INTACH raises concerns over conservation work at 15th-century Aali Masjid in Kashmir

Aali Masjid, a 15th-century structure and the second-largest hypostyle mosque in Kashmir, is “losing its historical and architectural character” because of the latest intervention initiated by the Jammu and Kashmir Government, as part of a developmental and conservation plan, the Indian National Trust for Art & Culture Heritage (INTACH) has warned.

“The use of cement concrete over the exposed brick masonry floor, a technique introduced for scientific reasons, has exposed the entire structure to rampant dampness. Exposed brick masonry provides a breathing interface that allows water to evaporate and reduces dampness. I fear the 15th-century structure will weaken with each passing year because of this intervention,” Saleem Beg, convenor of INTACH’s Kashmir Chapter, told The Hindu.

The J&K Government has approved a ₹4.85-crore development and conservation plan for the historic structure constructed by Shahmiri king Sultan Hassan Shah in 1471. The mosque, whose prayer hall spans over 4,000 square feet area, is the second biggest in Kashmir after the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar.

The latest construction plan was introduced after an earlier plan was shelved for “lack of appropriate intervention and conservation details” at the highest level in the Union Territory. However, INTACH fears that the fresh intervention, too, could have a long-term negative impact on the mosque’s structure.

“We are worried that the use of concrete material, instead of stabilising the structure, could harm the columns and overall bearing capacity of the mosque. The ongoing interventions could also alter the historical and architectural character of the mosque,” Mr. Beg said. 

The mosque is a notable example of Kashmiri wooden vernacular architecture, with wooden beams and columns. The main prayer hall stands on 151 deodar wood columns, each about 17 feet tall and 3.1 feet wide, resting on intricately carved stone pedestals. Mosques with such features are unique to Iran and Central Asia.  

According to INTACH, the ongoing intervention has also tampered with the European-style barn roof, which was restored in the 1930s by the Imperial Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). “The executing agency could have been more considerate in restoring the roof, as was done in 2007, rather than changing its character completely,” Mr. Beg said. 

INTACH has also expressed concern over the “extensive ornamentation” through Khatamband—the use of wooden pieces in geometrical shapes—which it said was “changing the character of the ceiling too”. The mosque has a unique style of ceiling, known as Vas-talav, where wooden rows are used to create a coffered ceiling.

“Conservation is not aimed at beautifying a heritage structure. Instead, the aim is to preserve the historic character and fabric and pass it on to the next generation in the state it exists. Wherever possible, we also create space for reversible interventions,” Mr. Beg said.

The mosque has already suffered deterioration due to its age and weathering. “But most, if not all, of the deteriorated elements can be repaired or replaced to rehabilitate the building with appropriate conservation interventions,” Mr. Beg said.