Hyderabad is celebrate birth anniversary of VII Nizam

Balamrai: For the first time in recent history, the birth anniversary of Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah, the Seventh Nizam of Hyderabad was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Thanks to Heritage Buffs, a WhatsApp group of heritage lovers who left no stone unturned in organizing an event on the occasion of the 132nd birth anniversary of the architect of modern Hyderabad at a heritage building, Ibrahim Mahal, La Palais Royal in Secunderabad.  

Organised by Deccan Heritage Trust in partnership with Heritage Buffs, a WhatsApp group of heritage lovers.  “We were delighted to host this first-in-a-series of events to catalyze beneficial change and make meaningful contributions to sustainable conservation of Hyderabad’s heritage and highlighting its culture,” said Mohammad Safiullah, Head of the Deccan Heritage Trust.

Exhibition of rare photographs

An exhibition of 90 rare still images depicting the public buildings constructed by Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah, the Seventh Nizam of Hyderabad was the highlight of the event. Meera Sawant, a student said, “I was not aware of the contribution of VII Nizam. This exhibition is an eye opener.” 

The images, drawn from private collections, show a general ward of the famed Osmania Hospital in the 1920s, an aerial view of Hussain Sagar lake with a functioning thermal power station dating back to the 1940s, inauguration of a church in Secunderabad, and even rarer images of restoration and conservation work commissioned by the Nizam at the Ajanta and Ellora caves undertaken between 1914 and 1932, and many more. 

The photography exhibition was staged to commemorate the 132nd birth anniversary of the Nizam and honour his vision as the builder extraordinaire of modern Hyderabad. “These images provide a remarkable glimpse of the grandeur of the Nizami era and bring to life the many influential and multifaceted contributions of the Seventh Nizam. The photographs also highlight the treasures that Hyderabad is gifted with” said Sajjad Shahid, Convener, Center for Deccan Studies. The event will hopefully help to raise awareness and kindle hope and optimism for the sustainable conservation of Hyderabad’s iconic heritage for the benefit of all.”  

Asif Ali Khan, the convener of Heritage Buffs said, “Bringing this event to the citizens of Hyderabad has been a labour of love – our volunteers have devoted many hours to take this first step and we look forward to continuing these efforts so that current and future generations can enjoy Hyderabad’s heritage.”