Standing proudly with two huge minars, built with granite rocks and decorated with ornate carvings, the old Idgah's existence in Madannapet is either forgotten by people or they are indifferent to its grandeur. While it's contemporary, Charminar became the symbol of Hyderabad, the old Idgah stands in solemn isolation amidst puny concrete structures.
“Hyderabad has many such structures dating back to the Qutub Shahi dynasty. But due to the lack of awareness most of them are becoming victims of gross neglect and are loosing their sheen,” Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) convenor P. Anuradha Reddy said. INTACH Hyderabad chapter has conferred the ‘INTACH Heritage Award - 2011' to the Idgah at Madannapet. “People in the newer parts of the city are ignorant about the heritage structures let alone visiting them. It is about time that these beautiful structures are brought out of their hibernation and people sensitised about their importance,” Ms. Reddy said during a Walk organised by INTACH at the Idgah on Sunday.
State Tourism Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Director of Archaeology and Museums Prof. P. Chenna Reddy and local community leaders participated in the walk. Mr. Ranjan assured local leaders that the government would extend its full support in preserving the structure. The hereditary caretaker of the Idgah, Hafiz Syed Shah Dawood Madani, apprised Mr. Ranjan about the present condition of the Idgah and various problems faced by it.
Expressing his displeasure at the indiscriminate white washing of entire Idgah structure, including the minars and walls made of granite, Prof. Reddy directed the caretaker and community leaders to seek his department's permission before taking up any activity at the monument.
He also cautioned them from indulging in any new construction within 100 meters of the structure.
