VISITOR PAVILION 2 - Panday Mandap OR Bai Ratan Bai Hormasji Bhabha Mandap

The Towers of Silence are classified as a Grade IIB heritage site, with a value classification of C (Social, Historical, Environmental), E (Aesthetic), J (Scientific, Cultural, Educational), and B (Personal). This conservation proposal specifically envisions the preservation of the Panday Mandap, also known as the Bai Ratanbai Hormasji Bhabha Mandap at Doongerwadi, with the intent of enabling non-Parsis to participate in funeral ceremonies—an inclusive gesture respecting both tradition and community needs.

A structural assessment reveals that the existing walls exhibit a composite construction typology: externally clad in dressed grey basalt stone and internally constructed with brickwork finished in lime plaster. The architectural character is defined by wide openings, flanked by limestone columns that support reinforced cement concrete (RCC) beams—demonstrating an early and thoughtful integration of industrial-age materials to achieve larger spans without compromising on aesthetics.

The restoration approach for this significant cultural asset is grounded in internationally recognized conservation principles. It adheres to the philosophy of minimal intervention and reversibility, employing original or “like-for-like” materials to maintain the authenticity of the structure while ensuring its structural integrity and cultural continuity.