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CONSERVATION OF MUKHYA BHAWAN, SAMPURNANAND SANSKRIT UNIVERSITY,
VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH
Project Summary History and Significance
Sampurnanand Sanskrit University is an old institution of The main building of Sampurnanand Sanskrit University was
higher learning, specialized in the study of Sanskrit and established in 1852 AD by Major Markhan Kittoe to serve
related fields. The initiative to restore the building was as Convocation ceremony hall and lecture hall. This is the
taken up by Sampurnanand Sanskrit University in 2014 only University in India which has its widespread affiliation
and the project was sanctioned by UP Government in July all over the country. More than 1200 Sanskrit medium
2015. With the release of first instalment of funds, the schools and colleges are affiliated with this University.
conservation work commenced on site in March 2016.
❖ 1791 AD
Jonathan Duncan, resident of the East India Company,
proposed the establishment of a Sanskrit college for the
development and preservation of Sanskrit Vangmaya
(grammar) to demonstrate British support for Indian
education. The initiative was sanctioned by governor
general Lord Cornwallis and the college was then called
Government Sanskrit College.
❖ 1852 AD
The Main Building (or Mukhya Bhawan)) was established by
Major Markhan Kittoe to serve as Convocation ceremony
hall/lecture hall for the University.
Archival Image of Mukhya Bhawan; Source: University Archives
❖ 1958 AD
Due to serious deterioration and collapsed roofs, the The efforts of Dr. Sampurnanand changed the status of
main building was not in use since more than 15 years. institution from that of a college to a Sanskrit University.
The collapsed roofs are now restored in its original form
as well as strengthening of structure has been done by
❖ 1974 AD
addressing the problems of dampness, termites, plaster The name of the institution was formally changed to
damages, etc. As part of the work, damaged stained Sampurnanand Sanskrit University.
glasses and the decorative terracotta, stone, wooden
elements were also restored. The project involved a ❖ 2016 AD
number of experts in the field of conservation like
In march 2016, Department of Higher Education,
conservation architects, art conservators, engineers and Government of Uttar Pradesh sanctioned an amount of Rs.
archaeologists. Other than the regular labours, more than 11.39 crores for the conservation of Mukhya Bhawan and
20 artisans were employed for skilled work in wood, from April 2016, the work started on site.
stone and lime. After a gap of 15 years or more, the
building has now been revived in its original glory enabling
❖ 2019 AD
the university to convene the 37 convocation ceremony After a gap of 15 years or more, the building has now
th
on 5 December 2019. The ceremony was graced by the been revived in its original glory enabling the University to
th
Governor of Uttar Pradesh (Chancellor of Sampurnanand convene the 37 convocation ceremony on 5 December
th
th
Sanskrit University) and attended by other dignitaries.
2019.
