Shyamhari Chakra
With its latest presentation on the cultural heritage of Hyderabad – the classic city of the Nizams and Pearls – Ministry of Tourism’s DekhoApnaDesh webinar series completed the 50th session of the series on Monday.
The webinar series that was launched on April 14 with “City of Cities – Delhi’s Personal Diary” has already covered a varied features related to cities, states, regions and sites like Kolkata, Mammallapuram, Ladakh, Varanasi, Visakhapatnam, North East, Puducherry, Punjab and Odisha.
Lesser-explored historic sites like the Cellular Jail of the Andaman Islands and Jaliwanabagh in the Punjab formed a part of the attractive series as well that also zoomed in on trends in tourism like responsible role of women in tourism promotion in India and the rising popularity of Yoga and wellness.
The lock-down due to the prevailing pandemic un-locked this innovative DekhoApanaDesh programme of the Ministry that aimed at generating awareness about India’s rich and varied cultural heritage and various tourism destinations.
The webinar on “Cultural heritage of Hyderabad” was presented by Madhu Vottery, well-known heritage education consultant, author and conservation architect.
It showcased how the culture of Hyderabad has been distinctly different from the rest of Telangana with its strong Islamic influences inherited from the period of the Nizam rule that is starkly visible on Hyderabad’s architecture, food, lifestyle and language; especially in the old city.
The presenter also highlighted how the new city represents a more cosmopolitan culture. Hyderabad has a rich tradition of literature and fine art that could be discovered through the many museums, art galleries and exhibitions dedicated to the display of Hyderabadi heritage.
The presentation covered 10 major destinations across Hyderabad that the largest number of tourists throng to – Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace, Charminar, Purani Haveli, Mecca Masjid, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Paigah tombs, Salar Jung Museum, Warangal Fort and Qutub Shahi wooden Palace. Lesser-known facts about these popular destinations were the hallmark of the presentation.
The webinar further familiarised its viewers about the historic city that has also been famous for lac bangles and glass bangles at Laad bazaar, pearls and jewellery at Patharghatti, ethnic wear at Laad bazaar and patharghatti and calligraphy at Chata bazaar.
The webinar informed how the State Government has been conducting specialised heritage tours for the visitors to explore the city and the state as well.
