Hyderabad Heritage & Heritage Structures

[Ron7]

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

[Ron7]

Royal necropolis cries for attention

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

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.

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

[Ron7]

Raymond's tomb languishes in neglect

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

[Ron7]

The Taj of the South lies in ruins

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.

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.

[Gudavalli]

Nizam-era Chest Hospital in ruins

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.

[sriece19]

Officials start making arrangements for Bonalu

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.

[sriece19]

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....

[Gudavalli]

I'll make a request for it.

[sriece19]

Handloom store at Salar Jung

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.

[sriece19]

Chowmahalla Palace to house royal library

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.

[Gudavalli]

CEPT to develop heritage management programme for 3 cities

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.

[sriece19]

Mayor inspects heritage sites in Old City

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.

[sriece19]

Charminar to get a facelift


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.

[sriece19]

World Bank-aided heritage project for Hyderabad

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.

[Gudavalli]

Hyderabad Enters Pearl City Networks

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)

[Gudavalli]

Monuments are faithful records of their time

"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.

[sriece19]

‘Telangana Aata Pata’ proposed during Ganesh fete



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.

[sriece19]

World heritage status sought for three historic sites in AP



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.



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.

[sriece19]

Shaikpet inn facelift halts midway

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.

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Makeover for Charminar, Golconda, Qutubshahi




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.