Thesis on Revitalization Of Unrecognized Structures: A Case of Kaliadeh Palace, Ujjain

REVITALIZATION OF UNRECOGNIZED HERITAGE STRUCTURE: A CASE OF KALIADEH PALACE, UJJAIN

REVITALIZATION OF UNRECOGNIZED HERITAGE STRUCTURE: A Case of Kaliadeh Palace, Ujjain

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE, AS PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE 2021 -2022

Stuti Bapna Neha Sarwate Pratyush Shankar

Dean SEDA Student

Student Guide Dean SEDA 17191019

I hereby declare that the thesis titled “ Revitalization of Unrecognized Heritage Structure: A Case of Kaliadeh Palace, Ujjain” is an independent work by me and has not been submitted at any other forum.

I am submitting this work for as partial fulfillment of the Thesis course for the Bachelor of Architecture Program at SEDA, Navrachana University.

Stuti Bapna-Student

In my capacity as a guide of the student’s thesis, I certify that this work can be submitted for partial fulfillment of the Thesis course for Bachelor of Architecture Program at SEDA, Navrachana University.

Neha Sarwate-Guide

The work presented in this thesis would not have been possible without my association with many people. I take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all those who made this thesis possible.

I would like to express my gratitude towards my guide, Neha Sarwate, for taking out her valuable time to guide me with his knowledge and experience throughout my thesis.

I would like to thank all the mentors at SEDA for guiding me through all the stages. Their enthusiasm, integral view of research, and instigation to produce high-quality work has made a deep impression on me.

I would like to appreciate all my friends in and out of the college for their constant support and encouragement in all the situations.

I’m thankful to the Schindia Trust, Gwalior for supporting and encouraging through the innumerable visit to the palace.

I’m thankful to my friends and family for accompanying me to the site for helping me complete my measured drawings and documentation.

I owe my deepest gratitude to my parents and family for their eternal love, generosity, and understanding of my goals and aspirations. They formed part of my vision and taught me things that matter in life. Their infallible guidance and support have always been my strength. Their patience and sacrifice will remain my inspiration throughout my life.

INTRODUCTION

The old heritage structures have diverse stories associated with them. Most of these structures are kept well with respect to cultural fabric and heritage values, while many have been completely forgotten. There are many such old unrecognized structures all over the country that lack attention and have a significant value to them. Heritage is not only about the past but it is also about the present and the future. A disjoint of a structure from its present lead it to deteriorating conditions which as a result makes it a place for unfamiliar activities and a place of negligence. These structures need attention. They are important because of the meanings and uses that people attach to them, and the values they represent. This project focuses on addressing one such unrecognized structure which has been abandoned for decades but has a significant context and value to it. It attempts to re-celebrate unrecognized heritage site through programmatic interpretation and design interventions.

Aim

The aim of the project is to facilitate rejuvenation of an unrecognized heritage site.

Objectives

Identify the uncelebrated heritage of the site.

Determine an appropriate program to intervene such that the essence of the place is enhanced across the year.

Demonstrate the heritage and cultural value of the place through design intervention so as to regain the lost spirit of the site.

Scope and Limitations

This study is scoped to the sites which have heritage and cultural values but are still uncelebrated.

The scope of the proposal is to facilitate revitalization of an unrecognized site through design proposal and intervention by the process of documentation and analysis. Hence, restoration of the palace does not come under the scope of the study.

The adaptive reuse of the palace has been taken into account. This facilitates the rejuvenation of the site

Measured drawings and analysis have been done on the basis of the existing conditions. The structural analysis of the structure has not been done.

Methodology

Taking up the case of Kaliadeh palace which is an unrecognized structure with heritage value. On-site documentation and measure drawings. Site analysis.

Understanding the user perspective through the reviews and ratings of the place on the internet.

Surveys through questionnaires.

Interviews from the concerned trust, local officials, etc.

Understanding the tangible and intangible aspects of the site such as architectural style, material, functionality, cultural values, landscape, etc.

Listing the possible functions derived from the above study and developing a program. Proposing design interventions for the identified program.

1. REVITALIZATION AND UNRECOGNIZED STRUCTURES

What is revitalization?

According to Cambridge dictionary revitalization is “the process of making something grow, develop, or become successful again”. In simple words it is giving a new life and adding a new value to something. Architecturally when we talk about “revitalizing a structure or a site” that implies adding on some functions and putting it into a new life. It is a method to convert existing environment in the context of preservation and promoting the concerened cultural value of historical buildings. Revitalization can be restoration, rehabilitation, redevising, conserving, rejuvenating or intervening or all of them, as and when required according to the conditions of the site.

What are unrecognized structures?

The unrecognized structures here refer to those heritage structures which have not been listed by any national or international organisations for conservation or restoration. In short these structures have not been given the due attention they deserve and have been abandoned or used for some or the other anti social activities. They have a lot of stories associated to them, but because of some or the other reasons they are not kept well. The reasons for them being abandoned or unrecognized could be many- legal, political, religious or could be non-availability of funds or no functionality. the truth is that these structures are considerably a huge part of the architecture we see around, but have been neglected. Its like they exist but dont really matter. These structures are termed unrecognized beacuse of the negligence. They are of importance and should be given due credit because of the rich heritage value associated to it. The heritage can only be kept well when it habitates something. A unhabitat empty structures crumble to death very easily.

Talking about Unrecognized Heritage, we must continually recognize that these places are not what is important about cultural heritage. They are important because of the meanings and uses that people attach to them, and the values they represent. Such meanings uses, and values must be understood as part of the wider context.

There’s a need to draw a relation between these unrecognized heritage and the people. This can be done either facilitating the new functions and adding on the relevant activities. The study attempts to create connection of one such building to its surrounding and its peple through design intenventions and programmatic interpretation.

2. SITE

2.1 Kaliadeh Palace

2.2 Documentation

2.3 Measured Drawings.

2.4 Questionnaire and Surveys 2.5 Site Study and Analysis 2.6 SWOC

The site is Kaliadeh Palace located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Ujjain being the religious place in the heart of India has a lot of history to tell. There are many historical structures some functional and some abandoned. Kaliadeh Palace is one such structure that has now been abandoned. Initially constructed by Khiljis and thereafter looked at by Schindhiya’s and used as a guest house till the 1950s. Located on the banks of River Kshipra, it is an example of Persian architecture style. The palace and the adjacent guest house stands as an island between the water body. On the eastern side, it has the flowing Kshipra river while on the west is the diverted river which flows through the setting of 52 cascading kunds( water chambers). There is mention of Brahma Kund here in the Puranas. Earlier there was an ancient Sun Temple, the evidence of which resembles the design of the existing palace. While an inscription here shows that this palace was built during the time of Muhammad Khilji in 1458 AD. In the 16th century, Sultan Nasiruddin Khilji of Mandu broke the original place and built Kaliadeh Palace Ujjain. The technical ability of the predecessors is seen from the tanks and channels made by them. Due to the ignorance, the site is turning into ruins and is still unrecognized in many ways. The site is a gem and should be inherited to showcase the great historical and cultural significance.

To the context, it has Mangalnath temple which has its spiritual significance as the tropic of cancer passes through it. The river ghats sits adjacent to it. In a radius of 3 km it has believed to be a miraculous Kaal Bhairav temple.

The project focuses on the restoration of the abandoned old palace with its landscape as an asset to the context of tourist attractions and activities. The palace has always been the center of attraction for the rulers.

At present the site is in the crumbing situations - distorted structures, fallen slabs, scribbled walls and what not. The place holds significant history and has a lot of stories to tell. The siteneeds some attention and care.

The site being in the holy city of Ujjain has its own layers of context and study. These layers will be studied and the drawn inferences would lead to a befitting design approach to address such structures.

Location - Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Coordinates - 23° 14′ 56.4″ N, 75° 46′ 40.8″ E

figure 2.1 Kaliadeh Palace (google earth)

SITE ANALYSIS

CONTOURS SLOPE

fig 2.5 Site analysis

The slopes are not more than 12 degrees. The site has several areas of flat land. The slope is generally steeper at the edges of the river and gradually becomes flat at the top.

fig 2.6 Site analysis

ACCESSIBILITY

VEGETATION

There is only one major access road which crosses from the west of site. It is connected by bridges on both the end. There are one approach road between the existing guest house and north of palace which can only be accessed by 2 wheelers and pedestrians.

fig 2.7 Site analysis

The vegetation on the site is dense at the edges. Neem, peepal, manjack and palm trees can be marked on site. Due to non maintenance, a lot of babool and other wild vegetation can be seen. The site has grass covers in several parts.

fig 2.8 Site analysis

There are several points at the junction which gives the clear view of the context and the palace. Since, the palace sits on the top of island it can be visually marked from major points. Vegetation of the place also plays a important role in the views.

fig 2.9 Site analysis

WATER LEVEL

The water level of the site rises upto 3m in the situations of high rainfall, which is why those areas can not be considered for design interventions.

fig 2.10 Site analysis

2.4 MEASURED DRAWINGS

4. Cattle Grazing 5. Holy Pactices

USERS

•Locals - stall owners, villagers, passerbys, etc.

•Locals who use the premise for photoshoots.

•Couples.

•Locals who only come in the monsoons to enjoy the scenic beauty.

•First time tourists of the city.

•Pilgrims - Temple and Surya Kund.

•Groups riding horse, playing cricket and footballs.

•Shutterbugs.

•Breeders.

Tantriks and Pandits.

fig 2.11 Activity mapping

fig 2.12 Measured Drawings

fig 2.14 Measured Drawings

2.5 QUESTIONNAIRE AND SURVEYS

INFERENCES

Due to the less footprint it has led to some anti social activities taking place. People don’t have a motive to visit the site because of the anti social activities and the ignorance for cleanliness. Also, there is a need to add functions to the site so as to draw attention.

However, there is an appreciation of the scenic beauty around. The site has become more of religious importance because of the kund. The context of the site is a natural and somewhere a religious setting. People are more likely to visit it in monsoons. The river on the eastern side is more attractive for the people visiting.

2.6 SWOC ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS

• The site has its established heritage value.

• The site has a strong natural setting in the context.

OPPORTUNITIES

• The existing guest house and the ground around it.

• Restoration of the palace.

• Rehabilitation of the kunds.

• The small open spaces around the palaces.

• The slopes on the site.

WEAKNESS

• The site is located in the outskirts of the city.

• The anti social activities.

• Uncurated activities

• Sanitation

• Security

• Unstable structure of the palace.

CHALLENGES

• The exorcism.

• Mobility and transportation.

• Connecting the existing context to the design intervention.

•

3. DESIGN

3.1 Design Program

3.2 Potential areas for Design Interventions

3.3 Design Process

3.4 Final Drawings

3.5 3D Model Views

3.6 Physical Model

DESIGN PROGRAM

Understanding about the city and the culture.

It is located on the Malwa Plateau on the east side of the Sipra (Shipra) River, a tributary of the Chambal River. Ujjain is one of seven sacred Hindu cities. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit jai (“victory”). It is one of the Hindu pilgrimage centres of Sapta Puri famous for the Kumbh Mela held there every 12 years. The famous temple of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in the city.

The Tropic of Cancer is thought to go through 4 parts of Ujjain- The Mangalnath temple, Jantar Mantar, Dome of Mahakal and the Karkrajeshwar temple. The city ujjain in itself has a lot of tourists movement because of its religious and holy values. Inspite of being a holy city Ujjain has its other side of art and music. Mahakavi Kalidas ad many legends of art and literature are believed to be born in Ujjain which makes it a city rich in its art and literature. But it generally goes unnoticed due to the prominent holy and religious setting. To cater to the other aspect of city, i.e. the art and literature, Kalidas academy was formed by the government. Kalidasa Academy is a cultural institution established by the Government of Madhya Pradesh to act as a multi-disciplinary institution, which would project the totality of classical tradition with Kalidasa as its centre. It was set up in 1978 and is located in Ujjain. The basic idea of establishing Kalidasa Academy in Ujjain is two fold. One is to keep the memory of the great poet-dramatist Kalidasa constantly refreshed. The other is to establish a multi-disciplinary institution, which would project the totality of classical tradition with Kalidasa as its centre; provide facilities for research and study in Sanskrit classical and traditional literary thought, tradition of fine as well as performing arts and their adaptation for contemporary times in different cultural and linguistic Milieu.

The Academy has a programme of academic activities, conferences, seminars, popular lectures, workshops, exhibitions, training, play-productions, recital of classical and folk traditional music, film shows, academic research and publication. As a regular feature, seven day Kalidasa Festival is organized annually.

Developing the Program,

Keywords from the questionnaire.

• Heritage and historical value.

• It should depict the culture of Ujjain.

• Seasonal and yearly visits

• Recreational purpose with family and friends

• Scenic beauty

• Public spot.

• Events-

• Yuva Utsav

• Vikram Utsav

• Hastashilp mela

• Kalidas Sammelan

• Art and music competitions.

• Several Kala Kendra.

Many cultural events are being held in the city celebrating history, poetry, and music. All these cultural events are organized by Kalidas Sanskrit academy. Kalidasa Academy is a cultural institution established by the Government of Madhya Pradesh to act as a multi-disciplinary institution, which would project the totality of classical tradition with Kalidasa as its center. Several cultural events have no proper place and are either done building upstage in the river or on public junctions making it inconvenient for the people.

fig 3.3 News article about non- availabilty of space for events. fig 3.4 Traffic jams at the main city centre due to the events.

fig 3.5 Stage being built in the river Kshipra

3.6 Short fesitavals organized by Kalidas Academy.

PROGRAM- CULTURAL AND TOURISM SITE

3.2 POTENTIAL AREAS FOR DESIGN INTERVENTION

Major elements-

• Pavilions adjoining the palace catering the social and public aspects.

• Accommodation facility at the existing guest house

• Adaptive reuse of the palace.

• Open-air theatre for the events like vikram utsav.

• Space for temporary exhibition.

• Cafe and Open Decks.

• Administration and Workshop Areas.

• Walking Tours.

Since the premise is also used for wedding shoots and its heritage value, it can be used as a multipurpose public space that caters to the temporary exhibition and can be used for cultural events with the palace as a backdrop.

The premise will consist of pavilions integrated with the open spaces around the palace which will act as the pause points. The palace itself acts as the stage. Since it sits 2.5 m above the ground level.

The space can be leased out with the adjoined accommodation facility for private events.

References-

• Gauhar Mahal, Bhopal

• Maheshwar Ghats for functionality.

• Pavilions by Sameep Padora.

• Rehabilitation of Nagaur fort.

Programme-

• Admin block

• Open theatre

• Open Cafe

• Workshop spaces (Adaptive reuse of palace)

• Multipurpose space

• Sitout areas

• Temporary exhibition spaces.

• Gathering spaces

• Spill out spaces

• Toilets

• Walking tour on first floor and south of the palace.

• Amphitheatre

• Cafe

• Store Room

• Performing Area (Charbaug)

• Accomodation (Guest House)

CONNECTING EDGE LEVEL 1

After the analysis, site study and different surveys that were conducted, it was concluded that there needs to be a cohesive existence and relation of all the elements and structures. There are several activities already happening but are not curated. Hence, leading to chaos and unregulated environment.

There’s a disjoint between the palace and the guest houe. One level of intervention could be the connecting edge. This could create a sense of visual connection.

Level 1 of intervention could be around the palace , not necessarily built intervention. This would make the palace as a radial point. The palace then can be adaptively used or used as a backdrop for activities.

Level 2 of itervention would be the guest house and the ground. This could be used as an accomodation facility keeping in mind the existing footprint of the guest house.

LEVEL 2

fig 3.7 design interventions

The ground and the guest house could be designed in such a way that it could be used for private events.

After analysing all the possibile interventions,only the interventions around the palace have been detailed out

fig 3.8 Design process fig 3.9 Design process

fig 3.10 Sketches

fig 3.11 Exploration

3.4 FINAL DRAWINGS

3.5 3D Model Views

MODEL

BIBLIOGRAPHY

The Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles, avrami, e., mason, r., & torre, m. d. l. (2000). Values and Heritage Conservation. https://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications_resources/pdf_publications/pdf/valuesrpt.pdf

Afridi, S. (2015, June 26). Bhopal’s Gauhar Mahal to be developed into museum for handicrafts. Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/bhopal-s-gauhar-mahal-tobe-developed-into-museum-for-handicrafts/story-Abl1NwZzwDD2wVzmQRpRbK.html

ArchDaily. (2009, December 15). ACE Pavilion Sameep Padora & Associates. ArchDaily. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.archdaily.com/43602/ace-pavilion-sameep-padora-associates

Cambridge Dictionary. (2022, June 8). REVITALIZATION | meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://dictionary.cambridge. org/dictionary/english/revitalization

Dainik Bhaskar. (n.d.). history of kd palace. Dainik Bhaskar. https://www.bhaskar.com/news/ MP-BPL-HMU-kaliadeh-palace-in-ujjain-5316293-PHO.html

Geoffery, N. (n.d.). Case study on gohar mahal,bhopal. Slideshare. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.slideshare.net/ShivaniAnand15/case-study-on-gohar-mahalbhopal

Godfrey, M. (n.d.). Solar Passive Features of the Heritage Building: the Case of the Gohar Mahal, Bhopal. IISTE’s. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from http://www.iiste.org/Journals/index. php/CER/article/download/5986/6102

IndianVisit. (n.d.). Kaliadeh Palace in Ujjain –History, Timings, Entry Fees. India Tours & Travel. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.indianvisit.com/madhya-pradesh/ujjain/kaliadeh-palace.html

Jain, M., & Kenderdine, S. (n.d.). Nagaur Fort Rehabilitation Aζ South Asia. Architexturez. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-166701-8

Kalidasa Akademi. (n.d.). Kalidasa Samaroh – Kalidas Sanskrit Academy, Ujjain, M. P. Kalidas Sanskrit Academy. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.kalidasacademy.com/kalidasa-samaroh

Rehabilitation of Nagaur Fort - Nagaur, Rajasthan, India. (2019, September 19). YouTube. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57m8sCgNS3Y

Sameep Padora and Associated. (n.d.). Works. Sameep Padora and Associates. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://sp-arc.net/works-sameep-padora-and-associates

Sood, R. (n.d.). 8 Instances of Adaptive Reuse in India - Rethinking The Future. RTF Rethinking The Future. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/ rtf-fresh-perspectives/a1099-8-instances-of-adaptive-reuse-in-india

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Kalideh Palace (Ujjain) - 2022 What to Know Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor. TripAdvisor. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g679024-d3279098-Reviews-Kalideh_Palace-Ujjain_Ujjain_District_Madhya_Pradesh.html

LIST OF FIGURES

fig 2.1 Kaliadeh Palace (not to scale) Source : google earth

fig 2.2 Site Images Source: Author fig 2.3 Existing deteriorating conditions of the site. Source : Author fig 2.4 Site Documentation Source : Author fig 2.5 Site analysis - contours Source : Author fig 2.6 Site analysis - Slope Source - Author fig 2.7 Site analysis - Accessibility Source : Author fig 2.8 Site analysis - Vegetation Source : Author fig 2.9 Site analysis - Views Source : Author

fig 2.10 Site Analysis - Water Source : Author fig 2.11 Site Analysis - Activity Mapping Source : Author fig 2.12 Measured drawings - Site Plan Source : Author fig 2.13 Measured drawings - Palace and 1st floor Source : Author fig 2.14 Measured drawings - Elevations Source : Author fig 2.15 Measured drawings - Sections Source - Author fig 3.1 Ujjain city Source - MapArt fig 3.2 Ujjain city Source - Google images

fig 3.3 News article about non- availabilty of space for events. Source : Patrika newspaper

fig 3.4 Traffic jams

Source : Naidunia newspaper

fig 3.5 Stage over Kshipra Source : Dainikbhaskar newspaper

fig 3.6 Short events Source : Kalidasacademy website fig 3.7 Potential areas for design interventions Source : Author and Google Earth fig 3.8 Design Process Source : Author fig 3.9 Design Process Source : Author fig 3.10 Design sketches Source : Author fig 3.11 Exploratory sketches Source : Author fig 3.12 Exploratory sections Source : Author fig 3.13 Final drawings - Site plan Source : Author fig 3.14 Final drawings - Part plan 1 Source : Author fig 3.15 Final drawings - Part plan 2 Source : Author fig 3.16 Final drawings - Admin block Source : Author fig 3.17 Final drawings - Sections Source : Author fig 3.18 Final drawings - Detailed sections Source : Author fig 3.19 Final drawings - Section DD Source : Author fig 3.20 3D Model views Source - Author fig 3.21 3D Model views Source - Author fig 3.22 Physical model Source - Author