The Telangana government has unveiled an ambitious plan to restore eight historic arches, or kamans, in the old city of Hyderabad, punishing… $11.86 crore to preserve the centuries-old gates that served as entrances to the walled city during the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi periods.
A government order (GO No. 652) issued by the Metropolitan Region and Urban Development Administration on Thursday approved funds for the restoration and renovation project.
“This initiative represents an important step towards preserving Hyderabad’s architectural heritage while addressing growing concerns about the deteriorating condition of these centuries-old structures,” an official familiar with the matter said.
The government granted administrative sanction to the comprehensive restoration project. Although the previous government allocated $2 crore in 2023 for minor repairs to the six kamans, detailed assessments later found the amount to be insufficient as the structures had suffered extensive deterioration over the years, requiring extensive restoration to ensure structural stability and overall safety.
As per the government order, the restoration work will be carried out by Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA), with funding from Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). The government also allowed QQSUDA to appoint consultants to prepare detailed project reports, cost estimates and other technical documents, along with inviting separate bids for each restoration project.
According to QQSUDA, the eight historic khans, built during the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi periods, served as grand entrances to palaces, districts and important city areas.
“These ornate gates are among the surviving architectural symbols of Hyderabad’s rich cultural past and reflect the distinctive urban planning and architectural traditions of the erstwhile rulers,” an official said.
Decades of neglect, weathering and environmental exposure have left many of the structures in a fragile state, officials said. The damage becomes particularly severe during the monsoon, when plaster and other structural elements separate from the arches, posing a threat to residents, pedestrians and motorists passing through these crowded areas.
“The government has said that preserving the violin is not only essential to protect Hyderabad’s heritage but also to eliminate potential safety risks,” GO said.
The project covers Rani Jung Kaman ( $63 lakh) Sheikh Fayez also ( $82 lakh), Chatta Bazaar Kaman ( $1.40 Crore), Dewan Deodi Kaman-I ( $2 Crore), Dewan Deodhi Kaman-II ( $2.38 Crore), Daburpura Kaman ( $Rs 1.14 Crore (Hosseini Alam also) $55 lakh) and Hashmatjung Kaman ( $2.94 crore), which received the highest allocation due to the amount of restoration required.
Officials said preliminary estimates have already been prepared, while detailed technical studies will determine the exact scope of restoration work required for each monument. The restoration will focus on strengthening the structures, repairing damaged masonry and plasterwork, preserving original architectural features and ensuring the gates retain their historic character.
Muhammad Safiullah, a prominent conservationist in Hyderabad, said the walled city originally had 13 gates, in addition to gates and seven windows.
“During the Asaf Jahi period, every gate was guarded by armed security guards, who used to inform Kotwal about the movement of people through the gates, and he in turn would inform the same to the governor,” he said.
Safiullah said that all the gates were closed at dusk.
He said: “Since there was no electricity in those days, the city was plunged into darkness, except for the rich and well-off who had lamps in their homes.”
He said that most of the gates and arches were severely damaged during the Musi River floods in 1908. In 1954, after the formation of the municipality, some of the gates were demolished due to poor maintenance.
Safiullah added: “They did not think about its heritage value. After that, some gates and walls were demolished while widening the road. So, now only three gates and eight gates remain, and they are being preserved.”
