Arches of Nizam era in Hyderabad crave for attention

Imposing arches at Devan Deodi, Chatta Bazaar, Mughalpura, Aghapura, Alijah Kotla, Yakutpura, Shahgunj, Hussainialam and Jahanuma served as gateways to the royal residences

Hyderabad: The arches or gateways leading to royal residences constructed during the Nizam era in Hyderabad crave for attention from the authorities.

The imposing arches at Devan Deodi, Chatta Bazaar, Mughalpura, Aghapura, Alijah Kotla, Yakutpura, Shahgunj, Hussainialam and Jahanuma served as gateways to the residences of the members of the Nizam family, Paigah family, Salar Jung family or persons who held various positions in the Nizam government.

Over a period of time, the royal residences were bulldozed to pave way for residential complexes or markets. Now only the arches remain at some places reminding the people of the heritage buildings that were part of the erstwhile Hyderabad State.

“The arches were gateways to the royal palaces. A few of the arches had naubat khana or naqqar khana (drum houses) where designated people beat drums during the arrival of guests as a ceremonial welcome,” said Mohd Safiullah, a historian.

The gateways are in a bad state with not even basic maintenance taken up and pose danger to the road users. Last year during rains, the plaster from the Devan Deodi Kaman (Chatta Bazaar side) fell during rains. Luckily, no one was injured and the authorities had closed the lane for a few days. After some small repairs to the structure, the road was opened.

The condition is the same for Shams ul Dowla kaman at Shahgunj, Moghalpura kaman at Shahalibanda road, Alijah Kotla kaman, Shaik Faiz kaman at Yakutpura, Bhoiguda kaman at Aghapura, Chatta Bazaar kaman at Lakkad Kote road and Jahanuma kaman at Jahanuma Falaknuma.

“The arches and gateways at several places are badly damaged. During rains plasters peel off and fall on the road. There are big granites in the construction and there is a risk of the stones falling on the people,” complained Mohd Ziauddin, a local resident.

Amjed Ali Khan, a resident of Yakutpura said the authorities should take up at least basic repairs to the Shaik Faiz Kaman, as the structure is getting damaged. “Wild plants are protruding out from the arch. It is getting damaged and developing cracks at places. Authorities should immediately inspect and take up repairs,” demanded Amjed.