Hyderabad has several heritage structure which has the potential to contribute to increase tourism in Telangana. However, most of them are in a state of disrepair.
The heritage experts have suggested that nearly 168 heritage buildings in Hyderabad and in the outskirts of the city are in a bad condition and require immediate repair.
“Nearly 60% of the heritage structures in Telangana have been facing a shortage of staff and fund. The age old heritage buildings are the assets of the state which need to be preserved and protected,” says Anuradha Reddy, Convener of Intach, Hyderabad, and heritage expert.
She also points out that none of the structures are being maintained properly, which has a high potential to attract tourist and contribute to Telangana’s economy.
Here are a few of the poorly maintained heritage structures that could use some mending:
Khursheed Jah Devdi in Hussaini Alam
The 150-year-old heritage monument is said to be one of the best examples of Palladian architecture by heritage experts. Khursheed Jah Devdi mansion consist of big pillars and European design floors, which were once decorated with carpets.
However now, the monument stands ignored and in ruins.
Paigah Tombs in Old city
(Telangana Tourism website)
Paigah tombs are popularly known for its architectural excellence and craftsmanship work. It is said to be nearly 200-years-old located near Santosh Nagar in Old City.
The tombs were said to be constructed in 1787 by Nawab Taig Jung Bahadur and later renovated by his son, Amir E Kabir.
“The structure also represents the Moghal, Greek, Persian, Rajasthani and Deccani style of architecture, which is unique in its own way. However, now several parts of structure needs immediate repair. It has been ignored and needs a right approach from the government,” says Anuradha.
Mah Laqa Bai heritage tomb in Moula Ali
(Image credit: Madhumita Gopalan)
Mah Laqa Bai heritage tomb was built in 1792, in Mughal and Rajasthani styles. Mah Laqa Bai also known as Mah Laqa Chanda was an 18th century poet and courtesan, and the first woman to publish an anthology of her poems in Urdu.
“She was Mah was a powerful woman in the court of the second and third Nizams of Hyderabad. At a time when men dominated everything, she was an example of an empowered woman,” says Anuradha.
Though the structure was recently repaired, the expert says that it needs protection and more funding so that it can be restored properly.
Osmania General Hospital (OGH) in Afzal Gunj
The Osmania General Hospital is known as one of the oldest hospitals in India, which was built almost a century back. The heritage building was earlier protected by regulation 13 of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority.
“The structure is an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. But now, several parts of the building are on the verge of falling apart. The windows and doors are mostly broken, while the interior portion of the structure can be seen paints peeling off,” Anuradha says.
It was reported earlier that Rs 200 crore was sanctioned to the hospital in the past few years, but only Rs 35 to Rs 40 crore was spent on repair.
Mozam Jahi Market in Abids
(Randhirreddy at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)
Mozam Jahi Market is known for its ice-cream market now, located in a busy junction of Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Nampally Station Road and the Osmangunj Road. The structure was constructed in 1935 by the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan for his second son Moazzam Jah. The triangular market houses more than 100 shops.
“It is most popular for its hand-made ice-cream centres. However, it requires a huge amount of fund for repair work. The damages on the roof and inside of the structure can be clearly seen. However, it is not being taken care of for years,” says Anuradha.
The structure is made of granite stones, which was one of the favourite building materials of the Nizam. The buildings that house the High Court, the Mozam Jahi Market, Mahabubiya Girls High School, Asifia Technical College and Phattar Gatti Market were all built during his rule from 1911 to 1948.
Clock Tower in Mahbub Chowk
(Image credit: Facebook/Ghiasuddin Akbar)
The Mahboob Chowk a five storied clock tower, which was built in 1892 by Asman Jah, the then-prime minister of Hyderabad, was once a landmark. However, now stands neglected by the government.
A beautiful mosque standing next to the clock tower adds to the beauty of the tower.
“The view is so beautiful, that people can just go their and find it peaceful. However, if you see it now, it has sustained several damages. The tower has been losing it charm due to no proper maintenance,” says Anuradha.