Hyderabad’s historic arches from Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi eras set for restoration
Arches belonging to two distinct periods in Hyderabad’s history, the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi eras, will soon be restored to their former resplendent glory
Arches belonging to two distinct periods in Hyderabad’s history, the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi eras, will soon be restored to their former resplendent glory, with the Telangana government clearing the decks for renovation work on eight such important kamaans. The arches include Hussaini Alam Kamaan, Diwan Deodhi Kamaan I and II, Dabeerpura Kamaan, Hashmat Jung Kamaan, Chatta Bazaar Kamaan, Shaik Faiz Kamaan, and Ranigunj Kamaan. According to a Government Order issued on Thursday, the restoration and renovation work is expect to cost ₹11.86 crore.
The move comes after the Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) expressed concern that the ₹2 crore previously sanctioned for minor repairs would be inadequate to make the arches structurally sound and safe. According to the GO, the expenditure will be met from funds available with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority. Further, QQSUDA has been given permission to call for requests for proposals to select consultancy services and prepare detailed project reports, detailed estimates, and provide allied consultancy services.
The government has made it clear that QQSUDA should consult heritage conservation experts during the restoration work. The work should be carried out in accordance with heritage conservation guidelines after obtaining the necessary statutory permissions. It was earlier last month, on account of rains, that a section of the arch in Chatta Bazaar, a part of the Diwan Deodhi complex, had collapsed. No loss of life was reported. The complex once belonged to Salar Jung family, credited with bringing about a sea-change in the administration of Hyderabad in the Asaf Jahi period.
The Hashmat Jung Kamaan was named after British Resident in Hyderabad James Kirkpatrick from 1797 to 1805, who was bestowed with the title Hashmat Jung. He married a Khairunnisa, a member of the erstwhile nobility.
The BriefWire