Hyderabad: One of the biggest sources of revenue of the erstwhile Hyderabad state was the iron and wootz industry. The historic wootz industry was recognised internationally.
The TS government should open a metal museum and explore the possibility of reviving these industries, experts said.
Wootz steel, or Seric iron, is characterised by a pattern of bands of micro carbides. It was said to have been developed in South India in the 6th Century BCE and exported globally.
Historian Dr Jaikishan said, “There are more than 300 forts in TS, I have visited 150.” He said all these have a rich history and should be protected.
Demanding that the government stop quarrying, experts urged the government to declare all hillocks as tourist spots. Dr Jaikishan said if quarrying was not stopped, the forts would collapse.
Detailing the benefits of the conservation of the Qutb Shahi tombs, conservation architect of the Aga Khan Trust Yeshwanth said, “There were new discoveries during the restoration. If the area is excavated, centuries-old artefacts can be found.” Experts also wanted more money to protect heritage buildings and that the government should re-constitute the heritage conservation committee dissolved by the HMDA.
