'Cultural identity, conservation approaches, and dissemination: conserving the wall paintings of Nagaur Fort, Rajasthan, India'

Nagaur's stunning complex of sprawling palaces, pools, and ancillary buildings extends over 15 hectares, surrounded by massive fortification walls. From its 18th-century golden period, its decline continued through the 20th century until the Mehrangarh Museum Trust began its conservation in 1993. Following award-winning architectural interventions, the Trust moved on to its exceptional wall paintings. Gathering a range of international partners, the Trust aimed to demonstrate how integrated architectural and wall painting conservation programs can reestablish Nagaur Fort as a major regional cultural landmark. Here, conservation approaches are outlined and examined for the 18th-century Rajput-Mughal wall paintings in the Sheesh Mahal. Knowledge transfer for wall painting conservation is discussed. The benefits of long-term and continuous collaboration on-site between wall painting conservators from abroad and conservation professionals in India are emphasized.