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The Times of India (TOI)
January 24, 2014 Friday
Heritage lost and found
by Ashleshaa Khurana
SURAT: In spite of having been the state's first city to have its own
heritage policy in 2010 - having listed almost 3,000 structures as
heritage building in town - the Surat Municipal Corporation's (SMC)
vow to protect them has bitten dust. It was a project begun with much
ambition by the previous municipal commissioner along with local
representatives from all cultural fields. However, under present
administration, not a single meeting has been held regarding the same
in the past two years, and as of now, the heritage policy seems
non-existent. But in the city of Surat, hope survives.
On a recommendation by artist Monika and architect Charles Correa,
members of the Kilachand family took a heritage trail trip to Surat.
On the wish list were the Chintamani Jain Deraser, English, Dutch and
Armenian cemeteries, Mirjan Sami Dargah, Mughal Sarai, Begumwadi
Palace and ancient heritage homes. "We were surprised to know about
the existence of so many heritage places of interest in Surat when we
saw the TOI publication on the same," said Nilima, who was eager to
visit every site featured in the book.
"People are surprised that there is so much to see in Surat and that
its history runs so deep," said Sonal Jhaveri, a PhD in the field of
medical journalism from MIT, Cambridge who had accompanied the
Kilachands here.
Residents of a heritage home in Mumbai having well-travelled, the
Kilachands had in-depth knowledge of architectural design. Observing
the mingling Dutch, Mughal, English, Armenian and local styles
mingling in the constructions of the stucco and stone work at the
cemeteries, Tanil Kilachand mentioned how they reminded him of the
Mughal style of architecture of Lodhi tombs in Delhi. The visitors
wished that the ASI and authorities concerned in town could take
better care of the premises. "By simply growing and maintaining a mere
lawn on leveled ground, these places could be beautified for the
benefit of the visitors," said Nilima.
The Kilachands were fascinated by the beauty of Mirjan Sami Dargah and
observed the similarity between its floral ornamentation which
resembles ancient Jain styles. They also visited several 'ghar
derasers' and pleasantly discovered idols and temples, which are
centuries old in the basements of heritage homes within Nanavat and
well preserved by locals.
Having relished local cuisine, which included undhiyu and Rangooni
fare, they made sure to carry back with them Surti goodies such as
sagla-bagla, padvali and farmas biscuits, ghari and ponk for friends
and family. "The last time we were here, there were mounds of waste
around the railway station. It is good to see the progress this city
is making and we hope it preserves all heritage structures," said the
Kilachands.
From: A. Papazian
January 24, 2014 Friday
Heritage lost and found
by Ashleshaa Khurana
SURAT: In spite of having been the state's first city to have its own
heritage policy in 2010 - having listed almost 3,000 structures as
heritage building in town - the Surat Municipal Corporation's (SMC)
vow to protect them has bitten dust. It was a project begun with much
ambition by the previous municipal commissioner along with local
representatives from all cultural fields. However, under present
administration, not a single meeting has been held regarding the same
in the past two years, and as of now, the heritage policy seems
non-existent. But in the city of Surat, hope survives.
On a recommendation by artist Monika and architect Charles Correa,
members of the Kilachand family took a heritage trail trip to Surat.
On the wish list were the Chintamani Jain Deraser, English, Dutch and
Armenian cemeteries, Mirjan Sami Dargah, Mughal Sarai, Begumwadi
Palace and ancient heritage homes. "We were surprised to know about
the existence of so many heritage places of interest in Surat when we
saw the TOI publication on the same," said Nilima, who was eager to
visit every site featured in the book.
"People are surprised that there is so much to see in Surat and that
its history runs so deep," said Sonal Jhaveri, a PhD in the field of
medical journalism from MIT, Cambridge who had accompanied the
Kilachands here.
Residents of a heritage home in Mumbai having well-travelled, the
Kilachands had in-depth knowledge of architectural design. Observing
the mingling Dutch, Mughal, English, Armenian and local styles
mingling in the constructions of the stucco and stone work at the
cemeteries, Tanil Kilachand mentioned how they reminded him of the
Mughal style of architecture of Lodhi tombs in Delhi. The visitors
wished that the ASI and authorities concerned in town could take
better care of the premises. "By simply growing and maintaining a mere
lawn on leveled ground, these places could be beautified for the
benefit of the visitors," said Nilima.
The Kilachands were fascinated by the beauty of Mirjan Sami Dargah and
observed the similarity between its floral ornamentation which
resembles ancient Jain styles. They also visited several 'ghar
derasers' and pleasantly discovered idols and temples, which are
centuries old in the basements of heritage homes within Nanavat and
well preserved by locals.
Having relished local cuisine, which included undhiyu and Rangooni
fare, they made sure to carry back with them Surti goodies such as
sagla-bagla, padvali and farmas biscuits, ghari and ponk for friends
and family. "The last time we were here, there were mounds of waste
around the railway station. It is good to see the progress this city
is making and we hope it preserves all heritage structures," said the
Kilachands.
From: A. Papazian