Unique conservation of the Maratha Durbar Hall offers insights into ancient construction and preservation methods

Conservation and restoration of Durbar Hall at Thanjavur Palace with lean-to-roof, showcasing ancient construction and preservation methods.

The conservation and restoration of the Durbar Hall (Royal Court) at the Thanjavur Palace with a lean-to-roof offer insights into the ancient construction and preservation methods. The Department of Archaeology and the Heritage Division of the Public Works Department have joined hands to restore the glory of the hall which was renovated by Maratha King Sahaji in 1684.

‘‘It is probably the largest structure with a lean-to-roof in the country. It covers 4,500 square feet,’’ says project contractor J. Uppili Srinivasan. The lean-to-roof is a single slope roof with its upper edge adjoining a wall or building.

‘‘The roof is covered with reinforced ridge tiles that facilitate aeration and keep the building cool. The size of each tile is 4.5 inch. They should be strong, but not heavy. If they are heavy, the wooden reapers supporting the roof will collapse,’’ says Mr. Srinivasan, who is using some old tiles of the hall. The rest are made locally.

‘‘But it is a slow process and only 80 tiles can be made a day. We need 6,000 more tiles to complete the work,’’ he says. Experts of the National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property (NRLC) offers guidance for the conservation.

The hall stands on 25 giant pillars made of the wood of the Iluppai tree known for its durability. In the past, the wood was used to make the wheels of temple cars as they withstand rough weathers and termite attack. The wood should be used immediately after the tree is cut. If allowed to dry, it will resist even power saws. The pillars have arched and vaulted features, and have been decorated with stucco figurines and paintings.

According to the Department of Archaeology, the Durbar Hall consists of two large pavilions, with an open courtyard. There is a decorated stage in the middle of the court hall. ‘‘The stage is made of a single granite stone and the inscriptions [therein] recall the king’s coronation as well as the court proceedings,” says Mr. Srinivasan. The plastering of the walls has followed the Mughal style. ‘‘They have been finished in such a way that the walls have the lustre of a mirror and one can see the reflection of images on them,’’ he says.

Palm jaggery, sugar cane jaggery, water fermented with ‘kadukkai’ (Terminalia chebula), and egg white are mixed with sand and fat lime for the plastering. ‘‘The restoration involves 13 layers of plastering. We have to ensure that there is no sugar in sugar cane jaggery because the sulfur in it will spoil the work. We also distil the water from curd for polishing,’’ he says. Home-made curd is collected in a cloth that is strung up for water in the curd to distil.