HYDERABAD: The spectacular Chowmahallah Palace in Hyderabad has been honoured with the heritage ‘Award of Merit’ by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for cultural heritage conservation for 2010.
The seat of the Nizams was among the three monuments that won the award for restoration work out of 33 entries from 14 countries. Fu’long Taoist temple in Sichuan, China and Old Houses in the World Heritage Fort of Galle in Sri Lanka being the other winners.
Located in the heart of the Old City, the architectural wonder southwest of Charminar and Mecca Masjid used to be the royal court of the Asaf Jahi rulers (1724-1948). The construction of its palaces around gardens began during the reign of Nizam Salabat Jung (1751-1762) in the 1750s. The palaces, among the finest royal edifices in India, served as venues for most of the ceremonial functions of the Asaf Jahi dynasty including gala state receptions for British Viceroys and imperial emissaries for nearly two centuries.
The palace exhibits two distinct architectural styles - palladian neo-classicism of the mid 18th century royal palaces of the southern courtyard and the Islamic Revivalist style of the 19th century structures of the northern courtyard facing the Khilwat Mubarak. European classicism of the initial stages of construction under Salabat Jung, believed to be the work of a French architect, is a reflection of the political climate of his times.
Conservation project for the royal palaces began in August 2000 by Princess Esra, wife of Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur, Nizam of Hyderabad. The conservation project involved a multi-disciplinary team of architects, urban designers, conservationists, museum experts and others.
G Kishan Rao, Director of Chowmahalla Palace, said a nine-member team from UNESCO visited the palace for inspection four months ago.
“I came to know about the selection of the palace for the award only yesterday over telephone,” an excited Krishna Rao said.
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