Safer

BANGLADESH

Preparation of a Master Plan for the Conservation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage — Monuments and Sites — Project Findings and Recommendations

Serial No. FMR/CC/CH/86/221 (UNDP)

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

United Nations Development Programme Paris, 1986

B A N G L A D E S H

PREPARATION OF A MASTER PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION AND PRESENTATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE - MONUMENTS AND SITES -

Report prepared for the Government of Bangladesh by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) acting as Executing Agency for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

United Nations Development Programme

UNDP/BGD/81/007 Terminal Report FMR/CC/CH/86/221(UNDP) 6 August 1986 © Unesco 1986 Printed in France

TABLE OP CONTENTS

I. . INTRODUCTION National monuments Paharpur and Bagerhat Government request Project approval II.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES, CONTENT CONTROL AND ACTIVITIES Development objective Immediate objectives UNDP contribution Government contribution Project control Activities.proposed

III. PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND 'OUTPUTS A.

Management and implementation Project office Consultants Equipment

B.

Project outputs Master Plan report Paharpur: exploratory excavations Paharpur: drainage Staff training - fellowships On-site training Conservation techniques Work programme outstanding Promotional activities Guide books International Campaign World Heritage List

IV.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Project results Project office Staff training Project objectives Benefits

ANNEXES ANNEX ANNEX ANNEX ANNEX ANNEX ANNEX ANNEX

1 - Unesco Consultants/National Consultant 2 - National Staff 3 - Unesco Fellowships 4 - Equipment: Main Items Provides 5 - Master Plan Report - Summary of Recommendations 6 - Drainage of the Pakarpur Buddhist Vihara 7 - Publications Prepared in Connection with the Project

BGD/81/007 - Preparation of a Master Plan for the Conservation and of Cultural Heritage - Monuments and Sites

TERMINAL REPORT

I.

INTRODUCTION

National monuments 1. Bangladesh, in common with many other countries, is making great efforts to maintain and protect its cultural identity since, in the struggle to promote and control development, its people's beliefs and ways of life are changing, former crafts are being replaced by more modern and lucrative ones, traditions are fading and sight risks being lost of the country's cultural identity and heritage. 2. In particular, national monuments, once built, frequented and supported by large religious groups, and expressing in stone salient features of the national traditional culture, have lost their patrons and revenues, fallen into disrepair and become abandoned. Paharpur and Bagerhat 3. Among Bangladesh's archaeological treasures two sites are outstanding and are representatives of the two most important periods in the country's long history. These sites are the fath century Buddhist monastery at Paharpur in Rajshahi district and the-15th century Mosque City of Khalifabad - better known today as Bagerhat-in Khulna district. 4. Paharpur, though it had become an archaeological ruin, is the most imposing and one of the largest of ancient monasteries south of the Himalayas. The Shait Gumbad Masjid at Bagerhat - one of the numerous mosques, dating from the initial period of Muslim rule in the country, which make up the old city - is a unique architectural masterpiece built by the great Khan Jahar Ali, the warrior saint. Both these sites have suffered badly over the centuries, the principal cause of their decay and disintegration being the disastrous effects of the salt-laden rising dampness and the high humidity prevalent in Bangladesh. Government request 5. Despite its concern the Government, with many more Immediately pressing calls upon its resources, had been unable to provide the funds needed to stem the steady deterioration of these two great monuments. In 1973 therefore, it requested assistance from Unesco in safeguarding the national heritage in Paharpur. 6. Subsequently a mission in 1979 expanded this proposal into a general appeal from the Department of Archaeology for assistance from UNDP and Unessco to help in the development of the Department's facilities. At Unesco's General Conference in November 19&0 Bangladesh made known its intentions for the preservation of its archaeological sites and a resolution was adopted for the safeguarding of Paharpur and Bagerhat. Project approval 7. The Government's request to Unesco subsequently formed the basis of project BGD/Ò1/007, for which, on 21 October 19bl, inputs were approved amounting to Takas 104,000 (in kind) by the Government and US$94,750 by UNDP for project execution

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in 19&I-1982. In 19b3 the UNDP inputs were increased by 260% to US$341*,300 for the period 19&1-1964, to include the preparation of a workplan, the setting-up of the project office, the training of specialists and also the publication of a guide book to the monuments of Bangladesh. 8. The preparation phase terminated on 30 April 1986. However, it was decided that, until a follow-up project is approved - presumably in I986 - the on-going activities of BGD/81/007 will continue, including the preparation of a detailed workplan for the conservation and presentation of the above-named sites and for the administrative infrastructure to handle the International Campaign, and to act as liaison between the Department of Archaeology and Museums, the potential donors and Unesco. II.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES, CONTENT CONTROL AND ACTIVITIES

Development objective 9.

The development objective proposed in the project document was double, being

(a)

conserve and present the country's cultural heritage; and

(b)

increase the population's participation in cultural life.

Immediate objectives 10.

The project document proposed five immediate objectives, to: (a)

prepare master plans for conserving and presenting the two monument sites selected by the Government - Paharpur and the Mosque City of Bagerhat - with cost estimates, workplan and recommendations for the development of the sites with a view to launching an international appeal;

(b)

assist in preparing appropriate techniques for overcoming the fundamental problems of rising damp in the structures and sulphate attack on the brickwork;

(c)

assist in preparing outline planning proposals for the development of both sites and'of their environments, including the development of archaeological parks ;

(d)

outline proposals for a basic 'on-site' training programme for administrative and technical staff and for craftsmen;

(d)

recommend ways of promoting national and international cultural tourism related to the sites.

UNDP contribution 11. The project content consisted of the provision of staff, equipment and supporting services. UNDP was to provide the following international consultant staff:

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(a)

Architect restorer (3 months)

(b)

Architect planner (2 months)

(c)

Archaeologist (2 months)

(d)

Economist (2 months)

(e)

Hydro-geologist/ground-water engineer (2 months)

UNDP, was also to provide photographic, surveying and laboratory equipment (US$6,150) and, without cost to the project, a vehicle and driver for the team. Government contribution 12. The Government was to provide a director and a superintendant of archaeology, and an archaeological engineer, a photographer, surveyors and draftsmen, and clerical staff. Project control 13. The project' was to be under the control of the Department of Archaeology and Museums in the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Sports. Activities proposed 14.

Activities proposed included: (a)

identifying renovation and development work to be done on the two sites;

(b)

making recommendations for drying-out at Paharpur and consolidation and repairs at Bagerhat, and for the conservation of both;

(c)

assisting in determining how to prepare an inventory of the Bagerhat monuments; and

(d)

preparing a detailed and illustrated report on the foregoing activities.

A workplan covering these tasks was proposed. III.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND OUTPUTS A.

Management and implementation

Project office 15. A central project office for which the Department of Archaeology and Museums provided accommodation, was established at Dhaka, with a full-time staff consisting of the national project adviser, two clerk-typists and two drivers. The post of secretary remained vacant for most of the period, and that of third driver for all of it.

- 4 Consultants 16. Short-term consultants visited the project to assist with the preparation of the proposed Master Plan, to advise on the development of the project, and to prepare recommendations for the drainage of the monsoon waters at Paharpur (see Annex 1). Some consultant missions were delayed owing to the late arrival of equipment, and to difficulties in finding suitable consultants. The hydrologist's mission, for example, was delayed for almost two years for this latter reason until finally a consultant was arranged through an inter-agency agreement with the United Nations Department of Technical Co-operation for Development (UNDTCD). Equipment 17. Upon arrival, the equipment for the project office was installed while the field equipment was extensively used in the research programme at Paharpur as well as in several other projects within the Department of Archaeology (see Annex 4 ) . Besides considerable delays in the arrival of some equipment, several consignments were found damaged in transit. One large consignment had been incorrectly labelled at source, with consequent problems in getting Customs clearance. B.

Project outputs

Master Plan report 18. The Master Plan* for Paharpur and Bagerhat was the outcome of a multidisciplinary mission in March 1982 and was presented to the Government in September 1983. It proposed the establishment of a specialist-staff training unit within the Department, the provision of essential equipment and the development of short- and long-term conservation and presentation programmes at both the sites. Presentation measures included the establishment of both sites, of a site museum, exhibition areas, and necessary tourist facilities. 19. The estimated cost of the project at I982 prices for Paharpur Vihara was the equivalent of US$3,600,000 and for Bagerhat that of about US$1,100,000, together with approximately US$1,000,000 for the project office, which would coordinate a presentation campaign. A summary of the Plan's recommendations is given in Annex 5. Paharpur: exploratory excavations 20. vision during of the it was

Under a sub-contract with the Department of Archaeology and with joint superby this and the project office, exploratory excavations were made at Paharpur 1983-1985« In these, the original occupation levels, as well as the purpose controversial northern tank within the monastery, was investigated. Also, hoped to ascertain the original drainage pattern of the monastery, if any.

21. These excavations involved sinking a series of long east-west and northsouth trenches across the courtyard of the monastery, between the monastic walls and the base of the pyramidal central temple. The north-south cross-trenches cut through the northern tank, which was pumped dry before the operation. It was possible for the first time, during these excavations, to establish beyond doubt that the tank was not contemporary with the monument and was not an integral part of the original plan.

"The conservation and presentation of the ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur and the historic Mosque City of Bagerhat": UNDP/BGD/8I/OO7. Technical Report. Unesco, Paris, 1983. Serial No. FMR/CLT/CH/&3/258(UNDP)

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22... The excavations were also extended to some monastic cells on the east with ai view to correlating and establishing the stratigraphie sequence of the monastic complex. Here an astonishing discovery was made: the upper part of the beautiful bronze image of a colossal Buddha, measuring over four feet from head to waist, was salvaged from beneath the floor of a residential cell (No. 37). The complete image must have measured over eight feet, and undoubtedly it is the largest bronze image of the period in Eastern India, cast in the 9th century and revealing a strong classical influence of the Sarnath School. Paharpur: drainage 23%. During the excavations the hydrologist/drainage engineer studied the excavated cross-trenches and the sections in the emptied northern tank, and also analysed the piezometer and other surface and ground water measurements that had been regularly monitored at the site since 1979. He installed a rainfall gauge to ascertain tire, correlation, during the coming monsoon, between site conditions and those of the: Bangladesh Water Development Board's Station R-152 at Badalgachi (seven miles diatant). 24-.. - The engineer visited the site again, in early August I985 during the monsoon and.',, on the basis of his findings, submitted a detailed design for a network of aurface drains in the courtyard around the temple, discharging into the northern storage pond. This would act as a sump from which the accumulated ground water would be pumped out of the monastery. Annex 6 gives a summary of his recommendations. Staff training - fellowships 25".. The fellowships for staff training abroad have benefited the candidates, who* all received good reports on their studies. The six staff members who underwent training have now rejoined the Department and project office and are ready and competent to participate in the activities for both the extension programme and the Master Elan programme (see Annex 3)On-site training 2&.. The 'on-site' training programme for departmental staff and craftsmen at Hagerhat could not be implemented as originally.planned owing to the: (a)

late arrival of equipment;

(b)

decentralization and reorganization of the Department of Archaeology;

(c)

lack of supervisory staff on site, partly due to the project staff being sent for training abroad;

(d)

late launching of the International Campaign (originally expected to take place in December 1983).

27".. The advantages of moving training to Lalbagh were that more members of the departmental staff were able to benefit from the training experience: proper supervision from the Directorate of the Department of Archaeology and Museums could be assured; technicians from the Conservation Laboratory were readily available; and the; services of specialists in skills such as terracotta work and glazing, from both public and private organizations, were more readily available from Dhaka.

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Such a project could be expected to have an excellent promotional value, especially after the Campaign for Safeguarding the Monuments in Paharpur and Bagerhat was launched.

28.

The work undertaken, and the staffing and equipment employed, were: Activity

Staffing

Equipment

(a)

Insertion of a transfused dampproof course of a silicone-based chemical

Department of Archaeology; specialist subcontractors and project office staff

Equipment supplied from project office materials; 75? from project office

(b)

Careful investigation and recording of building structure and fabric

Department of Archaeology and project office staff

Equipment supplied from project office and Conservation Laboratory

(c)

Measurements survey of building

Department of Archaeology and project office staff

Equipment supplied by project office

In each of the activities there were opportunities for training departmental staff and for developing appropriate technology, specific to the monuments of Bangladesh. Ali the training and-development done was equally relevant and applicable to the conservation work at Paharpur and Bagerhat. Conservation techniques 29. Some development of conservation techniques has been achieved. A method for transfusing a damp-proof course into an existing wall has been tested and proved to work satisfactorily. The tests were carried out on the Hamam building in Lalbagh where, over a period of years, the moisture content in the wall was reduced by over 30£. As a result of its success, the same system was used to damp-proof the walls of Bibi Pari's Mausoleum. 30. A method.has also been developed for protecting some of the thick salt-laden brick walls of the historic mosques in Bagerhat by enclosing the new facing brickwork in a kind of envelope of polythene to prevent the migration of the salts from the old brickwork to the new. This technique was tried on a wall of the Chunakhola Mosque. After several years there has been no sign of deterioration to the protected brick fabric, whereas on the unprotected areas the brickwork is already showing signs of disintegration. Work programme outstanding 31.

The following on-site training and research work has yet to be undertaken:

(a)

Activity

Staffing

Equipment

Investigation into development of terracotta glazed tiles

Department of Archaeology; skilled artisans

Equipment ordered but not yet received

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(b)

Investigation into development of plastering techniques

Department of Archaeology; skilled artisans, Conservation Laboratory

Equipment and materials ordered but not yet received

(c)

Investigation into stone cleaning

Department of Archaeology; Conservation Laboratory

Conservation Laboratory

Research on terracotta restoration, conservation and repair has not yet been undertaken pending arrival of the gas kiln and its accessories. Promotional activities 32. Two discussion programmes on the project have been held on Bangladesh Television. One, chaired by the Joint Secretary of Ministry of Sports and Culture and broadcast in April 1982, was with the team of consultants preparing the Master Plan. The other was with members of the project office, the Secretary of the Division of Culture and the Director of Archaeology, and was chaired by the Director of National Museums and broadcast in July 1985. Further, there was extensive press coverage of the project in October 1983 and again in June I985, coinciding with the launching of the International Campaign. As a result of the publicity given, those in official and cultural circles are now widely aware of the project and its objectives. Guide books 33. Knowledge of the project and of the importance to the country of what it has tried to achieve has been further spread by the publication, in March I985, of a guide book entitled: "Discover the Monuments of Bangladesh", of which 6,000 copies have been delivered to the University Press, Dhaka, for sale to the general public. 34. The response so far is very encouraging. The sale proceeds, at Tk.250.00 or US$9.5*+ per copy, are expected to show a profit of some US$40,000 and will be given to the Bangladesh Cultural Heritage Project Trust Fund for use in the Paharpur and Bagerhat conservation programme. During the latter part of the project, at the suggestion of the UNDP Resident Representative, a second in this 'Monuments of Bangladesh Guide Book1 series, entitled: "The Buildings of the British Raj in Bangladesh", has been prepared and sent for printing under an agreement with the University Press Publishing House, Dhaka. This book records, for the first time in Bangladesh, the buildings constructed during the period of British rule in Bengal. International Campaign 35. The International Campaign to Safeguard the Monuments of Paharpur and Bagerhat was, after several delays, finally launched during the 121st Session of Unesco1s Executive Board on 13 June 1985• In Dhaka a small inaugural function was held, accompanied by extensive press releases on the Cultural Heritage Programme, and by a Bangladesh Television programme.

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World Heritage List 36. The World Heritage Committee, at its ninth ordinary session in I985, decided to include in the World Heritage List Bangladesh's 'Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat' and 'Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur'.

IV.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Project results

37. The results to date of the project are very encouraging. There is considerable public awareness of the need to try and protect Bangladesh's cultural identity. The Master Plan is now accepted as the official document outlining the work plan and is also used for fund raising activities, since it provides information on all aspects of the project and on the two sites. 38. The guide books have been instrumental in creating public awareness and it has been recommended that the book entitled: "Discover the Monuments of Bangladesh", should be distributed to all of Bangladesh's embassies throughout the world. Project office 39.. The preparatory phase of the project was due to end on 30 April I986 and there are recommendations for an implementation phase to run parallel with the Third 5-year Plan of the Government. However, owing to the unforeseen delays in launching the International Campaign for the two sites it has become essential to support the present project until the Campaign bears fruit and the necessary funds are raised. 40. It is most unlikely that sufficient funds will be forthcoming immediately and it is, therefore, essential that the existing project office be retained to help the Government to raise funds locally and to coordinate this Campaign, particularly in view of the recent decentralization of the Department. One of the main constraints on implementation of the Master Plan will be its financing, as most of the work on the two sites will depend for funds on the International Campaign. Staff training 41. Since staff become competent only after proper training there should be a strong emphasis on this in the initial stages of any new project. It is recommended that the concept of any new project should embrace three main themes; the:

(a)

training of staff;

(b)

development of appropriate conservation technology;

(c)

setting of examples in methods of conserving historic sites and of presenting them to the general public.

With the development of local technology and of expertize within the Department, many archaeological and historical sites could be used as training grounds for, and be cared for by, the Department's staff.

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42. Before Partition there were opportunities for constant travel through the Indian sub-continent and abroad, with consequent benefit to their specialist competence. After Partition the regional aspects of training have tended to be overlooked and this has limited the field of research of many of the younger members of the Department to Bangladesh alone, where there is little practical application observable in conservation studies or in the development of appropriate technology. 43. In other parts of Asia, however - as elsewhere in the world - there are several similar cultural heritage projects, either completed or being implemented or planned. It is therefore recommended that there should be a more regional approach to training and research, to enable neighbouring countries to get together at the working level to exchange ideas, techniques, and even craftsmen, in order to broaden the whole outlook of building conservation technology in Asia. A small exchange programme would be extremely beneficial both to Bangladesh projects and to other similar projects in Asia. Project objectives 44. To develop the capacity of the Department of Archaeology and Museums to conserve and maintain the large numbers of historical monuments and sites throughout the country, it is proposed that the objectives of any project designed to assist the Department of Archaeology and Museums should be to: (a)

promote the Campaign for the Conservation and Presentation of Historic Monuments and Sites by mounting abroad a travelling exhibition of the selected sites;

(b)

establish a building conservation policy;

(c)

excavate, explore and conserve the exposed remains at Mahasthan in Bogra - the earliest city site in Bangladesh - and at Vasu Bihar nearby;

(d)

conduct the structural repair and preservation of the: Ci)

Kantanagar Temple and its nine collapsed ornate towers at Dinajpur;

(ii)

Residence, of Rabihdra Nath Tag'orë' at Shahzadpur, Sirajganj.

These objectives are a development of the original theme planned in the Master Plan, expanded to incorporate these recently identified sites. 45. Such activities would be a continuation of those of the project and they have been proposed and planned in conjunction with the Department of Archaeology. A two-years' duration has been suggested but might prove too short in view of possible delays in receiving equipment and chemicals already ordered under the project, and in the transfer of funds and signing of sub-contracts, and in view also of the climatic limitations on the length of the working-year. Benefits 46. Should such activities be developed and expanded the benefits to the local people will be, in the short-term, the training and re-establishment of their

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traditional crafts in specialist fields of building conservation, as well as the provision of work for the poorer members of the community, as labourers in excavations, etc. In the long-term these sites are expected to become popular recreation destinations with the result that, with the influx of visitors, the tourist industry should expand and develop in a controlled manner around each of the sites, and thus provide local employment. 47. Because of growing interest and the development of new fields of activities in the Department of Archaeology, a new project is strongly recommended as an extension of project BGD/8I/OO7, concentrating on strengthening the Department through the provision of essential equipment, the training of specialist staff and the development of a building conservation policy, so that it can effectively carry out and actively support the Master Plan programme by providing it with an administrative centre or secretariat. 48. It is also proposed that this project should include some other important monuments that are not covered by the international appeal but which still need preservation. Besides the obvious benefits of restoring and presenting the most important historic sites in Bangladesh and training and developing the staff and facilities within the Department of Archaeology, the value to the country of continuing the project will lie in helping the people of Bangladesh to revive and maintain their cultural identity and in developing their educational and tourism resources.

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ANNEX 1

Unesco Consultants

Name of Consultant

Country of Origin

Field of Specialization

Duration of Contract From To

SANDAY, John

UK

Architect/ Restorer

3 3 3 3

SMYTH, John

UK

Economist

28.02.82

3I.O3.82

FROST, Alan

UK

Architect/ Planner

28.02.82

31.03.82

VAN LOHUISEN DE LEEUW, John

Holland

Archaeologist

28.02.82

31.03.82

ANTONIO, Roberto

Phillipines

Hydrogeologist

28.02.82

31.03.82

GOODMAN, James

UK

Hydrologist/ Drainage Engineer

OI.05.85 OI.08.85

31.05.85 31.08.85

months months months months

in in in in

1982 I983 1984 1985

National Consultant

Name of Consultant AHMED, Nazimuddin

Field of Specialization

Duration of Contract

Archaeologist/ Historian

5 months in I983 01.01.84 31.12.84 01.01.85 31.12.85

- 12 ANNEX 2 • National Staff

Professional Staff

Name"

Position held

Qualifications

SHAMSUL ALAM, A.K.M.

Director, Department of Archaeology and museums

M.A. D. Lit.

HAQUE, Nizamul

Regional Director, Department of Archaeology and Museums

M.A. D. Lit.

QADIR, Abdul KHAN, Nizamuddin

" Assistant Engineer

HAQUE, Pazlul

M.a. Diploma in Civil Engineering

"

Support Staff

Name

Position held

MUBARAK, Abul

Clerk/Typist

KAMAL, A.K.S.

Clerk/Typist

KHAN, Shajahan

Driver

SOBAHAN KHAN, Abdus '".

Driver

SIDDIQUE, Mr

Secretary (3 months only)

The third post of Driver remained vacant through-out the project.

"

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ANNEX 3

Unesco Fellowships

Name of Fellow

Field of Study

Place of Study

Period From

HAQUE, Fazlul

Building conservation and repair

Italy

15.10.84

AHMED, Monir UN NABI, Tauhid

•" Photography techniques

MOSLEH-UDDIN, Mr Building surveying and measured drawing

"

"

of

Study To

14.04.85

"

Thailand

26.10.84

26.04.85

India

01.02.85

31.10.85

- 14 ANNEX 4

Equipment: Main Items Provided

Value

Total

US$

US$

VEHICLES Toyota Land Cruiser Toyota Corona 1600

16,316.00 6,109.00

22,425,00

PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT 2 cameras, lenses, projector and screen, storage, film, etc. Dark-room equipment (with airconditioner)

13,307-90

2,241.00

DRAWING OFFICE EQUIPMENT

15,5^8.90 7,434.84

FIELD EQUIPMENT 50 ft scaffolding tower and 70 ft ladder

6,887.86

Hilty rotary percussion drill TE72 and accessories

4,120.00

Howie portable generator

794.00

Universal theodolite and accessories

8,222.00

20,023.86

OFFICE EQUIPMENT Canon photocopier and accessories

2,446.95

2 typewriters

1,321.70

Furniture, etc.

877.13

ITEMS STILL TO BE PAID FOR GRAND TOTAL

4,645.78 12,293.00 US$82,371.38

- 15 ANNEX 5, Master Plan Report - Summary of Recommendations Summary of Costs The estimated total base cost of the Project is 82.2 million Takka (4.1 million dollars U . S . ) . The estimated total cost including allowances for price inflation is Takka 122.3 million (5.6 million dollars U . S . ) . These costs are based on detailed analyses set out in Annexes 17 to 26. ' General Recommendations Of all the monuments in Bangladesh two sites have been selected. These sites are constituted by the Buddhist Monastery at Paharpur and- the Muslim monuments in Bagerhat. Both these sites are prominent cultural legacies which, because of their historical and architectural importance, as well as their conservation and environmental problems, merit an International Campaign, to safeguard them. The prime responsibility for the Department of Archaeology and Museums today, is to correctly preserve and present the Buddhist Monastery site at Paharpur and the Muslim monuments and sites of the Khan Jahan period in Bagerhat. Eventually the Department of Archaeology and Museums needs to be expanded and properly equipped to be able to both restore and afterwards maintain its Cultural Heritage. The presentation of the Nation's Historic Monuments is not given sufficient importance. It is therefore recommended that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Department of Archaeology and Museums should agree on a priority list of monuments and sites to be developed. The Department should take care of the conservation .and presentation of the monuments a n d sites, whilst the Ministry should take the responsibility of co-ordinating the provision of visitor facilities, as well as access. Efforts should be made to arouse, in the General Public, an interest to visit the Nation's Historic Monuments and Sites. The need for properly trained guides and appropriate publications to help the visitor cannot be over-emphasised. Problems of recruitment have hampered the extent of work that the Department of Archaeology and Museums can undertake. It is therefore recommended that the Department be covered by the Bangladesh Civil Service Rules, enabling a favourable adjustment to be made to the salary scales. This would enable the Department to fill the technical posts with suitably trained people and enable an expansion in the conservation work to be undertaken in the years ahead. Micro plans for the development of each site should be prepared in the same way as has been done in the present report for both Paharpur and Bagerhat. It is recommended that the Tourism Wing of the Ministry of- Civil Aviation and Tourism should be given resources of manpower and finance to enable it to carry out this co-ordinating function, as this cannot easily be delegated to a body such as that of the Parjatan Corporation.

- 16 ANNEX 5 (cònt.)

Paharpur Recommendations Monument Itself

for the Repair and Consolidation

of the

In order to prevent salt action on the buildings, all materials used in the mortar mixes should be free of any impurities. The bricks should be acquired only from the best brick kilns and tested to ensure they are also free from impurities. Any lime should be pure slaked lime made from real limestone and not a substitute. To protect the structures from penetration by rainwater, it is recommended that a waterproof membrane, such as concrete, be placed between the archaeological structure and the grass coverings. Wherever possible, major building features such as cornices, string courses, wall cappings etc., on the main shrine should be reconstructed so that the water running off the main body of the structure, is thrown clear of the brick facade. To protect and treat the terra cotta plaques, they should firstly be recorded and then they should be cleaned of any vegetal growth,- prior to soaking them several times in clean water to remove any salts. Consolidation and treatment should be carried out under the direction of the Central Conservation Laboratory. To secure the plaques, in situ, they should be anchored to the main fabric with stainless steel cramps. To protect the monument against human impact, it is recommended that the movement of visitors should be controlled. Climbing over the fabric of the monuments should be prevented at all times. Archaeological proposals such as the excavation of the pradakshinapatha (circumambulatory path), as well as the reduction of the spoil around the exterior of the monuments will help prevent this. To protect the structure and fabric against vandalism, it is recommended that two guards should be on patrol for twenty-four hours of the d a y . Their presence, together with the above recommendations, will ensure the safety of the site. Both surface and ground water contributes to the annual flooding of the monastic courtyard which is largely due to lack of 'run-off. A solution to this problem can be achieved by the installation of sub-surface drains which will discharge to. a temporary collection sump for which the present northern pond will be suitably adapted. Once collected in the sump, the water will have- to be pumped out and stored beyond the monastic complex. The existing northeast 'bil' (low lying area) will be reformed as a suitable reservoir to take this water. Paharpur

-

The Protection of the Monument's Environment

So far as is possible, the tranquil setting of Paharpur should be preserved. Because of the threats of industrial development, it is recommended that:A parcel of land representing approximately a circular area of a half mile radius of the farmland immediately surrounding the

- 17 ANNEX 5 (contd.) Monument be acquired to protect it from encroachment. Any new structures built within the acquired area should either be well screened or should be of a traditional character. To present the monument properly within its setting, all the archaeological spoil at present deposited outside the perimeter of the site should be removed down to natural ground level a n d carted well away from the site. Some control be placed on the use of radios and loudspeakers. As at present the serenity of the site is disturbed by the indiscriminate over-loud amplification of music. Paharpur

-

The Presentation of the Monument

Although not included in the costing of this report, a recommendation is made to widen the present single lane road between Jaipurhat and Paharpur to enable vehicles to pass one another. To prevent too much encroachment on the site, it is recommended that a new Visitor Amenity Area be located to the west of the Monument within an existing grove of trees. To present the history and development of Paharpur Monastery, it is recommended that a Museum cum Exhibition Hall, having a dual purpose, be created. Firstly, it should be designed to display the loose terra cotta plaques and archaeological finds recovered from the sites and surrounding area. Secondly it should contain a carefully laid out exhibition in which the evolution and life of the Monastery is presented.. Paharpur

-

Staff Accommodation

It iè recommended that the- existing staff buildings and accommodation be renovated, converted and expanded to accommodate a full staff. Paharpur

-

Archaeological Recommendations

One of the main features of the restoration and presentation of the Paharpur Monastery will be the excavation of the original pradakshinapatha (circumambulatory path), which will expose the sixty or more, important stone sculptures that are set around the base of the main shrine. To show the visitor the successive occupational levels at Paharpur, it is recommended that one deep trench be preserved in one of the monastic cells in order to illustrate the complexity of an archaeological site. To augment the staff of the building conservation and archaeology section, it is recommended that Paharpur becomes a training ground in all aspects of archaeological excavation. Not only will this help provide supervisory staff, but also it will provide useful practical training. A priority excavation programme should be drawn up to facilitate immediate decisions concerning the drainage. T w o areas of

- 18 ANNEX 5 (contd.)

particular concern are the northern pond which will serve as the collection sump and the area outside the northern entrance.

THE BAGERHAT MONUMENTS The Bagerhat Monuments

-

General

The presence of deleterious salts in the ground has caused considerable damage to the brickwork and fabric of all the mosques. To control this endemic problem it is recommended that a damp proof barrier be. formed along the wall base by using a transfused silicone d a m p proof course. As a result of excessive salt action, external brick facades have become totally disfigured and even recent rebuildings have suffered the same degradation. It is recommended that, all replacement of external brick facades should have a heavy duty polythene sheet barrier placed between the old and the new brickwork to prevent the transfer of salts from the old brickwork to the n e w . Treatment of decorative brickwork and terra cotta should be carried out by first thoroughly washing in fresh water. After all salts have been leeched out, the brickwork or terra cotta should be treated with a consolidant. Degradation to the interior fabric has been caused by excessive condensation. It is recommended that the warm moisture-laden air entering the buildings, be controlled by closing the many openings in the Khan Jahan Mausoleum and the large doors on the East and West of the tomb should be kept firmly closed during the hot weather. This will prevent the circulation of humid air. It is recommended that a careful study of all historical records be made to see whether the method of rainwater disposal in use at the Khan Jahan Mausoleum can be applied to all the domed buildings in this group. The Bagerhat Environment

Monuments

-

Recommendations

to

Protect

their

Because of the scattered layout of the monuments it is recommended that two Monument Areas be created - the first centred around the Shait Gumbad Mosque and the other centred around the Khan Jahan Mausoleum. The Monument areas should be extended to incorporate the other important monuments nearby. Land acquisition will be limited only to the re-establishment of enclosure walls to the mosques and, in the case of Shait Gumbad, the acquisition of land for a Visitor Amenity Area. In the Khan Jahan's Monument Area, acquisition of land will be necessary for both car-parking and picnic areas. It is recommended that a clear space around each monument (curtilage) be formed as an immediate environmental protection to the monument. Often this area will follow'the original line of the enclosure wall.

- 19 ANNEX 5 (contd.)

Structures that impinge directly on the monuments should be removed. It is therefore recommended that the two schools constructed within the curtilage of both Shait G u m b a d and the Khan Jahan Mausoleum be relocated beyond the immediate confines of these sites. In addition to the listing of each monument, their corporate identity as part of the city of Khalifatabad should be maintained. To define the whole area .of the city is difficult and therefore the two Monument Areas of Shait Gumbad and Khan Jahan's Mausoleum have been designated to include at least the most important associated monuments. Within these Monument Areas the Department of Archaeology and Museums should be consulted on the local development plans. Bagerhat Monuments

-

Archaeological Recommendations

The process of pilferage and vandalism has caused considerable damage to several of the lesser known sites. In order to discourage such vandalism, it is recommended that the sites are included on the List of Protected Monuments. Included on this list should be the number of sites that are awaiting archaeological investigation. To extend the historical knowledge of Khan Jahan's settlement of Khalifatabad, it is recommended that further archaeological investigations be carried out on the site known as Khan Jahan*s Residence and the associated sites. It is recommended that the boundary walls of both the- Singar and Shait Gumbad mosques be restored to their original layout, following detailed investigations. For the purpose of archaeological investigation it is also recommended that the crypt in the Khan Jahan Mausoleum be opened so that the many inscriptions, so far unpublished, can be studied. Bagerhat Monuments

-

The Presentation of the Monuments

As the two Monument Areas are a few miles apart, separate Visitor Amenities are recommended for each area. As the Department's offices and staff quarters are already located at Shait G u m b a d , it is recommended that the Museum cum Exhibition Building should also be located there. Due to the Shait Gumbad Mosque's location close to the main highway, it is recommended that a parcel of land be acquired along its southern side and that as it is a suitable picnic area, it should extend as far as possible along the banks of the Ghora

Tank. The visitor facilities recommended for the Khan Jahan group will be limited to parking, a picnic area and toilet facilities.

-

20 '-

ANNEX 5 (contd.) Bagerhat Monuments

-

Staff

Accommodation

It is recommended that the existing staff buildings be converted and expanded to accommodate a full staff. The existing Department Rest House should be demolished and a new one constructed in a less prominent position.

Management of the Project Management

-

Project Offices

Because of the size and complexity of this Project, it is recommended that a 'Special Project' be created within the administration of the Department of Archaeology and Museums. A central co-ordinating Project Office should be formed in Dacca to act as the administrative centre. Within this Unit there will be four sections The Conservation Section; -Publication Section; Photographic Section; Administrative Section. At both Paharpur and Bagerhat, there will be Sub-Project Offices which will run the day to day conservation activities and local administration of each site. Management

-

Technical Assistance and Staff Training

As part of the over-all project it is recommended that, after basic 'on site' training has been undergone, candidates be selected for specialised training abroad in building conservation and repair. It is recommended that án International initially to the project to assist in:-

•*

Adviser

be attached

the establishment of the Project Office and Sub-Project Offices. the preparation of the two conservation programmes. the co-ordination of the 'on site' training programme.

Management

-

Project Equipment

It is recommended that basic equipment be provided to enable the establishment of the central co-ordinating Project Office in Dacca as well as the necessary equipment for building repair and conservation at the two Sub-Project Offices.

- 21 -

ANNEX 6

Drainage of the Paharpur Buddhist Vihara Summary of a Report by James Goodman, Kathmandu, September 1985

1. Rainwater forming ponds in the courtyard of the monastery is causing severe deterioration to the archaeological treasures of Paharpur» 2. The drainage installation of Paharpur is to protect the terracotta plaques and to arrest further degradation of the structure, and is an integral part of the proposed presentation of this. The flooding within the courtyard is primarily due to ponding of rainwater which, owing to the nature of the underlying strata, cannot percolate downwards. This water has to be pumped out of the compound and the water table lowered, in the dry season. This is achieved by re-aligning and rebuilding the tank at the. north of the courtyard in which three borehole pumps will pump this water out via a buried pipeline through the breach in the south wall and into the exterior drainage system. The pumps will be operated from the proposed museum outside the compound. A main drain around the shrine leading into the tank will lower the ground-water table once the surface ponded water has been pumped out. 3. The presentation and drainage require that the inside of the courtyard be excavated down to near the last occupation level and to slope towards the north for drainage. Secondly, drains are provided all around the complex (except for the north access) leading towards the south-east Bil. The water pumped out of the interior of the courtyard will be fed directly into this exterior perimeter drainage system on the south side of the complex (after the excess energy has been dissipated). An extra culvert under the road at CH 1256, Drain Tl will be provided to ease flow. When pumping is required within the courtyard, the area outside the complex is heavily flooded so addition of an extra million cubic feet will hardly be noticed. The provision of a perimeter drain and the extremely low permeability of the top, unit horizon will prevent lateral ingress of ground water or flood water into the courtyard. 4. The substantial part of the drainage and site presentation is the excavation work which falls into three categories: the courtyard and main drain, the perimeter drains and spoil-removal, and the drains to the S.E. Bil. The courtyard and main drain can be excavated only during the six months from November to May; this is excavation in the archaeological sense even though some of the areas may have been previously excavated. Time and cost estimates are based on completion of the project within a three-year period. This excavation work is the largest in volume and the most time-consuming in execution. The other excavation categories can be undertaken either at the same time or in the three months just before and after the monsoon when excavation is not possible in the courtyard. 5' The excavation quantities outlined in the Bill of Quantities indicate a substantial amount of spoil to be disposed of. Road building materials are in very short supply in the country and the Department considers that disposal of the spoil will present no problems if it is made available free-of-charge at the site. Spoil,

- 22 -

ANNEX 6 (contd.)

surplus to the capacity of the project lorries (six of 3 cubic yards capacity) will be stock-piled at the north of the site and at the S.W. corner. Upgrading of the road- to Jamalganj , the new access road to the north side of the site, and its connection to Jaipurhat will be the priorities of the project lorries. The work plan is obviously dictated by the courtyard excavation with its relation to work programmes on the main drain, enclosure wall and rebuilding of the tank. Courtyard excavation will start in the south to use the current drainage path available for the monsoon at the end of the first construction season, through the south wall breach, so as to minimize ponding in the north at least until the sump is rebuilt. 6. In the first year, excavation within the courtyard will be undertaken for six months followed by three months' work on the south perimeter drain and drains Tl and T2 leading to the S.E. Bil. (This exterior excavation will substantially reduce ponding). This programme is chosen so that immediately after the monsoon at the end of year- one the tank will be de-watered, re-aligned and rebuilt, and the main drain construction will be begun while courtyard excavation continues. 7. By the end of year two the tank will be rebuilt but the pumps will not be installed until year three. The installation will thus follow after the first monsoon after tank construction (the second monsoon of the project period); the courtyard at the end of year two will be bare earth and, although temporary earth bunds acting as rough stilling basins will be erected, it is expected that the tank will fill with silt. This silt will be cleaned out at the beginning of year three, the pumps installed and connected to the grid. Year three will also see the completion of the main drain, courtyard and perimeter drain excavation, general landscaping and making good.

- 23 -

ANNEX 7

Publications Prepared in Connection with the Project

The Masterplan: The Conservation and Presentation of the Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur and the Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat. UNESCO Paris 1983. Ref: FHR/CLT/CH/83/258(UNDP) (Report).

Press Releases October 1983 and June 1985 - There is a Press Cuttings file Maintained in the Project Office.

Guide Book - Discover the Monuments of Bangladesh by Dr. Nazimuddin Ahmed edited by Mr. John Sanday,'..Unesco. February 1985.

Published by University Press, Dhaka.

Guide Book - The Buildings of the British Raj in Bangladesh by Dr. Nazimuddin Ahmed, edited by Mr. John Sanday, Unesco. March 1986. To be Published by the University Press, Dhaka.

The Ruins of Paharpur by Mr. John Sanday and Dr. Nazimuddin Ahmed - Arts Asiatiques published in Volume XLI October 1986.

The Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur - Drainage of the Monument by James Goodman UNDP/BGD/81/007 - Raf, FMR/CC/CH/86/217(UNDP)

Exploratory Excavations at Paharpur - February 1985 by Dr. Nizamul Haque, Regional Director of Archaeology, Rajshahi Division (Report).

Muslim Art and Architecture by Dr. Nazimuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh Quarterly - December 1983.