Restoring heritage buildings

Restoring heritage buildings
The Times of India


Did you know that rocket technology was developed years ago by Tipu Sultan and used by him in the first Mysore war? Tipu Sultan's Armory in Kalasipalaya is an important landmark in the city that showcases this historical milestone, and has been successfully restored by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Ministry of Kannada and Culture.

Restoration projects
INTACH strives to protect and conserve India's heritage, and spread heritage awareness among the public. In this process, it also forms strategic partnerships and collaborations with numerous agencies including government departments. H R Pratibha, Convener of the Bangalore chapter of INTACH, says their first restoration project in the city was the tank located behind Pallavi theatre in Sampangiramnagar. She explains, "this ancient tank, built during Kempegowda's time, was used for performing last rites. Now the choultry there has been converted to a school and as a result, we wanted the tank to be put into positive use. We decided to take away the sewage lines and have now converted the tank into an open-air theatre. Amateur drama and other festivals are held here, and every November on the last Monday of Karthika there's a community lighting of lamps." Thus, heritage spaces that have been going to waste are slowly being converted into positive spaces that find modern day uses.

Subsequently, INTACH has undertaken restoration of numerous other buildings including Mayo Hall, the central pavilion and bandstand at Krishna Rao Park in Basavangudi, and the Town Hall. "All these projects have raised awareness levels among the public about the importance of such heritage buildings and the need for restoration," reiterates Pratibha. And more such projects have been coming their way. Restoration work has currently been undertaken on numerous buildings in the city including the buildings housing Oriental Insurance Company on M G Road, the Air India building in the Utility Building complex and the Kempegowda Towers.

The restoration work process requires cooperation from a variety of government agencies and individuals. "Many more projects are in the pipeline but it is difficult to start projects easily as a lot of people are involved. The BCC has been extremely supportive of our work. Private help is also forthcoming which is a very good sign," she explains. INTACH has entered into an MOU with the Ministry of Kannada and Culture and have worked with the department jointly on numerous projects. It is now hoping to enter into a similar MOU with BCC.

Creating awareness

Spreading heritage awareness is also a goal and INTACH is now targeting young minds. An awareness campaign is being conducted on September 10 for schoolchildren and INTACH has requested BCC's support. Competitions like essay writing, elocution and painting will be held that day and 1,000 children have already registered. "We wanted corporation schools to be a part of this initiative and in fact have more schoolchildren from these schools for the programme. We wish to sensitise young minds and inculcate a sense of belonging with respect to heritage buildings," explains Pratibha, who adds that that the next programme on the anvil is the revival of traditional games and sports. Entering into a MOU with BCC would ensure that these events are held annually and become an inherent part of the city's cultural scene.