After lying precariously for several decades, Mansar Haveli, one of the best architectural gems of Jammu region embellished with exquisite paintings, is set to regain its glory as Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K, has begun the restoration work.
Confirming to The News Now, Munir-ul-Islam, Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K, says, “The Mansar Haveli is being repaired and renovated at a budget of nearly Rs 65 lakhs. This year, the amount at disposal has been set at Rs 40 lakhs, which is to initiate the work.”
He adds, “The first step would be removing moss and vegetation growth that has swathed the whole structure. After that, we’ll take up the work to repair the cracks and collapses. It has to be done with surkhi and nanakshahi bricks, which is a very delicate work and will probably take 8-10 months. Last but not least, we’ll restore the miniature paintings and murals that have been spoiled with time or are missing.”
Found to be more like a deori (gateway), over two hundred years old two-storied Mansar Haveli is an imposing royal heritage structure overlooking Mansar Lake, lying in the lower Shivalik hills in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.
View: Reading the Ruins: Mansar Haveli
As per a school of thought, it was built by Raja Ranjit Dev of Jammu, sometime during 18th century, as a point of halt for his daughter and her numerous retinue on their way from Jammu to Mankot and vice versa. Another school of thought ascribes its construction to Raja Suchet Singh of Mankot in the 19th century. He was the brother of Maharaja Gulab Singh, dynast of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab is also believed to have stayed at this haveli for some time when he was on a visit to Jammu.
The interior walls of the haveli are graced with the intricate paintings, which are believed to have been got done by Maharaja Gulab Singh. Experts say that these paintings, made with organic colours, have a touch of Pahari Schools of Miniature Painting, prominently Basohli School.
“There were nearly 25 painting panels, of which, 2-3 are gone while others are spoiled,” sighs Sukanya Sharma, a heritage conservationist.
She adds, “The overall heritage monument has been in a decrepit state and a disaster-in-waiting. It retains few of its architectural features. The archway has collapsed – breaking the connection between the two sides of the structure. The right side structure is sinking towards the lake, while plant growth and dampness have visibly deteriorated the site. The walls wear a shabby look with soot stains and their plaster falling off. The floors have sagged and aged walls have cracked, endangering the lives of visitors passing through. It is relieving to see the authorities waking up and making efforts to restore it to its past glory.”
Munir-ul-Islam mentions, “We have to work towards maintaining the originality of the heritage structure, or it will be as good as building a new one. It is a restoration, preservation, and conservation project, so will take at least two years. We have the next financial year too.”
Post conservation, adaptive reuse and promotion of the monument, which are in the domain of Tourism Department, will yield breathtaking results.
Shaurya, a visitor, asserts, “The haveli has immense potential to be a point of attraction. It can be developed as a cultural site, and its lakeside location at Mansar, a tourist destination annually visited by lakhs of people, is perfect.”
Also: Read my article at THE NEWS NOW
Ignored for decades, Mansar Haveli to finally get a facelift
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