Hyderabad: The Bala Hisar (Bala: small, hisar: highest point) or the Darbar Hall at the Golconda Fort is being whitewashed with lime mortar by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as part of an effort to preserve it. But some historical experts say such an attempt will affect the natural look of the monument.
Mahnoor Yar Khan, a heritage enthusiast, says old heritage structures should be preserved but without losing the heritage and aesthetic sense they possess. “Painting such stone-wall structures would steal the natural look of the monument,” she says.
Dr Milan Kumar Chouley of the ASI says that they have been scientifically preserving the monument and removing the layers of graffiti posted over the years by the public. After removing five to six layers they they came upon this white layer and are using this colour for the whole hall.
Heritage expert Mohammad Safiullah agrees that the hall was coated with lime mortar earlier originally and after exposure to light and air, it lost its original colour so using lime mortar now is correct and according to the conservation manual.
Many prominent historical monuments and heritage structures in the city are being renovated, such as the Charminar, Mozamjahi Market and, Mehboob Chowk.
For structures like the Charminar usually mild chemical treatment is done to retain the original colours after testing on smaller parts, rather than white washing.
