KOCHI: Though the Archeological Survey of India launched a massive restoration project to refurbish the Jewish Synagogue in Paravoor, it seems that the authority concerned has failed to preserve its antiquity while doing so. The Hebrew writing that was inscribed at the entrance has been misspelt owing to the negligence during the renovation work which is nearing completion.“At the entrance just above the main door there is a Hebrew inscription that reads ‘Beith Ha Knesset’ means ‘House of Assembly,’ Hebrew equivalent to the Greek word synagogue. But this has been misspelt,” said Thoufeeq Zakria who has a passion for Hebrew calligraphy. “The slip might have occurred while recreating the inscription, just before or during the restoration. When I visited the Synagogue in 2009 it was in perfect shape,” he said.Thoufeeq said it is a big mistake. “This is a Synagogue which has an age-old charm. The restoration should have been done with utmost care after detailed research.” He said that the authorities seem to be giving the least importance to the artifacts. The wood work with specially designed carvings that was once part of the synagogue is lying neglected within the complex compound. “The introduction of modern architectural techniques have in fact spoiled the building’s antiquity. A few new items like nuts and bolts have been used for the restoration. This is a 400-year-old building and to restore its long lost charm, it is always better to use locally made iron nails,” he said. S Hemachandran Nair, former director, State Archeology Department, said, “We have identified the mistake and measures will be taken to rectify it.” The massive project to refurbish the Jewish Synagogue was launched in April 2010. It was funded by the state government with special assistance from the Central Government. The Paravoor synagogue, which is believed to be built in 1616 AD, is being restored under the Muziris project undertaken by the Department of Tourism in association with the Archeology Department.
Comments
0 comment