This thread will keep track of all the news related to Hyderabad Heritage and Heritage Structures! :)

Royal necropolis cries for attention (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article3475235.ece)

Defaced walls, defunct water fountains, and foul-smelling mortuary bath area greet visitors at Qutb Shahi tombs. :bash:

Khaleel Pasha, a resident of Bahadurpura, visited Qutb Shahi tombs on Sunday to spend some quality time with his family. But all his efforts went futile as he was forced to cut short his trip.

“It is one of the prominent historic places in the city and I am disappointed with the way things are being maintained here,” says Mr. Pasha. Except for a few drinking water taps and a couple of toilets, the authorities have failed in providing sufficient amenities to visitors.

This is peak summer and holiday time. Authorities should have provided many cold water kiosks all around the premises. It is a vast area and they cannot make visitors walk long distances to fetch a bottle of drinking water or force them to purchase foodstuffs at the canteen, fumes Mr. Pasha.

No benches

Everyday about 500 people, including those from the districts, visit the place. And on Sundays and holidays, the number more than doubles. The place can do with some facelift, visitors feel.

“Except for the city founder, Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah's tomb, other tombs lack landscaping. All the water fountains have gone defunct and there are no sufficient benches for visitors to sit and relax,” points out Kavitha, an amateur photographer.

People come here from far off places and there is no restaurant.

The only APTDC restaurant offers drinking water, soft drinks and snacks. Visitors are forced to depend on private eateries outside the premises.

Graffiti on walls

The less said the better about the way miscreants have defaced the tomb walls with graffiti. Due to poor maintenance, the area near the mortuary bath emanates foul smell.

About 30 employees, including contract workers, toil here and it is tough to maintain such a big area with limited manpower.

There are over 30 solar streetlights here and all of them have gone defunct since a year.

The magnificent tombs suffered damage when authorities took up restoration work last year.

Iranian government

Efforts are on to seek technical support from the Iranian government.

But nothing has materialised so far. Luckily, the Agha Khan Trust for Culture has come forward to take up conservation and landscape restoration of the tomb complex. :cheers:

One hopes the restoration spurs social, economic and cultural development.

Raymond's tomb languishes in neglect (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article3471433.ece)

Nowadays, testing one's athletic skills is the only way to have a glimpse of Monsieur Raymond's tomb at Asmangadh. Visit any time of the day, this monument jointly maintained by the Tourism and Archaeology Departments would be found inside the locked gates. Visitors often jump over the iron gates or the spiked compound wall to get a better view of the obelisk erected in memory of the most loved French General in Nizam's military during 18{+t}{+h}Century.

Never mind that General Michel Joachim Marie Raymond lent his Indianised name Moosaram to the locality. Never mind that the ammunition factory he set up has become a landmark with the name Gun Foundry. He remains an orphan posthumously, with not even his immediate neighbours aware of the importance of the site. No information about the General is provided for visitors who, if not already aware of its history, will leave clueless about the significance of the place.

The only plaque here with any inscription is the one informing about inauguration of the renovation works in 2009, followed by a list of dignitaries on the occasion. The obelisk has four plaques on all four sides, with nothing inscribed on them. Tree stumps surround the pavilion nearby, indicating the unchecked ravaging of greenery.

The compound wall displays a big hole leading to the adjacent slum Bhoolakshmi Colony from where slum dwellers find their way into the complex for a variety of purposes including defecation, consumption of liquor, and playing cricket. Incidentally the watchman from the same colony who is supposed to guard the structure is always absent along with the key.

Glass pieces and construction debris are strewn all around the other two tombstones, one erected in memory of the General's pets, another for one of his family members. Encroaching into the premises are two temples of varying sizes.

“A month ago, a group of people arrived, chopped off the huge trees inside the compound wall, and carried them away in a truck. When we complained about the large pits they left behind, they returned with construction debris and dumped it in them,” informed a neighbour.

No signage is kept on the main road to indicate the presence of the tomb, though an obscure display is present at the end of the lane leading into the premises.

The very steep approach road is full of pot holes and stones, making it difficult even to walk up.

Nevertheless, the place has visitors, some times foreigners. Unable to find the watchman, they often jump over the gates to have a better view of the tomb, neighbours say. Perhaps the delegates to the ‘Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity' too must prepare their limb joints for the forced exercise :ohno:

The Taj of the South lies in ruins
(http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/article3482190.ece)

A diamond in the dust. That's what it is. The magnificent Paigah Tombs, considered the Taj of south, are in utter ruins. One can notice official apathy and the stamp of neglect all over. :bash:

Be it ornamental pillars, beautiful trellises, roundels on tomb facades or stucco work – everything is in a state of decay.Visitors to the last abode of the Paigah nobles situated beyond the Owaisi Hospital in Santoshnagar are few and far between. Reason - not many know about the existence of the royal necropolis. Even the locals find it difficult to reach this protected monument hidden behind a cluster of houses.

The Paigahs had a yen for aesthetics. They wanted even their mausoleums to be architectural marvels. The tombs decorated in stucco work represent the Asaf Jahi and Rajasthani styles with unique geometrical patterns.

Unfortunately, the authorities seem to lack the creative streak - worse even the desire to protect heritage. How else can one explain the poor upkeep of the main complex where several generations of Paigah nobles, including Nawab Asman Jah, Viqar-ul-Umra and Shams-ul-Umra, lie buried. Even a cursory glance shows the gaping holes in the marble lattices and stucco panels.

In some tomb enclosures half of the jali work is missing. The exquisitely carved wooden doors and panels also show signs of decay.

The Paigah Tombs are a fine blend of marble and lime. But thanks to the vagaries of nature and poor maintenance the lime work is coming apart. A casual touch results in the plaster peeling off.

“There is practically no maintenance,” says the caretaker, Mohd. Rahamatullah.There are no amenities worth the name here – not even water, toilets or a cafeteria for visitors. Thanks to the efforts of Majlis legislator Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, the Paigah Tombs can at least boast of electricity.The Department of Archaeology and Museums has listed the Paigah Tombs among several heritage structures for beautification and illumination in view of the forthcoming biodiversity conference. Conservationists feel the authorities ought to first repair and strengthen the splendid structure which is damaged in several spots. The place can also do with a bit of greenery and a proper approach.

The city has added yet another feather to its cap for being chosen to host the prestigious 11th Conference of Parties to United Nations convention on Bio-Diversity. This is an ideal occasion to showcase our heritage to VIP delegates from 194 countries, participating in the conference. But the monuments shortlisted for the visit of the delegates woefully lack amenities and upkeep. :ohno:

Nizam-era Chest Hospital in ruins (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Nizam-era-Chest-Hospital-in-ruins/articleshow/13750308.cms)

HYDERABAD: Everybody is eagerly awaiting the ensuing monsoon but not the authorities and patients at the AP General and Chest Hospital at Erragadda. Over the last few days, doctors here have been living on tenterhooks fearing that the hospital housed in the over-a-century-old Irranuma Palace might give way because of rain.

The building, though declared unfit for use by the AP Health, Medical Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation, roads and buildings department as well as the GHMC, is still being used due to space crunch despite weak walls and massive leakages in the roof. Currently, around 100 patients are being accommodated on the ground floor and what remains of the first floor of the two-storied structure. The roof of the other half portion on the first floor has collapsed.

Authorities said that the pulmonary department, acute respiratory unit, sterilization, X-ray units and the department dealing with lung problems are functioning from the dilapidated premises. "Fortunately we have been safe all these years but the structure has gone from bad to worse. We have been asking for a separate building for several years now but there is no headway," says a doctor.

Dr P N S Reddy, superintendent, Chest Hospital, said that the government would have to take responsibility for any eventuality. "Due to massive leakages, patients are forced to sleep under the cots whenever it rains. We have no right to play with the lives of patients," says Dr Reddy, who had earlier even put in his papers to protest the poor condition of the hospital, which was not accepted.

Doctors say that the 65-acre premise has vast vacant land and new construction can be taken up without any hassles.

The 740-bed teaching-cum-general hospital and medical college announced by the state government on the premises of the hospital in January 2008 has also hit a roadblock. The TB and Chest Hospital at S R Nagar currently sits on 65 acres, of which only a part is occupied by the hospital buildings and the rest is open space.

For close to two decades now, successive health secretaries and ministers have recommended that the hospital be turned into a general hospital but the plan has remained on paper.

Built nearly a century ago and donated by the VII Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the structure was identified as a heritage building but its recognition is still pending with the heritage committee of the HMDA.

Officials start making arrangements for Bonalu
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3509822.ece)
To ensure smooth conduct of the famous ‘Bonalu' (rangam) festival scheduled to take place at the Sri Ujjaini Mahakali temple on July 8 and July 9, a review meeting to kick-start arrangements for the grand event was conducted here on Saturday.

“This year special care will be taken to barricade in order to avoid stampedes during the celebrations that will attract lakhs of devotees,” said Marri Shashidhar Reddy, Sanathnagar legislator who presided over the meeting. “All other facilities like sanitation, water supply and security will also be arranged well in advance,” he added.

Authorities said that emphasis will be laid on maintaining queues during the two-day Bonalu and that there will be exclusive queues for women carrying the traditional ‘bonam' on their heads. A separate entrance for VIPs has also been planned to avoid hindrance for devotees.

Police officials say that CCTV cameras would be set up around the temple area. “We will ensure round-the-clock security and also set up a 24-hour control room. Focus is also on maintaining queues with special care towards women and children,” said G.P. Vasusena, Assistant Commissioner of Police.

The GHMC officials have assured to attend to the problems of clogged sewerage lines, open manholes and inadequate water supply while the power officials have assured to ensure uninterrupted power supply. A committee of officials of different departments will be formed to ensure coordination among all departments. “All departments should complete the arrangements at least 15 days before Bonalu. And sanctions required for carrying out the works will also be given freely,” said Mr. Reddy.

The 15-day-long Ashada Jathara that culminates into the two-day ‘Bonalu' will begin on June 24 and an elephant procession at 11.30 a.m. on July 8 and July 9 will mark the main festival.

Can someone change the title of this thread to 'Hyderabad Heritage & Heritage Structures'?
So that it would be a place to have both in the same place rather having a separate thread for each....

^^ I'll make a request for it.

Handloom store at Salar Jung
(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Handloom-store-at-Salar-Jung/articleshow/14152589.cms)
HYDERABAD: After New Delhi and Chennai, the Handlooms and Handcrafts Exports Corporation of India has now set foot on Nizami land. The corporation that has a whopping annual turnover of Rs 5,000 crore, on Thursday opened a swank store at Hyderabad's iconic Salar Jung Museum. The inauguration coincided with the 123rd birth anniversary celebrations of Salar Jung III that are currently underway at the museum. The celebrations will continue for a week.

Much like its other two stores, the corporation's outlet in Hyderabad too is expected to have an expansive collection of artefacts- right from Kashmir to Kanyakumari- apart from fabrics and handloom sarees from various Indian towns and art destinations.

"About 30 per cent of the stock will still comprise souvenirs specific of the museum like the veiled Rebecca or the double-figure wood sculpture. We will also have jewellery designed in the Nizami style for sale," said Zakir Hussain, board member of the museum. Spread over an area of 2,500 square feet, the revamped store is expected to net a turnover of as much as Rs 2 crore per annum. "We are confident that the collections will soon soar to Rs 5 crore," Hussain added.

Apart from selling to locals and tourists visiting the historic monument, the corporation will also be exporting its artefacts from the Hyderabad outlet to various overseas markets.

Chowmahalla Palace to house royal library
(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Chowmahalla-Palace-to-house-royal-library/articleshow/14437520.cms)
HYDERABAD: There is hectic activity going on at the Mahtab Mahal of Chowmahalla Palace. Inside the freshly painted gigantic mahal, staffers are busy unloading an array of timeworn books from the huge wooden trunks of the Asaf Jahi period. These books, neglected for over four decades, were recently shifted from the Nazri Bagh and Chiran Palace to Chowmahalla, their new home. Palace officials said that in about two months Mahtab Mahal will transform into a library with a rare and valuable collection of books belonging to the Asaf Jahi Nizams who loved literature and were poets themselves. They said that research scholars will now be able to turn the pages of history, literally.

The huge collection has been pooled in from the three Asaf Jahi palaces including Chowmahalla, Nazri Bagh and Chiran and belongs to the VI Nizam Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, VII Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan and the titular Nizam Mukarram Jah. Manuscripts in Urdu, Arabic, Persian as well as an enviable collection of English books, a chunk of them from the United Kingdom, figure in the collection. Several volumes of Mir Osman Ali Khan's poetry are also a part of the assemblage. Officials said that the books are from all over the globe and that conservation works started about four months ago.

If the official estimates are to go by, there are 5,000-6,000 books covering diverse subjects but a considerable chunk deal with history, art and culture. Several Islamic books are also part of the massive collection.

Till a few months ago, much of the royal furniture adorned the Mahtab Mahal. Through this part of the palace, the conservationists had made an attempt to depict the opulent life of the Nizams.

It had a dining hall, living room, an English and Indian darbar apart from a bedroom. "The mahal has been converted into a library. This royal library is coming up in the palace with rare books dating back to the 16th century. A web directory is also being created," said G Kishan Rao, director, Chowmahalla Palace. Research scholars can make use of the facility, he added.

While there was a large collection of books at Falaknuma Palace as well, it has been converted into the Palace Library, a replica of the one at Windsor Castle, on the same premises.

Even this library at Falaknuma Palace is home to the rarest of manuscripts, books and one of the most acclaimed collections of the Quran in the country, all of which were selected by the Nizam himself.

CEPT to develop heritage management programme for 3 cities (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cept-to-develop-heritage-management-programme-for-3-cities/969271/)

Bagging another project of international reputation, the CEPT University has been awarded the “Demonstration Programme for Heritage Management in Indian Cities”. Implemented by the World Bank at the request of Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, this programme is anchored by the Ministry of Urban Development.

The programme that will cover three pilot cities - Ajmer-Pushkar (Rajasthan), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) - has been taken off this week with the field trips by CEPT team members to these cities. It aims at providing national policy makers including the state governments and urban local bodies with practices, institutional arrangements as well as financial and management incentives that can assist them in incorporating cultural heritage into their overall city development planning framework.

“It was realised that cities are not able to cope up with rapid urbanisation. This has resulted in a major setback to the cities with a heritage legacy. For instance, Pushkar witnesses millions of visitors each year and in the absence of effective planning and measures from the local bodies and the residents, it is not only on the perils of a major devastation, of both culture and environment,” said Prof Saswat Bandhopadhyay from Faculty of Urban Planning at CEPT, who is coordinating the project.

The reason for selecting Ajmer-Pushkar, Varanasi and Hyderabad was the diversity in topography, history and culture of these cities. This one-year programme will be implemented in two phases. Phase one that is already started will test methodologies in these three heritage cities which will be further mainstreamed during phase two.

Mayor inspects heritage sites in Old City
(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Mayor-inspects-heritage-sites-in-Old-City/articleshow/14700508.cms)
HYDERABAD: In a whirlwind tour of the Charminar constituency on Thursday, mayor Mohammed Majid Hussain inspected several historical structures and sought maintenance and modernisation proposals from GHMC officials.

Interacting with locals, public representatives and staff of GHMC South Zone during the inspection, the mayor noted the dismal state of many of the city's notified heritage monuments. At the Khursheed Jah Deodi, he directed the additional commissioner (planning) to prepare a detailed report and proposals for restoration of the Paigah structure. He also directed officials to draw up plans for beautification of the Murgi Chowk Clock Tower and draft proposals for modernization of the Murgi Chowk market.

The officials were asked to place the proposals before the GHMC standing committee for approval.

Charminar to get a facelift
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3624909.ece)
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01139/HY11_P3_CHARMINAR_1139601f.jpg
Hyderabad’s pride is in for a facelift. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is getting ready to give the much needed touch-up to Charminar, which has been plagued by lichen and moss. Very shortly, it plans to take up chemical treatment of the monument marred by automobile fumes.

The chemistry branch of ASI is expected to take up the chemical treatment. The restoration work which has to be done during day time may take couple of months. However, in view of the commencement of Ramzan next month, authorities might defer the refurbishment plans since the area around Charminar becomes busier than a beehive with shoppers.

The once-hoary structure has developed black spots in many places due to automobile pollution. One can see the dark spots on the minarets from the Lad Bazar side. Besides, growth of lichen and moss gives it a bad look. “We will also take up structural conservation,” said R. Krishnaiah, superintending archaeologist, ASI.

Fountain repair

The antique fountain at the base of the monument too needs urgent attention. It has rusted at many places and requires chemical treatment. Right now, it is not functioning as the motor is out of order.

The premier organisation tasked with the protection of the country’s cultural heritage is severely constrained by paucity of funds. The ASI has a budget of just Rs.3 crore to maintain 137 ancient monuments in the State while the requirement is a minimum of Rs.6 crore.

The ASI also plans to provide facilities such as cool drinking water, greenery, proper signage giving brief history of Charminar, which is posed for Unesco’s world heritage site status. One of the four surveillance cameras, which is not functioning now, is also proposed to be repaired.

“The repair job will definitely be completed before the visit of International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) team in September,” Mr. Krishiniah said.

Charminar and Golconda Fort, the two monuments under ASI care in the city, draw tourists mostly during April, May and June.

World Bank-aided heritage project for Hyderabad
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3628593.ece)
The Union Ministry for Urban Development has chosen Hyderabad along with cities such as Varanasi and Ajmer-Pushkar for a World Bank-aided heritage conservation project, informed GHMC Commissioner M.T. Krishna Babu on Wednesday.

Interacting with World Bank representatives and officials, who had drafted the inclusive heritage-based city development strategy at the head office, he said that the municipal corporation has taken up initiatives such as restoration and conservation of Murgi Chowk at Charminar, appointed a consultant for preparation of detailed project reports for restoration of M.J. Market and Mahaboob Mansion, Malakpet.

Cell in GHMC

A heritage cell too was formed with a conservation architect heading it. The Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) should conduct sensitisation programmes for civil engineers and architects on preservation techniques regularly, he said.

The committee could also recommend, through the HMDA, exemption of property tax.

A stake-holders’ meeting has been scheduled on Thursday at the head office on the issue and interested persons are welcome, he said. The Centre for Environmental Planning & Technology’s Saswat Dindyopadhyay informed that two graduate urban planners would be provided to the GHMC for strengthening its heritage cell.

HCC Chairman Rajamani, CEPT University Prof. C.K. Koshi, Additional Commissioner (Planning) K. Dhananjaya Reddy and other senior officials were present.

FTL markings

Earlier, at the standing committee meeting, Mr. Krishna Babu informed that Full Tank Levels (FTL) of all the lakes will be protected by constructing concrete pillars and fencing of government lands.

Pointing out that there were both government and private lands under the FTL at several places, he assured to provide GPRS/GIS survey maps and reports on the lakes to the corporators. Another survey too will be conducted to study the release of effluent water released into stormwater drains.

Action on shops

Mayor Majid Hussain, who presided over the weekly meeting, called for the health and sanitation wing to issue notices and follow it up with action on the shops/business establishments throwing waste into the stormwater drains, including plastic and animal matter.

He also called for preparation of a junction development plan for Shastripuram junction near the National Police Academy (NPA). Responding to another complaint about the quality of tube-light chokes, Additional Commissioner (Electrical) Jayaraj Kennedy was asked to submit a detailed report in the next meeting.

Mr. Kennedy briefed the committee about the estimates prepared for temporarily lighting for Bonalu festival during 2012-13. About 16,498 temporary lights are to be provided at an estimated cost of Rs.45.24 lakh for the festival.

Other proposals

The committee also cleared other proposals such as an indoor sports complex at Moghalpura (Rs.7 cr), swimming pool & basketball court near the Owaisi playground at Golconda (Rs.2 cr), Gowlipura sports complex (Rs.2.45 cr), new road connecting Dabeerpura-Saidabad (Rs.40 lakh), construction of retaining walls over stormwater drains and fencing for lakes in Serilingampally.

Hyderabad Enters Pearl City Networks (http://news.fullhyderabad.com/hyderabad-news/hyderabad-enters-pearl-city-networks-6805.html)

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation commissioner M T Krishna Babu, on Wednesday, said that Hyderabad has been selected by the union ministry for Urban Development for Pearl City Networks, for the India Urban Heritage Demonstration program for Heritage Management". Hyderabad has been selected under the category of "mega cities" with a global character, along with Ajmer, Pushker and Varanasi, which were selected under the categories of cities of cultural and religious significance and hill cities, respectively.

The commissioner said that this project would be a Heritage Conservation Project aided by the World Bank.

Representatives from the World Bank and CEPT University visited GHMC on Wednesday, for the inaugural meeting of "Inclusive Heritage Based City Development Strategy" for Hyderabad city.

Addressing the gathering, the GHMC commissioner said that GHMC had taken up certain initiatives in the recent past for the restoration and conservation of Murgi Chowk at Charminar, and that a consultant has been appointed for the preparation of DPRs for the restoration and conservation of Mozamjahi Market and Mahboob Mansion (Malakpet).

He also said that the GHMC has initiated the strengthening of a heritage cell, and also appointed a conservation architect exclusively for the heritage cell.

The commissioner said that he felt that the Heritage Conservation Committee must conduct a sensitising program for civil engineers and architects, on the preservation of heritage structures at regular intervals.

He also suggested that the HCC recommend, through the HMDA, exemption of property tax for heritage structures.

Speaking on the subject "Inclusive Heritage Based City Development Strategy (IHCDS)", Saswat Dindyopadhyay of CEPT (Centre For Environmental Planning & Technology) University said that the university would provide 2 graduates / urban planners for the strengthening of the GHMC's heritage cell.

Chief city planner V Narender Rao, in his key note address on heritage management initiatives in Hyderabad and the Heritage Conservation Committee, made a presentation on "Heritage Regulations and Initiatives in Hyderabad".

The GHMC commissioner also announced that a meeting of stake-holders would be conducted on Thursday at the GHMC head office, in this regard. (INN)

Monuments are faithful records of their time (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Monuments-are-faithful-records-of-their-time/articleshow/14919853.cms)

"Better the rudest work that tells a story or records a fact, than the richest without the meaning. There should not be a single ornament put upon great civic buildings without some intellectual intention."

- The Seven Lamps of Architecture; John Ruskin (1819-1900)

Hyderabad has been fortunate to have a legacy of architectural excellence which is manifest in examples of its monuments. Most serve as an undisputable record of the times that they were constructed in. Unfortunately, contemporary architectural trends have produced almost nothing that stimulates either the mind or the senses. Even so, quite a few convoluted renditions in stone and brick executed in the recent past assume importance as they bear testimony to the erosion of intellectual intent. These often ghastly specimens of monumental disaster, faithfully record the idiosyncrasies of individuals who assumed power during different periods of history leaving indelible marks on the cityscape for posterity.

The grandeur commonly associated with Qutub Shahi architecture reveals quite a few traits of the individual sultan or noble who created a particular monument. It is thus interesting to note that the Toli mosque, arguably the most exquisite example of stucco decoration in the city, was the creation of a grandee and surpasses in beauty any other construction of the period. Interestingly Musa Khan Mahaldar, the renowned defender of Golconda during the first Mughal siege of 1656, was the builder of both the Mecca Masjid and the Toli Mosque. However even a cursory evaluation of the two reveals the differing dynamics in design, construction and embellishment. Unable to match the scale and proportions of the Mecca Masjid, Musa Khan resorted to profuse stucco decoration in his own mosque ensuring that it was comparable to the one commissioned by the king. The Toli mosque is undoubtedly a lasting record to the artistic caliber and ingenuity of this famed architect of Hyderabad. Similarly, if not overwhelmed by the seemingly 'immediately apparent splendour', even a layman rates Chowmahalla as being aesthetically far superior to the Falaknuma Palace. Not surprising as experts of European architecture have never acknowledged the latter as anything better than "a Victorian nightmare".

The change of guard at Hyderabad following merger brought about a major change in architectural dynamics with nondescript buildings reflecting the mood of the times. The abhorrence towards inherited styles amongst the changed order is amply evident in the 'piece de resistance' of this era; the Ravindra Bharati auditorium. The fact that its architect was the redoubtable Fayyazuddin, who had trained and worked under stalwarts like Jasper and Esch, underscores the degree of oppression which the city's population was subject to in that traumatic phase in its history. One can imagine the effort made by the architect in turning his back to numerous magnificent monumental edifices in the vicinity, to come up with a design which bore not a single feature which could suggest continuity. Even so, the end result serves as an ornament reflecting intellectual intent, albeit flawed, as it faithfully records for posterity the socio-political climate of the times when it was constructed.

The next phase of hectic activity in the field of architecture coincided with the coming to power of the Telugu Desam party. Championing linguistic and regional cultural chauvinism, this harbinger of disaster for Hyderabad brought about rapid change, sweeping aside the last vestiges of a syncretic culture which had been lovingly nurtured over centuries. With calculated precision, a new identity was thrust upon the city, clearly sending out the message of a complete break from the past. When confronted with an outcry, these self-proclaimed patrons of the arts attempted token reconciliation. The inherent animosity however, resulted in the commissioning of outrageous monuments and sculptures. One such monument depicted a scrawny avian clinging precariously to a cannonball; supposedly an artistic rendition of Iqbal's famed couplet reminding the mighty eagle of his true home amidst the rocky peaks. Nahi tera nasheman qasr-e sultani ki gumbad par / Tu shaheen hai basera kar pahadon ki chatanon mein (Thy abode is not the dome of a palace / You are an eagle and must dwell amidst the rocky peaks).

No wonder the message, intended and implied, failed to evict the desired result. The denizens remained unmoved and stayed rooted, refusing to fly away and desert their beloved city!

The idea that progress demands a distancing from the past has unfortunately gained acceptance in the country in the recent past. Hyderabad with its rapidly increasing population is on an expansion spree and the ready willingness to sacrifice inherited architectural identity at the altar of modernization is fast gaining momentum. In this scenario it becomes imperative to safeguard all evidences of culture, irrespective of architectural or artistic merit. For monuments like the Ravindra Bharati and Iqbal Minar tell tragic stories and record unpleasant facts.

‘Telangana Aata Pata’ proposed during Ganesh fete
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3675749.ece)

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01153/vbk-24rs-Telangana_1153891e.jpg
Ganesh festivities in the city this year are likely to take a political hue with Telangana Joint Action Committee (T-JAC) appealing to mandapam organisers to conduct ‘Telangana Aata Pata’ programmes at least for one day during the eleven-day festivities.

“This would aid in propagating the Telangana culture and history, besides supporting the movement,” said TJAC chairman M. Kodandaram here on Monday.

Speaking at the Ganesh Utsav Samiti’s office inauguration event, Mr. Kodandaram also said the TJAC would provide necessary assistance in organising the ‘Aata Pata’ programmes. Meanwhile, the Utsav Samiti has demanded that the government provide free power to mandapams during the festivities in Greater Hyderabad area. Utsav Samiti general secretary Bhagavanth Rao claimed that the festival organisers need only to intimate the police about setting up a pandal and that there was no need to take police permission. He asked the organisers to inform the Samiti if the police insisted on taking permissions. For the convenience of pandal organisers, coordination committees were formed in all the municipal divisions.

A special meeting would be organised with coordination committees and pandal representatives at Nizam College grounds in September first week to discuss the restrictions imposed by police. Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy would be invited for the meeting, said Dr. Rao. There are plans to invite social worker and religious preacher Sadhvi Rithambara as chief guest for the shobha yatra on the immersion day. Utsav Samiti president, G. Raghava Reddy and others spoke on the occasion.

World heritage status sought for three historic sites in AP
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3675768.ece)

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01153/HY24CHARMINAR_1153374g.jpg
Andhra Pradesh government files papers for such a status to Charminar, Golkonda and Qutb Shahi tombs

The State government has filed papers through the Union Government for declaring Charminar, Golkonda and Qutb Shahi Tombs as World Heritage sites by UNESCO, GHMC Commissioner M.T. Krishna Babu said on Monday.

A selection committee of UNESCO had inspected these historic sites and had suggested removal of encroachments and unauthorised constructions near them as these were obstructing the view. The panel had also suggested uniform signages at Pathergatti near Charminar, he said.

Cost sharing

The municipal corporation was ready to bear 50 per cent of the cost with the rest being borne by the shop owners, he informed Tourism Commissioner Rajath Kumar when they met at the head office to discuss implementation of the suggestions made by the committee, an official spokesman said.

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A joint inspection of municipal and tourism officials will be taken up. The APCPDCL will be involved in shifting of transformers, electric lines and cables near the monuments.

Landscaping will also be taken up near the tombs for presenting a better façade, he added.

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Shaikpet inn facelift halts midway
(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Shaikpet-inn-facelift-halts-midway/articleshow/15152040.cms)
HYDERABAD: The restoration of the Shaikpet Sarai, one of the oldest structures on the margins of Golconda Fort, has hit a financial roadblock. Sanctioned under the 12th Finance Commission, the restoration began early last year and was scheduled for completion three months ago, but non-payments of bills to the contractor has stalled the work.

The historical structure comprising the sarai (place for temporary resting) with 30 rooms and stables for horses and camels was built during Ibrahim Qutub Shah's time (1515-1580) for travellers. A mosque was built on the premises later.

City historian and expert on Islamic architecture M A Qayoom shares that the complex was constructed on the Golconda-Bidar road (which later came to be known as Bombay Highway) on 3.5 acres of land to provide shelter to travellers who came to Golconda but could not enter the walled city for various reasons.

"The sarai is located close to Banjari Darwaza of the fort. Travellers, who reached Golconda after the gates had closed in the evening, were accommodated in the sarai. It was a double-storied structure with stables for animals to rest for a night or two," he said. He added that it continued to serve travellers and traders even when Shaikpet turned into a bustling village.

Beside the mosque is the grave of a venerated noble whose exact identity is not known but is simply referred to as "Sheik". Qayoom said that the place was named after the noble. Currently the monument is under the aegis of the department of archeology and museums.

Decades of neglect led to the deterioration of the Qutub Shahi monument, especially the mosque where part of one of the minarets collapsed. The archeology department had taken up restoration works in 2006 but the entire complex was not covered then owing to shortage of funds. Under the 12th Finance Commission, the department sanctioned Rs 1.27 crore in 2010 for restoration works, gardening, illumination and solar fencing. The work commenced in 2011.

The restoration was earlier scheduled to be completed in one year but a five month extension was sought by the contractor which will end in two months. The roads and buildings (R&B) department has been entrusted with the responsibility of restoring the structure.

Following completion of works, the tourism department plans to open the monument to public and integrate it into the Golconda precinct now comprising the fort and the Qutub Shahi Tombs. According to official sources, 60 per cent of the restoration has been completed but works have not been going on for three months now owing to non-payment of bills to the contractor.

Archeology department officials say that as the funds were allocated under the 12th Finance Commission whose term has come to an end, the state finance department sought the archeology department's remarks on the funds utilized so far for restoration. The archeology department is awaiting inputs from the R&B as the latter handles the bills of the contractor.

An official in the R&B department maintained that there was no shortage of funds but the amount allocated is under reevaluation. The procedure is expected to be completed this week, he said.

Makeover for Charminar, Golconda, Qutubshahi
(http://www.thehansindia.info/News/Article.asp?category=5&subCategory=1&ContentId=75725)

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The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is leaving no stone unturned to make Charminar, Golkonda and Qutubshahi structures enter the list of the “World Heritage sites” of the prestigious UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).

To implement the recommendations made by UNESCO selection committee, which earlier visited these sites, Commissioner MT Krishna Babu accompanied by Tourism Commissioner Dr Rajath Kumar and other government officials inspected these areas on Wednesday.UNESCO Selection Committee gave suggestions like removal of encroachments and unauthorized constructions, which are obstructing the view of the monuments, shifting of transformers and cables from the sites etc.

It may be recalled that the Government of Andhra Pradesh, through Government of India, had filed nominations for declaration of these structures as World Heritage sites by the United Nations body.
Following this, the Commissioner suggested removal of encroachments and unauthorized constructions near these sites.

He directed the Central Power Distribution Company (APCPDCL) officials to shift the transformers, electrical lines and non-functional electrical poles near them, which would give an attractive look to the visitors.

Although it is the duty of the State Archeology department to look after and safeguard these monuments, paucity of funds has been a major problem, which is why the civic body has taken the onus upon itself, Krishna Babu said. The Corporation would coordinate with various departments and cooperate with them for maintenance of these historical sites, he added.

The civic body would do its bit to uplift the face value of these structures so that they could get World Heritage site status by UNESCO, he added.

Pedestrian Project work after Ramzan
GHMC Commissioner MT Krishna Babu on Tuesday stated that the works for Charminar Pedestrain Project (CPP) would be taken up after the conclusion of Ramzan festival. “We are determined to complete the project very soon so that traffic problem would be addressed and also facilitate easy shopping for tourists visiting the heritage site,” he told a batch of shopkeepers who brought the delay of works to his notice during his visit to Charminar on Tuesday.

The Charminar Pedestrian Project, estimated to cost Rs 300 crore, envisages making four roads at the spot totally pedestrian-friendly and diverting the heavy vehicular traffic on alternate routes.

Will Golconda or Charminar ever get UNESCO World Heritage tag?

Hyderabad: Will Golconda or Charminar ever figure in UNESCO’s World Heritage list? Going by the present state of affairs, it can safely be presumed that nothing of the sort will happen in the next few years. Experts from UNESCO’s International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) are set to visit the city in September for a final inspection of the Qtub Shahi heritage — Golconda, Charminar and Qtub Shahi tombs — before preparing the World Heritage list for 2013. If officials of the departments concerned make a concerted effort to spruce up the monuments by then, there’s a chance of them figuring in the list.
The newly-formed high-level special heritage committee is scheduled to meet on July 30 and GHMC officials claim, “All major decisions would be taken soon and completed before September.” However, the task ahead is simply too much, it seems. The Charminar Pedestrianisation Project, which has been going on for years, is yet to be finished. This even after the GHMC has reportedly shelled out crores! The pending works are expected to be resumed after Ramzan by August-end. In other words, officials will have just a few days to complete it before the UNESCO team’s visit.
As the State Archaeology department faces shortage of funds, the GHMC has come forward to sponsor a major part of the face-lifting of the Qutb Shabi tombs, which is maintained by the department. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) which takes care of the Charminar and Golconda, officials admit, is awaiting allotment of funds from its Director General for carrying out major works, including the proposed subterrain underground toilets near the Charminar.

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As if this is not enough, a senior GHMC official on condition of anonymity revealed, “We are also trying to make a study of conservation activities in other heritage cities like Jaipur, to chalk out a standard specification rate (SSR) ahead of calling tenders.” He said that the state’s SSR prepared by the Roads and Buildings department is not suitable for conservation of monuments.
All major decisions would be taken at the first high level special heritage committee meeting on July 30. There doesn’t seem to be any urgency among the departments concerned. Dr R Krishnaiah, superintending archaeologist, told City Express, “Keeping the urgency in mind, certain works like improvement of pathways, painting of fence, introduction of surveillance cameras etc are underway. But major conservation works including chemical cleaning and restoration of monuments, providing public convenience at Charminar etc would be taken up only after the allocation of funds from the Director General, ASI.”
State Archeology department on the other hand, has been working out an MOU with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), which had earlier visited the city to chalk out a programme for documentation, laying of gardens, conservation of monuments, civic amenities and involving local community under public-private partnership mode. “They are visiting us next month, and we are discussing the possibilities,” said a senior official with the State Archaeology department.
In a recent inspection of these monuments by GHMC, APCPDCL, ASI and State Archaeology department, suggestions including adoption of uniform signage for all shops around the monuments after removing hoardings and flexies, shifting of transformers, underground cabling, demolishing of dilapidated buildings, etc have been proposed. Reducing the height of buildings, mainly unauthorised buildings in the neighbourhood that block the skyline of the monuments, is also in the pipeline.
AP has never made it to the World Heritage List of UNESCO. For the year 2013, the State has recommended the Qutub Shahi heritage - Golconda Fort, Charminar and Qutb Shahi Tombs for the list.

Shrines in heritage structures could spike Unesco tag hopes
(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Shrines-in-heritage-structures-could-spike-Unesco-tag-hopes/articleshow/15262518.cms)
HYDERABAD: Officials of the tourism department, ASI and GHMC have begun to take necessary steps to ensure that the city bags the coveted Unesco World Heritage tag for its Qutub Shahi monuments.

The Agha Khan Trust is expected to carry out works at the Qutub Shahi Tombs in collaboration with the state archeology department while the officials of GHMC and ASI are implementing suggestions laid down by an ASI sub-committee which visited the heritage structures in May this year.

The Qutub Shahi monuments of Hyderabad--the Golconda fort, Qutub Shahi Tombs and the Charminar are on the tentative world heritage sites list of Unesco's committee. The operational guidelines of the World Heritage Convention lays down ten selection criteria, in addition to emphasising on protection, management, authenticity and integrity of the sites. The convention mandates that the sites should be of outstanding universal value and fulfil at least one of the ten criteria. The website of the committee lists Hyderabad's Qutub Shahi monuments on the tentative lists and provides justification for fulfilment of four of the listed criteria.

What could prove a stumbling block for the officials is the presence of religious structures at Charminar which have grown in size and prominence in recent years. Officials say that the thought of removing structures have put them in a piquant situation.

According to sources in the archeology department and ASI, officials have postponed discussions on the issue until after Ramzan. When officials of ASI sub-committee inspected the monuments, a discussion was arranged between the committee members of the religious structures and the experts. It is learnt however that the discussion did not yield anything. Letters were also sent from the ASI to the committee officials but to no avail.

A senior official in ASI on condition of anonymity admitted that it was a sensitive situation and warrants circumspection. "The 2010 amendment to the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act has made it clear that there cannot be any encroachments within 300 meters of monuments. But we cannot anticipate what the Unesco committee will make out of it. These religious structures have been here for decades now. Their existence itself is less of a worry compared to the proportion they have obtained in recent times. But in order to address this issue we need cooperation of the politicians and district officials as this is a prestigious matter," he said. The officials are hoping that the reading of the convention by the Unesco committee would allow for some leverage.

‘Restoration’ of heritage sites on


HYDERABAD: In a much belated action, GHMC officials along with officials from the tourism department and the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday began cracking the whip on illegal construction activity around heritage monuments in the city. In a little more than a month's time the Unesco team is slated to visit the city to inspect various sites for awarding them the coveted World Heritage tag.

The crackdown began with the demolition of three floors of an under construction ground plus five (G+5) building in Diamond Hills Colony near the Qutub Shahi Tombs. Officials of the GHMC said that they have identified 13 such structures constructed in violation of the rules around the royal necropolis.

Sources from the GHMC pointed out that according to the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, there cannot be any structures within 300 metres of a heritage site. They added that building stipulations pertaining to the area restrict construction activity to ground plus two (G+2) only and that the building being demolished had violated both the building rules. Mohiuddin, city planner, Central Zone said, "We have given notices to all the 13 new structures which have come up near the Qutub Shahi Tombs. Of the 13, two or three are already occupied by residents. We will demolish the top three floors of the building as it violates building rules and regulations. Further, it is within 200 metres of the boundary wall of the tombs and was the most glaring encroachment among the 13 buildings."

More... (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Restoration-of-heritage-sites-on/articleshow/15286091.cms)

Heritage-cum-cultural complex to adorn 12th century city shrine
(http://www.thehansindia.info/News/Article.asp?category=5&subCategory=1&ContentId=77041)
A grand heritage-cum-cultural complex is coming up around the swayambhu 12th century Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple on Road No 12 in Banjara Hills. It is believed that Lord Sri Narasimha Swamy, after killing Hiranyakasipu, halted here.

What is unique about the shrine is that the self-manifest idols of the Lord and his consort are in a standing posture on a boulder. The Lord, in this very rare form, is said to be very generous to His devotees and grants all their wishes without fail. Lord Shiva as Panchajanyeshvara also manifested in the same temple complex.

Previously the temple was being maintained by authorities of the Yadagirigutta Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. Some time back, the maintenance of the shrine was handed over to the Hare Krishna Movement - Hyderabad (affiliate of ISKCON Bangalore) by the State Endowments Department. The walls of the 12th century temple are dilapidated. The shrine has an altar and the Hare Krishna Movement has carried out minor renovation of the temple for smooth worship and rituals like timely naivedyas.

The Hare Krishna Movement plans to not only refurbish the temple, but also build a grand heritage and cultural complex to propagate the glory of the Lord.Its plans include construction of grand Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Sri Srinivasa Govinda Temple, Sri Radha Krishna Temple, Bhagavad Gita Lecture Hall, Sri Narasimha Lila Kalashetra (open-air theater), Nitya Annadanam Hall, Yajna mandap, Goshala etc on this site.

It is one of the biggest projects of the Hare Krishna Movement in Andhra Pradesh.The new temple complex will also have facilities for children’s cultural activities, youth programmes, Krishna kalakshetra, agriculture and cow protection, bhakti yoga and vedic literature.

“The temple land is around 4.3 acres and the upcoming temple will have an iconic cultural complex. We will promote our culture and heritage here. The plans are ready and we will start construction soon,” says Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa, president of the Hare Krishna Movement-Hyderabad.

Currently, the members of the Hare Krishna Movement feed visitors free food under the Nitya Annadanam programme. The visitors are mainly from the nearby government school as well as daily-wage labourers engaged in the vicinity. Nearly 150 people eat on the temple premises daily. The shrine also conducts festivals and satsangs every Sunday.

“Srila Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON, had a vision to feed anybody who is hungry within a 10-mile radius of a temple. Taking this input, we have started Nitya Annadanam programme in the temple,” says Ravi Lochana, member of the Hare Krishna Movement-Hyderabad.

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Face-lift for Golconda Fort
(http://www.thehansindia.info/News/Article.asp?category=5&subCategory=1&ContentId=77978)
Nine other monuments in ASI list for promotion of tourism



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New Delhi: The Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, along with nine other Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) monuments, has been adopted as part of the Union Tourism Ministry’s Campaign Clean India. The Tourism Ministry has facilitated the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) and the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management to adopt the monument.

According to an official of the Tourism Ministry, the government is looking for an India that impacts a visitor and a tourist monument is the first interface, to begin with, for cleanliness and hygiene. Conversely, lack of, or inadequate personal and environmental cleanliness, will have a pull down impact on the image India, the worst hit being on the tourism sector, where the first impression of a visitor is often his last.

According to the Union Tourism Ministry, cleanliness and proper hygiene are universally regarded as indispensable existential norms. The Ministry of Tourism will engage the Quality Council of India (QCI) for an independent and objective evaluation of the state of cleanliness specific to each monument chosen for adoption. The QCI will classify the improvement over the adoption period as average, good, very good and excellent. Based on the QCI classification, the Ministry will extend awards with citation to the adopters.

Apart from Golkonda Fort in Hyderabad, the other monuments are: Sé Cathedral of Santa Catarina and St Francis Assisi Church Complex in Goa; Gwalior Fort in Gwalior; Buddhist Caves in Kanheri in Maharashtra; Megalithic Bridge on Um-Nyakaneth in Meghalya; Red Fort in Delhi; Temples in Bhubneshwar, Bhatinda Fort in Bhatinda in Punjab; Mamallapuram Group of Monuments in Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu; and Imam Bara of Asaf-ud-Daula in Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

In furtherance of the Campaign Clean India, the Tourism Ministry has launched a scheme for Awareness for Cleanliness through Facilitators, i.e., NGOs/Schools/Colleges and Adopters (PSUs), Corporates, Industry etc, specific to certain selected tourist destinations. The scheme will enable schools and non-profit organisations, namely the registered societies, trusts and clubs of repute, to adopt, voluntarily, certain indicated destinations.

The scheme also provides for a dispensation to regulate each adoption. The one important aspect of the scheme is that it necessitate an assessment of performance by an independent agency namely Quality Council of India. Their assessment will also be the basis for awards to the better performing schools, NGOs and adopters.

More Hyderabad monuments may vie for world heritage tag
(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/More-Hyderabad-monuments-may-vie-for-world-heritage-tag/articleshow/15367681.cms)
HYDERABAD: After Charminar, Golconda Fort and Qutub Shahi Tombs, two more city monuments, Badeshahi Ashoor Khana and Paigah Tombs, may soon be in the race for Unesco's list of world heritage sites.

Officials of Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (Intach) Hyderabad said they are planning to propose names of the two monuments at the South Zone consultative workshop for revision of the tentative list for potential world heritage sites across the country to be held in Chennai on August 10. Talking about these structures, Intach representatives said, "Both these places are very unique and in our view deserve to be considered for the world heritage tag. We will definitely push for the inclusion of these sites from the city in the tentative list at the workshop."

Located near Charminar, Badeshahi Ashoor Khana is popular among archeology experts for its intricate enamel tile work while Paigah Tombs at Santosh Nagar are noted for their stucco work. Both these structures have been in the spotlight for quite some time after activists started organising walks and visits to save heritage sites in the area from being damaged during the metro corridor construction. Including them in the list would ensure their conservation, said Intach officials.

The event, which is the fourth in a series of six zonal level workshops, will cover Andhra Pradesh along with Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Lakshadweep and will be attended by representatives of state governments, Archeological Survey of India (ASI), heritage conservation experts, NGOs and other professional/institutional bodies from the region. The results will be presented at the South Asia regional workshop in Delhi to be held in October. The final recommendations from the workshops will be used to prepare the revised tentative list for India by the end of the year and the final nominees will be presented before the Unesco panel to be declared as world heritage sites.

Apart from these two monuments, officials said they would also propose the inclusion of the Kakatiya monuments in Warangal in the list. Discussions on which other sites could be proposed for inclusion are in progress and Intach representatives said more monuments are likely to be added.

How the Nizam lost Hyderabad in 1948



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Hyderabad, the largest princely state at the time of Indian independence was caught in a confusing web, partly of its own making. Bred on the delusion of born to rule, always protected by the British and egged on by Razakars, a volunteer militia, the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was pitching for independent sovereign state. Often susceptible to wrong advice, the Nizam took the “dispute” of Hyderabad’s future to the U.N Security Council even while preposterously considering the option of merging Hyderabad with newly carved out Pakistan. On the other hand, India was furiously pursuing Hyderabad to join the Indian Union adopting a carrot and stick policy authored by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel.

Patel was gearing up to launch a military operation euphemistically called Police Action. Congress, Arya Samajis and Communists were running freedom movements both for the liberation of Hyderabad from Nizam’s rule and an end to feudalism. The period preceding the liberation of Hyderabad State on September 17, 1948, a full 13 months after Indian independence, was turbulent to say the least. In his memoir, Mohammed Hyder, brings alive all these aspects lucidly weaving facts of history with his own annotations based on interactions with some of the most powerful state and non-state actors of the time who shaped the destiny of Hyderabad.

Using to full effect his situation as man at ground zero during that critical transition period, the Hyderabad Civil Service officer comes up with a balanced narrative shorn off exaggerations. As Collector of Osmanabad, (now part of Maharashtra) a large politically sensitive border district of Hyderabad State he had several unenviable tasks. The most challenging was tackling “violent raids” by the Congress from Indian territory “to cripple civil administration and provoke annexation” and reining-in the armed Razakars, floated by Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen who took upon themselves the task of protecting Muslims and the Muslim rule.

The book is actually an edited version of Hyder’s tenure in Osmanabad written by him in jail in July and August of 1949. He was in jail after the new Hyderabad Government suspended and arrested him and slapped 23 cases including 14 murders, arson and loot — an ordeal undergone by several officers of the time.

The Hyderabad question, he observes, had become a major unresolved issue at the beginning of 1947, no less worrying than Kashmir. In a dispassionate dissection of the unfolding situation, he presents the causes, the differing perceptions and perspectives of the turmoil and the Nizam’s as well as the Muslims’ dilemma. At the level popular politics there was one overwhelming fact, he explains: “Hyderabad was predominantly Hindu with Muslims representing some 20 per cent of the population. From one perspective its political arrangements were self evidently undemocratic, with an autocratic Muslim ruler at the head of the system and a small, apparently reactionary Muslim ruling class dominating its administration and political life”.

Expectedly he finds a contrasting perception inside the ruling system: “Hyderabad was viewed as a state blessed with a remarkably secular outlook, enjoying communal harmony, with a benign ruler concerned with the advancement of the poor and the protection of the oppressed; an excellent administration … and an eclectic ruling elite …”

TURNING POINT

Probing political and social processes, the author considers the huge demonstration in Hyderabad city by Razakars led by Majlis leader, Syed Qasim Razvi in October 1947 against the administration’s decision to sign “Standstill Agreement” as a “turning point”. The agreement between Hyderabad and the Indian Union spoke of maintaining status quo on the status of the princely state pending accession.

It was this demonstration in front of the houses of the Prime Minister, Nawab of Chattari, advisor, Sir Walter Monckton and Minister, Nawab Ali Nawaz Jung, the main negotiators, the author says, forced them to call off their Delhi visit to sign the agreement. It was treated as “a triumph for Qasim Razvi over the rule, the Government and the people of Hyderabad” and perceived as “October coup”.

In a chapter devoted to Razvi and his phenomenal rise from a small time lawyer in Lathur to a larger than life Majlis leader, Hyder lays threadbare his persona and philosophy, based on a marathon conversation. Questions he posed and the responses he got provide insights into Razvi, often reviled by a section as the man who sowed the seeds of communal divide in Hyderabad with his infamous mission. How could a Muslim minority headed by a Muslim ruler, continue to dominate a vast and politically conscious Hindu majority in Hyderabad? To Hyder’s query, Razvi’s responses were sharp: “The Nizams have ruled Hyderabad for over two hundred years in unbroken line ... The system must have some good in it if it has lasted two hundred years. Do you agree? ... We Muslims rule because we are more fit to rule ... We rule and they [Hindus] own! It is a good arrangement and they know it!” How could Hyderabad avoid accession to the Indian Union? Could India accept the disintegration that might result if Hyderabad stayed out? Razvi shot back, “India is a geographic notion. Hyderabad is a political reality. Are we prepared to sacrifice the reality of Hyderabad for the idea of India?” Hyder says Razvi foresaw a time when Muslims would once again become rulers of India and the Nizam, ruler of Delhi, if only he followed his advice!

Hyder says he was not really impressed and recalls how he came back from the meeting frustrated rather than inspired. For him it seemed “absurd and frightening that this little man could make his position of mastery over Hyderabad”. He concedes that the views Razvi shared certainly existed in Hyderabad Muslim society then, though representing its lowest common denominator.

In the later chapters, Hyder moves on to his own struggle as Collector, his long legal battle with the new Government that took over after the merger of Hyderabad with a series of documentation that makes reading a bit heavy and taxing.

He concludes by highlighting the fallacy of interpreting Hyderabad’s status and its confrontation with India during 1947-48 from the Indian lens of aspirations of nationalist movement, totally ignoring the concerns of a smaller State being hustled into accession. He goes on to compare Indian perspective and Hyderabad’s dilemma to Thucydides’ narrative of the capitulation of the people of the small island of Melos by the mighty Athens. For those craving to know more about Hyderabad’s not so recent history of merger, this is the book.

OCTOBER COUP: — A Memoir of the Struggle for Hyderabad: Mohammed Hyder; Roli Books Pvt. Ltd., M-75, Greater Kailash II Market, New Delhi-110048. Rs. 295.

Source: The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/arts/books/article3765710.ece)

HMR told to address issues of heritage structures
(http://www.thehansindia.info/News/Article.asp?category=5&subCategory=1&ContentId=80086)
Hyderabad: In a matter concerning heritage structures, a division bench of the AP High Court comprising acting Chief Justice P C Ghose and Justice Vilas Afzalpurkar on Monday directed the authorities of the Metro Rail Project to look into the issues raised by the Heritage Conservation Committee regarding implementation of the Metro Rail with respect to heritage structures and precincts in Hyderabad.

Dealing with a writ petition filed by a former IAS officer and Deccan Heritage activist V K Bawa, the bench also directed the GHMC to look into the matter. The petitioner alleged that the government and the GHMC had failed to take proper precautions in protecting heritage structures like the Assembly building, the Clock Tower, Mozamzahi Market, Charminar, etc., where the metro railway projects were being undertaken.

The petitioner said that the association, of which he is a member, had already brought to the notice of the government the lapses in works undertaken to protect the heritage structures. The bench disposing the petition directed the concerned authorities to address the issues raised by the Heritage Conservation in protecting the heritage structures.

GHMC submits report on excavations at Golconda
(http://www.thehansindia.info/News/Article.asp?category=5&subCategory=1&ContentId=80084)
Hyderabad: A division bench of the AP High Court comprising acting Chief Justice P C Ghose and Justice Vilas Afzalpurkar on Monday took on file the observations made by GHMC Commissioner.

Dealing with a writ petition filed by Jasween Jairath, the bench had directed the Commissioner to submit a detailed report regarding the excavation work going on at protected monuments near Nayaquilla area of the Golconda Fort without proper clearance certificate from the Archaeological Survey of India.

In the report submitted to the bench, the Commissioner said that though the work at one spot was taking place with the permission of the GHMC, there was another spot where the excavation process was going on using a GHMC Board illegally.

The Commissioner in his report said that a police complaint was lodged with the Golconda police station. Taking the report on file, the bench directed the Police Commissioner of Hyderabad to submit a report within three weeks.

Naya Qila: GHMC covers its tracks well in court
(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Naya-Qila-GHMC-covers-its-tracks-well-in-court/articleshow/15509283.cms)
HYDERABAD: Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation's (GHMC) deposition on the controversial Naya Qila digging activity before the high court on Monday threw up some interesting facts. A quick scan of the civic body's inspection report, tabled in court, reveals that the Archeological Survey of India (ASI-Hyderabad), which has been feigning complete ignorance to these developments so far, was well aware of the illegal excavation work being carried out by the Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA) on the heritage property premises since August 1. It even issued a show-cause notice to the A-listers club on August 6 directing it to stop the work with immediate effect. Curiously, however, ASI officials made no declaration of this during the August 9 meeting held at GHMC commissioner M T Krishna Babu's office. The meet was specially convened to discuss the digging work and was attended by representatives of GHMC, ASI, HGA and the civil society.

On August 2, when TOI contacted R Krishnaiah, superintending archeologist of ASI, he had refused to comment on the matter and maintained: "We have no knowledge of what is happening there."

Krishnaiah's reaction has drawn strong criticism from heritage activists who allege that ASI is trying to protect the elite club and even assisting it in encroaching upon the heritage precinct. "It is bad enough that ASI woke up four days after the work took off. The fact that its action remained only on paper and officials tried to conceal this information, raises further questions on ASI's involvement in the case," said activist Jasveen Jairath. Monday's court hearing was in response to the writ petition filed by Jairath complaining about the digging work at Naya Qila.

Though GHMC painted a responsible picture before the HC bench by submitting documents proving that it had lodged a police complaint against 'some people' who were misusing the GHMC board to carry out excavation work at the heritage site, it refrained from explicitly naming HGA in it. This, despite it being aware of the digging work being overseen by a HGA-hired contractor.

Predictably, activists allege that the municipal body too is party to this government-HGA nexus. What seems to fuel their doubt is the date of the police complaint, August 9. "The meeting with the GHMC commissioner was held the same morning where officials of the department said they were planning to approach the police. The complaint looks like a hurried job done by the GHMC to defend itself in court," stated activists in their Naya Qila report submitted with the GHMC, ASI, collector (Hyderabad) and AP tourism department on August 13.

The report even questions the role of the Golconda police in safeguarding the interests of the elite club.

While the personnel deployed at the site on August 2 claimed that they were pressed into service by GHMC to avoid disruption in the digging work, just a week later, station house officer Md Waheeduddin admitted to have sent his team following a request from HGA.

He, however, tried to play down the issue. "Actually even we had heard of some groups planning to protest there. The police was sent to avoid any untoward incident," Waheeduddin had said.

Last-minute action in Hyderabad for National Commission for UNESCO (http://www.indienaktuell.de/magazin/last-minute-aktion-in-hyderabad-fuer-unesco-kommission-25748/)

In a belated attempt but plenty of action from 22 July 2012, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the Ministry of Tourism of the State of Andhra Pradesh and the Archaeological Society Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to prevent illegal construction activities around the important cultural sites in the city. Reason for the frantic action is the visit of the UNESCO team in September, will visit Hyderabad to various cultural sites may honor with the title "World Cultural Heritage".
To meet this state, a three-storey building shell and five buildings in the Diamond Hills Colony near the Qutub Shahi grave installations were demolished. A total of 13 buildings were built too close to the vast cultural site. The minimum distance is 300 m.
The city planners Mohiuddin said: "We have all 13 owners of new buildings, the Qutub Shahi Tombs were informed too close. Two or three of the buildings are already occupied. Some buildings will be demolished at the top three floors, because they violate the building codes here. "When in September the UNESCO team comes to town, are all illegal buildings be removed. The residents complained and believe that buildings should have been prevented from the outset. Also, an official of the city, the name would not be called surprising, is: "The builders should have been punished, as was unloaded sand or other building material at construction sites. That would have saved both sides in big trouble and financial losses. "
Even a client is most upset about the procedure: ". Without warning, I was on a Saturday a letter in which I was asked within 24 hours, the top three floors to demolish my building," he turned more to the minister Maheedhar Reddy (minister for municipal administration and urban development) and asked for support. On the following Monday but already started the demolition.
Such cosmetic surgery help at the last minute of cultural heritage sites of India is determined not to the recognition and attention they deserve. The leaders - from the highest down to the small local authorities - should be the heritage treasure at last, India has to realize, and more fundamentally to do more for the preservation of the building. One can only hope that the UNESCO team is appeased and awards during her visit to the World Heritage Site status, because as soon as such a distinction was made profitable, even in India on the legacy of past days, a little better given night.

Marathon to cover Hyderabad heritage sites on September 23 (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Marathon-to-cover-Hyderabad-heritage-sites-on-September-23/articleshow/15550739.cms)

HYDERABAD: AP Tourism and Hyderabad 10K Run Foundation will hold the second edition of 'Hyderabad Heritage Marathon', which will take runners through the heritage sites of the city, on September 23. The marathon will be held as part of World Tourism Week. While the marathon will have runners who will cover 42.195 km, the half-marathon will be 21.152 km long. The run will start at Chowmahalla Palace and end at the Qutub Shahi Tombs. The run is measured and accredited by the Association of International Marathons and Road Races and is aimed at creating awareness about distance running, fitness and the need to preserve and promote Hyderabad's rich heritage.

The event will cover heritage locations such as Charminar, Mecca Masjid, HC, Osmania Hospital, Mozamjahi Market, Public Gardens, AP Legislative Assembly, Ravindra Bharathi, Hussainsagar, Secretariat, Taramati Baradari and Golconda Fort.

Hyderabad: Taj Falaknuma worth 10 million pounds (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/taj-falaknuma-worth-10-million/284699-60-121.html)

Hyderabad:
The Taj Falaknuma Palace, which opened in November 2010, was recently visited by the British art business and fine art’s auction house, Christie’s. The palace, which was home to the sixth Nizam Mehboob Ali Pasha and later used by his son, was originally built by the Nawab’s brother-in-law and Prime Minister Amir-e-Paigah Sir Vicar Ul Umra.
Having gone beyond his affordable means in building a grandiose living quarters, the minister was indirectly bailed out of his predicament with the Nawab buying the palace.
The interiors boast of muriels, 16 types of wood including Mahogany, teak and Indonesian wood, 18 types of marble, a 10-foot tall music organ (one of the four of its kind to exist), gold-rimmed lamps and wall fixtures like picture frames, furniture, oriental hand-crafted closets, paintings of the English royal family and the Nawab themselves, cutlery, manuscripts and first edition books and stained-glass paintings, to name a few.
Said Girish Sehgal, general manager to the hotel, “The valuation was a conservative appraisal of the premises in terms of paintings, furniture, cutlery, manuscripts, ivory, pottery, glass and so on. With some of the items costing upwards of £450,000, an estimate of the palace is around £10 million. The auction house had also recently brought a publication on the palace.” The hotel-palace houses three heritage rooms in the main building along with 60 other rooms in the annexe.
The main building also houses the lavish jade room, considered to be one of the most unique collections in the world. Also among the noteworthy is the 100 plus one seater dining table, carved from rosewood.
The ceilings boast of Venetian chandeliers that match the ceiling fans.
Among other things, the Falaknuma was the first residential palace to have electricity.

Forgotten, ignored crumbling (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/node/152682)

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It has been estimated that in the next decade, Hyderabad will stand and watch as some of its finest architecture just disappears — into a cloud of bureaucracy, bad management and downright ignorance. According to historians, Hyderabad has one of the highest number of old and architecturally-important structures after Delhi and Pune. Veda Kumar, heritage conservationist who headed a project to survey the city’s old structures two years ago, remembers some details.

“We surveyed the area under GHMC and discovered more than 1,400 really old structures. Out of which, 1,000 structures should qualify as heritage buildings or they will be lost forever. The process to get them listed is still on.” Fourteen hundred structures? That’s a number higher than some European towns. But what did that survey achieve?

“It is ironic, but Mumbai which is 200 years old, already has 650 structures under protection whereas our 400-year-old city has managed only 137-150 so far,” explains heritage conservationist Sajjad Shahid. Veda Kumar has more dismal statistics. “We have two structures under Archeological Survey of India and around 150 heritage buildings listed by HMDA, 60 per cent of which are government-owned. And some 40 monuments are under the control of Department of Archaeology and Museums.” And, at the heart of this absolute irreverence for our archeological legacy is also the real estate market.

P. Anuradha Reddy, convenor of Hyderabad chapter of Intach (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), points out. “All the buildings and palaces built by the kings were on huge chunks of land, each one had a big garden inside or outside. Now that they lie abandoned and government hasn’t claimed them, they are prone to the greed of land-grabbers. And encroachment is just the first step towards it.”

But how did we allow the situation to get this way? Why are our monuments now facing a very modern-day threat of land sharks and encroachment? In one words — ignorance. “Bengaluru was once the Garden City. But people forgot and now, they’re calling it the IT city or something like that. All gardens lost and now, you walk the stretch of MG Road, there’s not even a place to sit,” says historian Mohd. Safiullah. Hyderabad then, certainly is no different.

Six rare, dying structures
1 Kohe Kona: Built by Ibrahim Qutb Shah in 1560 - even before Hyderabad. It was meant to be a city. Today, it’s just a ghost town.

2 Mushk Mahal: Built in 1679 by Miyam Mushk, this building and was meant for ‘entertainment’. It has no windows or doors.

3 Dar-ul-Shifa: Located behind the Salar Jung Museum, it was the first hospital/teaching institute in medieval India, built by Quli Qutb Shah in 1595. Today, it has a private school running inside it.

4 Tipu’s lookout: Commander Tipu’s observation tower located near Khairatabad. Today, its facing a threat from commercial construction and an apartment building.

5 Jilukhana: Located at Laad bazaar and built in the 1700s, it was the entrance to Chowmallah Palace. Now, only an arch remains.

6 Deodi-iqbal-ud-Doula: A complex that was constructed by Vicar-ul-Umra, who also built the Falaknuma Palace. It was built so that the royal family could watch processions.

A monumental marathon! (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/node/152680)

The upcoming 10k Run in Hyderabad will be a unique blend of heritage and stamina. Uma Chigurupati, board member of the Hyderabad 10k Run Foundation and head of the Marathon Committee, announced the annual 10k Run and Half Marathon for next month. “For the first time, tourism and the marathon will come together. The second edition of the Hyderabad Heritage Marathon will be held en route from Chowmahalla Palace to Qutb Shahi Tombs,” she said.

Having run seven marathons in seven continents in seven months, Uma also has tips for training. “The minimum training period for a marathon is six weeks, nothing less. Since I’m part of the organising committee this time, I recommend that participants undergo some kind of training before entering the competition” Her designer daughter Priyanka will also run the marathon. The previous chairperson of the marathon, Pinky Reddy, is full of encouragement. “Uma is a marathon runner herself. So, I feel the 10k committee is in good hands. She know how exactly a marathon works.” This marathon is open for professional and amateur runners, with certificates to be awarded after completion.

Start: Chowmahalla Palace
Finish: Qutb Shahi Tombs
To register: Log on to hyderabadheritagemarathon.com or contact, 040 – 64646003
Registration fee: Rs 750
On Route Arrangements: Water, electrolytes, light snacks, medical aid. Also, kilometre markings will be provided

Asaf Jahi scion does his bit to save heritage (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3838901.ece)

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I want to create awareness about the need for protecting the heritage structures so that the city could get heritage status, says Azmath Ali Khan

A stroke here and a dab there and the finial (kalas) appears. Gradually the ornamental dome below emerges.

Unmindful of the crowd leaning over him, Sahebzada Azmath Ali Khan draws the rectangular arched arcade housing the tombs of the Asaf Jahi rulers in the Mecca Masjid courtyard.

It is on-the-spot sketching at its best. The great grandson of Nawab Mir Akbar Ali Khan Sikandar Jah, popularly known as Nizam III, is on a mission to save the city’s heritage.

And the medium he has chosen is to sketch the well-known monuments sitting in public places to draw the attention of passersby.

Creating awareness

On Wednesday, Mr. Khan commenced the campaign from the Mecca Masjid after offering floral tributes to his ancestors. During the next few days he will sketch Chowmahalla palace, City College, old MCH office at Darushifa, Purani Haveli yellow gate, Paigah Palace, Sultan Bazar, Gunpark and Husain Shah Wali Dargah.

“I want to create awareness about the need for protecting the heritage structures so that the city could get heritage status,” says Mr. Khan who works at the Vaishnavi School of Planning and Architecture, Madhapur.

Prolific sketcher

He uses pen, pencil, charcoal, brush, oil pastel and waste prints to depict historical, archaeological monuments and other buildings all over the world. Having held 39 exhibitions in different countries, Mr. Khan is back in Hyderabad to portray the Dakhni, Telugu Islamic art and architecture.

Anuradha Reddy, INTACH convener, Hyderabad chapter and Bhaskar Rao, curator, Nizam Museum, appreciated the efforts being made by Mr. Khan to safeguard the city heritage.

Metro boost for city heritage (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/hyderabad/metro-boost-city-heritage-238)

Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd is seeking to allay fears that the Rs 16,375-crore mass transport project will destroy the heritage of the city. Promising to make the project heritage-friendly, HMRL said it will partly sponsor the renovation of heritage buildings which are now in a state of neglect. To start with, the HMRL is spending nearly Rs 2 crore on reviving the historic Moazzam Jahi Market building.

The GHMC has hired an expert heritage conservation architect to prepare a detailed project report on renovating the MJ market. Hyderabad Metro Rail’s managing director N.V.S. Reddy told this newspaper that HMRL will give an equivalent amount to any organisation that invests in the restoration of heritage structures. “In fact, we will also hand over Nampally Sarai if any organisation wants to restore it. Nampally Sarai was declared dilapidated by JNTU experts. The only condition is that the organisation doing the renovation of heritage buildings should hire reputed heritage architects,” he said.

He said the metro rail will run 50-500 ft away from heritage structures and will not touch the compound walls of heritage properties. But heritage experts are not convinced by these assurances. They say that while they have no objection to the metro rail authority spending money on reviving the lost beauty of heritage buildings, the metro rail should run underground for some distance where heritage sites are located. “We are not against the metro rail, but the skyline is important. Though the metro may not run through any notified heritage structure, its elevated pillars and platform will block the view of heritage structures,” points out Omim Debara, a heritage conservation activist.

Intach city convener P. Anuradha Reddy said, “We are not satisfied with the HMRL explanation. The HMRL should give a detailed presentation to the Heritage Conservation Committee on the height and distance restrictions being followed regarding heritage buildings, including structures of religious significance, on all the three metro rail corridors.”

Unesco panel to inspect monuments on September 25, 26
(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Unesco-panel-to-inspect-monuments-on-September-25-26/articleshow/16090013.cms)
HYDERABAD: The much awaited inspection of the city's prime Qutub Shahi monuments for the coveted world heritage tag will take place on September 25 and 26. The team from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos), the advisory body to Unesco's World Heritage Committee will be in the city to inspect Charminar, Golconda Fort and Qutub Shahi Tombs for inclusion in the list of world heritage sites of 2013.

While officials are unaware about the composition of the team, it has been learnt that an architectural expert from Iran will be part of the team. As per the schedule drawn up, the team along with ASI officials will visit Golconda Fort and Qutub Shahi Tombs on September 25 and Charminar on September 26.

The announcement of the dates has infused haste into last minute preparations. The world heritage tag will secure Unesco funds for the monuments and is expected give a boost to tourism in the city.

Pending works include removal of rank vegetation, repairing pathways, and repairing lampposts at Qutub Shahi Tombs by the state archeology department. At the Charminar, ASI officials are planning to carry out minor repair works to stucco and floral patterns that line the upper half of the monument. There is also a proposal for chemical wash of the monument but it may not take place before the arrival of the team.

While state archeology department officials are confident of handling beautification tasks on time, they have thrown up their hands when it comes to encroachments. "It is impossible to remove squatters in such a short amount of time. We fear that we may not be able to meet the expectations of Icomos panel," said one official.

Religious structures at Charminar are amongst the insurmountable problems. ASI's efforts to get the managements of the religious institutions to the talking table have not worked. Sources say that even the cops are unwilling to make a move on the sensitive issue keeping in mind the festival season.

Many constructions within the Golconda have come up violating the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains (AM and ASR) Act which lays down that no constructions or encroachments should exist within 300 meters of a protected structure. The GHMC recently demolished some parts of a four-storey building near Qutub Shahi Tombs but ten more buildings are yet to be demolished.

Mecca Masjid cistern in for repairs
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3857340.ece)


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The huge cistern at Mecca Masjid is in for repairs. The mosque authorities have emptied it as it has developed major cracks resulting in the speedy depletion of water. The cistern is used by people for ablutions before offering ‘namaz’.

During Ramzan the fast depletion of water created problems for worshippers. “Therefore, we have decided to repair it properly,” said Khaja Nayeemuddin, superintendent, Mecca Masjid.

The cistern got damaged in the bomb blast at the mosque in 2007.

Ever since the water was seeping out but of late the cracks widened causing water to deplete quickly. Last Friday the cistern was completely emptied and the tiles removed to plug the leaks.

Who will walk heritage talk? (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/who-will-walk-heritage-talk/289151-60-121.html)

With just a fortnight to go for the visit of experts from the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) for a final inspection of the Golconda Fort, Charminar and the Qutb Shahi Tombs, it appears that this time too, the Qutb Shahi heritage may not make it to the Unesco’s World Heritage list for the year 2013.
Authorities concerned have dropped all their grandiose plans to make the monuments ready for final assessment by the international team. Instead, they are now focusing on ad hoc measures to somehow make an impression and be done with the process. Officials at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) here in Hyderabad cited shortage of time as a reason for not going ahead with the chemical restoration of Charminar. “The congested nature of the Charminar area, lack of time and due to other practical problems, we could only do minor restoration work,” said a senior official with ASI on condition of anonymity.
The ASI had even proposed a sub-terrain toilet similar to the one at the Golconda Fort near Charminar. However, now, the same ASI claims it is neither feasible nor required. “There is an existing toilet near Charminar and that is being restored with the help of the GHMC,” said Dr R Krishnaiah, superintending archaeologist, ASI.
To make the cut for the Unesco’s heritage list, the monument shouldn’t have any encroachments around. Officials were supposed to remove all the encroachments near the Charminar ahead of the experts’ visit. It couldn’t be done but after protracted negotiations, a face-saving formula has been worked out. Krishnaiah said people associated with the temple and the dargah near the monument had extended cooperation for the inspection. “As a result of discussions, they have agreed to remove all the flags, hoardings, syntax water tanks etc during the inspection period,” he said.
Similarly, uniform signage for shops and other works near the Charminar were supposed to start after Ramzan but nothing has begun till date. The much-publicised Charminar Pedestrianisation Project supposed to start by August-end hasn’t moved an inch.
When contacted, Dr P Gayatri, Director of State Archaeology, said, “the department is working out an MoU with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture for development of Qutb Shahi gardens at the tombs and we will start laying of Qutb Shahi garden after the experts’ visit.” Representatives of the trust had earlier visited the city to chalk out a programme for documentation, laying of gardens, conservation of monuments, civic amenities and involving the local community under public-private partnership mode.
Convenor of the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage, an NGO, P Anuradha Reddy, felt it was better to do what could be done at the moment and try to persuade the experts about future plans. “This inspection will be the last chance to satisfy them and get our heritage inscribed in the list for 2013,” she pointed out, adding, “dossiers for 2014 are already being prepared. So, if we miss out this time, we will always stand a chance some other time but not next,” she added.

Heritage Marathon: Hyderabad to run into its past (http://www.firstpost.com/sports/heritage-marathon-hyderabad-to-run-into-its-past-448285.html)

Heritage walks, move over. Because it is time to run. On September 23, it will be a date with Hyderabad’s heritage for over 800 runners. The over 400-year-old history of the city will be covered as part of a 42.195 km long marathon.

What makes the Hyderabad heritage marathon special is that it is the only one of its kind in India. Its first edition attracted 800 runners, 60 of them foreigners. There were a significant number of amateurs interested in exploring the past on the move as well.

With a prize money of one lakh rupees each to the Indian winner and the foreign participant winner, Hyderabad Heritage Marathon promises to be a calender event.
This year too, before the crack of dawn at 5 am, when most of Hyderabad will be asleep, the marathon will start from the Chowmohalla Palace, one of the finest palaces built by the Nizam of Hyderabad and end at the Qutab Shahi tombs around noon. Enroute will be monuments that define Hyderabad – the Charminar, Mecca Masjid, City College, High court, Moazzamjahi market, Assembly building and Golconda Fort.
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Heritage tag may elude Charminar (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Heritage-tag-may-elude-Charminar/articleshow/16317381.cms)

HYDERABAD: Officials from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) had made tall claims in July that restoration of Charminar would be complete before the Unesco delegation comes for inspection on September 26. Two months later, the Charminar and its precinct still cut a sorry picture with precious little being done to make it at least appear presentable to the delegation.

Officials from the ASI admitted that layers of lichen and moss still persisted and that the planned chemical cleaning of the structure would happen only after the visit of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (Icomos). Clearly, the purpose is lost.

Lack of coordination between ASI, GHMC and traffic police is said to be the reason for delay. Officials at ASI said that the Icomos delegates were 'unhappy with the environs of monuments' and pointed out necessary work which needed to be undertaken. An official requesting anonymity said, "On account of heavy vehicular traffic it will take more than a month to set up scaffolding for the chemical cleaning. The delay is due to the fact that the scaffolding will cover a large portion of the road."

Though the chilla and the Bhagyalakshmi temple authorities have agreed to move water tanks from the premises for the visit, heritage activists noted that this was not a permanent solution. R Krishnaiah, superintending archeologist, ASI said, "Temple authorities have agreed to move water tanks from Charminar for the visit and have asked us to provide an alternative. Further, there are a lot of flags of religious significance at both structures. The matter is delicate and needs to be dealt carefully."

According to Krishnaiah, the committee had suggested changes in signage, fencing and removal of cables. "Painting of the fence has been done along with cleaning of the old fountain. The signage will take around ten days to be installed and cables will be removed shortly. We still need cooperation from GHMC and government authorities. Perhaps this is the last chance to make it to the list," he said while maintaining that the Charminar was in a 'good state of preservation.'

Heritage activists rued that the Charminar complex was incomplete without the inclusion of the four kamaans, all of which are in deplorable condition and that the Sahr-e-Baatil kamaan to the west of Gulzar Houz was crumbling. "The roads are clogged as a result of Charminar Pedestrianisation Project. The bollards and unevenly divided roads are compounding the damage. There is very little hope that Charminar would make it to the final list," said an activist.

Chowmahalla Palace being spruced up for CoP-11
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3884383.ece)


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Chowmahalla Palace, one of the greatest legacies of the Nizams, is getting ready to floor the delegates coming for the next month’s biodiversity conference. Hectic work is on to give a much needed facelift to the palace which has suffered damage in the recent rain.

The magnificent monument, which bagged the UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit award for cultural heritage preservation, is showing signs of wear and tear. The heavy downpour last month and underground seepage has chipped away the ornamental work in the picturesque Darbar Hall where the coronation of the 5, 6 and 7 Nizam took place.

However, without losing time Princess Esra, the Turkish born first wife of Mukarram Jah, has requisitioned the services of experts in the field of heritage restoration to repair the damage. Brick and Stones, a Bangalore-based organisation, comprising former employees of the Archaeological Survey of India and Intach, has been roped in to fix the damage.

About a dozen workers can be seen doing the delicate job of restoring the ornamental design on the base of the huge columns in the Darbar Hall. The decorative plaster work is being done using the paste of lime, sand, jaggery and egg.


An oven is set up at the rear of the palace to prepare the lime-sand paste. After a coat of this special material is applied, carving is done to bring back the intricate patterns. “It is a laborious job and takes four to five days to restore a column,” says Anil Kumar, civil engineer overseeing the restoration work. The grey marble finish will be given once the whole thing is restored, it is said. There are 30 columns in the Darbar Hall and at least 20 of them require repair. The restoration work involves reconstruction of the collapsed sections of the palace complex, restoration of external and internal spaces besides decorative elements and finishes.

The 50 feet parapet wall at the entrance of the Darbar Hall which fell recently has been repaired. So is the armoury gallery. However, repair work in the photo gallery and people and places gallery is on. These galleries are out of bound for the visitors temporarily. “The restoration work will be over by September end,” said Kishan Rao, director, Chowmahalla Palace.

The magnificent palace along with Charminar and Mecca Masjid is expected to be a big draw with the CoP delegates.

Road reopens after three years
(http://www.thehansindia.info/News/Article.asp?category=5&subCategory=1&ContentId=86174)


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At last, the Kushai-guda - Moulali road was re-opened late on Sunday for traffic. The road with the 200-year-old ‘Moulali Kaman’ was partially blocked all these days, due to restoration work on the heritage structure. Two short walls had been constructed to restrict traffic. A suit was filed in the court to protect the heritage monument.

As per the court’s orders, the authorities took up renovation work and the traffic was curbed. The state archeological department swung into action and spent nearly Rs 12 lakh for the repair works. It was felt that the vibrations caused by the traffic would damage the historical construction. So, the Roads and Building Department constructed two short walls across the Kaman to restrict the traffic. For three years the commuters had been facing problems due to the renovation work.

The road was not opened even after completion of the works. Some people moved the court and on the orders of the court the officials made arrangements so that the Kaman is not affected. They spent Rs 2 lakh to fix iron grills on the pillars of the Kaman.

The walls were demolished on Sunday. Traffic has been restored on this route. The local people are requesting the authorities to make way for buses and ambulances by removing the iron girders.

Nice, hope buses are restarted on this route

The Deccan is losing its history (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/all-rounders/deccan-losing-its-history-325)

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“The city has lost so much of its past,” said best-selling author and historian William Dalrymple as he inaugurated the Centre of Deccan Studies at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University on Tuesday. Dalrymple, who was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural lecture on The Syncretic Civilisation of the Deccan, expressed his sadness over today’s Hyderabad.

“I was here during the ’90s when I was researching for my book White Mughals, but now I get lost when I come here. Hyderabad’s rate of conservation is the worst. Over years, beautiful buildings have been destroyed, art collections have been lost and natural fabric has been damaged. Raymond’s Tomb was bouldered, Moula Ali’s has been encroached upon,” he said during his interaction with the press. “Little has been done in the last 20 years while destruction has been ongoing. A big conservation needs to be done,” he added.

Talking about the Centre for Deccan studies, he said, “It’s absurd there’s not been a centre for Deccan Studies anywhere before. People here go on to study engineering and commerce but don’t know the history and literature of this part of the world.” On the controversial existence of the dancer Bhagmati, the love of Hyderabad founder Quli Qutub Shah’s life, in the history of Hyderabad, he didn’t take the bait, saying that he wasn’t qualified to answer that. “I am aware of the controversy, but I have never studied that period. All I can say is that one should not ignore the oral traditions. If this was to be looked as a case in the court, then one would take the word of the eyewitness over the people who have heard things weeks after,” he said.

On the Hyderabad Literature Festival, the co-founder of the Jaipur Lit Festival said, “I have not been to the lit fest so I don’t know how terrible or good it is, but three elements need to be kept in mind: there has to be 2/3 desi to 1/3 incomers (ratio), more nationalities need to be involved, raising sponsorship. What could be a USP is that the directors of the Jaipur fest are writers themselves. We are hunting in our own forests.”

Dalrymple’s next, The Return Of A King, which tells the story of a Anglo-Mughal, will be out in December.

Run for heritage (http://postnoon.com/2012/09/13/run-for-heritage/72616)

Want to run and tour the City’s monuments at the same time? The Hyderabad Heritage Marathon on September 23 offers you the opportunity to do so. The 42km full marathon starts at Chowmahalla Palace and passes by Charminar, City College, High Court, Moazzam Jahi Market, Assembly, Taramati Baradari, Gandipet Lake, Golconda Fort and ends at the Qutub Shahi Tombs. The 21km half marathon route is the same but won’t touch Taramati Baradari and Gandipet Lake.

After your run you get a certificate with your time. Registrations are done online on www.hyderabadheritagemarathon.com. On September 22, runners will be given kits which comprise a T-shirt, timing chip, a map and serial number. Registrations end Sept 15.

Light plays with dark (http://www.thehindu.com/arts/article3892385.ece)

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An exhibition of photographs by Pulak Halder highlights the architecture of the city

The architecture of the old buildings and structures of Hyderabad leaves everyone breathless and the effect of the same was so much deep in Pulak Haldar, that the nature photographer clicked enough in a span of two years to hold an exhibition and name it ‘Trace the Heritage’. Pulak’s 35 frames which are being shown at ICCR Art Gallery at Ravindra Bharathi, Saifabad is a play of light and dark. Captured mostly in black and white, some of the frames have been touched to give the positive negative effect and the outlines highlighted to bring out the architectural beauty. So what forced a photographer with a passion for nature click the monuments around the twin cities? “When you are surrounded with such beautiful structures and architecture it can hardly go un-noticed. I have spent more than eight years in the city and each time I visit the old city I discover some beauty in the architecture of the minarets and the dewdis,” says Pulak.

Pulak thought it would be apt to hold his exhibition now as the city was recently awarded with title of The Best Heritage City in the Country -2012. The photographer’s aim, he says is to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the city. And while doing so with his lens, he sketched the magnificent architecture. The idea he says is also to open a new type of architecture photography to capture the images of architecture as a modern visual.

As Pulak clicked with Nikon D100 using lenses like 18-35mm, 24-85mm and 70-400mm he has also kept in mind the surroundings. Instead of isolating a structure, he has clicked them as he views them — sometimes in the backdrop of moon-lit sky and sometimes against a rickety branch. At the first glance his frames look like they are decorated with string lights during a festival. “I have filtered some images and highlighted them using Photoshop,” says Pulak.

An amateur photographer, Pulak works for DRDO and he says he stole time from work and completed his frames.

“Working with my frames is like listening to music. It calms me down,” he says. Other noteworthy works of Pulak from his earlier collection include Macro images on barks of trees which he titled Nature’s Paintings. The exhibition ends on September 18.

‘Revive planning body to save heritage’ (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Revive-planning-body-to-save-heritage/articleshow/16426942.cms)

HYDERABAD: Heritage activists have started lobbying for the reconstitution of the AP Urban Arts Commission (APUAC), a now defunct body, which would have a say in urban planning in the context of conservation of historical sites so that age-old precincts remain undisturbed by urban development projects such as the metro rail.

Drawing parallels with cities such as Delhi, social activist M Mandal has written to the chief secretary stating that Andhra Pradesh should also have a commission such as the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) which has the powers to approve, reject or modify proposals and to 'promote and secure the development and redevelopment of areas within its jurisdiction'.

Heritage activists said it was the DUAC which recommended guidelines for the Delhi Metro Rail project such as laying underground tracks near sites of historical importance like Chandni Chowk and the Qutub Minar. Citing Bangalore as another example, activists said it was only due to the recommendations of the Urban Arts Commission in Bangalore that the lush green Cubbon Park was saved as the metro originally intended to cut through the park. Plans were later altered for the metro to go around the park.

If revived, the APUAC would have a key role in planning with respect to heritage conservation. "Its role is to ensure that the aesthetic character of city is maintained. Members of APUAC would make recommendations to the government on matters pertaining to planning, restoration, conservation of urban design and environment. Further, it has within its powers to recommend financial assistance for conservation," Mandal said.

Heritage Conservation Committee member Sajjad Shahid said the APUAC would ensure sequential development of the city so that the architecture across the city is coherent. "The UAC will comprise a panel of experts on art, culture, architecture and engineering with a proven track record who will decide how the city would look by setting guidelines for planning. Currently, it is impossible to say what style of architecture the city employs. Designs of buildings are not in sync with its character. Since Hyderabad too has an undeniable but crumbling heritage character, it is imperative that the state has an Urban Arts Commission to preserve its aesthetic value like Delhi and Bangalore," he said.

Heritage conservationists and activists said that the Andhra Pradesh Urban Areas Development Act of 1975 provides for an art commission to advise the government on restoration and conservation of architectural and artistic buildings. "The APUAC will ensure that no city in the state will fall prey to the whims and fancies of bureaucrats and politicians who have already made a mess of Hyderabad by constructing metro tracks just about anywhere and erecting statues at any crossroads," said an activist.

Hyderabad: Heritage Run on World Tourism Week from September 22 (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/hyderabad-heritage-run-on-world-tourism-week-from-sep-22/293139-62-131.html)

Hyderabad: The Tourism department has decided to celebrate the World Tourism Day and tourism week from September 21 to 27. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, special chief secretary (tourism department) Chandana Khan said that several activities have been lined up for the celebration. The Sculpture Park at Shilparamam will be inaugurated by the tourism minister Vatti Vasantha Kumar. On Setember 22, the minister will also release books on biodiversity of Nallamalai and Araku at the Indira Priyadarshini Hall in Public Gardens at 11 am. On the same day, the Suranjali Foundation will organise a music programme.
A Run for heritage sites will be fagged off on September 22 from Chowmohallah palace and will culminate at Quli Qutub Shahi Tombs covering major monuments like Charmanir, High Court, Osmania Hospital, Taramati Baradari and Golconda. Governor ESL Narasimhan will present prizes at Quli Shahi Tombs at 8 am.
A food festival will also be conducted at major five star hotels in the twin cities for a week. The Tourism department will organise a vintage car rally wherein heritage vehicles will be displayed on September 26 from 11 am.

Hyderabad gears up for a run through history (http://postnoon.com/2012/09/21/hyderabad-gears-up-for-a-run-through-history/74621)

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The Hyderabad Heritage Marathon on September 23, 2012 is truly a run back through history. From Chowmahalla Palace it starts and ends at the Qutub Shahi Tombs and when you finish, it will have been a crash course in all that the great city stands for. This is the route map of the full marathon.

Chowmahalla Palace or Chowmahallat (four palaces) was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and was the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. In Persian, Chahar means four and in Arabic Mahalat (plural of Mahal) means places, hence the name Chowmahallat — four places, or four palaces. All ceremonial functions and receptions for the governor-general were done at this palace. This architectural gem is said to have been modelled on the Shah of Iran’s palace in Tehran.

Mention Hyderabad to anyone from other states. Without exception, only one image comes to their minds: Charminar. On the east bank of River Musi stands tall this stately building. Charminar (four towers) was built on the orders of Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty in 1591 AD to commemorate the elimination of a plague epidemic from this city.

On the south bank of the River Musi stands one of the finest buildings in the City built in red and white stones in Saracenic style. The High Court building’s plan was drawn by Shankar Lal of Jaipur which was materialised by Mehar Ali Fazil, from the City itself. The construction started on April 15, 1915 and was completed on March 31, 1919. On April 20,1920 the High Court building was inaugurated by Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan.

The fruit market of Hyderabad was built in 1935 during the reign of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. It was named after his second son Moazzam Jah. There are shops around here where you get excellent dil khush and fruit biscuits.

Bagh-e-Aam, more famous as Public Gardens, is a historic park located in the heart of the City of Hyderabad. Bagh-e-Aam means People’s Park. Public Gardens is home to some major landmarks in Hyderabad like the AP Legislative Assembly, Jubilee Hall, AP State Archaeology Museum, Indira Priyadarshini Auditorium, and the Potti Sriramulu Telugu University.

Taramati Baradari was a sarai (a caravan station for traders and travellers) as part of Ibrahim Bagh, a Persian style garden built during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah, the second Sultan of Golconda. The Baradari was constructed on the banks of the Musi river. The tourism department attributes the name to the reign of the Seventh Sultan of Golconda, Abdullah Qutb Shah who as an ode to his favourite courtesan, Taramati, is said to have named the sarai Taramati Baradari.

Osmansagar, or the Gandipet Lake, was named thus after the Mir Osman Ali Khan. It is an artificial lake created by damming the Musi River in 1920, for providing drinking water source for Hyderabad, and also saving the city from floods, on the lines of which Hyderabad suffered in 1908. A princely guest house called Sagar Mahal, overlooking the lake, now a heritage building, the summer resort of the last Nizam, offers the best view of the lake.

Golconda was the capital of ancient Kingdom of Golconda (1518–1687). The most important builder of Golconda was Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah Wali, the fourth Qutub king of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. Everyone knows this trivia about the fort: the perfect acoustical system by which a hand clap sounded at the fort’s main gates, the grand portico, can be heard at the top of the citadel, situated on a 300-foot (91 m)-high granite hill.

The tombs of the seven Qutub Shahi rulers in the Ibrahim Bagh are located close to the Golconda Fort. The galleries of the smaller tombs are of a single storey while the larger ones are two storied. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces now remain. The mausoleums of the Sultans of Golconda are great feats of architecture that have stood the test of time.

HMR adopts three heritage structures (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/hmr-adopts-three-heritage-structures/article3931439.ece)

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The Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) Limited has announced the adoption of three important heritage structures of the capital - Paigah Tombs, MJ Market and the State Archeological Museum.

These heritage structures are to be restored to their past glory and in the process, contribute to the government’s efforts to promote Hyderabad as an important heritage tourist destination, said Special Chief Secretary (Tourism & Culture) Chandana Khan and HMR Managing Director N.V.S. Reddy on Sunday.

They were participating in the prize distribution ceremony of the Hyderabad Heritage Marathon Run. The Speaker of the A.P. Legislative Assembly, Nadendla Manohar, who presided over the function and distributed prizes to the winners, stated that the city had immense potential to serve as an important heritage tourist destination.

BUILDING AN IMAGE

Hence, the government organisations and the corporates should work together to enhance and propagate the brand image of Hyderabad as a heritage city, he said.

He complimented HMR for adopting these three important heritage structures and advised Mr. Reddy to engage good conservation architects for their restoration. “We made an open offer to fund the heritage structures restoration works long ago but we did not get any response. So, we decided to do it ourselves,” said Mr. Reddy.

City knocks down heritage (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/hyderabad/city-knocks-down-heritage-348)

It is as if all the authorities and safeguards to protect heritage structures simply don’t exist. Structures deemed to be of heritage value are frequently demolished by private developers without No Objection Certificates from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority or clearance from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. The HMDA’s Heritage Committee said that Devdi Mehdi Nawaj Jung, a large site stretching across 4,000 yards in Banjara Hills, notified in 2010, was partially demolished by a private developer in the same year without permission from the concerned authorities. However, the state government has not permitted any construction on the site.

Another heritage structure, the Krishna Reddy Building, located near the Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital in Mehdipatnam, which was notified as a heritage structure in 2006, was illegally demolished by a private land owner. “There are many such incidents in recent times where private owners demolish notified sites for commercial purposes without permission, especially in the old city area. We constantly receive calls from NGOs and others about illegal activities and forward the case to the GHMC as it falls under their jurisdiction,” said an official from HMDA Heritage Committee.

GHMC city planner Srinivas said there’s no negligence on the part of the GHMC. “When such cases are reported, it is immediately attended to. We stop the demolishing work and send a letter to the state government, following which the government will issue a G.O and prevent further constructions at the site,” he said. The HMDA has recently identified 15 new sites, including St Sebastian’s Church, Regimental Bazaar and Vivel Vardhani School, Jambagh (Koti) and sent the list to the government for final notification.

Students cycle and celebrate Gandhi Jayanthi (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/students-cycle-and-celebrate-gandhi-jayanthi/297345-60-121.html)

The Hyderabad Bicycling Club (HBC) conducted a ‘Heritage and Peace’ bicycle ride around Hussainsagar on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi on Tuesday.
Special chief secretary, tourism and culture Chandana Khan flagged off the event and managing director, Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd (HMR), NVS Reddy participated in the programme. Speaking on the occasion, Chandana Khan emphasised the importance of bicycles and heritage while NVS Reddy stated that Hyderabad Metro Rail project was being planned as a “seamless public transport facility” and bicycle stations will be set up at all metro rail stations.
“Metro rail commuters with smart cards can use these bicycles free of cost for going to nearby destinations and leave them at designated places,” he informed. The director too participated in cycling event and stated that an ultra-modern bicycle station will be set up soon by the HMR at the Hitec city MMTS station. HBC chairman V Manohar, who also present, mentioned that HBC has about 3000 active members and that they were promoting bicycling in the city with support from GHMC, HMDA, HMR and some private companies, mostly from IT sector. About 300 bike enthusiasts of all age groups, and a large student population participated in the bike ride.

Chowmahalla thrown open for CBD delegates (http://postnoon.com/2012/10/03/chowmahalla-thrown-open-for-cbd-delegates/77525)

The officials of the Chowmahalla Palace have sprung into action to attract the CBD delegates. Palace authorities have decided to open the premises during night time between 7.30pm to 9.30pm for the convenience of CoP delegates. This facility will come into force from October 4 and continue till October 19 till the event ends.

Ex-gratia given to families of victims

The grieving families of two young children, who had drowned in a nallah when they had gone for a swim recently and the family of a five-year-old boy who died of an electric shock in Ahmednagar, were handed over an ex gratia of Rs.1.5 lakh each and Rs.1 lakh respectively by the mayor yesterday.

Young wife sets herself on fire, dies

A newly-wed woman, A Manjula, 22, married for only seven months, allegedly immolated herself on Tuesday night at her in-laws’ house in Chilkanagar under the Uppal police station limits. She died today morning at Gandhi Hospital while undergoing treatment. A Narsing Rao, her husband, is the prime suspect, police said.

Boy dies after being hit by train near Charlapally

An intermediate student, K Kondaloo, 17, died after being hit by a train on Tuesday at the railway tracks between Charlapally and Ghatkesar railway station. Kondaloo, a resident of Ismail Khanguda was crossing the tracks with earphones on, as a result of which he did not hear the train’s whistles, the railway police said.

Heritage conservation efforts get a boost (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/Heritage-conservation-efforts-get-a-boost/articleshow/16694007.cms?)

Unique in its architectural, artistic and religious expressions of traditional Indian culture, the ancient city of Varanasi is now part of a major heritage conservation programme jointly organised by the ministry of urban development, Government of India and the World Bank. The project, called Inclusive Heritage Resource based City Development strategy (IHCDS) will cover the three Indian cities of Varanasi, Hyderabad and Ajmer-Pushkar in its first phase. "We made a presentation on the identified heritage sites of the city at the three-day workshop on IHCDS organised by CEPT University, Ahmedabad from October 1-3," Sachchidanand Singh, the additional municipal commissioner, told TOI on Friday after returning from Ahmedabad. The main objective of the workshop was to discuss various approaches like integration of urban heritage resource management aspects with the overall city development strategy. The workshop was organised in association with World Bank, Cities Alliance and UNESCO.

"We are going to hold a city level workshop in November to discuss the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for this purpose," said Singh, adding that CEPT University would provide technical support for the heritage conservation and development. "This project is taking the current ongoing Varanasi Master Plan 2011-2031 in its framework, heritage being the core, as resource for sustainable planning and cultural development," said Prof Rana PB Singh, who is in the Board of expert advisors. Singh is a professor of Cultural Geography and Heritage Studies at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and associated as a representative from India in the UNESCO Heritage and World Bank project.

The millennia old city, an important centre for religious tourism in India, is also a gateway to the Buddhist circuit. According to Singh, the city has about 3500 Hindu temples as mentioned in various scriptures out of which 1300 are identified and well described in the Puranas. Besides, there are over 1300 Muslim sacred places in the city, which include Mosques, Mazars, Imamchauk, Takiya, Idgah, Imambara and others. Singh had attempted to get the heritage properties of the city inscribed in the UNESCO Heritage List in April 1992 through a letter to the UNESCO. He made another attempt in 2002 with the cooperation of a local NGO to prepare three volumes of heritage properties' inventory covering heritage zones and sites, and riverfront and old city heritage zone. Several attempts were made later too but no proper management plans or structural designs were finalised.

The conservation of heritage sites and properties of the city has also been included in the city development plan prepared under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The heritage components in JNNURM include ghats, temples, old city, sacred kunds, and pilgrimage route.

The city's ghats are wellknown. The crescent shaped bank of Ganga houses 84 ghats on the western bank spread over a distance of 6.8 km. Several rituals and religious ceremonies are associated with these ghats and pilgrims travel from all over the country for prayers, holy dips, cremations and religious offerings. The city is also famous for its temples. Some of the important temples include Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple,

Durga temple, Kal Bhairav temple and Maha Mritunjaya temple. Narrow lanes characterise the old city of Varanasi and its rich architectural legacy allures the travelers into the religious and cultural mosaic that forms an integral part of city's tradition. The area comprising of the ghats, the temples and the old city has been identified as a Cultural Heritage zone. The city is interspersed with sacred kunds mostly within the temple complexes or along the ghats. These kunds are associated with religious rituals having tremendous historical and religious significance. Over a period of time, due to tremendous pressure on land, some of these kunds have been steadily engulfed within the built up areas. Even today, many of these tanks face the danger of encroachments or extinction. Some of the important kunds are Lolark Kund, Durga Kund and Pittar Kund. Besides, Varanasi has five sacred territories or Khandas and each Khanda has a sacred yatra associated with it. These yatras include Chaurassikosi yatra, Panchkroshi yatra, Nagar Pradakshina, Avimukta yatra and Antargraha Yatra. Most of these yatras are concentrated in the old city area along the riverfront. According to JNNURM CDP, the heritage areas were classified in three different zones. These zones are riverfront heritage zone, core city heritage zone and Sarnath heritage zone. Most of the heritage properties in the old city belong to individual owners, and there are substantial holdings by the Vishvanatha Temple Trust, nongovernment organisations and charitable trusts. A few tangible heritage sites falling within the riverfront and old city heritage zone such as Manmandir Observatory on Dashashvamedh Ghat, and Aurangzeb's mosque have been protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).The ASI has also declared Sarnath as a Heritage zone. Some of the archeological remains that can be seen in Sarnath Heritage Zone are the Ashoka pillar and its famous lion capital, Dhamekha stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, and ChaukhandiStupa.

Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Purana Quila and Charminar to turn pink on October 11 (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Qutub-Minar-Humayuns-Tomb-Purana-Quila-and-Charminar-to-turn-pink-on-October-11/articleshow/16741295.cms)

MUMBAI: Delhi's Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Purana Quila and Hyderabad's Charminar will turn pink on October 11 to mobilize support for girls' rights and create awareness. A child rights NGO will be illuminating these monuments for the first ever 'International Day of the Girl Child.' The NGO has also released the findings of the 'State of the Girl Child in India 2012' report.

The United Nations recently declared October 11 as the 'International Day of the Girl Child.' "The illumination of landmark monuments is a symbolic nationwide call for all to join hands together to support girls' rights. A girl in India faces barriers at every stage of her life including violations of her right to get access to quality education, proper healthcare, and protection from abuse and exploitation. Our campaign 'Because I am a Girl' is committed towards galvanising action to ensure every girl is able to realize her full potential," said a statement released by the NGO.

In 2009, the NGO released the first report on the state of the girl child in India, analyzing the overall challenges faced by girls. The 2010 report focused on lives of adolescent girls in two of the fastest growing social action arenas in the world today__ the urban environment and the space of internet and mobile communications. The third report in 2011 examined the engagement of men and boys towards gender equality in India. The 2012 report focuses on building the human capital of girls through knowledge and skills, aiming to equip, enable and empower girls of all ages to acquire the assets, skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in life.

A big moment for Hyd guys, fingers crossed!

Icomos team to visit sites on October 18 (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Icomos-team-to-visit-sites-on-October-18/articleshow/16745584.cms)

HYDERABAD: The inspection of the Charmniar, Golconda and Qutub Shahi Tombs which are in the run for Unesco World Heritage tag is expected to take place on October 18 and 19.

Experts of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, an advisory body to the World Heritage Committee on Unesco, was scheduled to inspect the monuments on September 25 and 26. But the it did not take place as one of the expert committee members had some problems with his passport.

An ASI official at Golconda informed that they had incorporated the suggestions of a sub-committee on world heritage matter which visited the sites earlier in May. "We were told to repair two arches near Rani Mahal complex besides installing signage boards and clearing the vegetation."

At the Charminar where a key suggestion was to ensure relocation of religious structures in its vicinity, ASI officials only managed to clear water tanks and other small objects. The fountain in the middle received a chemical wash but has not yet been made functional.

At the Qutub Shahi Tombs, the state archeology department has done grassing works near two tombs while also clearing vegetation at a few places. Officials are yet to clear encroachments around the tombs complex. The sub-committee suggested removal of 13 encroachments but just five have been cleared so far.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8089136258_d0977bd763_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssuriya/8089136258/)
_MG_9816 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssuriya/8089136258/) by Surya Teja Padala (http://www.flickr.com/people/ssuriya/), on Flickr

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_MG_9809 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssuriya/8089136744/) by Surya Teja Padala (http://www.flickr.com/people/ssuriya/), on Flickr

Chowmahalla to enthral visitors with ghazals, mushairas at night (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Chowmahalla-to-enthral-visitors-with-ghazals-mushairas-at-night/articleshow/16842971.cms)

HYDERABAD: Taking forward its 'Palace by Night' initiative a notch higher, the Chowmahalla Palace kick-started its Aaena-e-Hyderabad festival on Tuesday. Promising a peek into the culture of Hyderabad, the four-day programme offers not just a tour of the majestic palace by night but also ghazals, qawwalis and mushairas by eminent artistes.

`Palace by Night' is open to all visitors in the night. While the palace hosted a mushaira on Tuesday by poet Sardar Asar and others, on Wednesday, a qawwali programme by Ateeq Hussain Khan Bandanawazi is set to enthrall the audience. On October 18, the palace will pay floral tributes to ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan followed by performances by Yateesh Acharya from Delhi. Acharya was a pupil of Mehdi Hassan. On the concluding day on October 19, ghazal singer Ustad Vithal Rao is set to regale the audience. G Kishan Rao, director, Chowmahalla Palace, said "We need to showcase our culture to people who have come to the city from across the globe."

Last Heritage hurdle for city monuments (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/hyderabad/last-heritage-hurdle-city-monuments-035)

The main advisory committee (Heritage structure experts) of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (Icomos) is scheduled to visit Hyderabad again on October 31 for the final scrutiny of the Charminar, Golconda and Qutub Shahi Tombs before they are given the UNESCO World Heritage monument tag. This was revealed by the department of Archaeology and Museums.

The advisory body, along with Indian Heritage experts from Delhi, will arrive in Hyderabad on October 31 and remain in the city till November 3 for inspection purposes, said the officials.

“The suggestions given by the advisory committee of UNESCO have been taken seriously and implementation has already begun. The department has also removed small rocks and structures from around the tomb :cheers:, said Mr G.V Ramakrishna Rao, archaeology department director.

Fingers crossed! Lets hope that all the monuments get the UNESCO world heritage tag which will add one more feather in Hyderabad's cap and help in bringing more tourists to Hyderabad!

Hyderabad: A historic city (http://main.omanobserver.om/node/113289)

HYDERABAD, the capital of the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is not like any other city. It has a very special place in history and heritage. Enjoying a multi-faced personality, Hyderabad has a distinctive character and identity of its own and enjoys long-standing relations with Oman and other Arab countries.
I would suggest the business community of Oman to build Oman’s cultural centre in this ancient city. This has been long overdue. Omani corporate houses can play a positive and historic role in this regard. One of the objectives of the proposed Omani Cultural Centre should be to bridge the gap in knowledge about our two people, cultures and societies, and to further promote the foundations for interaction based on our shared values. The Hyderabad-Oman cultural centre can be a useful tool for promoting understanding about Arab civilisation.
The strong links between the people of the two sides are a clear indication of their close and cordial relations. Anyone who traces the history and evolution of relations between this city and Oman can safely say that our relations stretch back over a long period and it continues to grow with increasing business, social and cultural exchanges. As a result of this long and close connection, the links between the two sides are not simply formal; it is a relationship between the two peoples.
Like some cities in Oman, Hyderabad presents a rare combination of the old world charm as well as modern life. Hyderabadi food specialities are popular in Oman. Hyderabadi dum biryani and haleem (a rich, nourishing and delightful meal) sell like hot cake in Muscat. In the old city of Hyderabad one pleasantly finds streets, lanes and by-lanes like the ones we see in Muttrah, while the other part of Hyderabad is famous as a major hub for the information technology industry in India, as well as the biotechnology and pharmaceutical capital of India. That explains why Hyderabad is also known as a modern old city!
Hyderabad is an important city from several other perspectives as well. People from this part of the world often go for treatment to this city, also known as the Apollo Health City, and they get good attention. Like Muscat, Muttrah and Sohar, in the old city of Hyderabad one can see handicraft markets bustling with activity. Visitors from Oman and other Arab countries like the exciting metal crafts (Bidri ware). The Salarjung Museum of this city has excellent and varied collections of this craft.
Famous for its historical monuments such as Charminar, Makka Masjid, Golconda Fort, Falaknama Palace and Qutub Shahi Tombs, this Indian city has been a beautiful and vibrant place with more than 400 years of history. Historically, Oman and India are very old trade partners. The foundations of Indo-Oman bilateral trade were built almost 5,000 years ago, which continues to grow to this day both in bilateral trade and people-to-people contacts.
Oman’s Poly Products LLC, the manufacturer of famous Raha mattresses, started Raha Poly Products Limited in Hyderabad in 1995, which is a huge hit like other Omani businesses in this city. The year 1996 saw the formation of the Indo-Oman Joint Business Council (JBC) with its first meeting in Muscat and the sixth one in Hyderabad in 2006.
Furthermore, Oman and many other Gulf countries have had longstanding relations with the people of Hyderabad. Over the past many decades, the people-to-people contacts have flourished and continue to grow. Arabs have business as well as spiritual links with Hyderabad because of our shared cultural values, beliefs, traditions and heritage. Some Arabs have had marriages in Hyderabad and have family relations also. To sum up, our corporate sector would do well to build a cultural centre in this beautiful city.

Arts College: a historic masterpiece (http://www.thehindu.com/education/college-and-university/arts-college-a-historic-masterpiece/article3977242.ece)

The building in pinkish granite stone represents a harmonious blend of pillars and lintel style of Ajanta and Ellora

The architectural uniqueness stirs romance and the stunning structure blows the mind. The unspoiled edifice reveals majesty and is the nucleus of the 95-year old Osmania University. This is the College of Arts and Social Sciences of the famed OU, popularly known as the Arts College. It is one of the major heritage structures in Hyderabad. A team of experts travelled around the world to find the right design and the right person who could design this historic masterpiece.

The credit for the architecture goes to Monsieur Jasper, a Belgian architect.

Jasper prepared a detailed plan of all the university buildings. The execution of the plans was done by Nawab Zain Yar Jung, who was later awarded a Padma Bhushan for his outstanding service to the field of architecture.

The building in pinkish granite stone represents a harmonious blend of pillars and lintel style of Ajanta and Ellora.

The arches of the building are of Indo-Saracenic tradition. Octagonal pillars similar to the columnar architecture found in Ellora and Ajanta caves support the entire construction of the first floor.

The college exterior can be broadly divided into the centrepiece consisting of a grand arch which has a huge doorway designed after the Persian Pishtaq or the mosque of the yesteryears. On the either side of the centrepiece are two double-storied colonnaded galleries, each reflection of the other. The huge doorway with its marvellous arch, welcomes the staff, students and all the visitors to the striking interior.

Inside the college you’ll find the flooring, staircase balustrade and railings covered in pink terrazzo.

The flooring of the first and the second floor was done in Shahabad stones.

Atop the centre of the hallway you’ll find a fantastic dome with chandeliers set.

The dome is double-decked in structure, the first deck has sixteen sides and the second deck, a downward extension of the first, has sixteen windows related to each side of the first deck.

The dome has 32 inverted “A” symbols with 16 windows. But the uniqueness and strength is not confined to the building.

The youngsters shaped by the college over the years have turned out to be equally outstanding in their chosen spheres and the majestic building never fails to evoke nostalgia among the people who had passed through this portal of knowledge.

Last Heritage hurdle for city monuments (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/hyderabad/last-heritage-hurdle-city-monuments-035)



Fingers crossed! Lets hope that all the monuments get the UNESCO world heritage tag which will add one more feather in Hyderabad's cap and help in bringing more tourists to Hyderabad!

Lets hope so :)

Finally, Icomos team lands in Hyderabad
(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Finally-Icomos-team-lands-in-Hyderabad/articleshow/17040225.cms)
HYDERABAD: The International Council on Monuments and Sites (Icomos) finally arrive in the city on Wednesday and will carry out its inspection of Charminar, Golconda Fort and Quli Qutub Shahi Tombs starting today. The city has been pushing for World Heritage tag for these structures for many years now and has pinned its hopes on the visiting team for it to come through.

GV Ramakrishna Rao, director, department of archeology and museums, said the team will start its survey with a visit to the Quli Qutub Shah Tombs on Wednesday morning followed by the Golconda Fort in the evening where they will also attend the sound and light show. On November 2, the team will inspect Charminar followed by a separate visit to Chowmohalla Palace on November 3.

While officials of the Archaeological Survey of India and the department of archeology and museums remained tight-lipped about the Icomos visit, they were optimistic that all three monuments would make the prestigious World Heritage Monument tag. An archeology department official said, "Work has been moving at a fast pace so that the inspection goes well. All three monuments are being spruced up. We are confident of getting the heritage tag." Clearly, officials believe that their months and years of indifference to the city's crumbling heritage will not show with quick sprucing up efforts.

While the Bhagyalakshmi Temple and the Chilla in Charminar will continue to remain untouched, ASI officials said that the overhead water tanks used by the temple have been permanently removed after consulting temple officials. They however added that temple officials are yet to heed to their repeated requests of removing saffron flags and buntings put up during Dasara. Heritage activists noted that the authorities had failed to utilise the window of opportunity provided to them after the Icomos visit was delayed.

It was earlier reported in these columns that the series of inspections were scheduled to take place from September 25 onwards, but was delayed due to passport issues of one of the expert committee members. "Charminar continues to have lichen on its walls and the Qutub Shah tombs are surrounded by encroachments. The GHMC had hastily taken up demolition of these encroachments near the tomb complex but made little progress. We were informed that smaller encroachments will be removed for just one day," said an activist.

Meanwhile, a group of noted heritage activists said that the government has kept them isolated from the Icomos developments.

They said that despite making several requests with the government for a meeting with experts, they have received no reply. An activist requesting anonymity said, "They are afraid that we will speak about the Naya Qila issue where the government is clearly at fault. We want to appraise our concerns with the Icomos team but the government has completely shut us out."

Temple-near-Charminar row gets murkier (http://dailypioneer.com/nation/106200-temple-near-charminar-row-gets-murkier.html)

Even as attempts to expand the disputed temple adjacent to historic monument of Charminar left a “Jali” or stuccowork of a window broken, the continuing row sparked the stray incidents of violence in old city of Hyderabad on Friday.

Despite the police making elaborate security arrangements in view of the Friday congregation in the nearby Mecca Masjid, groups of people of two communities gathered and indulged in slogan-shouting and stone-pelting.

The row had started day before, after the temple committee made an attempt to put up a shed over the temple, evoking protests from the other community. While police had brought the situation under control by stopping the construction work and taking 15 workers of the BJP and Bajrang Dal and some members of the temple committee into custody, tension started building up again on Friday morning as 200 Hindu activists gathered at the temple and continued shouting slogans.

A group of Muslims, coming out of the Mecca Masjid after the prayers also tried to rush towards the temple. The police and the Rapid Action Force had erected barriers and formed a human wall to keep the two sides away from each other.

Local MIM MLAs Ahmad Pasha Quadri and Moazzam Khan tried to pacify the crowd and persuaded them to disperse peacefully. However, in the melee some miscreants threw stones, damaging two vehicles. The police had to chase the crowd away.

While the Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anurag Sharma said that the dispute was resolved, the problem was still festering as the temple committee was insisting to put up with the shed.

State BJP president G Kishan Reddy, who visited the temple on Thursday and offered prayers there, alleged that the police was coming in the way of “repair work” at the temple under pressure from the MIM. He warned the police of grave consequences.

The wooden pillars erected by the temple committee were still in place. As one of the wooden pillars had nudged into a window of Charminar, its intricate stuccowork was damaged.

Meanwhile, the MIM MLA Ahmad Pasha Quadri met the Superintendent Archaeologist of ASI and demanded the mosque atop the Charminar should be opened for prayers by Muslims. He said that when people were being allowed to offer puja at the temple which was a recent addition, they cannot stop the other community from using its place of worship, which was also a part of Charminar.

The controversy over temple near Charminar is almost four-decade-old, during which the small temporary structure was developed into a concrete one. But, it has come to the fore again at a time when the International Council on Monuments and Sites is in Hyderabad to assess the claim that Charminar and other historic monuments of Hyderabad should be awarded the World Heritage status.

Sources said Charminar was unlikely to be accorded the status, given the presence of a temple as well as a Muslim shrine or ‘Chhilla’ and the failure of ASI in keeping up with the proper maintenance of the monument. :bash: :bash:

The ASI, the custodian of the monument is maintaining a steady silence on the row. There was no response from the ASI officials in Hyderabad. Despite orders from the Andhra Pradesh High Court, the ASI had failed to curb the illegal structure adjacent to and in vicinity of Charminar .

Damn it! Why this people had to start the violence now when ICOMOS had arrived to assess it? :ohno: :mad2: We will never get the World heritage tag to Charminar because of this useless ASI and the stupid politicians! :bash:

^^ While the temple and Chilla aren't certainly historical additions to the Charminar, they have represented what Charminar always stood for. Unlike most other Indian monuments ( Red Fort, Fathepur Sikri or Taj Mahal) , which have been protected by gardens and are visited by tourists Charminar has always been a part of the neighbourhood that sustained it. It has always been surrounded by people and it adds to it's shaan. The Charminar's a great piece of history but the people and the chaos around it adds to its beauty. Sort of like CST Mumbai. Plus, there's a story behind the temple. Legend says a really pretty lady asked a guard at Charminar, the address of the Nizam. The Guard asked her to wait. The Nizam killed the guard, thus binding the goddess of wealth to wait, eternally at Charminar. If true, it adds to the beauty of the monument. If the ASI can pitch like this, I'm sure we'd deserve a spot. Next up is Palaces of Hyderabad : Ritz, Errum Manzil, Falaknuma and Chowmahalla. And some day, a World Heritage City :) :cheers:

Extension of temple illegal - ASI (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/extension-of-temple-illegal-asi/article4073253.ece)

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The Bhagya Laxmi temple near Charminar. File Photo: Ravi Kiran, The Hindu

As the controversy rages over the Bhagya Laxmi temple near Charminar, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) refuses to be drawn into it. On the plea of the matter being ‘subjudiced’, officials decline to talk about the temple existing cheek-by-jowl to the historic monument.

The premier organisation tasked with protection of cultural heritage has no record about how long the temple is in existence. But officials are sure that the place of worship is existing prior to 1992 when the gazette notification was issued amending the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958 restricting structures around protected monuments.

As per rules the area within 100 meters of a monument is a prohibited area while the area within 200 meters comes in the regulated category. Modifications and repairs to buildings are allowed in these limits subject to prior permission. But the Bhagya Laxmi temple, officials say, falls under the prohibited limits and therefore any attempt to extend it constitutes an ‘illegal activity’.

Authorities are surprised at the way the construction activity was sought to be taken up at the temple during night. “Nobody from the temple committee approached us for permission”, say senior officials pleading anonymity.

Charminar came under the list of centrally protected monuments through a notification issued in 1951 and ever since it is being looked after by the ASI. Why is the ASI not in picture when the iconic monument is caught in the eye of the storm?

“The construction activity was already stopped by police and therefore there was no need for us to intervene”, officials say.

Ironically the controversy broke out when the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) team was in the city to take stock of the efforts made by the government to remove the encroachments around Charminar, Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs which are proposed for UNESCO world heritage tag.

However, ASI officials feel the present controversy will not come in the way of the city monuments getting the UNESCO heritage tag.

ASI officials dub as wrong reports of a hole being drilled in Charminar structure by the temple authorities. “We have inspected and there is no damage whatsoever”, an official remarked.

Authorities refuse to entertain the Majlis plea for permitting prayers at the mosque in Charminar. “This can not be allowed as when ASI took over the monument there was no such practice”, officials say.

Trust denies expansion of Bhagyalakshmi temple (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Trust-denies-expansion-of-Bhagyalakshmi-temple/articleshow/17121490.cms)

Trustees of the Bhagyalakshmi temple in the Old City, currently caught in the midst of a communal tension, said on Tuesday they were only replacing worn-out bamboo structures with new ones ahead of the festive season. and were against violence at a time when authorities are strengthening security to thwart any violence.

Temple trustees say the controversial structure is nothing more than a space for devotees to conglomerate, especially on the occasion of Diwali. "Our family has been managing the temple operations for decades now. We are the fourth generation that has taken up the reins of the religious structure," claims Sasikala, one of the five trustees of the temple. "Each time there is damage to the bamboo structure we replace it. It is an ongoing process," she said.

Communal tension has triggered at Charminar and adjoining areas over rumours that the temple authorities were expanding the existing premises, fuelling fears of damage to the historic Charminar.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owasi has alleged that government inaction, mainly by the police was responsible for the communal tension over the past few days, which has seen stray incidents of stabbing in the area, while the high court ordered a status quo on any expansion of the Charminar temple.

Old timers say the existing temple structure was erected along the eastern side of the iconic Charminar and its doors opened to devotees from around the area in the late 1960s. While the temple took a physical form only 50-odd years ago, folklore has it that a holy stone (more like a milestone) had been laid at the same site several years ago, most likely during the Quli Qutub Shah period. Laced with 'haldi' and 'kumkum', the stone soon came to be 'idolized' as a symbol of prosperity by Hyderabadis.

Academician Anand Raj Varma said communal tension over the temple had also evoked in the past after the stone was replaced with an idol of Lakshmi and a temporary shed built to give it the feel of a temple. "Even then, tension prevailed in the area. But it was way milder than what we are seeing now," Varma adds.

Many contradict the popular version of the age-old narrative and maintain that the temple had no existence of any sorts, until just a few decades back. Claims about it being as old as the Charminar too are completely 'baseless', they insist. "It was unnecessarily erected by some locals. There was nothing at the site before that," argues historian Narender Luther.

With prominent parties in the area battling to keep their flags flying high, structures like the Bhagyalakshmi temple have become weapons of attack and retaliation, they explain.

The conflicts over its foundation notwithstanding, observers agree that the temple has been damaged many times over during the communal unrest of the 1970s. It is for this reason, they note, the area is flooded with heavy security each time a religious event unfolds in this part of town. "It has turned into an epicenter of 'demonstrative' politics over time," say analysts closing following the developments over the last few days.

But now, the trust says it might move the court to resolve the issue at the earliest. "We have thousands of people come in for 'Dhanteras' to the temple. Each one is given a coin for prosperity that day. We have to resolve the issue at any cost before that day," Sasikala added.

10 lakh sanctioned for Ashoor Khana restoration (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/10-lakh-sanctioned-for-Ashoor-Khana-restoration/articleshow/17150600.cms)

Funds for restoration and renovation of the Badeshahi Ashoor Khana have been going back and forth between the Department of Archeology and Museums (DAM) and the government with precious little work being done. It was in early September that Dam was sanctioned Rs 21 lakh for restoring the Shiite place of worship to former glory but only Rs 6 lakh was used and the rest returned. With the month of Muharram round the corner, the Dam has now been sanctioned another Rs 10 lakh for restoration work of the structure.

It was during the Conference of Parties in September that the state government had sanctioned Rs 21 lakh for sprucing up the place in view of visits by delegates. Describing the sanctioning of funds as a result of 'urgency', Dam officials said that they had acted on orders from the government and hadn't called tenders due to unavailability of time and awarded contacts only on nomination basis. "Around Rs 1.29 crore was sanctioned for Paigah Tombs, Saidanima's Tomb and the State Museum a chunk of which has been returned. We were asked to submit bills and return the remainder of the sanctioned amount," said a Dam official requesting anonymity. With Muharram scheduled to be observed from November 16, around Rs 10 lakh has been sanctioned for renovation of the Ashoor Khana Khurd, popularly known as the mini-Ashoor khana, where the alam (standard) will be kept. The wooden roof is being restored with teak wood beams. A team of four carpenters and four masons has already started work.

"The roof is being restored to what it was when the Ashoor Khana was built more than 400 years ago. Work will be completed before Muharram," said GV Rama Krishna Rao, director, Dam.However, Ashoor khana officials were quick to point out that Icomos team member Chehryar Adil had expressed displeasure at the decaying place of worship and questioned why the structure wasn't renovated. They said that around 2 lakh devotees cutting across faiths and sects visit the Ashoor Khana in the first ten 10 days of Muharram.

^^ Magnificent view (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/magnificent-view/article4108102.ece)

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The Hindu GLORIOUS BEGINNING: Azakhana-E-Zehra, the Ashoorkhana, being spruced up in Hyderabad as the new year began on Saturday. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf

St. Mary’s Church awarded ‘Minor Basilica’ decree (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/st-marys-church-awarded-minor-basilica-decree/article4232659.ece)

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The church built in Indian Gothic style in 1840 is one of the oldest in the city.
This Christmas has brought along good news for Andhra Pradesh. After many efforts, St. Mary’s Church, Secunderabad, is now awarded with the ‘Minor Basilica’ decree by Pope Benedict XVI, thus, making it the first church in State to get the decree.

Basilicas are Catholic pilgrim sites, which receive large number of visitors every year and only the Pope can create a Basilica by a special decree, said Most Reverend Thumma Bala, Archbishop of Hyderabad, at a press conference here on Sunday. A formal announcement would be made on Christmas.

Built in 1840

The church built in Indian Gothic style in 1840 is one of the oldest in the city. The four bells installed here were brought from Italy in 1901. Factors like number of visitors, heritage importance, relics or sacred images are looked into before declaring it as a Basilica, he said.

As part of the expansion works, a new 24-hour small adoration chapel will be built in the church, besides a special museum depicting the basilicas history is also to be set up.

A basilica for the believers (http://www.thehansindia.info/News/Article.asp?category=5&subCategory=1&ContentId=109365)

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It came as a gift to the City of Pearls on the merry season of Christmas. The declaration of the St Mary’s Church, Secunderabad, as a minor basilica by the Pope Benedict XVI makes the shrine the first one in the State to be bestowed such great honour. Candlelight worship service, carols and Holy Communion marked the Midnight Mass celebrated in the beautifully illuminated church on Christmas eve. Roman Catholics from across the twin cities participated.

The church joins the list of 16 other Catholic churches in the country that have been accorded minor basilica status. It is a gift that everyone, especially the Christian communities in Hyderabad, will cherish. Across the world, minor basilicas are given special priestly privileges and are traditionally so named in view of their antiquity, historical value, architectural splendor and artistic worth. The St Mary’s Church was built by the efforts of Father Daniel Murphy.

The Archbishop of Hyderabad Rev Thumma Bala has described it as a moment of great joy and pride for not just the Christian brethren, but all the people of the State. "The St Mary's Church has now been raised to a higher level of religious importance. This church has a lot of historical importance and has become a major spiritual centre which is visited by a large number of people," he observed.

A jewel in the crown

Every Christmas brings us the greatest message: love in its pristine form. This year’s Christmas has something very special for believers in the city, parishioners of St Mary’s Church and the people of Andhra Pradesh in general. Most Rev Thumma Bala, the Archbishop of Hyderabad, has announced the avowal of Pope Benedict XVI who had declared the historically famous St Mary‘s Church in Secunderabad as a minor basilica in Andhra Pradesh.

So far the twin cities have been associated with great heritage monuments like Charminar, Golkonda Fort; historical structures like Tank Bund; and symbols of modernity like the HI-TEC City. St Mary’s Church will now be another jewel in the crown of Hyderabad. The term basilica began to be used more generally by the Roman Catholic Church to refer to an integral religious building. Basilica is a Catholic pilgrim site that receives tens of millions of visitors per year and only the Pope can create a basilica by a special decree.

Sharing the happiness on the elite honour, B Prashant, assistant parish priest, says, “God has planned everything. This is a proud and happy moment for many of us, for the people who come here. This is a glorious day for all of us. Christmas time could never have been anything better than this,”

The process of St Mary’s Church being declared as the basilica began with the great efforts of late Archbishop Marampudi Joji and brought to fruition with the prayerful blessings of the present Archbishop of Hyderabad Most Rev Thumma Bala so much so that the Church of Andhra Pradesh is greatly indebted to him, the great work of both the Archbishops for taking great interest and pursuing it to bring it to this state of affairs.

There are two types of basilicas in the world. The first ones are major basilicas which are located in Rome and are officiated by only the Pope. They are only four in number. The others are minor basilicas which are around the world. The St Mary’s Church now falls under the category of minor basilica.

Some of the minor basilicas in India are Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, Basilica of Mount Mary Church in Mumbai, St Thomas Cathedral Basilica in Madras and Basilica of our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni.

What makes it a basilica?
. The prominence that the church enjoys historically and spiritually
.The historicity of the church and the significance that it has in the background of the history
. The architectural values of the church are taken into consideration which has gothic style with curved arches and buttress
.Liturgical services held are very high in numbers
. The church is the abode of sacred relics
. The side altars are very important and the St Mary’s Church has 9

A heritage site
If you were to compare it with the Nawabi charm of the Old City of Hyderabad and its monuments with the Islamic influence, Secunderabad's fair share of architecture and landmarks seems more Victorian. The raison d'etre could perhaps be the fact that the British Army was stationed on this part of the twin cities.

From its large number of convent schools, churches and multi-ethnic influences to the deluge of English movies regularly screened at the erstwhile Sangeet theatre, the younger of the twins by 200 years decidedly bears the hallmarks of anglicisation.

Take a stroll down the busy Sarojini Devi Road, and tucked away within its sweeping stretch you'll find another of these - the 162-year-old St Mary's Church. Reminiscent of an old Irish chapel, it has been declared a heritage site. Formerly known as St Mary's Cathedral, this church was the seat and residence of the Vicar Apostolic of Hyderabad. Here's a little bit of history.

Father Daniel Murphy had come to India with Bishop Carew in 1839, and was given the mission of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Most practising Christians will know that there are 4 main categories of Christian places of worship - chapel, church, basilica and cathedral. The cathedral is normally a much larger place of worship than a church, and is run by a bishop. In 1840, Bishop Murphy began to build a cathedral in Secunderabad, which was completed in 1850.

In 1864, owing to failing health, Bishop Murphy was forced to leave India. The vicariate was then entrusted to the Milan Seminary of Foreign Missions. Father Giovanni Domenico Barbero became Vicar Apostolic, and was consecrated Bishop of Doliche, at Rome, 3 April, 1870. He procured some Sisters of St Anne from Turin, and in 1871 established them at Secunderabad where they opened an orphanage and a girls' school. Popular as the St Ann’s School, it remains the most prominent landmark adjoining the church.

The exterior of the church is clearly Gothic in its architecture. Walk around the church and its edifice, and the deserted unkempt area behind clearly shows signs of being a witness of a bygone era. Sure enough, walk up the steps, and a board informs you that the foundation of the Church was laid, pretty ironically, on 15th August 1847. The hallowed interior has two altars of Mother Mary and St Patrick alongside St Jesus.

The church is not as ornate or elaborate as you'd expect from the regular decor of most period places of worship. Perhaps it was decided prayers play a more important a role here than beautification. There is a series of stained glasses at the ground level of the church which clearly needs some repair work, but its wooden pews make you want to rest and ponder awhile before taking leave.

There is a small crowd of devotees scattered around on weekdays, lost in pensive veneration. The hush inside, a mark of respect for the spiritual presence, is calming. Right next to the church, within the same premises, is a small prayer room called the St Jude's Shrine, where people come to meditate.

The church opens at the wee hour of 4.30am, and closes by 12pm; it again opens at 3pm to close at 8.30 pm. Masses are held in Telugu, Tamil and English. On Sundays there are 7 masses held during the day. The church wakes up from its serenity when there is a marriage or fest happening, which are mainly Christmas and Easter, drawing crowds from both the twin cities.

So, the next time you feel the need to imbibe the spirit of Thanksgiving or simply be part of a religious revelry, drop by at the St Mary's Basilica and witness its moments of gaiety combined with its Eucharist practice of sobriety. Ave Maria!

152-year-old All Saints Church rededicated (http://www.thehansindia.info/News/Article.asp?category=5&subCategory=1&ContentId=109588)

In all, 230 members of the church garnered Rs 80 lakh to restore the church to its past glory

Thanks to the indomitable spirit of its members, the 152-year-old All Saints Church, Trimulgherry, has been restored to its former glory and rededicated.

Due to weathering over time, the gothic structure has seen chips fall off its turrets, tiles on the roof breaking up, termites eating into woodwork, and water seepage at several places.

The restoration work, which began in June 2011, concluded on Sunday, making the church ready and resplendent for Christmas.

The structure was painstakingly restored, with several portions either replaced or cleaned up thoroughly. The work had been assigned to the Agency for Providing Traditional Solutions on Restoration of Built Heritage (APTSORBH) -- a prominent agency that undertakes such work in India.

Rev S Sathia Joseph, presbyter-in-charge, said, “The church has a long tradition and is one of the few in the South India that resembles the churches in England. We are happy that we were able to restore it without tampering with the original shape of the structure. Traditional methods such as mixing of herbs, raw eggs, jiggery and lime wash were used.”

The inaugural service on Sunday was attended by a large number of people and other special invitees. Secretary Frederick Michael said, “It took us one and a half years to complete the restoration work. What is unique is the fact that all the funds for the work was borne by the 230 families which amounted to Rs 80 lakh.”

The grand re-dedication service was attended by Right Reverend Dr G Dyasirvadam, Bishop in Medak and the local priest Rev S Sathia Joseph, along with congregation members and the pastorate committee members.

^^ While the temple and Chilla aren't certainly historical additions to the Charminar, they have represented what Charminar always stood for. Unlike most other Indian monuments ( Red Fort, Fathepur Sikri or Taj Mahal) , which have been protected by gardens and are visited by tourists Charminar has always been a part of the neighbourhood that sustained it. It has always been surrounded by people and it adds to it's shaan. The Charminar's a great piece of history but the people and the chaos around it adds to its beauty. Sort of like CST Mumbai. Plus, there's a story behind the temple. Legend says a really pretty lady asked a guard at Charminar, the address of the Nizam. The Guard asked her to wait. The Nizam killed the guard, thus binding the goddess of wealth to wait, eternally at Charminar. If true, it adds to the beauty of the monument. If the ASI can pitch like this, I'm sure we'd deserve a spot. Next up is Palaces of Hyderabad : Ritz, Errum Manzil, Falaknuma and Chowmahalla. And some day, a World Heritage City :) :cheers:

I kind of agree with your post, actually the Charminar's experience and all its bazaars around was the best thing that happened in my India trip. But since this building/monument represent the city itself (It is the Eiffel Tower of Hyderabad) officials in charge should have been more proactive in protecting this beautiful landmark. If the Government does not act fast, this unique structure will be lost forever. I believe the entire area should be pedestrian only, keeping the bazaar, but removing all the traffic. Also,the structures built that have nothing to do with the building should be removed. I was shocked when I saw some type of temple right underneath the monument.
Minor things that will contribute to the safety of the visitors and the building should be done.As example, here are few things that I observed: stairs do not have handrails or lights. The balconies do not have proper fall protection, many exposed electric wires ( which could produce a fire). People wander around with out any guidance or control. All these things do not require a big budget to be implemented. Hope the officials in charge move fast before the monument is lost forever. By the way I loved Hyderabad

GHMC ordered to restore Naya Qila gardens (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/GHMC-ordered-to-restore-Naya-Qila-gardens/articleshow/17837079.cms)

HYDERABAD: The high court on Monday asked the GHMC to restore the Bagh-e-Naya Qila to the way it was before the latter allegedly took up digging in August this year.

A private contractor undertook digging in Naya Qila Gardens in August 2012 to create a channel to drain the waters of the Naya Qila lake.

When civil society activists reached there and staged a dharna, they were stopped by Golconda police who maintained that they were called by the Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA).

A high court order of February 2012 says that the HGA has given assurance that they would not carryout any work in the Naya Qila gardens until the Archeological Survey of India completes the demarcation exercise of the gardens, which is still underway. Jasven Jairath, convener of Save Our Urban Lakes (SOUL), and others had moved the high court against the violation.

When activists took up the matter with the GHMC then, the corporation denied involvement and filed a complaint with the police. Officials of the HGA were reported to have said that they had nothing to do with the digging.

The digging stopped when the court's intervention was sought. Meanwhile, the police inquiry into the incident identified the contractor as the culprit. Subsequently, the contractor was arrested around two months ago. Activists had voiced concerns that the contractor was made a scapegoat while those who had commissioned the digging were not cornered.

Activists also point out that the waters of the talab are used by farmers in the area to irrigate their fields. The farmers are involved in a pitched legal battle with the government over acquisition of their lands for the development of the Hyderabad Golf Course.

While disposing off the case on Monday, the court ordered that the GHMC should close the canal and restore it to its original condition. It is learnt that the corporation has been given four weeks to comply.

Pink Anglican glow returns to All Saints Church (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/pink-anglican-glow-returns-to-all-saints-church/article4262459.ece)

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Soon after the grand sesquicentennial celebrations of the All Saints Church, a classic example of Gothic architecture in Trimulgherry entrenchment of Secunderabad cantonment, the devout were caught in a dilemma.

The church building, having passed through 150 Christmas and New Year seasons, was causing concern. Cracks developed in the rain-soaked tiled main and side roofs, disturbing the teak rafters that were supporting it. Turrets, too, developed cracks and lime plaster got chipped off from the walls while the embellishments were in bad shape. The pinkish Anglican hue, hallmark of the church, was on the verge of fading away.

The precarious condition of the structure made the devout huddle into series of meetings. There were two options before them --, the easier one being pulling it down and building a new one or opt for restoration, a long-drawn painstaking job. “The pros and cons were debated for days. The majority favoured restoration despite difficulties as it would mean bringing back the old glory, maintaining identity and ensure historic continuity of the church”, said Frederic Michael, honorary secretary of the Pastorate Committee.

CHURCHILL CONNECTION

If the choice was for a new building, it would have been a permanent loss of a landmark full of stately columns and majestic arches and more importantly the spiritual solace that was assured with church’s location in the serene, green surroundings of the Cantonment. It is not faraway from a military quarter ‘The Chateau’ where Sir Winston Churchill believed to have stayed as a British Army recruit. But nobody could confirm if he had ever visited this church.

Built in 1860 exclusively for the British Army personnel and consecrated by Bishop Gill, the church has a long history. A typical Garrison Church, it was presided by Army Chaplains before the baton was passed on to the Church of South India in 1947 and the services now are in English and Tamil. It had won the INTACH’s heritage award in 2002.

A technical committee was constituted with Uttam Nathaniel Isaac, a civil engineer, as senior consultant. After a search, the committee zeroed in on APTSORBH (Agency for Providing Traditional Solutions and Restoration of Built Heritage), a Tamil Nadu-based firm that earned a name in restoring old buildings including the St. Mary’s Church.

LABORIOUS TASK

It was a gigantic task, recalls Mr. Isaac. The list of works included re-laying of the side- roofs, replacement of entire gutter on the main roof, replacement of termite eaten rafters, the entire external plastering, repairs and polishing of the doors including the imposing 25-ft high main door fixing of glass on windows.

P. S. Rajan of APTSORBH detailed the process adopted in restoration. “We had to remove the loose and flaked plaster up to masonry core and then give a base coat of herbal additives to prepare it to receive the fresh lime plaster. Finishing of the surface was with traditionally made fine lime and a combination of additives. These include like aloevera, euphrobia, indigafera- tinctoria, gymnea sylvestal, egg and jaggery grounded in a power driven mortar and keeping it in a sump for a fortnight for fermentation. This mix was applied over the lime plastered surface,” he explained.

ALLURING FACADE

Eighteen months of highly skilled and hard work later, the church literally looks like rising from the ashes, resplendent in the pinkish glow with a milky white border. In the process, the face of King George VI above the main door that almost got hidden behind a layer of dust has reappeared again to greet the visitors. Stained glass window with rich colouring showing Jesus carrying the cross forming the altar piece, another feature, looks attractive.

The restoration work is commendable considering the fact that many of the heritage buildings in the twin cities are in a state of utter neglect and disrepair.

Demand for 'heritage city' status to Hyderabad (http://post.jagran.com/demand-for-heritage-city-status-to-hyderabad-1357136204)

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council Chairman A Chakrapani called upon the government on Wednesday to pursue with the Centre, a proposal to declare Hyderabad as a 'heritage city', since it has several monuments and buildings of historical importance.

He requested the Tamil Nadu governor K Rosaiah who hails from Andhra Pradesh to use his good offices to pursue the Centre to get the heritage status for Hyderabad.

Speaking at the 150 anniversary celebrations of the Mahabub College, Chakrapani said that if Hyderabad was delcared a "heritage city", the Centre would come forward to preserve monuments and buildings of historic importance.

The city has several buildings and monuments of heritage importance like the Charminar, Golconda fort, Mahbub College and many others.

Aga Khan Trust to conserve Qutub Shahi Tombs

http://twocircles.net/2013jan10/aga_khan_trust_conserve_qutub_shahi_tombs.html

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture has come forward to take up the task of conserving and beautifying Qutub Shahi Tombs here.

The trust will spend Rs.90 crore over the next five years for the purpose.

A memorandum of understanding on this was signed Wednesday among Department of Archaeology and Museums, Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority and Aga Khan Trust in the presence of Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy.

Reddy said conservation and renovation of the tombs would help protect cultural tradition of the historic city of Hyderabad.

The Quli Qutb Shah Archaeological Park, comprising of the Qutb Shahi Tombs Complex and Deccan Park, is one of the most significant medieval necropolises with 70 structures.

They include 40 mausoleums, 23 mosques, five step-wells/water structures, a 'hamam', pavilions, garden structures and enclosure walls built during the reign of Qutb Shahi dynasty that ruled the Hyderabad region for 170 years during 16th and 17th centuries.

The structures reflect the Deccani style of architecture. The complex consisting of royal mausoleums with massive domes, mosques and pools built in Indo-Islamic style are replete with crenulations, freezes, tile work, floral designs in plaster and stucco work.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture has already entered into an agreement with Archaeological Survey of India to carry out a multi-faceted urban renewal initiative combining heritage site of Humayun's tomb, the adjoining Sunder Nursery and Nizamuddin Basti in New Delhi -- jointly referred to as Delhi Project Area.

'Save signs of your glorious past' (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Save-signs-of-your-glorious-past/articleshow/17974927.cms)

HYDERABAD: A visiting American academic felt that the historical monuments in Hyderabad are 'unloved' and would disappear if the apathy of the government and the society towards them continues.

If the indifference to save historical heritage is not checked, "The link with the past would be irreparably snapped. What would be lost could never be recreated," Prof Rudolph Matthee of University of Delaware told TOI on Thursday.

Matthee who heads the John and Dorothy Munroe Chair of History in DU said this was the second time he was visiting Hyderabad in seven years. "The chase for good money and good living is fine. But my question is-should that make you indifferent to save the signs of your glorious past? The condition of the monuments saddens me," he said.

The scholar who will be leaving Hyderabad on Friday morning after delivering the Foundation Day lecture at Maulana Azad National Urdu University on Wednesday said that he found time to visit Bidar and Gulbarga. For him the situation of monuments there too was no different than in Hyderabad.

He said, "You have great Sufi tradition which is quintessentially Indian. It is a reflection of the Indian society which is inclusive, harmonious and syncretic. It accommodates people without looking at their faith and creed. I spent two hours at the Dargah of Hazrath Khaja Banda Nawaz in Gulbarga absorbing the spirituality in the atmosphere there."

Matthee who is an expert on Safavid Iran of 16th century said that the Deccani Sultans maintained pragmatic relations with Persia and exchanged diplomatic emissaries. The prosperity of the Deccan region attracted the intelligentsia from Persia who greatly contributed in the syncretism which is seen in the plateau. "The relations between Iran and the Deccan should be properly studied. The Centre for Deccan Studies at Manuu could take up research in that area," he felt.

Foundation plans centre for heritage conservation (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Foundation-plans-centre-for-heritage-conservation/articleshow/18068108.cms)

HYDERABAD: The Deccan Heritage Foundation is planning to set up a restoration centre in Hyderabad to conserve the cultural and architectural heritage of the region.

The DHF co-founder Helen Philon told TOI on Wednesday that the restoration centre would work in different areas of heritage. "The centre will not restrict itself to saving the architecture alone. There are other historical materials which too have to be saved for posterity. For instance, the proposed centre will have units to preserve paper, timber, metal or any other medium that could be saved," she said.

Philon, who edited the famous Silent Splendour: Palaces of the Deccan and authored a pictorial guidebook Gulbarga-Bidar-Bijapur, said the foundation would like to publish books highlighting the significance of saving environment and heritage targeting teenagers. "Our children will be the saviors of tomorrow. They need to be properly educated and made aware of how essential it is to save the environment and the heritage. The books would start coming out in about 12 months," she said.

Deccan Heritage Foundation (DHF) was established about one and half years ago in the UK and India to promote awareness on the cultural heritage of the region.

A book, Discovering the Deccan, published in association with the DHF will be launched in Hyderabad on Thursday. The book is a panoramic journey through historic landscapes and monuments of the region. It has photographs by Surendra Kumar and text by George Michell & Helen Philon.

"Many of the sites showcased in the book remain little known. They are threatened with neglect, misguided urban development and insensitive archaeological restoration. Through this book we intend to draw attention to the problems faced in preserving this unique heritage," Philon said.

Deccan is one region in India where the synthesis of various cultures and religions is still preserved. From the ancient Hindu, Buddhists to medieval Jewish, Christian and Islamic, one can find traits of all cultures. The Deccan is more open and all encompassing. Unfortunately, it is one of the most under-studied region too, she said.

Philon expressing happiness over the recently signed MoU between Aga Khan Foundation and the department of archeology and museums to conserve the Qutub Shahi tombs offered the foundation help. "We have the knowledge, they have the technical expertise. We can work together," she said.

15 more buildings get heritage tag (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/15-more-buildings-get-heritage-tag/articleshow/18068201.cms)

HYDERABAD: Fifteen more structures have been declared 'heritage buildings' by the municipal administration and urban development (MA&UD) department on the recommendations of the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

According to a government order (GO) issued by the MA&UD department on Thursday, Shamshabad police station (old), Shamshabad; Maniyar Patt Masjid, Kutbiguda; Daira Kaman, Zamistanpur; Gate portion of Monda Market; St Sebastian Church, Regimental Bazar; Past Office of Nizam's government at RTC Crossroads; Madigonda Shankeraiah Mutt, main road Kavadiguda; Ammapally Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple, Ammapally near Shamshabad; Mahalaka Chanda step-well, Eflu, Tarnaka; Islamiah High School, Monda Market; Vivek Vardhini School, Jambagh Road; Sudhir Naik Residence, Gowliguda; Rahat Manzil at Saidabad; Aziz Bagh, Noorkhan Bazaar and State Bank of India building, Koti, have been declared heritage buildings.

Though the Heritage Conservation Committee had also recommended Moosi Maternity and General Hospital, New Malakpet; as a heritage building, it was not considered by the state government as it is hidden by constructions.

According to the GO, HCC had listed out these buildings at its 112, 115 and 121 meetings and asked the HMDA to issue a notification inviting objections and suggestions from the public in May 2011. Fourteen suggestions and two objections were received to the notification. The two objections pertained to SBI, Koti; and Moosi Maternity Hospital. The MA&UD department considered the objection on declaring Moosi Maternity Hospital as a heritage building and deleted it from the list.

As of now, 151 buildings and 30 heritage precincts have been declared as heritage buildings by the HMDA and with the inclusion of 15, the number of heritage buildings rose to 166.

City's heritage beckons (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130128/lifestyle-booksart/article/citys-heritage-beckons)

When renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain last performed in Hyderabad, he couldn't help but praise the venue of his show -Chowmahalla Palace. "You can't even dream of such beautiful venues in Mumbai, while every nook and corner of Hyderabad is blessed with these structures." Recently, ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali also remarked that the walls of Chowmahalla seem as though they are filled with sur (melody). Not just these two living legends, the city's monuments and heritage sites have also inspired fullfledged cultural festivals.

On Republic Day, Taramati Baradari lit up with the performances of Alarmel Valli (Bharatanatyam), Madhavi Mudgal (Odissi), Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Rakesh Chaurasia, Mohamed Farghaly (Oud) and Hamda Farghaly (Qanoon). "This was in keeping with the theme of previously held festivals like the Taramati music festival, Premavati dance festival, and the Golconda cultural festival in association with AP Tourism in 2004 and 2005," the Mumbai-based event organizer explains in an email statement, adding, "We are reviving the grand historic monument of Taramati Baradari again."



Legend has it that it was built by the king for his danseuse mistress, whom he used to watch performing from the Golconda Fort. Meanwhile, the Paigah Palace resounded with the eclectic voice of ghazal singer Archita Bhattacharya. "Singing at venues such as this is absolutely inspiring," says the artiste who has travelled to the city several times. On her last visit, Archita sang at the Falaknuma Palace. "Open air concerts have a different charm," she adds.

The city itself, with its receptive audience, is also a source of inspiration for the singer. "I have more creative freedom here," says Archita, who is also trained in western classical. "It is only in Hyderabad that I mingle ghazals with other classical forms," says the singer as she brought in a bit of bandish with ghazals.

India should cash in on its rich heritage: Experts (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/India-should-cash-in-on-its-rich-heritage-Experts/articleshow/18215708.cms)

HYDERABAD: In many parts of the world, museums and heritage sites are not just preserved for posterity but are valued as destinations of tourist interest with many of them becoming money spinners. But in India historic monuments and museums are considered more of a liability rather than assets whose value can be unlocked to pay for their own upkeep.

For instance, when one walks through the precincts of the Oxford Castle in England, one gets to experience the episodes of the past with various events such as the Ghost Fest being organised to attract the public. In stark contrast, the mighty Golconda fort in the city offers a light and sound show that usually gets interrupted during rainy spells and the experience is also marred by garbage strewn in and around the fort.

In fact such heritage is such serious business abroad that one museum venture in UK rakes in nearly 1 million pounds in profit per annum, said Juliana Delaney, group chief executive of Continuum, which offers unique visitor experiences in various museums and heritage sites in UK.

"Unlike India, we see museums and heritage sites as a part of entertainment and leisure industry which not only generates employment but also earns good revenues that is in turn used for the upkeep of the museum," said Delaney, who is in town as part of a delegation participating in TiLEIndia 2013, an event for the tourism, amusement and entertainment industry.

Already US, European nations and even countries such as Egypt and China have started unlocking the commercial value of such sites with the use of technology and other tools that engage visitors and India should start looking at this aspect too, she said.

"We make sure that the history of the artefacts present in the museum is communicated in an interesting manner to make visits entertaining. There are cafes too where people like to hang around after their visit. But the artefacts in the museums and heritage sites in India are marvelous but not engaging. I not only see a huge opportunity to make these museums alive but there is big business potential where the state can make good money and in turn use it for maintaining museums as well as heritage sites in the city," said Delaney.

According to Keith James, chief executive officer of US-based design firm Jack Rouse Associates, "The biggest advantage for India is that it has too much to showcase in terms of history and culture. It also has a sizeable base of middle class that have disposable incomes but the main challenge is the absence of basic infrastructure."

"The government has to play an active role without which such ventures can never take off," added James of Jack Rouse Associates, which specialises in designs of theme parks, science and children museums and has designed the Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.

Chiranjeevi wants Nizam jewels housed in Hyderabad (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130214/news-politics/article/chiranjeevi-wants-nizam-jewels-housed-hyderabad)

Hyderabad: Union tourism minister K. Chiranjeevi is keen to have the famous jewellery of the Nizams displayed in a museum in Hyderabad.

The fabulous jewellery, rated among the world’s priceless collections, was purchased by the Central government in 1995 for Rs 217 crore (the value would be 10 times more now) after long negotiations between the trustees and government.

The jewellery is currently stashed away in the RBI vaults, after it was exhibited a few times, because the Centre is undecided over where to display it.

Sources said Chiranjeevi plans to meet the PM and the CM to push for Hyderabad’s claim to host the collection.

His close aide said Chiranjeevi wanted the jewellery to stay in Hyderabad since it belongs to the erstwhile rulers of the then Hyderabad State. “He will take up the issue with the state and Central government,” the aide said.

Chiranjeevi wants Nizam jewels housed in Hyderabad (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130214/news-politics/article/chiranjeevi-wants-nizam-jewels-housed-hyderabad)

:cheers: It'll be so cool to have them housed here. Think of all the action/sci-fi movies that can be made with them here :D

:cheers: It'll be so cool to have them housed here. Think of all the action/sci-fi movies that can be made with them here :D

One of the old dilapidated palaces should be used to house them. That way they will have to restore one of them. Maybe the old Ritz hotel could be used. Nothings happening there.

One of the old dilapidated palaces should be used to house them. That way they will have to restore one of them. Maybe the old Ritz hotel could be used. Nothings happening there.

There's a beautiful small palace in Lakdikapul, that'll be perfect!

I thought Ritz was going to be the Hyderabad Hilton Palace?

http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/9adb9100769311e29c1122000a9f1283_7.jpg

Source (http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/9adb9100769311e29c1122000a9f1283_7.jpg)

Nizam Napiers all set to bewitch visitors (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/nizam-napiers-all-set-to-bewitch-visitors/article4428976.ece)

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01368/HY19NIZAMCARS_1368835f.jpg

What makes these cars unique is that they were made to order for then wealthiest man in the world, the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, in 1906

The modern lean mean machines are no match for them. The timeless classics of the Nizam are a cut above the rest. Two Napier cars, which were recently restored, will be unveiled at the picturesque Chowmahalla Palace here on Tuesday. Along with the already restored Rolls Royce, they are set to bewitch visitors.

No wonder, the royal Napiers, made 107 years ago, stole the show at the Cartier Travel with Style De Elegance event held in Mumbai on February 10. They bagged the “Best of class Edwardian in the Napiers class”.

What is unique about these cars is that they were made to order for then wealthiest man in the world, the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, in 1906. The order was placed after Napier owner S.F. Edge managed to get an audience with the Nizam with great difficulty. Though six Napiers were ordered, only five were delivered and of them only two remain now.

Both cars are 1906 L76 40hp models, featuring larger radiators to cope with the Indian heat. They come with a distinctly different bodywork. Interestingly, both cars carry Urdu names painted under the windscreens in English. One is an enclosed limousine named ‘Mojil’ that has vents built into the raised central section of the roof for ventilation. The other, named ‘Ajeil’, is a more ornate open tourer, used for ceremonial purposes with a central seat for the Nizam. The seating was so positioned that all occupants faced the Nizam since it was considered impolite to show backs to the ruler. The car could also be turned into a convertible by dismantling the roof section.

Both the Napiers were in a pretty bad shape – dumped and neglected. Thanks to the keen interest taken by Princess Esra Jah, the former wife of Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur, they now sport a new look.

Interestingly, it took a royal scion to restore them. Manvendra Singh, the son of Raja Bharvani, restored the Napiers at his workshop in Indore. He took six months to bring back the original form. Mr. Singh has taken pains to give the original colour to the Napiers. Well, how much did the restoration cost? “I have no idea. It was all handled by the Princess,” says G. Kishan Rao, director, Chowmahalla Palace. But he is sure the Napiers will add to the automobile heritage and pride of Hyderabad. There are still four royal cars that remain to be restored. Palace authorities hope to refurbish them one by one.

Long-due chemical wash spruces up Mecca Masjid (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Long-due-chemical-wash-spruces-up-Mecca-Masjid/articleshow/18582406.cms)

HYDERABAD: The recent chemical wash of Mecca Masjid, which was done after a gap of over a decade, would keep the nearly 400-year-old mosque in good condition for the next seven years, state department of archeology and museums officials claimed on Tuesday.

However, the sump in the historic complex which is under construction for a long time remains an eyesore.

The chemical washing of the masjid that started in 2010 overshot its deadline by several months owing to technical and other unforeseen difficulties, the officials said.

The work that got completed in December 2012 was held up in completion of the work was

due to delay in release of funds by the government while the sheer expanse and the height of the structure posed problems of a different nature. Ultimately vegetation was cleared, iron stairs cleaned and fungus removed, besides chemical restoration of the mosque, the Azan tower and the mausoleum on the premises costing Rs 37 lakh.

The chemical wash of the historic mosque was long due as

vagaries of weather had caused water seepages from the roof, cracks on the wall and vegetation and fungus growth on the historic structure. The last such exercise was carried out more than a decade ago. Archeology officials are confident that for another seven years the structure will not require major interventions. The 23-feet wide under-construction sump, however, remains an eyesore. The water board, which had taken up the work, has left it unfinished. Works were started without seeking the approval from the archeology department, which is the custodian of the monument. The five-lakh litre sump was planned to provide water to the washrooms and place of ablution after years of drought-like situation at the mosque.

Mecca Masjid management officials said that a concrete bed has been laid but slabs should also be laid before the sump can be filled with water. They added that work was stopped two weeks ago, but no reason was given.

Water board officials said the work had not stopped. "Inlet and outlet pipes are being manufactured for the sump. Once they are fitted, slab work will be carried out. In about 15 days the contractor should complete the work," said an official of Division-I of the department which covers Charminar area.

Hyderabad heritage structures ignored (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130305/news-current-affairs/article/hyderabad-heritage-structures-ignored)

Hyderabad: The State government declared 15 sites in the city as heritage structures on January 17, but there are still thousands of buildings that could be accorded this status and preserved and protected. Every nook and corner of the historic twin city holds a heritage building that has been ignored and left unprotected, say heritage activists.

The government order (GO) issued by the Municipality Administration and Urban Development department in Jan-uary 2013 lists the following newly declared sites: Shamshabad police station (old), Shamshabad; Maniyar Patt Masjid, Kutbiguda; Daira Kaman, Zamistanpur; Gate portion of Monda Market; St. Sebastian Church, Regimental Bazar; Past Office of Nizam’s government at RTC Crossroads; Madigonda Shankeraiah Mutt, main road Kavadiguda; Ammapally Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple, Ammapally near Shamshabad; Maha-laka Chanda step-well, Eflu, Tarnaka; Islamiah High School, Monda Market; Vivek Vardhini School, Jambagh Road; Sudhir Naik Residence, Gowliguda; Rahat Manzil at Saidabad; Aziz Bagh, Noorkhan Bazaar and State Bank of India building, Koti.

There are a total 166 sites in the heritage list of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

Sajjid Shahid, city heritage activist said, “In a city like Hyderabad there are thousands of typical Nizam style sites that still exist, but are badly neglected. Sites like Kachiguda railway station, the former British Residency now Rashtrapati Bhavan, Bollaram, James Street railway station (a unique piece of architecture) and Le Palis- Royal (on the way to Bollaram, near parade ground) deserve the status.”

There are several old police stations adorned by exclusive art work and small police post structures that have been overlooked by the authorities.

He said the State Assembly at Nampally also deserves heritage status as do mini structures around the Paigan tombs near Pisalbanda. “The State needs to come up with a policy for these sites, and release yearly funds in order to maintain the beauty of the city,” said another heritage activist, Moha-mmad Sajjiulla.

Over 80-year-old Rock House pulled down (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Over-80-year-old-Rock-House-pulled-down/articleshow/18885501.cms)

HYDERABAD: Within hours of being inexplicably struck off the notified heritage structures' list, the over 80-year-old 'Rock House' was ruthlessly bulldozed on Saturday.


The demolition started early in the morning with workers pulling down the compound wall, remains of the main building and other concrete structures dotting the premises. Even the ancient rocks surrounding the house were not spared.

The heritage rocks meticulously preserved by Nawab Mehdi Nawaz Jung while building the 'Banjara Bhavan' in the 20th century were crushed under heavy machines, in an attempt to level the land.

To keep the work under wraps, the frontal part of the site was seen covered with a sheet. Any queries made with the large posse of security guards manning the area, about the demolition, were either met with no response or peeved looks.

Meanwhile, as news about the de-notification spread, heritage activists from the city were found fuming and lashing out at the state authorities for paying no interest to the upkeep of its history.

According to the rulebook, notification is a form of recognition bestowed on structures with tremendous heritage value by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

In a strongly-worded letter submitted to the Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MAUD), Forum for a Better Hyderabad president M Vedakumar stated that the reasons cited by the government to de-notify the Grade-I heritage structure (buildings that attract highest protection owing to their historic significance) were 'untenable'.

Slamming the authorities for failing to preserve the house and letting it rot in neglect, the activist added, "Had an expert in conservation and restoration been consulted (before de-notification), he would have pointed out that there is no heritage structure built in lime which can be declared, beyond restoration."

Private party Gavva Estates Private Limited, in its 2011 petition seeking approval to redevelop the property into a swank club for the elite, had claimed that the building lacked architectural merit, and was lying in a dilapidated condition and was not of regional or national importance.

"But the fact is that the government of AP, through its agencies, had restored similar structures, including the Moula Ali Kaman, Old City Improvement Board office on the premises of the old Gandhi Medical College, Basheerbagh, and the AP high court to name a few, in the past," Vedakumar's letter said.

Activist Kulsum Reddy, who has been for decades living in close proximity to the 'heritage home', expressed deep regret at the loss of another piece of Hyderabad's glorious past.

"The authorities have ruined half the charm of the city that I was born in," the old-timer said. She also rued how partial demolition work had been on at the Rock House premises since 2011.

‘Banjara Bhavan’ may lose its heritage tag (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/banjara-bhavan-may-lose-its-heritage-tag/article4497850.ece)

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Heritage activists cry foul over the move to denotify Devdi Mehdi Nawaz Jung building

Heritage activists in the city have strongly objected the reported move of the government to denotify Devdi Mehdi Nawaz Jung building popularly known as “Banjara Bhavan” on Road No. 4, Banjara Hills, from the heritage buildings list.

Apart from being a grade 1 heritage building, it was the abode of great poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Yet, the government authorities have de-notified the building from heritage buildings list, alleged M. Veda Kumar, president, Forum For A Better Hyderabad, in a statement here on Monday.

“The government should cancel the de-notification orders and initiate steps for reconstruction of the building. Measures should also be taken to prevent any new constructions on the building site,” demanded Mr. Kumar.

Prior to the de-notification, the matter was taken to the court. During the hearings, the court did not consider the building owners arguments that it had no heritage value and that it was in a dilapidated condition.

However, heritage experts appointed by the government identified it to be a heritage structure of grade 1 category. Further, they had declared it as having undiminished heritage value and found it restorable, claimed Mr. Kumar.

“As our arguments were found insurmountable, government authorities decided to de-notify the building without considering its heritage. This is mala fide exercise and is abuse of the discretion vested under the regulations,” said Mr. Kumar.

During the court hearings, it came to light that Gavva Constructions Private Limited purchased the building and was aware of its heritage value and its accompanying obligations.

However, it chose to demolish it and yet, the government was backing the move by exhibiting unfair favour to a party against the public interest of preserving heritage, he charged.

EFLU girl petitions President to restore 200-yr-old well (http://newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/article1507153.ece)

At last, there is some good news from the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU). At a time when heritage buildings are being denotified in the city, a student has taken the initiative to preserve one. It is not exactly a building but a 200-year-old well located on the campus.

Christina Canton from Jharkhand, a BA (French) first-year student, has filed an online petition on change.org and addressed it to President Pranab Mukherjee, no less. The well in question, built during the Asaf Jahi period, used to be a platform for cultural activities but has been lying in a state of neglect for many years now and is littered with plastic bottles and bags.

“In 2008, they had promised to preserve the well and then, engineers and conservation architects had visited the site. Even after four years, nothing has changed,” said Christina, explaining the reasons for filing the petition. “I have been thinking about some ways to preserve the well. We are all proud of its heritage. But complaining to the administration will not help,” she pointed out. According to her, the only way to preserve the well is by inscribing it on the UNESCO’s world heritage list. “I started the campaign on Saturday and I do not know how far it would go. But I wish it features in the tentative list at least,” she added. Her petition has garnered over 100 supporters already.

She said the EFLU administration had failed to maintain the well following a clean up drive undertaken by a group of students about a month ago. She said a little bit of background research about the website had made her confident about the move. “Though I started it alone, I have the support of all my friends,” she said.

The university had earlier planned a scientific renovation of the structure to restore its past glory. The well, which has many corridors and platforms in two decks, was featured in the recent heritage list of the HMDA.

Week-long heritage fete in Hyderabad from Friday (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/weeklong-heritage-fete-in-hyderabad-from-friday/article4603355.ece)

Come Friday and the city is all set to kick off week-long celebrations of its culture and heritage, with cultural programmes on show at eight specified locations.

The event coincides with the observance of the World Heritage Week the world over.

The cultural programmes will focus on creating awareness among the public on the need for protecting and preserving historical monuments and various art forms.

Illuminating monuments

Arrangements are being made to illuminate select monuments in the city during the week, besides organising food festivals at some hotels.

Announcing this at a media conference, Chandana Khan, Special Chief Secretary, Tourism, G. Kishen Rao, special officer, Paryatak Bhavan and Kantilal Dande, Director, Tourism, said several eminent artistes would perform during the cultural programme and asked the people of the city to avail of this opportunity to refresh themselves during the summer.

Schedule

Programmes would be organised daily from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the following locations: Golconda Fort, Quli Qutub Shah Tombs, Taramati Baramati, Chowmahalla Palace, Moula Ali (Mahlaquavas), Shilparamam, NITHIM and Jhamsingh Temple heritage complex.

Ms. Khan said discussions would be held on issues relating to heritage every morning at the Salar Jung Museum and Chowmahalla Palace. Special heritage and special heritage rock walks would be organised.

She said the new division at the Central Institute of Indian Languages to promote classical Telugu has not yet been shifted from the CIIL’s facility at Mysore to Hyderabad. A floor at the State Art Gallery at Madhapur had been allotted the division.

Celebrating Hyderabad's legacy (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130411/lifestyle-booksart/article/celebrating-hyderabads-legacy)

Starting April 12, the city’s four major heritage sites will light up with song and dance.

This annual fest is intended to promote these symbols of our cultural legacy as well as our traditional art forms.

The four main venues are Golconda Fort, Taramati Baradari, Qutub Shahi Tombs and Chowmahalla Palace. Some programmes have also been scheduled at Shilparamam and Maula Ali, while daily shows will be held at the Jamsingh Heritage Temple in Gudimalkapur.

Senior and well-known artistes who will perform at the week-long festival include Bharatanatyam danseuse Geetha Ganeshan, Kathak exponent Mangala Bhatt, Kuchipudi dancer Sandhya Raju, musicians Jaywanth Naidu and the Warsi brothers.

While the tourism department aims at celebrating the city’s heritage and showcasing sites that are part of its global identity, artistes are drawing inspiration from the venues. “Cultural heritage is a package, and art forms are a big part of it,” says senior dancer Sanjay Jyoshi, who will perform at the inaugural show at Taramati Baradari.

Daily cultural programmes will be held everyday starting from 7 pm.

Renovated Cathedral to be consecrated today (http://newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/Renovated-Cathedral-to-be-consecrated-today/2013/04/11/article1539774.ece)

A two-day event for consecration of the renovated St Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral at Gandhinagar in the city began on Wednesday. A procession of parishioners of the Bangalore Diocese to welcome the head of the Orthodox Church Catholicos Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II and bishop Abraham Mar Seraphim of the Bangalore Diocese was organised from the ACTC on Lower Tank Bund Road to the cathedral located in Gandhinagar.

The church, which houses the relics of St Gregorios, was built in 1969. The renovated building will be inaugurated by Union minister Sarvey Satyanarayana and state minister for municipal administration and urban development M Maheedhar Reddy.

The holy mass will take place on Thursday. The Diocese has several parishes and social initiatives at Yacharam, Eluru & Ramagundam.

Heritage activists join Osmania General Hospital demolition fight (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130412/news-current-affairs/article/heritage-activists-join-osmania-general-hospital-demolition)

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Hyderabad: Osmania General Hospital authorities and the city’s heritage activists are now at loggerheads over the plan-ned demolition of the Osmania Nursing College.

The activists maintain that the structure is 91 years old, and needs to be preserved. Hospital authorities, however, argue that the building was built in 1951, (making it 61 years old) and that they have no other option but to demolish it to pave way for a new hospital building.

On Thursday, a team of heritage experts inspected the site and produced facts, backing their side of the argument.

“A stone plaque, right on top of the building, clearly shows that the structure was built in 1921. It is the oldest part of the Osmania General Hospital, built primarily for a nursing college. This portion of the building also has the oldest pump house and a dhobi ghat which is still in use,” said Anuradha Reddy, who led the inspection team.

According to the historians, the college block’s garden also has a tree that saved several lives during the 1908 floods. They fear the demolition could wipe out the garden and the historical tree.
Meanwhile, principal of the Osmania Medical Coll-ege, Dr P. Srinivas rejected all claims made by the activists.

“The nursing college’s foundation was laid on June 22, 1975, and the hostel was constructed in 1951. The old Osmania General Hospital was founded long back in 1921. These are the genuine facts, and we have taken photographs of the same and have also submitted the photos to the government as evidence. Wrong and misleading information is being used to stall the new project.”

Five nurses refuse to end hunger strike

Five nursing students, who are on a hunger strike at the Osmania General Hospital, have refused to end the fast despite suffering from low blood pressure. Late on Thursday evening, it was reported that one of the five students was admitted to the hospital after her condition deteriorated. Health of the other four is also worsening.

Hospital authorities are conducting checkups every 4 hours.

The strike began on April 10 and over 250 nursing students have been supporting them. The students want the government to give a written assurance that there will be adequate facilities in the new building and changing rooms and rest rooms will be made for them.

Meetings with superintendent Ram Das, college principal Dr P. Srinivas and Dr Vishnu Prasad, director of health and medical education, have failed.

Heritage he‘art’ (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130415/lifestyle-offbeat/article/heritage-he%E2%80%98art%E2%80%99)

There’s a reason why many say, few cities can really beat Hyderabad when it comes to music, palaces and chandeliers.

So, on Saturday night, as part of the Heritage Week celebrations, it was a different kind of party at the Chowmahalla Palace.

The first performance was by Sirin Sengupta, who enthralled the audience with Raga Vasant Bahar in her first performance in Hyderabad.

“I am proud and honoured to perform at this venue. I was just in a trance,” she said.



The next performance though, blew away the audience.

Ashok Gujrale, accompanied by a ‘troop’ of kids, aged between eight and 14 from his Aarabhi Centre of Performing Arts, left everybody speechless with a fusion of western classical music and Indian classical music. Gujrale’s famed sense of discipline was obvious as bows moved in unison. There was also a rendition of the Saare Jaahan Se Accha.

Later, Devi Ramana Murty took the stage with her ghazals. In an after-performance chat, she explained the importance of Chowmahalla Palace as a venue. “Every time I perform here I am transported to the old days. I have noticed that music brings this monument to a new life and ever since Chowmahalla Palace was converted into a cultural hub, I have been performing here. Now, during the heritage week, it’s just a big celebration.”

The audience loved the experience too.

Theatre artists Ali Ahmed and friend K. Rahul loved the violins the most. They felt Hyderabad could use a bit more of the instruments.



For Jayamala Thatipamala, who loved classical vocalist Sirin Sengupta and her rendition of Megha Malhar, the evening was just about “music and the breeze”.

For Shirin herself, the performance was important. “Sparsely attended maybe. But such a classical show attracts an exclusive audience only. Classical music is not a popular art form, the audience must make an effort to understand it. Many of the audience are musicians themselves,” she said.

Her husband Pt. Ranajit Sengupta, who also gave a sarod performance, added, “You know what, young people abroad are more interested in Carnatic music than the Indian youth. But we are hopeful about the future of classical music...worldwide.”

Ayyappa temple installs CCTV (http://postnoon.com/2013/04/15/ayyappa-temple-installs-cctv/119909)

Cameras to help monitor movement of people and vehicles, both inside and outside the temple premises.

After the recent Dilsukhnagar blasts, the importance of surveillance cameras has become an important security tool in places of worship that attract huge crowds.

ITVS Suryanarayana, assistant commissioner of police, Begumpet, yesterday inaugurated CCTV cameras at the Ayyappa temple at Bolarum. In all, 12 high-resolution cameras have been installed all around the temple premises to track the movement of people and vehicles, both inside and outside the temple.

Equipped with a UPS system, these cameras will work round-the-clock and will capture images even during when there is no electricity. The captured video will be stored for two months and can be accessed by law enforcement and traffic police.

The temple at Bolarum is the first Ayyappa temple that was established in Andhra Pradesh.

Save Charminar, save city's identity (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Save-Charminar-save-citys-identity/articleshow/19641115.cms)

When some 400 years ago QutbShahi romantic poet king Mohammad Quli dreamt of building a new city about 15 km from his decaying Golconda he discussed his plan with prime minister Mir Momin. Working vigorously with a team of planners, designers and artisans from India, Iran and Iraq Mir Momin presented the idea of Charminar as the centerpiece of the new city of lakes, gardens, palaces, public utility buildings and business centres. The dream became a reality in 1591 and since then the monument has remained irreplaceable in the heart of every Hyderabadi, nay, every beholder.

Though the iconic Charminar has suffered natural calamities in the past it recovery was fast, thanks to the love and care showered on it by the then rulers, administrators and people of Hyderabad. The same Charminar is facing the most acute crisis of its life-its very existence is threatened.

A random study of Charminar and its surroundings reveals the nature and magnitude of problems that beset the monument. The biggest issue is that of monumental neglect. The upkeep of the Charminar is ill planned, irregular and insufficient.

All experts agree that to save Charminar, the entire Charminar precinct has to be saved. This was first revealed in a Ford Foundation study that became public in 1985. It took 13 years for the government to act on that report and come up with the Charminar Pedestrianisation Project in 1998. Another two years were wasted in launching the project with great fanfare. Since then the CPP is on oxygen. It is neither allowed to die nor live.

In the meantime, the condition of Charminar and the situation in the area around it is deteriorating with every passing day. For instance, the absence of traffic management in the area is stark. The occasional traffic cop there looks like a mute spectator with boredom writ large on his face.

The chaotic traffic conditions worsen as one starts moving from Afzal Gunj towards Charminar. RTC buses compete with the auto-rickshaws in breaking the traffic rules. The thela-bandi walas and other petty traders add to the bedlam by putting up their business on the road.

The GHMC has abandoned the area as well. There is an obvious competition between the traffic cops and the GHMC staff on who should be making more money by allowing the chaos on the roads and illegal trade on main thoroughfares.

It is sheer anarchy as one inches past Madina Building Junction towards Gulzar Hauz and finally Charminar. The disorder remains in full form whether one goes toward Mecca Masjid or Laad Bazaar or Kotla Aalijah.

There are complaints galore from the residents, shop owners and the commuters. They say there is no plan to decongest the area, regulate the traffic and manage hawkers and other petty traders.

According to conservation activist architect G V Suryanaryana Murthy, if decadence of Charminar has to be checked, at least 9 square km area around it should be protected as the first step. Beginning from Nayapul in the north, the area should cover the stretch up to Aliabad Sarai or Falaknuma in the south. In the east the protection should cover area up to Dabeerpura and its surroundings and in the west, the conservation plan should envelope Purana Pul Darwaza and the bridge.

It is obvious that there is no government in the Charminar precinct. That is the reason why religious leaders, politicians, property owners, real estate players and even the government officials do not hesitate in breaking the rules that would ultimately pose threat to the existence of Charminar.

If Charminar has to be saved, chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy has to personally demonstrate through his actions that he would not tolerate the destruction of the monument and the surrounding precinct. Otherwise, the violators of law would soon bring down the proud symbol of Hyderabad with impunity.

Hyderabad’s heritage to get a face-lift (http://newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/Hyderabad%E2%80%99s-heritage-to-get-a-face-lift/2013/04/22/article1555516.ece)

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) has finally decided to give financial assistance to notified privately owned heritage buildings, and heritage activists in the city couldn’t be happier. However, they say that this is just the tip of the iceberg and that there was much more needs to be done.

GHMC’s standing committee meeting on 18 April decided to provide a 75 per cent property tax waiver for privately owned heritage buildings that are listed. Also, a reimbursement of part of the expenditure incurred in taking up renovations will be provided – either 20 per cent of the cost or Rs 25 lakh; whichever is minimum.

Among the jubilant is Anuradha Reddy, Hyderabad convenor, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). However, there is a ‘but’.

“It is a recognition to the efforts of the owners of the notified buildings in conserving the heritage of the city. But it would be great if it is extended to non-notified privately owned heritage buildings. The waiver should have also been 100 per cent and not just 75.”

According to her, a proper survey across the city would prove that 100’s of non-notified privately owned heritage buildings are in grave need of financial aid. “Authorities must first ensure that heritage buildings are not de-notified and demolished, as was the instance with the Bajara Bhavan and the Montgomery Hotel building in the city,” she added.

M Vedakumar, President, Forum for a Better Hyderabad (FBH), felt that the government should also consider conservation and active usage of heritage buildings that are owned by them.

“INTACH and FBH have submitted a report to the Heritage Conservation Committee after studying conservation in cities like Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. Buildings like Mahboob mansion, Secunderabad old jail, Nampally sarai, the pension office near Charminar and the old municipal head office in Darulshifa are some of the government owned buildings in utmost need,” he said. He further pointed out that priority should be given not only to the Grade 1 buildings but also for those in grave threat of dilapidation.

Meanwhile, GHMC officials maintained that the assistance includes no advance payment and the owner will have to register with the GHMC’s Heritage cell and enter into an agreement admitting to maintain the building once restored and put to active use in future.

“The financial assistance will not include expenditure incurred on overhead expenses, conservation of movable objects or consultancy fee of the architect. Owners will have to submit project report including drawings with details, methodology, materials for renovation/conservation and phase-wise program with realistic time line so that the Heritage Cell can track its progress. Owners will also have to submit a visual documentation of the renovation work while an impanelled conservation architect of GHMC will certify the work done and expenditure incurred by owners,” said officials.

They also mentioned that owners will have to obtain a no-objection certificate from the Heritage Conservation Committee of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Association before renovation begins.

There are currently 168 notified heritage buildings in the city and about 60 per cent of them are privately owned.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture waiting to kick off facelift work at tombs (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Aga-Khan-Trust-for-Culture-waiting-to-kick-off-facelift-work-at-tombs/articleshow/19733199.cms)

HYDERABAD: Representatives of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) on Thursday said they intend to begin restoration of the Quli Qutub Shah Tombs (QQST) complex beginning with the now dilapidated Badi Bowli.

At a time when the QQST finds itself mired in litigation and controversy, civil society activists organised a meeting with AKTC officials as well as petitioners of the Wakf Tribunal at the tombs to find a solution to the impasse.

It was earlier reported in these columns that the wakf survey commissioner's office had declared the Quli Qutub Shah Development Authority (QQSUDA) as an encroacher of 22 acres of prime wakf land.

The office further added that the QQSUDA had failed to take permission from the AP State Wakf Board and the department of archaeology and museums (DAM) for constructing the Deccan Park. It was in 1977 that Mukarram Jah Bahadur, grandson of last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, had entered into an agreement with DAM and had made its director the guardian of the QQST complex for its maintenance and upkeep.

While the plaintiffs refused to attend the meeting, AKTC project director Ratish Nanda said they had prayed to the court to implead them in the case, so they could explain their scope of work. "We will have a fulltime exhibition to explain work to the public and will start with Badi Bowli as it is collapsing. We will also have an interpretation centre," Nanda said. While cordoning off work areas remain essential, activists are welcome to inspect the site, he added.

While the MoU along with the Deccan Park land parcel remains the bone of contention in the tribunal, AKTC officials said they planned to integrate the park with the main site and move the QQST entrance to the park. "We have used the same MoU in Delhi and there was no problem there," Nanda said.

While the Wakf Tribunal had ordered a stay on the work on January 22, Nanda said that it was only in March that the AKTC was informed about it. "We got ourselves impleaded so that we could explain to the court what this project is all about and what we intend to do here. It is a 10-year (restoration) project because it will take that sort of time," Nanda said.

While government records reflect the extent of land of the QQST complex at 103 acres and 30 guntas, AKTC officials said that they have recorded 106 acres.

There will be no tender system and a labour camp will also be needed. No cement would be used at the site except for pathways. "There is tile work on many structures. We will go to Iran for getting tiles," Nanda said.

I really din't know all that amazed to read all that.

City heritage buildings cry for protection (http://newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/City-heritage-buildings-cry-for-protection/2013/05/11/article1584891.ece)

The state government seems to be least bothered about putting in place a regulation for protection of notified heritage buildings, areas and rock precincts in and around Greater Hyderabad. With nearly two months elapsing, the municipal administration and urban development (MAUD) department has failed to reconstitute the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) under Regulation 13(2) of Zoning Regulations, 1981, giving scope for demolition or damage of notified heritage buildings and rock formations in the city.

There are over 166 notified heritage buildings and 20-odd rock precincts in the Hyderabad metropolitan area. On March 17, 2010 the municipal administration department issued orders reconstituting the Heritage Conservation Committee with nine members for a period of three years.

Though the term lapsed in March, the government failed to constitute a fresh committee, giving ample scope to owners of the heritage buildings to demolish the structures. The HCC works in collaboration with the Indian National Trust For Art And Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in order to conserve ancient buildings of historical significance in and around the Hyderabad city.

As there are so many cases of encroachments and illegal constructions in and around the centrally protected monuments and in the light of the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amended and Validation) Act, 2010, stringent measures need to be taken against encroachers, involving all the stakeholders.

Speaking to Express, HMDA officials admitted that the term of the HCC ended in March and, as per the rules, a new panel should have been reconstituted in March itself, and said they will bring to the notice of the government the need to reconstitute the HCC at the earliest. INTACH Greater Hyderabad chapter convener Anuradha Reddy wonders who will take care of the safety of heritage buildings in the absence of HCC.

“If some notified heritage building is demolished by a owner for commercial gains, who should one complain to? The state government seems to least bothered to reconstitute the HCC. There should be a strong political will to protect heritage buildings,’’ she says.

Breathing life into Hyderabad’s Qutb Shahi tombs (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/breathing-life-into-hyderabads-qutb-shahi-tombs/article4728066.ece)

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After many a hiccup, the Agha Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) finally commenced restoration work at the historic Qutb Shahi tombs here on Saturday.

This follows permission given by the Wakf Tribunal to take up repair of the ‘Badi Bouli’ at the entrance to the tomb complex pending final decision on the case. After two days of hearing, the Tribunal gave the go-ahead to the Department of Archaeology and Museums on Friday to carry out repairs of the step-well which has collapsed on one side.

Experts visit tombs

A multi-disciplinary team of the AKTC, comprising conservation archaeologists, engineers and landscape architects, visited the Qutb Shahi tombs on Saturday morning and cleared debris in and around the well. The work will start in right earnest on Sunday, with specialised artisans preparing lime-mortar comprising jaggery, sand, fruit pulp and stone aggregates.

The AKTC team, however, had to face a shower of abuses from some opponents. But it is nothing new for the agency executing projects in 30 countries.

“Initially, there was suspicion and vested interests are in play. But we will overcome that,” said Ratish Nanda, project director, AKTC.

Interestingly, AKTC is the only agency in India taking up conservation work on ASI protected monuments.

It plans to replicate the good work done by it in Delhi at Humayun Tomb and 50 monuments around it. “We adopt the traditional Indian approach to conservation everywhere,” said Mr. Nanda.

He made it clear that the Qutb Shahi tomb complex was not handed over to the AKTC but remained in the control of the Department of Archaeology. “It is a public-private partnership not for profit,” he added.

Dorabji Tata Trust

The partnership has been further strengthened, with the Dorabji Tata Trust evincing interest in the project. It will be providing co-funding to the conservation work estimated to cost Rs. 100 crore.

The Qutb Shahi Tombs are one of the most important Islamic heritage sites in India comparable to the Taj Mahal. Nowhere in the world are 70 monuments at one place representing an entire dynasty, which ruled for 170 years. “If properly protected, it is capable of drawing huge number of visitors,” Mr. Nanda felt.

Urgent repair needed

All monuments are in urgent need of repair, with vegetal growth, cracks and vandalism taking a heavy toll. The dome of the Jamsheed Quli tomb runs the risk of caving in as the wooden beam used in it has chipped away in many places.

The lime mortar material will be used to bring back the original sheen.

The AKTC is here for a long haul. It will take 10 long years to complete the restoration work. “But once it is through, the site will be safe for another 400 years,” said Mr. Nanda.