Agra:

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has formed a task force under the organization’s additional director general (ADG) BR Mani for the restoration and protection of three Mughal era-structures – Hanthi Khana, Aga Khan haveli and Khan-e-durran haveli situated on the Yamuna bank in vicinity of the Taj Mahal.

Mani along with senior ASI officials (Agra circle) conducted a survey of the structures on Saturday to ascertain their present condition. They found that all the three structure are in dilapidated condition and encroached upon by locals.

“We will ensure that these monuments are conserved and remain protected from encroacher. A survey has been done,” Mani said.

ASI officials said the selected monuments have found mention in a book written by Ebba Koch, Austrian architectural historian, as riverfront Mughal gardens in Agra. They are located on north eastern side of the monument, said an official.

According to information, Khan-e-durran was Shah Jahan’s governor of the Deccan and played a major role in annexation of Daulatabad fort in 1633. His haveli was later converted into a tannery during British period. At present, its ownership is in dispute. The ASI task fort has also been looking into this matter.

Likewise, Aga khan was the superintendent (also a fuajdar) under Shah Jahan and responsible for maintaining law and order at the river front. “He was also responsible for ensuring proper care of a thousand horses of the Mughal army. He died in 1658,” said an official.

The Hanthi gate was the entry point to the elephant enclosure. Although not much information is available about it, it does find mention in Koch’s book and also in Padshahnama written by Abdul Hamid Lahori in the 17th century.

The ASI will also chalk out a plan to plant trees in the Taj heritage corridor located between the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort and convert it into a greenbelt. The Supreme Court had passed an order this regard in 2006, but nothing much was done so far because of lack of funds and experts. Now, the project has taken wings once again after former minister of culture, Shripad Naik directed the ASI in August to revive the project.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Agra / Aditya Dev / November 22nd, 2014