The Doll House grandeur is back

British Resident James Achilles Kirkpatrick ordered for a replica of the Residency building at the University College for Women (OUCW) during its construction, which came to be known as ‘The Doll House’. He placed it in a garden in close proximity to the palace of his beloved Khairunnisa.

The Doll House has been restored and was given a citation by INTACH on Tuesday. Lying in the Begum’s Garden, it is a veritable treasure house of stories; about the cross-cultural romance between Briton James Achilles Kirkpatrick and Hyderabad-based Khairunnisa

Authorities at OUCW are unable to pinpoint when the Doll House broke down, but say that many winters ago, a tree fell on it and after that it gave way, piece by piece. Finally, after more than 200 years, it has been restored thanks to the Deccan Heritage Foundation with architect Sarat Chandra overseeing the work.

It is believed that Khairunnisa would get bored waiting for her beloved during the long periods of separation when he was busy attending office in the main building. To keep her amused, Kirkpatrick is said to have constructed the Doll House.

The Begum’s Garden though is in a sorry state with shrubs all over. Two fountains in the garden at two ends show that about 200 years ago, it was well maintained.

The OUCW Principal Prof. B T Seetha says, “Recently water channels were discovered when digging work was going on. The two fountains too were largely hidden in the debris and shrubs.

The Deccan Heritage Foundation is keen to restore the garden and we are hopeful that after the Darbar Hall work is complete, the gardens will be restored.’