Politics over heritage: Squatters are kings, monuments crumble

There is a subtle, symbolic tug of war brewing in the city and this tussle straddles heritage structures dotting the landscape. It's this undertone of one-upmanship which, apart from paucity of funds, has contributed to disrepair of these structures.

At a time when activists, politicians and citizens are bemoaning shrinking secular space, heritage structures are turning into a polarization trigger. Even the most secular or non-religious monuments are prey . A case in point is Sehr-eBaatil Kamaan, one of the four imposing gateways, the other three being Char Kamaan, Machhli Kamaan and

Kali

Kamaan. Heritage experts said the structure is a part of the Charminar heritage precinct and is in disrepair. The gateway, which is to the west of Gulzar Houz, is a sore sight.Granite blocks stand exposed after chunks of plaster gave away in the past few years. On the north and south are two structures affiliated to different faiths.

“All four kamaans were once the entrance to different quadrants. Sehr-e-Baatil Kamaan was the entrance to the quadrant which housed residences of the Qutb Shahi Sultans. Sehar-e-Baatil means the antidote to the nazar (e v i l e ye) , “ says conservation architect Anuradha Naik.

The structure is in the cus tody of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, but has not seen repairs in many years and is now known as Vinayat Dwaar by a section of people.

Also, towards west of the Charminar, is the ancient gateway that connects the first road from Golconda to the erstwhile Walled City. The

Purana Pul Darwaza

and Purana Pul too have become squatters' haven.

The distinction is clear.The colours are clear. While the darwaza, which is in the custody of the

Department of Archaeology

and Museums was only recently restored, the bridge tells a different story .

“People of all faiths en tered the city through Purana Pul Darwaza. It was everybody who came in. Former rulers constructed their monuments in such a fashion that it reflected a cosmopolitan culture. The architecture reflected it,“ said a heritage expert. Another structure, though not seriously affected by the tug of war, is the Moazzam Jahi Market.