HYDERABAD: A 17th century structure ‘Shahi Jilu Khana,’ located a little away from the Charminar, will soon be grabbing eyeballs. Constructed during the Asaf Jahi rule, the historic edifice sits in the middle of the glittering bangle market ‘Laad Bazaar,’ but is generally overlooked as all visitors’ attention is focused on the bangles. With the GES Summit, scores of GES delegates are expected to arrive at the bangle market which recently received a fresh coat of BT road layer and new street lights. With its brightened environs, the historic structure will definitely evoke some focused interest.
The ‘Shahi Jilu Khana,’ as the name suggests was a royal structure constructed in 1760s. It served as a staging court, welcoming aristocrats and noble persons to the Asaf Jah Palace.
The historic arch has two balconies on either side where ‘drummers’ used to sit and play. The kamaan or arch is 23 feet high with four minarets.
“It was originally a part of the Chowmahalla Palace. Over a period of time, it was cut off from the palace and the gateway is now in a rundown condition,” said Dr Mohammed Safiullah, a historian.
The once well-plastered granite stones are now exposed, with a coat of mortar peeling off. The arch is now sandwiched between several newly constructed buildings.
“Still the structure is stable but does need an inspection by conservation experts. If work suggested by them is taken up, it will survive for a long time,” felt Mr Safiullah.
Ms P. Anuradha Reddy, a historian said that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation had planned to take up the conservation work of Shahi Jilu Khana but for some reason, the plan fell through. Strangely, the Shahi Jilu Khana kamaan does not find mention in the lists of heri-tage structures to be preserved under the new Telangana Heritage (Pro-tection, Preservation, Conservation and Main-tenance) Act, 2017.
“Already trees rooted in the kamaan are protruding. Small parts of the wall are also crumbling. The authorities should take concrete steps to conserve it,” said Ms Reddy.
