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Restoration of Hyderabad’s Chowmahalla Palace:
News:
Restoration of the Chowmahalla Palace to its age-old grandeur is being planned
Important Facts:
Historical Significance:
- Chowmahalla palace is palace of the Nizams of Hyderabad state and seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty
- Chowmahalla construction began in late 18th century and completed in mid of 19th century during reign of Asaf Jah V
- Memorable moment of palace was coronation of Mukarram Jah Nizam VII in 1967
About Asaf Jahi Dynasty:
- Dynasty was founded by Mir Qamar-ud-Din Siddiqi, a viceroy of the Deccan under the Mughal emperors from 1713 to 1721
- Mir Qamar-ud-Din Siddiqi took title of Asaf Jahi in 1724 and ruled independently thereafter on account of weakening Mughal influence in Deccan region
Restoration Efforts:
- Restoration work of palace was started in 2000 by Princess Esra, former wife of Mukarram Jah
- Multi disciplinary team of architects, historian, conservationist and urban designer took part in reviving the historic complexes within the palace
UNESCO Recognition:
- Chowmahalla received the coveted UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Merit award for cultural heritage conservation in 2010
About UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation:
- Recognizes exemplary efforts by individuals and organizations to restore or conserve structures, places and properties of heritage value in the region since 2000
- It aims to encourage other property owners to undertake conservation projects within their communities, either independently or by seeking public-private partnerships
