Muslim Architecture in Pakistan: Aspects of Public Welfare (Hardbound-2015)

This study, the first of its kind, is based on the author's own architectural documentation and photography. The historical monuments studied in this book include baolies (step-wells), caravanserais, baradaries, kos minars, bridges, hammams, etc. which were meant for the welfare and comfort of the public. These were constructed during the Muslim rule in the areas now forming Pakistan. Muslim rulers evinced great interest in raising splendid structures, many of which-particularly those reflecting the public welfare aspects of Muslim architecture- are yet to be properly explored and studied. Khurshid Hasan Shaikh has undertaken the task of documenting and studying such public welfare structures in Pakistan as owing to the passage of time, vagaries of nature, and continued neglect, all such buildings have suffered. By going through the write-up and the photographs, as contained in the book, one can well appreciate the significance of the public welfare aspects of the vanishing architectural heritage of the Muslim era in Pakistan. The book is illustrated with photographs and plans of some selected examples of such structures.

Born on 4 April 1929, Khurshid Hasan Shaikh holds a postgraduate degree in General History and diploma in Archaeology from Rome University. Apart from in-service training, he received specialized training in the fields of Archaeology and Museology from foreign institutes. He served the Federal Department of Archaeology from 1952-1988, retiring as Director General. His contribution has been varied and multi-faceted ranging from archaeological research, conservation and preservation of cultural heritage to the development of museums, organization of special exhibitions of cultural relics both at home and abroad, and serving many commissions and committees set-up by the Government of Pakistan and specialized organizations. Mr Hasan served as a UNESCO Expert in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka (1985). He is Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society, London, as well as of the Pakistan Historical Society, Karachi.