The historic Mushk Mahal, a two-storied Qutub Shahi monument in Attapur, dating back around 350 years, is facing severe deterioration and is now a hub for undesirable activities in the city. Local residents are expressing concerns over its dilapidated condition, alleging that it has become a hotspot for people engaging in unethical behavior, including alcohol consumption, drug use, and even using the monument as a public toilet.
The Mushk Mahal, meaning “Fragrance Palace,” is now ironically emitting unpleasant odors due to the misuse of the site. Residents report that the lack of protection has led to the demolition of walls, with people burning copper wire and throwing animal fur inside the monument. The ground floor, in particular, has transformed into an impromptu toilet for nearby residents, with visible damage to the walls, including peeling plaster and collapsed sections.
Built in 1678 during the rule of the last Qutub Shahi ruler, Abu Hasan Tana Shah, Mushk Mahal is listed as a protected monument on the city’s heritage list. However, the monument is suffering from neglect, and local authorities, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), have overlooked its preservation. Despite efforts by organizations like the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to clean and maintain the monument, residents are reportedly causing damage within a few days, creating an anti-heritage atmosphere.
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Heritage Conservation Activist Sajjad Shahid expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of Mushk Mahal, emphasizing its legal status as a protected monument. Local residents echo the sentiment, expressing disappointment in the neglect by authorities. Some residents even recall the monument’s history as a school about 40 years ago, highlighting the stark contrast with its current state as a site for inappropriate activities. Rumors circulating among residents suggest the existence of two tunnels from Mushk Mahal connecting to Golconda and Charminar, adding an air of mystery to the monument’s troubled state.
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