A three-storey house at Zadibal area of old Srinagar exhibits unique tradition of art and architecture of ancient Kashmir. Popularly known as Jalali House or Jalali Haveli, the massive structure is an attractive architectural site constructed with Maharaji bricks and intricate lattice work on windows and doors. Two hexagonal balconies overlooking the lawns of the historic building add to its grandeur.

The house was constructed by Agha Syed Safdar Jalali in 1863 using Taq structural engineering. It is among the 10 sites listed to be declared as heritage sites by the government.

Last month, Jammu and Kashmir government informed the state high court that Jalali House would be declared as heritage site after processing the documents.

The compliance report filed by Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Mohammad Shafi Zahid, stated that the opinion of the committee was in favour of declaring the building as ‘heritage building’ under the heritage conservation and preservation Act 2010.

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