Proposals for restoration work at Srirangam Temple: India - (mission ...

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Distribution: limited FR/TA/CONSULTANT

Proposals for Restoration Work at Srirangam Temple

by G.R.H. Wright

Serial No. 1222/BMS. RD/CLT Paris, May 1969

TABLE OFCONTENTS

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Page

I. INTRODUCTION TO THE PROBLEMS CONCERNING SRIRANGAM TEMPLE.....,......... 3

II. CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION OF MONUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

A. The background to its application in the present connexion........ 7

B. Some general principles and their relevance in this connexion..... 9

APPENDIX 1. PREVENTION OF GROWTH OF VEGETATION ON ANCIENT MONUMENTS . . . . . . . . . ..I................................. 17

APPENDIX 2. GROUTING . . . ..*.............*.........*...............* 18

III. THE TEMPLE OF SRIRANGAM - PROPOSED CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION....,... 21

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

J.

K.

L.

M.

N.

0.

P.

Q.

General programme ................................................. 21

Present disposition of temple ..................................... 21

Approach and surround ............................................. 23

Walls ............................................................. 24

Terrace roofs ..................................................... 26

Flooring .......................................................... 27

Painting .......................................................... 28

Sculpture ......................................................... 30

Gopuras ........................................................... 32

The Venugopala (Sri Krishna) Temple ............................... 35

The 1968 repainting of Sri Chakrathalwar Sannidhi.................3 6

The Museum ........................................................ 37

The Horsemen Macdapa .............................................. 38

The Thousand Pillar Mandapa ....................................... 39

The inner areas of the temple ..................................... 40

The RangaVlmanaShikhara ......................................... 41

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IV. NOTICES OF OTHER SOUTH INDIAN MONUMENPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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R. Summary of recommendations . ..*........*....0......*............... 42

APPENDIX - REPORT ON TEST OPEF!!TIONS CARRIED OUT IN DECEMBER 1968 . . . . . ..*..............*................... 45

1. Cleaning pillars in Horsemen Mandapa.................... 45

2. Removing cement "false pointing" and other disfigurements on walls . ..e.a...*................................ 46

3. Cleaning external plaster-work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...*... 43

A.

B.

c.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

J.

Report on Palaiya Sivaram and Thirumakudal Temples................. 4-9

Brief note on the Temple of Gangsikonda Cholapuram, near lower Anicut and the Dharasurem Temple . . . ..*.*....0...**..*.......*...... 50

Report on treatment of sculptured pillars in Ramaswamy Temple at Kumbakonam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..~................. 50

Short report on the Temple of Aruna Jogeswara at Thirupanandal..... 50

Short report on Muvar Koil (near Kodambalur)....................... 5?

Short report on Muchu Kunde&&a (Mudukundrum) Temple*............. 51

Short report on Alagar Koil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..a...... 51

Report of inspection of the Sundaraja Perumal Temple, Thiruvellarai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..*.................*.............. 52

Repzt on the Institute of Religious Art, Mshabalipuram............ 54

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I. INTRODUCTION TO THE PRO3LEMS CONCERNING SRIRANGAM TEMPLE

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To report on the mise en valeur of the Temple City of Srirangam is not basically to report on the fabric of a complex of buildings. It is to report on a situation. The monunant is a living temple, one of the great centres of Vaishnavite worship in India. Its structure is of architectural and historical interest. Part of its confines has become a township under separate municipal control. Little reflection is required to realize that conflicts may emerge between these different interests. In this situation not only are historical considerations of art and architecture involved, but equally directly are involved religious, ethnic, social and political considerations.

Municipalities cannot be induced readily to vacate built-up housing in an over-populated, overcrowded land. Foreign 'experts" expect to apply automatically practices and ideas concerning the restoration of monuments which sre current in Western Europe. A devout philanthropist seeks the moral regeneration of his fellows by reviving traditional religion in its full spiritual development at a great traditional shrine. A community of common men wish to continue their round of devotion in the surroundings and manner familiar to them since birth, Archaeo- logist scholars and officials are anxious to demonstrate that they are the responsible inheritors of the countryls monuments. Some authorities hope to real&e to the utmost the potentialities of ancient. temples for attracting foreign currency to the country.

Not only do such Interests as these conflict, but the actual exercising of authority to ensure execution of mise en valeur measures is by no means pre- determined matter of routine in a land where society has assumed a very new and popular complexion. In the face of these circumstances the real difficulties confronting a programme of work at Srirangam are almost everything but architectural.

Thus is it difficult to &ntroduce a report except by something like a social study. Resisting this temptation, a few vignettes only may be drawn which will show the reality of the factors mentioned. These may be kept in mind as a background to the technical body of the report. Hopefully they may serve in some measure to explain why it Is not the simple, straightforward programme which could be desired

The huge "Rcrya Gopura", constituting the main entrance way to the temple city, was begun by the ViJayanagar King, Achyuta Raya, probably to commemmorate a victory, and it was abandoned unfinished because of a crushing defeat. Because of the pregnant historical association of this monument for the present-day people of Tamilnad, they may well consider that they will be "discharging a saored duty by completing the Gopuram". Such a proJect may be advisable and meritorious from the ethnic and social point of view; it is inadvisable from the aesthetic/ archaeological point of view. From thelatter point of view it is most desirable that tho magnificent masonry of the gopuram be brought fully into view. However, simply to permit observation requires the demolition and clearance of modern premises which abut directly on the ancient masonry. These premises include not only houses, shops, offices, but also a popular modern temple built 40 years ago!

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An elcmi;ntary example may crystallize the clash arising between reflgions considerations and those which, for ccnvenience, are calicd arzhaeologir:al/ aest:hetic considerations. Take one of the excellent Hoysola figurti sculptures which stand out from the walls of the Venugopala shrine. This figure is of immediately recognizable artistic quality. It Is weathered somewhat and has the cachet of age. Nothing can be done to it which can possibly improve its aesthetic,' archaeologicai appal. Pert of one limb or the like has been brokr?n aww. If a new member were dowelled in, in a ccngruous manner, it would not greatly diminish the aesthetic appeal. It ce.rtainly would not increase ita Such a measure would certainly not be considered advisable if this figure were being exhibited in a l?arcpean Museum.

However, this figure is a representation of the Deity. And in certain circumstances it Is religiously unbecoming to allow the Deity to be manifested in spoiled and broken images. Sacred writings contain provisions on this score. Such images should be removed and replaced by new ones.

Again consider the TollowIng rather "human" and "everyday" matters. Within the temple complex, there are numerous individual shrines - each oi which has a community of local worshippers. Such a shrine may be of intellectual interest to a few scholars, it may become a curiosdty interest for foreign tourists, to the community it is simply their parish church, the focus of a part of their lives as it was of their parents' lives. Without much knowledge of the Shastras or Agamas, and certainly without any knowledge of architectural history, they desire to show their reverence for the Deity by the adornment of his house. This they do in the vernacular manner which has meaning for them. How else 3 Otherwise it could barely be said to be their offering. Any frustration of this offering by the intervention of esoteric concepts of artistic worth will be to them a grief and annoyance which they will resist.

However, to many educated Europeans religion is conceived of as a sort of perva sive spirituality inevitably Involving refined artistic taste. This IS partly baaed on the fact that in previous epocha the master-works of art have been created in service of religion. It Is also baaed on the fact that with the decline of traditional religion in the West reverence for art has become in itself a substl- tute religion. That God can be properly venerated in a milieu of acultural, commercial decoration is unpalatable to this outlook.

Such a conflict of considerations as these last has often been noted, but generally the considerations apply to developments (or decadence) within one cultural tradition - Le. where the religious and the artistic sentiment are of the same formation. The circumstances at Srlrangam are further complicated by the fact that here the religious sentiment and the artistic sentiment applied are of two different cultural formations.

It may be useful to conclude these introductory remark3 with an observation of basic significance. It is the wi3hful assumption of modern Western 'progres- siviam" that "good" worka, ideas eta. (i.e. those of which it approves) are due to the commendable efforts of good people. Whereas "bad" works etc. come about by accidents, Inadvertence or perhaps as the result of the fault of otherwise good people is not helping or Instructing others auffiaiently to recognize the "good things".

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This is, of course, a "grotesquerie". What from one point of view are un- desirable things come into being just as Intentionally as desirable ones. They represent something sufficiently deslrable from some other point of view to be wortn the troubic of execution. Some interest was responsible for their creation; and if they are to be expunged, forbidden or altered, some interest will consider that it has suffered. This interest will consider Itself as valid as any other interest and consider It has a right to maintain itself. Failure to recognize this obvious fact leads to the familiar cycle of expensively worded plans, little result, and much subsequent recrimination.

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II. CONSERVATION AND RCSTORATION OF MONUMENTS

A. THE BACKGROUND TO ITS APPLICATION IN THE PRESENT CONNEXION

In executing missions such as at Srirangam, the writer has enjoyed on occa- sions the benefit of frank, cordial and illuminating conversations with able men in positions of great official and financial responsibility. Men who, in various capacities, have found themselves confronted with the question of the conservation and restoration of ancient monuments. The sincere earnest interest these people have in the question is patent. These conversations often bring into focus very basic considerations uoncerning such work which, in everyday routine, would not be noticed. As an attempt to pass on some of the benefit derived from these dis- cussions and the reflection thereby engendered, some preliminary consideration Is offered of the principles of conservation and restoration as they are relevant to work in the region concerned.

A3 modern Western art and arohitecture has become less and less traditional in essence, it has been found impossible to retain an organic unit of development with the past. Accordingly the expression of,and even the formal train5ng in, art and architecture has split into two. One part Is concerned with "Modern Art and Architecture" and the other part is concerned with "Traditional Art and Archl- tecture" and Its "Conservation and Restoration". The conservation and restoration of monuments is thus one branch of contemporary Western European Architecture. It is an art (perhaps a minor one on most analyses) and it must be approached In the same way as any other art. It Is a manifestation of a spiritual awareness - an awareness derived from all the clroumstances of the age, and one which changes with the age itself. An awareness limited in any one age to a certain community of spiritual possessions, 30 that those standing outside this community do not share in the awareness.

Thus any small detail of simple, operative work to be effected on fabric of an ancient monument In the name of "conservation and restoration" is an expression of the total cultural development of Western Europe,centering in its highly peculiar attitude towards the past. An attitude which is markedly different from its former attitudes and an attitude which will change markedly In the future. Manifestly an attitude which ha3 no real meaning for those formed by another cultural tradition. Such a person simply will not of his own understanding effect the detail in the obvious manner. That is, "obvious" If viewed from the totality of the conception of this art of restoration.

This experience is one met with in praotice over and over again. All the important steps of the work have been completed while some small finishing operation remains. If this is done spont3neously by someona not trained in these procedures, It will be done in a manner utterly at verianoe with the artistic aim of the work. For that aim simply has no reality to the person concerned.

Here Is a simple illustration. A fZnely jointed "dry stone" wall is in danger of collapse. It is decided to restore it on the beat principles of 'Con- servation and Restoration of Monuments". It is agreed that the masonry cannot be

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strengthened in situ. A5cordingly the blocks are numbered, the wall dismantled, and then re-erected. In theory correct. But the theory has an aim - to restore a structurally strengthened wall to its original appearance. This meana each block must be set back In position with its face unchanged (what happens to its inner parts is immaterial as they wili not be visible); and also that the jointing of the rna3onry Is reproduced in exactly the same manner as the original. In practice what happens Is that large numbers are pa%nted on the visible face of the blocks to remain after re-erection, and the fine dry jointing is concealed by a non-functional,auperfluous mortar point%. Whatever may have been the under- Standing of those responsible, the numbering and pointing (a laborious work) is in reality directed towards one aim only - to change the original appearance of the wall. In terms of the professionally conceived aim of the operation it would be more sensible and less laborious to demolfsh the wall and build a new one, say, of concrete.

The explanation of these somewhat unlooked for results is only a restatement of basic facts. A Twentieth century Western European interested in the past is aware of the "spiritual emptiness" of his age and w%shes on>y to express himself through the mouth of the more significant past. However, someone of another development does not breathe this same spiritual air. He, for example, may be amazed at the new resources and wealth at his disposal and automatically endea- vours by the details of his work to advertise that it was done by him in the "good new days".

Make no mistake. The details of execution of any work of "re5toration" carried out by someone standing outside the present Western European concept of this work will be directed to one end only, consciously or sub-consciously. To renovate, to make the work look new, incorporating all those features which he has experienced about him since birth - the only features which are real to him. For example "real" masonry always has mortared pointing and therefore mortared pointing must be introduced on ancient masonry to make it "real". There I.3 no question as to the reason for this - it is a part of the fabric of his experience which is accepted automatically.

Now it must be golnted out that the above analysis is of fact only. The obvious question of value" to which these facts lead cannot be anmvered here; nor is the writer able to answer it in any connexion. The question, of course, is "Whether the canons of the contemporary Western European art of conservation and restoration of monuments should be applied automatically to the conservation and restoration of a monument of another culture carried out (presumably) fn the interests of a people who may share to some degree this culture rather than that of Western Europe".

All this notwithstanding, in recent years the European concept of conaerva- tion and restoration has become of world-wide currency. Many extraneous factors have been at work to produce this result - often economPc ones such as "the development of tourism" etc. The upshot is that there is 3 general awareness among non-professional people in all region3 of the "Conservn.tion and Restoration of Monuments", 'There is,.ho~ovar,:l9t~le-~owle~e of Its currently accepted aims. Consequently, there is even less consideration as to whether these same aims are automatically applicable to cultural areas other than Europe.

This gives risa to a bewildering situation and, potentially, a very mischievous one. People become conscious that old buildings should be conserved and restored. Therefore under the influence of this new realization, it is accepted

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that "conservation and restoration" is a treatment which should be applied to old buildings, and that the fabric of old buildings cannot be expected to survive without "conservation and restoration", and that it is very wrong and ignorant not to apply "conservation and restoration" to the fabric of old buildings.

Thus it Is that attention may be drawn to a granite wall built of blocks each of the order of a cubic metre. Here several blocks may evidence superficial scarring caused by percussion or weathering end the anxious question is posed: "What shall we do to preserve this stone?" This question is unexpected and bewildering, and the answer 'See that no one interferes with it", appears equally unexpected and bewildering.

With this new concern for 'conservation and restoration" goes a lack of understanding of their real, practical limitations. These words do not mean magic. All that Is material is subject to decay - stones and men alike. By intelligent research, methods may be discovered to stay or slow down this decay: but these results are limited in time, they are all more or less temporary. Just because Twentieth century man is scientifically concerning himself with conservation and restoration of ancient structures, it does not mean that he can bring the state of <any material back to its condition when set in place and that he can keep It in this condition indefinitely. Not no more than he can work like miracles with his own body and days. Sometimes results can be achieved which will last for a more or less limited time. Results cannot always be achieved. And no results can be guaranteed for ever.

B. SOME GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND THEIR FUZLEVANCE IN THIS CONNEXION

A programme of conservation end restoration is like any other building pro- w-e, and one of consequence can no more be tackled hand over fist than can the building of a temple. Conservation and restoration are not some-thing which can be applied out of a tin or a book. A new architectural composl.tion is being created and this depends on the harmonious ordering of many separate, Individual decisions and solutions. In short conservation and restoration are a branch of architecture. One which, since Its purposes to display to the best advantage what is of historic value In 3 building, demands 3 specialized knowledge of the history of architecture.

Obviously the first stage in a project of conservation and restoration of an ancient monument is to establish the programme. This must be clearly written out, specifying what the operation is designed to produce. There can be no rational building unless it is clear what is to be built - i.e., what is the soci3l function of the proposed building. Similarly with the proposed work on an ancient monument - Is its subJect a living building (I.e., a building still performing the social function for which it was designed), or Is it what may be called "a ruin"?(i.e., in essence a museum piece, its significance for society being primarily its historical or aesthetic qualities)

This distinction is so basic as to condition most of the particular operations on the fabric. Indeed for greater clarity of hypothesis it might be advisable to use different terms in describing operations on the fabric of the two different classes of buildings. For example "conservation and restoration" may be more properly reserved for "ruins" and "maintenance and repairs" might be applied to "living buildings'. With many monuments the two concepts may overlap somewhat, but for any particular portion of the work it should be clear in which of these interests the work is being carried out.

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Since work of restor3tion and conservation is designed to perpetuate 3n existing structure in a certain interest, the next stage is a craial one. It must be clearly defined and written out exactly what is unsrltisfacto~y ii1 the present condition of the structure with respect to the interest to be served. If +here is nothing whTch can be pointed out specificslly as unsatisfactory, why then, nothIng need be done!

F'inally when the unsatisfactory aspects of the structure have been detailed, then the proposed remedial operations must be specified in corresponding detail. Statemsnts like "This has to be renovated completely" or "This m3y be renovated to the extent necessary" are ussless and potentially mischievous.

Such is 811 indication of the vital planning stages, i.e. the programme nnd specifications of 3 work of conservation and restoration. Next follows the execution of the scheme.

All the foregoing has served to show that there is no system of conservation ;iLnd restoration which is reudily available for instant application. Therefore it is quite impossible to give a brief outline of practice which could be drawn on directly to cover the work under review. However, solely as a means of informing those concerned with the scope and possibilities of v~ious operations, the following practical notes are provided. I repeat, they do not in any way claim to be a systematic guide or manual of the subject.

Practical notes on treatment of ancient masonry

The first step in any proposed work on ancient masonry is that the areas concerned must be carefully examined for any archaeological, epigraphic, and architectural evidence they may afford (particularly evidence concerning the original condition of the masonry), and this evidence must be properly recorded.

Interference of eny sort with ancient masonry c8n be Justified only on ono or both of the following grounds:

(a) Its appearance is no longer befitting.

(b) Its structure is no longer sound.

In any other circumstance tampering with ancient masonry will constitute "destruction".

The appaarance of ancient masonry may demand attention because the surface:

(a) has been spoiled by l&,er painting, plastering, pointing, writing, etc.,

(b) has become soiled by soot, chemical deposits, bat droppings, etc., or is covered by vegetation,

(c) is wholly, or in part broken, weathered or decayed,

(d) has wholly or In psrt disappeared.

The structure of ancient masonry may demand attention because of:

(3) bodily movement due to failure of foundations or to other stresses,

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(b) 1 oss of cohesion due to failure of the mortar or other binding device,

(4 organic disease of the stone,

(d) displacement, datatchment cr destruction of some particular elet,ents of the structure.

The causes which give rise to these conditions can be seen to resolve themselves into human and natural ones. Men persistently interfere with ancient masonry by painting on it, cutting or quarrying it away, performing industrial operations on it etc. The natural causes of the deterioration of ancient masonry are those which are of general application in the physical world. Masonry works are broken down in the same way as mountains are broken down, viz,, by seismic disturbances and weathering procsssas like insolation, erosion by wind and water and the agents they bear including the seeds of plants.

Of the two types of causes it is readily seen that it Is, In general, by human agency that most damage accrues to ancient masonry. Once having built a monumental structure, if men depart and leave it abandoned in a desert place it will survive in very good condition indeed for a very long time.

Before any act of conservation and restoration Is carried out on masonry it must be clearly established:

(a) What is the unsatisfactory condition;

(b) How this came about;

(c) What is the probable agent of causation.

If there is nothing unsatisfactory in the condition of the masonry, then it must be left alone. There is no such thing as general reconditioning or preservation of ancient masonry (or none known to me).

If the condition of the ancient masonry is recognized as unsatisfactory in one or more respects, a specific effort must be made to improve the situation. Further, if the cause of the condition is seen to be continuing or likely to rezur, then if in any way practical, some effort should be made to Inhibit the operation of the cause. But this is by no means always reasonable or possible.

The operations designed to improve unsatisfactory conditions In ancient masonry may be grouped as follows:

(1) Removing or cleaning away dirt, markings, coatings or extraneous applications or accretions to the surface.

(2) Repositioning elements of the original masonry which have become detatched.

(3) Introduction of new material into the ancient fabric.

r8) Dismantling and re-erection of the original fabric.

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These operations .3re given in the crder of advisability. If +here is nothing specifically unsatisfactory E;Dout the masonry, leave it completely alone. If the unsatisfactory condition can be remedied by removing extraneous additions to the ancient masonry, do this and nothing else. If the original element is available for replacement do net use nelv matarial. If the masonry can be dealt with in situ --- do not take it down. In short the best solution to any problem of the conservation 3nd restoration of ancient m3sonry, other things being equal, is that which involves the least interference with the original fabric.

Some clursory outline as may be thought to apply to local circumstances is now gi;jen of these operations.

1. Removing and clening away superficial disfigurements

In the local sphere by far the greatest bulk come under this heading. There 3re two reasons for this. The religious Institution has outlasted the artistic tradition which produced its monuments, and "foik art" has been and IS being applied universally to this ancient masonry. As far as is possible this mortaring 3Ild p3iIltiIlg etc., should be removed mech3nic&ly by chipping, flaking and brushing followed by scrubbing with soap and water. Chemical cleaners and removers are to be used only where necessary and under expert advice.

Secondly there is the rapid growth of vegetation in all crannied walls (and even sheer ones). This is, of course, the characteristic problem of the care of masonry in Southern India. In this connexion it must be clearly noticed that a reasonable amount of occasional verdure does no harm to the appearance of the masonry. If it likewise did no h3rm to the structure it could well be left alone. But alasl the forces exerted by plant growth are very great and most damaging to the structure. Thus every effort must be made to eradicate plant growth from the face of ancient masonry. Application of chemicals assist in this process, but fundamentally it can only be properly done by regular m3nuai effort.

The superficial mortaring over or "pointing-up" of the hair line Jointing of fine masonry In this interest is an abomin3tion. It is much more destructive to the appearance of the m3sonry than the plant growth, and it is ineffective - the mortaring flakes away and even provides better 'lodgment pockets" for the seeds. This practice should be penalised by a fine.

2. Repositioning of displaced or fallen mesonry

This is a vital and elementary work in the crire of ancient masonry. It Is one, however, which in the nature of things is never carried out, except by someone trained in this core. This is clecly demonstrated by experience. Some "scholarship" Is necessary to recognize -where a detached block belongs, 3nd the replacing of it is an expression of scholarly self-effacement 3nd respect for the past, which comes only with "scholarship".

In the absence of this scholarship, when 3 missing element is to be replaced convenience of handling is the only criterion governing the choice among various units of original mater&al trvailable. Indeed fer more likely thnn the resetting of any origin31 elements (even in wrong places) is the removal of original elements, on the ground that "hey hava become defective or unsuitable, to be replnced by new work. For example, stone beams may be removed and replaced by reinforced concrete ones. These are the unpleasant facts of life which must be recognized.

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3. Introduction of new material into ancient masonry

There are two aspects to this type of operation; where the new materiel is to be exposed to view and where It will be hidden within the thickness of the wall. That Is, depending on whether the operation is being performed because of defective appearance or defective structure of the ancient masonry. Very often the one treatment may Involve both aspects.

The insertion of new material In or on the face of ancient masonry for aesthetic reasons , precisely because It is the most evident act of conservation and restoration, Is the most generally adverted to by laymen and Is most subject to controversy of a popular nature. Here, above all, must the "restorer" have a clear Idea of his subject and aim. At one extreme his subject is a fully functional living building. At the other it is a ruin, fallen and fragmentary, which by reason of the handiwork of time may be far more picturesque than St-ever was as a living building.

In the former instance any gaps or damage to face work will be made good so as to be fndistlnguishable from the original, for the gaps etc., constitute a blemish. This Is "repair" rather than "restoration". In the latter Instance the evidence of decay Is the charm and is not to be diminished - i.e., even where it may be structurally necessary to plug cavities, the surface must be permitted to retain its broken appearance.

A useful broad distinction can be drawn between what has been called "reparation" and "restoration". With repairs the aim may be legitimately to match up the new work with the old, i.e. to use the same stone dressed In the same manner and if necessary artificially patinated to give the same appearance. With "restoration", it is a commonly accepted rule that "new work" must always be distinguish- able from the original on a reasonably close inspection. However, in no way should it be of a quality strikingly discordant with the original.

The distinction is afforded by the use of different material, i.e. brick or mortar instead of stone; or by presenting the same material differently, Le. different setting, different dressing, different patlnation, etc.; or by setting the new material with its face slightly reces sed from that of the original, thus throwing It into the shadow and the background as Is fitting. This latter device is almost universally employed when the new Insertion Is restricted ;Ln area and is more or less surrounded by the original face of masonry. Small breakages, clefts, gaping Joints, etc., which are mortared up are always done in this fashion. New mortar should never be brought flush with the face of old stone, and to smear new mortar over the face of the old stone only constitutes "destruction". Certainly In no case should new masonry ever be set in advance of the original wall face, as nothing must ever be done which will obscure or confuse the original lines of the building.

The introduction of new material unseen into the body of ancient masonry for structural reinforcement is a factor little appreciated by laymen. However, since it frequently offers an alternative to dismantling and re-erecting, its importance is great. For this reason it is referred to here, although engineertig knowledge is necessary to put such things Into practise.

Theoretically it is better not to build foreign materials into an ancient structure, as there is always a possibility that some unwonted reaction may

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develop between two ill-assorted components. That is to say, where possible it is better to strengthen internally with the same materiai as the original construction. However, with understanding and due precaution foreign materials are incor- porated into ancient masonry. Where necessary load-bearing stone walls may be transformed, In pest, into framed structures of reinforced concrete or structural steel. The essential thing to notice is that this Is dona only where necessary and to preserve the oi*iginal appearance. It is thus the very antithesis of unnecessarily introducing reinforced concrete elements where they can be seen.

One particular method of Introducing new material into the core of an ancient masonry structure in order to strengthen it is what is called "grouting". Cement grout is a fluid mixture of cement which can be run into the interstices of ancient masonry with the result that a structure decemented and honeycombed with voids, can be converted once more into a strong coherent mass. And if proper care is taken there will be no external sign of this operation.

Grouting provides a remedy for a situation where one element of the masonry, the rubble and mortar filling, has decayed. Mutih graver is the situation where the whole body of the stone work itself is organically diseased. This fortunately is of rare occurrence jp~rursl Indian temples because of the relatively clean at- mospheric conditions.

To some degree it may be possible to reconstitute such diseased stone by chemical means, but this can only be carried out by an expert chemist and the scope and possibilities of the treatment are much more restricted than appears to be the popular impression. Certainly there is no magic substance which can be applied to, InJected into, or Infused into stone so as to rejul.enate it or guarantee it long life. Such ideas are 'quacke.ry'; generally speaking, the only effect they will have is to spoil the appearance of the masonry.

4. Dismantling and re-erection of ancient masonry

It should be evident that this method of dealing with the defective masonry is that of the last resort. However, many Instances of its operation are in evidence locally. The less said about them the better. The intention of this operation is that after completion the masonry unit is structurally sound and presents exactly the same appearance as before the operation with the exception of such defects as have been remedied. The process Is thus entirely dffferent in aim and organization from demolition of the original structure and the building of a new structure with the material so obtalned.

Although dismantling and re-erecting has a twofold name, the operation has four components of equal importance, viz.,

1. Recording.

;: Dismantling. Storage.

4. Re-erection.

The various units of masonry must be each identified with a number, and their position shohn on a measured drawing. The blocks must be broken from bond and removed from the wall. They must be stored so that the position of each block is known and each block is immediately accessible. The blocks must be taken from storage and rebonded together in their original order and disposition according to the manner recorded.

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Equal precautions must be taken dUrlng each of these phases so that t;le visible faces of the masonry are not disfigured. Thus numbers must be painted or i?nked only on non-visible parts (until such parts become accessible temporary numbers can be chalked on the faces of the blocks).

During the repeated handlings crowbars or wire slings must never come into direct contact with the face of the stone, and protection of the faces may be necessary during storage. If blocks are dafective structurally they should be consolidated during storage. No block should be set into the re-erected wall in a defective condition. Finally it can only be repeated, this operation is a very demanding one if carried out properly, and Is not to be recommended if alternatfve in situ treatment is possible.

The preceding notes have been drawn up in response to the observed pecullari- ties of the local scene. They express, however, only that which is standard prac- the. T1i2-t this practice is indeed referrable to local needs may be emphasised by the following short extracts from a guide issued at the beglnnlng of the century for those charged with the care of ancient monuments in India. Although not expressly stated, it is clear that the concern of this guide Is mainly with %uins", i.e. those ancient monuments whose primary significance for society Is their historical and artistic interest rather than the original function for which they were erected. However, basically, the remarks are of general application and they merit the closest attention as they are very well stated.

"Officers charged with the execution of conservation work should never forget that reparation of any remnant of ancient architecture, however humble, is a work to be entered upon with totally different feeling from a new work or from the repairs of a modern building.... When, therefore, repairs are carried out, no effort should be spared to save as many parts of the original as possible, since it is to the authenticity of the old parts that practically all the interest attaching to the new will owe Itself.

"Local artisans are usually good copyists, capable of Imitating any model which may be set before them, but unable to make use of their eyes; and bejng accustomed to work with a stereotyped series of degenerate modern imitations, they apply them indiscrimlnately, in place and out of it, on all classes of buildings.

"One of the principal factors In causing the ruin of brick and &one buildings is the growth of vegetation In the Joints, and the only way of dealing with this evfl is constantly to eradicate the plants before they have the chance of becoming firmly rooted.

"It is not generally dasirable to demolish or remove, in whole or in part, any stone or brickwork which it is at all possible to repair in situ. If the new work has to be inserted, any mouldings or other details, which may have to be worked on it, should be in strict harmony with the adjoining ornaments. In removing broken or decayed work do not take ouu + any, but such as is so far gone as to have lost all 5ts original form; better to have broken or half decayed original work than the smartest and most perfect new work.

'%Jith regard to walls out of plumb, St is not always necessary to dismantle and rebuild them. In many cases it will be found that the fault was caused soon

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after the erection of the building by the subsidence of the foundations which, having pezmancntly settled, are not likely to go any further.

"When dismantling masonry, previous to rebuilding, it is necessary to mark or number the old stones so as, the more readily, to replace them in their original positions. In doing this, care should be taken net to use oil paint, or other pigment or stain, which will be difficult to remove again. It is better to put the numbers on the sides or back of the stone rather than upon the face. In any case, all marks should be removed on completion of the work.

"All the new stone work should be matched in colour with the surface adjoining it. In some cases, too, where the old stone work has weathered to a darker tint, it may be necessary, in order to avoid any violent or unpleasant contrast between the new and old surfaces, to use artificial means for staining the former.

"Accumulation of soil on roofs or other flat surfaces should be removed as favouring the growth of vegatation. Any openings on terraced roofs, through which rain water can percolate, should be stopped, and proper drainage provided for. Cracks on the roof where they are not observable may be pointed; but on the walls, both exterior and interior, simple grouting (if that ia necessary and practicable) should be employed. In this process the mortar can be prevented from coming too near the surface by first stopping the Joints with clay from the outside, which can be removed when the grouting within is dry.

"If the new stones are accurately dressed, so as to fit closely to one another, there will generally be no necessity for mortar or any cementing material in the Joints. Old stone buildings were originally erected, as a rule, entirely without mortar. In no case should any mortar be seen upon the surface of tne work, where the mortar has not been used originally. Nor should pointing, as it is generally understood in India, be permitted, on any account, either in brick or stone work, except in places where it is not exposed ta view. Pointing on ancient buildings is an anachronism which cannot bc too strongly guarded against. All mortar Joints, in which, during previous repairs, tne mortar has not been confined to the Joint, but has been smeared over the adjacent stone, should be carefully scraped.

"As a rule broken lintels or beams may be supported by skilfully stirruping them up from above, or if that is impracticable by inserting angle iron beneath.

'The use of whitewash or paint, especially on sculptures and inscriptions, should be forbidden. If it is contemplated to remove any from an old surface, precautions must be taken to prevent injury to any inscription, relief or painting beneath:

"Immsdiately, after the completion of repairs to any monument, the building and its surroundings should be cleaned and tidied up. No mortar wheels, mortar heaps, brickbats or the like should be left behind."

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APPENDIX 1

PREVENTION OF GROWTH OF VEGETATION ON ANCIENT MONUMENTS

?'hat vegetation plays an active part in the destruction of temples and other ancient monuments is a fact very well known. It is one of the chief destructive influences in a tropical climate. But the custodians of sncient monuments do not, as a rule, seem to take any notice of these growths on the walls, either when they are but small plants, or even after they are deeply rooted, and consequently buildings are damaged to such an extent that heavy sums have to be spent in their restoration, though no renovation can restore the original beauty of the structure.

Some custodians do make a show of removing the leaves and stems leaving the root to again produce a new and probably more luxuriant growth than before, and as the roots expand with the growth of the plants, the masonry, however heavy and solid it may be, is invariably forced out of position, and,if not checked in time, will ultimately fall into ruin. All this could be avoided at little or no expense by the removal of young plants whenever they appear in any Joints of the masonry.

The attention of the custodians of ancient monuments should be drawn to the fact, that the first and foremost duty to be done in preserving such buildings is the constant removal of such growths to the very end of the root.

That the ancient Hindus were not unaware of the evil effects of vegetation is evident from the fact that, in many important temples, due provision has been made in the accounts for the annual clearance of vegetation, though in practice, it is not now done in the manner in which it should and ought to be done, and is in most cases neglected."

(General Principles for the guidance of those entrusted with the custody of, and execution of Repairs to Ancient Monument - Government of India, 1305.)

A chemical treatment to deter the growth of vegetation on walls is a wash of 1lh $ solution magnesium chloride. If paint is to be applied, then it is possible to make use of special paint which contains a fungicide. The efficacity of such measures is probably not great. I have seen gopuras painted brand new and stated to be treated with chemicals, yet for all that they have sprouted luxuriant foliage in the two or three years since their redecoration.

Regular efforts must be made to remove all saplings and small shrubs by hand. Usually they can be so removed without disturbing much masonry. If there is some difficulty in this they should be cut off as near the root as possible, and stump killed by chemical means (by applying a corrosive acid, e.g. nitric acid). Subsequently the decayed roots can be removed more easily. When treating masonry affected in this way it is most essential that all decayed roots and vegetable matter should be completely eradicated.

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APPE'KDIX 2

GROUTING

This Opel-ation is designed to strengthen a wall by replacing the internal cementing component which has dacayeci leaving voids in the structtx?e. There is considerable application for this process in repair work on South Indian temples, but it seems rarely put into effect.

Liquid cement is called cement grout. Cement will not adhere to dust or a dry surface, and if the liquid is injected into a wall which has not been cleaned and washed out,it merely sets in an independent mass and fails to perform the function for which it is intended. A plentiful supply of water preferably by hose from matis is necessary for this vital prelimi;?ay washing.

Testing for voids is made by tapping with a hammer - a dull or hollow sound indicates voids, otherwise a solid or ringing sound is produced. Suspected voids should be marked on the face of the wall.

Small holes should be drilled where voids are anticipated, say 4 feet apart horizontally and 2 feet above each other vertically in a staggered formation. Naturally advantage should be taken of conveniently situated Joints, fissures etc., for introducing these holes into the masonry.

It is usual to carry out large-scale grouting operations ste&i.ng at the base of the wall and working upwards in horizontal sections of about 4 feet in height. The cavities first should be washed out by flushing with water from above to obtain an outwash at the bottom of the section, and continuing this process until the water runs out clear. The process can be assisted by rodding the cavities with a metal poker.

Careful note should be taken of where the water runs out from the face of the wall and before commencing to grcut, such fissures should be plugged tightly with clay a&or tow which should be pressed in for a depth of 5 cm.

Tne inJection of the grout can be provided for by a simple device. This consists of a mixing-pan, hose and nozzle provided with a stopcock. The pan (preferably coupled with another) is a galvanized iron, domestic washing-copper having an outlet at the bottom. 2 metre lengths of 11/2"

This connects by means of couplings to several rubber hose which terminate in a galverlized iron nozzle,

9" diameter fitted with a stopcock. Additionally a wooden plug is provided about 50 cm long which will fit into the hole at the bottom of the pan. A further au,ziliary device is a suction "drain-cleaner' i.e. a long wooden handle set on an Indian rubber cap.

The cement grout is mtied in the proportion of three parts water to two parts cement. The pan is suitably filled with water and then the cement emptied into the water and stirred continuously until the required consistency of grout is obtained, with all the cement in suspension ald no solids remaining at the bottom of the pan. To economize it is sometimes possible to use very fine sand of the same specific gravity as the cement as a one-to-one mixture with the cement.

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The following preliminary precautions are necessary:

(1) All cavities thoroughly washed out.

(2) Open Joints plugged with tow or clay.

(3) A supply of clean water available for instantaneously washing from the face of the stone work inevitable scapes of the mixture.

The machine is operated as follows: The pan should be about 10 feet above the point of inlet to give a pressure of 14 - 18 lbs. per sq. inch. Preferably two men are stationed on the scaffolding by the pan, one regulating the flow of the grout into the delivery tube, and the other preparing and mixing the second pen of grout. One other man controls the nozzle. He inserts it into the lowest hole and plugs it around with tow. When all is ready the wooden plug is raised and the grout flows down the tube and the stop-cock is opened so that the mixture flows into ,the cavity.

The operation should continue without removing the nozzle until the grout rises up the wall and begins to flow out of the series of holes immediately above. The stop-cock is turned off and the nozzle is allowed to remain in position until the cement has begun to set, i.e. when it has reached the consistency of putty* The nozzle is then withdrawn and washed in clean water. The Joints are also un- plugged. At the end of the day's operations the equipment should be washed clean in water.

When a complete wall is to be grouted the sequence of operations will depend upon its size and the condition of the masonry. If it is of great height, it will bc dangerous to commence washing out from the top and continue to the bottom without taking precautions like shoring to prevent the collapse of the face stones. In such case it is advisable to commence at the base of the wall, take a height of about 6 feet along its length, bore the holes where required, wash out the cavities from the top of the section, and then commence grouting from the bottom holes; and soon working upwards instages until the full height of the wall has been treated.

When as often happens, cavities penetrate through the thickness of the wall, the preliminary operation of cutting holes and cleaning and washing out must be carried out on both sides of the wall. In such cases observation must be kept on both sides of the wall while washing out and grouting is in progress in order to stop any leakages.

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III. THBTFMPLEOFSXRANGAM PROPOSED CONSEWATION AND J33STORATION

A. GELPROGFUUWlE

The basic consideration which has conditicned proposals of restoration or conservation work on the Temple of Srirangam is that it is a living building an3 not a ruin. This building is still perfcrmi~ng the function for which it was designed. Primarily the building is to worship in and only secondarily to be looked at. Thus the aim of any proposed measure is not to display a muser.Lm piece to the best advantage, but to maintain end/or restore all the virtues of the building whti-h its designers envisaged; and at the same time not to dero- gate from the artistic/historical interest the building has acquired from sur- vival through a number of centuries.

As a result of a detailed survey of the montment, the consultant does not consider it in any way practical to formulate or Implement such a general programme dealing with the Temple City of Srirangam in toto.

For reasons detailed in the report it is considered that a practical programme of conservation and restoration mus t be confined initially to a unit of the temple compound which is:

(a) under administrative control of the temple authorities;

(b) accessible to non-Hindu visitors;

(c) of artistic end historical *aterest.

It is suggested that the area of tne Horsemen Msndapa and the Thousand Pillar Mandapa, with the direct approach thereto by way of the E&t Mottai Gopura, the Kaliyuga Gopura and the Vellai Gopura constitutes a unit meeting these requirements.

Accordingly, as a practical step, a programme of work should be drawn up and implemented initially for this area only.

B. PRESENT DISPOSITION OF TEMPLE

When the temple complex of' Srirangam attained its present limit in ViJayanagar times (c.1520 AD..), it then constituted a 'Etimple-'Eown, a..vasUy different organization from its present Condition which is that of a temple and a town. Originally the outer prskaras were designed to serve the more mundane needs of the sanctuary, e.g. to provide temporary accommodation for visiting pilgrims and worshippers, and to house the temple servants end service facilities. That is, all who were inside the enclosure walls were there for some reason con- nected with religion. At some time between that date and the present this state of affairs began to change. Now the outermost three prakaras of the tempie constitute a township, the inhabitants of which have i&-so facto no more conncxion with the religious life of the temple than have the inhabitants of any other urban district in the neighbourhood. The history of this development is not

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clear, and it is subject to misrepresentation by the various parties interested. Certainly at the present day the outer three prakaras are administered by a municipality, anti the temple authorities have no jurisdiction here. It seems that the municipality was set up about 1871.

??-,e find&mental importance of this development for any 'conservation and restoLation" scheme at Srfrangam Temple is imnediately obvicus. The outer three prdkaras (about 803 of the area) of the complex are packed with poor, modern housing and squatting, which encroaches on all ancient masonry. Over this sector of the complex the temple officials exercise no administrative authority, but the proposed programme of conservation and restoration work is to be carried out by these officials. The situation in itself is a matter of concern; however, this situation is interlocked with another situation to produce added concern.

Attention has been drawn tc the twofold interest of the Sri.rangam Temple complex - the religious and what may be called the historical/arti%tic interest. So Par as the latter interest is concerned it will be shared by many who do not practise the Hindu religion. Now if the division of the complex into a holy of holies and seven surrounding prakaras is adopted it must be pointed out that there is by no means complete freedom of access over all these compartments. The non-Hind.g visitor, in the nature of things, will never be allowed to enter the inner parts of the temple, i.e. the 3rd prakara and beyond.

However, as has been indicated, the outer prakaras (5th, 6th and 7th) have become a modern township which in itself most ce3ainly possesses no aesthetic appeal. This leaves only the 4th prakara (in part) which is at one and the same time accessible to the non-Hindu and has remained under religious control and not been occupied by modern housing. That is to say, the features of artistic and hi.storical interest accessible to the non-Hindu visitor are in effect the gcpures and the two msdapas on the east of "yhe 4th prskara - the Horsemen Man-

. dapa and the Tho;lsand Pillar Maudapa. And of these features oilly the mandapas and one gopura are under the administrative control of the teq.Ae authorities.

Whatever these facts may imply ultimately they are important and must be ciearly realized and kept firmly in mind. Perhaps some of their immediate im- plications may be expressed in a practical mmer as follows:

For the mise en valeur of the Temple of Srlrangam from the non-religious point of vie:?, without doubt, the most oignificant measure wculd be comprised in the clearing of elements of the modern suburb v;hich have infested and sur- roundea the temple enclosure. Swh measures are demanded solely from the artistic/historical interest. They are manifestly against the interest of the municipality and they are not in any way demanded by the indigenous religious interest. The temple precinct has been populated and built over in the last few generations in the manner described, i.e. with buildings masking monumental facades and partly blocking approaches etc. and this has not interfered with the sanctity, or the religious operations of the temple inthe eyes of the faithful. Indeed, recent modern temples have been built as lean-tos! against the ancient monument, and neither the modern nor the ancient has suffered in the local view. This statement is undeniable and axiomatic, for if these developments had been derogatory in local estimation they would never have been permitted to take place.

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-a- Since the prime purpose of Srirangam Temple is to provide a place of worship

for practising Hindus at a locality of special sanctity, and since this interest is not incommoded by the modern building, then it is unlikely that any expropriation will be arranged. Rather, judging from recent activities both at Srirangam and elcewhere, it is more likely that additional modern building will take place. In the circumstances it does not seem profitable to draw up any schedule of expropriation and ciearan2e.

c. APPROACH AND SURROUND

Approach to Srirangam Temple is from the south by the Ammamandapa Road leading to the Raya Gopura. This road is pleasant eno;h in itself and is lined with various small monuments. In particular on the west side of the road, about half a mile from the entrance there is a small modern temple. This is in pleasing condition and forms an excellent contrast to the monumental complex of Srirangam. The small "domestic" temple is a Vinayagar Temple built or re- f;.shioned on the site of an old mandapa. It should be kept in good condition with the brightly painted stucco decoration always newly maintained. so far as the aesthetic presentation of Srirangam Temple is concerned, this small temple should be regarded as part of the artistic misc en scene. The proximity of this popular, colourful decoration may in some way reduce the compulsion to in- corporate unnecessarily such decoration within the Srirangam Temple confines.

The entrance square or place was obviously designed to show the complete facade of the Raya Gopura. Because of recent fidevelopment" it does not now do so, and other Interests are such that it cannot be made to do so. This immediately introduces one of the principal realities of a programme of mise en valeur at Srirangam. The most basic and significant measures are socially impossible to carry out, and there should be no delusion on this soore.

However (in all humility of purpose) at least the masonry of the gopura should be entirely revealed for inspection, i.e. the physically abutting modern constructions must be removed to the degree necessary to permit circumambula- tion. This has been done on the east side of the entrance, but on the west it cannot be done because here the modernRamanjuja KudamTemple abuts on the gopura. Further words in this connexion are useless.

The worshipper and religious pilgrim will enter into the temple by the direct way through the Raya Gopura as aiways. If, however, there is any serious concern for " tourists" (it is by no means evident that this is warranted), then some further thought may be given to the manner of approach and entrance by tourists. The mere magnitude of the temple area is the quality most likely to impress, or be understood by tourists, and before entry they should be driven completely round the outside of the temple precinct. Thus some attention should be given to the circuit road. At the moment it is in quite good order and follows closely the line of the walls. Only in the north-east quarter a detour is necessary. In this quarter tine road should be made good and everywhere the clearest possible aspect of the prakara walls should be ensured from this road.

Having brought tourists around the outer wall it may be that a more :l;uit- able entrance can be arranged for them than through the Raya Goprrra. This

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entrance way shows a crowded scene of "sub-town" life, but such is readily available in India, and it is cot necessary to visit a temple in order to enjoy it. Why not develop a special "tourist entrance' to the temple complex from the east, through the East-Mottai Gopura? There are many advantages which may accrue from this proposal. Such an entrance way leads directly into the Horsemen Mandapa - Thousand Pillar Mandapa complex. This oomplex ccnstitutes the main tourist interest (and for quick "party visit 3”, could well be the whole interest). Further- more the short straight way enters by the most interesting of the unfinished gopuras (the East-Mottai) and passes through the two largest and best developed of the completed gopuras, the Kaliyuga Gopura and Vellai Gopura. If one or both of these gcsuras were cleaned out internally and put in commission for tourists to mount by its internal circulation system, they would then experience to the best advantage gopura architecture, and secondly they will have the best point of vantage for getting a bird's eye view of the whole temple system.

Finally, and what is perhaps most significant, any special provision in the interests of tourists which may be advisable is much more readily carried out..b this quarter, where tine modern building is less dense and does not encroach so narrowly on the passage way. The disagreeable feature of overhead powerlines is not so pronounced and the problem here is sufficiently restricted that it is possible to deal with it. Whereas it is almost inconceivable that anything can be done with the dense network of trunk lines traversing the southern approach. Thus the establishing of a separate eastern tourist approach would take some pressure off this otherwise obtrusive problem. For it is a problem which is raised by the l'tourist' interest, since manifestly the presence of overhead power lines does not impair the "religious" interest.

D. WALLS

One of the principal glories of South Indian Hindu Temples is the magnificent stone masonry expressed i;? their walls. The blocks vary in size from normal, through massive to megalithic, and they are dry set with hair-line jointing. This masonry does not belong to the European tradition where interchangeable, orthogonally cut blocks are completely dressed ready to be set in a course of a given height. On the contrary, each block is specially shaped in situ to fit its neighbours. Thus the angles are very often not right-angles, and there may be more sides to the face than four, and two neighbouring blocks may be of con- siderably different heighlzs. The vibrant, living appearance of this varied pat- tern of fine lines is a master work.

The strength of such masonry is of course enormous. Mortar is triply re- dundant because of the mass of the blocks, the perfect dressing of the beds, and the interlocking structure. To see such a stretch of masonry, weathered golden in a sunlight softened by the surrounding verdure is a privilege. It is this classic backdrcp which gives the balance to India architecture permitting luxuriant decoration to be expressed in appropriate places.

It is no secret that this glory and necessity of Indian architecture has been and is being continually despoiled and defaced. These destructive activities which in the past were prompted by "religious" motives or decorative instincts, have at the present time become wholesale and endemic under the guide of "conservation and restoratio;l". In a living temple Eke Sriraniam it is now general that the only .expanses of masonry left unspoiled are those which are not normally visible or out of convenient reach.

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With determined purpose the hair-line Jointing has been smeared over with a false mortar "pointing", utterly without function but which effectively trans- forms the appearance of master-works of masonry into that of crude, ill-set village walls. Having demeaned the character of monumental masonry into that of a house wall, not unnaturally it is generally treated in a corresponding way, i.e. it is covered with whitewash or paint so that It is no longer apparent whether its construction is of stone, brick or mud. Then, "to bri,ng out the beauty" (as officials have explained to me), a network of white lines may be painted on it crudely representing contemporary stone setting. Sometimes this wears away and further cement false pointing is applied over the whitewash!

Reese practices and tendencies have not been passed over in silence. Hut prohibition has had no effect. The General Principles for the Care of Ancient Monuments published by the Government of India at the beginning of the present century deals most specifically with this plague: 'The use of whitewash or paint especially on sculptures... should be forbidden....

3 no case should any mortar be seen upon the surface of the work, where mortar has not been used originally. Nor should pointing as it is generally understood in India, be permitted on any account . . ..except in places where It is not exposed to view. Pointing on ancient buildings is an anachronism which cannot be too strongly guarded against. All mortar Joints where during previous repairs the mortar has not been conflned to the Joint, but has been smeared over the adjacent stone, should be carefully scraped".

If any regard whatsoever had been paid by religious authorities to these simply expressed, common sense directives, there would now be-little need for programmes of restoration; certainly there would be no need for the presence of "experts" to advise on such programmes.

The aim of programmes of restoration is to reveal the original work of art freed from disfiguring accretions. So far as South Indian temples in general and Srirangam Temple in particular are concerned, the prime measure (and that of overwhelming preponderance) consists in strlpping this mortar, whitewash and paint from the fine masonry which comprises these structures.

Since this activity is the very antithesis of current activity concerned with the fabric, it is doubtful whether such measures as specified are socially acceptable. If they are not then it is submitted that there is no useful purpose in discussingor planning programmes of conservation and restoration based on "Western" principles. The results will be but confusion and recrimination.

The prime and principal recommendation for a programme of conservation and restoration at the Temple of Srirangam is to make the implementing of the measures specified above a test. A test of the vital question as to whether, in the social circumstances obtaining, "Modern Western" principles and practices of conservation and restoration apply to living Hindu temples.

Accordingly at Srirangam Temple in the selected area comprising the Vellai Gopura, the Horsemen Mandapa and the Thousand Pillar Msndapa, the first self- contained stage of a programme of conservation and restoration must be the stripping from the masonry (walls end pillars) of all false mortar pointing, white.- wash end paint. This unit has been chosen partly because this particular problem is here reduced to manageable proportions.

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If this operation cannot be carried through in a reasonable time (one to two years), then any further involvement with the restoration programme should be strongly discountenanced. Such a restoration programme would be, in effect, proceeding on principles and practices basically differeat from those current in the West; and a pragmatic demonstration would have been afforded that some other principles and practices are more properly relevant to the situation at Sriran- gam Temple than Western ones. hence experts and advice in Western style restoration would be superfluous and only introduce a factor of confusion.

To strip away the recent squalor from the ancient masonry is not a light matter. It will involve well-organized, sustajned work - and "do-nkey work" to boot. There are no wonder-working chemical processes. The bulk of the secondary material must be removed by the manual effort - strenuous manual effort initially and the delicate manual effort finally. Time, intelligent and understanding direction, sustained organizatlon of a large labour force will be required, but not any monumental sums of money.

Should sny fissures or gaps be revealed by this process which it seems desirable to plug, then this should be carrjed out according to standard methods. If the area is sufficiently large, insertion of facing stone in the original style is indicated, if the area is small, appropriately tinted, end surfaced mortar set back from the face of the wall. If structural weaknesses are discovered in the wall, then where possible, grouting may be employed - and thus a firm example may be set against the current mania for dismantling ancient walls. Tnis has one true aim only - to transform fine, ancient masonry into poor, modern- 1Doking masonry.

E. TERRACE ROOFS

There are acres of terrace roofs on the Temple of Srirangam and it has been held that these constitute a pressing problem for any programime of conservation and restoration. That such terrace roofs constitute a great maintenance problem is obvious. Perhaps this is a question of definition, but supposing these terrace roofs are properly maintained in the traditional fashion then there semms little concern here for a programme of restoration and conservation.

If earth is allowed to accumulate on the roofs a "roof garden", including sizable shrubs and bushes, soon develops. This holds in the precipitation, which is allowed neither to drain nor to evaporate. The continual dampness .eventually decomposes Eind penetrates the lime rendering and-the brickwork to seep down between the underlying stone slabs. This process is accelerated by the mechanical destruction of the roofing due to the roots of the bushes snd shrubs.

Most of the troubles with terrace roofs would be avoided by simple adherence to the directgwes of the Government of India's "General Prticlples", viz., "Ac- cumulation of soil on roofs or other flat surfaces should be removed as favouring the growth of vegetation".

The traditional construction of terrace roofs is still widely understood and practised. It would be a great error to change the construction of the vast expanse of roofing at Srirangam to a new system full of technic.al elaborations foreign to the understanding and capacities of the local populace. If it be

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conclusively demonstrated that a full and satisfactory weatherproofing is not attained even by the properly maintained traditional terrace roofs, then the remedy lies in supplementing the traditional construction, not in abandoning it. A simple paint-on, modern weatherproofing agent should be applied to the surface of the lime rendering. In this way the damp.proofing is kept visible on the surface so that defects are apparent and can be treated immediately by further applications of the mixture.

Many such preparations are available commercially and have been used to good effect in the tropics. Invariably they include supplementary mixtures for sealing cracks or other defects.

Modernization of the roofing system will involve incorporating a DPC within the construction of the roofing. This is not a very practical measure in the circumstances. It will be difficult to ensure that this is in fact done properly over the great expanse of roofing. The opportunity afforded to damage exposed masonry through spills, leaks and seepage of asphalt etc. is frightening. No DPi: w?.ll be proof against continual damp held in any accumulations of soil and vegetation. If failures occur and damp penetrates, then the DPC is not immediately accessible and large areas of the surfacing must be taken away before the fault can be located and attention given to it.

One final thing must be stressed. At Srirangam there are many elevated viewpoints and indeed visitors are specially dlrected to view the ensemble from such points of vantage. Therefore the colour and texture of the roofs is as important as the colour and texture of the walls and floors. Whatever measures are adopted to increase the weatherproofzlng of roofs, the visible surface of the roofs should rema3.n of a colour snd texture conformable to their traditional aspect. Glossy red tiles, pitch black waterproofing compounds, shining white paint would be objectional whatever their efficacity ln reflecting heat or re- pelling water.

F. FLOORING

One of the nobilities of construction of the Srirangam Temple, as with other South Indian Temples, is the paving which consists of massive granite blocks. They are not thin slabs, but solid blocks and the solidity is evident from their appearance. Furthermore their fine setting presents curving and interwoven patterns - those of a living organism. The whole aspect is in every way the opposite of the lifeless appearance of modern, mechanical square slabbing.

How important this element of paving is in contributing to the "character", the visual impression of the temple is manifest. The flooring covers an expanse comparable with the walling, and we are brought, perhaps, into more inti- mate contact with it than with the walls. In the face of these obvious facts it is astonishing that the common man seems to be unaware that the floor possesses sny character at all. He will notice a painting or consider it wrcng to remove a statue, but he either does not notice the floor he walks on, or al&e wi&es, as a matter of course, to replace it with a new one. "The existing stcne flooring should be replaced and made an even surface' etc. And yet the would-be destructive effect of such a proceeding has already been made apparent;

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e.g. the focul Ranga Vilas &ndapa has been demeaned by a new stone paving, which has destroyed the religio'us and historic atmosphere of this part of the temple and transformed in into that of any street corner.

This strange outlook has already drawn comment which is worth repeating. "In many cases the floors of the mandapas are s&d to be in need of renewal. As far as I could see that is not the case. Except for minor areas the present flooring is in good order. It may be, indeed, necessary to reset the occasional stone which Is badly displaced or very badly worn, but the slightly uneven surface of much of this paving contributes In no small measure to the attractive and mellow appearance of the halls and does not really inconvenience the pedes- trian". (The renovation and conservation of temples in South India, by Patrick A. Faulkner, Unesco, October 1966).

At Srirangam and elsewhere this traditional flooring is commonly slighted in a strangeway. The Jotilts between the blocks are flushed up and the stones smeared over with mortar, generally of a light colour to contrast with the dark granite blocks. Since this mortar is of the softest cement applied with no keying, and is walked on, it naturally crumbles and flakes away. It is beyond any reason to understand what prompts such an activity. It cannot be thought that the pavements need structural reinforcing or extra solidity. To the tread they are as solid as bed rock. The mortering does not help In cleaning and positively hinders local drainage. The original setting of the blocks is very close and so cannot cause inconvenience to bare feet, nor even to Western women's high pointed heeled shoes - but in any event neither these shoes nor any shoes can be worn inside the temple.

Such rubbish should, of course, be removed from the ancient paving. If the new areas are to be paved, then unless there Is some c.ompelling reason to the contrary, the style of the ancient paving should be reproduced as closely as possible. And no further word should be admitted into discussion concerning the removal of ancient paving.

G. PAINTING

The question of pstited decoration is undoubtedly that which has aroused most attention in connexion with recent work on the temples of South India. Fortunately this question does not baulk so large at Srirangam as elsewhere; and the area on the eastern side of the temple proposed for the commencement of conservation work is very largely free of complications from this factor.

The problem of painted decoration on the fabric of ancient South Indian temples still functioning as religious centres Is a difficult one.

The architecture is "colourful", both figuratively and literally. It is clearly meant to be painted, and it was painted as part of the original design. The taste of the modern users of the temples equally insists on painting. The complicating factor is that the tradition of the original painted decoration has completely died out. The painted decoration applied now is village work based on commercial Western influences, e.g. advertisLng and Walt Disney car- toons. There is no understanding of the architecture which is being decorated. The various functional elements are entirely disregarded and the fabric of the monument is treated simply as a convenient hoarding.

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If a temple is regarded as an "Ancient Monument" then the application of such painting is a travesty. Indeed the one clear solution to these difficulties is for a temple to be scheduled as an ancient monument. However, this is quite unthinkable where any worship is performed, and at the moment there is very considerable social pressure and agitation to have scheduled monuments taken out of the care of the Central Archaeological Service and reconsecrated as tendles. One very certain effect of such development is that these buildings will be painted according to the present taste of the worshippers.

That modern, village-built temples should be painted in village style, and that ancient works of architectWe should be painted in their historic stgle is empty phraseology. Many ancient works of architecture are now fulfilling the social function of village temples, and modern artisans can no more paint in Chola style than they can build in Chola style. If they could, the present discussion would not have arisen.

Clearly one of the most valuable services which might be performed In the interests of South Indian Hindu temples would be the establishment of a fitting scheme of painted decoration for such temples where the fabric is of architectural significance. This would involve developing an understanding between religio7>s authorities, art historians and local craftsmen. The concept is probably quite unreal, but it would be interesting to try and push through one such scheme on a small scale to provide a model.

The scheme, of course, would be based on traditional art forms but with simplificatztons. The first step would be to determine the proper field for painted decoration. Here a rule of convenience might be urged strongly: plaster is a fit vehicle for painting, monumental stone masonry should never be painted. This would mean in effect that the fine "structure" - superbly Jointed walls, columns, composite piers - would not be vitiated by paint. The stone would express its load-bearing function, On the other hand non-load-bearing elements as parapets, finfals, free-stsnding stucco ornament, could be reasonably painted.

This is only a beginning but the practical significance of such a rationaii- zation is great for any programme of conservation and restoration. It would necessitate the removal of large areas of paint and lime wash, often both together superimposed in several successive coats. To carry out properly sucn an operation is very laborious. And unless the operation is carried out properly and completely it may as well not be carried out at all. The aim is to reveal the stone work in its original condition, not to remove as much as pcssible of the paint and whitewash, To achieve the latter aim will involve much labour but will have no beneficial effect whatsoever on the appearance of the monument.

Since the ubiquity of this palnted decoration constitutes a main visual impact of the monuments,certain realities of the situation must be faced squarely. The application of irrelevant painting and whitewash to a monument means that the original art expressed In the monument has passed away from general understanding. It is dead. Attempts to remove the painting etc., and reveal the original art are thus inevitably ti the nature of “museum operations".

The creation of a monumental work of art and its maintenance both demand great enthusiasm, energy and understanding. As these qualities disappear, the monument becomes squalid. It passes from being a building of an "art capital" or "city" to being a building in a "village". To lessen the squalor the

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latter--day populace treat the building in the only way possible for their reduced energies. They palzlt and vrazh over it. They facilely cover up dirt which they cannot eradicate and they convert appearances as far as por;sible to those with which they are familiar in their dafly lives, and which have some meaning for them.

TM.s activity hcquirea a religious sanction and the periodic application of paint ald whitewash tends to be ccznjidered as a religious exercise and duty. Thus the removal of this "decoration" runs quite counter to modern custom and can only be presented as a "scientific", antiquarian activity. The -initial reaction of the common man will be that it is in some measure "desanctifyLng,?@;". Further the una:ded local energy will barely be capable of the very great efforts re- c;uired. Since the operation will have little meaning, there will not be sufficient strength of purpose to sustain the necessary "donkey work".

The conclusion to be drawn frcm these remarks may be expressed briefly. The removal of the squalid lime washing and village painting from monumental masonry is a vital (indeed, perhaps, the only vital) task in any programme of conservation and restoration at Srirangam Temple. One of the reasons for con- fining initial activities at Srirangam to the unit of the east side of the temple compound is that the problem of removing painting etc. is here relatively restricted. Even so it is doubtful that it will be tackled thoroughly u;lless it is given the mystique of a "scientific" operation under 'expert" direction.

Since the unit concerned includes several gopuras a final word must be said about painting in this connexion. The general remarks apply to the lower stone masonry part of the gopuras. These must be cleaned of their disfiguring paint and whitewash. Fortunately the upper stucco parts of the facades do not, show evidence of village painting. Indeed they preserve some evidence of traditional 'art" painting. Therefore it is absoPJtely necessary that these stucco facades are consolidated and carefully cleaned before any decision is taken on repainting them. This ~;ill be possibly the most significant decision 3.11 the programme and should only be taken after full consideration has been given to every point of view.

H. SCULPTURE

To devote separate consideration to:the conservation and restoration of the sculpture at the Temple of Srirangam is barely necessary. However, conditions at the temple form part of the general situation in South Indian temples and in this way the question warrants decided notice.

Sculpture in such temples, which is for the most part achitectural figure sculpture, does not suffer in any appreciable way from natural causes. It is, generally speaking, executed in hard stone and displayed in sheltered positions. I3 has suffered and does suffer from human attention.

First there are the stray acts of vandalism, breaking of legs and tails, or WTeapons, musical instruments and other such accessories. This activity, although it exists, in not particularly troublesome.

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Secondly, and of much greater significance, is the inimical attention devoted to architectural sculpture in the interests of latter-day, village-style decoration. Piuch of the work has almost disappeared (certainly all detail has disappeared) under successive coats of whitewash. Other works of special significance are despoiled b;r "technicolor" painting in the modern ddvertisement- hoarding style. However to some degree it i3 possible to remove the evidence of these activities.

Thirdly, and most catastropic, so-called "conservation" activities.

is the damage to sculpture brought about by A vast deal of architectual sculpture has

been thickly coated, and is kept thickly coated with oil of various consisten- cies - mainly black paraffin grease. Tnis in turn attracts a thick surface layer of grime and dust, which is sandwiched with another coating of oil and so on. This activity is said to protect the sculpture, and has acquired by now a semi-religious sanction.

Considering these various activities with a view to remedial measures, the following observations are in point.

The only way to minimize vandalism is to develop a social interest in mini- mizing it (a somewhat ViSiOnary aim), and to appoint the necessary supervision to inhibit it. Vandals exist everywhere, and the situation in Southern India does not seem noticeably bad. That elements broken away from statues should be made good in either stone or plaster IS absolutely contrary to present-day museum and ancient monuments practice. Nowever, it appears that, in some circumstances, Hindu religious interests may insist on such steps being taken.

The coating of sculpture with whitewash is very general; and it is indeed curious to observe how quickly human activities can change their purpose. Within a relatively short time the same people, in the interests of reverencing the same deities, have changed their activities from carving figures in stone to covering up these figures. In scme ways this thick covering of what now amounts to plaster can be regarded as a measure of "protection", since it has prevented the stone from being otherwise defaced. It can be removed in a large part by chipping - preferably, in the main, with tools softer than stone, i.e. wood. This is, however, very laborious. After Chipping follows a washing and scrubbing; but beyond this, in most instances, some form of chemical treatment will be demanded. It is easy to say that this should be carried out by qualified technicians, but such men are rare and the acreage of whitewash to be removed is enormous. Solutions of formic or acetic acid are recommended as chemical removers. They are doubtless perfectly effective if the stone surface is dressed completely smooth. However, when the surface is dressed with a punch or saint, the lime remains obstinately in the small indentations to give a leprous appearance . This can be seen in several South Indian temples where efforts have been made to remove lime wash f'rom stone sculpture. It may be that the final treatment is the mechanical picking or scraping cut of all residual specks. Truly an endless labour.

The associated nuisance of 'painting" can only be tackled by chemical means. The most commonly available paint solvent is "thinners" of some sort. However, if a specific programme of paint remova 1 is lxndertaken, bearing in mind that technicians are not readily available, it would be sensible to obtain stocks of a reputed paint remover, i.e. one not containing alkali and which has been used for work on important monuments.

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So much for the removal of whitewash and paint from stone sculptures. To prevent future application in a living temple will be very difficult. Whitewash and paint are applied not by chance or mischance, butt because, according to contemporary understa;;lding, it seems normal, proper and fitting to do so. In- deed the process of removal will occasion much b;ondermeM, and some opposition.

Concerning the "protective" oiitig or greasingof sculpture it is difficult to know what to say. From the point of view of ancient monuments the practice is in the nature of a scandal. It apparently was fostered by an uncritical report of treatment applied to the Egyptian obelisk set us in London, known as Cleopatra's Needle. The circumstances operating there and those in South Indian temples are entirely different. Moreover the treatment to the obelisk was found on investigation to be entirely nugatory. Any effect was transitory and useless.

Remedial action against this abuse in Indian temples would best take the form of bringing to bear every available influence (including legal penalties) to ensure that tine practice is discontinued. As much as possible of the surface filth can be removed by wiping; and finally it is to be hoped that time, the universal healer, will work for the common good.

J. GGPURAS

The gopuras are at the heart of the problem of any programme of work at Srirangam, and the problem centres in the external appearance presented by the ornamental plaster-work fasades of the steeply pitched roofs of "spires". Struc- turally there is no problem. The lower portions of the gopuras are stone built, and the general provisions regarding the care of masonry work apply here. The multi-storeyed roofing is constructed of timber columns and celling beams with the external walls or corbelled courses of brick. A very stable and resilient construction. Any work on these structural elements "house repairs";

fs simply in the nature of timller being renewed with timber and brick with brick.

The interiors, at present, harbour the dirt and dust of the ages as is. ln- evitable. To clean out the interiors is a big job: to keep them clean a bigger one. Here the only possible procedure is to appoint a guardian for every gopura and make him responsible for daily cleaning. The gopuras are invariably wired to the summit for electric lighting, with light flttjngs installed on the facades. If these useless and damaging external fittings were transferred to illuzninate the pitch-black interior, then several benefits would accrue. Not on& would circulation be facilitated and the walls and celltigs relieved from soot blacking, but an additional weapon would be provided against infestation by bats - light and human presence alone being of service in this troublesome connexion.

So far as the treatment of the plaster-work facades is concerned,a beginning can be m&e by pointing out that there exist two alternative and mutually exclus- ive approaches. Esther this plaster work must be treated ln the traditional fashion, i.e, periodically renewed by local craftsmen, if not allowed to decay completely; or else it must be conserved and restored according to currently accepted prinCipb?S of conservation of ancient monuments. The important thing to realize is that there can be no mixing (that Is within one gopura) of these approaches.

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If local craftsmen are.in charge of the work, then they must work according to their understanding and renew the facade. It is useless giving them instructions to conserve what can be maintained of the old and, and, and, etc. All this means nothing to them. Or means madness. It may be that renewal is the only practical solution. It is, after all, the process which has produced what we are now anxious to conserve. Perhaps it is difficult for a visitor to accept that all this plaster work is of relatively recent renewal. However, this isquite possible. A similar feature occurs in Persian mosques. The visitor admires the "ancient" coloured tile revetment, and cannot credit that every tile has been rerlewed within oldest living memory. But this seems to be so.

E%ut how true this situation is of 1968 and how true it will remain in future is another question. This crucial matter has been considered by Gravely, and his remarks maJ be quoted here. "The plaster covering the upper part... has necessarily to be renewed periodically; so there is always a danger that the original feature will be lost... Fortunately... tradition dies hard, and I have seen at least one temple in which plastered features have retained their original (Pallawa) character for over a thousand years... though changes are now apt to be made more readily. May full descriptions and illustration of all those of importance be recorded before it is too late". (The Gopuras of Tiruvannamalai, Madras 1959, p.2.)

On the other hand, if it is decided to treat these plaster-work facades in accordance with Western principles, then several things must be realized. First, it will be necessary that someone trained in conservation and restoration is on the scaffolding directing t'ne work the whole of the time. As remarked above, it is impossible to give general instruction to local craftsmen. Secondly, this work can only be carried out by some trained person working had over fist. That is, it is impossible to lay down en abstract of the treatment. The work will present no problem to a person on the scaffolding, but it cannot be use- fully formularized here. Consolidation of all large fragments by use of ad- hesives, sealing of the limits of sound areas by new plaster, removal of decayed and de-cemented plaster, plugging small gaps with new plaster, leaving exposed the brick backing of large gaps: this is the obvious outline, but it will not help an untrained person, and a trained person will not need it. Finally it must be realized that the result of this treatment will be meaningiess and dis- tasteful to local eyes.

Between or outside these alternatives one or two remarks may be made. Since there are a number of gopuras, it may be that a sensible scheme would be to allow one or several to be renewed in the traditional way, and to try and conserve the others by the Western method. Again, if the temple could be conceived of entirely as an "ancient monument', then to do nothing at all to the bulk of this plaster work and allow it to fall away would be an entirely satisfactory solution. The exposed structural brick, unobtrusively conserved, would be very acceptable to Western taste.

The numerous gopuras at Srirangam may be considered in two classes - the finished and the unfinished. The four gopuras in the outermost prekara wall are all incomplete, and these incomplete gopuras present certain peculf&r:' problems Of COnSerVatiOn. On the other hand, their unfinished condition can be regarded as an asset from the visitor's point of view.

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It is not co.mmonly realized how interesting unfinished structures are; particularly when several identically planned units exist. Since so much information is thereLy afforded concerning materials and methods of construction, it is much more interesting and instructive to see one completed feature and several other similar ones in various stages of completion, than It is to view a repetition of identical complete units.

In this way the incomplete gopuras are an undoubted attraction. The main Raya Gopura demonstrates to the best advantage the entire stone construction, with good light and no bats. The western and eastern Mottai (unfinished) gopuras remain at plinth level, thereby revealing the gogura plan at a glance. Also, since the megalithic pillars are in place, the basic "frame" construction is clearly revealed (this is not apparent in the finished gopura). The masonry part of the eastern gopura is half built and clearly shows how the megalithic pillars areincorporated in the construction.

With these advantages in mind, it would be regrettable if every effort were not made to render all this information as clearly apparent as possible. To this end the following provisions may be noted.

&ya Gopura . The removal of modern building which has encroached all round the gopura to permit of (a) full aspect, (b) close ins2ection, has been mentioned under "APPROACH AND SURROUNU". The situation is even worse inside the prakara wall than outside. Clearly nothing can be done in this matter.

On what can be seen of the gopura, the main eyesore is the tangle of electric power wiring and fittings. Again it is hardly likely that anything can be done about this matter. This apart, the external masonry only requires the-routine attention, i.e.'removal of whitewash, paint;:mortar, etc. applied in recent years and the regular rooting out of vegetation.

The absence of the pyramid roof raises the question of the functional "finish" to be applied to the abandoned upper limits in the interest of conservation of the fabric. This has been fully dealt with by the Faulker Report. Its provisions in this connexion may be repeated here. '.... (surface) soil must be removed and replaced by clean hardcore or ballast as a base for the waterproof topping or paving which could consist of a concrete slab sealed with a bit'umen or bitumenizeo hessian membrane blinded with sand, on which could be laid a 3” to 4’ screed. Roth membrane and screed should be taken over the top of the exposed gate passage lintels of the Raya Gopura. Particular attention must be paid to falls to ensure a quick getaway for rain water. The paving might be placed at a level rather below that of the surviving upper courses of masonry facing so that the latter would form a parapet'!.

A final remark may be hazarded in connexion with the Raya Gopura. Although, regarded with an outside mentality, the complications in revealing to view tne Raya Gopura seem insuperable; perhaps the situation may not be so entirely hope- less as it seems. Fo;oces within the community, not normally anticipated, might be made to operate in this interest. Enthusiastic proposals have been made to 'complete" the gopura by building up the missing superstructure and so discharge a sacred duty to Ac,hyuta who "did not live to see the completion of the work". This would entail a vast expenditwe. If local enthusiasm can envisage raising such sums perhaps it might be persuaded that a more rational way of discharging a

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'sacred duty" owed to the Vijsyanagar King would be to provide for the expropriation and demolition of the squalid modern encroachment which conaeals and dishonours his noble work.

West and North Mottai Gopuras. These two unfinished constructions which 8-7'+ potentially so interesting can be displayed to advantage with a minimum of disturbance. If the necessary measures cannot be taken here, then it is useless 'to contemplate any work at all at Srirangam. With both gopuras the main thing (and possibly tine only thing) necessary is to remove entirely the squatters' habitations which adjoin and are built over the confines. Since these habitations are in the main temporary huts of thatch and mud, this should present no insuperable difficulty. Thereafter the plan of the gopuras would be revealed clearly as a low plinth of ornate masonry with a grassed over surface.

Soundings should be made into the interior of these two masses to determine their state of consolidation. If fears were to arise for the ccherence of the mass because of water percolation, then a wholesale sealing off with hardcore and a damp proof course could be arranged as for the Raya Gopura. Even if this proves to be necessary the visible surface should be formed by a top dressing of grassed soil.

The East Mottai Gopura. This gopura has been almost smothered by modern building, and permanent-looking building it is. Although it seems unlikely that powers exist to clear way these encroachments, yet this step must be strongly urged. The highly ornate masonry (such little of it as is visible) makes this gopura an individual attraction. And what is equally important, because of the stage to which it has been completed, it forms a link between the West and North Mottai Gopuras, and the Rayg Gopura in visually describing the method of construction employed. Some sort of anti-weathering "ceiling" has been provided. This should be renovated if necessary and made fully functional.

If the idea was adopted of forming a separate 'tourist entrance' to the Srarangam complex from the East, then of course attention to this gopura becomes even more imperative.

The gopuras are without doubt the most interesting architectural features of the temple complex accessible to 'tourists" for leisured inspection. They are unfortunately the features which have suffered most from modern "develcp- ments", indeed they have been abused and defaced to an appalling degree. Added to this there is inherent difficulty of keeping the interiors clean and present- able. All these considerations mean that while the task of properly presenting the gopuras to visitors is a difficult one, it is a most important one. At least two or three gopuras must be put fully into commission o&side -and in for inspection by visitors. Particularly if a tourist entrance is arranged fromrthe East (and in any event) one of the.gopuras selected as 'a tourist feature' must be either the Kaliyuga Gopura or the Vellai Gopura.

K. THEVENUGOPALA(SRIKRISHNA)TEMPLE

One of the few monuments of historical artistic interest within the Sriran- gam complex which can be freely visited by the non-Hindu is the Venugopala Temple. This is particularly fortunate, since the sculpture which embellishes its external walls is the finest within Srirangam. Indeed the octerior of the temple

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constitutes a remarkable sculptwe gallery, remarkable for the quality of the aculp+zJre and for 1%~ agreeable setting. From the art lover's goin+, of view Ynere is semi: concern that this situation may not deteriorate.

This danger proceeds from the religious interest where misgivings are feit as to the propriety of "mutilated" or "imperfect" images. One view would remove all the originals and replace them with "beautiful" new works, exhibiting *the originals in a "museum". Another view would "repair" or "renovate" 'the originals. It can only be hoped that scripture may be interpreted so as to justify leaving the sculptures in their present condition.

Supposing the sculptural decoration of the shrine remains unimpaired, some thought may be given to the ambience where it is displayed. This has been stated to be agreeable: it forms a quiet sheltered and secluded gallery permitting very convenient viewing. All this has come about partly:by accident. The grcXmd level surrounding the temple has risen with the passage of time anJ now approximates tc plinth height on the shrine - therefore the figures in the wall niches are at modern eye-level. To expose fully the masorny of the shrine and avoid damp, the surrounding fill has been cleared back from the walls a distance of about 4' to 5', and the remaining earth has been retained and paved in concrete with a balustrade railing off the fosse.

This arrangement is both functional and decorous. Its main shortcoming is that it renders viewing the decoration of the plinth inconvenient and uncomfort-: able, and, of course, does not permit of a true impression of the building in elevation.

An alternative solution would be to clear the ambulatory of its fill to the original pavement level, so restoring to normal view the complete elevation of the shrine. Then, to provide for viewing the "sculpture gallery", a raised gangway of a light metal construction could be erected surroundfAng the shrine. This would be at approximately the same height as the present footing, and r;i perhaps a little further removed.

However, the present arrangement is no eyesore, and before interfering with it, one would like to be sure that any change is for the better.

L. THE 1968 REPAINTING OF SRI CHAKRATHALWAR SANNIiXI

The Temple of Sri Chakrathalwa, which is one of the most notable sub- shrines of the Srirangam complex, is conspicuously situated at the west end of the southern part of the 4th prakara. The aspect of the deity here manifested is very powerful - the sacred discus of Vishnu, representing the divine Will to Action. This temple, important both religiously and visually, in the last few months has been completely coated with paint. This work is not decoration applied to ornament, it is flat "house painting" in two colours - grey and yellow. The distribution of these colours, in the main, completely ignores the construction to which they are applied i.e. grey changes to yellow at an arbitrary line part way up a column etc., paying no regard to structural divisions of base, shaft, capital. Apparently the Board of lrustees expressed wishes or orders directed against this work but the particular religious community of the shrine, providing their own funds, carried out the work oblivious to any concerns of the trustees.

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Manifestly in practice the trustees have no control over such matters. Such being the case there is no question of removing this "house painting". The facade of the "redecorated temple" constitutes the one striking T.ista on enter- ing the 4th prakara by the main southern apyroach. Since the non-Hindu cannot penetrate further than the 4th prakara, it follows that these 1968 "decorations" for long will provide one of his most prominent visual impressions of Srirangam Temple. The style of the stone architecture of the facade is i.. origin a trans- lation of a thatched paviiion; and now the monumental stone construction having been disguised by pa-int, the appearance of the facade has reverted to that of a flimsy summer-house. To Western eyes it looks exactly like one of those corrugated iron band-stands, once commonly erected in public gardens, which has been temporarily decorated for a 'fete".

This overall effect is now established and cannot be altered for a genera- tion or more, as there is no question of removing this "house-painting". How- ever, accepting this fact, thought may still be given to the bizarre and mnan- ingless appearance of the details, where some of the absurdities (to visitor's eyes) might be eliminated without great to-do. Perhaps with persuasion and instruction the decorators could be induced to recognise structural feature; then a little over-painting would suffice to restore rationality, if not seem- liness, to the recent work. Although a small matter, this would be a step towards the harmonization of interests. For from this step it may be possible to argue the point that certain strJctura1 elements are preferably not painted at all.

M. THEMUSEUM

E3y working non-stop over two weeks at the end of November 1968 the temple authorities have completed a new, brighly painted museum building in a conspicuous position just inside the main entrance to the confines of the temple proper (the 4th prakara).

Various parties have considered the question of a museum at Srirangam temple and there seems to be general agreement on the subject. It has been averred that the temple possesses material of adequate interest to justify a museum; that the previous museum was inadequate snd is in an area which should be cleared; that the newly constructed muse'um is a "Csfit" (to quote a local opinion). Certainly it is built precisely in the locality which the Faulkner Report twice recommended to be Eleared (v. pp. 20 and 22)-

The reason given for the appearance and position of the new museum is that it is erected by private donation. Since this reason,canbe advance&to justify any modern constru&ion imaginable, it gives rise to certain reflections upon the control exercisable by the temple authorities over building activities within the precincts.

The Faulkner Report suggested that a museum should be formed by adapting some temple buildings near the Garuda Mandapa. Apparently the author was not informed that this locality was in an area restricted to Hindus.

If a new fashioned, conspicuous looking building is demanded by local taste for a museum, then the only solution is that it should be sited where it

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does not come cmjointly into view with the wancient monument". cations of this zature are to be found immediately to tht: south building.

Conven lent lo- of the new

Certainly this new polychromatic museum and the newly painted Chakrathalwar shrine, located together by the main entrance to the temple proper, produce an impression the very opposite to that sought by a programme for the misc en valeur of an ancient monument. In tile face of these most recent developments it would seem more and more fitting to arrange that non-religious visitors make their entry by these East Mottai Gopura and occupy themselves principally with, the attractions of the easterngopuras azd the two monumental mandapas on the east of the temple - the Horsemen Mandapa and the Thousand Pillar Mandapa.

N. THEHOHSE;MENMANDAPA

Whatever may or may not develop from a scheme for the "mise en valeur" of the Srirangam Temple complex, the unit in the 4th prakara comprised by the Thousand Pillar Mandapa andtheHorsemen Mandapa will certainly remain the centre of interest of non-religious visitors. The present condition of the Horsemen Mandapa is encouraging, quite apart from the attraction of the famous facade. The interior is devoid of any accretions or excrescences which might conceal the "structure" - massive paving blocks and ceiling beams, great monolithic pillars, all are here with no distractions. Thus "the particular excellence of the masonry construction" is immediately appreciated in this mandapa.

Every effort must be made to retain this virtue, and enhance it if possible. Fortunately the interior suffers only from vestiges of whitewash on pillars and ceiling slabs. The mandapa is thus an excellent locale to commence a specimen operation of completely stripping such lime wash from stone work. The flooring is particularly impressive and has not been interfered with in any way. In short, compared with similar features in other South Indian temples, the mandapa has been mercifully spared by spoiling hands.

In contradiction to this fortunate state of affairs the roof of the mandapa is in a condition of appalling neglect. A complete resurfacing is required. The temple authorities are said to have provided for a new system of surfacing incorporating a damp-proof course, and, subject to a satisfactory test, it could be applied here. However, this is not to be recommended unless it can be demonstrated that the traditional system of surfacing is basically inadequate.

One of the attractions of this mandapa is its open design. It is light and airy end thus relatively free of birds and bats. It is regrettable that the eastern flank, originally open, has been walled up. A garden is adjoining on this side but there is nothing u;%z.i&tly about the garden being open to view, whereas the crude walling is very unsightly indeed. This untidy bricking up shouid be removed.

It has been mentioned that this mandapa is naturally well lighted. This introduces the important question of artificial lighting. At the moment a ludicrous situation obtains. Suspended in the middle of the area by ragged, sagging wires run in the longest possible sense, is one small domestid~:globe.

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No arrangement could be designed to do more harm and less good. Either artificial light Is needed - in which case it must be adequate and properly installed so that the fittings are as inconspicuous as possible; or artificial light is not needed - in which case the present useless and disfiguring wires must be removed. If it is decided to install artificial lighting, thought should be given to some system of floor lighting.

Few remarks are required concerning the Horsemen facade. This is lllustra- ted everywhere and thus it is understandable that there is a feeling that here "something should be done'. In plain truth "nothing should be done". The figures are carved in very hard stone which could well bear total exposure to the elements. They are not water-worn to any degree and have suffered no damage from natural agents. All the damage apparent has come from acts of vandalism; thus:

(a) some small frangible appendages have been broken away;

(b) some streaks of pitch and spots of colour have been applied to the stone.

The mutilations are very slight and do not diminish the artistic appearance of the statues in any way, while the spots of colour etc. can be removed.

The only attention the Horsemen Mandapa require is superv3sion to prevent the continuation of such acts In the future. The "eaves" which shelter these Horsemen display some broken slabs. These can be repaired for appearance's sake, but I doubt that the stone horsemen need their shelter as much as do living pedestrians.

0. THETHOUSANDPILLAHMANDAPA

The Thousand Pillar Mandapa is a convenient unit to include in the initial programme because of the two factors:

(a) the simplicity of the required operations;

(b) the large size of the building.

This will form an excellent test to determine whether the strength of purpose and resources of organlzation are sufficient to achieve a satisfactory result over an extended area. If they are not, then it mey be submitted that any so- called programme of conservation and restoration will only do harm.sLnce it will result in various patches of incomplete activity which can only have an adverse effect on the unit of appearance.

In the main the one measure which is required in the mandapa is to strip off the broken but thick coatings of lime wash from its thousand pillars. A labour of a year or so at the best. By the rear (north) end of the hall the ceiling is befouled with a black, pit&y deposit emanating mainly from bats. To clean this away will be difficult - to keep bats away in the f::ture even more difficult.

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The other secondary attention in the mandaparelates to regrettable recent interferences with the fabric. An extended metal grille painted conspicuously with reflecting silver paint has been run around the perimeter of the building. This must be removed. Its disposal as scrap metal should realize a considerable sum of money. It is difficuit to see why such a barrier has become necessary. Whatever necessity there is can be provided for by increased supervision (or rather by more authoritative supervision). If indeed it is indispens- able, a grille of a neutral, dull colour might be.tol.srated enclosing some internal part of the mandapa where l.t would not form part of the elevation.

In the restricted area between the west wall of the mandapa end the 3rd prakara wall something of a jungle has grown up. With this the ground level has risen several feet necessitating a curb wall to retain the soil and the growth from spilling into the mandapa. If the jungle remains, and the curb wall remains, then this wall should be seen as a clearly secondary structure running between the ancient pillars. It is reprehensible that the pillars are deprived of their bases and made to appear mutilated by being walled up wlthln such work. Unnecessary cement and mortar should be knocked away and the lower part of the pillars fully revealed. Equally the ridiculous falao pointing on the curb wall should be knocked away and the stone CWstructiW revealed in its natural condition.

In the rear part of the mandapa the floor level is raised and thus is higher than the jungle ground adjacent. Here no retaining wall is necessary, but a barrier has been constructed in the form of a brick blocking between the outermost piilars. How much better it would be if this construction were removedf The only conceivabie thing it blocks out is light, and apparently light is a desired entity, since an unfortunate new arrangement has been made In the middle of the mandapa roof in order to admit more of it.

This variation in the roofing scheme was effected some three years ago. A crack was said to be apparent in one of the ceiling beams and, using this as justification, ail the stone celling beams spanning the central nave were removed and replaced in reinforced concrete. A gigantic act of destruction to the ancient fabric. At the same time a concrete protuberance was arranged above the nave to afford a measure of clerestory lighting. On the interior the concrete surface has been trowel smootiied so that it presents the worst aspect of concrete finish. hereas all the fine stone work has been and is being obliterated with whitewa.sh and paint, this concrete is left proudly exposed.

The clerestory unit has been given an external roof surface of glossy red, modern tiles, which offensively contrasts with the traditional surface surrounding it. ln general the roof of the mandapa is in good condition.

The ancient flooring still survives 3.n spjte of threats to replace it.

The cost of the concrete clerestory operaLion would suffice to provide for all the measures to be recommended in both this mendapa end the Horsemen mandaga.

P. THEINNlBKitEAsOFTHETEMPLE

The committee of technical authorities and religious officials (ail practising Hindus) who .I.nspected Srirangam Temple in 1966 devoted the bulk of their Serial N6. 1222'

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attention to the sacred, inner portion of the temple. Since access to this portion is normally reserved solely for Hindu worshippers, it is logical that here only religious criteria should govern proposed measures of restoration or conservation. Thus no detailed recommendations on the Inner sreas of the Temple of Srirangam are presented iii this report.

To do so would be presumptious and pointless. These are the parts of the complex where the deity dwells end is manifested to those who most share in his aspects. For a person who is not united to the deity in this o;>eclal war by birth, education and tradition to opine on the proper setting for religious service would be unacceptable to those who feel themselves so united; for those who are closely united to these special aspects of the deity to offer service through the intermediary of strangers might well be considered unacceptable to the deity.

Recourse may be had to the general section of this report for any information desired concerning structural features. If this informatfon is found to be in conflict with provisions contained in the report of the temple sub- committee, then it is not the consultantls position to determine such issues.

Q. THHHANGAVIMANASHMHARA

The crowning part of the roofing of the Holy of Holies of Srirangam Temple (the Ranga Vimana) is encased in gold. This can be seen from all elevated positions as an ornate domlcal structure emerging from the surrounding terrace roofs. Thus although in an area of limited access, it is freely visible - and indeed visitors are specially directed to look at it. Its aspect thus becomes a matter of general concern.

At present the feature Is enclosed by a metal grille or barrier. A proposal exists to replace this barrier: "The top balustrade around the Hanga Vlmana Shikhara must be completely redone with an eye on uniformity of architecture, colour and alignment". This proposal provokes some reflection.

For what purpose Is the present metal grille designed? Logically it can only be placed there for security reasons, i.e. to prevent people from damag3ng or removing the previous casing. Whether this necessity is sufficient to warrant the presence of the barrier Is not for me to say. However, If this reason is considered insufficient, then clearly no other reason for abwrier exists and therefore the barrier should be removed, as it is purely utilitarian In concept and is no ornament.

Supposing, on the other hand, it is agreed that some barrier is necessary to prevent unauthorized people interfering with the gold CaSiw- What then are the requirements for such a barrier to best fulfil this function? Mani- festly two:

1. the barrier should prevent access to the Shlkhara;

2. the barrier should interfere with the visibility of the Shikhara as little as possible, and thus it should be itself as inconspicuous as possflble.

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To fulfil these two requirements the best design seems in principle an open metal grille. It may be that the present grille can be improv& in appearence by eliminating some of the cruditiss, or by being painted in a camouflage colour; but it is not apparent that anotner construction would better fulfil the required functions.

What type cf construoticn is to be inferred from the wording of the proposal for replacing the existing berrier is not evident. There is certainly no indlca- tion as to the purpose for which the suggested new barrier is designed. Perhaps no thought was given to this matter, the Intention being simply to provide a more " IinpOCing" structure as a sign of active concern.

R. SUMTUFZ OF REcOMMENDATIONS

1. It is not evident that the current ideas and ideals expressed in Western conservation and restoration of ancient monuments are necessarily applicable to Hindu temples in South India which are stillliving centres of religion.

2. The Temple of Sri Ranganatha Swatny at Srirangam is one such institution. Its extensive confines have been very largely built over to form a modern municipality which is not under the administrative control of the religious authorities. CZ the area which remains as a religious centre the greater part is not accessible to non-Hindus.

3- For the various social reasons involved in this division many of the basic concepts of Western conservation and restoration cannot be applied uniformly over the whole complex of Srirangam Temple.

4. Piecemeal application of some of these Ideas and concepts dispersed inci- dentally over the complex of Srirangam will produce no beneficial result, since that harmony of detail would not be achieved which is object of a programme of restoration as with other architectural programmes.

5. lk these circumstances an initial programme of conservation and restoration at Srirangam must be restricted to a unit of the complex where the various social and architectural factors combine to afford a reasonable opportunity of formulating a coherent programme and assessfns its results with a view to deter- mining whether programmes of Western c0nservb.i~ and restoration are applicable to Srirangam Temple.

6. Thatunit of Srirangam Temple which most clearly answers these requirements is the area on the east side of the temple comprising the Vellai Gopura, the Horsemen Mandapa and the Thousand Pillar Mandapa, particularly if a special "tourist entrance" is developed by way of the East Mottai Gopura.

The unit Is:

(a) under the administrative control of the temple trustees;

b> accessible to non-Hkdu visitors:

(c) of considerable artistic/historlaal ?nterest;

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(d) in a reasonable state of preservation and relatively free of modern encumbrances.

7. The measures of conservation and restoration required in this unit are patent and simple, viz., the removal of the adventitious squalor (whitewash, paint and mortar) applied to the masonry in recent generations.

8. These measures should form the Initial programme of conservation and restoration at Srirangam Temple, and a reasonable time limit (e.g. 1 to 2 years) should be required for their completion.

9. If this simple programme can be achieved within a reasonable time then further programmes of conservation and restoration can be planned at Srirangam. If this simple programme cannot be achieved then it is evident that the ideas and ideals of Western conservation and restoration are not apposite to the

JWObhnS of living Hindu. temples like Srirangam.

10. Ultimately it may be found that Western conservation and restoration can be made to apply at Srlrangam only by way of compromise involving "partition", i.e. the establishment was originally a "temple-town", it has now become a temple and a town, in future it may be triply divided into a temple, a town and an ancient monument. This is the very furthest imaginable from an ideal solution to the problems of the mise en valeur of Srirengam, but it may be the only practical possibility.

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APPENDIX

REZORT GN TEST OPERATIONS CARRIED OUT IN DECEMEER 1968

1. Cleaning pillars in Horsemen Mandapa of whitewash and paint

The Horsemen Msndapa has been coated and recoated with whitewash so that in many cases the scuiptural ornament has entirely disappeared - certainly all details of working have been lost. The first step in this process of degenera- tion was the applying of an irrelevant, linear "decoration" in red paint. It would be interesting to determine when this was carried out.

The present condition of the hall bears evidence of a local attempt to remove this whitewashing - some of the pillars have been treated up to a height accessible to human reach, resulting in the scaling away of the outer layer of whitewash. The reason for abandoning work at this stage soon became apparent when tests were permitted of confident assertions that this whitewash was readily dealt with by local methods. These methods proved effective only to the stage apparent in the previously treated pillars.

Generally speaking whitewashing is removed from masonry by first chipping and scaling away mechanically as much as possible, followed by washbIg with water (with or without a surface-active agent as necessary). As a final resort solutions of acetic or formic acid are recommended. The precise technique varies according to the compaction and adhesion of the layers of whitewash together with the delicacy oftheoriginal surface which is to be revealed.

At Srirangam the whitewash is of amazing obduracy (very possibly paint has been used from time to time in addition to whitewash), but fortunately the original surface is healthy granite little susceptible to damage. However, the stone surface is minutely pitted by the pointed tools employed in its dressing. This together with the detail of the sculpture forms a perfect keying for the whitewash coats. The result is that although the outer layers forming the bulk of the whitewash can be removed easily, the countless specks lodged in the surface indentations are virtually irremovable except by individual attention with a small tool.

In the face of these circumstances every effort was made to convince the labour that the point of the exercise was to reduce one unit (e.g. a pillar) to its original appearance, and to establish the most practical means of carrying out this process. It was emphasizedrepeatedlythattsremove inost of theMrite- wash was no more a work of restoration than was applying another coat.

The unit selected for the test was ohosen as affording the greatest practical difficulties. It was one of the four central pillars - the largest, highest and most broken up with ornament in the Mandapa. Work was directed to be commenced at the top where the projecting gargoyles, corbels and capital provided great difficulties of access and caused general inconvenience. Six unskilled workmen were engaged. Local bamboo scaffolding is erected readily and quickly. Men are prepared to work on impossibly flimsy and rickety scaffolding, but with insis- tence this can be made reasonably safe and stable. Great agility is shown by those working on these structures.

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For the initial process of knocking away and scaling off, hard-wood chisels and mallets were prepared. These function well, though in view of the condition of the underlying granite there would be no danger in a skilled workman using metal tools.

For the subsequent washing process it was evident that a surface-active agent was required in the water. The local practice is to use the washing powder employed by "dhobies". This washing soda is mixed with water (preferably warm) and applied by soft brush to the surface which is to be cleaned. After 20 or 30 minutes it is then scrubbed off, and should bring away ths whitewash. This process was tested, but with unsatisfactory results as indicated above. Substitu- tion of a modern detergent product, 'SURF", for the washing soda, brought some improvement but not sufficient. Manifestly chemical treatment was necessary.

Acetic acid and nitric acid, both recommended for this purpose, were available and were tested with completely unsatisfactory results whatever the strength of the solution employed. In these circumstances, since the stone was granite, experiments were made with hydrochloric acid. Eventually it was made evident that the only practical method of cleaning the stone completely was as follows:

Neat hydrochloric acid was painted on to the face of the stone (for this purpose lengths of palm branches, with the ends teased out into individual fibres proved ideal). After a time the surface was scrubbed with water using a stiff scrubbing brush, and firmly adhering fragments of whitewash were prized off by a tool. About three repeats of this sequence brough the stone to an acceptable condition. The stone was continually swilled down with water during the process, and as a final measure there was prolonged swilling.

The team employed soon developed good organization and skill in handling the various implements and materials. Raving mastered a technique in cleaning the first pillar, work was extended to the neighbouring column to obtain a reasonable assessment of the time factor. This operation progressed smoothly, producing a very pleasing result. The indications are that to clean properly an average column will require about three days* work.

When the stone work of the columns was revealed with crisp fluting and ornament, it became objectionably apparent that cement had been laid around the bases, obscuring the junction of the several structural elements. On knocking this cement away, the structure sprang to life, the column or pillar was seen as a separate entity resting on a massive foundation block, which in turn was sepa- rately distinguished from the flooring slabs by being raised slightly above them, thus expressing its different function as a foundation.

In view of this all agreed that the removal of cement from the flooring was very desirable. At this moment ten yards away men preparing for the forthcoming festival were newly cementing over the paving blocks "to close the gaps'. The absurdity of the situation was accepted, but since the cementing operation was under the order of the controller of the small shrine opening off the Mandapa, it was admitted that nothing could be done about it.

2. Removing cement 'false pointing" and other disfigurements on walls

It may be hazarded that a person who draws a network of dirty, ragged, indel- ible lines across a Leonardo canvas will only do so if the painting has absolutely

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no meaning for him; and if society pennits or approves this, then the painting has no meaning for society. This is exactly the position with the superb masonry of South Indian Hindu Temples. It is ruined by smearing a ragged network of dirty grey cement across the surface of the hairline jointing. This practice came into vogue with &he arrival on the scene of cement , and is now in wholesale application; it will continue in the future. No one, when asked, can give any reason for doing it, and for that reason it will be almost impossible to prevent.

The destructive effect is appalling; removal very, very difficult indeed. A hard mixture of grey cement thinly applied (smeared) over the surface of stone is almost impossible to take away. It will not flake cleanly off tne stone. m will, of course, flake away from any gaps between the blocks where, presumably, it is designed to remain.) Whatever laborious chipping or scraping is practised, remnants of the cement subsist and in any event the characteristic cement stain is irremovable. For this reason it is one maxim of work on ancient monuments that cement should never be brought into the vicinity of ancient masonry, unless absolutely necessary.

The only way to remove utterly the traces of cement applied to the surface of stone is to cut away both the cement and the stone surface. Since this leaves a blemish as unsightly as the cement, such action entails the further labour of artificially repatinating the damaged stone surface. In the face of these difficulties an attitude of despair is induced by the universal practice of attempting to seal the joints of ancient masonry with cement.

One small test operation was conducted in an endeavour to arrive at a reasonably practical method of reducing the effects of this cement nuisance.

A stretch of the Third F'rakara Wall by the South fapade of the Horsemen Mandapa was selected - in view of the shortage of time it was restricted to a ten foot run, giving an overall area of treatment of approximately 200 sq.ft. This area of wall displayed a variegated squalor. Surprisingly, two different building stones had been used in its construction. The lower one-third was built in a black granite, the upper two-thirds in the normal light coloured granite which is weathered to a beautiful gold patina. Over the lower half of the wall coats of whitewash and paint had been applied. The cement "pointing" was subsequent in origin to the whitewashing. As an ultimate in absurdity, the cement had no contact with the stone, but was laid on over the coats of whitewash. Thus for the whitewashed area of the wall there was no trouble in removing the cement, it simply flaked away with the whitewash when cracked by hammer or prised with a chisel.

The upper half of the wall where the cement was smeared directly on-the beautiful golden tinted masonry, presented all the difficulty envisaged. A stone mason using both point and chisel was able to remove only the surface of the thicker parts of the cement. Everywhere there was a residue of cement or cement stain. Energetic brushing with a fine wire brush brought away further cement, but it was clear that some sort of surface-active wash was required. The danger, of course, here was in damaging or staining the patina of the neighbouring stone in the effort to remove the cement.

A solution of hydrochloric acid was applied to the region of the joints with the aim of leaching out any lime, and thus loosening the adhesion of the cement.

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The precise instructions were not carried out, the solution was applied too freely and allowed to remain too long before washing. Inevitably the patina was dsmagad and the surface of the stone stained in ugly bands and trickles.

Careful application of nitric acid proved of some use in disloding the cement traces and did not appear to stain the surrounding stone.

However, ultimately it must be accepted that whatever method is employed to eradicate the last traces of cement is likely to damage the surface patina of the stone and necessitate a furthar process of artificial repatination. For this purpose a slurry of earth and appropriate earth-colour was scrubbed into the damaged area. It will wear away in time, but by then the newness of the scar likewise will have worn away.

The outlook on this basic aspect of 'conservation and resotration" at Srfrangam is as bad as possible. It is very difficult to remove the cement on walls and just as difficult to prevent furthercementbeing applied.

3. Cleaning external plaster-work

The vast expanses of ornamental plaster-work exposed on the fapades of the Gopuras are all begrimed with a black aerial deposit. This is entirely superficial and a test shows thatitcan be removed almost completely by scrubbing with a dry stiff brush. The plaster is sufficiently firm, so that, with reasonable care, this operation causes no damage to its surface. Dry brushing would seem a pref- erable way (at least initially) of dealing with this problem than would any washing process, since great inconvenience may arise from streams of filthy water caught and retained in the myriad pockets and hollows of the ornament. Washing could be reserved as a subsequent treatment employed only where required and to the degree required.

Within the terms of the suggested progrwne, the V'ellai Gopura may be scaf- folded and a start made by brushing off all the superficial dirt, so permitting a closer inspection of the condition of the plaster. On the assessment of this, more detailed proposals for the consolidation etc. of this plaster-work csn be entertained. The labour involved in brushing away the surface grime is, of course, very considerable.

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IV. NOTICES OF OTHER SOUTH INDIAN MONUMENTS

8. REpoRTONPALAIyASN~AMANDTHIRUMAKKuDaLTEMpLEs

Midway along the road from Chingleput to Kancheepuram, which here follows closely the course of the Palar River, are situated in close proximity two Vaishnavite Temples: one on the north bank of the river, the Temple of Palaiya Sivaram; and the other on the south bank, the Temple of Thirumakkudal. Both temples are of moderate size and it is submitted that, if dealt with in conjunction, between them they could be made to show to advantage many of the virtues of South- ern Hindu temple architecture. There are several reasons for this. The accessi- bility from Madras, the beautiful siting and above all, the complementary nature of the temples themselves.

The Temple of Palaiya Sivaram, whatever may be its modest pretentions to his- toricity, is of interest mainly because of its superb natural siting. Cut into the lower slopes of a verdant hill which overlooks the Palar River, the Temple presents a delightful prospect from near and far, and in turn, from the vantage of the Temple forecourt a splendid view is afforded of the broad river valley and surrounding country. The Temple is "alive" , and has but recently been redecorated. It is in every way a fitting subject for presenting to advantage the colourful architecture of the innumerable minor Hindu temples which dot the countryside.

Here would have been the place to try to establish scme scheme decoration to serve as a type for the future "redecorating" of temples by their local communi- ties. What is customarily effected now is, of course, purely village work which has lost all connexion with the artistic tradition which built and ornamented the monuments to which it is applied. Such work is properly suited for decorating ad- vertisement hoardings, and only by historical misfortune is it applied to ancient masonry. If a new scheme could be evolved, based in some measure on the original art form, sensibly respecting the functional elements of the fabric to which it was applied, and at the same time contriving to gain the acceptance of the common man - this would constitute the greatest servic e which could be performed in the interests of Hindu temples.

One interesting feature of the recent work at Palaiya Sivaram is the renovated Gopura. Here the plaster (apparently a cement plaster) has been left un- painted. The effect is excellent for a variety of reasons, e.g. the colour is a congruous neutral shade, the surface is finished slightly roughened so as to avoid "surface sheen", and in any event the sculptura 1 decoration breaks up the mass. In the absence of any more recondite guidance this work could well serve as a model for other local workmen engaged in restoring gopuras.

In contrast to this particular merit, the generalized painting of the masonry is typical village work, and it affords a particularly bad example of paint obscuring a lengthy and important inscription.

On the opposite bank of the river is situated the ruined Chola Temple of Thirumakkudal. This is a scheduled ancient monument well known for its historical inscription instituting a hospital in the temple precincts. Again this Temple has a most beautiful siting, no t a little enhanced by the excellent prospect it affords of Palaiya Sivaram Temple. Here the quietness and repose of the weathered, ancient masonry, set among the green turf and trees is doubly appreciated after the lively colouring of the Palaiya Sivsram Temple.

In view of its charm and its historical importance the Temple of Thirumakkudal is very demanding of conservation. Fortunately excellent results could be obtained by that most satisfactory of operations - repositioning the original elements. The condition of the monument graphically demonstrates the necessity for such attention. Here different structures in various stages of ruin clearly show that if

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repositioning is carried out betimes, much unnecessary "renovation" is avoided. Certainly if this is not done shortly there will be a wholesale collapse of many units of the complex, which will be ssii.

B. BRIEF NOTE CN THE TEYPIZ OF GANGRIKONDA CHOLAPURAM NEAR LOWER ANAICUT, AND THE DHARASUR.AiY TEMPU ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF I(uMRAKO2JPtiY

Both these Temples are scheduled ancient monuments in the keeping of the Ccn- tral Government Archaeological Service. It is only fitting to say, for the advantage of pointing out good examples, that no ancient monuments could be presented in more sympathetic fashion.

Within the prakara walls there is a green peace from which all discordant elements have been removed and kept out. Nothing more is necessary, but to maintain this state of affairs in the face of demands from inimical interests. Lovers of Indian art and architecture have here much to be grateful for.

C. REPORT ON TREATMENT OF SCULPTURED PILLARS INTHEFMMASWAMYTEMPLE AT KLJrmAKoNm

The entrace Mandapa of this Temple is supported by pillars ornamented with sculptured figures. This sculpture seems to have been of some merit, but of this it is now impossible to judge clearly , since the pillars have all been thickly coated with some form of black grease. This presumably was done with some miscon- ceived aim of "scientific preservation" , although "preservation from what?", seems a question not readily answerable.

The artistic virtue of this style of sculpture resides very much in the surface modelling. Nothing more effective than a thick layer of grease could have been designed to render this modelling imperceptible. Particularly is this so since the grease retains another outer coating of dirt and dust.

However, although the pillars are now not displayed to great advantage, it appears that recently they have been made the subject of a photographic survey. This at least seems to be the case, since on the flat black surface to which the appearance of the pillars has been reduced, there has been painted sizable white numbers. Certainly these numbers would stand out very clearly in the photographs, and would serve to identify these photographs since the subject matter might otherwise be rather dark and indeterminate because of the caverning of grease. However, these white numbers, having served their purpose, might now be removed and the pillars identified by less prominent means.

Perhaps if there had been no grease, the numbers might not have been necessary, and the identity of the sculptures clearly apparent to the eye and the camera alike.

D. SHORT REPORT ON THE TEMPU OF ARUNA JAGESWARA AT THIRUPANANDAL

Recently this temple has been completely repainted and not one square inch of the interior has escaped the brush. The decoration has been effected in a comi- cally village manner, very pleasing to all concerned. Externally the finely jointed, ancient masonry has been given a "false pointing" (quite avowedly to inhibit the lodgement of vegetation).

The sight of this temple only goes to suggest that it would be much better for everyone if "Western style" restoration and conservation of ancient monuments disappeared as an issue from the milieu of living South Indian temples. The local population know exactly what they want in this connexion, and they are perfectly capable of providing for their own needs. For any outside influence to enter the scene with ideas of "instructing" them to want some+&ing different will promote little but trouble.

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E. SHORT REPORT ON MUVAR KOIL (NEAR KODAMHULAR) .

The site comprises a group of originally three small, early Chola temples situated in the fields at a convenient remove from Kudambulur village.

They are entirely masonry structure from plinth to shikhara, and thus the difficulty concerning the preservation of plaster work does not accrue. The masonry is very beautiful and in excellent condition. Alas! the true hairline jointing has been defaced by smearing the stone with mortar, here given an artificial colouring to render its presence as apparent as possible.

The small precinct of the temples has been enclosed with an unobtrusive angle-iron and wire fence, and the interior is kept nicely cropped and grassed. Thus the temples are displayed sympathetically in a green clearing amid the surrounding woods, with no modern barrier cutting them off from their native setting.

A large number of sculptured figures from these and neighbouring temples are collected in a storehouse near the gate of the enclosure. The salvaging and storage of these sculptures is commendable, only the concrete storeroom is unnecessarily placed in the most prominent position in front of the entrance to the precinct. It thus completely destroys the otherwise delightful approach view of the temple. This storeroom might well have been sacludod behind the trees which surround the site, thus leaving unspoiled the very agreeable ambience of this temple.

This is another instance of the regrettable mentality which always seek to put any modern structure erected on an ancient site in the most conspicuous possible position. Perhaps something might be done here by planting small trees around the shed, but it would be much simpler to remove it to another place.

F. SHORT REPORT ON MLJCHlJ KUNDESWARA (MUDUKUNDRAM)TEMPLE~

The site consists of a sm.&l. 'temple complex (entirely of masonry) with Vimana, two Mandapas and a la;-gz lank, situated in parkland outside Kodambalur village. The Vimma is of Chola date (ca.920 A.D.) with later alterations to this and other parts, while the main Mandapa is a much later addition.

This Temple has not been interfered with or spoiled in any way. The original masonry speaks for itself, and nothing disturbs its quic?t rural setting. The small precinct and surround are kept neatly tended. May this ideal of affairs continue.

G. SHORT REPORT ON ALAGAR KOIL

Alagar Koil proclaims itself a place which must be visited; it is the end of a pilgrimage as shown by the road which leads to it alone, with beyond a natural barrier to the ways of men.

The site of this Temple , enfolded by verdant hills, is a triumph. And the presentation of the noble masonry with its beautiful golden patina embraced by nature is breath-catching. Alas now only short stretches of the outer prakara walls can be seen in this condition. The remainder of the masonry is squalid with whitewash and paint. Never has fine monumental masonry been so cruelly defaced.

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The two features accessible to non-religious visitors are the entrance Gopura and the Kalyana I%ndapa.

The Gopura is very interesting, it being the only living monument I have seen where on the stucco fapades the traditional scheme of painted decoration has, in the main, survived. Fortunately it has not as yet in any way been superseded by the "shop window display" colouring of the present day. Doubtless it soon will be. Inevitably the masonry of the lower portion of the Gopura has suffered with whitewashing and surface mortaring and pointing. However this latter has been toned in to some degree with its background.

The main Kalyana Mandapa contains a fine series of compound pillars with life-sized figural sculpture. These are notable pieces of baroque extravaganza. They are now made to contrast violently with their backing columns. The columns are thickly whitewashed and the figures are ancinted with oil. This oil is of a light, golden constituency so that, at least, the texture of the stone is in some measure perceptible. However, the reflection and glinting set up on this surface is such that it is almost impossible with normal lighting to bring these figures into visual focus.

H. RETORT 3F INSPECTION OF THE SUNDARAJA PERTJMAL TRMPX, THIRWELLARAI, CARRIED OUT ON THE MOFXING OF 31 OCTOBER 1968

Extract from the front pagebof "The Indian Express" dated 31 October 1968:

Tiruchi, 30 October (ENS)

TWO K!LLED AS GOF'URAM GIVES WAY

"Two persons were lcil?.ed an: 1 five others sustained injuries when a portion of the Gopuraii of the Sundaraja .Peminml Temple in ThiruveZlarsi about 12 miles from here, collapsed this morning.

While workers were engaged in renovation work, a portion of the Gopuram where some cracks were found, collapsed killing two workers on the spot. Five others were reported to have sustained injilries.

All the injured have been admitted in the hospital.

The Lalgudi Police Inspector has rushed to the spot.

The Thiruvellarai Temple is a famous Vaishnavite centre of worship".

This mishap was brought to tr,y notice by sight of the above newspaper report. On inquiry with the Srirangam officials I was informed that the Sundaraja Perumal Temple was a dependency of the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, the officials of which were responsible for the "renovation work" in q.uestion. Accordingly I made arrangements to visit and inspect the said work. Two main objects were in view:

(1) To gain knowledge of the type of weaknesses likely to develop in the traditional construation of Gopurams;

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(2) To familiarize myself with the local capacities and procedures for carrying out restoration.uork.

The Sundaraja Perumal Temple is a fine monument situated in a scenic, rural locality. The fabric would appear in the main to be older than the bulk of the work at the Srirangam Temple. The ceiling-floor complex of the first stage of the main entrance Gopura had been obcarved to be in a damaged, if not dangerous condition, and the project had been undertaken to repair or renew this element of the building. The necessary new granite beams had been quarried and masons were at work dressing these ready for use in the replacing of the damaged originals. The ceiling-floor unit was built of large granite beams four to five metres long and about 50 ems. broad. These beams are supported on an ornamental corbelled stolx? seating (a stone wall plate) on three sides and a heavy stone lintel on the entrance side. The stone beams were themselves overlaid by lime and brick compo- sition flooring. In addition to its seating each beam derived some support from lateral pressure occasioned by being tightly set one against the other. Apparently the superimposed lime brick flooring also exercised some cementation of the separate units.

One or more beams were noticed to be cracked and defective. Therefore it was decided to remove adjacent beams in order to take out and replace the defective beam (beams). No scaffolding was erected to support the beams from below, the work was carried out entirely from above. Unfortunately events showed that the corbel stone seating of the beams had been weakened by age. While the workmen were picking out the lime and brick flooring in order to get at the stone beams beneath, the entire flooring gave way and every beam except a single lateral one crashed to the ground below. This calamity, triggered off by the disturbance to the cementatious flooring, appears to have been due partly to cracks and defects in the beams themselves and partly to the weakened condition of the stone corbel seating (it is significant that the only beam to remain in place is cracked through but rests on a lateral seating in good condition , all other seating having been broken away at the extremities). Manifestly this mishap would not have occurred if the ceiling had been properly sustained by scaffolding before the work of removal was commenced.

The most immediate concern occasioned by this unfortunate affair is the effect on the "renovation work" planned. Clearly all the roofing beams must now be replaced (the one remaining in situ included). The otherwise delicate task of taking the old beams down haznaccomplished by Providence in an all unlooked-for fashion. Whether the damaged wall plates should be replaced is a matter for consideration. Certainly if the existing wall plates are retained, then the new stone beams should be made as long as possible to give them the greatest possible seating.

Some extra assurance will be required for the strength of the lintel. The most convenient method of providing this undoubtedly would be to cut a chase in the upper surface and let in a heavy steel girder (or girders), spanning the entrance. This hidden, structural steel work would then take the load of the stone roofing beams, leaving the stone lintel to bear only its own weight. If further doubts were felt as to its capacities to do even that, the stone lintel itself could be supported by steel straps or stirrups tying it up to the steel girder inset in its upper surface.

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Subsequent to this particular investigation opportunity was taken to make a tour around the accessible portions of the Temple. The rural setting of the Temple is very beautifui and clean and fresh, indeed so clean and fresh is the . air that consumptives arL 9 brought to the precinct to recover their health. Equally fresh and clean is the beautiful ancient masonry, quite devoid of the squalid disfigurements of modern village life which soil Srirangam Temple.

No stucco ornsment remains on the towers of the Gopurams, and if any further restoration work is envisaged the brickwork should be consolidated in its present condition, as the exposed brickwork is majestic "structure" and presents a most impressive effect. The new pointing should be such that the joints are raked out to a depth of about half a centimetre.

The stone prakara walls have been extensively repaired by the excellent means of numbering each stone, dismantling and rc-erecting. Unfortunately the resulting appearance is atrocious because of two factors. The identifying numbers were painted on the faces of the stones in large black letters and these remain boldly on display as a proud memorial of this activity. Secondly, although the original construction was in dry stone, the blocks when re-erected were apparently set in thick cement mortar. Whether or not this cement mortar is (or is considered to be) advisable for compaction, it is not required to be displayed on the face of the wall as a sort of wide pointing sealing all the joints. This has given the work the appearance of village rubble masonry, and has completely destroyed the noble aspect of the finely jointed ancient masonry - the preservation of which was one of the specific objects of the labour of recording, dismantling and re-erection.

Doubtless one reason for this ugly pointing is the desire to prevent seeds Lodging in the joints, where they germinate, and the strong forces exercised by the growing plants damages the masonry. Special plant-killing powders are employed to prevent this, but they are not a hundred per cent effective. Here it can only be emphasized that whatever the difficulties of dealing with this problem may be, the solution is not to spoil utterly the appea'ance of the ancient masonry.

J. REPORT ON THE INSTITUTE OF RELIGIOUS ART, MAHALIPURAM

About 1958 there was established by the Governzment of Madras State an Insti- tute of Religious Art situated witnin the precincts of the famous temple site of Mahabalipuram. The intention was to systematise instruction in that body of artistic and architectural knowledge brought to bear in the service of Hindu religion. This body of knowledge has a literary formulation in the Sanskrit scriptures; and proficiency in it has hitherto been transmitted by tradition within the families and caste societies concerned.

That an institution with such a seemingly visionary aim should function at all, is evidence that it is soundly organized and after ten years the institution is indeed functioning and functioning well.

A four- or five-year course is provided covering the Sanskrit texts, architectural drawing (Western style), traditional inconographic drawing and painting, masonry work and sculpture, etc. Since the graduates of this course have been

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trained specifically and exclusively for the work of building and decorating Hindu temples in the traditional manner, it seems to me self-evident that they are the proper group to receive instruction in the aims, principles and practice of conserving and restoring such monuments. I would recommend very strongly that some provision was made for this instruction during the final year of the course. The body of knowledge inculcated should be intelligently oriented towards the local scene, and there should be no difficulty in arranging practical demonstra- tions and experience.

In view of the important of the initial adjustment of two different outlooks, I would suggest humbly that the initial course of instruction in conservation and restoration was given by a visiting lecturer with an international background.

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1. Approach to the Unfinished Raya Gopura. This constitutes the main entrance to the complex. Its fine stone- work suffers from the clutter of recent building.

2. The West Mottai (Unfinished) Gopura. The unfinished condition illustrates to advantage the characteristic constructi Len based on a framework of gigantic piers.

3. The Complex of Srirangam viewed from the eastern entrance proposed for visitors. Beyond the modern housing in the foreground can be seen the fourth Prakara wall with its tall Vellai (white) Gopura. (Here and around the court to which it gives access the work of conservation has been commenced). Thereafter lie the sanctuary areas of the Temple inaccessible to non-Hindus.

4. Plaster figure from decorated Gopura facade. The grime apparent is aerial deposit and can be largely cleaned away by brushing.

5. Third Prakara wall, existing condition. Beneath this barnyard surface appearance compounded of paint, whitewash and ” false pointing I’, lies superb, dry- jointed, hair-line masonry.

6. Painted interior of Sri Chakrathalwar Temple. An example of the Hallucinatory effect of ” house painter ’ ’ Interior decoration. All detail, and even the character itself, of masonry is lost; and no understanding is shown of the underlying building elements.

Proposals for restoration work at Srirangam Temple: India - (mission ...

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