ASI to take up renovation work at Bithoor

KANPUR: Located near the famous Bramhavrat Ghat of Bithoor are the three priceless treasures of our heritage, which until last year were lying in ruins testifying the apathy of the authorities. The Kanpur Development Authority (KDA) had undertaken them for their beautification and renovation.
However, KDA would rope in the ASI officials to complete the beautification of three historic structures-- Shiva Temple, Tikait Rai Baradari and Tikait Rai Rajmahal so as not to harm it's architectural significance that boasts about its history as well.
The executive engineer of KDA, BP Mishra, said, "The KDA had apprised ASI authorities about the historical significance of these three buildings and we had written to the Director General of ASI for undertaking their renovation work."
Superintendent Archaeologist, ASI Lucknow, CP Mishra confirming about the project to be undertaken said, "It has been agreed upon that ASI would be looking after the renovation work at Bithoor. The work has to be undertaken yet as things are at preliminary stages. We are yet to carry out a survey and then finalise how the conservation work would be carried out." He added that it would take not less than 90 days to start with the work.
KDA would continue funding the renovation and beautification work. Under the schemes announced by Chief Minister, renovation work at Bithoor was started last year and Rs 279 lakhs were allotted for the renovation of Shivaji Temple and Rs 52 lakhs were allotted for the beautification of Tikait Rai mahal.
Accounting the reason behind the handing of the beautification to ASI, the KDA official said, "These structures belong to very old period of history. And as such we cannot harm their historic value for the sake of beautification. The archaeological agencies have better understanding on how to preserve and conserve the structures and thus it was planned to rope in their support to carry out the project."
Although, the officials failed to remark on how the renovation would be carried out, it is being expected that the conservation work would include under-peeling, repairing the broken plaster, flooring, mending the cracks and re-painting the walls wherever the damage is visible.
It may be mentioned that the famous Shiv Temple is a Nawab period structure located in Bithoor and marvellous example of Indian Architecture. Popularly known as 'Patthar Ghat', the temple is referred as unique by the conservationist owing to the inscription carved on the shaft of the pillar in Devanagri script mentions the name of the building. It is known that the temple was constructed by Raja Takait Rai, Diwan at the court of Awadh Nawab about 200 years ago.
Similarly, the Tikait Rai Baradari and the Rajmahal are the structures that date back to 200 years old. So far they were favourite haunts of the love-lorn couples, or the criminals and one of the buildings was encroached upon by the locals. The Baradari was partially broken and defaced while the mahal was being used as an extension of residential quarters. Once renovated, they may turn it into magnificent example of the Nawab architecture attracting many visitors to Bithoor.