naqqar khana: Hyderabad: Naqqar Khana on the brink of total collapse | Hyderabad News
Some heritage experts are, however, of the view that Badshahi Ashoorkhana predates the iconic Charminar, which was constructed in 1591, to mark the launch of Hyderabad after then-capital city of Qutub Shahis – Golconda – was overpopulated beyond its civic capacities.
While the main building of Badshahi Ashoorkhana received a few repairs, other structures on the compound are in an advanced state of dilapidation. The Naqqar Khana or the drum house, in particular, has almost caved in. A heavy rainfall in the ensuing monsoon season may flatten the Naqqar Khana building if the damaged portions including the roof are not repaired immediately, warn city heritage experts.
Heritage expert Mir Abbas Ali Moosvi, who is also the hereditary custodian of Badshahi Ashoorkhana, told TOI that the Naqqar Khana, which received a severe beating during monsoon a few years ag o, is in an advanced stage of dilapidation. “A major portion of the roof had caved in last year. The main building of the Ashoorkhana also needs thorough repairs,” he said, emphasising the need to protect one of the oldest buildings of Hyderabad. Naqqar Khana was used for major announcements through the beating of drums during the reign of Qutub Shahi rulers, who built the existing fort of Golconda and Charminar, besides creating a mega city called Hyderabad. As Badshahi Ashoorkhana is a place of mourning, Qutub Shahi rulers used to visit it during Moh arram. During the reign of Abdullah Qutub Shah VII, the queen mother would lit up the Ashoorkhana premises with a thousand lights.
The Ashoorkhana and its associated structures last received standard repairs duri ng the period of Asaf Jahs. “In the last several decades, nothing concrete has been done to perpetuate this grand old edifice of Hyderabad for the posterior generations,” Moosvis aid.
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