Reliving historic grandeur

One simple picture can tell you more about history than any story you might read or any document you might analyse. Photographs, once taken to document their present, they now help us witness the past.

Many photographs only become iconic shots years later, once we understand their importance and historical context. From landmarks and famous people to the basic routines, these pictures portray the past in a way that we can empathise and understand more intimately. These statements came true play at ‘Pixel’, the seven-day photo exhibition at Arts College with vintage and iconic images of history.

The vision of the founder of Osmania University (OU) to promote education in the region manifested in establishment of various structures over several years on a vast strip of land in the Adikment Jagir once owned by Mah Laqa Bai Chanda. History and the rich grandeur of colleges under Osmania University were unveiled through over 200 photographs on display at the event.

Organised by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, the photo show has five themes - A peep into the Past, Written Word, Jewels of Osmania, Cogs and Wheels and Visionaries of Osmania. The section “A Peep into the past” comprised black and white pictures taken during the construction of OU, pictures of Nizam, Osman Ali Khan and the Engineers of the University, the inaugural pictures of the Building and that of Mah Laqa Bai Chanda who donated the land that was given to her as Jagir for the noble cause of education.

The pictures of the foundation laying ceremony, building blocks on a barren land where a magnificent edifice, the Arts College now stands tall was a historic delight. Among the many pictures, those taken during the construction of the university by late M C Emanuel stole the show. The pictures of the gold bowel and trowel used to lay the foundations of the building and the 120kg silver replica of the Arts College building gave viewers an insight into the opulence of the Nizam.

Alongside these were pictures of a silver trowel and bowl and the silver cover of the invitation card used by Nizam College students at the inauguration of the University buildings. With the pictures speaking loud and clear, the tales narrated by the grandfathers as they brought their grandchildren for a stroll at the photo exhibition was a sight to see and remember.

A few rare and exclusive photographs at the exhibition were sourced from the Nizam's Museum, Purani Haveli and the State Archives Museum, Telangana. While other contemporary pictures of the grand interiors of the Arts College and other departments of the university, were shot by students and veteran photographer Lenny Emanuel.

The “Written Word” pictures included the Firmans sourced from the State Archives. “Jewels of Osmania” had photographs of the buildings of various departments of the University, and the constituent colleges- Koti Women's College, Nizam college, PG College of Law, Basheerbagh.

Photographs of the British Residency at the Koti Women's College also had tales entwined to it, being a symbol of love between a British Resident, James Achilles Kirkpatrick and a beautiful Mughal, Khairunnisa. The pictures of the old Durbar Hall, the Empress gate, the Rang Mahal were extraordinarily captured.

Under the “Cogs and Wheels” of Osmania were several contemporary structures housing wings of the University. One visitor lamented that the present structures could have incorporated some elements of old architecture like the domes. The “Visionaries” section showcased the Vice-Chancellors of the University right from its inception.

People of all ages and walks of life flocked Arts College to see the grand history of the university on display. Alumni of the university, school children, students from constituent and affiliated colleges, former vice-chancellors, heads of departments, photography enthusiasts, media personnel, public were among the many who came to gaze the exhibition. Students clicked selfies, alumni renewed their memories and other onlookers marvelled at the rich history on display.

The visual treat was enriched by Anuradha Reddy, Co-convenor, INTACH Hyderabad who explained the historical facts- Mah-Laqa-Bai-Chanda’s contribution and the farsightedness of Nizam VII, Mir Osman Ali Khan. She narrated how rail lines were laid down to carry the heavy boulders of granite during construction. She dwelt on the architectural nuances of the Arts College, a combination of Mughal and Jain Architecture from the Ajanta and Ellora.

On cultural tolerance of the Nizam, she said that ancient structures do not have a religion but only history and cultural elements. An alumnus of Koti Women's College, she explained the importance of the cannon, the treasure place below the staircase, the Rang Mahal which housed Khairunissa.

Visitors complimented the Department and the students for their efforts and shared experiences with student volunteers expressing great joy and delight. "Hearty congratulations. Excellent photo exhibition that recollects the grand history of Osmania University. It is motivating and inspiring to all the stake holders," commented Prof. R Limbadri, Vice-Chairman, Telangana State Council of Higher Education.

Gadari Kishore Kumar, MLA, Tungaturthy and Research Scholar at the Department wrote, "I’m so inspired! Wonderful presentation offered with such care, depth and breadth. We would love to be more involved."

Foreign students were also delighted to see elements of Islamic architecture fused into the structures. “The exhibition was aesthetically done with lights focusing on each exhibit. The captions are creative and the brief notes are self-explanatory,” said Ahmed from Iraq.

Summing up the festive mood, one visitor who is a frequent visitor to campus said, “The interior of Arts College never wore such a look,” and wished more people would visit the show on the last day today. (J-Hub Initiative)

By Fronia Priscilla Y