Training for using historic ‘lakhori’ bricks imparted

HISAR: The Indian National Trust of Art and Cultural Heritage INTACH has organised a workshop on the study use and conservation of historic lakhori bricks which are found in several heritage buildings in the region

Updated At : 05:37 AM Sep 28, 2018 IST

INTACH students get training in preserving ancient structures in Hisar. Photo: Bansi Lal Basniwal

epender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, September 27

The Indian National Trust of Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has organised a workshop on the study, use and conservation of historic ‘lakhori’ bricks which are found in several heritage buildings in the region.

The trust’s Hisar chapter has roped in masons and students to spread awareness about the importance of the age-old lime-use technique for the conservation of heritage structures in Hisar.

The trust’s Hisar convener Sumita Tayal and co-convener Manju Jain said that 11 students from the INTACH Heritage Academy in Delhi are attending the four-day practical session. Shradha Arora from the academy also accompanied them.

Sumita said that 15 masons from the Hisar region have also joined the training session. They would be able to learn about the construction of ancient architecture using ‘lakhori’ bricks.

Ram Kishan, a mason who is taking the classes, said that there is scope for work in the preservation of ancient structures.

Co-convener Manju Jain said that there were around 100 ancient buildings in Hisar region which had been constructed with ‘lakhori’ bricks and are as old as 120 years.

“But there are no masons who can repair the damaged portions of the heritage structures. As a result, people who own these structures prefer to dismantle the entire building and erect a new one. We want to spread awareness and also ensure that there are trained masons who can repair the damaged portions of these beautiful sites,” she added.

While imparting training to students and local masons, Ram Kishan, a mason from INTACH, said that instead of cement, ‘lakhori’ bricks need to be interlocked with a mixture of lime, ‘surkhi’ and ‘gur’.

“There is lack of knowledge about using traditional methods and materials for masonry and plastering. We are training these students and masons to skill them in using ‘lakhori’ bricks in construction work,” he said.