Conservation of Chitram Ki Burj (The Painted Dome)

Chitram Ki Burj is a small square domed room in the Mardana Mahal of the City Palace Museum that is covered with exquisite paintings on its walls and ceilings. The room itself was constructed in the seventeenth century, and the paintings (likely from the nineteenth century) depict the city of Udaipur, palace spaces, and rituals of the Mewar rulers.

Various studies like stratigraphic examination, micro-chemical analysis of pigments, multispectral imaging, IR reflectography, UV fluorescence, and more are being planned in addition to customary photographic, graphic, and verbal documentation to ensure the conservation and better understanding of the painted narratives in Chitram Ki Burj that help us sustain the culture and heritage of Mewar.

The data gathered from the studies will give us substantial information on the material and techniques of these paintings, alteration products, and other subsequent interventions, so we can decide the most appropriate course of action.

The initiative was undertaken by Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) through supporting funds provided by Friends of Heritage Preservation. Comprehensive conservation work will be planned in the future after this detailed study and analysis under project expert, Mr. Sanjay Dhar, who is a Consultant Conservator at City Palace Museum, Udaipur.