With earnest efforts being put to conserve heritage and artifacts of the state, Rajasthan government has prioritized the task of conserving it’s heritage beauty. As major cities like Jaipur, Udaipur are already undergoing the restoration process, the state government is now foraying into other vicinities like Kota and Alwar.
The Brij Vilas Bhawan in Kota is undergoing a major facelift with the objective of conserving heritage and restoring artifact. Brij Vilas is one of the oldest government museums in Rajasthan and hence holds a special place in the state.
Interestingly, Until 1946—before Independence, Brij Vilas Bhawan was treasured as a palace, however it was later transformed into a government owned museum.
As a matter of fact, the restoration process had started quite before. Now, the state archaeology and museum department of Rajasthan has decided to transform the Brij Vilas Bhawan for an ameliorated portrayal of Rajasthan architectural beauty.
Umrao Singh, superintendent of the museum informed that the state government has allocated a sufficient sum of Rs 2.11 crore for the purpose.
This palace is spread across a vast ground. Hence, “The historic baori (step wells) of the museum has been cleaned and decorative fountains have been installed in it,” he added.
“Repair work of roof leakage and chemical treatment of artifacts are being carried out at present.”
Not only this, owing to insufficient space, many artifacts have been lying outside of glass coverings, hence exposed to risks of loss of color change. The restoration process will engender space for a dozen artifacts which will be allotted proper space in the museum. Artifacts will be perched or placed on either stone or metal pedestals instead of the earlier wooden pedestals.
“Entire electricity line of the museum will be changed since there are problem of short circuit, which was making museum vulnerable to fire mishap. Tube lights are being replaced by LED lights while nine CCTV cameras will also be installed for security reasons,” he said.
The museum authorities have currently closed general public entry. The Amer Development Authority of Jaipur is carrying out the restoration work, which is expected to complete by December 2017, after which the museum will be entertain public entry into the museum. The museum is closed for public until the restoration work is completed.
