Legal Regime for the Protection of Heritage Stone Monuments in India: a Study with Special Reference to Taj Mahal and Lotus Temple

Heritage stone monuments have been a source of awe and inspiration to people of all ages and backgrounds. These architectural marvels symbolise India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. They are cherished by people all over the world. Anthropogenic causes like environmental pollution have led to soiling and corrosion of natural stones used to construct these monuments. The diminishing beauty and accelerating deterioration of these monuments have become a matter of concern for all sections of society. In this paper, an attempt has been made to analyse the adequacy of the legal regime to protect the heritage stone monuments from environmental pollution. The introductory part of the paper provides a glimpse of various heritage stone monuments in India and their importance from the historical, cultural and architectural points of view. The next part elaborates on various causes of the degradation of these monuments. Case studies of the Taj Mahal and the Lotus Temple have been undertaken for comparative analysis, as both monuments have been constructed with heritage stones. Makrana Marble extracted from mines of Rajasthan has been used to build the Taj Mahal, whereas the Lotus Temple was constructed with marble extracted from ancient mines of Greece. The former was built during the Mughal era and the latter in the late twentieth century. The Taj Mahal is situated in Agra and the Lotus Temple in the national capital Delhi; for many centuries, both cities have been abuzz with social, economic and political activities. An attempt has been made to understand and analyse the impact of environmental pollution caused by human activities on these monuments. This study concludes that the inadequacy of the legal regime to protect these monuments from environmental pollutants has led to their degradation. In the end, suggestions have been made for protecting and conserving these monuments.