With significant deterioration of the dome, this was the first structure were conservation works where commenced following the lifting of the ‘stay order’ by the Wakf Tribunal in late 2013. By 2015, conservation works on the principal structure were nearly complete.

OUTCOME:

• The structure has two plinths, the larger lower square plinth and a higher octagonal plinth. Both these were finished with 30 mm thick granite floor on lime mortar replacing the existing cement flooring layer. Thus, over 10,000 sq. ft. of stone floor was laid – providing a permanent protective layer preventing water ingress to the foundations.
• The existing modern panel doors to the tomb structure and the staircase were replaced with historically appropriate wooden doors, similar in design to some of the old doors found on some of the structures in the tomb complex.
• By lowering ground levels surrounding the tomb, the lower plinth was restored to its original height.
• Granite stone edging, visible in archival photographs, was found missing from the structure. This was restored as per the archival photographs and now provides greater stability to the plinth.

IMPACT:

Completion of conservation works at Jamshed’s tomb have stalled the deterioration process that had threatened the stability of the dome, and the replacement of missing portions has resulted in much needed restoration of significant architectural elements.

With significant deterioration of the dome, this was the first structure were conservation works where commenced following the lifting of the ‘stay order’ by the Wakf Tribunal in late 2013. By 2015, conservation works on the principal structure were nearly complete.

OUTCOME:

• The structure has two plinths, the larger lower square plinth and a higher octagonal plinth. Both these were finished with 30 mm thick granite floor on lime mortar replacing the existing cement flooring layer. Thus, over 10,000 sq. ft. of stone floor was laid – providing a permanent protective layer preventing water ingress to the foundations.
• The existing modern panel doors to the tomb structure and the staircase were replaced with historically appropriate wooden doors, similar in design to some of the old doors found on some of the structures in the tomb complex.
• By lowering ground levels surrounding the tomb, the lower plinth was restored to its original height.
• Granite stone edging, visible in archival photographs, was found missing from the structure. This was restored as per the archival photographs and now provides greater stability to the plinth.

IMPACT:

Completion of conservation works at Jamshed’s tomb have stalled the deterioration process that had threatened the stability of the dome, and the replacement of missing portions has resulted in much needed restoration of significant architectural elements.

With significant deterioration of the dome, this was the first structure were conservation works where commenced following the lifting of the ‘stay order’ by the Wakf Tribunal in late 2013. By 2015, conservation works on the principal structure were nearly complete.

OUTCOME:

• The structure has two plinths, the larger lower square plinth and a higher octagonal plinth. Both these were finished with 30 mm thick granite floor on lime mortar replacing the existing cement flooring layer. Thus, over 10,000 sq. ft. of stone floor was laid – providing a permanent protective layer preventing water ingress to the foundations.
• The existing modern panel doors to the tomb structure and the staircase were replaced with historically appropriate wooden doors, similar in design to some of the old doors found on some of the structures in the tomb complex.
• By lowering ground levels surrounding the tomb, the lower plinth was restored to its original height.
• Granite stone edging, visible in archival photographs, was found missing from the structure. This was restored as per the archival photographs and now provides greater stability to the plinth.

IMPACT:

Completion of conservation works at Jamshed’s tomb have stalled the deterioration process that had threatened the stability of the dome, and the replacement of missing portions has resulted in much needed restoration of significant architectural elements.

Conservation works on the monuments standing within the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park include removal of 20th/ 21st century cement layers to reveal and restore original Qutb Shahi architectural elements and materials.

Though the cement used in earlier repairs had accelerated the deterioration of the softer 16th century lime plaster, it provided an appearance of ‘ruin’ which was confused by many to represent ‘age’ or ‘historicity’ and thus be of value.

By contrast, the conservation works at the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park are being carried out using traditional materials authentic to the building such as lime mortar as used by the 16th century builders and being implemented by master craftsmen familiar with traditional building crafts – knowledge of which has been handed down over generations.

Though the first few layers of lime plaster are prepared with a mix of lime with sand and brick dust, the final protective layer of lime plaster – only 1 mm thick – is composed of only lime and marble dust. This application of the final plaster layer as part of the conservation effort was essential both to ensure long term preservation and respect (and thus restore) the architectural intention of the original builders.

Though intricate ornamental details of the monument were mostly lost and required to be carefully and painstakingly restored – this temporarily results in a ‘new’ appearance of the historic building. From the onset of the project in 2013, there was agreement that artificial means such as chemicals would never be applied to give a ‘fake antique’ appearance to the monuments, and instead the natural processes would be allowed to restore a layer of patina – organic growth - that during monsoons would naturally return. The organic growth also enhances the protective nature of the final plaster layer as it fills up any cracks that would have developed in the lime plaster.