Declared a World Heritage Site, 400 Kms of Angkor covers under its fold many temples. Ta Prohm is one such temple surrounded by thick forests and trees whose roots penetrate inside the structure.
The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) undertook the daunting task of renovating the 1186 AD constructed temple by Jayavarman VII and bring back its glory.
Hurdles in renovation:
When ASI decided to step in to renovate the temple in 2004, there was nothing but only fallen stones and huge trees all around. There were plenty of hurdles and it was not an easy task. There was water logging everywhere and plenty of silt had accumulated over a period of so many years. Water pump were installed at places to remove water and then appropriate steps taken to prevent stagnation of water.
The trees had found their way between the cracks and at places dismantled the foundation stone.
They wanted to preserve the temple in its original form so cutting trees was ruled out. Also, structure would also come down for at many places they were holding the construction together.
I am just putting few pictures which give an idea of the restoration work.
Trees a part of monument:
The embracing of trees to the monument have become a special feature of this temple. It was decided to let the trees remain but make the structure also stand.
Restoration:
All blocks of stone were numbered and fitting into proper blocks was a puzzle. Since no mortar was used to securely fit the stones must have been difficult. Broken stones were pieced together using steel rods and if a new stone was needed then it was procured from nearby Kulen mountains.
Hall of dancers
scaffolds needed to prevent collapse
before and after restoration, actual picture below
The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) undertook the daunting task of renovating the 1186 AD constructed temple by Jayavarman VII and bring back its glory.
Hurdles in renovation:
When ASI decided to step in to renovate the temple in 2004, there was nothing but only fallen stones and huge trees all around. There were plenty of hurdles and it was not an easy task. There was water logging everywhere and plenty of silt had accumulated over a period of so many years. Water pump were installed at places to remove water and then appropriate steps taken to prevent stagnation of water.
The trees had found their way between the cracks and at places dismantled the foundation stone.
They wanted to preserve the temple in its original form so cutting trees was ruled out. Also, structure would also come down for at many places they were holding the construction together.
I am just putting few pictures which give an idea of the restoration work.
Trees a part of monument:
The embracing of trees to the monument have become a special feature of this temple. It was decided to let the trees remain but make the structure also stand.
This is the eastern gopura in the third enclosure with scaffolding and iron pillars
root finds its way inside the temple gallery
an entrance cleared but cordoned off
gallery in second enclosure, restored
one tower stands among the fallen stones
Restoration:
All blocks of stone were numbered and fitting into proper blocks was a puzzle. Since no mortar was used to securely fit the stones must have been difficult. Broken stones were pieced together using steel rods and if a new stone was needed then it was procured from nearby Kulen mountains.
Before and after pictures
Board stating the collaboration of Archaeological Survey of India and Cambodia
gopura on IV enclosure (east)
restoration of Hall of dancers in progress
Hall of dancers
scaffolds needed to prevent collapse
before and after restoration, actual picture below
east side south wing after restoration
wooden walkways have been put specially in Central enclosure
golden crown found in the Hall of Dancers
wooden walkways have been put specially in Central enclosure
Many valuables were found during this work.
For a detailed account and work done, one should visit the link : Restoration of Ta Prohm
Most parts of the temple have been reconstructed or renovated by 2013 but more work still remains.
