The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched an extensive structural conservation project at the 11th-century Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The project focuses on the Rajagopuram and the main vimana, which have suffered from decades of water seepage and biological growth. Using traditional materials like lime-mortar and gallnut water, conservators aim to stabilize the granite blocks without altering the original Chola-era aesthetics.
A key component of the restoration is the documentation of faint inscriptions on the temple's base, which provide accounts of land grants to the local community during the reign of Rajendra Chola I. The project also includes the installation of a non-invasive lighting system to enhance the visibility of the temple's massive stone sculptures during the evening hours, making it a more accessible site for both researchers and tourists.