Experts for preserving forts using lime, baked earth

Nandpur fort being preserved using this technique of construction

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“The old Indian way of construction is more viable that the new method of RCC (Reinforced concrete ) constructions. The buildings constructed using the RCC method have a life span of just about 50 years, whereas the buildings constructed using limestone can last for centuries. The lime construction method is also environment-friendly and healthier for people living in them.” — Kimberley Moyle, consultant, Indi Architecture

Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, September 26

Experts from Rajasthan are busy these days in trying to preserve the Nandpur fort, located on the banks of the Pong Dam lake in Kangra district. The fort that was part of heritage of the Guler state of Kangra is being restored using the old Indian art of construction using lime and baked earth.

Raghav Guleria, who now owns the fort, said, “The old building of the fort was constructed using lime and baked earth. The walls of the fort have withstood the test of time and are over a century old now. However, natural elements are now taking a toll on the building. I wanted to restore it to its old glory.” Raghav said he met a group of artisans from Rajasthan who were trying to revive the old Indian art of construction using ‘chunna’ (lime) and ‘surkhi’ (baked) earth.

These artisans organised a workshop in the fort, in which they are restoring the old walls of the Nandpur fort. They are also training local masons in this regard. Kangra district has a large number of old buildings, forts and temples. These buildings can be restored to their ancient glory using this art of construction, he said.

Kimberley Moyle, a consultant at Indi Architecture, is also here to learn the technique. She said, “I am inspired by India, where I see many traditional old houses built in lime and surkhi. It is sad to see that this precious knowledge is getting lost as people are now opting for RCC (Reinforced concrete ) structures that has much shorter life. She said that the old Indian way of construction is more viable that the new method of RCC constructions. The buildings constructed using the RCC method have a life span of just about 50 years, whereas the buildings constructed using limestone can last for centuries. The lime construction method is also environment-friendly and healthier for people living in them,” she said.

Rafiq Muwal from the Churu area of Rajasthan is a master artisan in this field. He is teaching local artisans this technique. While explaining the methodology, he said,” We make the mortar by mixing lime, baked earth, jaggery and fenugreek water solutions. The mortar is applied on the walls with gentle stokes called Thappi. Then plaster is applied over the walls using same material to give it a smooth finish. The buildings built using this technique can last for centuries. We can also restore old buildings using this technique,” he said.

Guleria said, “The state government has been talking about preserving the heritage of Himachal. If the government wants to move in this direction and adopt this old technique, the preservation and renovation of old forts and temples could be the first step in this direction, he said.