PRESERVING HISTORY THE WRONG WAY

Is disappointing to observe the lack of attention towards the historical

Pakistani sites.The Jahangir Tomb is the first example.This tomb was
built after the death of 4th Mughal emperor in Kashmir.The tomb was
built in 1637 on the right bank of river Ravi.A sudden some number of
floods from river Ravi damaged tomb quite seriously and it washed
away the south eastern corner of the wall.The tomb reamin neglected
and no serious effort was done to restore the original features.There is
another case in our eye contact which is suspected is Shalamar Garden.
It was one of the finest Mughal garden of south Asia.Shalamar garden is
comprised of three terraces. The lowest and Middle and upper
terrace.The lowest terrace was for public and middle was used by king
and the upper most for royal family.The garden contain most
elaborated and wonderful water system than any other in whole
subcontinent. It is spread over an area of 40 acre . The garden got
severe damage during sikh period (1749-1849) and remain neglected
even during British period. The perimeter of the wall also got severe
damages . The adequate measures were not taken and the wall was
collapsed.Surprisingly the department of Archaeology and UNESCO
were appointed toprepare a plan for conservation of shalamar Garden.
unfortunately the majority of the members of this team did not have
prior experiance of conservation. There foe the plan reamin incomplete
in many respect . there was no adequate study on replantation of this
garden.The least but most exigent factor is Historic
authenticity.Historical values and History must be preserved in all
intervations must be removed which are not authentic and
appropriate .The intention should be that all phase of history and
authentic knowledge must be preserved.Countries generally take great
care of their heritage sites because their history and cultrul relics. But
when it comes to Pakistan however that doesnot seem to be the case.