Page 87 - Annual Report

Transformative

Journeys

Master craftsmen from West Bengal, Madhya
Pradesh and Rajasthan were employed, generating
over 2.74 lakh man-days of work from the start of the
project in 2013 till its completion in December 2020.
Today, while the Trusts’ support to this project has
come to an end, work continues in the Qutb Shahi
Park – landscaping of the entire park, restoration
of the other monuments, and building an
interpretation centre at the entrance that will allow
visitors to gain a deeper understanding of not only
the Qutb Shahi history, but also the conservation
efforts undertaken in the past decade. AKTC and the
Govt. of Telangana will explore a dual-management
model to ensure the sustainability of the site
through income generation from ticket sales and
other activities.
One of the key success factors for this project was
Restoration work at Quli Qutb Shah Heritage Park the step-by-step methodology adopted, that first
focused on architectural documentation, scientific
Restoring the magnificence analysis and archival research, based on which a
detailed work plan was drawn up.
of 16 century history What’s more, by using traditional building materials
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to replicate the Qutb Shahi builders’ work, the
project has ensured that these 9 monuments will
Across 106 acres in the bustling city of Hyderabad, The Trusts partnered with the Aga Khan Trust for
there is a lost world of kings, hamams, baolis, Culture (AKTC) to fully conserve and restore 9 major not require any significant upkeep for at least
pavilions and mosques. More than 70 structures, monuments within the park: 6 royal tombs, the Badi another century. So that Hyderabad’s rich heritage
built in the 16 – 17 centuries by the royals of the Baoli (stepwell), the Hamam (bath house) and the may once again shine in all its glory.
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Qutb Shahi dynasty. This is the Quli Qutb Shah Great Mosque.
Heritage Park, one of the largest clusters of The project commenced with intensive research to
medieval monuments within an urban space. analyse and recreate what the Qutb Shahi builders
Even though its huge domes are visible to all, for intended. This included understanding their use of
years this historic site remained neglected and building materials and their composition. After a 8 DECENT WORK &
ECONOMIC
forgotten. Appreciation of, and access to, the peer-review, conservation work began on GROWTH
planning and craftsmanship of the Qutb Shahi the monuments. PROJECT ALIGNS
builders were not possible in a park that was Removing layers of 20 century plaster from most WITH SDG
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overrun by alterations to the surfaces of the surfaces, recreating lost ornamental details
monuments (built in granite with lime-stucco wherever it was possible to discern the geometric
ornamentation) and unkempt gardens. Misinformed patterns, and finishing the surfaces with coats
guides and misguided signages added to the of lime putty, made onsite using locally-available
overall neglect. ingredients.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21 80