Think of Shaikpet, the images that come to mind are gated communities, apartments and endless traffic. Behind the modern facade is a region that first highlighted around the 16th century, one of the most respected Sufi saints in Deccan, buried on the highway in Bidar, an important site for travelers to Golconda.
The walk organized by Deccan Archive shows many aspects of this bustling urban area. People from all walks of life explore this historic area together on a sultry night (with water bottles).
Sufis and their stories
The evening began with a visit to Darga in Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali, a sophic saint honored by Golconda during the 16th century Qutb Shahi reign. Hussain Sagar belongs to the descent of Deccan's most respected Sufi Saints, Khaja Bande Nawaz Gesu Daraz, after which Hussain Sagar is named.
Even today, Daga remains a symbol of Old World architecture. On the sides of the two Naqqar Khanas (actually translated as drum houses) on either side of the entrance arch, it is a small fortress of peace in an otherwise crowded area. Nazar Ki Kasthi (where it is served inside) is a long bowl shaped like a parrot marked with the logo of a tiger and a peacock. One highlight is the crown of the Arch (see on the dome of Darga), shaped like a torch, representing the burning spirit of the kingdom!
Hazrat Meeran Hussaini (built in the late 1600s), located near this shrine, is another Sufi's grave, whose blessing is believed to be the reason for Aurangzeb's conquest of Deccan. Although his tomb is located between two rocks, the highlight here is the sculpture of the dog on the side of the entrance, a symbol of its loyalty and protection to its owner!
The throwing of the stone is an amazing spectator hall that is believed to have emerged later, and although it is now a cricket field, it is fascinating with its amazing geometric shape and simplicity.
Serai tasting
The last stop on the Heritage Walk is the magnificent Shaikpet Serai. Serai refers to a hotel or caravan that provides accommodation and shelter for travelers. This Serai is a pause for travelers heading to Golconda Fort, and a huge space with 32 rooms, which is a double-layer structure (anomaly during this period).
Even today, what everyone hears inside is the sound of birds singing, which is a sharp contrast of the harsh sounds on the streets. Currently, during renovations, weary travelers use the amazing lounge to recharge themselves with amenities including places of worship, puddles (wells that no longer exist) and horses and horses and horses that are both horses and elephants.
The mosque on the houses built around the 1630s had mirror calligraphy scriptures with beautiful stucco patterns ranging from flowers to Persian carpets above. It borders the tomb of Shah Khundkar, another exquisite structure with a side of the columns of the pull-down columns, which are all the remains of the architectural beauty that has passed by a period of time.
Past and present
Locality is a microcosm of Hyderabad. Ugly buildings hover in decorative minarets and unhindered buildings, making the beauty of the ancient area a beautiful view, while motorcycles and cars pass through the testimony of the empire, which witnessed the rise and fall of the empire.
Perhaps a walk in the area will share a lesson for us all – this advancement doesn't have to come at the cost of heritage and there is plenty of room for both history and high-rise buildings under the same day.
