After decades of decay, Khurshid Jah Devdi undergoes a ₹12-crore facelift

Although parts of the wood have been damaged over time, the large purlins holding up the roof have largely remained intact.

One of the favourite kite-flying spots in Hyderabad is out of bounds for children living in the Shahgunj area near the Charminar. “Kaam chal raha hai (work is going on),” say the children who can be spotted in the playground in front of Khurshid Jah Devdi.

The landmark building, which has survived the vicissitudes of time, is undergoing massive restoration across all three levels at an estimated cost of ₹12 crore. “We are going to retain the parquet flooring and add the missing pieces sourced from Mumbai. Some of the intervention required us to do structural changes as there have been other interventions,” informs architect Suryanarayana Murthy, who is part of the restoration effort. While it is called Devdi, the building was called Koti ka Bungalow and served as a courtroom. Later, it became a gathering place.

What used to be roof over the portico is now a gaping hole with large wooden purlins filtering in the light. Hanging by ropes, scaffolding workers applying lime-mortar to restore the disfigured Ionic columns. One of the big changes has been the complete dismantling of the pavilion with barrel-vaulted metal roof above the Ionic column portico. “It was a conscious decision taken by the team as the room had a lot of structural damage due to vegetal growth and was not touched for the past 40 years. There were cracks everywhere. We will rebuild it with brick and lime mortar,” says a spokesperson for the engineering firm carrying out the reconstruction work.

Inside the restoration site, workers — mainly from Bihar — are busy with various tasks. Some are seen applying lime-mortar plaster, while others focus on repairing woodwork. Although parts of the wood have been damaged over time, the large purlins holding up the roof have largely remained intact.

According to the architects, Nawab Fakruddin Khan initiated the construction of the building and it was later completed by Rasheeduddin Khan of the Khurshid Jah Paigah family. While the building bears resemblance to the British Residency, it stands out for its unique features. Unlike the Residency’s single staircase that branches into two, the Devdi features two flaring staircases that merge near the top, creating a striking symmetry. Khurshid Jah further enhanced the palace with a lot of extensions, solidifying its identity as a Grade-II B protected structure under Hyderabad Urban Development Authority regulations.

Officially, the plan is to use the restored building as a place for gatherings, for cultural events and performances. According to an official of the Quli Qutb Shah Development Authority, which is overseeing the project, the project work should be completed by June 2025, but according to the architects working on the site, it should be ready by September 2025.