24. Tomb No. 18
The Qutb Shahi Heritage Complex also houses many smaller tombs structures which belong to the nobles, ministers and members of the royal family. The names of these tombs are unknown and hence they have been numbered in the inventory. Tomb 18, a small rectangular tomb measuring around 10 meters by 4 meters with a small dome in the middle lies to the south west of the Tomb of Jamshed Quli. The tomb is marked with recessed arches and opening on each side.
Outcome
- This small tomb was in an advanced state of deterioration and required significant conservation works.
- The loose plaster and cement was removed from the building manually using hand tools.
- The structure was largely repaired in the past using mud mortar and had lost its structural stability.
- The building was grouted with lime mortar to fill the cracks and cavities.
- The building was then re-plastered using lime mortar consisting of coarse sand particles, hay as an adhesive and lime to add additional strength to the building and then cured.
- The cement and loose lime plaster from the dome was dismantled.
- Similarly, the concrete form the roof was also removed manually.
- Fresh lime concrete was laid on the roof to adequate slope.
- The clogged rain water spouts which were cleaned and repaired.
- The dome was replastered with lime mortar and finished with thin layer of lime punning.
- All the decorative details on the drum of the dome was repaired and finished.
- The chajja were found to have been inappropriately installed and sloping inwards causing severe water percolation to the monument. This was corrected by laying lime concrete on the chajja to adequate slope to ensure the outward flow of water.
- Based on the revelations of the details on arch bands and following the structural strengthening of the monument, the external surface was re-plastered and finished with lime putty reinstating the bands.
- Traces of dressed stone band on the plinth level were found. Following which, dressed stone bands of matching texture and colour were reinstated on all sides of the monument.
- The surface was cleaned using a soft brush and water manually revealing the details.
- The loose plaster and cement were removed and repaired with lime plaster.
- The archways were corrected and missing grooves and details were re-instated and restored.
- The final coat of lime putty was applied and the building was completed.
- The internal cement floor was dismantled and lime concrete was laid to slope over which granite stone slabs have been laid marking the completion of the restoration of the internal surface. Identification of the depth of the plinth was done by making trial trenches after which the height of the plinth was decided.
- Plinth protection of 1.5 meters width was made around the monument.
- Three dressed steps made of granite were installed on the eastern side of the monument entrance to create access to the tomb.
Impact
- Completed conservation works on the structure have ensured the structural stability as well as long term preservation. The structure after conservation also significantly enhances the historic character of its setting.
25. Tomb No. 15
Located to the west of the Tomb of Ibrahim Quli, this monument is situated in a cluster of 10 monuments. Measuring around 12 meters square, the lower plinth has a raised octagonal plinth measuring around 3 meters on each side. The monument is marked with only masonry pillars for both the square and the octagonal plinth up to the roof. The roof has a shallow dome and terrace bounded by a 75 cm high parapet wall which has ornate arch bands on the external surface.
Outcome
- Loose lime plaster and concrete was carefully dismantled from the dome and the terrace.
- Fresh lime concrete was laid on the terrace to adequate slope.
- The dome was re-plastered and the internal surface of the parapet wall was also re-plastered.
- Rain water spouts which had vegetation growth were carefully repaired.
- Repair of the arch bands on the external surface of the arch band is being undertaken.
- The inner dome of the monument suffered several structural cracks which may have been caused to due to removal of some base stones of the octagonal plinth. All the surfaces had signs of deterioration of plaster and the original details of the monument were visible only in parts.
- The dome has been grouted with lime mortar to add strength to the monument.
- The loose plaster from the monument was manually dismantled.
- A coat of base plaster has been applied on the entire surface and allowed to dry for the final layer of lime plaster.
Next Steps
- Complete the restoration works of the dome and the external surface of the dome and finish it with final coat of lime putty.
- Install stone rain water spouts on the existing water spouts.
- Adequate flooring of the plinth and installation of steps on the east side.
26. Mosque No. 14
The complex is dotted with several mosques built adjacent to graves. Located to the South east of Jamshed Quli’s Tomb, Mosque 14 also is a part of the cluster of 10 monuments.
A typical mosque measuring around 16 meters in front and 6 meters on sides, the front facade of the mosque was found largely intact. However, the external facade on the rear and the north and south sides had signs of cracks in plaster and were loose. The roof was also found to be leaking and signs of moisture could be seen on the internal side of roof.
Action Taken
- The roof concrete was dismantled and 10 cm thick fresh lime concrete was laid.
- The external surface plaster was dismantled and fresh lime plaster was applied to the rear and the north and south sides.
- The internal surface which is intact was cleaned of the dust.
Next Steps
- Final finish of the internal surface with a coat of lime putty.
- Repair of the merlons and other decorative medallions on the front face.
- Final finishing of the external surface with a coat of lime putty revealing all the ornate details.