts of ‘characterisation and simulation of ancient structures’ to test the material of the iconic Charminar to find out if the material presently used for repairs is similar to the one used during the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi period.
The repair work on Charminar started last November and the top portion of the north-east minaret has been completed at a cost of Rs 7.15 lakh. The reports would be submitted within 60 days.
Two experts Dr S Thirumalini and Dr R Ravi from Chennai collected four sets of samples of 50 grams each to conduct sophisticated tests such as XRD, XRF, F-TIR, SEM, TGA which would be followed by traditional and clay analysis to determine the material used.
Similar tests were conducted before repair works were undertaken at the Sree Vadakkunathan temple in Thrissur, Kerala and Sri Padaleeswar temple in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu.
V Gopal Rao, conservation assistant, ASI Hyderabad Circle said, “Only organic material such as lime, jaggery, sand, gallnut, marble powder, jute, vegetable gum, egg white is used. When asked if major variations found in the tests would hamper the repairs.
He said, “During the Qutub Shahi period 55 per cent of silica was used, whereas Asaf Jahis used 75 per cent. Even today we are procuring 70 per cent of silica from Piduguralla quarries. Moreover, we are using organic material and only a small portion of the north-east minaret is completed. We do not foresee a major problem.”
Ancient mortar analysis will help a in not only understanding the material used but the report would also provide the structural strength, said Nizamuddin Tahir, superintending archeologist, ASI Hyderabad Circle.
The experts collected samples from strategic locations of the Charminar from the mosque area which is on the second floor and other locations. Dr Ravi said “We are making sure that we do not collect the top layer as we would want to test the exact material used for construction in ancient times.”
“The scientific analysis of properties of chemical treatment helps in clarifying deterioration and conservation,” said V S Raghavendra Rao, superintending archaeologist, chemist branch, ASI Hyderabad Circle.
By:T P Venu
