Technical Paper

RESORATION OF MOTI MASJID, BHOPAL

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING

MAULANA AZAD NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, BHOPAL

Contents1.Justification42.Need of the Hour43.Aim54.Objective55.Scope and Limitation56.Methodology67.Conclusion88.References8

INTRODUCTION

The Moti Masjid, also known as the Pearl Mosque is situated in the heart of the Bhopal city in the state of Madhya Pradesh. A well - known landmark of Bhopal, Moti Masjid was built in 1860 under the order and instruction of Sikandar Jehan Begum, the renowned daughter of Qudisiya Begum. She was a liberated women and an enthusiastic crusader, being flexible to new ideas. The begums of 19th century Bhopal constructed many beautiful monuments and Moti Masjid is an example from the glorious chapter of Bhopal Begums in history. The impressive structure is beautifully designed and resembles the Jama Masjid of Delhi in its architecture and patterns.

Moti Masjid is considered as an important landmark in the history of Muslim women in India. The minarets of the mosque are represented as the gate from the heaven to earth. The main prayer hall is built with shimmering white marble; hence it got its name as Moti Masjid.

Moti Masjid is entirely made of red sandstone and has white - marble facade which enhances the pristine beauty of this edifice. Two cupolas at the extreme edges of north-south axis adorn the top of this mosque. Along with it stands high the two dark - red minarets (spires), erected on either side of the main block and ornamented with bright golden spikes is pointing up towards the sky denoting heaven the home of God. The call to prayer for the faithful followers of Islam is given from the top of the minarets.

The conservation of the historic built fabric and the open spaces and its preservation would be undertaken following a scientific research methodology, finally to create a unique and distinctive visitor experience. The Mughal elements which were used in the proposal for the conservation of Moti Masjid were jali, dome, minarets, gardens etc. The methods of conservation are restoration, preservation, reconstruction, adaptation, addition/removal with respect to the Moti masjid and its surrounding areas.

Justification

Moti Masjid is considered as an important landmark in the history of Muslim women in India. All efforts should be done to understand the important cultural heritage of Bhopal, know its history and meaning, ensure its material safeguard and, as required, its presentation, restoration and enhancement.

Conservation of Moti Masjid will also propagate the raising public awareness about the value of historical features, appreciation and understanding of the historic environment. Our historic environment is a precious and finite resource as well as a powerful reminder of the work and way of life of earlier generations of rulers of Bhopal.

Need of the Hour

The condition of the masjid today is not well as it is supposed to be as an important cultural heritage of Bhopal. There are various problems regarding visitors management & facilitation, security & risk management .information broadcasting & interpretation technique as well as transportation & parking. Hence analysis is required for suggestion of possible solutions.

It contributes to a basic awareness of the metamorphoses undergone over time by the field of the conservation of cultural heritage of Bhopal.

It also considers historic construction and repair techniques and the decisions we need to make today to ensure the appropriate longevity of the built heritage. Conservation philosophy, legislative framework, scientific understanding, and awareness of the importance of regional vernacular styles and materials should also be promoted.

Aim

The aim of this conservation project is to establish a sustainable future for the historic, cultural, social, economic and environmental value of the Moti Masjid, its environment and surrounding space considering urban design features, Mughal architecture.

Objective

The objectives of the conservation of Moti Masjid include:

1. To assess Moti Masjid on the basis of chronological study and history to evaluate its importance.

2. To develop the vision and understanding the vision and understanding of the spaces and materials to be investigated and preserved, up gradation of engineering services and urban development and surroundings.

3. Conservation of cultural monument, Visitors management & facilitation, Security & risk management, Management of Information broadcasting & interpretation technique, Transportation & parking management.

4. To propose design solutions and interventions following Mughal architecture style and elements.

Scope and Limitation

The proposal for the conservation of Moti Masjid only involves the exterior spaces including the entrance, garden and the courtyard. It also covers the immediate surroundings of the mosque with respect to parking facilities and electrical layout. The proposal involves the use of local materials and technology.

The limitation of the project is that the mosque was only visited during the day time when there is very little crowd. It was difficult to analyse it during the prayer times. Hence study of the building throughout the day could not be done.

Methodology

The study encompasses the information on topics from detailed research referring journals, documents, literature reviews, case study, to understand each and every aspect of the study.

Detailed analysis of the visual character of the local surrounding setting to understand the architectural features, landmarks, historic features and nature conservation interests is done to provide a source of inspiration and awareness for the people to understand their cultural heritage .

Photographs and sketches provide useful visual character and help to highlight the character of the local architecture, townscape and streetscape. Analysis of the townscape is important to help relate the development more sensitively to its surroundings. Such analysis should include patterns of streetscape, landscape and townscape, spatial characteristics, building forms and building styles.

The analysis also includes the history and chronological evolution of surrounding spaces of Moti Masjid; site description including connectivity of old region to new region of Bhopal, type of settlement along Raja Bhoj Marg, views and vistas; concept and theme (Mughal architecture); spaces and materials to be investigated and preserved; up gradation of engineering services; urban development of surrounding features

Based on the revitalisation of the Moti Masjid, the methodology chart is as follows:

Conclusion

By studying the various aspects of Moti Masjid in terms of planning, designing and architecture, it is concluded that the building needed to be restored in order to maintain its heritage and importance as well as improve sense of awareness and promote tourism in Bhopal.

Throughout this conservation project of the Moti Masjid, Bhopal; sustainable future for the historic, cultural, social, economic and environmental value of the Moti Masjid, its environment and adjacent urban areas can be established.

References

ASI. (2009). Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan-Red Fort, Delhi. Delhi: ASI.

Building Restoration. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_restoration

Iqbal Maidan. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://www.coroflot.com/amri/design-assignments

Moti Masjid, Bhopal. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2014, from http://www.mapsofindia.com/bhopal/tourist-attractions/moti-masjid.html

Sarkar, S. (2012, August 27). Hindustan Times.

University of Hong Kong. (n.d.). Conservation and Revitalisation of Old Buildings. Hong Kong: Faculty of Architecture.

Detailed research reffering journals, documents and literature reviews

Site Visit

Survey/ Documentation/ investigation of spaces in Moti Masjid and surrounding spaces

Analysis (Architectural Features, spaces and materials to be investigated and preservedDesign principles and urban aspects)

Problem Identification

Designing

Proposal