There is hope for some of the cannon and armoury heritage of Hyderabad, as a top Army official promised protection to these relics. “If we are asked to guard and take care of these cannons, we will do it. We already have a good collection of cannons and weapons in various bastions in the area under our guard,” said Brigadier R.R. Kapoor, Commandant, Artillery Centre, Golconda Fort, at an event to celebrate World Heritage Day at Golconda Fort on Thursday.
The restored portion of Darbar Hall atop the Golconda Fort was thrown open to visitors and tourists on the occasion. A cycle rally at the fort area was organised to mark the event, while a photography exhibition was hosted at the armoury hall inside the fort by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
In a separate event, Telangana’s built and natural heritage was in the spotlight at the Salar Jung Museum at a special photography exhibition to mark the International Day for Sites and Monuments. In tune with this year’s theme ‘Rural Landscapes’, the exhibition showcased forts of Rachakonda and Bhongir; stepwells of Warangal, Domakonda and Nizamabad; temples and natural rock formations from various places of the State.
The exhibition of photographs clicked by several photographers over the past few years was curated by Salar Jung Museum and INTACH’s Hyderabad Chapter.
Protection of lakes
“Lakes, wells and water bodies, whether of urban or rural spaces, are endangered and need protection. We need water at all costs. Monuments and sites in all areas need their breathing and visual spaces to be seen and admired in all their glory,” said Anuradha Reddy of Intach, speaking about the photographs. Many of the historical sites in Telangana, including temples, mosques, forts and lakes, are now virtually surrounded by encroachments reducing their visibility and grandeur.
