The Hindu : Front Page : Restoration work nears completion

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Monday, Nov 10, 2008
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Restoration work nears completion

S. Ramesh

Photo: E. Lakshmi Narayanan

New look: The Namakkal Fort, which is being given a facelift. —

NAMAKKAL: The historical Namakkal fort in the town wears a new look with the conservation and restoration works taken up by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) nearing completion.

The ASI had taken up the conservation of the entire fort wall and old structures inside the fort at an estimated cost of Rs. 16 lakh.

The entire fort wall has been restored to its original grandeur. The workers have used lime, sand, gallnut, jaggery and a variety of traditional materials for the restoration work. “The fort is an important tourist attraction in the district. Apart from protecting the monument, the restoration work will help attract more tourists and promote its historical interest,” ASI officials say.

As part of the work, the ASI also improved the two tanks constructed inside the fort to harvest rainwater.

A handrail was installed along the steps leading to the fort on the rocky surface last year, officials added.

The fort, built by the Madurai Nayakas and declared as a monument of national importance, also gets a large number of devotees.

Those who offer prayers at the famous Sri Anganeyar Temple also visit the fort as it houses Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple. The fort also has a mosque. People in the town celebrate the monument as a symbol promoting communal harmony.

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