Delhi receives its first ever UNESCO 2017, Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation for restoring Haveli Dharampura. By Angela Paljor
Old Delhi is indeed the city of Djinns. Every nook and corner whispers unheard stories. From art to architecture and culture to food, the area around Chandni Chowk reflects India’s past grandeur. But with new buildings, these are slowly becoming a part of history, with nothing but ruins left.
For the first time Delhi has received its first ever UNESCO 2017, Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation. It was awarded to Haveli Dharampura, Chandni Chowk which was restored and conserved by Vijay Goel and Siddhant Goel.
The real journey of the 200-year-old haveli started around eight years back when the process to restore it started. And it was open to the public only two years back. Said Siddhant: “When we brought the property, we never thought about converting it into a heritage property or a boutique hotel, for us it was a monument, an architectural wonder — a place where people can come and enjoy the culture and experience the essence of what Shahjahanabad was. Being recognised by the UNESCO not only makes us feel appreciated but gives people who love heritage the courage to work towards restoring our historical past.”
The number of havelis have decreased over the years and the ones still standing are either caught in between the owner-renters’ tussle or is degrading as the ones who own are not financially capable of its upkeep. Goel feels that there is an urgent need to restore the ones which are left. “The state of the haveli was such that it was declared “dangerous” by the Municipal corporation. But when I saw it, I got really attached to it. I did not have a word with any historian or an architect before I decided to purchase it.” The haveli is in itself a complete one — chhajja (projecting or overhanging eaves or cover of a roof, usually supported on large carved brackets), arch, gumbad (dome), massive halls, large vaulted gateways and delicate ornamentation. Unfortunately, “there are no policies or schemes under the Centre or the State government or the Shahjahanabad board for the restoration of such monuments. However, he sees this as an opportunity to help the existing ones restored.
Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of Culture has been brought up in the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk and thus, understands the need to restore the area. “India’s rich heritage is what defines the country and thus, a need to preserve it. It is said that “it’s not important what we have received from our forefathers, what’s important is what we are leaving behind for the generations to come. It’s our responsibility to help restore our heritage and not lose our identity.”
After his successful venture, Goel is looking forward to build a heritage selfie park at Chandini Chowk. A place where people can relish the beauty of India’s history. They will also be working on lahori gate museum along with developing a road at Shahjahanabad. Hopefully, someday we will be able to walk the lanes of Old Delhi and see its beauty as it was seen by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan.
Photos: Pankaj Kumar