Taj Mahal: A Monument of Universal Significance

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Taj Mahal A Monument of Universal Significance
United Nations Institute for Training and
Research, Hiroshima Office for Asia and the
Pacific (UNITAR, HOAP)Training Workshop on World
Heritage Management a Value-based Approach,
Hiroshima, Japan, 18-21 April 2005 Team 2
Practical Exercise Presentation
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• Monitoring the Taj Mahal Managing the Future
• Responding to the World Heritage June 25, 2003
  UNESCO 27th session report
• Visitors Domestic 2,200,000 International
  800,000

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Outstanding Universal Value

• A brilliant architectural, aesthetic achievement
• The culmination of the architectural legacies and
  cultural philosophies of Central Asia, India and
  Persia
• Outstanding work of Mughal architecture
• Perfection in the evolution of the tomb, in India
  and the world.
• Powerful meta narrative of passion and spousal
  devotion a universal tale of love.
• Intangible heritage of stone craftsmanship

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Authenticity and Integrity

• Taj Mahal continues to be respected in its
  architectural forms, building materials, crafts
  techniques
• Keeping commercialism, development at an
  acceptable distance
• Buffer zone 500 meters
• Larger buffer zone 50 kilometers
• Intangible Heritage decorative stone work known
  as pietra dura and the training which accompanies
  this craft continues to be an intangible heritage

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Challenges to Authenticity and
IntegrityChallenge One

• Recent scholarly interest in historical
  horticulture and garden design An issue of
  historicism?
• Impact the overall ecology and existing
  biodiversity of the site
• Could negatively impact water drainage and
  existing patterns of visitor circulation.

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Challenge Two

• Existing landscape is one century old, value in
  existing landscape from historical and ecological
  perspective
• Monument viewing in evening November 2004
  Supreme Court decision
• Indirect lighting
• No artificial sound and light
• Minimal increase in insects
• Feeling of awe and contemplation maintained

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Management

• Legislation Protection at the national level
  introduced in 1958.
• Buffer zone was extended by the Supreme Court in
  1997.
• Protection at the regional level was introduced
  in 1980.
• Construction between Agra Fort and Taj Mahal was
  prohibited in 2003.
• Proposal for increasing the Buffer Zone.

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Problems and Management Response

• Increased security in day and night time.
• Night time viewing Co-ordination of staff night
  time viewing
• Threats to structure
• Scientific Studies TMCC Conservation, Gardening,
  Interpretation
• Conservation Problems ( Minarets, Foundation
  Yamuna River)
• Education Programs for Students, Public
• Air Pollution stone deterioration
• Events 350th anniversary held off site

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Summary

• More monitoring will make managing easier
• F. Leblanc
• Managing values
• Managing assets
• Managing people
• Is a GIS system the right tool ? Suggestion of
  2003 monitoring committee

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Conclusion

• Analysis needed regarding GIS, laser survey, data
  base needed for proper and future monitoring
• SIS may be a better tool for historical monument
  management

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The Monitoring Team

• Muhammed.k.k
• Mohammad Al-Aidaroos
• Muhammad Farooq Swati
• Lucienne Thys-Senocak aka.Lusyen Mari
• Teresa Swiebocka
• Emma Usmanova aka Ema Osmanoglu
• Jeff Cody aka. Mohammed Al-Cody