Historic Khursheed Jah Devdi set to open to public after restoration

The restored Khursheed Jah Devdi in Hyderabad's Old City is expected to open to the public early next year. QQSUDA has invited hospitality firms to manage the heritage palace, which could host cultural events, an art gallery, and a cafeteria while preserving its historic character.

HYDERABAD: Soon, visitors may be able to browse an art gallery, attend a ghazal recital or experience Hyderabad’s architectural heritage within the restored halls of the historic Khursheed Jah Devdi in the Old City.

The century-old Paigah palace, long hidden behind scaffolding and conservation works, is expected to open to the public early next year, with the Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) working on plans to ensure the building remains both accessible and well maintained.

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With restoration works nearing completion, QQSUDA has once again invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from reputed firms in the hospitality sector to take up the operation and maintenance of the heritage structure located at Shahgunj.

Officials said the authority had earlier invited EoIs twice, and although a few well-known hospitality companies visited the palace to assess the building and explore possible uses, none submitted formal proposals. “We want the property to be entrusted to a company engaged in hospitality so that it is put to use and properly maintained. We are inviting Expressions of Interest again,” an official said.

QQSUDA Chief Engineer B Gopal said the selected company would be expected to preserve the heritage value of the building while ensuring it remains vibrant and accessible. “We aim to see that the place is always lively. The company selected for operating the premises will have to adhere to the prescribed rules and regulations. It is open to them to decide the most suitable way to utilise the property and submit their proposals,” he said.

Officials said the government would also consider the profit-sharing model proposed by participating firms before finalising the concessionaire. No structural alterations to the protected heritage building would be permitted.

According to officials, some of the firms that inspected the palace had informally suggested setting up facilities such as a cafeteria, an art gallery and a cultural centre. A committee will evaluate all proposals received before selecting a company. QQSUDA expects the restoration works to be completed by the end of August, after which the process of selecting an operator will be taken up.

Khursheed Jah Devdi was originally built by Paigah noble Nawab Fakhruddin and later inherited by his descendant, Khursheed Jah Bahadur, who added extensions to the structure. The palace is regarded as one of Hyderabad’s finest examples of Palladian architecture, a style widely associated with Europe.

The Grade-II(B) protected heritage structure, safeguarded under Hyderabad Urban Development Authority regulations, once featured richly decorated interiors with expensive carpets, ornate chandeliers and elaborate fountains.