Hyderabad Heritage Structures

[Babji]

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/22/s...2210590400.htm

Government to recover manuscripts

HYDERABAD: The Government will launch two projects to identify and recover manuscripts of Yogi Vemana and Potuluri Veerabhahmendra Swamy.

J. Tirumala Rao, Director, Andhra Pradesh Oriental Manuscripts Library & Research Institute here, said many scholars, including C. P. Brown, had done research on the life and history of Vemana with reference to his anthology of poems, "Vemana Satakam."

But none of them could trace his manuscripts and specify the number of poems written by him.

The Government, therefore, would launch a project to undertake the research again and recover the palm-leaf manuscripts of the `satakam' wherever they are available.

Similarly, another project would be taken up for research into the history of Potuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy and efforts made to recover the `talapatra' manuscripts relating to his "Kalagnanam."

[Babji]

Chowmohalla squatters get MCH notice
Koride Mahesh
[ 22 Jul, 2006 0047hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

HYDERABAD: With the High Court giving orders for the removal of encroachment around Chowmohalla palace, the MCH has slapped notices on 23 unauthorised building owners on Thursday.

Political representatives from the Old City have approached the MCH authorities, asking them not to get tough with the owners as they have already given up part of their land for road widening.

Now if the entire building is to be demolished, the MCH should provide them alternative land, they claimed. The local leaders also wanted the MCH to ensure that some space is left between the buildings and the compound wall of Chowmohalla palace.

The town planning officials ruled out giving alternate land as these owners have constructed buildings on private land sans the civic authorities' nod.

"The corporation is consulting heritage conservation committee members on the minimum distance to be maintained from the heritage building," an MCH official told TOI.

According to officials, the unauthorised constructions came up on a part of the 20-acre land abutting the compound wall of Chowmohalla in the mid 1980s in plots ranging between 150 and 250 square yards. Nearly 23 owners constructed houses there are are allegedly dumping garbage on the palace land.

No town planner served them notices while the illegal construction was in progress. These builders applied for the building regularisation scheme in 1998, but their applications were rejected for lack of clear documents over the land ownership."

The Heritage Conservation panel of Huda declared Chowmohalla Palace a heritage building in 1996 and a few years ago it urged the MCH to see that all the buildings along it be removed. Some months ago, MCH tried to dismantle them but MIM and other leaders choked their effort.

[Babji]

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/26/s...2612820400.htm
Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Numismatic gallery soon at State Museum


TREASURE TROVE: D. Raja Reddy with his book `Charitra Khazana'. — PHOTO: P.V. Sivakumar

HYDERABAD: The State Museum located in the environs of Public Gardens will soon have a gallery showcasing an awesome collection of coins, said School Education Minister N. Rajyalakshmi, on Tuesday.

She was speaking after releasing a Telugu book `Charitra Khazana' written by D. Raja Reddy, a neurosurgeon. Interestingly, she said, the museum already has three lakh coins, including over 16,000 in gold, second only to the British Museum in London.

Space for the collection: "It was a wonderful experience seeing over one lakh coins and I want to ensure that people can access it too," she said, recalling a recent visit to the museum. Officials were working on how to carve out space for the coins and how to maximise viewing pleasure for visitors.

Dr. Raja Reddy, who is a consultant at Apollo Hospital, here, recalled how he was drawn to numismatics ever since his grandmother found two coins in their house 25 years ago.

The book has been published by Ramaiah Vidyapeetham. Educationalist Chukka Ramaiah said coins were a reflection of the rule and prosperity of a kingdom and lifestyle of the people. They symbolised the status of the economy.

State Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan K. Chandramouli observed that coins were vital indicators of history. `Charitra Khazana' was a repository of information and truly a treasure for students.

A.B.K. Prasad, Chairman, Andhra Pradesh Official Language Commission, presided.

[Babji]

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/27/s...2723360200.htm

The enigma that was Mir Osman Ali Khan

The last Asaf Jahi ruler: the architect of modern Hyderabad

Mir Osman Ali Khan

Hyderabad: It was one of those chilly winter nights. Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam, feels like acquiring a new blanket and calls his ADC and orders him to buy a blanket. But there is a rider - the price should not exceed Rs. 25. The ADC goes around the bazaar and comes back crestfallen. The minimum price of a blanket is Rs. 35. When the Nizam learns this he decides to make do with the old blanket.

A few hours later, he gets a request from the Maharaja of Bikaner for a donation for the Benaras Hindu University. Without thinking twice he orders the sanction of Rs. 1 lakh! Sounds incredible. But that was the last Nizam for you. He would use the 185-carat Jacob diamond as a paperweight and at the same time settle for a simple sherwani and pyjama for a dress. Stories of his frugal habits are dime a dozen.

Defies definition: Once he contributed gold coins worth crores of rupees to the National Defence Fund of the Government of India. When the trunks containing the coins were being loaded into vans, the Nizam told the officer in his characteristic style. "I am donating the coins not the trunk. See that they are returned."

Call him tight-fisted or open-handed, Osman Ali Khan defies definition. The last of the Asaf Jahi rulers, whose 124th birth anniversary is being observed today, he is best remembered as the architect of modern Hyderabad. His vision in developing a planned city couldn't be glossed over. The flash floods of 2000 submerged several posh localities in the new city while life in the old city went on unhindered. Old-timers recall how Hyderabad was one of the best-administered States under the Nizam. His 37-year rule saw the expansion of roadways, railways and postal services. Industries like the Shahbad cement factory and Nizam Sugar Factory were set up. The façade of Patharghatti underwent a change.
All the important buildings one can think of today were the result of his enlightened policies. The High Court, Assembly Hall, Osmania General Hospital, Nizamia Unani Hospital, Nampally railway station, Jubilee Hall, Osmansagar and Himayatsagar - the list is endless.

Biggest contribution: Osmania University remains the Nizam's biggest contribution to education. Another noteworthy aspect of his rule was communal harmony. After his death in 1967, his grandson, Mukkaram Jah Bahadur, was asked whether he planned to raise a monument for his grandfather. Pat came the reply: "Go around Hyderabad and you will find so many of them."

[Babji]

Thousand Pillar Temple



About 150 kms. from Hyderabad lies the ancient city of Warangal. Noted today for its beautiful lakes, magnificent temples and wildlife, Warangal possess the marvelous thousand pillared temple, built by King Rudra Deva in the 12th century. The famous Thousand Pillar Temple, built in 1163 AD, by king Rudra Deva is an important monument situated near the Hanamkonda-Warangal highway. One thousand richly carved pillars and a magnificent black basalt Nandi bull are unique to this temple which is dedicated to Lords Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.

The temple is in shape of a star and has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is built on a 1m high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill, and has a majestic monolithic Nandi. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish. There are many small lingam shrines surrounding the gardens. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture.

[Babji]

http://www.deccan.com/Region/RegionNews.asp
Red tape delays tourism project

Warangal, July 26: The apathy of the government machinery here has resulted in the loss of a Rs 6 crores tourism project for the district. The tourism project, which was prepared and submitted to the government a couple of years ago, is yet to see light of the day as there are no takers to pursue it with the government which had given its nod for the project.

The project envisages the development and installation of sound and light systems at Thousand Pillars Temple, Warangal Fort and the Ramappa Temple in the district. Establishing canteens, and constructing cottage facilities and other infrastructure facilities at all important tourism spots are also part of the tourism project.

The lack of political will among the district politicians including the ministers, MLAs and MPs and the indifferent attitude of the officials are the main reasons for the project still to be in the dock. As the district has got historic importance and is endowed with some beautiful tourism spots and the Kakatiya-period architectural structures, it had deserved a massive tourism project a long ago.

The geographical location of the city and its nearness to Hyderabad, which is only 140-km away and less than three hours drive, are also some of its advantages for turning it into a major tourist attraction next only to Hyderabad in the region.

The tourism project is also aimed at attracting the tourists who visit Hyderabad and promote it along with the Hyderabad for international and national tourists. The regular shuffling of the officials at the district level was also affecting the correspondence with the government on the project.

It is learnt that the tourism department at the State-level is also interested in allocating an amount of Rs 10 lakhs for the district to conduct the Kakatiya Utsav. The Kaka-tiya Utsav is also planned a couple of years ago as a limited period celebrations to create awareness on the Kakatiya period architectural structures and tanks.
But here also there are no takers to utilise the opportunity given by the tourism department.
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[Babji]

News From Webindia123.com
No entry for Nizam's ex-wife, daughter at Hyderabad's Chowmahalla Palace
Hyderabad | July 29, 2006 1:13:45 PM IST


... Manolya Onur, the former wife of Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah Asaf Jah VIII, the pretender to the throne of Hyderabad, and her daughter Niloufer.

They were turned away from the Chowmahalla Palace here on Friday, even as other visitors were allowed in.

Mukarram Jah is the son of Azam Jah and Durru Shehvar and the grandson of the seventh and last Nizam of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan.

Manolya was in tears when security personnel at the palace curtly told her and her daughter that they were "not welcome".

Manolya first came to the city on July 15 along with Niloufer to claim her divorce-related dues. Having won her legal battle against Mukarram Jah in a Family Court here, she said that she just wanted her daughter to have a glimpse of the palace from the inside.

A Family Court had ordered Jah to pay Rs 14 crore to Manolya as a divorce settlement. However, since Mukarram Jha plans to challenge the order of the lower court in a higher court, the money is yet to be given.

A reunion between Manolya and Jah also seems remote and far-fetched since as per the Islamic Shariah, the reunion of divorced husband with his wife is not permissible until the wife has married someone else and divorced him.

Moreover, the relations between Jah, who resides in Australia presently, and his first wife, Princess Esra, have improved of late to the extent that he has given the General Power of Attorney of the palaces in Hyderabad to her.



The Chowmahalla Palace is said to be the first Asaf Jahi palace in Hyderabad. The Asaf Jahi dynasty built this palace after deserting the former Qutb Shahi palace quarter lying north west of the Charminar. They decided to construct a new palace complex for themselves to the south west of the Charminar.

Different portions of the Chowmahalla were built during different phases of the Asaf Jahi rule. The durbar was held in the hall or pavilion called the Khilwat. This was built around 1780 during the reign of Nawab Nizam Ali Khan, Asaf Jahi II, but extensively renovated later in 1911. It is an over decorated building with huge proportions and a curious Asaf Jahi Baroque.

The name Chowmahalla comes from the existence of four palaces in the main courtyard of the royal complex, built during the reign of Nawab Afzal-ud-Doula Bahadur, the Nizam or Asaf Jah V (1857-1869). The palaces are named Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Mahal. Of these, Afzal Mahal, a two storeyed building, is the most imposing.

Chowmahalla was used by subsequent Nizams and state banquets were held here. (ANI)

[Hindustani]

Structure so pure

The Paigah Palace, which houses the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority now, has all the pure European architectural features

WHAT DOES a Prime Minister do when His Exalted Highness, the ruler of the day, likes a breathtaking hill-top palace painstakingly built by him, chunk by chunk of lime and mortar for years? He would graciously "gift" it away to the ruler virtually on a platter, without batting an eyelid and build an equally magnificent palace, 20 km away.

That's what Sir Vicar-ul-Umra, the Paigah noble did in 1895 by presenting Falaknuma, easily one of the opulent palaces in the country to the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan. "Ji, Huzoor, it is all yours," the magnanimous nobleman might have told the Nizam, who set his eyes on the palace. He went on to build "Paigah Palace", or Devdi Iqbal-ud- Daula (so named after one of his several titles) at Begumpet (lane opposite to the police lines).

"Paigah Palace", the palatial heritage building now housing the office of the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA), is one of the cluster of palaces, standing amid what was a vast wooded area spread over 150 acres (a century ago, all owned by the Paigahs). It is appropriate because, HUDA has pioneered addition of Regulation 13 to the zoning regulations, listing and throwing a protective ring round 138 heritage buildings and nine natural precincts. Apart from "Paigah Palace", Devdi Nasir Nawaz Jung (part of it leased to Chiraan Fort Club) and Vikhar Manzil located on a hillock nearby, are the other two palaces listed for historical and architectural values.

All three were built in 1880s, considered a golden period when a large number of palaces in European and Indo-European style of architecture came up in Hyderabad. The trend perhaps had something to do with the intermittent European jaunts of the highly-placed officials of the Nizam during that period. They simply emulated what was in vogue there, some of them lending an Indian touch to these buildings.

"Paigah", meaning pomp and high rank was conferred as a honourable title by the second Nizam, Nizam Ali Khan, on the estates held by Abul Fateh Khan, Taig Jung Bahadur in appreciation of his loyal service. The title stuck and among the nobles the "Paigahs" were ranked second to the Nizams to whom they were allied by matrimony. The builder of this beautiful palace, Sir Vicar- ul Umra, was grandson of the third Nizam, Nawab Sikander Jah and married Jahandarunnissa, daughter of the fifth Nizam, Nawab Afzal-ud Dowla. Besides having this artistic bend of mind in building magnificent palaces, as Prime Minister for eight years in 1890s, he is credited with carrying out reforms in administration and starting education department, the engineering college, the law college and the Asafia Library (State Central Library at Afzalgunj). A double-storeyed building, the "Paigah Palace" standing on a four-acre site has all the pure European architectural features that one could ask for -- a neo-classical facade, a grand portico with entablature, semi-circular arches, Corinthian columns and deep, arcaded verandas on all four sides and more.

Step into the building and you are sure to be wonderstruck by the high ceiling (22 ft in the ground floor and 26 ft in the first floor), four huge halls and over 20 spacious rooms. The elevated central portion (56 ft) of the building with rectangular vents at the top is like a chimney not only working as exhaust but letting in sunlight and fresh air. Thick 24-inch walls insulate the building from extreme weather conditions outside. Apse like projections with beautiful windows not one but three from where one can have a full view of the greenery around punctuate the building.

Entrance to each room has a pair of huge doors (7 to 10 feet high) with stucco work resembling the facade of the building marked by entablature. Pediments atop the doors have intricate work. Floral patterns decorate the top most borders of the four walls of the high ceiling both in ground and first floors. A quaint, carved wooden spiral staircase leads you to the first floor. It's excellent craftsmanship all over this well-maintained building. Just to give you an idea of the dimensions of rooms, there is a bathroom in first floor (now modified and occupied by a key official of planning department), which measures 300 sq ft! Though the structure remains untouched, wooden partitions, haphazardly arranged cupboards and almirahs now mar what would have been fantastic interior space.

Yet this building can be cited as one of the finest examples of adaptive re-use in the Government sector, accommodating 300 employees. The beauty of the building complex is that a four-storeyed modern annexe building (two floors each matching with the ground and first floors of the old one) has been added in 1999 in the rear side but you will not get an inkling of its existence from the front yard. This new building was added after taking permission from the Heritage Conservation Committee. Blending of the old and the new has been done perfectly and sensitively, without affecting the old European features in any manner. Landscaping done a few years ago, preserving the old trees, one of which still attracts migratory birds, looks good. An ancient well continues to supply water.

HUDA shifted to this palace in 1981 from much smaller rented premises at Hyderguda. Credit should go to the then vice- chairperson, Ramesh Grover who selected this palace, acquired by the Government from the Court of Wards, after paying compensation to the Paigahs. There was a bit of problem initially with employees threatening to go on strike, for shifting the office to a "godforsaken place". Two decades ago, there were not many buildings in the area and employees felt insecure.

There are many who adore the place. "I deem it a privilege working in a building with such grandeur. It is never too hot in summer. There is no need for air conditioner or air cooler. High roof and thick walls take care of extreme conditions. The best part is we are away from the noise and vehicular pollution, the building located a little distance away from the main road", sums up Krishna Baji, Manager, Public Relations of HUDA.

For feedback: warlu@thehindu.co.in

[Babji]

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/10/s...1022000300.htm

Demolition of illegal structures begins

Municipal Corporation to remove encroachments adjacent to Chowmohalla Palace

Workers demolishing the illegal structure adjacent to the Chowmohalla. Palace . Photo: - Mohd. Yousuf

HYDERABAD: Towards removing encroachments that had come up alongside the Chowmohalla Palace in old city as per court orders, the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH) initiated a demolition exercise on Wednesday.
Work began with the top floor of a building adjacent to the palace being demolished and officials said the remaining lower floors would also be demolished soon. "The owner has given consent and we are proceeding with care since the structure is located close to the palace," the official said.

22 structures: There are 22 more similar structures around the palace that had come up without permission and the same would be attended to in due course of time, he added.

[Hindustani]

Good work by GoAP. Those encrouchments in Old City has to be taken care of on the war footing. Like to see GoAP do the same thing in the Charminar area.

[Naga_Solidus]

What will they do with the freed up space?

[Babji]

Originally Posted by Naga_Solidus

What will they do with the freed up space?

I guess, they have plans to develop landscapes and sidewalks.
This area is close to Charminar, Mecca Masjid and Bangle Bazar.
The Charminar pedestrianization project will turn the area into a major tourist jaunt.
People could walk around and enjoy the greenery and heritage.
Tha palace might even become a star hotel/convention center.

[Babji]

Nizam's jewellery set to dazzle Delhiites again
NewIndpress.com
NEW DELHI: The Jacob Diamond, one of the seven biggest diamonds in the world, will be part of the priceless collection of the Nizam of Hyderabad's jewels to be displayed in the national capital after a gap of five years.

The showing is tentatively scheduled for November in the National Museum, which had hosted the first-ever public viewing of the collection in September-October, 2001.

Jacob Diamond - valued at $84.89m, One necklace has 370 pearls, A diamond belt weighs 640 carats

"Preparations are on to exhibit the Nizam's jewellery. The work will take another couple of months and we expect the exhibition to begin in the first week of November," National Museum director general A K V S Reddy told PTI here. The gallery where the jewellery will be exhibited is being redone to give it a Hyderabadi feel so as to provide a rich experience to the people. To give the jewellery an appropriate backdrop, the museum's interiors are being done up on the lines of Hyderabadi royal architecture, Reddy said.

Tight security is are also being put in place for the exhibition to ensure the safety of the rare jewellery, which was bought by the government for Rs 200 crore in 1995, he said. The jewels have not been valued since then.

"We are procuring special security equipment like hi-tech cameras. Besides, there is a proposal for deployment of additional CISF personnel for the exhibition," Reddy said. A budget of Rs 1.5 crore has been sanctioned by the government for the exhibition, he said. A total of 254 jewellery items, including 174 sets, which are currently displayed at Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, will be brought here, Reddy said.

"The royal jewellery remained confined in palaces before the government acquired these precious items in 1995. Now, through exhibitions, the public is getting a chance to see the rare jewellery," he said.

The items to be displayed include 22 fine partially uncut and unmounted emeralds weighing 413.50 carats, a belt with 245 white and golden coloured diamonds, a ring with 12 old-cut diamonds, a turban ornament with table-cut emeralds and old-cut diamonds and a pair of amulet armbands.

There are also rings, buttons, brooches, diamond-studded images of camels and gold ingots. A special feature of the jewellery of the Nizam is that most of them are a fusion of Deccani and Mughal styles. Northern and Southern jewellery making styles have also been merged in the making of the items.

Reddy said the exhibition will continue for about two months before the items are sent back to Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad. Tickets for the jewellery show will be priced at Rs 150 for Indians and Rs 500 for foreign visitors, he said. The last time the Nizam's jewellery was put on display here, the exhibition was extended by 15 days due to popular demand.

[Babji]

The Times of India Online
Iranian experts to restore Qutub Shahi tombs
[ 15 Aug, 2006 0355hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

HYDERABAD: Six Iranian experts are landing in the city on Tuesday to take up restoration work of the Quli Qutub Shahi tombs, the Premamati mosque and the Badshahi Ashoorkhana.

The experts, Taghizadeh (officiating restoration of historical monuments in the government of Iran), Shah Karimi (design and instrumentation expert), Koshnarisi (conservation expert), Aghajani (mosaic and tiles expert), Haiberi (conservation expert) and Behrooz Jalili (garden expert) will tour these monuments from August 16-23 and draw an estimate of the amount required for the restoration work, as well as design plans for developing gardens in and around these monuments.

The restoration work is moving at a great pace because of the keen interest being shown by the Iranian government, according to state government sources. "The six experts have come at their own cost. Besides, the Iranian consulate here is also taking a very active role in the restoration work of the monuments that were built by the Iranian-origin Quli Qutub Shahi dynasty that ruled Hyderabad almost five centuries ago," said an official.

According to the sources, the Iranians are keen to restore the Quli Qutub Shahi tombs, the Premamati mosque and the Badshai Ashoorkhana (a place where tears are shed over the martyrdom of the Prophet's grandson Hussain) on the lines of the monuments they have preserved in the city of Isfahan, on whom the old Hyderabad was modelled.

"The Imam Square in Isfahan houses two blue mosques whose characteristics are the usage of lapuz lazuli and gold and silver work. With shades of turquoise and emerald, the entire monument gets a dazzling blue appearance. The structures here are to be restored in the same manner," the official said.
The state has already earmarked Rs 5 crore for the restoration work. Part of the work would involve restoring the underground drainage system, the fountains and hamam (bath) that existed in these monuments.

"The idea is to turn the Quli Qutub Shahi tombs, said to be the largest necropolis (burial grounds of kings) in the world, into a world heritage site." While Iran has more than two dozen such heritage sites, AP has none.

[Babji]

HUDA List# 71: Moazam Jahi Market == Jam Bagh, Hyderabad

[Babji]

Moazam Jahi Market - another view

[Babji]

Mozamjahi Market - another view

[Babji]

http://www.deccan.com/City/CityNews.asp
State to beautify heritage structures

Hyderabad, Aug. 16: The State government has sent proposals to Centre for funding 23 tourist projects spread across various districts including Hyderabad which is estimated to cost about Rs 40 crore. The projects are likely to be cleared soon.

An 8.17 crore proposal for the integrated development and beautification of
the famous 14th century Qutub Shahi Tombs,
Golconda Fort, Shaikpet Sarai (resting place of kings), Hakeempet Sarai,
Premavati Mosque and Khazana Building Museum has been made..

Plans are also afoot to rechristen Qutub Shahi Tombs as “Bagh-e-Faiz-e-Ather (Garden of peace). Qutub Shahi Tombs that spread across 100 acres, comprise 21 tombs including 7 royal tombs , Taramati tomb, Premavathi tomb, Hakim’s tomb, Hayath Bakshi Begum tomb and Kulsum Begum tomb, 17 mosques, 5 baulis (wells), one Idgah, 10 heritage fountains, and one underground water channel. The Tombs’ premises would be environmentally upgraded along with construction of landscapes, tourist amenities, refurbishment of the monuments, entry plaza, ticket counter, international interpretation centre among other facilities.

“The entire area will also be illuminated with solar lights, pathway lights and garden lights including sonnet-e-lumiere (sound and light show),” she added. Sarais or rest houses, which served as oasis to weary travellers in the past, will be restored to their old glory. The one at Shaikpet village, near Golconda Fort, that was built for tra-vellers between Mumbai and Ma-chilipatnam will be renovated.
Projects that are likely to be taken up in Vizag are development of beach circuit at a cost of Rs 6.12 crore, and development of Buddhist Circuit Bhavanikonda, Totla Konda.

Similar landscaping, provision of amenities and other developmental works have been planned in and around the 1000 pillar temple at Warangal. Elegandal Fort in Karimnagar district which was constructed during the Kakatiya period, will also be beautified. Construction of restaurants, illumination, drinking water facilities, construction of link roads, and children’s park have been planned,
Kolanupaku in Aler mandal of Nalgonda, famous for its Jain temple will also be renovated. Similarly, Pillalamarri, a small village near Suryapet famous for its Shiva temples is being taken up for beautification.

[Hindustani]

British Viceroy's Palace @ Hyderabad (deteriorating)



Baadshahi Ashurkhana @ Hyderabad

[Babji]

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/19/s...1920650300.htm
Two new galleries for Salar Jung museum
Nizam jewellery expo to shift to National Museum, New Delhi
The famed Veiled Rebecca to be showcased in A/C gallery
Two new galleries to house European and Far East collections

HYDERABAD: With the Nizam Jewellery exhibition set to shift to National Museum, New Delhi in November, the Salar Jung Museum authorities are busy giving a shape to two new galleries apart from providing finishing touches to an air-conditioned gallery for the Veiled Rebecca, one of the most sought after statues here.

"The Union Government has agreed to provide us with the jewellery for exhibition and necessary arrangements are being made," said A.K.V.S. Reddy, National Museum Director General who was in the city on Friday.

Good response: Special initiatives were being planned to recreate the Hyderabadi ambience at the venue befitting the prized collection. "The National Museum has necessary security apparatus and we will review and augment it if needed," Dr. Reddy said. The jewellery exhibition at SJM, which started on December 31, 2005, has been extended and would continue till October 31. So far, 1.77 lakh visitors used the opportunity of taking a closer look at the rich collection that include the fabled Jacob diamond. Even now, about 400 to 450 line up each day to see the collection, SJM Director A. Nagender Reddy said.

Special attraction: SJM is planning to start two new galleries in three months. After segregation of exhibits based on their origins and installing the European collection in one block, those from Far East would be put in the new galleries.

"We have Far Eastern Porcelain and Far Eastern Statutory and Enamel which will be inaugurated once the Nizam Jewellery exhibition is over," Mr. Nagender Reddy said.

International exhibitions: Meanwhile, the National Museum is busy preparing to identify and make available artefacts for five international exhibitions that would be held in different countries starting next month.

According to Dr. A.K.V.S. Reddy, the season would start with a Sikh Exhibition in New York followed by Tejas Exhibition as part of `Festival of India in Belgium' in Brussels in October.

An exhibition of Chola Bronzes has been scheduled for November in London and Gupta Exhibition in Paris during March 2007.