Abha Narain Lambah, born in 1970 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, is a distinguished conservation architect renowned for her extensive work in restoring and preserving India’s architectural heritage. Her contributions have been pivotal in safeguarding numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historic structures across the country.
Early Life and Education
Abha’s early years were influenced by her father’s service in the Indian Revenue Service, leading the family to reside in Kolkata during her formative years. This exposure to the city’s rich architectural legacy ignited her passion for history and conservation. She pursued her architectural studies at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi, where she developed a keen interest in heritage conservation.
Career
Upon completing her education, Abha moved to Mumbai, a city celebrated for its diverse architectural styles. Her inaugural project involved preparing a conservation plan for the David Sassoon Library and Reading Room, marking the beginning of her illustrious career in heritage conservation.
In 1998, she established her own practice, Abha Narain Lambah Associates, focusing on the restoration and conservation of historic structures. Over the years, her firm has undertaken a myriad of significant projects, including:
- Ajanta Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ajanta Caves are renowned for their ancient Buddhist rock-cut temples and exquisite murals.
- Golconda Fort: Located in Hyderabad, this fort is a testament to medieval engineering and architecture.
- Mahabodhi Temple: Situated in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, this temple is one of the most sacred sites in Buddhism.
- Royal Opera House, Mumbai: India’s only surviving opera house, restored to its former glory under her guidance.
- Asiatic Society of Mumbai Town Hall: A neoclassical structure housing a vast collection of books and artifacts.
- Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue: A historic Jewish synagogue in Mumbai, known for its distinctive blue façade.
Her firm’s portfolio also includes the restoration of various forts, palaces, and museums across India, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
Honors and Awards
Abha Narain Lambah’s dedication to conservation has earned her numerous accolades:
- UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation: Her firm has received 13 of these prestigious awards, recognizing excellence in conservation efforts. Notably, the restoration of the 15th-century Maitreya Buddha Temple at Basgo, Ladakh, received the Award of Excellence in 2007.
- Architect of the Year Award, CNBC Awaaz, 2017: This award acknowledged her significant contributions to architecture and conservation.
- Sanskriti Award: Conferred for her outstanding work in the field of architecture and conservation.
- Eisenhower Fellowship: Awarded in 2002, this fellowship recognized her leadership and contributions to conservation.
Notable Projects
Throughout her career, Abha has led several landmark projects:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai: Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, the restoration of this Indo-Saracenic structure earned an Honorable Mention in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards in 2010.
- Le Corbusier’s Capitol Complex, Chandigarh: Her firm prepared the management plan for this UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
- Santiniketan: Abha’s firm prepared the successful UNESCO nomination dossier for Rabindranath Tagore’s Santiniketan, leading to its inclusion as a World Heritage Site.
Recent Works
In recent years, Abha has continued her mission to conserve India’s architectural heritage:
- Shalimar Bagh, Kashmir: She is overseeing the restoration of this Mughal garden, aiming to revive its historical splendor.
- Vadnagar Urban Conservation: Her firm is involved in the urban conservation of Vadnagar, focusing on preserving its rich cultural and architectural legacy.
- Balasaheb Thackeray Rashtriya Smarak, Mumbai: A project dedicated to commemorating the life and contributions of Balasaheb Thackeray.
Legacy and Impact
Abha Narain Lambah’s work transcends mere restoration; it embodies a philosophy of preserving cultural narratives and architectural integrity. Her meticulous approach ensures that restored structures retain their historical essence while adapting to contemporary contexts. Through her efforts, she has not only conserved buildings but also inspired a renewed appreciation for India’s rich architectural heritage.
Her journey underscores the importance of safeguarding history, ensuring that future generations can experience and learn from the architectural marvels of the past. Abha’s unwavering commitment to conservation continues to shape the landscape of heritage architecture in India and beyond.
