History plays an important
role in getting a better knowledge about any country’s culture, traditions,
beliefs, religions etc. Without history one would have no idea about his origin
and the struggle done by the freedom fighters and various other people for
freedom and other human rights. There are various old buildings in almost every
part of the world which represent history of the region.
Old buildings are helpful
in identifying the background of a country. Infrastructure of such buildings
shows the creativity and talent of the labor class people during that time and
even helps to know about the lifestyle of the people in that era. There are
other benefits of maintaining such buildings i.e. ancient buildings attract tourists
across the world. Old and rough structure of these buildings could be the main
concern of the beings who want them to be knocked out.
The old aged construction
is actually the charm and magnetic attraction for the local residents. For
instance, when they will be passing by the all the new buildings and all of a
sudden they stare an old building their eyes will be glued to the old
construction and they will not even bother to see the new building again because
these building have now become unique and rare. This example supports the point
that old construction appeases the local people. Therefore, it can be seen that
old style of building seen to catch people eyes more than the newly designed
and constructed buildings.
It was 2015, In Hyderabad
Photowalk, I along with a group of 100 other photographers and journalists did
walk through the historical Hyderabad, or we can say, through the NeroonKot.
While walking through different areas, I witnessed many old buildings, which
proved that Hyderabad isn’t a new city but neither it is that old compared to
the other grand cities of the subcontinent like Lahore and Delhi, but it
nonetheless boasts some very beautiful pre-Partition buildings.
Hyderabad was founded during
the reign of Ghulam Shah Kalhoro in 1768. The centre of power was the fort
located on a small hillock, while the rest of the city expanded around it.
Hyderabad grew rapidly during colonial times and this is when most of its
lavish public and privately-owned buildings were constructed.
Hyderabad, the 2nd
largest city of Sindh, was also ruled by Talpurs and by the English people as
well. It has 4 huge historical markets, when it comes to business, i.e. Shahi
Bazar, Tower Market, ReshamGali, Chotki Ghiti and Tilak Incline (TilakCharhi),
from where you can get almost everything in reasonable prices. Except that,
Hyderabad also has historical houses and religious buildings as well, which can
be witnessed in Heerabad area of the city, which mostly become the center of
attention for the tourists and for the local citizens as well.Most of these
buildings were built by wealthy Hindus who were engaged in transoceanic
trade and the British civil service.
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| JAMNA NIVAS '1947: A Pre-Partioned Buiding situated near Tower Market to Shahi Bazar Route in its worst condition |
Nowadays, several old
buildings have vanished in the thick mist of time. When I recently went back to
the same area, I was disappointed to see many of them demolished. Nothing was
left of the old structure except a large empty plot littered with bricks and
debris.There were gaping holes in their places, as if the soul of a building
was staring at us with its sightless, dispassionate eyes.I felt a sadness
sweeping over me because of the destruction of so many buildings, as these
structures defined the city of Hyderabad for me and for many others.In fact,
Hyderabad, which once was known for its gardens, parks and European
architectural buildings, is now a congested and overcrowded urban center.
The slow process of
degradation started from the partition and has reached a dangerous level today.
With a large number of Muslim refugees pouring in from India in 1947, the need
to house people grew immensely.In the absence of proper planning, the city
expanded rapidly, both horizontally and vertically.Conversely, when Hindu
owners left their palatial mansions, they were given to the incoming refugees
who were not affluent enough to take proper care of them.In many instances,
single buildings were allotted to several families, each creating cubby-holes
for their own use, thus disfiguring and weakening the structure.Over time, some
of the buildings that were still strong were purchased by various construction
companies, torn down and converted into concrete plazas.Even some of the
buildings that were declared ‘protected’ by organizations, were also demolished during this spree.For
example, Khiani Mansion, an imposing building situated on Tilak Incline, was
half-demolished until some people notified the authorities.Now, it stands
helplessly with most of its beautiful superstructure gone.Moti Mahal, a most
elegant edifice, was demolished years ago and a commercial plaza stands in its
place. Many other such buildings are threatened.
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| A Pre-Partiton building, located near Tower Market, in its worst condition |
Currently, deconstructing
old buildings and constructing plazas is perhaps one of the profit-making businesses
in the city.It seems that only those buildings survive which have a disputed
ownership and therefore cannot be sold. But, their physical condition is also
very pathetic.The buildings of Hyderabad are not only physical structures;
rather, they symbolize the spirit of the city and its magnificent past.However,
because of growing urbanism and ill-planned development, we are losing a rare
treasure.As mere words cannot save these buildings, there is an urgent need to
implement a strategy to save what is left of the pre-Partition heritage of
Hyderabad.
The rapid destruction of such old buildings is a threat
to the city’s vibrant cultural and magnificent heritage. It is time that this
risk is soon identified and taken charge of by the concerned authorities. In order to pay attention towards their concerns,
government should provide proper funding to the maintenance department for renovation
of the old structure, otherwise, history, once lost, cannot be restored.
