A REPORT ON CONSERVATION OF HISTORIC TOWNSHIP

1. INTRODUCTION TO CONSERVATION
1.1 Definition
Conservation is the action taken against decay to prolong the life and the integrity of a
built heritage or of a settlement. Conservation not only develops expertise, it helps us
to learn about the holistic nature and its technical aspects. It provides us the
knowledge to criticize and appreciate. Historic structures, monuments or settlements
are the most important part of the cultural heritage and human civilization. Building
materials deteriorate with age and exposure to the weather. Typology, construction and
organization of the structure, element/block size, type of construction materials vary
depending on the construction period.
Some of the art and crafts of medieval Nepal still shines with fineness. The fine
craftsmanship of Nepal lets us construe the affluent culture of medieval Nepal.
Unfortunately, due to lack of proper care and maintenance the ancient civilization which
has architectural values is becoming evanescent. The esoteric art of carving motifs
was passed on from generation to generation. A craftsman would learn such skills at a
very early age from his grandfather. Today the skill has to become almost arcane
known only to the selected few who dare to take the arduous way. A cursory glance of
the temples of the Kathmandu valley will be thats needed to feel the crumbling picture
of the traditional art and crafts.
Only a hand full of monuments and settlements has been given the privilege of
conservation, yet there are hundreds of monuments and civilizations, which are in
dire need of repair and restoration. It is certain that the art of 14th century Kathmandu
would have been unrivaled through the globe. The situation now is abysmal: the socalled modern influence has left such a big scar on the valley that the task of returning
it to the former glory is almost insurmountable.
The need of conservation is undeniable. Everything around us will either perish or be
transformed into a new form, sooner or later. Our past is out roots and it needs to be
respected. The cultural relics of our ancestors have been renowned all over the worlds
for its fine craftsmanship. Its the duty of the current generation not to act according to
whims of fashion and follow the popular trend but to look after and preserved the
objects of heritage.

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1.2. Values in conservation

As we know that only the building which has significance and values, seek for
conservation; those types of buildings has different values which have made it more
crucial. Those values maybe emotional values, architectural values, aesthetic values,
archeological values, socio-economic values and even political and spiritual values.
a. Emotional values
b. Use values
c. Cultural Values
1.3. Philosophy of conservation
It is an attempt to set out the ethics and principles to guide work on traditional
buildings. Some of the guiding ethics and principles common in conservation
philosophy:
Ethics

Authenticity
Integrity
Avoidance and conjecture
Inseparable bond with setting
Respect for all contributions
Rights for the indigenous community
Respect for age and patina

Principles

Minimal intervention
Like for materials
Conserve as found/ retention of original fabric
Reversibility
Documentation
Legibility

For over a century, various doctrines have guided the practice of heritage conservation.
Historically three major characters have influenced conservation philosophy. Basic
intervention theories of historic preservation are framed in the dualism of the retention
of the status quo versus a restoration that creates something that may never actually
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have existed in the past, John Ruskin was a strong proponent of the former, which
Viollet-le duc, argued for the latter.

1.4. Principles of conservation

Conservation is the process of caring for buildings and places and of managing change
to them in such a way as to retain their character and special interest. Historic
structures are such unique resource. Over- restorations can harm the special qualities
of a building with the loss of details, materials and craftsmanship which, while
sometimes seeming of little significance in themselves, can contribute to the character
of the building and make it special. For this reason, it is vitally important. Following
points are the principles of conservation:
a. Keeping a building in use
b. Researching and analyzing
c. Using expert conservation advice
d. Protecting the special interest
e. Promoting minimum intervention
f. Respecting earlier alterations of interest
g. Repairing rather than replacing
h. Promoting honesty of repairs and alterations
i. Using appropriate materials and methods
j. Ensuring reversibility of alterations
k. Avoiding incremental damage
l. Discouraging the use of architectural salvage from other buildings
1.5. Methodology of conservation
When the object is identified as necessity of conservation then it follows certain steps
to conduct. The main agenda of conservation is to conserve those valuable objects
prior to identity. There are certain methodologies to conduct the conservation

Inventory
Inspection
Documentation and interventions

1.5.1 Inventory:
This comprises of recording of what exist. It has to be done systematically that
corresponds to its area of work. The steps involved in the inventory of architectural
conservation are:
o Photography
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o
o
o
o

Photogrammetric
Drawings/sketches
Survey
Models

The main aim of the inventory is to describe the settlement to be conserved.

1.5.2. Inspection:
A preliminary visual inspection and study of each building is necessary in order to know
and define as a whole. The present condition of the building must be recorded
methodically and then whatever further studies are required, can be reported. In
conservation, inspection starts from the roof where construction starts from the
foundation. Also, the starting point for the conservation would be the corner of Northwest and follows clockwise direction. This work basically focuses on types, use of
materials, and kind of deterioration. In case of roof, slope type or flat type, roofing
materials is either C.G.I or tiles, even in C.G.I rusting or other tear and wear has
occurred or not, if yes then how much, what kind is recorded. In case of battens and
rather, the type of timber is inspected.
After inspection, the process is followed by the report writing in simple language which
has the clarity even for the understanding of laymen. Report should be in standard
format defining work divisions like; immediate works, urgent works, necessary works,
desirable, items to be kept in construction. Along with report, it should also give
preliminary estimate.
Inspection Criteria 1
Mostly, post- hazard visual screening methods are based on street surveys which
collect data from the exterior of the building. After any hazardous event observation of
the pattern and damages on the building is quite enough in order to make the initial
decision for the safety condition of the building. Conversely investigation of potential
risk and the pre-hazard safety evaluation of the structures necessitate more data.
The visual data includes:

Damage state and physical condition of the building,

Structural and geometrical typology,
Typology of the place where the building is located,
Earthquake zone, potential vulnerabilities, etc.

Inspection Criteria 2
Inspection depends not only to the existing condition of the building but also to the
inspectors experiences and knowledge. For the universality of purpose, generally a
questionnaire with check lists are used and these are supported by damage atlases,
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damage indexes, user guides, etc.

Inspection includes the following steps:
o Achieving the schematic plan drawing of the building.
o General history of the building, information of construction
o Giving axial system to the building for representing each structural
element (Divide structural elements as vertical, horizontal and diagonal)
o Obtaining metric data of structural elements
o Visual inspection of the building by focusing on the existing state of the
decay and damage of structural elements.
o Evaluation of the overall state
o Results and recommendations
1.5.3. Intervention:
It refers to an object subjected to any action. Thus, it has to be carried out with respect
to an object. Basically conservation is aimed at prolonging the life of a monument with
the help of various kinds of treatments. The main concept of conservation is to retain
the authenticity of the monuments of the greatest possible extent. Hence, prevention of
deterioration is the first degree of intervention which seeks to maintain the originality of
the object.
1.6. Degrees of intervention
Intervention practically always involves some loss of value in cultural property. The
minimum degree of intervention necessary and the techniques used depend upon the
condition of the climate, to which the cultural property is likely to be subjected.
Atmospheric pollution and traffic vibration must be considered and earthquake and
flood hazards should be assessed. The nine degrees of intervention are:
1. Prevention of Deterioration

This method seeks to stop further decay; or retards the decay.

Protecting cultural property by controlling the environment
Controlling agents of decay: humidity, fire, vandalism, theft, temperature, etc.
Increasing awareness and decreasing neglect.
Reducing atmospheric pollution, vibrations (traffic, industrial)
Reducing ground subsidence

For example, in case of Bhaktapur Project, suitable paving of street and courtyard
was done, small industrial area with non polluting character were established which
allowed only handicraft, art related industries.
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2. Preservation

This method seeks to keep the monument in its existing state. Intervention is
done directly to the cultural property.
Importance given in the retention of all historic fabric
Regular inspections
Regular repair and maintenance
Objective is to keep cultural property in a desirable same state.

For example, in Bhaktapur Project, facilities for monument maintenance office were
provided. Regular inspectionand maintenance of monuments were done. Repair of
Tilmahadev Narayan and Swet Bhairav of taumadi was done.
3. Consolidation
This method seeks to insert some strengthing elements in case the monument is
no longer able to withstand the decay mechanism on its own.
Should not deviate from the existing structural pattern and form
Retain originality, use local skills and materials
However, when strictly necessary, reversible modern techniques can be used.
For instance, in Bhaktapur Project, cracks developed in the domical roof, ring beam
was constructed to support the dome and cracks were filled by injecting the slurry of
cement and lime. These were the conservations done in case of Shive temple
golmadhi.
4. Restoration
This method seeks to attain the original state in totality.
The objective of restoration is to revive the original concept and true style.
Focuses on the retention of materials from most significant time in a propertys
history.
Involves removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction/
replacement of missing features but in distinguishable way.
For example, restoration of Dattatraya square and restoration of Lokeshwor temple
in Bhaktapur Project.
5. Reproduction
This method seeks to copy and reproduce in cases where it is endangered in a
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particular place.
Monument constructed on a different site
Copying an extract artifact involving replacement of missing and decayed parts
Involves moving to a more suitable environment
For example, a pati was shifted from original position and window of Godawari Math
was reproduced in Bhaktapur Conservation Project.

6. Re-evaluation/ Adaptive Re-use

This method seeks to keep buildings in continuous use.
Involves new use to a redundant historic building
This ensures maintenance and checks deterioration
Adaptive reuse ensures aesthetic continuity and economic gain
Involves addition of amenities and alteration of internal plans
Drastic alteration of character and incompatible function is not allowed
For example, in case of Bhaktapur, Taja Math, pujari math: non religious part was
extended to house workshop and rest house which was being used as a parking for
Bhairab Chariot was converted into restaurent.
7. Renovation
It involves the process of improving a structure. Renovation can refer to making
something new, or bringing something back to life.
The original form, construction detail and materials are followed.
Dismantling is done only when apparent danger is perceived.
For example, in Bhaktapur Conservation Project, conservation of Ganesh temple
and Shiva temple was done.
Several cracks, vegetation growth, major parts already collapsed
One way to conserve was to dismantle and rebuild.
8. Anastylosis
This method seeks to conserve the monument by recording the existing monument
in minute detail, dismantling it and reassembling it in its original form as per record.
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For instance, renovation of Nasaman dabu and renovation of Brahmayani Dyochen

was done in Bhaktapur Project.
9. Conjectural Restoration
The least preferred methodology for conservation. It is a process of remake, which
is preferred to be limited in drawings, models and sketches.
In case of Bhaktapur, conservation of Saraswati temple was done in this method.

1.7. Strengthening of historic building

Prior to the objective of the conservation, consideration regarding materials and
techniques are recommended depending upon the degree of intervention. Any building
stand with materials and technologies bind each other in any form. Technology is major
issue not to stand the structural but also an ideology to present the society and
civilization.
To preserve the historic building and strengthening it, various materials and
technologies are used and with the time, various conservation works are done. It is
very important to preserve building from deterioration caused by the natural and
human activities. We need to preserve to keep the historic building in its existing state.
Participation of local community and government is always effective. And with the
interval of time, repair of monument is needed.
If any historic building seeks damage and weak in structure, the consolidation is
performed in which some strengthening elements if realized that the building is no
longer able to withstand the existing. According to various document, original design,
historic study and archeological study, we can conserve the historic building to its
original state. Also historic building can be conserved by keeping them in use so that
regular inspection and maintenance can be performed. According to various process of
conservation we can preserve and strengthening of historic building in its original form
maintaining its value and importance.
o
o
o
o
o

Causes of building cracks

Chemical reaction in construction materials
Climatic condition of the nature
Foundation movement and settling of building
Environmental stresses

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o Bad quality materials

o Wrong method of construction
o Cause of crack-shrinkage

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2. CASE STUDY: LADAKH, INDIA

2.1. Introduction
2.1.1. Location
Ladakh covers the eastern half of
Jammu
and
Kashmir, Indias
northernmost state. The region
borders Tibet autonomous Region in
the east, Xinjiang province in the
northeast and the northern areas of
Pakistan in northwest. It lies in the
western edge of Tibetan plateau and
spans the parallel lines of the Great
Himalaya range, Zangskar range,
Ladakh rang and Karakoram Range.

Fig: Map of Jammu and Kashmir region. (Ladakh

comprises of Leh and Kargil district)

2.1.2. Background
Ladakh is an ancient Tibetan kingdom that became part of Indian Kashmir only in the
mid-19th century. Ladakhs unique cultural heritage is a blend between Tibetan
culture, indigenous traditions and influence from the ancient Buddhist regions of
Kashmir and Central Asia.
Ladakh is divided into two districts; Leh and Kargil. The district headquarters, Leh and
Kargil, are the also the only large towns in Ladakh, while most of the rural populations
live in smaller villages scattered across both districts.
When Ladakhs neighboring regions of Kashmir, Baltistan, Kargil and Afghanistan
converted to Islam, relations with Tibet remained an important source of cultural
inspiration. Economically, Ladakh retained an important centre at the crossroads of
Inner Asian trade. But political developments of the mid-20th century put an end to all
that and all roads to Tibet were closed after the Chinese take-over, and India and
China fought two border wars after the Chinese army built a road through Ladakhi
territory. The partition between India and Pakistan put an end to trade and even
personal contacts between regions to the north and west, effectively locking Ladakh
into isolation and bringing its economy to a standstill. The tri-partite 40-year conflict in
Kashmir aggravated Ladakhs isolation. Society, culture and economy stagnated. In the
mid-1960s, India built the first-ever road accessing Ladakh, and later regular flight links
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between Leh (the capital) and Delhi were established.

o Leh town
Ladakhs capital, Leh, is a city of some
25,000 inhabitants. The population
almost triples in size during the
summer tourist season, when people
from all over India come here looking
for work. To protect the rural Ladakhis
from economic competition that they
are not prepared for, the government
has made it impossible for outsiders to
acquire land, and even opening
businesses or working requires
permits and often a Ladakhi partner.
Thus, the Ladakhis are benefiting more from tourism than their cousins in Lhasa.
Fig: Leh old town area - in the back the
Old Leh is dominated by the former
17th century royal palace.
royal palace, a nine-story stone
structure erected around 1600 in the Tibetan style made famous by the slightly later
Potala Palace in Lhasa, plus a number of Buddhist temples and monasteries from the
15th-16th centuries. Only a few Buddhist stone carvings arguably bear witness to the
begin of Ladakhs recorded Buddhist history in the 10th century.

The old town, consisting of two hundred stone, mud and timber houses sandwiched
between thick rammed earth walls, is located on the slope below the palace, still
accessed by a number of ancient stupa gateways. After the changes wrought by the
Chinese government on Lhasa, Leh is certainly the most well-preserved traditional
Tibetan city in the world, and perhaps the most significant ensemble of historic Tibetan
architecture.

Fig: Leh from the south - to the left the elds, in the center
the old town

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2.2. History
The earliest known royal domain of this dynasty was in Shey in the Indus v alley,
some 15 km upstream from Leh. The early history of Leh itself is shrouded in
mystery. The discovery of a Buddhist monument with a Tibetan inscription dated to
the period between the eighth and the tenth centuries suggests the existence of a
human settlement at Leh at the time, centuries before Leh entered recorded
history. This is a two meter-tall image of a standing Maitreya engraved on a rock in
the ruins of an old house at the edge of the Old Town, found during the community
survey.
The earliest recorded building activity dates to the reign of Drags Bumde in the second
half of the 15th century. In 1461, the king received a delegation from Central Tibet sent
by Gendundru, who was later recognized as
the First Dalai Lama, and subsequently
began the building of Buddhist temples.
The next confirmed building activity took
place during the reign of Tashi Namgyal. He
is credited with the Namgyal Tsemo tower
above the Leh place, and as proved by an
inscription, with the protector temple below
the tower.
However king jamyang namgyal and his son
senge namgyal that are credited with having
established leh s the royal capital. They
erected nine storey leh palace, and their ministers settled immediately below within a
fortified area. This is todays historic old town
Fig: View of old leh town showing the
of leh.
royal palace as well as the monasteries
2.3. Ladaki
Architecture

temples, private house of kings ministers

just below.

Architecture essentially began as means to provide

shelter and more importantly in ladakh, protection.
Forms that evolved were extremely simple and
versatile. Later it became a social endeavor and
patterns of development started to emerge out of
these simple forms.
Fig: Houses of ladakh
Religion could never be de-linked from social activities
in ladakh. Strong ties with the neighboring Kashmir and western Tibet too left an
indelible impact on ladakhi architecture, particularly its religious architecture.
Continuous intuitive experimentation led to the juxtaposition of simple forms to create
complex architectural relationships; settlements began to grow and dot the aired
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landscape of ladakh while iconography led to create impressive interiors. Other than
simple houses, several functional built form types emerged and these included gompas
(Buddhist monasteries), palaces and forts.

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2.4. Problems and issues

The main problem areas identified by the project can be summarized as follows:
Poor quality of living conditions
Decline of old town, government inactivity
People without land are trapped in poverty
Loss of cultural identity due to migration and rapid economic changes
Loss of traditional skills that are no longer useful in modern economy
Tension between communities (esp. Buddhist majority and Muslim minority)

Fig: Every morning, residents need to

queue for water

Fig: Absence of sewage system

2.4.1. Analysis of the decline

The old town had no water supply, and since the time of the citys founding, people had
to climb downhill to fetch their water. Drainage was another problem due to the
availability of only a handful of open channels that are frequently blocked (or frozen).
Heavy rain falls or a neighbors washing day could trigger the flooding of ones
basement.
Over the past 15 years, most well-off families owning land in the greener, well watered
parts of the valley have moved away from the old town. This was made possible
because these families no longer depended on agriculture for their livelihood, having
found better sources of income in the operation of guest-houses, souvenir shops,
restaurants or internet cafs.

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The old town began a steep decline. Due to the moving of wealthy and influential
families, the old town began a steep decline. While the new town has paved roads,
garbage collection and sufficient water supply, no such services were provided for the
old town. The former centre of the country had in effect, became a slum. The inhabitants
of this area are roughly in equal parts, Buddhists, Muslims and migrant workers (mostly
from Nepal and Bihar) (in overall Leh, as in overall Ladakh, it is generally believed that
two thirds of the permanent populations are Buddhists). This process has also caused a
decline in the old composting toilet system, though it is still the only realistic way to deal
with solid waste. In recent years more and more Ladakhis regardless of confession (i.e.
both Muslims and Buddhists) have begun to publicly lament the decline of their former
capital, witness to a history stretching back more than 11 centuries. Hoping for the
development of this area, Tibet Heritage Fund offered to try and revive and rehabilitate
the old town in partnership with interested communities.
2.4.2. Tensions between communities
In Leh, most of the old houses are built attached to each other sharing walls, or even
vertically joint, with public access ways running underneath houses and people sharing
sheds for animals. Public squares between the densely-placed houses were used for
celebrations and processions. These days, people fight bitter disputes over empty plots
of land that lie between properties, and feud with their neighbours about physically
separating adjacent houses. Improvement works on buildings and alleyways are
routinely objected to by jealous neighbours. This social development has certainly
contributed to the decay of the old town. Tensions between communities have
aggravated, over the last 15 years Muslims escaping from the Kashmir conflict have
considerably enlarged Ladakhs Muslim minority. There have been occasionally violent
conflicts between the communities along sectarian lines (though not nearly as dramatic
as, for example, the Gujarat riots where hundreds died).

2.5. Intervention strategy

The conservation project started with a strong approach to improve peoples livelihood
and living conditions. Lehs historic urban fabric exemplifies traditional architecture with
influences from the central Asian trade routes that once converged in Leh old town.
This project attempts to document, research and disseminate the cultural practices of
the Old Town in Leh. Some of the intervention strategies used are:
Improve peoples livelihood and living conditions.
Identify and use the best of the traditional skills, which have slid into obscurity
since the advent of subsidized cement and steel.
Rehabilitation of home by improvements such as bath rooms with drains,
bringing more light into the often dark houses (built when glass was not known
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or available), improving the composting pits of the traditional latrines and

increasing the efficiency of traditional clay mixes based on experience and the
skills of the best traditional craftsmen.

Starting a training (and employment) program to give employment to those

inhabitants of the old town who do not own land and have little education, and
therefore giving them an economic perspective.
Infrastructure improvement, monument preservation etc.

2.6. Intervention activities and results

Ladakh style townscapes in Himalayan region and a rare example of an intact historic
Tibetan Himalayan urban settlement. In the wake of modern times leh is changing fast.
New high rise buildings and development projects were transforming the face of old
town. There was a grave danger that the unique cities would lose its historical and
architectural value and that, lehs unique living
heritage. To presaerve and conserve such place of
historical and architectural importance following
degrees of interventions were applied.
2.6.1. Assembly of a core team of skilled artisans
First of all a team of local skilled articans were
appointed to conduct the conservation project in a genuine way. Then after further
training was provided by THF director Andr Alexander in traditional Tibetan building
technologies relevant to Ladakh, and in restoration and building rehabilitation practice.
The skills and sensibilities of the artisan core group were further refined by training
activities.
Fig: Team of skilled artisans

2.6.2.The Rehabilitation Model Lane

The Stagopilog area served as one of the main access
routes into the old town. Used both by locals and
residents, it leads underneath an old stupa gate and past
some of Lehs most beautiful (if dilapidated) historic
homes. The lane has had no paving and no drainage.
Stagopilog lies at the bottom of the slope on which the old
town is located. A drainage channel from the
neighborhoods above ends abruptly at the upper end of
the alley, emptying into it. As a result a constant stream of
foul-smelling water ran down the unpaved alley, and pools of stagnant waste water
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regularly accumulate between the homes. To support the Stagopilog neighborhood

community in upgrading their area, the area was turned into a Model Rehabilitation
Lane to demonstrate the feasibility.
2.6.3. Community-based infrastructure improvement
The biggest improvement in the current project phase consisted of draining and paving
the Stagopilog alleyway. It was designed by community, and implemented by local
community members, local builders and THF staff. The community members put in
work for the drain digging and removing of soil, but many aspects of the work would
have to be carried out by professionals or semi-professionals. The residents would be
able to learn as much as possible about drain building on this stretch, which after all is
only a first pilot project. Skilled workers install drain and
pave the alley (August 2005). Community members and Fig: Access routes to the
old town. In front the
skilled workers worked together building the drain (August
gateway stupa.
2005).

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Fig: Draining and paving the Stagopilog alleyway

Fig: Alley before and after

2.6.4.
Promotion of
adequate and
sustainable building
technologies

Traditional Tibetan architecture is well suited to the climate and geography of the
Himalayas. The mud bricks and mud plaster absorb heat from the strong sunshine
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during the day and slowly radiate it during the cold nights. Mud is used in many layers to
provide insulation for walls, oors and ceilings. External timber bands are used to brace
the walls against earthquakes, and the internal load (ceiling structure) is so distributed
that it will not kill residents even in the case of collapse. Many traditional buildings will
be able to withstand earthquakes. Most of the new tall buildings coming up in the Main
Bazaar area, by contrast, will not survive, and some their heavy pre-cast concrete
elements are likely to kill people when they fall. Modern construction is also almost
exclusively done by migrant workers who can cast concrete. Building in the traditional
skills not only gives greater comfort and security to Residents, but also requires the
availability of local skills and so benets the local economy. The recent (October 8)
earthquake in Kashmir has caused only little damage in the Ladakh region, but Ladakh
lies certainly in an earthquake-prone region. Further promotion of traditional skills and
earthquake-protecting features (some of which could be incorporated also into modern
buildings) was advocated.
2.6.5. Income generation through vocational
training and workshops for skill improvements,
promoting womens roles in construction work
THF integrated several local women from poor
families into a medium- term training scheme. Four
people with some local building skills participated so Fig: Multilayered mud plasters,
that their skills would become rened. This enabled external timber bands and sundried bricks as local and
them to earn more money in the future, and also will
sustainable technology.
supply the project with the specialized skills
necessary for upgrading of traditional and historic residential homes. The rened skills
included practices used in Tibet for upgrading and rehabilitating historic residential
buildings.
Fig: Mud plastering

2.6.6. Documentation of historic building structures

Tibetan architecture, architectural history and art history
are still relatively young elds of research. Little is
known about styles and their evolution, and even major
sites are still insufciently documented. Events of the
20th century, such as massive destruction of historic
Tibetan art and architecture, have dramatically narrowed
down the chances
of ever fully understanding the Tibetan building tradition.
The rapid modernization in both China and India, as well
as the acceleration of mass tourism, are further
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threatening remaining historic structures. One cluster in the center of the old town,
consisting of the 14th century JampaLhakhang and seven residential houses, ve
houses and one stupa in the Stagopilog conservation model alley, as well as six other
historic houses and four monastic sites were documented.

2.6.7. Revival of traditional skills and local wisdom

through exchange with other Himalayan
communities
Ladakhi culture and traditional society have been in

Fig: Section through old town. Fig: Leh interactive map, sample building
database page from THF website.

Fig: The parapet tted with

Tibetan-style decoration.
Revival of lost traditional
technique.

decline ever since the borders to Tibet were closed ve decades ago. Ladakh had to
look to lowland India for cultural inspiration. However, Ladakh is geographically very
different from the rest of India, and compared to Indias 1 billion people, the small
Ladakhi population of less than 100,000 is struggling to retain their cultural identity.
THF has reopened one channel of exchange between Tibet and Ladakh by bringing
Tibetan experts to Leh for workshops and training. We have also involved Tibetan
refugees, many of whom possess traditional skills that Ladakhis have partially lost.
This helps both communities giving Tibetan refugees an economic perspective, and
reviving ancient cultural links between the two regions.
2.6.8. Rehabilitation of housing for low-income communities
In 2004 and 2005, the project rehabilitated a number of homes in old Leh. Houses were
chosen by priority, location and willingness of the owner to contribute.

1. So House:

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One of the oldest and architecturally important

houses, it was built ca. 100 years ago by a family
who had migrated from Kashmir to Leh. The
building has two stories, and mostly store rooms
on the ground oor.
Problem: The roof was badly disintegrated, with
extensive leakage, wall cracks and drainage
problem.
Work included: Reconstruction of roof with traditional internal water- proong layers,
and a new drainage system, repairs of wall cracks, provision of better insulation,
included interior and exterior plastering, restoration and improvement of windows,
construction of skylights to bring more light into the upper oor rooms and construction
of a skylight to cover the previously open staircase, toilet composting vault concreted to
prevent seepage, and tted with an internal air
circulation system, kitchen tted with a sink
connected with a drain that led into the street drain.
Fig: Ground plan and east
2.Jampa Lhakhang

elevation, showing the 100-year

old Kashmiristyle wooden balcony

This 15th century temple is one of the towns main

Buddhist monuments. THF helped to repair the leaking
roof, and prepared a rehabilitation plan for the entire
site, which requires more roof repairs and cleaning of
historic wall-paintings.
3. Cholday house
The Cholday house is home to three generations of a single family, plus also for some
additional aunts and nieces. So even during the repairs, the families continued staying
there,
just Fig: South elevation (THF 2005), work on the roof and roof moving to
the back area. parapet,
The familys

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A REPORT ON CONSERVATION OF HISTORIC TOWNSHIP

contribution lay in supplying all the materials and providing additional supervision of the
workers. The house has three stories, with main damage in the northern part that was
caused by a neighbors demolition and reconstruction of his house.
The north wall was reconstructed, the fallen ceiling in the area rebuilt, and additional
windows were put in. The roof was waterproofed, and the disintegrated roof parapet
(that protects the mud walls from rain) was rebuilt.
The main work was completed at the end of 2004.
Fig: ground plan. The problem area
is shown in grey (THF 2004). The
defect north wall of the house had
to be taken down.

4. Hanupa House

Hanupa House is located

widely visible on the ridge
high above the town and so
an important priority. It was
also a very poorly-built home, erected ca. 150 years to house
servants of the nearby Norchung familys mansion..
One of the walls had to be partly taken down because of a defect
in the foundation, and was rebuilt much stronger and structurally
sounder.
All other walls were also strengthened. Windows were much enlarged, and additional
ones put in, as the house previously had been very
dark. It also had very low ceilings; we have successfully
raised the ceiling. The house had no toilet and no
drainage; we have built a composting toilet and tted
the kitchen with a sink.
The house was successfully rehabilitated AugustOctober 2005.
Fig: Ground plan (THF 2005), had to
be partly rebuilt to make it
structurally sound.

5. Hor Yakandi House

This house was built about 100 years ago by a Muslim family from north-western China
(Yarkand). It was abandoned 20 years ago when the top oor had collapsed, as the
family believed that the nearby stupa gate had an ill effect on the house and the family.
It was found out that the house was taller than the stupa, which is widely believed
locallyto invite harm. So it was agreed with the family that the house would be
rehabilitated minus the upper oor, so that it would be safe again for habitation. The
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A REPORT ON CONSERVATION OF HISTORIC TOWNSHIP

house originally had four storeys and a functioning composting toilet. The north wall is
close to collapse, and the internal timber frame suffers from numerous defects and
settlements.
Most
windows
have
disintegrated.
6.Chenrezi Lhakhang
This huge building was constructed in the
17th century as main monastic center for
Leh. It contains a 16-pillar assembly hall, a
Fig: Section (THF 2005).
four-pillar protector room, and a threestorey tall blank wall facing the town for
display of the huge Gygutangka during festival times. Even though its importance has
been overshadowed by the new Tsuklakhang built around 1980in the main bazaar,
Chenrezi Lhakhang remains one of the old towns major monuments and a popular
focus point for local Buddhists and tourists alike. The construction a few years ago of a
new access road to Leh Palace that runs just to the north of Chenrezi Lhakhang has
aggravated water seepage problems. Rain- and groundwater are destroying murals
Fig: Assembly space
and even damage the foundations. THF has
excavated the foundations and built a drainage
channel to protect the walls.
7.Lonpo House
This is the former home of the kings chief
minister, built around the same time as the Leh
Palace (ca. 1600). The family abandoned the
house decades ago, and in the 1990s, it was
donated to Chemrey monastery. Unfortunately,
by that time, it had partly collapsed due to
neglect. THF supported repairs of the collapsed part, and
partial replacement of the interior timber frame.

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2.6.9. Creation of a community centre for community meetings, cultural

functions and training of community members for future income-generating
activities
On the ridge above town just below the former
royal palace stood a deserted building threatened
by collapse. This was the Guru Lhakhang, a
chapel founded by 44 leading families of Leh
around 1600 as centre for congregations, private
religious practice outside of monasteries, and,
most importantly, as place for celebration of local
festivals. The original network of families had
disintegrated over the centuries, disabling attempts
at maintenance. THF found the roof and timber
frame to be on the verge of collapse, with
extensive rain damage. THF proposed to
rehabilitate the site as pilot project, so that the
entire community and not just one family would be
benefit from the first activity. The pilot project
would demonstrate the feasibility of using only
local skills and local labour, therefore benefiting
the local economy.
Activities that took place in the Guru Lhakhang
include: Since there were fragments of badly
damaged historic paintings on the walls, people
were trained here in basic techniques painting
restoration. THF build a new roof structure,
including timber frame, roof layers and parapet. A
damaged section of the north wall was repaired,
30 rooflight was added to bring more light into the
building. The interior plaster was restored. A new
tamped clay floor was made, the clay also
functions as additional insulating layer.

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Fig: The entire roof reconstructed

Fig: Cleaning and re-touching wallpaintings

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2.7. Results of the Project

Community-based improvement of living and sanitary conditions

Promotion of adequate and sustainable building technologies (particularly in
view of the fact that Ladakh is an earthquake-prone region)
Income-generation through vocational training, promoting womens roles in
construction work
Documentation of historic building structures Strengthening of cultural identity in
context of globalization
Revival of traditional skills and local wisdom through exchange with other
Himalayan communities
First-ever training of Ladakhi painting restorers Rehabilitation of housing of lowincome communities
Creation of a community center for community meetings, cultural functions and
training of community members for future income generating activities
Contribution to a diffusion of sectarian tensions between different communities
by community-organizing and motivating them to work together to improve their
living conditions.

3. Conclusion
The first part of report describes about conservation and degrees of intervention
whereas second part is about a case study of historical village called leh; describing its
historical and architectural importance and conservation approach. From this report
we got to learn about the ideas to conserve a historical settlement. We have now
gained more knowledge about the intervention strategies to be applied while
conserving a settlement. From the studies we can now conclude following things to
keep in mind while conserving any historical settlement:
The identities of places will live as long as we are capable of sustaining their
distinct human dimension.
A sense of place must be cared for and regenerated every day if it is to reflect
the values and traditions of our societies.
The purpose of planning is to achieve better use of resources and to manage
our habitats with minimal intervention and environmental disruption.
A plan, however, should not be an abstract design imposed from the top. It
should advocate a more realistic and socially conscious approach to planning.
The issue today is that of reordering poorly designed and hastily built city areas
and improving regions in critical environmental conditions.
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Bibliography

History of architectural conservation by JUKKA JOKILEHTO

Art and architecture in ladakh

Leh old town lonely planet. www.lonleyplanet.com

www.tibetheritagefund.org

Bhaktapur development project

Conservation manual

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