It was a thrilling experience to visit the Falaknuma Palace two days ago as it undergoes renovation and rebuild for the Taj group. It's going to be a hotel where the aim to recreate the lifestyle of the Nizam era. Good and was happy to note that the staff is fully geared up to the history of the palace and the need to recreate the past as authentically as it is possible.
But what bugged me was that the original palace did not appear to have any thing significantly Hyderabaadi or even Indian. Furniture and furnishings, drapery, glassware and crockery, tiles and similar material, chandliers and lighting fixtures, et. all had been imported from Europe and UK mostly.
Inspite of their fascination for things foreign the Nizams did not set up any kin dof industry for similar products in their own nawabdom. Asrulers they seemed content to live off the people and spend lavishly, but created no scope for people to be entreprenuers. They were satisfied with the titles bestowed by the Britishers and content to live in the relfected glory of the british Empire, as its vassal and if not slave.
yes, Falaknuma is a grand edifice but it is neither Hyderabaadi nor Indian.
Does it mean that we had no builders of such magnificient structures?
Some commentry this on our long civilisation!
Congratulations!
gemini43 | 20/09/2010, 22:05 hrs
If you can read this post, it means that the registration process was successful and that you can start blogging.