BAI MANECHBAI NUSSERWANJI CHENOY FIRE TEMPLE

Located on Tilak Road, Hyderabad, the Bai Manechbai Nusserwanji Chenoy Fire Temple was constructed by the well-known Chenoy family of Hyderabad in 1904. A simple structure, the basic architecture is Indo-European with brick-lime mortar construction and a Madras terrace roof. The architecture seems to have been influenced by its location in the then predominantly British area of the Residency Bazaar.

Owned and maintained by a family Trust, the building has been consciously conserved in its original form. Minor additions like the provision of sunshades at a later date follow the set lines of the building adding to its beauty. They testify to the fact that the owners have put in a tremendous effort in its maintenance and upkeep. For this dedicated and conscious effort in its maintenance and upkeep, the Fire Temple was considered to richly deserve the Award.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy

JUBILEE HALL

Located in the Bagh-e-Aam (Public Gardens) on the Nampally Road, Hyderabad, the Jubilee Hall was constructed in 1935 for the Silver Jubilee of the Nizam VII, Mir Osman Ali Khan’s Coronation. It is an example of “Qutub Shahi Revival” architecture at its zenith, also known as Osmanian Style. The phase of Hyderabad’s architecture arose out of the post floods restructuring of the city. The bold and sweeping lines of the exteriors which evolved from an appreciation and conscious adaptation of Qutub Shahi fundamentals, contrast pleasantly with the rich stucco and gilt interiors.

The building and the pavilion in the internal courtyard are well maintained. The interiors are well kept. The Royal portraits and the paintings of original 1936 Durbar, create an ideal atmosphere and help the visitor go back in time and appreciate not only the architecture but also the culture, which was instrumental in the building’s construction. The building, which is presently used mainly for State Government functions, also serves as a perfect setting for exhibitions and conferences. It is a unique example of an important phase of Hyderabad’s architectural heritage.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy

GVK HOUSE, BANJARA HILLS, HYDERABAD

Constructed by Sakina Begum Rahmatulla of the well-known Bilgrami family in 1939, “Kohinoor” as it was then known, is an outstanding example of a style known locally as “German Design”. One of a number of buildings in the city which were designed by German and Polish architects in the 1930’s, it is an example of a style which was contemporary in Europe at that time. The sweeping lines, an absence of sharp angles and the use of abstract designs for railings and openings, set a trend which was to have great impact on later architects of the city. They continued to pattern their creations on the lines of the “German Design” for almost the next half of a century.

The present owners have made a conscientious effort to retain the original lines. Although a few additions have been made, they are to the rear of the building. This is also a case of adaptive reuse of built heritage. The interiors have been redone to change the once residential building into a modern and fully functional corporate office. The exterior open spaces are tastefully landscaped and are exceptionally well maintained. A conscious effort has been made in conservation and the building is excellently maintained.

We regret to inform that in 2003 the owners have demolished this building to make way for a shopping mall – cinema theatre.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy

CHIRAN FORT CLUB

Located at Begumpet on the Sardar Patel Road, Secunderabad, the Chiran Fort Club is a part of the Palace constructed by Paigah Nawab Iqbal ud Dowla, Viqar ul Umra in the 1890’s. The Deodi in which the Club is housed is part of the Seven Palace, Begumpet Complex.

The Chiran Fort Club occupies one half of the Deodi, the other half of which is retained by the descendents of Viqar ul Umra. It is the commendable efforts made by the present owners in retaining the grandeur and ambience associated with the building, which is worthy of appreciation. Although a few structures have come up in close proximity to the building, the main palace itself has not been interfered with. The building is well maintained in an excellent condition and the owners are committed to its conservation.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy

FLAG STAFF HOUSE, BOLARUM

Located in the Cantonment area in Bolarum, the Flag Staff House is an example of colonial architecture. Constructed in 1875 for British Officers of the Secunderabad contingent, the building is presently the residence of the Army Sub Area Commander. A high plinth, dressed granite façade, brick and lime interior walls, lime plaster with a Madras terrace, the building is remarkably suited to local enigmatic conditions. It is set in sprawling grounds with a well-kept garden. The high point is the use of rough-hewn granite columns in the semi circular front verandah.

It is in an excellent state of preservation keeping in mind the detailed planning that has gone into its construction. High internal ceiling of the central living area provides for large ventilators opening on to the lower surrounding terraces thereby ensuring proper ventilation and lighting. It is a unique design and proper care has been taken of its up-keep.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy

PRINCESS ESIN CENTRE: PURANI HAVELI

Located in the Old City of Hyderabad, the original Qutub Shahi Palace of renowned Qutub Shahi Prime Minister Mir Momin Astarabadi was constructed around 1600 A.D. It was purchased by Nizam Ali Khan, Nizam II, who constructed a residential building for his son Sikandar Jah in the 1790’s. Although Sikander Jah added quite a few structures, he did not stay here long and the building remained unused for almost a century. The palace complex lost its importance and came to be known as “Haveli-e-qadeem”, later commonly referred to as Purani Haveli. It was during the reign of the Sixth Nizam Mir Mahboob Ali Khan (1869-1911) that the palace regained its glory. He is credited with adding vastly to the existing structures including the classical European buildings and the renowned largest wooden wardrobe in the world.

The retention of Qutub Shahi structures and the subsequent constructions over four centuries, in a multitude of architectural styles, gives Purani Haveli its unique character. Quaint Qutub Shahi Mehrabs, Mughal cusped arches, Asaf Jahi lines based on a Qutub Shahi revival and European influences, in close proximity and often blending together, make this complex an architectural delight. They also record the various phases of Hyderabad’s multifaceted architectural history. Of the many structures now in use by the Princess Esin Centre, the Madar-e-Deccan Pavilion and the Zanana Mahal Complex are the most impressive and well preserved. This group of buildings is a very successful example of adaptive reuse of built heritage.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy

A COMMENDATIVE HAS ALSO BEEN AWARDED TO HAKIM'S TOMB COMPLEX, JUBILEE HILLS, HYDERABAD

Located on the outcrop overlooking the Golconda Fort and Tombs, the Hakim’s tomb complex at Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad comprises the tomb, a small mosque and an architecturally unique structure, which is said to have served as Qanqah (hospice). Dating from the latter part of Qutub Shahi reign, the complex has tremendous potential as a unique site of architectural heritage both because of the unique Qanqah building and its location. The rear deck, which commands a breathtaking view of the fort and its environs, could serve as an ideal location as the window to Hyderabad’s heritage. Though presently neglected, the complex is as yet unaffected by the pressure of the constantly expanding city and with a minimal effort could be transformed into a prime attraction.

The Jury Panel has strongly recommended that INTACH in collaboration with the School of Planning and Architecture, commission a study by architecture students and prepare a master plan for the conservation of this unique complex. The possibility of carrying out a full-scale conservation and landscaping under the guidance of a qualified conservation architect in collaboration with State agencies like the Department of Archaeology and HUDA was also recommended to be explored. It was felt that if these were taken up, it would not only be of great service to the Heritage movement in the City but also set a precedent for later projects of a similar nature.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy