The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Facelift for Mecca Masjid

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Sunday, Sep 09, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Facelift for Mecca Masjid

J.S. Ifthekhar

Restoration work is likely to cost Rs. 10 lakh

Black soot and stains will be removed
Chemical wash was done 17 years ago

Photo: P.V. Sivakumar

Better late than never: The Department of Archaeology and Museums plans to restore Mecca Masjid. -

Hyderabad: The historic Mecca Masjid is in for massive restoration for removal of the black soot and stains defacing it at many places. Environmental pollution, weather and salts deposited by rainwater are taking a heavy toll of this 17th century monument.

The Department of Archaeology and Museums has plans to make use of the latest developments in stone cleaning to give a facelift to the mosque. The exterior of the mosque on three sides will be taken up for restoration at an estimated cost of Rs. 10 lakh. The façade will not be touched immediately as it obstructs the movement of devotees.

Scaffolding

“Once Ramzan is over we will erect scaffolding all around and take up restoration work,” said J. Kedareshwari, Director, Archaeology and Museums.

The department doesn’t want to hurry the work. On the contrary it wants to make a thorough documentation, study and test the type of stone used in the construction of the mosque before embarking on the repair. It is proposed to take the services of National Research Laboratory for Conservation, Lucknow. Its director, Dr. Nayar, will be visiting Hyderabad shortly. Incidentally, Dr. Nayar is helping the Archaeology Department in setting up a special conservation laboratory.

Largest in country

The 75-feet high mosque built in local granite is one of the largest in the country – next only to the Jama Masjid in Delhi. A listed heritage monument, Mecca Masjid was built by Mohammad Qutub Shah in 1692. But continued negligence is causing cracks and defacement to the historic mosque. Routine maintenance is taken up by the department before Ramzan every year. But the last time a chemical wash was done was 17 years ago. “This time we will take up a complete restoration using the latest technology,” Dr. Kedereshwari said.

The Archaeology Department is examining several options, including use of ‘multani mitti’ with low dose of chemicals for cleaning the mosque. This method was recently used by the Salarjung Museum for cleaning its marble objects. The department may also take the help of Iranian stone experts with whom it is collaborating in restoration of the Qutb Shahi Tombs.

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