Reviving pride in the regal past
A young scion of the family of Hyderabad’s Nizams is trying to create awareness in the modern generation of the pomp and splendour of Indian royalty
Although royalty was abolished in India in 1971, many Indian royal families remain an integral part of the country’s cultural fabric. Like her illustrious ancestors, young Sahebzadi Feroze Jahan Begum, great granddaughter of 7th Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, is an advocate for the preservation of the country’s regal heritage, and is working to revive ancient and dying traditions in handicrafts, handlooms, painting, architecture, and more.
Sahebzadi Feroze Begum has started a blog as a record of her visits to many of India’s palaces, and also as an initiative to promote Hyderabadi heritage.
THE FABRIC OF HISTORY
“It all began when I wore my ancestral khada dupatta for my wedding. It was passed down to me by my grandmother, Sahebzadi Masarrat Begum,” she says of the project. “I was able to appreciate the qualities of the antique fabric, and the craftsmanship that went into it. When my wedding photos were displayed, they drew a lot of attention; the outfit was admired by people all over the world. I also aim to recreate the royal outfits worn by the daughters and begums of the Asaf Jahi dynasty back in the day,” Sahebzadi Feroze says. “There are difficulties because artisans who work with and on real gold and sancha fabrics are extremely rare,” she acknowledges.
FOCUS ON BHOPAL
Her first stop on her journey, was Bhopal. “During my recent visit to Bhopal, I visited Taj-al-Masajid (Asia’s largest mosque), Gohar Manzil, Sadar Manzil, and Moti Masjid (made of marble) which were built during the reigns of four generations of the Begums of Bhopal,” says Sahebzadi Feroze. She also visited some heritage palace hotels as part of the luxury project — Jehan Numa Hotel and Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Bhopal, (built by the begums) were on her itinerary.
BRAGGING RIGHTS
WHEN MY WEDDING PHOTOS WERE DISPLAYED, THEY DREW A LOT OF ATTENTION; THE OUTFIT WAS ADMIRED BY PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD. I ALSO AIM TO RECREATE THE ROYAL OUTFITS WORN BY THE DAUGHTERS AND BEGUMS OF THE ASAF JAHI DYNASTY — SAHEBZADI FEROZE
“The idea is to raise awareness among the current generation about the era of the Nizams, the food, and the culture. This generation has become so urban and fast-paced that the rich culture and heritage of previous generations is being lost,” she says. “I want Hyderabadis to be proud of the era of the Nizams, so they can brag about the city’s rich architectural and cultural treasures.”
When asked about the Nizams’ heritage, she says, “The architectural heritage of the Nizams can be seen all through Hyderabad city. The Salarjung Museum makes me nostalgic about the exquisite jewels of the Nizams, which were once on display there, but sadly now lie locked up in the RBI vault in Mumbai. This should be available for the public to see, it will boost the morale of Hyderabadis.”
The architectural beauties that need restoration, according to Sahebzadi Feroze, who is married to a Mumbai-based businessman Syed Abbas Ali, are the Kothi palace, Purani Haveli Kaman, Mehboob Mansion, Sardar Mahal, Osmania General Hospital, Govt Nizamia Hospital, and the Dewdis of the nobles. “My aunt Sahebzadi Rashid-Unissa Begum was instrumental in the restoration of Aza Khaane Zehra and Purani Haveli,” she says, adding, “Princess Esra Jah has contributed significantly to the restoration of Falaknuma Palace and Chowmahallah Palace.”