Stabilisation of the Raja ka Mahal of Jaisalmer Fort

The fort, built in 1156 in Jaisalmer, has a unique place in Indian tradition. Not only is the fort of great architectural value but it also has a great social and cultural value because it is still occupied. Approximately 5000 people live and work within its walls. The whole Jaisalmer Fort, although already fragile state, has major damage during the earthquake on April 9, 2009 with a magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale. Raja Ka Mahal notably the palace, former residence of the Maharaja is now a museum of antique paintings and artifacts used, has been seriously affected. Also, the palace was used as a computer training center, training center for women and children's library. Now the palace has become impassable, these activities are stopped and forced to walk many people miss their source of income.

OBJECTIVES
* Stabilize the palace
* Find funds for further restoration

RESULTS
The palace, with help of the Prince Claus Fund, Cultural Emergency Response (CER) is being stabilised: the sinking foundation, cracked walls, broken girders and damaged the interior are being restored. In this manner, the palace is stabilised before further fundings allow a full restoration.
The Indian National Trust For Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has worked on finding funds, and as a consequence the Girdhar Smark Trust in India will co-finance the project

See also:
Eleonore de Merode (Expert)

Giridhar Smarak Trust (Organisation)

Giridhar Smarak Trust (Organisation)