Architectural History Research Group

The Architectural History Research Group is led by Dr. Munazzah Akhtar (Chairperson and Associate Professor) and is supported by Ms. Madiha Zaman (Assistant Professor), Ms. Hina Nabeel (Lecturer), and Ar. Naveen Zaman (Teaching Fellow). The group’s research focuses on identifying transcultural and transregional connections in the artistic production, architecture, and visual culture of communities across South Asia. It also explores innovative approaches to architectural history, heritage documentation, conservation, and digital heritage studies.
Members
  • Dr. Munazzah Akhtar (Chairperson and Associate Professor)
  • Ms. Madiha Zaman (Assistant Professor)
  • Ms. Hina Nabeel (Lecturer)
  • Ar. Naveen Zaman (Teaching Fellow)
Completed Projects
  • Virtual Reconstruction of Bibi Jawindi’s Tomb (c. 1494), Uch Sharif
    This project involved the digital reconstruction of the iconic tomb of Bibi Jawindi at Uch Sharif and was co-investigated with department faculty member Ar. Abdullah Saeed. The research was published in the January 2026 issue of the prestigious International Journal of Islamic Architecture (IJIA).
Current Projects
  • Echoes of the Past: Sound, Space, and Acoustics in Mughal Architecture
    This project investigates the acoustic qualities of Mughal architecture and explores the relationship between sound, space, and architectural design in historic Mughal buildings. As part of this research, Dr. Munazzah Akhtar presented a paper at the conference Mughal Art, Architecture and Opulence held at the Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington, London, in March 2025. The project is funded by the Barakat Trust (UK) A3 Major Award (2025–27). The project has engaged a multidisciplinary team of student researchers, including graduate research assistants Usaila Waseem, Faryal Ali, and Tehreem Babar, and undergraduate research assistants Rubab Fatima, Eisha Azam, Dawood Asim, Atika Abid, Talha, Bakhtawar Asif, Sohaib Ejaz, and Abid Ali.
  • Krishna Pranami Temple Complex (c. 1733), Malka Hans, Pakpattan
    Co-investigated with Ar. Naveen Zaman, this project examines the architectural history, artistic traditions, and cultural significance of the Krishna Pranami Temple Complex at Malka Hans, Pakpattan. Initial findings were presented at the XXII Biennial Symposium of the American Council for Southern Asian Art, held at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, Washington, D.C., in May 2026.