Visitors to the historic Soniji Ki Nasiyan in Ajmer can now experience a renewed dimension of architectural grandeur. The first floor of the renowned monument, which had remained inaccessible to tourists and devotees for an extended period, has been thoroughly revitalised and reopened to the public. The entire restoration has been executed with meticulous attention to traditional architectural techniques and intricate craft details, enriching the visual presence of the heritage complex.
A Four-Year Effort by Skilled Craftsmen
The comprehensive overhaul of this heritage section took approximately four years of sustained labour. A dedicated team of roughly 30 experienced artisans collaborated to bring this expansive project to fruition. The centerpiece of this renewed interior is the elaborate embellishment using genuine gold, giving the walls and corridors an extraordinary radiance that enhances the historical atmosphere of the entire site.
Authentic Gold Artwork Protected by Special Coating
According to Bhupendra, a management member overseeing affairs at Soniji Ki Nasiyan, the decision to renovate and open the first floor to visitors came about following an initiative taken by Seth Sahab. The gold detailing across the lobby and primary walls stands out as the foremost attraction for incoming guests. Experienced and reputed master craftsmen were engaged to execute the delicate gold application across ornate architectural relief patterns.
Throughout the execution, utmost care was taken to honour the existing motifs and traditional carvings inside the monument. Instead of altering historical features, the team carefully touched up the original designs so that the modern conservation work seamlessly harmonises with the monument's historical identity. To ensure that the precious gold surface remains shielded from environmental wear and retains its lustre over decades, a protective plastic coating was meticulously applied over the finished surfaces.
Granite Flooring Replaces Marble Alongside Lighting Upgrades
Beyond the gold ornamentation, significant structural updates were incorporated during the refurbishment. The legacy marble flooring that previously covered these areas was systematically removed and replaced with resilient new granite. This granite installation spans multiple sections, extending across three to four levels of the building.
Simultaneously, the ambient illumination system across the upper areas underwent a complete redesign. The newly positioned lighting setup has been tailored specifically to accentuate the delicate relief work and highlight the sheen of the genuine gold on the walls. While the first floor was previously kept closed, its reopening now allows visitors to observe these interior details firsthand, bringing together traditional artisanry, refreshed stone flooring, modern lighting, and genuine gold accents.
