The local authorities need not look beyond the city for inspiration and technical competence to take up restoration work of heritage structures. For, the University of Mysore has set a precedent in taking up three such works.
N.S. Rangaraju, a retired professor of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Mysore, oversaw the restoration of the old Professor’s Quarters and Radhakrishnan’s Bungalow taken up by the university.
“The university followed the conservation norms established by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which does not permit alterations to the structural profile,” Prof. Rangaraju said.
He expressed concern that the MCC may replace mortar with cement while replacing the Madras Terrace with RCC roof.
There are more than 200 heritage structures in Mysuru, most of which have been constructed using burnt bricks and lime mortar with liberal use of traditional materials for binding. Radhakrishna’s Bungalow and Professors Quarters were restored using the same materials, he said.
“Lime mortar was prepared at the site using large grinders procured from a hotel. Jaggery extracts were added in plenty with river sand. Cement was used only to stitch a crack in the wall and the Madras Terrace was rebuilt to preserve the structure’s profile,” Prof. Rangaraju said. Similar was the restoration of the Professor’s Quarter.
MCC Commissioner Betsurmath said he would harness local expertise as there are nearly 200 heritage structures in Mysuru, most of which required intervention.
