Suggestions to revive old glory of Taron Wali Kothi
Ateam of heritage lovers met the State Bank of India (SBI) officials at the historic Taron Wali Kothi in Lucknow on Thursday. The team complimented the bank for their efforts to make the heritage structure attractive for its customers and tourists visiting the city. However, they also emphasised that it would be worthwhile if the facade, along with the entire inside structure, is kept as close to the original monument as possible.
From old archival images of the building show that the original facade was in the European style with plain lime plaster in off-white colour. Imposition of any additional decoration such as the murals or paintings and the Gautam Buddha Garden recently added compromises with the authenticity and character of the building.
The team comprising Jayant Krishna, UP state convenor INTACH, Adity Chakravarti, Citizens for Lucknow and conservation architect Asheesh Srivastava met bank’s deputy general manager Neelesh Dwivedi.
They said that the changes were violation of the timetested conservation norms and the heritage laws. Few other changes made by the bank that may also result into the degradation of the heritage structure. Imposition of partitions and wall decorations dilutes its heritage value. Trunks of several big trees have been painted with enamel which would deprive the foliage to breathe. Similarly, an old Awadhi looking metallic fixture has been added the main entrance through the portico which conflicts with the kothi’s European architecture.
The team requested them to add the murals/paintings on the facade as well as the artificial trappings in the Buddha Garden removed as the earliest. They also offered to make available the advice of conservation architects to the bank free of charge for this purpose. The official expressed utmost sensitivity and said that they would surely explore how these changes could be effected.