Delving into the past

M.A. Qayyum, authority on Hyderabad’s heritage, says each city is caught in a time warp and the same is true of the old city

He ranks high among the authoritative commentators on Hyderabad, its past, heritage and archaeology. During a long stint with the Department of Archaeology and Museums, from where he retired as Deputy Director a decade ago, M.A. Qayyum has been instrumental in identification and protection of several sites of heritage and archaeological value in the city. And from Qutb Shahi period to Asaf Jahi regime, he can narrate tales in detail with a certain ease that is rare to find.

“Every city has a part which is caught in a time warp and refuses to lose its identity and same is true with the old city of Hyderabad,” Mr. Qayyum tells T. Lalith Singh .

What do you say about Hyderabad being a global city?

Globalisation is the word in vogue these days, but Hyderabad has its arms open welcoming all and it has been witness to the concept a few centuries back itself. Not only from around the country, but from across the globe, people came and settled here then itself. From Turks to Armenians to Iranians to Arabs to Dutch to French, they came and made the city their home.

There in lies the traditional beauty of Hyderabad and its peaceful confluence of cultures. Everyone was made to feel at home and the melting pot attained hues of divergence.

What do you think that attracts people to Hyderabad?

The list could be rather long. Weather that is suitable for most, the traditional way of life and an old culture that just takes you in, are some of the key factors. Long ago, diamond trade brought merchants here, some came to be part of Nizam’s army and others to be part of the administrative set up. And no one felt out of place here.

What’s your view on neglect of the old city in terms of development?

Let’s not call it neglect or decline as it’s more often used to describe the old city. Same is the case with most other such cities across the globe. Every city has such a part which is ‘asal’ (original) city that prefers to retain its original identity. The roads will remain as they were long ago and development, as we see today, does not change it.

On transformation of the city into a modern hub

Life as I recall in the 60s and 70s here was rather quiet, peaceful and less cluttered. The pace of life was quite languid. There were few vehicles on the road and less buzz. Things started to change when youngsters started making a beeline to the Gulf countries. And then, the IT boom. Over the time, spacious Dewdis of Nawabs turned into hotels and roads got dotted with commercial establishments.

Share your knowledge on rich historical and archaeological values of Hyderabad

The need is for a sustained effort to retain the rich past in all forms. Ugly and modernistic structures are inching close to the historic monuments of the city, the open spaces around them are getting filled and the monuments are deprived of the required breathing space.

Is the government doing its bit to preserve and conserve the past?

No administration can afford to shy away from taking the pledge of preserving the monuments of this city. The governments have been doing all that can be done and other groups such as Aga Khan Trust have joined the initiatives which is a welcome sign. But then, citizens too have a role to play and they should strive to keep encroachments away from the historical sites.