C R Gowri Shanker
Age old pix from Raja Deen Dayal collection
Hyderabad:
British residency to regain its old glory
Nov 13, 2016
Restoration estimated to cost around Rs 17 crore.
Restoration works in progress at the former British Residency at Koti in Hyderabad. The building was constructed between 1803 and 1805. (Photo: DC)
Hyderabad: The 211-year-old former British Residency mansion at Koti in the city will get back its past glory soon. While the famed Darbar Hall of the imposing building complex is now structurally safe after repairs in the first phase, work on other structures is in full swing.
The former British Residency building site was once Embassy of East India Company to the court of Nizam of Hyderabad and residence of James Kirkpatrick, the British Resident, as well as his successors.
Within its compound there were several quarters, including a Zenana (women’s quarters), where Khairu-nnissa, wife of Kirkpatrick lived with a miniature model of the building.
Legend has it that Kirkpatrick’s wife, who remained in purdah, could see the entire mansion, including the court yard.The scale model has been restored.
“British Residency was constructed between 1803 and 1805. There was water leakage from the roof and wood work had developed cracks.
“British Residency was constructed between 1803 and 1805. There was water leakage from the roof and wood work had developed cracks.
The building is made of lime, brick, Madras Terrace, stone etc. We have taken up restoration work. Darbar Hall is now structurally safe. So far we have spent about Rs 2 crore,” Sharat Chandra, a consultant for the project told Deccan Chronicle.
Another view of the restoration works at the former British Residency at Koti in Hyderabad. (Photo: DC)The total plinth area of Darbar Hall block is 9500 sq.mtrs and the entire complex spans 50,000 sq.mtrs.
Osmania University took up the conservation work in collaboration with World Monuments Fund (WMF), National Culture Fund of Union Ministry of Culture and the State Department of Archaeology and Museums.
According to Sharat Chandra, it would take three to four years to restore the entire complex, depending on funding. It is estimated to cost about Rs 17 crore.
According to Mohd Raheem Shah Ali, Deputy Director (Engineering), Department of Archaeology and Museums, WMF agreed to bear a quarter of the project cost — Rs 4.25 crore — while state department director, N R Visalatchy released Rs 1 crore.
“Once restored, the University College for Women will not only enrich the quality of women’s education but will also be a cultural asset in the heart of Hyderabad city” said Raheem Shah Ali.
Constructed in the year 1803 by the British and later converted into Osmania University College for Women in 1949, the vast campus is spread over 42 acres (originally 60 acres). Due to the vagaries of nature, neglect and shortage of funds, the aging building suffered much damage.
A part of the ceiling had collapsed, rain water seeped in and the wood work was being destroyed by termite action.
After a court directive to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it is now a protected monument under the control of Telangana State Department of Archaeology and Museums.
British Residency : Restoration & status
British Residency at Hyderabad was constructed in the year 1805 at the time of stationed British Resident James Achilles Kirkpatrick. It was designed by Samuel Russell of Madras Engineers.
First structure with architecture of neo classical style in Hyderabad.
British residency campus consists of main building with fabulous durbar hall, adjoining rooms & several other segregated structures which were meant for official staff. Gates, cemetery, Rang Mahal, miniature model & vast acres of land which were once beautifully landscaped, some structures collapsed during 1908 Musi river flood.
In early 1950's whole campus was bought into adaptive reuse as " Women College " was used for same for decades until the old structures got deteoriated to highest order due to lack of maintenance , later abandoned due to dilapidation.
In 1998 under govt. GO 102/1998 was listed under heritage structures list.
British residency came into limelight around year 2002 when famed author William Dalrymple a scottish historian authored well reserached book "White Mughals" which depicts love story of british resident James Achilles Kirkpatrick & Khairunnisa daughter of hyderabad's noble.
In 2002 the monument came under " World Monuments Watch List " subsequently surveys were started by prestigious " World Monuments Fund "
Atlast in 2014 World Monument Fund started task to restore this great & much neglected heritage structure.
Telangana State "Department of Archeology and Museums" joined in support.
Now main building " Durbar hall " is fully fabulously restoration to its original glory.
The " corinthian " capitals on circular columns , the richly ornamented " pediment " with embossed british " coat of arms " in middle & the lions on the entrance stairs are gleaming , thanks to #WMF for rendering a new life to the structure.
The Interior of beautifully restored " Durbar hall " with series of twin columns with " Ionic " capitals , wrap around overlooking balconies , original brass & crystal chandeliers , high mirrors , paraquet flooring.
"It looks absolutely fantastic"
The high ceiling of durbar hall with beautiful intricate "Papier Mache" artwork , an exquite skilled artwork restored to original self. The original brass & crystal chandeliers compliment it.
The " cemetery " with lovely tombs in the campus were some britishers lie buried got fully restored.
Memorable plaques installed on the tombs in the memory of dead have interesting history to read.
Fully restored about 4 feet high miniature " Replica " of 'Durbar Hall' also known a doll house , which was shattered years back due to tree branch fall.
Difficult task indeed to restore a miniature with minute intricacy.
Located in once a garden which also is in process of getting restored to its original fountains & water channels.
BELOW ARE CERTAIN OTHER AREAS OF RESIDENCY WHICH LIE IN STATE OF HIGHEST DECAY DUE TO UTTER NEGLECT , WHICH WERE NOT PART OF COMMITMENT OF World Monuments Fund TO RESTORE , BUT ARE FULL RESPONSIBILITY OF TELANGANA STATE GOVERNMENT TO RESTORE THEM.
" Empress gate" this grand edifice was one of the entrances of residency with steel armoured sliding gate and tuscan pillars , has a marking of HFL of 1908 Musi flood.
Two single story majestic structures parallel to each other bearing colonade of " tuscan " pillars enclosed on top by wood venetian blinds to avoid rain splash.
The state of segregated blocks which were constructed during those days for official staff is absolutely pathetic , in the attached photo album we see photos of a tree wrapping itself on one of the pillars , careless upkeep by Telangana state goverment for letting it grow to this extent & keeping a blind eye until now.
Result will be " dislodging & collapse of roof. "
I request the Telangana State Government to restore these structures and convert them into cafe/gallery/handi craft shops , etc.
"After all the campus needs to be as par as restored durbar hall"
The " Rang Mahal " admist in wild under growth of trees , constructed exclusively for Khairunnisa by British Resident James Achilles Kirkpatrick , which lies in ruins now , complete contrast in architecture of durbar hall , Bengal challa roof balconies , multi " foiled " arches.
Lastly my request to Telangana State Government " The the whole of campus should be fully restored to give it a complete justice , we need to expose & flaunt our heritage conceptualize for low compound wall of main road & install a steel railing over it , for clear visibility of inner monument from outside "
Photo are captioned kindly read along to understand.
Courtesy:
ASIF ALI KHAN
ARCHITECT , HYDERABAD
ASIF ALI KHANARCHITECT , HYDERABAD
Panoramic interior view of beautifully restored 'durbar hall', series of twin columns with 'Ionic' capitals , wrap around overlooking balconies, original brass & crystal chandeliers , high mirrors , paraquet flooring.
British Residency at Hyderabad, drawn in 1813. This is the south side of the building, facing the city and separated from it by the river Musi.
The British Residency in Hyderabad drawn in 1813.This is plate 19 from Robert Melville Grindlay's 'Scenery, Costumes and Architecture chiefly on the Western Side of India'. Grindlay (1786-1877) was only 17 when he arrived in India in 1803. He served with the Bombay Native Infantry from 1804 to 1820 and during this period made a large collection of sketches and drawings.
The construction of the British Residency began in 1803 during the tenure of Resident Kirkpatrick and took five years to complete. Its architect was P Russell of the Royal Engineers.
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