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Gold finial at Humayun’s Tomb unveiled

On May 30, 2014, during a sandstorm exceeding 150 kmph, the wooden core of the finial snapped at the point where it rises above the dome.

The 300-kg finial was unveiled by Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma Tuesday. Oinam Anand

Two years after a sandstorm brought down the centuries-old finial atop the main mausoleum of Humayun’s Tomb, an exact replica of the 18-feet tall structure was reinstated Tuesday. The 300-kg finial, made of 99.4 percent pure copper and plated with 3.5 kg of 24-carat gold, was unveiled by Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma Tuesday afternoon.

On May 30, 2014, during a sandstorm exceeding 150 kmph, the wooden core of the finial snapped at the point where it rises above the dome.

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While the original finial is being conserved and is set to be exhibited in an upcoming interpretation centre at the monument, the replica finial reinstated atop the dome is made of the exact same material as the original. The entire project cost over Rs 2 crore.

The minister said, “After two years of hard work, the finial has been restored… For two years carpenters, copper smiths, gold smiths and masons worked with traditional tools that have stayed alive in India for centuries…”

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