Clock towers around the world have historically served as symbols of cultural heritage, architectural ingenuity, and urban identity. Iconic examples like Big Ben in London,Prague astronomical clock, and Rajabai clock tower in Mumbai combine utility with aesthetic brilliance, leaving a lasting impression. However, the clock towers in Kashmirfail to meet these standards. This article explores their shortcomings and why they represent a missed opportunity for architectural and cultural expression. Globally, clock towers have been designed not only to serve as public timepieces but also as cultural landmarks. Some of these iconic structural masterpieces include Big Ben, London which is a gothic revival masterpiece, symbolizing British governance and culture. It features intricate detailing, a towering height, and a timeless identity. Another one is Prague astronomical clock, Czech Republic, a blend of gothic and baroque architecture, showcasing astronomical dials. Rajabai clock tower in Mumbai showcases venetian gothic style infused with Indian elements. It stands as a symbol of Mumbai’s colonial and cultural heritage.Makkah royal clock tower in Saudi Arabia is a part of the Abraj Al-Bait complex near the Grand Mosque in Mecca.It reflectsIslamic and modern design. It is 601 meters tall, the tallest clock tower globally with four clock faces illuminated with millions of LED lights.These few examples reflect a dedication to blending architectural brilliance with local identity, elevating clock towers to something more than utilitarian structures.
Clock Towers in Kashmir; A Dull Reflection: Lal Chowk Clock Tower, popularly known as Ghanta Gharwas originally built in 1980, underwent redevelopment recently under Srinagar smart city project. It acts as a symbolic city center landmark and an attraction point for visitors, but lacks intricate design or historical context.It should have been a one matching more or less with one of the above mentioned masterpieces such as Big Ben London or Makah Royal tower. Definitely a missed architectural opportunity. In a rat race, almost all districts and many tehsil headquarters in Kashmir got their clock towers and I call it clock tower syndrome that plagued local district and tehsil level administration.
“Clock towers worldwide symbolize cultural pride and architectural ingenuity, those in Kashmir represent missed opportunities. By reimagining these structures with local architecture and cultural motifs, Kashmir could transform its clock towers into symbols of pride and innovation. Until then, they remain unimpressive and functionless relics, standing as reminders of purposeless urban planning.”
Among all known clock towers in Kashmir, the worst one in all dimensions is located in Chadoora town , district Budgam. Its basic element (4 clocks) on four sides are like big wrist watches, thus defeats the very basic purpose of timekeeping. It lacks architectural details and no aesthetic sense is reflecting from this structure. It is a total waste of space and public money. All other clock towers display same story, a Story of missed architectural opportunity. In summary Kashmir’s clock towers, by contrast, are plain and uninspiring, lacking the artistry expected from a region with a rich architectural tradition. Kashmiri architecture is renowned for its khatamband ceilings, papier-mâché work, and stone carvings. None of these elements are incorporated into the clock towers.The towers fail to represent the region’s identity, missing an opportunity to tell a cultural story. In the digital age, public clock towers are largely symbolic. Without visual appeal or historical significance, their purpose becomes redundant. The funds spent on these projects could have been better allocated to more impactful infrastructure or community-driven initiatives. Future clock towers in Kashmir should feature traditional wooden facades, stonework, or motifs inspired by Chinars and karewas.They could integrate eco-friendly elements such as solar-powered lighting during night to reflect modern sensibilities thus serving dual purpose.
Tail Piece: While clock towers worldwide symbolize cultural pride and architectural ingenuity, those in Kashmir represent missed opportunities. By reimagining these structures with local architecture and cultural motifs, Kashmir could transform its clock towers into symbols of pride and innovation. Until then, they remain unimpressive and functionless relics, standing as reminders of purposeless urban planning.
(The author is a teacher at Govt Degree College Khansahib, Budgam. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Dr. Ashraf Zainabi
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