Reflections on the importance of built heritage inventory as a tool for preservation in Karachi–a case study of Wadhumal Odharam (Jail) Quarter in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

The cultural heritage inventory is an alternate tool to document historic buildings to establish a protected enlistment process. Recognising the importance of inventories for developing knowledge of historical and cultural patterns, multiple attempts are being made to record Karachi’s historic buildings in the form of inventory documents. This research investigates the various approaches used for inventorying Karachi’s cultural heritage and their potential impact on the survival of the city’s historical ensemble. As literature, this research provides a brief overview of Karachi’s architectural development before and after its annexation to the British Raj (Term used by scholars to represent the British Crown in India. The term ‘The Raj’ is also sometimes used.) (1843–1947), which is now considered the historic core of the city of Karachi, together with the systems of inventorying the built heritage over time. Wadhumal Odharam (Jail) Quarter is shortlisted as a case study for this research, which will be examined from the perspective of inventory making in relation to its specific physical and sociocultural context as documented through the inventorying process. The Quarter is also referred to as ‘Jail Quarter’ because of the presence of the Jail building within the Quarter precinct, which was demolished during the British era; it is discussed in further detail later in this article. The research approach follows a survey of the quarter conducted between August and September 2022, followed by a mapping of the historic properties. The inventory mapping of the Quarter is performed by using an available database (Database of various historic Quarters of Karachi by Heritage Cell-DAPNED). The data for inventory also helps provide an understanding of the history and development of the area. The other aspects of the research methodology include intreating questions and collecting data about various aspects of the Quarter, such as the building information, photographic documentation of the properties, and analysis of the present conservation status based on inventory mapping. Moreover, this study also suggests that inventorying aided the enlistment process for the Quarter under the Sindh Cultural Heritage Preservation Act 1994 (SCHPA), which was first implemented in 1997 and again in 2011 until 2021. The protected status helped stop the illicit demolitions; however, vandalism continued in many forms, for instance, the need-based alterations relying on the ever-increasing population, upgradation of the building bylaws, inadequate heritage legislation and its enforcement.