Safdarjung Tomb's Restoration: A Testament to Cultural Heritage
Following the emergence of cracks two years ago, ASI has finally started restoration work of the Safdarjung tomb in 2023. It attributed the delay to the pandemic and outdated financial estimates. A security guard posted at the monument, however, said that India assuming the Presidency of G20 was a major reason why the work was restarted.
The Tomb which dates back to 1754, a period of rich Mughal culture, has been a popular tourist site for many ages. Chaudhury Javed Ahmed, a member of the Aam Admi Party in Haryana was relishing his memories at the Garden tomb while admiring its beauty on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
"I have been coming here for over twenty years, even before the installation of the wooden gates that now lead to the underground burial place”, he said. He further stated how there are around fifty coffins in the underground crypt, most of which generally have a solid top but 'kutcha' bottoms. According to the politician, since his last visit in 2010, the site has changed quite a bit. On being asked about what makes him return to the site after intervals, Javed Ahmed responded that he cannot pinpoint but there is some sort of attachment that always draws him to the monument.
The Safdarjung Tomb is also a part of the memories of a Bhajanpura resident who has been visiting the tomb for almost fifteen years. When asked whether he finds any difference in the place in this span of fifteen years that have passed, the visitor, in a funny response, said that he had a head full of hair when he visited the site for the first time. This lighthearted response accurately portrays the passage of time which has consequently led to the decay and deterioration of the historical monument.
Besides Indian residents, the Safdarjung tomb also attracts many foreign tourists such as Juan from Mexico who made sure to visit the tomb in what he said was his first visit to India. After the Safdarjung tomb, he planned to visit the major monument Taj Mahal next.
Thus, the restoration of the Safdarjung Tomb is not only of national but international significance. Located at the heart of Delhi, the tomb symbolizes years of treasured memories and cultural heritage. Encompassing a total dome area of 5,500 square feet, the restoration of the complete monument is estimated to be completed by July this year.
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