Home / Arts and Entertainment / Kirti Mandir: Gujarat's 1936 Gem Restored!
Kirti Mandir: Gujarat's 1936 Gem Restored!
4 Sep
Summary
- Vadodara's Kirti Mandir, built in 1936, sees its first major restoration.
- Historic frescoes by Nandalal Bose threatened by recent water seepage.
- The Gaekwad dynasty's cenotaph is envisioned as a cultural leisure space.
For the first time since its construction in 1936, Vadodara's Kirti Mandir is undergoing a significant restoration. This cenotaph of the Gaekwad rulers, designed by Edwin Lutyens, features a 35-metre shikhar and walls adorned with frescoes by Nandalal Bose, painted in the 1940s.
Recent floods in 2024 caused water seepage, leading to cracks in the roof and endangering the historic frescoes. Though the frescoes were restored in 2018, the structural integrity of the monument became a concern.
The family initiated the restoration to ensure public access to Bose's artwork. They are now planning to develop the Kirti Mandir campus, which includes temples and an art gallery, into a cultural and leisure hub.
Plans also involve cleaning and reviving the historic Vishwamitri ghats. The project aims to preserve the historical art and enhance the cultural offerings of Vadodara.
