Ecofriendly Approach for Conservation of Cultural Heritage

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Bio-deterioration of stone works is mainly due to bio-film formation, bio-corrosion caused by organic and inorganic acids, redox processes on cations from the mineral lattice and physical penetration by microbial communities. Outdoor cultural property or stone monumental structures and other ancient buildings are particularly susceptible to these factors. As usual growing on the surface of stone monuments, various microorganisms also colonize the interior of the stone matrix. Lichens and fungi can cause serious degradation and deterioration by physical penetration of the micro organism. Fungal hyphae are able to penetrate deeply beneath the stone surface, leading to mechanical deterioration and degradation. The problem of deterioration and weathering of the monument is particularly relevant in countries like India where monuments are rich in cultural heritage.

The book entitled Ecofriendly Approach for Conservation of Cultural Heritage is the outcome of my Ph.D. (research) work. The main subject of this work is to study the micro fungi community on monuments by using culture growth and microscopic observations in order to evaluate the potential damage caused by fungal species and then undertake chemical conservation and preservation of the monuments. This book focused scientific investigations on the subject of bio-deterioration of stone of cultural heritage in tropical regions through discussions on the extent of the problem, available preventive and remedial treatments, and current research based on isolation and identification of fungal flora on the monuments and their conservation by natural herbal product like medicinal plant extract of various plants. Preservation of this material from fungal deterioration by using safe or eco-friendly fungicide was national goal in this work. In order to be applied in the cultural hentage field these new substances must be, other than active as settlement inhibitors, not dangerous for the integrity of the stone surface, i.e, not change the colour and without reaction with the stone components. This book has concentrated on the elimination of microorganisms from selected archaeological monuments of Chhattisgarh and their conservation and preservation with eco-friendly chemicals extracted from medicinal plants.

Dr. Sanjay Prasad Gupta (born 1977) working as an Assistant Archaeological Chemist in Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India, since 16th November, 2004. He did his PhD on Novel Chemical Approaches for Conservation Against Bio-deterioration of Outdoor Cultural Heritage of Chhattisgarh from Mats University, Raipur in 2015. He has gained a vast experience of teaching from Govt. Polytechnic, Ambikapur, Govt. Boy's H.S.S., Lundra, Govt. Multipurpose H.S.S., Ambikapur, Kendriya Vidyalaya Ambikapur and Govt. P.G. College, Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh. He has successfully completed his assignments like Scientific Conservation [Chemical Treatment and Preservation (CT. & P.)] work of Centrally protected monuments including World Heritage Monuments i.e. Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikari & Agra Fort and execution of other ASI protected monuments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand under the jurisdiction of Archaeological Survey of India, Northern Zone Agra Fort, Agra, C.T. & P to Lal Masjid Tizara under Jaipur Zone and Chemical Treatment and preservation of Kala Dera I and II temple at Manwal of Udhampur District under Jurisdiction of Srinagar Circle, Jammu & Kashmir. He has been also associated for Scientific Conservation work of Sri Kedarnathji temple, Kedarnath and different scientific studies related to development of conservation measures for the preservation of cultural heritage of country. He has published 25 research articles in International referred journals and 16 research papers in National reputed journals During his tenure of service, he has presented more than 30 research papers in both National and International conference and seminars. He is the life member of four professional and academic bodies. Presently he is working in the Archaeological Survey of India, Raipur Circle, Chhattisgarh.

Bio-deterioration as defines that any undesirable change in the properties of a material caused by the vital activities of living micro and macro organisms. In the last few years, it has become increasingly evident that microorganism are the primary deteriogens. However, other organism such as higher plants, invertebrates, birds, rodents and even chemicals in air or water are often involved in the process of deterioration.

Bio-deterioration prevailing in stone monuments and historical buildings are well recognized problem existing in tropical regions or environment like Chhattisgarh, where due to environmental factors in the form of high temperature, high relative humidity levels and also to the some extent heavy rainfall cause the bio-deterioration and bio-weathering favor the growth and simultaneously allows living various organism (micro and macro) to remain sustain on stone surfaces because there are no natural or environmental treatment is found so far to protect the stone unless and until the monuments are given chemical treatment for sustainability. Varieties of compounds and chemicals have been used as preventive or remedial measures in dealing with bio-deterioration problems.

Ancient Chhattisgarh was known as Dakshin Kauasal, Chhattisgarh is a state in Central India. There are several opinions on the origin of the word Chhattisgarh. In ancient times, this region was called Dakshin Kosala (Kosala) and perhaps the name Chhattisgarh was popularized during the Maratha period and was probably used first in an official document in 1795. It is widely believed that Chhattisgarh takes its name from the 36 pillars of Chhattishgarhin Devi temple (Chattiest means "36" and "garh" means "fort"). There are many important places in Chhattisgarh according to archeological point of view. Some important places are Malhar, Talagaon, Pali, Tuman, Gunyari. Dhanpur, Sargaon, Kaabra, Narayanpur, Dhobni, Devkot, Durg. Devbaloda (Deobaloda). Sarda, Dhamda, Nawagarh, Gurur, Bhoramdev, Ambagarh Chowki, Bastar Bhramgad, Chindgaon, Sirpur, Ratanpur, - Deorbija. Narayanpal, Dantewada, Barsoor, Bastar, Rajim, Arang, Samloor, Surguja, Kesarpal etc. (Rai, 2006).

**Contents and Sample Pages**