Hyderabadis take much pride in the tall Charminar and make it a point to take their out-station friends to witness its magnificence. However, what many don’t know is that there are several more such heritage sites in the city that are equally rich in history. Anuradha Reddy of Intach reveals the important but lesser-known heritage sites.
Victoria Memorial Home
This historic school and orphanage in Saroornagar was constructed in 1901. It was donated to Queen Victoria although it was originally built for the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, to use as his palace. The orphanage continues to function and is appreciated for its Osmanian architecture.
Masjid-e-Chiran
The mosque inside the Chiran Palace in Jubilee Hills was built by Mukarram Jah, the grandson of the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan. The design and motifs of the mosque built in the 1970s seem to have a connection to aviation. A fountain adds a visual appeal to the structure which is heightened by Jali marble work.
Muhommad Chawni
Located at Langar Houz, this tall structure is a war memorial of the World War-I and II. Those who were martyred belonged to the 2nd imperial service of the Hyderabad Army. A plaque at the venue lists the areas where the bravehearts fought.
Asmangarh Palace
The Palace was a summer retreat situated in Malakpet. Before concrete roads and multi-storeyed buildings dotted the city, Malakpet area was a jungle conducive to the Nizam’s hobby — hunting. The palace that was once used as a hunting lodge was later converted into the Birla Architectural Museum and is currently a school.
