Maha Laqa Bai Chanda remembered for her service to Telangana

Maha Laqa Bai Chanda was a multifaceted personality who contributed her intellectual, diplomatic and cultural facets to the Nizam State of Asah Jah, said Prof Adapa Satyanarayana, retired professor of Department of History of Osmania University while presiding over the inaugural session of one-day symposium on Telangana history here on Friday.

He said that she was the symbol of Ganga Jamuna Tahzib. Senior bureaucrat BV Papa Rao demanded a trust need to be formed to perpetuate her memory and to celebrate annual cultural programmes in Hyderabad.

Delivering the keynote address at the symposium, Prof Scot Kugle of USA-based Emroy University remarked that Maha Laqa was a great educationist and fine artist. “Her musical and dance performances enthralled the elite of the Asfa Jahi period,” he said and demanded that her mausoleum at Maulali needs to be protected as a heritage site bythe state Archeology department.

Prof Ramachandram vice chancellor of Osmania University, praising the educational contribution and philanthropic deeds of Maha Laqa, the present-day Osmania University is situated in her Adikmet Jagir. He said that the university would extend support to bring out a book on her.

Prof Limbadri, vice-chairman of TS Higher Education Council, who was the guest of honour, said that Maha Laqa was embodiment of wisdom and charity. “She encouraged women education with her own money,” he recalled and said that it was apt to name an institution in the university in her name.

Prof E Sudharani presented a detailed biographical account of Maha Laqa Bai Chanda and her achievements as an adviser and diplomat to Nizam Government, scholar, writer, musician and court-dancer.

Prof Susie Taru elaborated the achievements of Maha Laqa Bai Chanda as scholar, writer and artist. She also recalled that she was a great feminist who maintained her own identity. Venugopal, Editor of Veekshanam, Sangishetty Srinivas also spoke.

Journalist Waheed and Dr Indira presented a few selected Ghazals and poems of Maha Laqa Bai Chanda highlighting her contribution to the growth of Urdu language and literature. Sizable number of research scholars and students attended the symposium.