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Multani mitti facelift for Taj Mahal
Until now used to improve the facial complexion, multani mitti is now all set to give the Taj Mahal a facelift. The ASI will soon begin a Rs 28-lakh project from minarets and shadow area of the main dome of the Taj, reports Hemendra Chaturvedi.
Until now used to improve the facial complexion, multani mitti is now all set to give the Taj Mahal a facelift.
The Archeological Survey of India will soon begin the Rs 28-lakh project from minarets and shadow area of the main dome of the Taj.
It is believed that such mud-pack therapy using multani mitti was given to the Taj few years ago.
“It is a time-tested method employed by the ASI’s chemical wing in the Agra Fort and is widely accepted method world over,” claimed D.N. Dhimri, the chief superintending archaeologist with the ASI office at Agra Fort.
“We would begin with the minarets and part of monument usually remaining in shadow,” informed an ASI official. “We will utilise the opportunity to repair the joints requiring attendance during this phase of therapy,” Dhimri said.
But voices of dissent were also heard. R. Nath, a historian, has opposed this method, particularly for marble structures like the Taj.
“Is it possible to apply it evenly on framed panels, pinnacles, chhatri pillars, chhajjas and minar brackets and other uneven surfaces? An uneven application might leave a leukoderma like appearance as a whole,” Nath said.
