Date:28/10/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/10/28/stories/2003102811530300.htm

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

Exhibition on `Paigah Legacy' inaugurated

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD OCT.27. A special exhibition depicting `The Paigah Legacy' at the Paigah tombs, acclaimed as the Taj of South, was inaugurated by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Archaeology and Museums, T. Srinivas Yadav, here on Monday.

The neglected and encroached Paigah Tombs, belonging to the Paigah family ranked second only to that of Nizams of Hyderabad, and a place renowned for its architecture and heritage, has been chemically cleaned and partly refurbished in view of the Afro-Asian Games.

The Department of Archaeology and Museums has given a facelift to the Paigah and Qutb Shahi tombs and organised special exhibitions at both places to attract the visitors of the Afro-Asian Games. The Minister who released a book on `Paigah Tombs' and later inaugurated the illuminated fountains and Qutb Shahi tombs, Golconda, another architectural marvel, appreciated the work initiated by the Archaeology Department and asked the Director to give notices to the encroachers of the land belonging to the Paigah tombs and continue the restoration work.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Srinivas Yadav said that the noble family of Abul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung Bahadur was conferred the title of `Paigah' by the second Nizam, and was also related to the Nizam's family through matrimony. The 28 tombs constructed in marble and in Indo-Islam style of architecture reflected the harmony of the times and they should be protected and preserved.

He said several sportspersons and delegates of Afro-Asian Games had been visiting the places as part of heritage tours conducted during nights every day.

The Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, C. Chandana Khan, described the repair works taken up by the Archaeology Department as a beginning to restore its original grandeur. The place would become a prominent attraction once the nearby Falaknuma Palace being taken over by the Taj Group to develop it into a heritage hotel was ready.

She emphasised that the universal selling point of Hyderabad was its heritage comprising Paigah, Qutb Shahi, and Raymond tombs, Golconda fort, Charminar etc., and the need to protect and preserve them.

The Director of Archaeology, Kedareswari, said that action had also been taken for cleaning and landscaping of gardens in the tombs. She urged the local people not to spoil the premises and help in maintaining the tombs.