India 2007

conservation briefs INTACH UK Trust has initiated the development of technical publications written by practicing Conservators / Conservation Architects. In this series titled ‘Conservation Briefs’, it is our endeavour to disseminate and share information on conservation practices to support heritage conservation efforts in India.

The built heritage of our country, which forms a part of our cultural heritage, is a priceless nonrenewable resource that is seriously threatened. However, existing legislation covers about 5000 monuments to be looked after by ASI and approximately 3500 by the State departments of Archaeology. Considering India’s vast cultural heritage, innumerable historic buildings and precincts of architectural, historical, and aesthetic importance remain ‘unprotected’, largely neglected, threatened by urban pressures and thus are in need of conservation.

In this context documentation emerges as the single most powerful tool for the conservation and management of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of our nation. Documentation not only equips the heritage professionals in developing conservation interventions for heritage sites, but it can also equip the communities to safeguard their heritage through understanding of the significance and interpretation of cultural heritage.

This resource was compiled as part of the RecorDIM initiative to help bridge the gap related to documentation needs of built heritage in India. The RecorDIM initiative is a goodwill alliance of practitioners, surveyors and conservators committed to improving the application of recording, documentation and information management in heritage conservation Divay Gupta is a conservation architect presently working at the Architectural Heritage division of INTACH, New Delhi. He has a Masters Degree from the School of Planning and Architecture and has an M.A. in Heritage Management from University of Birmingham.

INTACH (UK) TRUST 71 Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110 003 Tel: +91-11-24645482, 24641304, 24692774 Fax: +91-11-24611290 Email: intach@del3.vsnl.net.in Website: www.intach.org

Identification and Documentation of Built heritage in India

Divay Gupta

Identification and Documentation of Built Heritage in India Process for identification and documentation of cultural heritage Divay Gupta Conservation Architect

INTACH (UK) TRUST

INTACH 71 Lodhi Estate New Delhi 110003 All rights reserved. No part of this work may be translated, reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of INTACH. Acknowledgement: Reviewers: Cover Design: Oroon Das Production: Rajika Press Services Pvt. Ltd. © 2007, INTACH; Divay Gupta

CONTENTS Introduction

5

Acknowledgements

7

SECTION 1 What is Heritage?

Process of Identifying Heritage What is Documentation?

Why Document?

Documentation Standards & Principles Documentation Processes & Methods Documentation Levels Skills for Documentation

9 9 12 12 14 15 16 20

SECTION 2 Tools for Documentation I. Inventories & Written Descriptions Listing Methodology Documentation for the National Register II. Measured Drawing III. Photography

23 23 26 27 30 36

SECTION 3 Guidelines for filling the INTACH Inventory of Historic Properties

39

ANNEXES 1a. Inventory format 1b. Sample of INTACH Inventory Form 2. 3x3 Rules for Photography Capture

55 56 57

Bibliography

59

INTRODUCTION The built heritage of our country, which forms a part of our cultural heritage, is a priceless non-renewable resource that is seriously threatened. The responsibility of preserving our heritage rests with us – the citizens of India.

The Central Government through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects monuments more than 100 years old declared to be of national importance. Monuments of importance to the States are protected by the state governments through their respective Departments of Archaeology.

However, existing legislation covers about 5000 monuments to be looked after by the central government and approximately 3500 by the states.

Considering India’s vast cultural heritage, these numbers do not seem adequate. Innumerable historic buildings and precincts of architectural, historical, and aesthetic importance remain ‘unprotected’, largely neglected, threatened by urban pressures and thus are in need of conservation.

Since the policy framework for protection and integrated conservation is still a developing field in our country, it is essential to take stock of our built heritage. Rapid changes in the environment also entail a focused approach to the management of built heritage. Much of the loss of the historic building stock can be attributed to lack of information about the structures and their significance. The ongoing efforts of protection and management, though commendable, are not comprehensive. In recognition of the issues relating to the unprotected buildings, INTACH was set up in 1984 and has since taken up the programme for preserving, promoting and creating awareness to conserve our built heritage in India which includes historic buildings of architectural, historical, archaeological or aesthetic importance.

In this context documentation emerges as the single most powerful tool for the conservation and management of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of our nation. Documentation not only equips heritage professionals in developing conservation interventions for heritage sites, but also equips communities to safeguard their heritage through understanding the significance and interpretation of cultural heritage.

It is well established that for any form of intervention in a heritage site, the prime and most important aspect is related to its documentation. The challenges for conservation will surely require scientific expertise and technological knowledge and the same is true for the process of documentation.

In recent years there has been a tremendous change in the attitude towards heritage. Awareness and the inter-cultural, as well as physical, scale of heritage has expanded to include not only monuments and their immediate context, but also themes related to them. The manifestations of heritage combined within a cultural and natural setting are seen as cultural landscapes. The challenge before us now is to be able to develop processes through which the cultural inheritance can be identified and documented.

Given the particular context of India it becomes necessary to adapt the process to each situation, thus the processes described in this volume are only indicative and can be used flexibly.

Since a large part of India’s cultural heritage has so far remained undocumented, preparing an inventory of heritage buildings worthy of preservation, is the most important task. Such exercises have been carried out in most countries where there has been a perceived threat to the heritage.

Though no statutory body exist in India with a mandate to list heritage buildings and sites, since its inception, INTACH has inventoried about 60,000 buildings in around 150 cities which is still only the tip of the ice berg as there are estimated more than 4000 heritage towns and cities in the country. INTACH launched its National Register of Historic Properties in 2000 in an attempt to comprehensively make an inventory of the built heritage of this country. This database aims at identifying and recording the built heritage for research, publication and protection of the built heritage of the country. It also hopes to serve as resource material for heritage regulations and conservation areas and help in framing of Heritage Laws.

Similar initiative has also been recently launched by the Govt of India through the National mission for Monuments in 2007, the nodal agency for this mission is the ASI. This manual is meant mainly for users undertaking documentation and recording in the context of heritage conservation in India. Also this manual can be used by heritage mangers and decision makers to be able to ascertain documentation needs for their sites.

This manual attempts to establish general principles for the documentation as well as set standards and base line documentation needs for heritage sites based upon the circumstances and conservation requirements for a particular heritage sites in the context of India.

Most documentation combines the techniques of written description, photography and measured drawings to illustrate the significance of the building. For the purpose of this document, each of these techniques is discussed separately for convenience sake; however only inventories are taken up for detailed description as per the scope of this manual.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document is based on many sources, current international trends and on personal experiences within the last ten years in conservation practice.

Section one deals with the general principles and concepts related to documentation. It establishes the general principles for undertaking any documentation activity for cultural heritage. The bases for these principles are driven from ICOMOS principles for documentation of monuments and sites.

It also touches upon the concept of heritage and the process of identifying it.

These concepts have been developed within India for some time now with substantial inputs from organizations like Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH). There is also a suggested general process and methodology for documentation as well as levels which are relevant within our context. These levels have been developed elsewhere, within English Heritage (EH) in UK & National Park Service in USA. Section two deals with descriptions of the three basic techniques of measured drawing, photography and inventories. The technique of measured drawing and photography are sourced mainly from ‘recording historic structures by AIA and recording historic buildings by EH. The format for listing and inventory are based on the one developed by INTACH, Architectural Heritage Division, especially with inputs from Dr. O.P. Agarwal, Sanskriti Rawat, Bindu Mittle, and myself.

Many other persons have been also instrumental in this document being possible, Sh. Martand Singh, Chairman INTACH UK Trust, Dr. Shobita Punja and Malvika Bajaj Saini whose constant encouragement has made this document possible.

The production of this guide is supported by: Among the others I would like to express my gratitude to the experts of RecorDim, the ICOMOS & Getty conservation institute’s initiative for documentation of cultural heritage, with whom I had the honour of interacting and establishing a Task Group, of which this document is a product of. This document would not been possible without their inputs and was supported by :

Getty Conservation Institute: - Rand Eppich, Francois LeBlanc English Heritage: Metric Survey Team, Technical Survey: Archaeology, Bill Blake & Sarah Lunnon CIPA: Peter Waldhausl, Robin Letellier, JosĂŠ Luis Lerma, Fulvio Rinaudo Raymond Lemaire International Conservation Centre:- Mario Santana Quintero, Koen Van Balen, Public Works Canada

Divay Gupta 1st June 2007

Photo credits: Cover: Introduction: Acknowlegment: Page Header Icon:

Mehrangarg Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan Sriram Haveli, Old Delhi Baroda House, New Delhi Gateway Gohar Mahal, Bhopaal, MP

DIVAY GUPTA 9

SECTION 1 WHAT IS HERITAGE? Cultural Heritage refers to tangible and intangible manifestations of our history charting human evolution. For the purpose of this document cultural heritage will refer to monuments, groups of buildings and sites of heritage value, constituting the historic or built environment. This may include those buildings, artefacts, structures, areas and precincts that are of historic, aesthetic, architectural, associative or cultural significance and may include natural features within such sites of environmental or scenic beauty such as water bodies, tanks, wells, open areas, gardens, wooded areas, sacred groves, hills, hillocks, etc. It must be recognized that the ‘cultural landscape’ around a heritage site is critical for the interpretation of the site and its built heritage and is thus an integral part of the site. Though for the purpose of this document, the focus will be only on the built heritage.

PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING HERITAGE Although inter-related the following three key concepts need to be understood to determine whether the property is worthy of documentation as a heritage site: •

Significance

•

Integrity

•

Context

(I) SIGNIFICANCE Cultural significance is the importance of a property to the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or culture of a community, region or nation. In selecting a building as a heritage structure, particular attention should be paid to the following: •

Association with events, activities or patterns (like Parliament House in New Delhi or Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad)

10 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

•

Association with important persons or representing work of a master (like tombs, city of Jaipur & Chandigarh)

•

Distinctive physical characteristics of architectural style, design, construction or form (like forts & palaces)

•

Potential to yield important information, such as illustrating architectural, social or economic history. For e.g.: havelis, railway stations, town halls, clubs, markets, water works etc.

•

Technological innovations in construction or building typologies viz., dams, bridges, etc.

•

Town planning features like squares, streets avenues, etc. E.g.: Rajpath in Lutyens’ New Delhi.

(II) INTEGRITY Historic integrity is the property’s historic identity, evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics and significant elements that existed during the property’s historic period.

Historic integrity enables a property to illustrate significant aspects of its past. Not only must a property resemble its historic appearance, but it must also retain original materials, design features and aspects of construction dating from the period when it attained significance.

(III) CONTEXT Historic context is information about historic trends and properties grouped by an important theme in the history of a community, region or nation during a particular period of time.

Knowledge of historic context enables a recorder to understand a historic property as a product of its time.

HERITAGE TYPOLOGIES Our heritage comprises our cultural resources and our common assets which provid us with our Identity and distinction. Heritage not only includes monuments but can include, buildings, artefacts, historic precincts, archaeological sites and monuments, natural heritage such us sacred groves, hills, water bodies, vistas, forests, hills, open ground, garden, cultural landscapes, and also Cultural practices, rituals fairs, traditional arts & crafts.

Following categories and typologies of heritage sites can be identified and listed in a historic place:

DIVAY GUPTA 11

Historic Buildings & Sites •

Heritage Buildings

•

Historic Sites & Complex

•

Religious Centres

•

Vernacular and Local heritage structures

•

Archaeological Remains

•

Ruins & remnants

Temple Pavilion Devengiri, Karnataka

Historic & Traditional Settlements & Areas

Dusshera Chowk in Jaiselmer, Rajasthan

•

Heritage Villages

•

Craft Centres

•

Urban Precincts, street-scapes & Bazaars

•

Historic & trade Routes

•

Industrial & Technological & Transportation Sites

Cultural Landscape Features •

Cultural Landscapes

•

Landscape Features

•

Scenic Sites

•

Sacred Groves

•

Water bodies

Types of Heritage Buildings which should be listed based on their significance are:

Bungalow, Mt Abu

•

Residential

•

Commercial - Factories, Warehouses, Shops, Bazaars, Garages, Ports, etc.

•

Community - Schools/Colleges, Railway Stations, Post Offices, Police Stations, Libraries, Courts etc.

- Palaces, Havelis, Bungalows, Town Houses, Forts, Shikargahs

12 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

•

Religious

- Temples, Mosques, Dargahs, Gurudwaras, Churches, Shrines etc.

•

Memorials

- Samadhis, Tombs, Chatris, Head-stones, Historic inscriptions

WHAT IS DOCUMENTATION? Documentation is a process of compilation or capturing of information, both graphic and written records, that explains and illustrates the significant characteristics, physical configuration and condition of a historic building, site, structure, or object. It is sometimes also called recording in certain contexts.

The RecorDim initiative defines it as: Acquisition and application of heritage information. Where Heritage documentation is a continuous process enabling the monitoring, maintenance and understanding needed for conservation by the supply of appropriate and timely information. Documentation is both the product and action of meeting the information needs of heritage management.

It makes available a range of tangible and intangible resources, such as metric, narrative, thematic and societal records of cultural heritage.

Graphic records are most commonly photographs and drawings. These may consist of contemporary and historic photographs, copies of historic documents and illustrations. Drawings may be historic or measured drawings.

Measured drawings are produced from measurements taken from the structure being documented. Written records are based on research performed to determine the chronology, context and significance of the structure.

Descriptive records are based on inspection of the physical fabric of the structure. With the help of architectural documentation one can study a building, site, structure or object without necessarily visiting it. Since documentation is an physical evidence of the historic building it can also be used for monitoring of the sites over long and short term ranges.

WHY DOCUMENT? Our cultural heritage is manifested through historic structures which are among the most visible tangible evidence of history. Their documentation broadens the experience of our cultural history. It can open new doors to understanding the past. Historic structures can be significant for their characteristics and features, as well as for their association with people and events. As artefacts, they can provide insights into past cultures and activities, events and people.

Dharmshala, Lohagal

DIVAY GUPTA 13

One important purpose of documentation is for research and academic study.

The records can provide a way to investigate structures from the past that may otherwise be too scattered or too difficult to visit, or that have subsequently disappeared. Some structures may exist only in documentation, with no structural or material evidence.

Documentation can be used to record historic structures that cannot be saved or are too big for ‘curation’ in museums. Structures are destroyed in many ways and for many reasons: new development, technical or functional obsolescence, neglect, fire, natural disaster, and war. Some of the causes can be mitigated, with precautions taken against others. Documentation can also provide future generations with information on structures long since vanished.

Documentation can as well be a form of insurance for a significant structure in case of the catastrophic loss, the structure could be rebuilt.

For any conservation intervention it is important to first fully understand the structure or site, thus documentation helps in ensuring that the maintenance and conservation of heritage is sensitive to its physical form, its materials, construction and its historical, architectural and cultural significance.

A fundamental principle of documentation is that historic structures cannot be recorded and explained adequately by words alone. The graphic content is thus integral to recording the history of the built environment.

PURPOSES OF DOCUMENTATION: Research – to acquire knowledge in order to advance the understanding of cultural heritage, its values and its evolution.

Conservation – to facilitate appropriate conservation techniques and interventions within a historic building, through illustrating information about its physical form, material knowledge, conservation priorities and cultural significance.

Policy & Planning – to encourage formulation of Heritage Regulations, Legislations, Tourism Development Plans, identify potentials for reuse for heritage buildings, especially tourist & infrastructure facilities also Identification of Historic Precincts and generating Guidelines for Urban & Rural Conservation.

Informed management – to monitor and develop conservation priorities and maintenance mechanisms for informed management to determine and control changes to cultural heritage.

Heritage Awareness – to promote the interest and involvement of the people

14 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

in conservation of heritage through dissemination of recorded information through publications and site interpretation.

DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS & PRINCIPLES Recognizing the importance of documentation within the context of conservation, ICOMOS developed ‘principles for recording of monuments, groups of buildings and sites’. These were ratified in its general assembly, held in Sofia, Bulgaria in Oct 1996. Moreover ICOMOS has also constituted an initiative called RecorDIM (recording documentation and information management) which also deals with the issues and challenges emerging from recording historic buildings and sites.

The purpose of this book is also to evolve and develop principles for documenting historic properties by conservation professionals within the India context. Thus documentation should be undertaken to an appropriate level in order to fulfil the following principles: PRINCIPLE 1 – ILLUSTRATING SIGNIFICANCE: Includes content and requires documentation to adequately illustrate what is significant or valuable about the historic building, site, structure or object that is being documented. The documentation should demonstrate the historical development of the site and where possible explain the phases of the development of the structure. The historical, architectural, engineering or cultural values together determine the level and methodology of the documentation process.

PRINCIPLE 2 – QUALITY AND ACCURACY: Documentation must aim at accuracy that can be used for further research and for conservation activities and interventions. The information should be collected from reliable sources with limitations clearly stated to permit independent verification of the information.

PRINCIPLE 3 – ACCESSIBILITY: The documentation should be produced on mediums which can be duplicated easily and be of archival quality. A back up copy should be stored in a separate safe location. The documentation should be made accessible to statutory authorities, to concerned professionals and to the public, for the purpose of research, development controls, conservation and other administrative and legal processes where appropriate. A report of the main results of any documentation should also be disseminated, published and interpreted on site where appropriate.

DIVAY GUPTA 15

PRINCIPLE 4 – CLARITY: The documentation and accompanying supporting materials should be legible, clear and concise. They should bear identification of the structure, scale on graphic materials, location references, and all sources of information indicated and acknowledged when not obtained directly from the building, site or object that is being documented.

DOCUMENTATION PROCESS & METHODOLOGY Documentation should be seen as a priority and as an integral part of research and all conservation activities.

Documentation should be taken up before, during and after any conservation intervention, repairs, alteration, reuse or other intervention to the historic building. It should also be undertaken when the heritage is at risk of damage from human or natural causes, during or following accidental or unforeseen disturbances which damage the cultural heritage. Documentation can also be undertaken when a change of management occurs. However it should adopt ‘value based approach’ where conservation and documentation requirements are prioritised based on the ‘cultural value’ of the heritage asset being conserved or documented.

As the documentation of cultural heritage is a complex task, the process requires the involvement of skilled individuals with knowledge and awareness of the associated tasks. This may require training programme to achieve this.

As most of the documentation process, especially for developing conservation strategies, requires multi-tasking, the documentation will involve individuals working in collaboration, such as surveyors, architects, engineers, historians, archaeologists and other heritage specialist. The individuals involved should be responsible for ensuring that documentation principles are followed adequately and accurately document the historic building or the site.

DOCUMENTATION METHODOLOGY: The process of any documentation typically requires three stages of: 1. Background research 2. Field survey 3. Post Processing - Analysis and Dissemination /Presentation Before any documentation is to be undertaken existing sources of information should be found, acknowledged and examined for their adequacy and accuracy.

16 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

The existing records could be in the form of old drawings, photographs, published or unpublished accounts, descriptions and documents related to its history, ownership etc. These records are generally found in archives, local municipalities, research institutions, architectural colleges, museums, libraries or private collections. Based on the availability of existing records the next stage of field work should be planned, determining the most appropriate level, scope and method for documentation for the required purpose.

The method of documentation should be determined by the nature of heritage to be documented, along with the purpose, the availability of technology and human skills, the cultural context, funding and other resources available.

Documentation methodologies should in most cases use non-intrusive techniques causing no damage to the structure being documented. The various techniques for documentation may vary from very low-tech sketches, measured drawing, written descriptions to more sophisticated equipments for photography (aerial and terrestrial), geo physical surveys, maps, replicas to high-tech modern technologies of rectified and stereo photo grammetry, True Ortho-photo laser scan, digital aerial photo grammetry and other traditional or modern techniques.

The information thus captured through the physical field surveys is analysed and generally complied in the format which is most appropriate for the purpose it was done. The most appropriate for large data set like inventory or town level studies is the GIS the other format is HTML especially if data is to be stored on line. This can be further disseminated through print / digital publications and or interpretations on site.

DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION: Digital means to store and present documentation information is now becoming very popular, whether as a word-document, CAD drawing or a digital image. However the long term stability of such data is still unproven as storage media are rapidly superseded by technological development. It is thus recommended to keep a hard copy of the data deposited in digital form and decide on the best means to store it in digital format on-line (web-based storage capacities) or off-line (hard disk or removable storage devises such as CDs, DVDs, floppies etc.) both of which will require regular upgrading to ensure their continuous readability with software and hardware changes.

DOCUMENTATION LEVELS: Documentation is determined not only by the significance of the structure or site which is being documented but by many other factors. Appropriate levels of documentations need to be based on the purpose of the documentation.

DIVAY GUPTA 17

Though the levels define the extent of documentation there are certain essential elements that should be identified within each documentation. This could serve as the 'base line documentation' and should include the following: 1. Name of the building, structure or the site 2. Photographs 3. A unique reference or serial number 4. Location of the building structure or site 5. Ownership and levels of protection to the structure or site 6. A brief description regarding its physical attribute, cultural significance, history and present condition 7. Date and name of organization/individual undertaking documentation 8. Acknowledgements to all the sources of information.

LEVEL 1 Inventory form with written description and photographs showing its significant characteristics.

Level 1 is the simplest form of documentation and is essentially a visual record, supplemented by information needing to identify the buildings, location, age and type. This will be adopted typically when information is to needed on a large number of buildings for general statistical & planning purposes or when resources are limited. The description is mostly on the exteriors of the building and only its highly significant interior & decorative features are described. Part of the description can also be based on secondary sources, however only when circumstances and objectives allow, a sketch plan is also included however basic photography is a must.

LEVEL 2 scaled plans with description on the inventory form with additional photographs of both exterior and interior view and written descriptions on the cultural significance, history, historic evolution, architectural and decorative aspects, present condition, use and select copies of available historic views of the buildings.

This level is also based mostly on visual survey and similar circumstances as Level 1 but serve a different purpose.

Most of the information in this level will be primary and collected on site, this includes descriptive documentation on the building’s origins, develop-

18 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

ment and use supported by minimal drawings (mostly ground plan) and photographs of both exteriors and interiors illustrating its significance and present condition. These are generally done as preliminary feasibility inspection for determining further conservation or documentation requirements.

LEVEL 3 a full set of measured drawings (plans, elevation section architectural & constructional details and building condition) with extensive photodocumentation of both exteriors and interiors, written data on history, historic evolution, architectural, structural and decorative aspects, present condition and historic views, drawings and select copies of other available historic and contemporary data on the site.

This is the most extensive documentation level and is generally employed for highly significant buildings. The range of drawings (plans, elevations, sections and detail), descriptions, photographs and information is greater than at other levels and will be gathered mainly through examination of the building itself. The documentation will also include the full range of analysis and interpretation data on the buildings historic evolution architectural significance and present condition. This level will also draw on all other sources of information about the building and discuss its significance in terms of architectural, social, regional and economic history. This documentation is generally employed for research on important heritage buildings and sites and also to undertake major conservation activities.

Circumstance Strategic heritage planning at national, regional or local level

Principal need

Level of record

Form of record

Information on the distribution, condition and significance of heritage buildings and sites to inform national and local policy initiatives.

Generally lowlevel record.

Buildingspecific information may be highly selective or variable in level (typically Level 1, but in select cases Level 2)

May make extensive use of external photography, supplemented by written accounts of individual buildings and/or synthetic text.

Drawn element may be omitted, simplified, limited to maps or restricted to key examples. Using GIS for Data analysis

DIVAY GUPTA 19

Management planning for historic buildings or sites

Baseline information on the nature and significance of buildings, providing a foundation for long-term decision-making and better understanding of the site’s significance

Medium-level record (Level 2), which may vary with the perceived significance of the building site

Measured drawings may form an important and cost-effective component, meeting a range of non-historical as well as historical needs

Extensive repairs or alterations to a significant building

Detailed High (Level 3) information on the nature and development of a building’s fabric, in the context of an overview of its significance, and of the significance of its various parts as well as interventions proposed

The drawn record may be more detailed than the norm, to inform step-by-step decision-making.

Photo grametric survey for before after interventions.

Catastrophic damage to a significant building (e.g. major fire, earthquake)

Not as a prelude to demolition (see below), understanding of the nature and development of the building’s fabric, in the context of an overview of its significance, and of the significance of its various parts

Attention will focus initially on areas most vulnerable to loss (debris, charred timber, waterdamaged plaster, etc.), which may be recorded in greater detail than normal to assist reconstruction.

Photographic recording most appropriate in such cases

Variable, depending on the significance of the building, the extent of loss and safety considerations, generally for large regions Level 1, for individual buildings Level 2

20 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

Dismantling prior to reerection

Detailed Medium to understanding of high (Level 2 the fabric of the or 3) building, and of the craft processes which shaped it

The drawn and photographic record is likely to be extensive, and will be carried out both prior to, and during, dismantling. The process of reconstruction, including any departure from traditional practices and materials, may also be documented

Proposed demolition

Assessment of the significance of the building and a record of what is to be lost

In special circumstances, and where resources permit, it may be appropriate to record the building during dismantling. The drawn and photographic record should to be extensive for significant buildings

Variable, depending on the significance of the building generally Level 2-3.

SKILLS FOR DOCUMENTATION Documentation is a very developed field especially in the Western world, though it is not so widely recognized here as a specialization. However it is a highly skilled and multi-disciplinary job and persons trained for this should have the following knowledge and understanding for better results: •

Knowledge of a history of architecture to be able to understand the significance of the building and site.

•

Knowledge of construction techniques to comprehend the construction systems to be able to represent them on paper

•

Knowledge of architectural vocabulary to represent the same on drawings and text

•

Knowledge of geometry and survey

DIVAY GUPTA 21

•

Other skills are required based on the type of surveys and equipment being used, e.g. Specialists for GIS interpretations of aerial maps and technicians for use of total station equipment, and CAD operators.

It is important to remember that there is a need to retain flexibility in the application of the levels of documentation described above. It is also not possible to prescribe forms and levels of documentation for all circumstances, thus it is often necessary to vary the content of the documentation to provide elements to illustrate a particular aspect of the building. Moreover initial aims may be flexible as the documentation methodology may require modifications in the course of the project. Documentation will tend towards one level or another rather than being capable of precise description.

Nonetheless, it’s useful to be clear as to which level the documentation most closely correspond.

DIVAY GUPTA 23

SECTION 2 TOOLS FOR DOCUMENTATION Most documentation combines the techniques of written description, photography and measured drawings to illustrate the significance of the building.

For the purpose of these documents, each of these techniques are discussed separately. However only inventories are taken up for detailed description in keeping with the scope of this manual.

I. INVENTORIES (LISTINGS) & WRITTEN DESCRIPTIONS WHAT IS LISTING? Listing is an inventory of heritage buildings & sites based on the survey of the cultural heritage of an area. Areas of heritage in a town/city are explored, to uncover the various heritage components that depict the different time period and reflect the influence of history on the town/city. The different architectural styles and the landscape are also recorded. It attempts a comprehensive inventory of the built heritage of a state/city.

However listed building or site essentially means inventoried buildings/site with a statutory designations. When the inventory of heritage building is designated under the relevant legislation (Heritage Regulations, Municipal Acts, Heritage Bill, Town an Country Act, Ancient Monuments act etc.) it acquires the status of a Listing.

Since a large part of our heritage is Unprotected Heritage it becomes most vulnerable without any documentation. Moreover no legislative framework is possible without baseline data or a data bank. This database of listing will serve as resource material for heritage regulations as well as to farm Heritage laws at the Municipal/Panchayat level.

Listing also act as a basic tool which is needed to identify conservation priorities and strategies in heritage planning especially for large regions.

24 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

LISTING–BENEFITS & USAGES •

Cultural resource data bank

•

Formulation of heritage regulations

•

Tourism development plans

•

Prioritizing conservation works

•

Potential for reuse

•

Tourist & infrastructure facilities

•

Identification of historic precincts

•

Guidelines for urban & rural conservation

•

Heritage walks

MAKING AN INVENTORY The most commonly used technique in documenting cultural heritage through written means are inventories. They are generally supported by photographs.

Most countries follow a system of inventorying their cultural heritage which are then adopted as listed buildings.

An inventory of a historic neighborhood uses building dates, type, size, and opulence of the structures, comparisons of original, subsequent and contemporary uses to show how a neighbourhood and its economy developed and changed, and how historical research provides context chronology, description, interpretation, and assessment for architectural and engineering documentation. Research forms the basis for identifying significant structures and is the initial step in the documentation process. Historians then investigate and assemble information on selected structures, analyze the structure and the historical data, and distill the information into a cogent history and description.

Most inventories have 3 basic divisions on identification, description and additional information. The process of describing a historic building is covered below as part of the process of developing a national register developed by INTACH. SKILLS REQUIRED FOR LISTING The usefulness of a listing will depend largely on the accuracy and professional quality of the document. It is therefore important that professionals and qualified personnel are involved in this exercise. Typically such listings and surveys should be done under the guidance of qualified historians, conservation architects and archeologists. Architects, planners and anthropolo-

DIVAY GUPTA 25

gists may be useful in gathering information. It is possible that such expertise is not readily available at the local level where the listing is to be undertaken, in these circumstances local professionals could be trained to undertake the listing assignment. However the overall work should still be supervised and monitored by people familiar with the listing process.

INVENTORY OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS Since a large part of India's cultural heritage has so far remained undocumented, preparing an inventory of heritage buildings worthy of preservation, is the most important task. Such listing exercises have been carried out in most countries that have had a perceived threat to their heritage.

Though no statutory body exists in India with a mandate to list heritage buildings and sites. INTACH has since its inception, listed about 60,000 buildings in and around 150 cities. This is still only the tip of the iceberg as there are more than 4000 estimated heritage towns and cities in the country.

USE OF INVENTORIES Inventories are a primary tool for the conservation and protection of built heritage. Strategies for conservation are meaningless without knowledge and understanding of what exists. Survey, analysis and compilation of the inventory of buildings and structures are vital - individually and in groups.

Only on the basis of an understanding of the areas can appropriate policies and programmes for conservation be drawn up.

Inventories are useful for prioritizing work for conservation, identification of tourism potential and routes, for considerations in planning development projects such as infrastructure and education, improving public awareness by recognition of the value of this heritage and identification of potential projects. Only when such information is available, assistance from national and international aid organisations and cultural foundations can be sought for future preservation and extensive documentation projects.

The main aim of listing is primarily to document the fast disappearing built heritage and then present it to scholars and the general public in a simple, readable format which would then aid conservation by generating public awareness. Once a property/building is included in such a list, it also becomes justifiable to undertake necessary conservation and preservation initiatives.

Buildings protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and the State Departments of Archaeology should also be included in the lists of within which they fall. These buildings of archaeological, architectural and historical value, need to be included in order to present an adequate representation of the area’s built heritage.

26 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

PRECINCTS OR MULTIPLE PROPERTY A historic building complex may comprise of numerous ancillary structures besides the main structure. Each such structure contributing to the complex needs to be documented on individual performas. For e.g., Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas and Moti Masjid all form part of the Agra Fort complex but are also individual buildings in their own right. Similarly a street, bazaar or mohalla may have only few individual buildings worthy of listing however collectively they form a streetscape considered of protection.

LISTING METHODOLOGY Listing work comprises mainly three phases: (i) Background research, and (ii) Field work (iii) Data Analysis & Dissemination (I) BACKGROUND RESEARCH Before commencing on the actual field work, the lister should gather basic information from various sources including gazetteers, travel books, and several other specialised books containing information about the architecture and history of the area to be listed/documented. This work could be done in the libraries of various universities, the A.S.I., the National Museum, the Central Secretariat, the respective State Secretariats, Institutes of Advanced Studies and Schools of Planning and Architecture and National & State Archives. In a given area, local experts and university scholars are the resource people to provide with required guidance and help.

At the local level information can also be gathered from patwaris, revenue maps, sales deeds etc., especially related to ownerships and subdivisions. In addition to this, local community members can provide important information and insight into the heritage of the place, since a large part of this information is vested within community groups as oral tradition, this source of information should not be overlooked while preparing the listing. Moreover the community members could be encouraged to list buildings and sites according to their importance which could compiled or formally listed.

This would ensure that no important structure or representative style of building is left out in an area. Background research essentially helps in identifying historic areas, historic development of the area, significant events and the important associated persons of the area. In some well documented places, distinctive physical characteristics of design, construction or form of building resource can also be identified.

DIVAY GUPTA 27

(II) FIELD WORK First and foremost it comprises carrying out a physical field survey to identify the buildings and the areas to be recorded. Later detailed physical inspection of the property as well as meeting local people such as owners of the property, talking to other residents, local panchayats, etc. needs to be undertaken. By physically inspecting the property the lister can gather facts and information regarding the physical fabric of the building e.g. physical characteristics, period of construction and so on that need to be cross checked. By conducting a dialogue with the residents, one can determine the changes to the property over time, ownership details, historic function and activities, association with events and persons, and the role of the property in the local, regional or national history.

Often residents or heritage property owners may claim the ‘historicity’ of a particular site, which needs to be established by physical evidence on site like architectural style, building construction material and techniques etc.

Claims related to mythical associations should be recorded separately, as part of the significance of the site.

When gathering information, the lister must keep in mind how it will fit into the final performa. The performa, is a record of the property at the time of listing and consists of current name, historic or other name(s), location, approach and accessibility, current ownership, historic usage and present use. Historic significance and integrity are to be supported in special features the state of preservation, date and grading of the building follows.

Moreover if the collected data is to be finally compiled in the GIS format it is necessary that each building inventory should have a Geocentric position which can be easily acquired through a GPS equipment available in various ranges in the market. However it should be kept in mind that the GPS positioning should be standard or common for all buildings, for example the main entrances or the central courtyards or the northern corners etc. for each building.

DOCUMENTATION FOR THE LISTING (i) Introduction: •

Brief write up on the history/architecture of the city/settlement

•

Brief details, like the architectural style(s) or the vernacular building materials and construction methods, to serve as background material for the individual buildings documented using the listing format

•

A note on the methodology employed for identification and listing of structures

28 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

•

References and further readings on the subject should also be included.

(ii) Summary: A list of buildings with the following essential details.

•

Serial No.

•

Name of the property/building

•

Postal address

•

Period/date

•

Ownership Status: Protected/Unprotected, Private/Public

•

Usage: In Use/Abandoned/In Partial Use

•

Grade (I*/I/II/III)

(iii) Mapping of the structures: Each listed settlement/area should be accompanied by a map with listed properties/buildings properly indicated/ marked on that map. The scale of the map depends on the size of the area/ town/settlement. (Details regarding mapping are specified under Section II of Guidelines for filling up the inventory/format of heritage properties). (iv) Detailed format for all the structures: The data or information for each building is to be recorded on an inventory format under the following fields: •

Serial Number, date of listing, map reference or location on map to be given on each page as per guidelines

•

Name, other names, name of the precinct or complex (if any) in which the property is located

•

Location i.e., postal address, approach and surroundings of the property

•

Ownership status and name & address of the owner

•

Age/Date of the property and its source

•

Usage: In Use/Abandoned/In Partial Use and mention of present & past uses

•

Property category & typology

•

Historical (or social, cultural, archaeological or any other) significance

•

Architectural description

•

Construction materials and techniques

•

Decorative features

•

State of preservation, threats and condition description of the property

DIVAY GUPTA 29

•

Value and grading

•

Potential of the building/site/settlement that may prove helpful for necessary future interventions.

•

Sources and References of Information

Besides the above information, each performa must have: •

Details of the listers (name and address)

•

Details of the reviewer

at least one photograph of the property/building for identification purposes should appear on the first page of the performa/format. All the significant elements of the property that also need to be photographed should be given on third page under ‘Additional Photographs’. All photographs to include the roll number and exposure number, similar process should also be adopted for digital photos.

Plans/Drawings: A conceptual plan (not measured drawn) can be given for each building listed where appropriate. Drawings like floor plans, elevations, details of the building wherever available (properly sourced) or possible to draw can also be given under this section.

INTACH Haridwar Listing form

(v)

Appendices: any additional information related to or affecting the built heritage of the city/town/region documented and its conservation should be included as appendices e.g. laws and regulations on planning and conservation etc.

(vi) Glossary: a list explaining any technical and special words used must be provided.

Mapping of listing on Haridwar survey maps

(vii) Bibliography: all books, publications, articles, and unpublished work should be mentioned in the bibliography. A uniform format should be followed throughout. (viii) Team: the constitution of the team that worked on the project should be mentioned. The list should include the names, designation and the addresses of all the team members.

(III) DATA ANALYSIS & DISSEMINATION Recording and Analysis of information collected through secondary and primary survey is among the most important aspect of the listing. Decisions on its further usage and storage as also essential to be taken up. Though best way to ‘preserve’ any document is its wide publication, today we have technology like the www and internet where the large amount data could be

30 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

stored in digital format. The data stored should be easily accessible depending upon its sensitivity and future use.

•

Computer feeding of data should preferably in GIS or HTML formats.

•

Public Exhibition of listed heritage properties should be help for better public awareness.

•

Publications/ Newspaper advertisements/CD Rom etc. can be used for seeking public opinions.

•

Heritage walks of identified priority heritages zones/areas also encourage sensitivity towards heritage issues.

II. MEASURED DRAWINGS Measured drawings are one of the most commonly used forms of architectural documentation, they are also the most expensive because of the involvement of skilled persons, survey equipment and the length of time it takes to produce them.

They can be produced for many reasons: • to be used as the basis for planning, restoration or conservation work • for academics or scholars to understand the significance of a structure • to document a structure facing imminent demolition or relocation • to aid in the normal maintenance of a structure • as a record for protection against catastrophic loss • for public records information or interpretation.

The types of subjects recorded with measured drawings are widely varied.

Measured drawings can vary from simple line drawings showing spatial layouts of a residence, to a elaborately detailed drawings of a carved door-frame.

TYPES OF DRAWINGS Sketch Drawings are an alternative to measured drawings when a structure does not warrant measured drawings, or when time or money is not available to produce measured drawings. Sketch plans do not have to be accurately scaled, but they should show elements in proper proportion to each other. Sketches may include the primary and typical floor plans, site plans, and, less frequently, sections and details. Sketches of floor plans can also be used for key locations for photographs. Sketch plans should always include basic dimensions, approximate scale, a north arrow, the name of the delineator, and the date. Elevations are generally better shown in photographs.

?

Sketch Drwaing Zanskar Monastry documentation AH INTACH

DIVAY GUPTA 31

Scaled Drawings, intended to provide the basis for restoration, will require extensive dimensions and annotations to record the necessary historical and conditional information, while drawings intended for maintenance purposes may require little more than material indications and dimensions for calculating gross areas needing treatment. Measured drawings produced as mitigation are the “last rites� for a structure slated for demolition, recording for future generations all its salient features. Drawings intended to serve as protection from catastrophic loss must be detailed enough to allow the exact replication of a highly significant structure should that structure be destroyed.

WHAT ARE MEASURED DRAWINGS? Measured drawings are line drawings that follow standard drafting conventions to portray, a three-dimensional structure in two dimensions. The results can be shown in many different ways like hand or CAD drawings, 3D visualization and models.

Measured drawings are generally produced many years after a structure was originally built and portray conditions at the time of documentation, including the additions, alterations, and deletions that have occurred over time on the original. Hidden elements, exploded views, sequences of construction, and functional processes can also be portrayed in a drawing.

Measured drawings are based primarily on physical evidence obtained directly from the structure through its measurements using equipment such as tapes, rods and electronic distance measurer (EDM), but may also rely on other sources of information like old drawings, photographs etc.

Historic records, whether written, drawn or photographed can provide evidence of former conditions and may help to interpret the physical fabric of a building. Historic records, especially of old drawings, should be studied carefully to make sure they are reliable and accurate, and fulfill the needs of a planned and measured drawing survey.

Measured drawings survey may also be augmented by other techniques designed to document details such as photo grammetry, rectified and stereo photography, total station, 3D laser-scan etc. The advantages and limitations of each of these processes should be understood before they are employed for documentation.

Measured drawings require varying levels of detail and annotation depending on their ultimate use. It is important to establish the purpose and objective of measured drawings before they are undertaken and the following questions should be kept in mind: 1. What drawings best explain and illustrate the significant features of the site?

32 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

2. What kind of detail is required in the drawings? This will determine the scale of the drawing.

3. How many dimensions and annotations are necessary?

4. What level of accuracy is needed in the measurements?

5. What sheet size should be used be for printing the drawing ? Do not mix sheet sizes in a single set of drawings.

6. How will this drawing be useful for undertaking conservation/ restoration works.

A MEASURED DRAWING SET SHOULD CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING: Site Plan The site plan includes enough of the surrounding area to establish the setting for the structure or object being recorded. This will also contain information on the designed or natural landscape of the site. Recommended scale for this is 1:250 or 1:500.

Plans Plans are the most essential element of measured drawings. They cannot be documented adequately in photographs. Plan drawings are horizontal cuts through a structure that portray the arrangement and progression of spaces, they also often incorporate ceiling and floor details. Plans are cut at a consistent height. The convention is to cut through at sill level of openings such as doors and windows.

Plans are arranged in a logical progression, from the bottom up (the lowest level comes first, the highest level last). All plans should be drawn at the same scale so that the relationship between levels is constant. Where similar floor plans are repeated many times, as in tall buildings or row houses, typical floor plans can be drawn and annotated to note small differences among them.

Roof plans provide information about the arrangement and massing of a structure, particularly for large buildings and complexes. They are generally included at a small scale on the site plan. The recommended scale for this is 1:100.

Elevations Elevation drawings show facades, room elevations, and other vertical elements of a structure. For buildings, the front facade is the most commonly drawn because it is usually the most important. Secondary facades can sometimes be adequately recorded with photography. In such

Ground Plan Mani Mandir, INTACH

DIVAY GUPTA 33

instances, dimensional information can be obtained from plans and section drawings. The recommended scale for this is the same as that of plans, 1:100. However, at times, it becomes necessary to enlarge them to 1:50 to show more details.

Sections

Section courtyard Gohar Mahal, INTACH

Section drawings are vertical cuts through a structure that show the vertical arrangement of spaces and objects. What you see in a section drawing of a building is a series of room elevations in accurate relation to one another but separated by walls, floors, and ceilings. The locations of section cuts are indicated on each floor plan so that they can be related. Section drawings are useful because they provide vertical information-floor-to-floor heights, ceiling heights, roof height, and the vertical progression of spaces. The recommended scale for this is 1:50.

Details Detailed drawings explain how objects fit or work together and generally focus on architectural, construction or decorative aspects of the building. A door or window detail may include a plan, interior and exterior elevations, and jamb detail, lintel, and sill sections with material specifications.

Large-scale drawings are also appropriate for depicting complex objects, such as construction and fixing details, that cannot be delineated adequately on a small scale. Other objects such as carvings or moldings can also be recorded adequately with photographs using a scale stick. The recommended scale depend upon the details to be shown and can vary from 1:25 – 1:5 – 1:1, however all CAD drawings are generated on 1:1 scale, they can be plotted on desired scale.

Interpretive Drawings An interpretive drawing cross-references and integrates material by putting together details that may otherwise appear separately in accompanying written data, photographs, or standard measured drawings. Interpretive drawings help the user to see significant relationships and features that may be impossible to present effectively with other documentary media.

Restoration Elevation, Mani Mandir INTACH 2003

Interpretive drawings can be produced in various ways. One way is to annotate a measured drawing in order to explain information that may not be apparent from the delineation, e.g. the water circulation system of a fountain baradari. Also the most efficient way to explain the evolution of a site is to produce a drawing that portray the chronological development of the site.

34 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

Other drawings Several types of drawings are effective, depending on what kind of information is to be presented. Isometric or perspective views showing the relationship between components in space can often clarify physical connections, relative sizes, functioning parts, structural systems or other factors when surrounding obstructions are graphically stripped away. Such drawings may also be used to carefully restore or re-create a site from surviving documentary or on-site information, especially when no other representation of the site in its intact condition is known to exist. Isometric cut aways or exploded views are ideal ways to show how something is made internally or assembled from various parts. All such drawings should be copiously annotated, but should not duplicate information more effectively left to written descriptions or to photography.

GATHERING INFORMATION FIELD NOTES The assembled raw materials for producing measured drawings constitute field notes and dimensions. Field notes are a valuable primary resource because they contain all the detailed information on methodology, dimensions, and notes made at the time of documentation.

The quality of the field work has a considerable impact on the quality of the completed documentation. Therefore field work must be thought out in advance to organize recording efficiently and to minimize mistakes. Field notes must be comprehensive as well as indicate information neatly so that others can understand them.

PROCURING MEASUREMENTS Dimensions for measured drawings normally come from three sources: (i) Historic Documents (ii) Photographs (iii) Hand measurements MEASURING TIPS A few points are important to remember in making hand measurements.

-

It cannot be assumed that rooms or buildings are square or that floors are level. Taking diagonal measurements and checking levels will allow you to determine if there is any distortion.

-

Establish datum lines and planes as points of reference for the measurements.

DIVAY GUPTA 35

-

Cumulative measurements are more accurate than consecutive measurements because they use a common zero point and thus do not require that the tape be relocated after each measurement.

-

Hold the tape taut when making measurements. Temperature, tension, and wind can affect the accuracy of taped measurements by causing the tape to stretch, shrink, or sag.

-

Know where the zero point is on the tape. It is not always at the end.

-

Horizontal distances must be measured with the tape held level.

-

Use a plumb line to measure points displaced vertically.

-

Triangulate to features on inclined or curved surfaces from fixed points.

-

Remember that the minimum distance from a point to a line is always in a direction perpendicular to the line, so that if you set the end of a tape at the point and swing it near the line, the minimum measurement is the true dimension. Similarly, the distance from a point to a plane follows the same geometric rule.

-

Use the utmost care in transcribing dimensions. Use a standardized system of notation to reduce the chance of error. For instance, the dimension 1 ‘-8" is similar to 18" both visually and literally.

-

The use of surveying instruments and other measuring tools can both speed up measuring and increase accuracy.

OBTAINING MEASUREMENTS Dimensions for measured drawings normally come from three sources: documents, photographs, and hand measurements. It is generally observed that the final measured drawings will seek information from all the three sources.

Historic Documents: Measurements in this case may come from original drawings, old views, published accounts, previous surveys, specifications, etc. The documenter must verify the accuracy of the information against the structure itself. Many a time the municipalities, patwaries, local archives and libraries have historic maps of cities and some important public buildings, moreover there may be written records available of construction of certain buildings like labour registers etc. These can serve as useful resource data for documentation.

Hand Measurement: These are produced by surveying and measuring angles and distances by electronic survey instruments or by measuring and then counting repetitive materials. The tools for measurement by hand vary in

36 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

their sophistication depending upon and individual’s skill and the accuracy of the equipment.

Total Station/EDM: Surveys are made by direct measurement using tapes and rods and can be supported by Electronic Distance Measuring (EDM, including its reflector less successor, REDM) equipment. The latter is particularly valuable on larger and more complex sites, where it may save time as well as improve accuracy. Hand-held laser-measurement devices are also available as a supplement to direct measurement.

Photography offers a wide variety of information-gathering capabilities.

Field photographs are used as an adjunct to field measurements and most commonly used for double-checking accuracy. They are also very costeffective. As a rule of thumb, the less accessible a site is for checking measurements, that many more field photographs should be taken.

A measuring stick placed in the field of view of a photograph can be used to measure distances. Photographs also convey information on condition and texture. Photographs of decorative details can also be scanned and traced on appropriate scale especially on CAD. However it is advised that 3x3 rules be followed for the same (ref annex 2). They can be used in other, less common ways to produce measurements. The techniques of rectified photography, mono- and stereo-photogrammetry, and analytical photogrammetry are also in use extensively for measured drawings Architectural Photogrammetry: Architectural photogrammetry combines principles of photography and geometry in a method in which scaled drawings can be obtained from photographs. The process makes use of photographs taken from known locations to create an optical model that can be scaled in all directions. There are several kinds of photogrammetry, which vary in technique, accuracy and expense like Recrified photography, Stereo photo grammetry, Laser scan, True ortho photo, Aerial photo grammetry etc.

However it is beyond the scope of this manual to discuss these techniques in details.

III. PHOTOGRAPHY Like drawings, photographs amplify and illuminate a record. In many cases they are more efficient in capturing data than either drawing or written description, but they also valuably supplement and verify drawn or written records. The texture of materials is difficult to depict by drawing or writing.

Certain aspects of current conditions, such as minor cracks, plaster delaminating, or peeling paint, are too small or too time-consuming to draw.

A single photograph, taken from the right vantage point, establishes the environmental setting for a building or structure to be studied. To achieve

DIVAY GUPTA 37

the same result with a history or drawing would require expending too much effort on a secondary aspect of the subject being documented.

Photography is the least expensive, fastest, and easiest method of documentation, more so with the use of digital images. Though for better results simple 3x3 rules of photo gramtry are advised. Photographic documentation is done with black-and-white film this it is still considered to be best for archival purposes. Because color film fades and its colors change.

Recently the use of digital photography has also become popular.

PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY A good documentary photograph is : Using photographs as elevation, Gwalior Chatri, INTACH

•

Accurate and informative of the building

•

Ensure that the images are sharp and suitable for enlarging

•

The angle of the sun and camera position are chosen to avoid casting details into deep shadows, thus obscuring them

•

To enable the viewer to sense the scale and size of the subject being photographed, scale sticks can be placed in the field of view

•

To get accurate exposures, a light meter is essential.

Which film?

The only suitable film for permanent documentation purposes is black-andwhite, which is archival stable. Of the panchromatic, continuous-tone blackand-white films, the slower the film (lower ASA/ISO designation), the less grainy it is, and the less grain, the more the negative can be satisfactorily enlarged.

400 ASA black-and-white film, makes excellent enlargements possible.

Talao at Rewari

DIGITAL IMAGES The development of still digital cameras in recent years has provided the opportunity to capture good-quality images without the use of film. Digital capture can now deliver good-quality images provided that a high-resolution camera is used – i.e. one with sensors exceeding 5 mega pixels. When preparing files for printing, a resolution of 300 dpi at the required output size is appropriate.

There are many different formats for digital image files, but two are in particularly widespread use. TIFF and JPEG files are easily transferable and are readable on most computers. TIFF files are uncompressed and therefore large, while JPEG files are compressed and therefore much smaller than their TIFF counterparts. While JPEG files are generally well-adapted to the incorpora-

38 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

tion of digital images in word-processed documents, uncompressed file types such as TIFF are preferred by most archives that accept digital data. (Refer to Annex 2 for further guidance on photography of heritage buildings) SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES X-ray photography, or radiography, infrared photography and the computer enhancement of photographs are three highly specialized techniques of great value in the right circumstances.

Restoration architects can use portable x-ray equipment to uncover what was inside a wall without destroying the interior or exterior finishes.

In infrared photography, a special film with corrective filters is used. The resulting images, whether in color or black-and-white, have tones or colours different from those produced with normal film. The unusual pattern of tone and/or colors in infrared film reveals characteristics not visible on normal film or to the eye. One of the most effective uses has been in aerial photography, where infrared photography reveals below-ground structures that otherwise would not be apparent without conducting an archeological dig.

The computer enhancement of photographs is a technique to improve the clarity of satellite photographs. The same technique can be used to make historic photographs less fuzzy and, therefore, more informative.

Since the purpose of this brief is to establish guidelines for documentation it has not been possible to discuss many techniques above, especially procedures and detailed technicalities are not included for undertaking measured drawings and photography in historic buildings. However they are introduced as tools available for documentation. Since both these techniques have been well written about the users and practitioners are advised to refer to these. A brief list of publication on the subject is included as a bibliography.

DIVAY GUPTA 39

SECTION 3 GUIDELINES FOR FILLING THE INTACH INVENTORY OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES (Refer Listing Format as Annex 1a) SERIAL NO. State/City/Property No. State: The state for which the listing exercise is being done shall come as a prefix. This is required to avoid duplication due to similar names of cities in two different states.

E.g.. UP is the prefix for the listing being conducted in Uttar Pradesh.

City: The city or district for which the listing exercise is being conducted shall have a prefix.

E.g.. Lucknow shall be named as LKO, Delhi shall be named as DEL. Property No: for each individual property (building, structure, site) allot whole nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and so on. This is a running serial number to identify a property.

Note: The serial number should be given on all the sheets of the performa.

DATE OF LISTING This is important as the listing performa is to document all the relevant details of a building/property at a given time.

MAP REFERENCE •

Each listed settlement (town, city or rural settlements) must be accompanied by a map of the area with listed heritage buildings/ properties identified with a corresponding serial number (as given on the performa). As far as possible, the north point and the scale of the map should be specified.

40 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

•

Sources of maps are: Survey of India offices, Town and Country Planning Offices (TCPO), Municipal Authorities, Development Authorities, Zila Headquarters, Tehsil Offices etc. In case maps are not available due to security reasons, tourist maps (published) can also be used after due acknowledgement.

•

The scale of the map depend on the size of the settlement. 1:4000 scale is usually employed by the T.C.P.O. Departments. Detailed area maps should be used in areas of high concentration of heritage buildings.

•

Wherever possible, the numbering should take into account the administrative boundaries within the city/settlement, so that these can be read in conjunction with the Master Plan.

Map Reference: Segment or zone no./grid no.

This is the number that gives details about the location of the property/building on the map used for the area/settlement. This number is to be mentioned on the listing performa so that the building can be easily located on that map.

Segment No: The entire city/settlement/district may be divided into small segments or may be studied according to different zones (or smaller areas taking into consideration the nature and density of the areas) so that the listed buildings/properties can be easily located on the map.

E.g.. In Lucknow, the city has been divided into 8 segments which have been assigned numbers, viz. segment 1, segment 2 etc.

In Sikkim, the listed buildings have been identified on the map as per zones like ED (east district), ND (north district) etc.

In cities which are less dense or in very small cities/settlements, the maps may not require to be segmented or studied under various zones and therefore segment number need not be cited.

Grid No: The number of the grid in which the listed property is marked is also to be given.

E.g. segment 1/A3 (this indicates the building has been marked in segment 1 and grid A3 of the map).

PHOTOGRAPHS One B2 sized black & white photograph of the structure must be submitted.

This need be an only identification photograph, which should be a frontal

DIVAY GUPTA 41

shot or if possible giving the full view of the building pasted in the given space with a photo reference number clearly stated in the given space as well as on the back of the photographs required.

Photographs, pertaining to other relevant details of the listed building goes to the additional photographs section (under Section III) properly captioned and with photo reference numbers indicated. These can be photographed in colour in postcard size.

If using digital images only colour photographs are recommended, however they should be taken with a high-resolution camera – i.e. one with sensors exceeding 5 mega-pixels with a resolution of at least 300 dpi. (for further guidelines on photography, please refer to part III in this section) All the negatives should accompany the listing, properly indexed.

Photo Reference: COL/B&W – Roll Number/Exposure Number.

For e.g. B&W-2/16A etc.

(For e.g. it there are a total of 5 rolls clicked for one city which include 2 B&W and 3 coloured rolls then the rolls should be numbered in continuation from 1 to 5. The prefix B&W indicates black and white photographs and prefix COL indicates coloured photographs.) Similar referencing can also be followed for digital images also.

Caption: The photographs should be properly named/captioned and be short and precise.

NAME OF THE PROPERTY Present Name: Enter the name of the property by which it is known today.

For example, the Chattar Manzil is presently known as Central Drug Research Institute, so CDRI should be given as its present name.

Other Names: The property may have been known by different names in history. Arrange them chronologically advancing backwards. Assign the year or period in brackets.

E.g. Chattar Manzil (1814-27).

The following points should be followed while filling in the name of the property on the listing format: •

Include the English name in brackets where regional nomenclature is used e.g. Parsi Agiary (Parsi Fire Temple)

42 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

•

Differentiate properties with similar names in the same city/town by adding the location to the name: Shiv Mandir, Qila Chowk (Shiv Temple, Fort Square) Shiv Mandir, Satyeshwar Mohalla Water Tank, Darbar Sahib Complex Water Tank, Paltan Bazaar

•

If a few properties are popularly known by the name of the owner, then maintain the regional nomenclature like Suraj Mal Mishran Haveli Patwon Ki Haveli

However, when the name of the person/owner is being used to identify a property such as a residence or a shop etc. then use the following format: Shambhu Prasad, Shop-cum-Residence Madan Kapoor, Residence •

When there are similar types of properties listed in a locality or street (mostly residential buildings like bungalows & residences) which cannot be identified by the name of a person or locality only, then the address of the property should be given for identification. For e.g.: Bungalow, No. 21, Canning Road Bungalow, No. 34, Canning Road Residence, No. 20, Brigade Road

•

In case the listed property/building/structure is one of the various properties listed in a precinct or a multiple property complex, then the lister should give the name of that precinct/complex as a suffix to the name of the property, either separated by a comma or in brackets.

For example: While doing the listing for Agra Fort, the lister will be filling up perfomas for Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Jehangir Mahal and other buildings that are part of the Agra Fort complex. In this case, the performas filled up for these buildings will be named as follows to establish the point that all these buildings form part of the Agra Fort Precinct – Diwan-i-Aam, Agra Fort Precinct or Diwan-i-Aam (within Agra Fort Precinct)

LOCATION Address

: No./Block, name of the street/locality where the property is located. In case the property is located in a rural area or village, the nearest Police Station

DIVAY GUPTA 43

(P.S.) or Post Office (P.O.) must be given, if possible, Village/City/Town District State

: Name of the village or city or town. : Name of the district : Name of the state

Pincode

: This is crucial as there could be two cities/towns with same name in a single

Approach

: Any details regarding accessibility and approach to the property where applicable should be mentioned viz. a monument may have only have a dirt track leading upto it. (The very common or easily traceable buildings may not have an approach mentioned).

Surroundings

: Includes details regarding the surroundings and the vicinity of the property/building

OWNERSHIP Protected/Unprotected; Private/Public; Single/Multiple: Circle or tick the appropriate choice for all three.

Protected: Only the properties which are under the ownership of the Central (Archaeological Survey of India) and the State Archaeological Departments are protected properties.

Unprotected: Properties which are not under the protection of ASI or State Archaeological Departments. Properties owned by local governments like the municipality or the railways also come under this category.

Public: Properties that are owned by local government such as a municipality, the state government or the central government. Sometimes, religious properties are owned by local bodies and thus are public property.

Private: Property owned by an individual or a group of people, or even a company that is not a government organization.

Single: When the property is owned by a single person.

Multiple: In case the property is owned by more than one person, the ownership is to be marked under this category.

Any other: Properties lying abandoned with no claim of ownership, would also fall in this category.

44 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

Sometimes, it becomes difficult to categorize the ownership of a property into public/private. Therefore becomes necessary to specify cases under appropriate headings under which the property can be shown.

Name of the Owner/Caretaker: Give the name of the current owner/caretaker/ person in charge. If the property is government-owned, details should be furnished of the department or authority. This information can prove vital for future correspondence.

Address & Phone: These details as well as the owners address should be provided.

AGE/DATE Absolute Date: When an exact date, year, or a period of construction is available or can be well ascertained through written text, inscriptions, plaques, boards etc., it must be mentioned.

Relative/Approximate Date: In case the exact date of construction is not available, relative dating like early-18th century, late 19th century etc. can be done. Sometimes the date can also be decided according to the significant periods of history or on the basis of the architectural style prevalent in that period for e.g., Mughal, Late Mughal, Colonial, Post-Independence etc.

Source: The source from which the age/date of the building is known should also be specified. For e.g.

•

Inscriptional evidence

•

Historical or literary evidence

•

Site observations such as architectural style, building material etc.

•

References from owners or local people, though this needs to be established by site observations.

USAGE Abandoned/In Use/In Partial Use: Encircle or tick the appropriate choice.

Abandoned: Property which is no longer in use.

In Use: Property which is currently being used.

In Partial Use: When a property is abandoned and only a part of it is being used.

DIVAY GUPTA 45

Present: Give the current use of the property. The nature of use is important to establish whether it is in conformity with the original use. If a property is being used for more than one purpose then mention both of them specifically.

Past: Give the historic use the property was designed/constructed to house.

In case there are more than one historic uses of the building, then mention the uses that accrued during the period of significance in chronological order advancing backwards, with periods in brackets. Enter only functions that can be verified by research.

For e.g. A building originally constructed as a Kothi is now being used as a school.

Present : School (since 1958) Past : Kothi or Residence (since 1910 till 1958).

If the building is used for more than one purpose then mention these specifically. For eg.

A building that was originally built as a palace but a part of which is currently used as a hotel along with the original use then the lister should mention that.

Present : Hotel (since 1963)/Palace or residence (since construction) Past : Palace or residence PROPERTY CATEGORY Precinct/Building/Structure/Object/Landscape/Site: Simply encircle or tick the appropriate choice.

Precinct: Possess a significant concentration or continuity of sites, buildings and structures - Eg. ganj, mohalla, bazar, serai, katra, street, road, temple, ghat, complex.

Building: Shelter or any form of human activity - Eg. temple, church, mosque, imambara, kerbala, palace, kothi, haveli, bungalow, tomb.

Structure: Specifically created for purposes other than human habitation.

Eg. A gateway, a well, a water tank, baoli, a bridge, baradari, memorial.

Object: The term objects are distinguished from structure by the fact that they are monolithic and often portable (for e.g. street furniture, lamp posts, post boxes etc.) while structures involve a certain amount of masonry and are cast in situ (e.g. sculptures, fountains).

46 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

Site: This may include architectural ruins, mounds or any significant association with events, ruins, mound.

Landscape: Eg. gardens, river, river fronts or ghats, sacred groves etc.

Typology: The property can have the following typologies depending on the function: religious, residential, commercial, civic, institutional, recreational, funerary, utilitarian, commemorative & miscellaneous.

Eg. A property under buildings category could be religious or residential etc. in typology.

Subtype: A property shall also be categorised under a subtype.

Eg. A property listed under a Religious’ typology could be a temple, mosque, church etc. Similarly a property listed under Residential typology could be a palace, bungalow, kothi etc.

Note: If a property/building falls under more than one typology then the subtypes should also be mentioned in the same order as that of the typology.

For e.g.

Property Category : Building Typology : Residential/Commercial Subtype : House/Shop Property Category : Building Typology : Residential/Commercial Subtype : Palace/Hotel HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE Give a narrative account of the historic property/building which makes it worthy of listing. This has been explained in the selection criteria – the broad concepts being historic significance, historic integrity and historic context.

This would also include local sentiments, legends and traditions associated with the building/property.

This also includes association of the building/property with: •

major events in history (like the signing of a treaty, crowning, a change in rule, burials, murders etc.),

•

with a person (like architect/engineer, patron, owner, memorial of

DIVAY GUPTA 47

some historic figure or other well-known figures – poets, literary persons, political leaders etc.)

•

with building construction (distinctive characteristics of a type, any new technological breakthrough, new materials introduced, styles, improvements, special features like air conditioners, lifts etc.)

•

with religion (like important religious leaders, any religious activities - processions, fairs, festivals, customs/rituals, reference in major religious literature, presiding deities etc.)

•

with an institution like a school, college, military/defence academy etc.

•

social or cultural aspects or beliefs associated with the property.

ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION This should include a brief description of the property/building to give the overall appearance as follows: •

Immediate environment if a building is set amidst a designed landscape or formal garden, etc.

•

Architectural style like Islamic, Mughal, Hindu, Colonial, IndoSaracenic etc.

•

Significant exterior and interior features to describe the overall appearance of the building/property. These include details like orientation (of the building or blocks in relation to the direction of sun or any other factor), plan type/shape (rectangular, square etc.), approximate area dimensions, no. of storeys and blocks, spatial layout or allocation of spaces (describe special spaces if any such as different summer and winter spaces; different public and private sections in houses), openings and other important structural features like columns, dome, roof etc. along-with architectural features like bands, cupolas, chattris, minarets, window details, gateways etc.

•

Additions and alterations like certain parts being added or removed, altered to suit various aesthetics, tastes, fashions, technology and so on.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL & TECHNIQUES Give the details of materials and techniques used for construction of the property/building under relevant heads. E.g.: Walls : The building has load-bearing brick walls with lime plaster.

Floors : Red sandstone flooring on ground and upper floor.

48 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

Roof : Sloping roof of slates supported on wooden trusses.

Openings : Rectangular wooden doors and windows, or segmented arched openings.

Any Other : Wooden staircase leading to the first floor.

(Anything that is not covered under the given choices can be mentioned under the last category like staircase, columns, railings etc.)

DECORATIVE FEATURES Mention structural elements which have decorative features in the form of cornices, brackets, arches, pilasters etc. and applied decorative details such as carvings, etchings, inlay work, wall paintings/murals, inscriptions, jalis, or movable collections like chandeliers, sculptures etc. in this field.

There are some general principles for describing buildings: •

Describe the building in a logical sequence – from ground up, facade exterior to the interior

•

Use simple but clear language and avoid complex sentences

•

Clearly delineate between the original appearance and current appearance.

STATE OF PRESERVATION Good/Fair/Showing Signs of Deterioration/Advanced State of Decay/Danger of Disappearance: Circle or tick the appropriate choice to assess the overall condition of the property.

THREATS TO THE PROPERTY Threats to the safety of the building/property from extraneous factors are given under various heads. Simply encircle or tick the appropriate choices under each head.

Any Other: If there is some other problem/threat that has not been indicated in the various options given under different heads, than the lister can specify this here.

Note: Threats have been listed under various heads for the ease of the lister.

Threats identified in this field should clearly be explained in the ‘condition description’ to highlight the problems caused by them. For example, if the lister has ticked vegetation growth or saline action then in parts of the

DIVAY GUPTA 49

building, then these threats should be clearly indicated in the condition description.

CONDITION DESCRIPTION Certain parts of the building may be in critical condition or may be face more severe threats than some other parts. These areas need to be identified and described in this field.

E.g. signs of distress like peeling plaster due to water seepage, structural problems like cracks in the walls etc.

If any major repairs or maintenance work has been done to the original structure in the past and which can be recorded by visual inspection or talking to the owner/caretaker, these should also be briefly mentioned.

Problems identified under ‘Threats to the Property’ should be clearly explained here. For e.g., cracks in the dome due to roots of vegetation, dampness in the ceiling due to saline action, etc.

Note: Information under ‘State of Preservation’, ‘Threats’ and ‘Condition Description’ is given only on the basis of visual inspection or survey of the property/building.

VALUE & GRADING Criteria for Assigning Values and Grade: The grade assigned to a building/ property will depend on its: (i) Age (ii) State of Preservation (iii) Archaeological, Historical and Architectural Value.

VALUES OR SUBGRADES: Architectural (A/B/C): Attributes A, B or C could be given depending upon: •

uniqueness of architectural design or importance because of an architectural style or period

•

work of an acclaimed architect

•

good example of local vernacular architectural traditions

•

interesting architectural details and embellishments

50 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

•

importance due to group value being part of a precinct or group of buildings, street scape, monumental setting, vistas, etc.

A: Exceptional Buildings/properties which are unique examples of city architecture and/or contributing to the architectural history of the nation.

B: Good Buildings/properties with architectural or design merit, fine workmanship which are not rare cases but contribute to the regional architectural history or overall image and identity of the city.

C: Fair Buildings/properties with some architectural attributes or design merit, which need not be of very fine workmanship, but contributes to local architectural traditions or the overall character of the area.

Historical/Associational (A/B/C): This could be judged depending upon: •

age

•

association with event of national/local importance

•

association with a national or locally important person

•

association with the civic life of a community/local tradition, any other social or cultural aspect

•

association with a religion or religious activity

A: National historical significance B: Regional historical significance C: Local historical significance Archaeological (A/B/C): Not many buildings/properties contribute to this value. Category A, B, C may be assigned depending on the cultural significance of the property/building as relating to a particular time in history.

Grading must be assessed under each subhead – architectural, historical/ associational and archaeological. On the basis of the value under three subgrades, a final grade is determined.

Important: The value (A/B/C) allotted under sub-grade ‘architectural’ is given with reference to the architectural description given by the lister. Similarly the value (A/B/C) allotted under sub-grade ‘Historical/Associational’ should

DIVAY GUPTA 51

be read in reference to the historical significance given by lister which is not only a brief account of history but also could be social, religious, associational or cultural significance of the property.

GRADE: Grade I*: This category comprises buildings and precincts of national and historic importance and are under the protection of the ASI or State Department of Archaeology. (Protected Building/Structures: Similar to the scheduled monuments of the United Kingdom, these structures are on the Union list, state list and the concurrent list. No intervention should be permitted in such buildings/precincts either on the exterior or the interior unless in the interest of strengthening and prolonging the life of the structure and that too in strict accordance with the original.)

Grade I: Buildings/properties in this category are of exceptional national/ regional importance with unique features and are the prime landmarks of a city/town. These buildings need to be saved and kept under a permanent state of preservation, and can be recommended for protection. Buildings under this category need intelligent conservation. Interventions in such structures are to be closely monitored and should be in harmony with the existing style of architecture.

Grade II: This category comprises buildings of local importance, possessing special architectural or historical value. These buildings form local landmarks contributing to the image and identity of the city/town. To conserve these buildings, special guidelines need to be prepared by the planning and development authorities of the city.

Grade III: This category comprises buildings/precincts, which normally do not qualify for permanent retention but are nevertheless of some historical or architectural importance and contribute to determining the character of the locality. These buildings require protection of unique features and attributes which are representative of a particular community, period or era.

POTENTIAL OF THE BUILDING/SITE Explain how the building/site or the particular cultural property can be used for the tourism, economic, social, cultural development of the region or the zone to which it belongs. Suggest strategies for development and also look into the aspect of future conservation and maintenance of the cultural property/ building.

52 IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF BUILT HERITAGE IN INDIA

SOURCES OF INFORMATION (BIBLIOGRAPHIC & OTHERS) Sources of information used for documenting the historic property/building should be clearly mentioned under this field. These include individuals such as owners, caretakers, neighbours and local people interviewed for gathering information about the property, and published/unpublished literary references, books, gazetteers, journals or magazine articles, newspapers, interviews, historic studies, wills, deeds, correspondence, records and diaries.

In case a property is dated based on a book, also mention the page number.

Use a standard bibliographical style such as: Author(s), (Year): “Name of the Publication”, Volume No, Editor(s), Name of Publisher, Place of Publication, Page number(s).

E.g., Khosla, Romi (1979): “Buddhist Architecture of the Western Himalaya”, Ratna Pustak Bhandar, Kathmandu, pp. 65-71.

LISTERS Name of the Lister: Enter in block letters the name of the lister.

Address & Phone: Mention the address of the lister in block letters. Also give the phone number or Email id for future contact.

REVIEWER/COORDINATOR Name: Name of the reviewer / coordinator.

Address & Phone: Address of the reviewer / coordinator and phone number if any.

Date: Date of reviewing.

Remarks: The reviewer may make some remarks or statements to describe the overall significance of a property/building after assessing the information provided by the lister.

PLANS/DRAWINGS A conceptual plan (not measured drawn) can be given for each building listed if it helps in establishing the significance of the site.

Existing plans/drawings can also be attached if possible. The lister can also attach drawings/plans taken from references like publications/books wherever available (properly sourced).

DIVAY GUPTA 53

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS Only the significant elements of a building/property which need to be photographed should be given in this section. All photographs should be properly captioned for identification and must have a reference number assigned in the same manner as that of the title photograph.

Photographs in this section can be postcard-sized coloured photographs.

Not more than 2 photographs should be taken for a building except for Grade I*/I buildings where the lister can take a maximum total of 4 photographs if necessary.

Note: Any additional information relevant to the listed property/building can be mentioned in this section.

The guidelines given above are to guide the lister in completing the listing format while conducting the site survey, which is why multiple options are given for various fields. For e.g. under ‘threats to property’ where the lister can tick the options applicable during the site survey and later explain them under ‘condition description’ during the compilation of the listing formats to prepare the final report. Other fields like ‘name of the lister’, ‘date of the listing’ may not be present on each form in the final report. Since the listing of one area is generally taken up by a team of architects during a certain period, their names can be given in the beginning of the report with other essential details rather a giving individual names on all the listing formats.

The presentation of the final report is on lister’s discretion. This may vary or may not have options given under various heads. The final report is to be compiled in the strict order set out in INTACH's Listing Format.

ANNEXE 1 A INTACH LISTING FORM

Photograph

Name of the Property: Location Address:_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Approach:___________________________________________________ Age/Date:____________________________________________________

Photo Reference: Caption:

Ownership: Protected/Unprotected; Public/Private; Single/Multiple Name of Owner & Address:__________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Usage: In Use/Abandoned/ In Partial Use

Property-Category: Precinct/ Building/Structure/Landscape/Site

Present :___________________________________

Typology :__________________________________

Past

Subtype :__________________________________

:___________________________________

Historical Significance:____________________________________________________________________ Architectural Description:___________________________________________________________________ Decorative Features:______________________________________________________________________ State of Preservation: Good/Fair/Showing Signs of Deterioration/Advanced State of Decay/Danger of Disappearance Threats to the Property Natural

: Humidity/Saline Action/Vegetation Growth/Biodegradation/Nuisance of Animals or Birds/Destructive Calamities – Earthquake, Cyclones

Negligence

: Lack of Maintenance

Vandalism

: Wars/Looting/Theft/Etching, Graffiti/Quarrying/Insensitive Repairs/Renovation/ Reconstruction

Urban Pressures

: Unsympathetic Additions/Alterations/Development Schemes – Metro, Rail, Road/ Presence of Polluting Industry/Encroachments/Lack of Protection/Infrastructure Additions – Electrical Wires, Drainage Pipes etc.

Condition Description: Grade (I*/I/II/III):________________________________________________________________________ Sources of Information (Bibliographic and Others):____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Architectural (A/B/C):_______________________________________________________________________ Historical/Associational (A/B/C):______________________________________________________________ Archaeological (A/B/C):____________________________________________________________________ Listers Name: ______________________________________

Name: _____________________________________

Address & Phone: _____________________________

Address & Phone: ___________________________

___________________________________________

__________________________________________

___________________________________________

__________________________________________

ANNEXE 1 B SAMPLE FORM FROM INTACH’S MATHURA LISTINGS Name Historic Current Location Address Approach

Kabeeruddin Shah Ki Dargah

Kaziyan Bagh Colony, Bhuteshwar, Mathura It is accessed from Bhuteshwa Tiraha.

Age Precise Approximate

1600 AD

Ownership Private Protected Owner

Public Unprotected Noor Mohammed

Usage Historic Current

Muslim Shrine Muslim Shrine

Front Facade, Kabeeruddin Shah Ki Dargah

Condition Good Fair Signs of Deterioration Serious Deterioration Danger of Disappearance

Grade Archaeological Architectural Historical Religious

Condition Assessment The red sandstone chajja is broken from many places.

The stone masonry is missing from some places exposing the bricks of walls and in the lower plinth of this building. Vegetation, algae, and fungal growth is also found.

Threats to Property Humidity, saline, action, vegetation growth, nuisance of birds and animals, Infrastructure additions of electrical wires and drainage pipes.

Architectural Description Surrounded by residential and religious quarters.

Historical Significance

I/I*/II/II A/B/C A/B/C A/B/C A/B/C

It is square in plan, approximately 15 ft. x 15 ft. with south-facing entrance. It has twelve bracketed columns, which beautify the exterior and interior look of this building. The building is square in plan and has an octagonal base supporting the fluted lotus dome with a pinnacle on top. A gave is found in the centre of this building. This building is built of lakhori bricks and red sandstone. The brackets with the chajjas and the petals of the fluted lotus dome beautify the exterior part of this building.

Project Co-ordinator : Divay Gupta Editor : Tanya Kumar Listers : Tiratharaj Paul, Rahas Mcharty, Rashmi Tripathi, Pooja Verma

ANNEXE 2 PHOTO GRAMMETRIC CAPTURE: THE ‘3 X 3’ RULES* 1 – THE 3 GEOMETRIC RULES 1.1 - Control •

Measure some long distances between well-defined points.

•

Ideally, establish a network of 3D co-ordinated targets or points.

•

Define a minimum of one vertical distance (either using plumb-line or vertical features on the building) and one horizontal.

•

Do this on all sides of the building for control.

1.2 - Stereo Photocover: Wide Area •

Take a ring of pictures around the subject with an overlap of greater than 50%.

•

Take shots from a height about half way up the subject, if possible.

•

Include the context or setting-ground line, skyline.

•

At each corner of the subject take photos covering the two adjacent sides.

•

Include the roof, if possible.

•

No image should lack overlap.

•

Add orthogonal, full facade shots for an overview and rectification.

1.3 - Stereo Photocover: Detail (Stereo-pairs should be taken) •

Normal case (base-distance-ratio 1:4 to 1:15), and/or

•

Convergent case (base-distance-ratio 1:10 to 1:15).

•

Avoid the divergent case.

•

Add close-up square on stereo-pairs for detail and measure control distances for them or place a scale bar in the view.

•

Check photography overlaps.

•

If in doubt, add more shots and measure distances for any potentially obscured areas.

•

Make sure enough control (at least 4 points) is visible in the stereo image area.

2 – THE 3 CAMERA RULES 2.1 - Camera Properties •

Fixed optics if possible. No zooming! Fully zoom-out, or fix the focus using adhesive tape or avoid zoom optics altogether.

•

Do not use shift optics. Disable auto-focus.

•

Fixed focus distance. Fix at infinity, or a mean distance using adhesive tape, but only use one distance for ring-photography and one distance for close-ups.

•

The image format frame of the camera must be sharply visible on the images and must have good contrast.

•

The true documents are the original negatives or digital RAW equivalents. Use a camera with a high quality format setting.

2.2 - Camera Calibration Use the best quality, highest resolution and largest format camera available: *The above text is adapted from a paper presented by Peter Waldhäusl (University of Technology, Vienna, Austria) and Cliff Ogleby (Dept. of Geomatics, University of Melbourne, Australia), at the ISPRS Commission V Symposium "Close Range Techniques and Machine Vision" in Melbourne, Australia, 1994. Simple rules that are to be observed for photography with non-metric cameras have been written, tested and published at the CIPA

•

A wide-angle lens is better than narrow angle for all-round photography. Very wide-angle lenses should be avoided.

•

Medium format is better than small format.

•

Calibrated (or metric) cameras are better than non-metric.

•

Capture medium: fine grain, high sensitivity film is better, and achieves higher resolution.

•

Standard calibration information is needed for each camera/lens combination and each focus-setting used.

•

A standardised colour chart should be used.

2.3 - Image Exposure Consistent exposure and coverage is required.

•

Work with consistent illumination: beware deep dark shadows!

•

Plan for the best time of day.

•

Use a tripod and cable release/remote control to get sharp images.

•

Use the right media: black-and-white is sufficient but colour has some advantages for interpretation and documentation of colours.

•

Use RAW or high quality and high sensitivity setting on digital cameras.

3 – THE 3 PROCEDURAL RULES 3.1 - Record the Site Control and Photo Layout Make proper witnessing diagrams of •

The ground plan with the north direction indicated.

•

The elevations of each facade (1:100 - 1:500 scale). Show the location of the measured control points.

•

Photo locations and directions (with film and negative number).

•

Single photo coverage and stereo coverage.

•

Control point locations, distances and plumb-lines.

3.2 - Log the Metadata Include the following: •

Site name, location and geo-reference, owner's name and address.

•

Date, weather and personnel. Client, commissioning body, artists, architects, permissions, obligations, etc.

•

Cameras, optics, focus and distance settings.

•

Calibration report, if available.

•

Description of place, site, history, bibliography etc.

•

Remember to document the process as you go.

3.3 - Archive Data must be complete, stable, safe and accessible: •

Check completeness and correctness before leaving the site.

•

Save images to a reliable site off the camera. Save RAW formats to

•

convert into standard TIFFs. Remember a CD is not forever!

•

Write down everything immediately.

•

The original negatives are archive documents. Treat and keep them carefully.

•

Don't cut into the format of the original film. If using digital cameras, don't crop any of the images-use the full format.

•

Ensure that the original and copies of the control data, site diagrams and images are kept together at separate sites.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Burns, J ed. 1989. Recording Historic Structures, AIA press, USA. Clark, Kate. Informed Conservation: understanding historic buildings and their landscapes for conservation, London: English Heritage, 2001.

English Heritage, 1996. Recording Historic Building, 3rd ed. RCHM, UK. English Heritage, 1999. Presentation of historic building survey in CAD, EH UK. English Heritage, 2003. Measured and Drawn: Techniques and practice for the metric survey of historic buildings, London.

ICOMOS, 1996. Principles for Recording of Monuments, www.icomos.org.

INTACH, 1998. Process of Historic Site Development, INTACH, New Delhi.

INTACH, 2004. Guidelines for Chapters, INTACH New Delhi.

Letellier, R. 2007. Recording, Documentation and Information Management for the Conservation of Heritage Places Guiding Principles, 2007 GCI Blake, B. – Documentation for Conservation Metric survey for Heritage Documentation 2007. GCI. Rinaudo, F. 2007. Generic GIS Template for Management of Historic Objects, a practical guide to GIS implementation. Politechnico Di Torino.

WHC, 2004. Preparation of Digital Data Set: EMD & CAD, UNECO & EH. W. Brunskill – Recording Vernacular Architecture, Faber.

conservation briefs INTACH UK Trust has initiated the development of technical publications written by practicing Conservators / Conservation Architects. In this series titled ‘Conservation Briefs’, it is our endeavour to disseminate and share information on conservation practices to support heritage conservation efforts in India.

The built heritage of our country, which forms a part of our cultural heritage, is a priceless nonrenewable resource that is seriously threatened. However, existing legislation covers about 5000 monuments to be looked after by ASI and approximately 3500 by the State departments of Archaeology. Considering India’s vast cultural heritage, innumerable historic buildings and precincts of architectural, historical, and aesthetic importance remain ‘unprotected’, largely neglected, threatened by urban pressures and thus are in need of conservation.

In this context documentation emerges as the single most powerful tool for the conservation and management of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of our nation. Documentation not only equips the heritage professionals in developing conservation interventions for heritage sites, but it can also equip the communities to safeguard their heritage through understanding of the significance and interpretation of cultural heritage.

This resource was compiled as part of the RecorDIM initiative to help bridge the gap related to documentation needs of built heritage in India. The RecorDIM initiative is a goodwill alliance of practitioners, surveyors and conservators committed to improving the application of recording, documentation and information management in heritage conservation Divay Gupta is a conservation architect presently working at the Architectural Heritage division of INTACH, New Delhi. He has a Masters Degree from the School of Planning and Architecture and has an M.A. in Heritage Management from University of Birmingham.

INTACH (UK) TRUST 71 Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110 003 Tel: +91-11-24645482, 24641304, 24692774 Fax: +91-11-24611290 Email: intach@del3.vsnl.net.in Website: www.intach.org

Identification and Documentation of Built heritage in India

Divay Gupta