Is Hyderabad set to get its first world heritage site?

After conservation work for over five years, Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has safeguarded over 30 out of 70 monuments in Quli Qutb Shahi tombs located near Golconda fort.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the archaeology department and the Aga Khan Trust has been extended till 2023 (the initial deadline was December 2017).



With a mission to restore the landscape of over 100 acre and conserve all the monuments, AKTC aims at making the historic site a unique heritage park of international stature. Apart from the 70 structures, Qutb Shahi tombs and Deccan Park within its complex, the medieval necropolises also encompasses 40 mausoleums, 23 mosques, five step wells/water structures, a Hamam, pavilions, garden structure and enclosure walls, which were built during the 170-year reign of Qutb Shahi Dynasty that ruled Hyderabad in the 16th & 17th century.

A team of architects, civil engineers, archaeologists and master craftsmen are working round-the-clock to restore the monuments to their initial beauty.

“The work that was executed by AKTC is commendable. However, after Qutb Shahi tombs will AKTC go on to conserve all other monuments in the city? Steps need to be taken for the others as well,” said Sajjad Shahe, a history archaeology activist in the city.

He added, “Before conserving the monuments, we need to protect them in such a way that they are not dragged to the limit where work needs to be done on them. There are a lot of monuments across the city that need proper protection. Providing protection will lessen the work of authorities and this can only be done by locals.”

He suggested that small creative schemes can be put in action with the common aim of keeping the surroundings clean. With AKTC working on the tombs, it also gives people a ray of hope that Hyderabad may get its first world’s heritage site.

“A world heritage site will not only be a honourable thing for the city, but will also increase the popularity of the tombs,” said Safiullah Mohammed, another history archaeology activist.

He added, “The reason I have believe that Quli Qutb Shahi tombs can become a world heritage site after AKTC’s work is that I have seen their work on Humayun’s tomb and in several nplaces abroad as well and they have done their work marvellously.”

KK Mohammed, ex-project archaeological director in Aga Khan Trust for Culture, said, “The work being accomplished by AKTC is outstanding and cannot be replicated by any other institution. The transformation will increase the beauty of the monument.”