Board approval: 14 March 2017 \ Rs. 2.2 million

Before the partition of the Indian Subcontinent in 1947, Shikarpur was a centre for international and local trade, largely run by Hindu businessmen. This required for the city to have ample infrastructure for banking and commerce – hence the establishment of the Shikarpur branch of the Central Bank of India. In 1947, a number of buildings in Shikarpur, having since been abandoned by their Hindu owners, were given to immigrating Muslim families as compensation for property they had left behind in what was now India. The valuable trappings and fixtures of these buildings, including exquisitely carved woodwork, were often sold by these new owners for much-needed cash – leading to many falling into swift disrepair. This included the 4-storey structure of the Central Bank of India, located in Sheikh Mohalla, Shikarpur City.

Beginning in 2017, conservation work on this timber framed structure included the restoration of the stair tower and parapets using traditional and sympathetic materials. Mud and lime plaster was also restored, the roof and terraces were waterproofed, and the sewage system was replaced. Interior walls were repainted, and the woodwork and furniture was restored and re-polished. Work is expected to be completed by June 2020.