Site exhibition of archaeological finds inaugurated

Hyderabad: US Consul General in Hyderabad Michael Mullins Thursday inaugurated a site exhibition of the archaeological finds at the historic Quli Qutb Shahi Tombs (QST) complex here.

The archaeological finds are the result of extensive excavation works that were carried out by Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and funded by the US Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), a release issued by the US Counsel General said.

The project for restoration of the over 400-year-old tombs complex started in 2013 after the AKTC signed an MoU with the state department of archaeology and museums, and began a 10-year-project to conserve monuments at the QST complex, it said.

AKTC received a grant of USD 1,01,612 from the AFCP and began executing the new project in September 2014. This project officially ended on December 31, 2015.

"Cultural heritage endures as a reminder of the contributions and historical experiences of humanity. By taking a leading role in efforts to preserve cultural heritage, the US demonstrates its respect for other cultures and in this case, our respect for the rich history and culture of Hyderabad," Mullins said.

Through advanced scientific investigations, archaeological excavations and appropriate conservation work, the AFCP project helped map and document the diversity of the structures found at the QST complex, such as a large mosque located within a summer palace that once occupied the site, the release said.

As per the release, although the QST complex is spread across 106 acres, excavations under this project were limited to the central zone of approximately 40 acres that were considered the most significant.

As much as the QST complex is often viewed by locals as just a necropolis, this project demonstrated that the site is in reality multifaceted and richer, through the discovery of the mosque, for example, it added.