1886 Report Unveils Early Challenges in Conserving Ahmedabad's Architectural Heritage
An 1886 report on Ahmedabad's historic monuments provides a compelling snapshot of the city's built heritage from 140 years ago, highlighting issues of encroachment, neglect, and the nascent stages of preservation efforts. This document, now published as a book titled "A Scheme for the Protection and Conservation of Ancient Buildings in and around the City of Ahmedabad," was authored by then-acting collector A W Crawley-Boevey. It serves as a critical historical record that underscores the early struggles to safeguard what are now iconic landmarks.
Documented Encroachments and Government Intervention
One notable passage in the report describes how the Ahmed Shah Mosque in Bhadra had been occupied by a squatter who began constructing shops on the premises. The structure was ultimately saved after the collector and his deputy intervened, securing control of the building on behalf of the government. This incident exemplifies the broader challenges faced at the time, where historic sites were often vulnerable to unauthorized use and degradation.
Call for Legal Protection and Conservation Measures
In the report, Crawley-Boevey urgently appealed to the Bombay government to enact legislation specifically designed for the protection of ancient buildings. His recommendations included:
- Sanctioning the appointment of recognized custodians for each important building or group of buildings.
- Appointing an official caretaker for all Ahmedabad buildings under government charge.
- Allocating a substantial annual sum in the Public Works Department budget for minor repairs.
These proposals were groundbreaking for their time, laying a foundational framework for systematic heritage conservation.
Expert Insights on the Report's Significance
Prof Ramji Savaliya, former director of the BJ Institute of Learning and Research, emphasized that this document is regarded as one of the earliest consolidated efforts to conserve monuments that are now integral to Ahmedabad's built heritage, a UNESCO World Heritage City. He noted, "The report talks about artisans on the premises of Queen's Mosque, 'calico stampers' in the mosque of Mohammed Ghaus, the near-destruction of Malek Alam Mosque in Danilimda, and old buildings making way for private residences. The report paved the way for the identification of buildings with heritage value and their conservation."
Specific Examples of Heritage Sites at Risk
Among the examples cited in the report is the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, which had been converted into an office for the Daskroi mamlatdar. This transformation highlights how functional needs often compromised the integrity of historic structures, necessitating proactive measures to preserve their cultural and architectural significance.
Relevance to World Heritage Day and Ongoing Efforts
With World Heritage Day observed on April 18 to raise awareness of the diversity, vulnerability, and conservation of cultural and natural heritage, experts assert that Ahmedabad's architectural landmarks have survived due to sustained preservation efforts over generations. They stress that it is the duty of every generation to ensure these monuments remain visible and protected for the future. This historical context reinforces the importance of continuous vigilance and investment in heritage conservation to maintain the city's unique identity and global recognition.
