Iranshah: A Legacy Restored

Description

‘Iranshah A Legacy Restored’, captures the extensive structural restoration of the Iranshah Ātash Behram and the buildings in the campus in Udwada, Gujarat, India. It records the progress of the work as it unfolded, interventions discovered, conservation of the art and antiquity within the Ātash Behram, a glimpse of life in Udwada, the significance of a consecrated fire and a brief introduction of the Zoroastrian religion.

This Iranshah Ātash Behram building was constructed nearly 130 years ago and consecrated on 31^st October, 1894. As the deteriorating physical condition of Iranshah needed repair and upgrade, Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor of the Iranshah Ātash Behram, approached Shapoorji Pallonji with an appeal to help, not just through funds but also the construction experience of SP honed over more than 155 years.

Shapoorji Pallonji conducted a detailed examination and prepared a meticulous plan for strengthening the structural stability of the buildings. The restoration proved to be more complex than anticipated due to the lack of technical drawings or plans of the buildings, which are of significant value in the process of restoring heritage structures. On ground discoveries led to modification of workflow plans while adhering to the requirements of religious customs and practices followed by the priests. Hence a decision to publish this book was taken to build a visual record and provide comprehensive data to aid future generations in preserving the Ātash Behram and other buildings in the compound. On 14^th December 2021, just after midnight, the Iranshah Ātash Padshah was moved back to His throne in the restored Ātash Behram.

Over the last century, this building and other structures in the campus had undergone many changes and renovations. The aim was to restore the buildings as originally envisaged by Bai Motlibai Manockjee Wadia, who’s generous contribution led to the construction of the Ātash Behram. The construction of the buildings adhered to strict religious doctrine, and every restoration decision was taken only after consultation with the Udwada Anjuman Association (UAA), the nine priestly families who serve the Iranshah fire.

This book is a collective effort of the teams at Shapoorji Pallonji, with guidance and support from Zoroastrian scholars.