The architectural features adorning historic buildings in Shikarpoor reflect the distinct character of the city's traditional urban fabric. It is likely that similar features prevail in other historic towns of the region, but an absence of detailed documentation and methodical research on other case studies does not allow for them to be established as characteristic features of the region's traditional architecture. Twenty-nine features observed in repeated use on Shikarpoor's historic buildings are identified here as the most significant external architectural elements contributing to the character of the city's built urban fabric. Some of these identified features can be defined using standard architectural terminology (Pevsner 1902-1991; Haris 2009; Ching 2012), but these have a distinct character that differs from the general perception or prior understanding of these architectural elements. Thus, a redefinition is required in accordance with design vocabulary and detailing employed specifically to the examples in Shikarpoor. In addition, some features are identified as unique to this specific context and may not have an equivalent in standard architectural vocabulary. Each of these recurring architectural features of historic buildings are briefly explained here through a range of representative samples and descriptions of their use, frequency, material and/or design characteristics. The objective is to illustrate the variety or derivatives that exist and to develop a useful guide for better identification and interpretation of characteristic features that need to be acknowledged or recognized as important contributing features of Shikarpoor's historic urban fabric and which must be protected against any destruction or vandalism.

Among the 29 identified architectural elements used in Shikarpoor's historic buildings, the most common are the varied decorative forms of window/ventilator openings, cornices and mouldings, timber carved brackets and carved timber doors. As a group, these four features, found in more than 300 historic buildings, represent an extensive variety of designs, detailing and use of materials.

The second tier of elements in terms of their frequency of use includes: balconies; roundels or rosettes; colonnaded or arcaded porticos or verandahs; grills or iron work; openings with fixed latticework panels or openwork masonry (jali); timber pelmets; niches for lamps (diya); decorative parapets; stucco ornamentation, courtyards (sehn) or open spaces; and ornamented ceilings. These features were observed in more than 100 historic buildings.