Tabo Monastery (996 CE) A Vernacular Architecture of Lahaul and Spiti Region of Himachal Pradesh, India: A Preliminary Investigation of Deterioration and Conservation of Murals of gSer-Khang Gumpha

Abstract

Tabo monastery of 996 CE, an example of vernacular architecture of the Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most significant examples of world cultural heritage, being not only a globally significant Buddhist site but also the oldest earthen building in India. Cultural heritage acts as a mirror of human civilization, culture, history, and development. This monastery has its own identity, which tells the story of its glorious past;  the structures of the monastery are the most authentic example of the use of earthen raw materials and indigenous architectural features. The major creative forces for these structures are rooted in the local needs and traditions, which have evolved slowly over time. The mural paintings of the monastery, which are deteriorating due to natural and human induced activities, depict Buddhist Indian History. The main aim of this study is to determine the causes of this deterioration, and identify conservation measures that can be undertaken to protect the mural paintings. In fact, remarkable conservation works are already being conducted by Archaeological Survey of India, which is laudable. However, the investigation of the monastery’s structural features, techniques used in mural execution, and the relevant climatic conditions of the region, with identification of causes of deterioration can be used to develop a more effective and sustainable conservation approach for preservation of these murals in the future.