Suri era mosque restoration on the cards

The vintage marvel was built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541

MULTAN: Centuries old Sher Shah Suri Mosque would soon undergo conservation and restoration under the Rs42.598 million project. The Punjab government accorded administrative approval to the project a few days ago following which the archaeology department prepared detailed estimates and sent them for technical approval.

This was said by Archaeology Department Incharge SDO Ghulam Muhammad. He said the work on the said project would begin after its technical sanction and issuance of tenders.



While giving details of the restoration work, Ghulam Muhammad said that portions of salt affected brickwork on the walls of mosque need to undergo underpinning process. He maintained cement plaster would be replaced by Kankar lime and glazed lime plaster which would also be applied on all the three domes, including the main dome.

He pointed out tile flooring would be placed on the roof, while floor of the courtyard and the main chamber would get dressed-brick-on-edge flooring.

The SDO elaborated that concrete tiles would be used on the access road to the mosque from the main road. In addition, Fresco design that exists on the interior of the main dome needed retouching. He said facade of the mosque was decorated with brick imitation work which also needs restoration.



In 1541, Sher Shah Suri, the founder of Sur Empire in North India, built a mosque and named it ‘Sher Shah Suri Mosque’. The mosque consists of three domes and arched entrances that are most imposing and remarkable for their geometric designs.

After the death of Sher Shah Suri, the later rulers renovated and reconstructed some parts of the mosque. They also added new sections to the structure. However, the mosque was damaged during the battle in early 17th century between the mughals and Sikh forces.

In 1860, mughal ruler Qazi Ahmeduddin Bugvi rebuilt the mosque as it lay in a dilapidated condition. He also built two halls for learning Qura’an and Hadith. Besides, a boarding house was also constructed for students. Later in 1926, the mosque was repaired by Qazi Zahoor Ahmed Bugvi.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2017.