The World Monuments Fund says that only a few of the lush sixteenth and seventeenth-century gardens, built for Agra’s royalty and nobility along the Yamuna riverfront, today remain intact. Others have been significantly altered over time, and those that survive face challenges of urban development, pollution, traffic congestion, and lack of visitor amenities. World Monuments Fund and the Archaeological Survey of India embarked on a project in 2014 to restore the authentic form of two of Agra’s most notable gardens, re-activate their water features, and enhance their visitor experience.
One of the most important historic features of the city of Agra is the gardens that line the banks of the Yamuna River. Sanctuaries of respite from the city’s heat and sites of veneration to honor the deceased, the gardens were created over a period of more than 100 years. The Taj Mahal, across the Yamuna River from the gardens, is thus part of a larger cultural context that represents an important example of Mughal landscape traditions.
The extensive written and pictorial historical record shows that from the time of Emperor Babur (r. 1526–30) through the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan (r. 1627–58) the riverfront was densely covered by walled enclosures, buildings, pavilions, and lush gardens. Today, more than 40 Mughal gardens survive in ranging states of conservation, all having been significantly changed over time. Four are under the management of the Archaeological Survey of India. These gardens may not be as well known to travelers as the Taj Mahal, but they are open to the public and represent an extraordinary ensemble of Mughal heritage, as well as providing recreational spaces in a bustling urban environment.
The extensive written and pictorial historical record shows that from the time of Emperor Babur (r. 1526–30) through the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan (r. 1627–58) the riverfront was densely covered by walled enclosures, buildings, pavilions, and lush gardens. Today, more than 40 Mughal gardens survive in ranging states of conservation, all having been significantly changed over time. Four are under the management of the Archaeological Survey of India. These gardens may not be as well known to travelers as the Taj Mahal, but they are open to the public and represent an extraordinary ensemble of Mughal heritage, as well as providing recreational spaces in a bustling urban environment.
As the project developed it became clear that was clear was neccesary the introduction of a management system to restore the flow of water into the gardens. Over the centuries, the river that was once fed by the melting snows of the Himalayas became depleted and contaminated.
The results showed that water from the Yamuna River was inadequate in both quality and quantity and that the groundwater was high in total dissolved solids, making it unusable without treatment. The sewer line that ran outside the site was also found to have inadequate capacity, especially for improved visitor services, so it was determined that a water treatment plant would be necessary.
An integrated water management system was designed to address the needs of the project as well as ensure that there would be no discharge or waste. Today, clean water is again flowing in the channels and into the gardens. The transformative restoration seeks to evoke the spirit of a Mughal Char Bagh as it relates to fragrance, fruit, shade, and running water.
The results showed that water from the Yamuna River was inadequate in both quality and quantity and that the groundwater was high in total dissolved solids, making it unusable without treatment. The sewer line that ran outside the site was also found to have inadequate capacity, especially for improved visitor services, so it was determined that a water treatment plant would be necessary.
An integrated water management system was designed to address the needs of the project as well as ensure that there would be no discharge or waste. Today, clean water is again flowing in the channels and into the gardens. The transformative restoration seeks to evoke the spirit of a Mughal Char Bagh as it relates to fragrance, fruit, shade, and running water.
“The Mughal Gardens represent some of the most important historic features within Agra, India,” said Lisa Ackerman, Interim Chief Executive Officer, World Monuments Fund. “We are thrilled to see the successful culmination of four years of work, in partnership with the Archaeological Survey of India, resulting in renewed landscapes that will attract more people to enjoy them and learn about their history. We are especially thankful to The Tiffany & Co. Foundation and American Express India for their generous support to make this work a reality.”
