A STUDY OF CONSERVATION INTERVENTIONS AT RAM BAGH, THE SUMMER RETREAT OF MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH AT AMRITSAR

Heritage is our legacy from the past and a non-renewable resource which needs to be protected and sustained. Conservation refers to all measures taken to prolong the life of our heritage. This paper focuses on the study and analysis of the ongoing conservation work at Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Ram Bagh -- the foremost heritage site in Amritsar with its royal palaces and gardens, magnificent gates, watch towers and pavilions. The aim of the study is to identify the causes of decay and deterioration of this historic property and also to understand the processes and techniques employed to conserve it. This has been achieved through a detailed visual examination of the complex, collection and compilation of theoretical data as well as information provided by officials of the Archaeological Survey of India and the Punjab Tourism Department. The study highlights that conservation approach for an architectural heritage should aim at protecting the cultural value of the historic fabric, and adopt interventions that help to preserve the authenticity of the original design, building materials, construction techniques, workmanship and aesthetics.