Hyderabad: Famed Gulzar Houz springs back to life
Defunct for decades, the heritage structure has been renovated and restored to its past glory
• Gulzar Houz was built with vast gardens but over the years its size was reduced. Originally, it was 12-sided. Later it became 8-sided and now it is reduced to the circular structure. In old times, it was octagonal.
• The members of Lions Club of Hyderabad Petals named the project and took up renovation of the structure in right earnest four months ago
Hyderabad: 'Hamara Charminar, hamari zimmedari' is what the members of the Lions Club of Hyderabad Petals named the project and took it up in right earnest four months ago. The historic fountain that had been languishing for years is now shining and has become a star attraction in Charminar area. Neglected for decades, Gulzar Houz withstood the vagaries of nature and human apathy.
Sashi Nahata, the founder of Lions Petals, says, "It is one project very close to my heart. Gulzar Houz has a charm of its own and there is hardly any Hyderabadi who would not want its restoration." The present president of Lions Club of Hyderabad Petals, Shalini Modani, says, "When we got to know the state government's intent to infuse life back into heritage monuments by involving the society, we grabbed the opportunity."
The Gulzar Houz fountain also known as Char-Su-Ka-Houz (fountain of the four cardinal directions) was constructed in the middle of the four arches. M A Qayyum, a historian, says, "Gulzar Houz is as old as the Charminar and originally had four gardens. Gulzar means bagh (garden) and 'houz' means cistern. The four kamans were built at 350 feet equidistant."
Gulzar Houz was built with vast gardens but over the years its size was reduced. Originally, it was 12-sided. Later it became 8-sided and now it is reduced to the circular structure. In old times, it was octagonal. Historical records say that soldiers would stop by to quench their thirst. Qayyum says, "There is every possibility that water was drawn from the Jalpally tank located 15 km away from Charminar."
Mehdi Ali, a resident of Noor Khan Bazaar, says, "We grew up hearing so many wonderful stories of Gulzar Houz. It may not be as magnificent as it was during the time of Qutb Shahi rulers, but at least there is something left for this generation."
(Photograph taken in 1880s. Photo courtesy: Mohammed Safiullah, Deccan Heritage Trust)
