A Systematic Approach for the Conservation and Restoration of Historic Monuments in Lahore, Pakistan: Case of Tomb of Ali Mardan Khan

Abstract

This paper is an effort to explore the strategies applied for the conservation and restoration of the Historic monuments, focusing on the Tomb of Ali Mardan Khan. It includes the identification, documentation, assessment, preparation of a conservation plan and implementation of the conservation plans at site to maintain the identity of the historic buildings. Cultural heritage plays a pivotal role and represents the dignity and elegance of the human activities. The heritage sites are affected by the changing environment and deteriorate due to the natural and man-made agents. The tomb of Ali Mardan Khan was facing multiple challenges, and was continually being damaged for various reasons. The tomb is located in Mughalpura, an area in the neighborhood of old Lahore which was a hub of cultural activities during the Mughal period. The conservation, restoration, and maintenance of historic monuments and heritage sites is always a challenge for the stake holders. There is a shortage of funds, expertise and legislation framework for the preservation of such a large urban area with a number of monuments and it needs a systematic approach for the development of conservation plans with minimum interventions, saving the original urban fabric of the old city of Lahore. The strategy involves tailored conservation objectives, minimum interventions, economical budget and minimum timespan for the completion of the project. The core objective of the research is to investigate the preservation methods, procedures and practices applied for the conservation of Tomb of Ali Mardan Khan, being a valuable heritage.