Patna: At the Bihar Museum in Patna, a special project is underway to save an important part of India’s history. In the museum’s new Conservation Lab, experts are working on restoring nine decrees from the Mughal period, which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Over the years, these rare documents have been damaged due to ageing paper, faded ink, and fragile seals. The museum’s team is now trying to ensure that these priceless pieces of history can be preserved for many more years.
Deputy Director of Bihar Museum, Momita Ghosh, said that for the past few days, the conservation team has been working on these Mughal-era manuscripts with great care. The lab, which started functioning this year, was built in collaboration with the Indian Heritage Institute in New Delhi. Around Rs 2 crore was spent to set up this state-of-the-art facility, which is equipped with modern tools and materials needed for delicate restoration work.
The restoration process is being handled by conservators Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Rajneesh Kumar, and Rohini Singh. They use special equipment and acid-free materials to treat the documents. According to Sanjeev Kumar Singh, the first step is to repair any physical damage and straighten the papers using a low-pressure table. After that, the damaged portions are covered with Japanese tissue, which is a very thin and acid-free material that strengthens the fragile paper. The adhesive used, made from cluselge and methyl cellulose, is also acid-free and reversible, meaning it can be removed later if needed without harming the document.
Each document takes nearly five to seven days to be completely restored. Since there are nine decrees, the entire project will take around six months to finish. The conservation lab has become a major step in protecting Bihar’s rich heritage and preserving history for future generations. Through this effort, Bihar Museum is not just saving old documents, but also keeping alive the stories and legacy of a grand era that shaped the region’s culture and identity.
