Rare photos of Mukarram Jah exhibited at HLF

Hyderabad: A rare photography exhibition showcasing over 250 previously unseen images from the private collections of the family of the last recognised Nizam of Hyderabad, Mukarram Jah, Asaf Jah VIII (1933–2023) is one of the major highlights of HLF this year.Unless stated otherwise, all photographs are from the Chowmahalla Palace Collection and the immediate family's personal archives.The exhibition was inaugurated by Prince Azmet Jah, a trained cinematographer and the current head of the Asaf Jahi family.Reflecting on his memories, Prince Azmet Jah shared, "Following my marriage in 1996, my parents, who had separated, reunited and collaborated to restore the Chowmahalla and Falaknuma Palaces."He also shared how KBR Park was like their private garden. "We rode horses from KBR to Golconda Fort, and we even had an elephant," he said.He added that several vintage cars once owned by his father are now on display at Chowmahalla Palace, alongside other artefacts, including a minesweeper.To mark the birth anniversary of Mukarram Jah, the exhibition has been specially curated to bring together rare photographs, historic documents and memorabilia. "These images have never before been loaned for display outside the palace. A limited-edition book cataloguing the photographs and memorabilia will also be available," said curator Anuradha Naik.