Sir Asman Jah, a nobleman who belonged to the Paigah family served as a prime minister of the princely state of Hyderabad. Like other paigah nobles he is also known for his unbounded hospitality, for his proficiency as a sportsman, and other accomplishments of social life. Sir Asman Jah was a man with different perception and vision and it was this dream that made him construct Asman Garh palace, a castle in typical European style on a hill lock.
The Villa
The Asman Garh palace was built in the year 1885 on an isolated hill lock. At the height of its glory, the palace was one of the popular landmarks in the eastern part of the city. The architecture of this Gothic style palace is inspired by the medieval European castles Sir Asman Jah saw during one of his visits to Europe. Known for its rare architectural details like pointed arches supported by small Corinthian pillars and stretched arrow-slit windows, the top portion of the building features unique battlements which contribute to the illusion of a fortified castle. A flight of steps lead to a platform from where the staircase branches off on either side which gives it a wrap- around appearance. Interestingly, the entrance gateway to the palace is supposed to be in the shape of the royal turban of Seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, but this addition was added between the period of 1925-26. In keeping with the royal style, the palace was fully furnished with marble statues, Belgium glass chandeliers among other items.
During its heydays, the palace was a popular stopover for nobles after a tiring hunting session. A favourite of the Sixth Nizam Mahboob Ali Khan, he always stayed there after his hunting spree as it was located enroute to Saroornagar which was his chosen place for hunting. Following the tradition of gifting the Nizam’s whatever they like, Sir Asman Jah gifted the palace to Mahboob Ali Khan after the latter fell in love with the palace which is how the palace came to belong to the Nizam. It was during the reign of Seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, that the palace was considered for starting Osmania University keeping in mind its peaceful surroundings.
The remnants
Over the years, the palace was left in ruins for a long period leaving it in a deteriorated condition. The palace which at one point of time was situated on a huge hill lock giving an aerial view of the sprawling city is now admist many encroachments obstructing its view. After a long period, the Birla Archeological Museum and research center took the palace for a museum exhibit. It was only in the year 2000, the St.Joseph’s school management bought the building and now runs a branch there. The school management has not damaged any part of the building but constructed a new four storied structure in the same premises.