Conservation of Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Varanasi

Presented By Architectural Heritage Division (AHD), INTACH
Sampurnanand Sanskrit University (SSU) in Varanasi, is an old institute of higher studies in Sanskrit. The university was proposed by Jonathan Duncan, Resident, East India Company in 1791. It was built to showcase British support for Indian education. The main building of the complex was designed by Major Markham Kittoe in 1852 in Gothic architectural style. Due to earthquake damage and lack of maintenance the building deteriorated over the years and was left abandoned in 2004. A MoU was signed between INTACH, SSU and the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and INTACH started the conservation work in April 2016 and completed in 2019.
The roof of the main block was relaid in original style as it had completely collapsed. Other decorative elements like terracotta features, stone finials, gargoyles, ornamental doors, damaged stained glass, etc. were also restored back to their original designs. With the revival of the building, the University convened its 37th Convocation ceremony on 5th December 2019 again in the central hall after 15 years which was graced by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh and other dignitaries.
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