Shalimar Bagh Kashmir: historic garden conservation



As a generalisation, the condition of historic gardens in most countries is getting better. They enjoy more expert attention, more visitors and more resources. Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir is an exception. When I saw it in 2006, it did not seem to be in quite as good condition as when Susan Jellicoe (black and white photo above) photographed it c1970. And when I saw it again in 2012 (colour photo, above) it seemed in even worse condition. Oddly, there were also far more visitors than in 2006. Does anyone know what the problem is? Lack of money? Lack of will? A concern for the bugs which enjoy rotting timber? A lack of concern for India’s Islamic heritage?

5 thoughts on “Shalimar Bagh Kashmir: historic garden conservation

  1. sameer

    …The incident with the tree was a result of a freakish windstorm we had this year which if i remember it correctly lasted for more then 48 hours..never witnessed such a phenomenon here ever before.Some conservation work on the built structures and the water bodies has started in the gardens which are also now on the tentative list of UNESCOs’ world heritage site……….in case you need any info plz feel free to ask

    Reply
    1. Tom Turner Post author

      Thank you for the information. I am glad to hear it. Has the tree now been removed, and has the tree in the second photo been there for longer than one year?

      Reply
  2. sameer

    No..as far as i remember the damage is from the wind storm….i believe their may be some information on the state of the gardens available on our website: heritageofkashmir.org, but then i am not too sure …its not updated regularly.

    Reply
  3. Architects in Pembrokeshire

    This historic garden is not in good condition. The government should undertake the responsibility for these type of historical memory. In good condition they can attract visitors.

    Reply

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