Afzal Gunj Masjid
History
The Afzal Gunj Masjid, Constructed in 1866 by The 5th Nizam of Hyderabad, Deccan Nawab Afzal ud Dawlah, Asaf Jah - V, Mir Tahniyat Ali Khan Siddiqui (11 October 1827 – 26 February 1869). Located near Afzal Gunj Bridge, which is parallel to Purana Pul, built over Musi river connecting southern part of Hyderabad city, after the construction of Nayapul which connects the city with its new establishment. The mosque was commissioned by Afzal-ud-Daulah, and constructed at a cost of one lakh rupees. Upon its completion, the mosque was the second-largest in the city, with the Mecca Masjid being the largest. The 5th Nizam, Nawab Afzal ad-Dawlah, gifted land to grain merchants for trade and commerce. Afzal Gunj gradually established as point of transportation connecting south and other parts of the city, thus making it a natural central connecting point for trade and commerce. May be this is the reason, an arcade of arches seen flanked on north and south of the masjid, built as a mini saraa'ih (Inn for travellers) for traders traveling to city.
The mosque is constructed in a Qutb Shahi revival style. However, it has three arches instead of five. The mosque facade is embellished by plaster work, the minarets are surmounted by domes and finials, there are two entrance gates with large hand-made wooden doors on the northern side. Extensive lime stucco work at the monument speaks about new Era of Asif Jahi style, in addition to Qutub Shahi architecture, intricate and detailed stucco embezzlement is seen in this monument, marking improvised version built to create its own Asif Jahi architectural identity as an independent princely state.
The mosque is constructed in a Qutb Shahi revival style. However, it has three arches instead of five. The mosque facade is embellished by plaster work, the minarets are surmounted by domes and finials, there are two entrance gates with large hand-made wooden doors on the northern side. Extensive lime stucco work at the monument speaks about new Era of Asif Jahi style, in addition to Qutub Shahi architecture, intricate and detailed stucco embezzlement is seen in this monument, marking improvised version built to create its own Asif Jahi architectural identity as an independent princely state.
Restoration
A Portion of the ceiling collapsed in march 2023 due to deterioration, Dept. of Heritage, Government of Telangana has taken up restoration and conservation of the Afzal Gunj Masjid, the conservation project is entrusted to Deccan Terrain Heritage Restorations Co. by Dept of Archeology and Heritage.
Clay molds are crafted to replicate the existing motifs within the masjid, preserving and reproducing these intricate designs.
Clay was used to sculpt prototypes of motifs, refining shapes and adding details to match the original design, The process is that the Motifs and Stucco work is carefully curated, table sample is made in POP / Gypsum admixtures, keeping depts and crevices in mind .
Ancient stucco material is lab tested, and replicated in similar organic compounds to achieve best results.
The gallery roof, constructed with elongated stones, had some damaged pieces. Certain areas underwent meticulous replacement, with careful attention given to the installation of new stones.
Clay molds are crafted to replicate the existing motifs within the masjid, preserving and reproducing these intricate designs.
Clay was used to sculpt prototypes of motifs, refining shapes and adding details to match the original design, The process is that the Motifs and Stucco work is carefully curated, table sample is made in POP / Gypsum admixtures, keeping depts and crevices in mind .
Ancient stucco material is lab tested, and replicated in similar organic compounds to achieve best results.
The gallery roof, constructed with elongated stones, had some damaged pieces. Certain areas underwent meticulous replacement, with careful attention given to the installation of new stones.
· Repair of bands and stucco work and retaining the original design.
· Removal of deteriorated Lime plaster from the ceiling and walls and re-plastering done.
· Removal of Foreign Material such as Cementous Paints, Cement Putty.
· Grouting the Cavities. De-vegetation was done. Algae to be removed.
· Hollow cavities pressure grouted.
· minaret damaging the interior stone structure & first coat plaster and Consolidation done
· Existing motifs within the Masjid were preserving and reproducing these intricate designs.
· Grouting done for the Cracks
· Meticulous replacement and installation of new stones.
· Removal of deteriorated Lime plaster from the ceiling and walls and re-plastering done.
· Removal of Foreign Material such as Cementous Paints, Cement Putty.
· Grouting the Cavities. De-vegetation was done. Algae to be removed.
· Hollow cavities pressure grouted.
· minaret damaging the interior stone structure & first coat plaster and Consolidation done
· Existing motifs within the Masjid were preserving and reproducing these intricate designs.
· Grouting done for the Cracks
· Meticulous replacement and installation of new stones.