Hyderabad:

Having been freed of encroachments, the 400-year-old Badeshahi Ashoor Khana is now all set to woo tourists. If proposals put forth by the state department of tourism materialize, the Qutub Shahi era monument may start undergoing renovation by next month.

The Badeshahi Ashoor Khana, built in 1594 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shahthree years after the construction of the iconic Charminar, has been at the receiving end of official neglect and vagaries of nature for long. Collapsed roofs prevented Shia devotes from optimally using it during Muharram months, while encroachers deprived tourists and visitors from enjoying its heritage value. Finally at the behest of a high court order, a drive against encroachers was initiated in 2009. But it was not until December last year that the monument was completely rid of encroachments. Now the authorities are pondering over the task of turning it into one of the best tourist destination in the city.

Requesting anonymity, an official in the tourism department, said that an elaborate plan to the tune of Rs 4.36 cr for restoration of the Ashoor Khana and the adjoining buildings was presented to central tourism secretary Rajan Habeeb Khaja when he visited Hyderabad last week. The plan depicts structural restoration works to the roof lime plates of Ashoor Khana, major restoration works in the Niyaz Khana and Naqaar Khana, besides other auxiliary buildings. The roofs of both these edifices had collapsed in 2007, warranting extensive repairs. The official said that the plan envisages not just structural restorations but also restoration of the function of the buildings.

“The Naqaar Khana was used as a communication centre where drums were beaten to inform public about installation of Alams. After restoration, we may contemplate having an exhibition here to showcase the Muharram highlights of Hyderabad,” said the official.

Chandana Khan, in-charge secretary of tourism department confirmed that there are plans in pipeline for the Ashoor Khana. “During our discussions with the central tourism secretary issues pertaining to city and rural heritage were discussed. The Badeshahi Ashoor Khana is an important part of the city’s heritage and needs to be spruced up,” she said, declining to give more details.

The Ashoor Khana’s caretakers said that the Union tourism secretary had heard their complaints and conducted a detailed inspection of the monument.

“During the last eviction drive, part of the caretaker’s house was destroyed. We brought this to the notice of the union secretary. Taking notice of the dilapidated state of the auxiliary buildings, the secretary also commented on the proximity of neighboring buildings. He also directed the state tourism and archeology officials to ensure smooth development of the Ashoor Khana into a tourist destination,” Abbas Mousvi, a member of the caretaker’s family said.

Heritage activist however caution that the restoration should be done in accordance with the historical nature and usage of the building.

“The officials had constructed a restaurant in the Qutub Shahi tomb which did not go with the historical and architectural ambience. Restorations at the Badehshahi Ashoorkhana should happen keeping in view its sanctity, as it is primarily a place of mourning. This should not be forgotten when works are planned,” said activist Sajjad Shahid.

source: http://www.TimesofIndia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / February 06th, 2012

Hyderabad:

It was a dish synonymous with the common Hyderabadi’s palate for the last two centuries — soft baked maida with an earthen smell of the tandoor, best accompanied with gracious servings of lamb chops and rich gravy. Any wonder then that 150 years on, the makers of Mughal Naan continue to do brisk business. Their new age patrons who make this possible come from all walks of life – businessmen, corporates and the ubiquitous tourists of Charminar-all eager to buy the naan in bulk.

And lined up in a row along the Purani Haveli Road, the shops from where these naans come alive have undergone very little interior changes, even as the exteriors spot bright display boards, calling attention to the recipe being prepared inside. “My forefathers had set up shop first near the Charminar Chowk around 200 years ago. But we shifted to this lane some 150 years ago. We are the sixth generation of naan makers in our family,” says Abbas whose Abbasi Naan Shop spots the byline ‘Heritage Shop’ outside.

A day in the life of these naan makers starts at six in the morning or much earlier, depending on the order for the day and goes up to nine at night. “A major part of our sales is through orders for corporates, or marriage functions. So work timing is irregular, though on an average we work for 2-3 hours at a stretch before taking a break of equal duration,” he explains.

Each of the half-a-dozen shops here sell close to 3000 naan every day, of which the square variety costing Rs 8 per piece is the favourite among buyers. That’s equal to a cool Rs 24,000 in sales per day, for the staff comprising four workers who handle the tandoor, two men for packaging and two family members who help oversee the delivery and tandoor.

“We also have five other different shapes such as star, heart, flower etc. The rate depends on which shape the customer prefers,” chips in a worker at the nearby Hussaini Naan Shop.  The tandoor, which occupies place of pride at these shops, can accommodate 42 rotis at any given point of time, and according to Abbas, “It takes just 3-4 minutes for one batch to be made.”

The Mughal roti is made with maida, oil and a dash of salt, and the recipe has passed on without change over years. Ask them the reason for the same and the response is as heritage as the naan itself, “We haven’t improvised or brought in our own additions yet. Our customers want us to retain the authentic taste of the naan. And we give them just that.”

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / South> Andhra Pradesh> Hyderabad / Express News Service / The New Indian Express / January 31st, 2012