The Hindu : Front Page : ASI works at Big Temple to end by March

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Wednesday, Aug 27, 2008
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ASI works at Big Temple to end by March

G. Srinivasan

THANJAVUR: Conservation works taken up by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the Big Temple at Thanjavur and Iravatheeswaraswamy Temple at Darasuram near Kumbakonam will be completed before the end of this financial year.

Conservation of a portion of the northern cloister mandapam of the Big Temple was taken up by the ASI at a cost of Rs. 63 lakh, after it was observed that some of the pillars and the roof had developed cracks.

The ASI approved this proposal and the work was taken up after completing the photo documentation. The work needed strengthening of foundation at some places and replacement of certain architectural members like pillars and beams.

The stone used for construction of this mandapam is inferior in quality compared to the main temple and hence the damage was heavy at some places warranting replacement.

But each and every piece of the stone is safeguarded, Sathyabama Badrinath, Superintending Archaeologist, Chennai Circle, ASI, told presspersons here on Tuesday. “We have not dismantled the entire mandapam but for a length of 41 metres out of the total length of 56 metres. We are retaining them. We applied preservative coating to the Maratta paintings in the mandapam. When the preservative coat is removed the painting will remain intact”, Ms. Badrinath said.

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