Rajan Qattal Tomb Conservation

Uch, Pakistan

The tomb of Hazrat Rajan Qattal was built in 1433. The rectangular structure features a covered portico on its north-eastern corner. The outer facades are cladded with geometrically patterned glazed tiles, set in a terracotta base. The flat roof is supported on wooden columns and brackets. The restoration of the shrine to its original state involved removing later additions and reconstructing missing elements:

- the decayed mud plaster was removed from the internal walls and replaced by a lime concrete layer;
- the thick layers of paint of the wooden katehra were removed to reveal the original woodwork;
- the missing ventilators, originally made of intricate wooden fretwork were carefully reconstructed;
- the decayed portions of the wooden columns were replaced, and the sound parts were cleaned;
- the roof was paved with brick tiles and cement grouting to make it water tight;
- the damaged parts of the wooden ceiling were replaced and the painted floral decoration was restored where necessary;
- the old carved wooden door was stripped of its thick layers of paint;
- the ruined columns of the portico were replaced and all the missing jalis and brackets restored;
- the external and internal masonry was repaired, using original-sized bricks and all the broken glazed tiles of the facades were replaced by new ones, displaying similar design, colors and techniques.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture