Eviction notice to Nizam’s museum?

HYDERABAD: The Nizam’s Museum in Purani Haveli, which houses a treasure trove of personal possessions of the seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, has been served an eviction notice, officials of the Mukarram Jah Trust for Education and Learning (MJTEL) which has leased the property, said recently.
The MJTEL has been sending eviction and legal notices to various tenants over the past few months which include SETWIN, a youth advancement department agency, and Toor Bait-ul-Maal.
According to MJTEL secretary Kamaluddin Ali Khan, the museum pays a monthly rental of around Rs 3,000 and is spread over a 1,220 square yard land parcel. The notice was reportedly sent through the trust’s legal counsel M Vidyasagar.
“We want to expand Mukarram Jah Junior College, which is an educational institution run by the trust. There is a space crunch, which is why we have asked the HEH Nizam’s Jubilee Pavillion Trust (HNJPT), that controls the museum, to move out,” Khan said. Meanwhile, the legal counsel said that the notice was sent on Monday.
However, HNJPT director Rafath Hussain denied that they received the notice. “We have not received the notice yet regarding the eviction of the museum. Having said that, all decisions in such matters will be taken by the board.”
Galleries of the museums have on display the legacy of Mir Osman Ali Khan who on the silver jubilee of his rule was presented with medals, mostly in solid silver, of his achievements including, among many others, the Osmania University. These presents were later transferred to the HNJPT and housed in Purani Haveli.
Alarmed at the eviction notice and describing the articles on display as those of immense historical significance, heritage activist Sajjad Shahid said that the contribution of Mir Osman Ali Khan would be dealt a severe blow if the MJTEL succeeds in evicting the museum. “The Nizam’s contribution in fields of irrigation, industry and education is enshrined in the museum. Both parties must come to an amicable solution,” he said.
The museum also has a 176 feet long walk-in wardrobe of Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam, made of Burma teak.