ASI Agra working on compiling visual archives on Taj Mahal

Bs_logoImage
Press Trust of India Agra
Last Updated : Nov 29 2015 | 12:32 PM IST
Old sepia-toned images, monochrome photographs and art works on Taj Mahal stocked up in the archives of ASI are being compiled for publication in a large- format folio.
"Yes, we are working on producing a volume or sort of a folio in large-format which will be a collection of old black-and-white photographs, paintings and other visual materials archived at the ASI.
"The idea is to put together the scattered visual works into one comprehensive folio, given the allure Taj exercises on people's consciousness," Superintending Archaeologist of ASI Agra Circle Bhuvan Vikram told PTI.
Archaeological Survey of India was constituted in 1861 and Agra Circle (then Northern Circle) is one of the oldest branches of ASI, formed in 1885.
Described by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore as "the teardrop on the cheek of time", the 17th century monument commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan still remains, veritably the most iconic symbol of India and its tourism campaign Incredible India.
The marble marvel draws on an average 25,000 tourists a day, with its peak season falling from October to February. On a holiday, sometimes it reaches 45,000 also, the ASI said.
"We realised that we had a wealth of material on the Taj and they ranged from old photographs to sepia-toned images and beautiful painting and lithographs which hasn't been ever compiled in a comprehensive whole. And, though we have started the work on it, we don't know how long would it take to finish it, as we are occupied with our primary work of excavation and conservation," Vikram said.
According to Uttar Pradesh Tourism data, Taj Mahal attracts from 7 to 8 million visitors annually, with more than 0.8 million from overseas. Most tourists visit in the cooler months of October, November and February.
In 1983, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage".
The Mughal-era architectural wonder took nearly 20 years in the making and has been celebrated by artists, writers, poets, photographers, filmmakers, and many others through their works.
Google in collaboration with the Centre, while putting up several monuments online with a 360-degree panoramic view, chose the Taj Mahal as the first specimen.
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories

  • Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Nov 29 2015 | 12:32 PM IST