Hyderabad: How 125-year-old Kotwal House was restored after years of neglect

Hyderabad: After years of abandonment and structural deterioration, the iconic Kotwal House—also known as the Police Commissioner’s Office or Kotwal Balda—has been restored and officially handed over.

This heritage building, over 125 years old, stands as a landmark of Hyderabad’s policing history and colonial-era architecture.

A Legacy of Authority and Administration

The term Kotwal, of Persian origin, historically refers to the highest-ranking police officer or town magistrate in Indian administrative systems. It is commonly used in both Hindi and Urdu. During the princely rule of the Nizams, the Kotwal was a position of immense power and prestige. Hyderabad, serving as the capital of the princely state, adopted the Police Commissionerate system as early as 1271 Fasli (equivalent to 1847 CE).

At its peak, the Hyderabad State spanned not only modern-day Telangana but extended into parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka (including Bidar, Raichur, and Gulbarga), and Maharashtra (Osmanabad, Nanded, Latur, Bheed, Parbhani, and Aurangabad).

The building housing the Police Commissioner’s Office was gifted by Nawab Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI, the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad. He ruled from 1869 to 1911 and was instrumental in shaping many civic institutions in the region.

Colonial-Era Architecture and Urban Heritage

Architecturally, the Kotwal House reflects colonial design principles. The 4,500 sq. ft. structure features a central hall with adjoining verandas on the north and south, a grand arched portico, and Roman-style columns that visually anchor the building. Constructed using stone and lime masonry on a heavy stone plinth, it follows the Madras terrace system, with arched stone windows and doorways designed to eliminate the need for lintels. These features made the structure both durable and visually coherent.

However, after decades of service, the building fell into disuse and was declared uninhabitable due to severe aging and lack of maintenance. For over five years, the premises stood abandoned, despite its strategic and historic significance.

Conservation Initiative: A Multi-Stakeholder Effort

In May 2023, Hyderabad Police Commissioner and Director General Mr. C.V. Anand, I.P.S., initiated a formal agreement with heritage expert Mr. Mir Khan, Conservator-in-Chief of Deccan Terrain Heritage. This specialized conservation firm developed a detailed project report and conservation blueprint for the building.

“The Kotwal House is not just a structure, but a symbol of our policing heritage and institutional memory,” said Mr. C.V. Anand. “Its restoration was long overdue, and we are proud to bring it back to life.”

The restoration was made possible through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding extended by Mr. Anil Kumar of the Greenko Group. This collaboration between the public sector, heritage specialists, and private enterprises reflects a growing recognition of the need to preserve urban heritage in Indian cities.

Modern Relevance and Police Reforms

While the heritage building itself is historic, the Hyderabad City Police has undergone significant modernization since its origins. Major reforms in 1955 aligned the force with the Madras City Police model. Today, the Commissionerate system is a highly structured, zonal law enforcement framework that oversees law and order, crime prevention, and investigation across a large metropolitan region.

Under the Government of Telangana, the Hyderabad City Police continues to balance its historic legacy with the needs of a fast-evolving urban society. Restoring the Kotwal House is seen as part of this dual mission—to honor institutional memory while upgrading infrastructure.

Heritage as Public Memory

Speaking at the handover, Mir Khan noted, “When we conserve a building like Kotwal House, we are not just saving bricks and mortar—we are preserving stories, systems, and legacies that shaped our cities.”

The restored premises will now function as an operational office and a living museum, offering citizens and officers alike a glimpse into the legacy of policing in Hyderabad.

Closing Note

The revival of the Kotwal House is a landmark moment in Hyderabad’s civic and architectural history. With its reopening, the city regains a piece of its administrative soul—one that served as a hub of law enforcement through monarchies, colonial transitions, and the making of modern India.

Quick Facts:

• Name: Kotwal House / Kotwal Balda

• Built: Over 125 years ago

• Donated by: Nawab Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI

• Commissionerate Established: 1271 Fasli / 1847 CE

• Restoration Led by: Deccan Terrain Heritage

• CSR Partner: Greenko Group

• Restored by: May 2025

• Current Head of Hyderabad Police: CV Anand