Conservation works on the mosque were taken up in 2014 on the request of the Department of Archaeology and Museums who had been approached my members of the community to carry out emergency repairs as the roof was leaking and collapse was feared. The roof and the external surface below the chajja were repaired in 2014 ensuring no further deterioration of the structure.

OUTCOME:

  • Following investigations, over 40 cm of cement concrete and loose lime concrete weighing over 120 tonnes was removed from the roof of the Mosque and inappropriate 20th century alteration were repaired during 2014-15.
  • Conservation works on the internal surfaces commenced after six months of removing the cement plaster – which is time required for the masonry to dry out.
  • The ceiling of the three shallow domes had medallions which were damaged. All these medallions were repaired and remade with lime mortar and finished with lime putty as per the original.
  • The detail ornamentation of the central mihrab on the west was restored. The missing ornamentation on the columns and arches on the internal surface were reinstated and the internal surface was finished with a final layer of lime putty.
  • Granite stone slabs were laid with lime mortar over base lime concrete using traditional tools and techniques, and MS grills fixed to the arches on the east side were recessed to make them somewhat less intrusive.

NEXT STEP:

  • The two corner minars on the east, minarets and the battlements will be restored to its original form.
  • The eastern facade which has intricate ornamentation above the arches are covered with layers of paint, which needs to be scrapped and the missing details restored and finished.

IMPACT:

The restoration of the internal surface before the Eid ul Fitr ensured the locals offered Eid prayers in the mosque. This helped to establish the intention of the restoration works being carried out. Conservation works will continue through 2016.