Hyderabad: Several gateways, which once served as entrance to palatial houses and palaces, are now on the verge of collapse. The historic 15th century Charkaman is getting a makeover due to the efforts by the GHMC and the department of archaeology and museums. However, other gateways in the city are not lucky enough to get a facelift.
The arch of the Devan Devdi facing the Madina Hotel and the one on its eastern end at Chatta Bazaar stand tall even today. These two magnificent arches were spared the destruction of time with several encroachments coming up inside the palatial complex. Diwan Devdi is so called as three famous Diwans (Madar-ul-Maham or prime ministers) to the Nizams, the Salar Jung I, II and III lived here. It later housed the Salar Jung Museum.
The two gateways were built in the 19th century, and have been listed as heritage structures. “The structure is constructed in the Regional Mughal Variation (RMV) style. It is typified by cusped arches and have canopied and projected balconies over window openings. The first floor over the gate was used for playing the roshan chowki and drums thrice a day and on special occasions when there were royal visits to the Devdi,” said Mr M. A. Qayyum, a historian.
P. Anuradha Reddy, another historian, pointed out the arches are now left unattended by the government. “We understand conservation requires huge funds but periodic cleaning will at least prevent further damages,” she said.
A few arches are known as Shaik Faiz Kamaan at Yakutpura, the Alijah Kotla Kamaan, the Mandi Mir Alam Kaman, the Pathergatti Kaman and the Khursheed Jah Devdi arches. S.Q. Masood, a social activist, said out that all these were gateways to palatial houses which are no more existing. “Almost all of them are wide enough and do not block traffic and can withstand for long. An inspection of the structures should be done,” he felt.
G. Srinivas Reddy, GHMC commissioner (south), said that they are now taking up the conservation of the Charkaman and will send a proposal for the remaining arches in the city. “Priority will be given to the structures with historic significance,” he said.
