Forgotten and forlorn: Telangana’s neglected cultural heritage screams for attention

Hyderabad: Nestled in this historically significant region, a collection of eight state museums and a central government museum showcase a wealth of artifacts that span thousands of years. However, these museums face numerous challenges, including neglect, inadequate resources, and limited staffing, which put the preservation and promotion of these collections at risk.

On the occasion of World Museum Day, it is essential to shed light on the remarkable cultural heritage of Telangana.

A window into Telangana's history

Located in Gun Foundry, Hyderabad, the Centenary Heritage Museum is a significant attraction for history enthusiasts and art lovers. It displays a diverse range of artifacts, including terracotta, stucco, and iron objects, providing insights into Telangana's prehistoric and early historic eras. The museum showcases intricately carved temple sculptures and door-jambs that highlight the region's architectural and artistic traditions.

In honour of the Department of Archaeology's century-long legacy, the Centenary Heritage Museum was established in 2014. This esteemed museum, also known as the Srisailam Pavilion, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the rich heritage of Srisailam. It houses artifacts recovered from submerged regions of the Srisailam Project. The exhibits are meticulously arranged, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's past.

Early Historic Gallery features beads, iron implements, coins, and pottery from various excavations. Notable highlights include the ancient black basalt stone called Dvara Bandam, the intricately carved door jamb of Sri Varada Raja Swamy temple, and the captivating Makara Toranam (Arch) with mythical and floral designs. This collection serves as a valuable educational and cultural resource, preserving and promoting Telangana's cultural legacy.

Unearthing the past, facing neglect

Hyderabad's State Museum boasts a vast collection of historical treasures. Ancient coins, sculptures, inscriptions, and artworks spanning thousands of years showcase the region's rich history. Sadly, many of these precious artifacts remain hidden away and neglected.

With over 2,50,000 coins and numerous rare items, the State Museum's collection rivals even that of the famous London Museum. The museum's significance is further magnified by astounding archaeological finds, such as Satavahana and Roman coins.

The museum struggles with limited staff and resources, raising concerns about its ability to preserve and maintain the collection. This neglect is seen as a disservice to previous generations. Preserving these artifacts is not only about honouring the past but also investing in our future. Efforts must be made to protect, restore, and exhibit this extraordinary collection, fostering public appreciation and connecting people to their rich heritage.

Challenges and the way forward

Telangana State possesses a significant cultural heritage, housed in its museums. However, the museums face challenges in preserving and showcasing invaluable collections, with limited resources and inadequate staffing. In the village of Phanigiri, two artifacts have found international recognition, displayed in a prestigious gallery in New York City. Yet, two other equally significant artifacts in the same village remain neglected and hidden away. This disparity raises concerns about the allocation of resources and priorities in preserving Phanigiri's cultural legacy.

Despite the immense value of the artifacts, only a few individuals are responsible for maintaining this priceless collection. This raises concerns about resource allocation and preservation priorities. Additionally, Telangana's Heritage Department libraries, housing rare historical books, suffer from poor management, limiting access for researchers and hindering the dissemination of historical knowledge.

Historian Aravind Arya recalls his visit to the Archaeological Museum Library, “Visiting the museum around 11 am proved to be a quite challenge. Despite calling the dignitaries, I had to wait until 3om for access. The excuses given, such as the absence of keys and the librarian being on lunch break, were frustrating. It was astonishing to learn that only two individuals, a librarian, and a security guard take care of the vast collection of 25,000 books.”

He further adds, “The delayed construction of a museum near the Warangal Fort also hinders the comprehensive cultural experience for visitors. The museums' low visibility, even among Hyderabad residents, is due to the lack of promotional activities and outreach campaigns.”