AGRA: The 400-year-old ‘golden’ murals at Mughal emperor Akbar’s tomb in Agra have been damaged in incessant rains, with their panels getting detached and colours fading due to the moisture. The lack of timely conservation has worsened the situation, with efforts now underway to prevent them from further deterioration. Scaffolding has been installed to protect the fragile panels from falling.
Akbar developed the tomb in Agra’s Sikandra area, and his son Jahangir completed it after his death.Conservation negligence has led to the deterioration of these intricate artworks, which is significant for their unique designs on each wall. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is tasked with maintaining these historical pieces, but moisture damage over time has affected both the murals and the tomb’s structure.
Shakeel Chauhan, national general secretary of the Tourist Guide Federation of India, raised concerns about the lack of effective conservation efforts, pointing out that once the murals deteriorate, they cannot be recreated. “The uniqueness of Akbar’s tomb is that no design is repeated across panels. The damage has now put these invaluable treasures at risk,” he said.
Tourists have been redirected to the tomb through alternative paths as scaffolding blocks the main entrance, where the damage is most severe. Chauhan said that losing these historical murals will deprive future generations of their artistic and cultural heritage.
Moisture stains have also appeared along the pathway leading to the turret on the eastern side of the tomb. A senior tourist guide said rainwater has seeped into the building, affecting the walls up to 12 feet high. The tomb’s roof, restored 15 years ago, is leaking, impacting the five-storey structure.
Superintending archaeologist Rajkumar Patel said scaffolding has been installed to prevent the falling mural panels from causing harm, and a committee of experts has been formed to assess the best course of action for restoration. “We will take measures to conserve these murals after receiving the committee’s report,” he added.
The pyramidal tomb, constructed primarily of red sandstone, stands five storeys high, with the top floor made of marble. At the centre of this historic site lies Akbar’s cenotaph, surrounded by intricate verandas, cloisters, and arcaded platforms. Each panel within the tomb features a different design, reflecting the artistic brilliance of the Mughal era.
A retired ASI official described the challenge of preserving these historical murals: “These irreplaceable treasures from the Mughal era are under threat. The task of conserving them in their original glory is immense, but it is crucial for the sake of our cultural heritage.”